Archive of Our Own

Cold breeze billowed over the Albatross, catching in the large sails and the flag atop their ship. Alphonze stood atop the helm, steering the ship and keeping guard.

There was no need for Chip to be out here, sitting at the bow of the ship and looking out at stars over the horizon, pondering the future and times already passed. It was soothing to have quiet moments, going through his agenda of thoughts.

He had nights to himself as a sort of self-control, an easier way to process his feelings. Thinking, crying, weeping, daydreaming, all of it was reserved for this.

Nights like these were for his unadulterated thoughts, no repercussions or concerned looks, just Chip. It was times like this where he’d allow himself to let loose, or carry his guilt, or indulge in thoughts of Gillion.

Oh. Gillion. Yeah… that’s why he was here.

The triton had undoubtedly been plaguing his mind recently, a flush of red on his face as he passed by. It was hard to stop himself, and control the silly ideas his brain conjured, but it was a hopeless attempt at denying what he felt. He happened to feel a lot of things when it came to Gillion.

Chip found himself trying to avoid Gillion over the day, putting off their sparring practice and distracting himself with conversations with Ollie. It was easier than facing his heartache.

Why bother with all the agony when he could just ignore it? Surely he could just push aside the way his heart raced and eventually, it would return to its steady beat. Unfortunately, that plan failed much like his others.

It was easy to figure that Gillion Tidestrider had Chip in a chokehold; that became obvious to him a long time ago. It was evident in the tightening of his chest, his nervousness when the triton spoke to him. It was a feeling he wasn’t exactly used to; the weight of someone’s presence making him fidgety and light-headed. He couldn’t even remember when it had started, an endless cycle of pining and denial that went back as long as they’d known one another.

Chip wondered when it had really hit him, maybe before he recognised the feeling. Perhaps it began back on Loffinlot when he managed to chase Gillion through the forest, barely more than strangers. Maybe on desire island when he’d held him close or during some other adventure they’d set themselves on.

It was easy for Chip to get caught up in those memories. His mind was fixated on the idea of Gillion, his features and his bold personality. He couldn’t deny he thought about him more than a friend should.

Chip figured the triton was sleeping below deck at this time of night, his messy hair floating atop the water of his barrel, drooping off the sides. He had gorgeous hair, a deep sea green that got lighter the further down it went. It flowed and framed his face in stunning waves that knocked him off his feet. Chip imagined it would be nice to run his hands through.

Fuck. He was losing himself already.

Chip groaned, rubbing his hands on his forehead in shame. He hated that his mind was like this, even more so when he was tired and alone under the night sky. It was too easy to get lost in his mind and daydream. Chip wondered if he’d ever just get over it, how long all the pining and flushing would last. If only he could stop it abruptly, spare himself the aching of unrequited love.

There was a lot about Gillion he couldn’t get his mind off of, like how easily Gillion could destroy him. He came to notice it quickly, from messing with him in their early days together. It was a terrifying thought, the difference between their strength.

He remembered the fight they had, rage in Gillion’s eyes and icy words spat from his mouth. It was a memory littered with agony and regret. The scars he’d earned crawled down his body, a painful reminder of the mistakes he’d made. Burns of lightning and slashes from Gillion’s old sword, deep painful swings he could almost feel the sting of even now.

Gillion could have killed him if he’d wanted, and for a least a moment, he had wanted to. It was hard to imagine that now, after giving him the apology. He should’ve apologised long before. They’d come far, far from that, yet it still scared him.

Gillion was certainly well built, with strong arms and defined muscles. (Chip had to admit he gawked from time to time.) He was solid; precise in his movements and well-presented. Chip couldn’t imagine the years of training and refinement he’d gone through to be this way, straight posture and accurate form. How much did it take to be ‘The Chosen One’?

Hah. The Chosen One’ and Chip, well, that was easily a losing battle.

Still, he’d spared him for whatever reason instead of killing him in cold blood like he’d probably deserved. For whatever reason, Gillion had a strange change of heart, even though he’d demanded death and honour just moments before. Why did he hold himself back from that final strike? It still confused Chip even now; he could have ended him with a flick of his sword.

In a another way, he knew that Gillion could pick him apart if he desired, pull words out of his throat he didn’t think he could possibly say. It was easy to slip up around him, stumbling over his words when he was mesmerised by a bright smile.

Gillion’s rough voice tugged at his heart, even more in the few occasions when he’d choose to be softer. Whether he was gentle with Ollie, or woken from sleep, a soft side of Gillion was intriguing; Chip couldn’t deny he wanted to get to know that side of him.

There was a strange formality to Gillion’s speech, perhaps a result of common not being his first language - or maybe he was just taught to speak that way. His voice was like a siren’s lullaby, terribly charming when paired with his mannerisms. Chip was easily enchanted by the curious look he often carried, head titled slightly to the side.

It was troubling really, to know that Gillion broke him with simple things. Placing a hand on his shoulder or wrapping an arm around Chip for a hug sent his head spinning. There was a hazy feeling that followed him whenever they got close. (That wasn’t to say he wasn’t touchy all the same to the triton, perhaps a little more than necessary.)

Chip dwelled on those things too long, red-painted face as the small touches lingered in his memories. He tried to push it away the best he could, yet he couldn’t seem to escape the warmth of his chest.

He held it a little too close to his heart; one hand around his waist, the other tangled in his hair and lips against his own. Fuck. He was back here again. Chip’s face burned, embarrassed even on his own.

“You need to stop doing this…” he mumbled bitterly to nobody but himself. Why did he let himself daydream like this? He supposed it was better to let it fizzle out now rather than having those impulsive thoughts at a less appropriate time. That didn’t change the fact that it hurt.

Creaking sounded behind him; strong footsteps swept away by the wind. Chip didn’t seem to notice, busy muttering and scolding himself. The footsteps paused, lingering for a moment before a figure crouched next to him.

“Chip?” A voice interrupted his blabbering, causing him to jump from where he sat. Chip turned to face the voice, low and calm. It was easy to tell it was Gillion, surely the worst person for him to come into contact with like this.

“Why are you awake?” the triton asked, head cocked slightly to one side. Gods.

He was dressed in a turtleneck like usual, armour absent for the moment. Baggy fish-patterned pyjama pants were loose around his waist, and his hair was lazily tied back, the way he typically wore it when he got up in the mornings, except now moonlight shined on his features. The strands of hair framed the edges of his face like usual, a series of bouncy curls.

The messy look made Chip’s face burn before he could stop himself. He quickly tore his gaze away, staring back at the stars. Even with his eyes locked on the twinkling lights, the image of Gillion stayed frozen in his mind, vivid and clear.

Chip needed to gather his composure as fast as possible.

“I could ask you the same thing,” he responded, his voice cracking a little. He hoped Gillion hadn’t noticed that, but the quick frown on his face proved otherwise.

Chip held his breath, silent as Gillion moved to sit beside him on the helm. He scooted aside, making a comfortable space between them.

“That doesn’t answer my question, Chip,” he insisted, lack of sleep under his eyes. A yawn escaped from his throat, and there was a quiet gurgle among it, a bubbling sound he usually made when he made him laugh.

Chip took a deep breath, thinking over the question in his head. He was unbelievably nervous, unsettled by the powerful presence of Gillion Tidestrider, even like this in his pyjamas.

Why did he have to wake up now? Of course, Gillion had to appear just as he was indulging, catching him in a moment of childishness. Was it obvious from afar that he was daydreaming? Could he tell how tense he was?

“Just getting some fresh air, you know? It’s nice out here,” Chip responded with false confidence. There was an emptiness in his tone, less cheery than he’d intended.

Truthfully, he was scared, thrown off by being seen unmasked. It was scary to imagine what Gillion would think of him without a filter safely guarding his thoughts. He could already feel it slipping up now.

He turned to meet the triton sat beside him and froze into place. Gillion stared back, rays of moonlight on his skin and his face of soft edges and rough scaly patches. His expression shifted, squinting his eyes in confusion, looking deeply into his eyes like he’d seen some sort of secret in his irises. Chip’s heart raced. He’d seen through it.

Chip almost choked, quickly turning back away and fidgeting nervously with his hands. Gill shifted next to him, a blanket of silence falling over them.

“What… what about you?” Chip mumbled, jittery where he sat. He didn’t know how to act; he had a strange feeling like he’d been caught doing something bad.

Water brushed against the side of the ship, swaying it softly. The redwood creaked, and the fabric of the sails waved and flapped. It was just the two of them, sat on the bow of the ship beside the pretzel figurehead, tired and restless.

Gillion’s expression told him that he’d seen through Chip, but instead of asking what was wrong, he shuddered at his own inquiry. Gillion’s hands tapped nervously at his legs.

“Nightmares,” he responded softly, ‘causing an ache in Chip’s heart. He knew he’d learnt the term from Jay and himself, the crew getting used to waking up at night from the terrors.

He knew how it felt, he remembered the burning of his skin, throwing up water and the panic of waking up from a terrifying cycle. Chip immediately felt sympathetic, looking carefully over Gillion. He thought of the scars on his chest.

This time Gillion didn’t look back at him, lost in his own thoughts instead.

Chip’s skin itched for him to do or say something that offered comfort. What was he meant to do? He’d never been good at consoling people in situations like this, awkward and terrified of breaking his confident mask. He settled on placing a hand on Gillion’s shoulder, bringing back the triton’s gaze. He was terrified.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Gillion immediately shook his head, pupils blown wide and his brows furrowing in confusion as a strange expression morphed onto his face. There was clearly something unsaid, and Gillion searched for how to say it, thinking over words in his head.

Chip felt afraid he was going to ask him something unavoidable, pull the words out of his throat and let them continue to pour.

How could he get out of that? How could he keep his feelings sealed away when he’d sworn he wouldn’t lie?

Gillion sighed, dragging him back to the reality of the moment. Chip watched as he raised his hand, placing it gently over Chip’s. Claws trailed softly over his knuckles, simultaneously sending a shiver down his spine.

“You promised you wouldn’t lie to me,” Gillion whispered, distraught as he stared over Chip’s face. Chip’s lungs felt tight. Suddenly, he felt guilty for pretending everything was fine. He’d promised Gillion he would be honest, and here he was lying to his face.

Chip chewed nervously on his lip, eyes distantly looking over his surroundings. All of a sudden, the sky was especially stunning. He resisted the urge to admire the sight beside him instead.

“Okay,” he muttered, pulling his hand away as it began to shake and mindlessly tidying his hair. The silence was deafening, he could hear his heart beating out of his chest. Gods. The things this man did to him were unfair.

“I won’t.”

He’d already won, he had him caught. Chip was held tightly in Gillion’s gaze, entranced by his ocean blue eyes. He looked as lovely as ever.

Gillion straightened his back, sitting up taller as a smile appeared on his lips.

That smile.

Looking at him now, upturned lips and peace resting in a deep cerulean, Chip caved, admiration swallowing his thoughts. He’d always been drawn to Gillion; that was part of the reason he’d pulled him onto the ship. Yet, the more he stared into his serene expression, the more Chip seemed to sense something else.

It felt like a slap across the face, a horrifying enlightenment, and he came to realise that if Gillion cared to ask right now, Chip might’ve followed him to the ends of the earth. He would've stood by his side, through destiny, prophecy, and whatever else presented as a challenge. It felt strangely like a sense of purpose.

It was a little terrifying to think that his plans of being a pirate that had once been so obvious and clean cut seemed to fray at the ends, unable to hold together without Gillion (and Jay of course,) in the picture.

Before, all he’d wanted was glory, maybe some cash, some way to escape back to his childhood on the Black Rose. But now? For the first time, he had a family again, and well; he was hopelessly devoted, through and through.

Devoted? Devotion?

No. That was something far from Chip. Distant yet familiar, a feeling he’d felt as a child and hidden beneath layers of cold, heavy stones. That wasn’t him in the slightest, right?

To be devoted to something- someone- like this was something that had only ever led him to loss. After all, it seemed loss followed him wherever he wandered. Gillion wasn’t something he could lose.

The weight of it made him nervous, a pit of anxiety formed in his stomach. Who could he be without Gillion? What lead him to care like this? Was this love? Was this longing for something unattainable truly love?

It felt made him feel whole yet oddly vulnerable. Free yet claustrophobic, like the uncertainty of rejection was drowning him. Was this feeling love or a miserable excuse for infatuation?

The idea slowly settled, ripples of water slowly smoothing out until the waves crashed and tumbled again.

”Tell me what’s bothering you, Chip,” Gillion spoke, the sound of his name leading him to shiver once again. What was he supposed to say? What could he say to someone as life-altering as Gillion? -to someone as meaningful and incredible as he was?

Chip had always hid his emotions, refusing to discuss them in order to avoid the crack of the walls he’d built. That was what he’d learnt to do as a kid, scolded for his despair during his time as an orphan or caught up in gangs.

Instead, he was reserved, offering comfort and pulling away when it was returned. He hated the idea of being a burden, letting loose all his rage and despair in a storm or embarrassing himself. He kept to himself, and that was that.

Tell me what’s bothering you, Chip.

So many things bothered him but one singular thing was clear.

I was daydreaming about you.

I think I’m going to cry.

Do you really care about me?

Tell me to stay with you forever.

“I come here a lot at night. Just to think over things.” He spoke just loud enough for Gillion to understand.

Gillion raised his eyebrows in interest. How could he be so oblivious to his racing mind?

“Like what?”

You. Your face. Your confidence. Your prophecy.

“Everything, I guess,” he spoke in a series of mumbles, but Gillion understood just fine.

“The crew, our adventures, the war, the black rose… it goes on.” He tried to avoid what was really on his mind. He wasn’t necessarily lying, just… dodging. This wasn’t something he could just go ahead and say.

You, Gillion. You plague my mind.

Gillion hummed, nodding his head. Confusion spread over his face again, watching Chip look away, nails digging into his hands.

“Why come here alone?” he asked, “Jay and I are happy to discuss those things with you if they are causing you stress.” It was more so an offer than a question.

Chip smiled weakly, nodding his head. He appreciated the sentiment, but it wasn’t exactly that easy.

Chip loved his crew whole-heartedly. He trusted them with his life, but trusting them with the aching depth of his emotions was still harder. Even after all this time, it was rare that they had a heart-to-heart, and in his mind that was for the best.

He hated to be an extra weight on their shoulders among the troubles they faced. They already had so much to carry, daughter of the navy and champion of the undersea. His meek problems were unnecessary baggage.

“Agh, I don’t know,” Chip huffed, earning a look of disbelief.

Why did he make this promise again? Right, he cared about this guy a little too much.

“You guys have a lot going on; we all do. I’d… hate to bother you.”

It was quiet; Gillion seemed to frown at the statement. Chip regretted saying it, feeling the intensity build. He already knew Gill was planning a speech in his head, compliments of worthiness and declaring him wrong. He wasn’t sure if he could believe it this time.

Gillion shuffled closer to him, speaking in gentle tones before he was cut off.

“Chip, you could never be a burden; you are-“

“Gods, don’t give me all that, man,” Chip groaned, a familiar feeling of disappointment in himself. It was stupid that Gillion could confidently shower him in reassurance, pretending that he was worth that much.

“You don’t need to listen to my feelings and shit; I’ve got it under control.”

Gillion grumbled in frustration, caught off guard by being silenced.

“Holding in your emotions is not ‘keeping it under control’, Chip. You know that.”

Chip winced, Gillion’s words cutting a deep wound into his chest. He knew he was right; it just hurt to admit that he’d cheated himself of feeling for so long.

The wind picked up again, cool air pricking his skin. He felt Gillion’s skin pressing against his leg. When had he gotten this close?

“I understand why you worry, Chip, but we are a crew, yes?” Gillion spoke slowly, carefully wording his sentences. “You and Jay bear the weight of my prophecy; just as we tackle her family disputes alongside her, it’s part of our bond. Should you not get to rely on us a little?”

The triton looked far into Chip’s features, dancing over the side of his face turned away. He seemed to falter, frowning at the lack of response.

Chip didn’t know what to say. His body was tense, completely still against Gillion beside him. They were there for each other, that was true. They knew about his time on the Black Rose. They knew all that it meant to him.

Still, the secret feelings he kept locked away were presented with far different conditions. It wasn’t some exterior problem they could tackle with wit. Loving Gillion challenged their bond itself, whether for good or worst. Nothing terrified Chip more than losing that.

To his surprise, a cold hand settled under his chin, thumb pressed against his cheek. It caught him off guard and dragged Chip out of the thoughts he’d gotten lost in.

He flinched under Gillion’s touch, tilting his chin towards the triton mindlessly. Chip was shocked; wide eyes were greeted with a soft smile, genuine care in Gillion’s eyes that tugged at his heart.

Oh, gods. Oh, gods.

“Please,” Gillion insisted, “tell me what is bothering you.”

It was incredibly sincere, with just the right amount of softness to cause Chip’s brain to melt into sludge. He wondered if the triton understood the compromising situation he’d pulled him into.

It was horribly embarrassing how hot Chip’s face felt under the touch of cold hands, a clear contrast as he was forced to look back into Gillion’s eyes. He knew he could easily pull away; the touch was intentionally light enough that he could reject it. Chip was sure Gillion could feel or even see the burning red dusted over his cheeks.

Strangely, Chip didn’t tear away; slow blinks stared back at a patient smile.

He couldn’t. How could he? How could he risk ruining all that was important to him?

Gillion watched Chip’s face, slowly softening into a look of thought. He tried to find something in his eyes again, a tactic that usually helped him read his companions. His fingers trailed over the warmth of his skin, a curious pout plastered on his face.

Following his gaze, Gillion watched Chip’s eyes travel across his features. As he peered up at him, an odd look of admiration stared at the triton like he’d hung the stars in the midnight sky.

Chip wanted to say it, to give Gillion the whole truth he deserved. He was beautiful, strong, and all Chip could ever hope to be. The words couldn’t come out of his mouth, but he stared anyway.

After watching Chip for a few long moments, Gillion seemed to reach a realisation of his own.

The triton’s fins fluttered, surprise caught in his face as Chip seemed to reveal a truth to him through a hazy glare. Suddenly he was taken aback by the closeness of their faces, moonlight shining between them. A deep blue seeped onto his cheeks, a darker shade at the tips of his nose and fins. Gillion’s breath audibly hitched.

“Oh,” he whispered. Something finally clicked.

Shit.

Chip frantically pulled away, eyes widened. He scurried backwards, turning his face away and leaving Gillion’s hand frozen in the air where it was swiped away. He stood up from the bow of the ship, hands threatening to tremble.

He didn’t dare to look at Gillion, didn’t dare to find betrayal or disgust in the triton’s eyes. The wind roared around them, and Chip almost lost his footing with a small rock from the boat. He tightened his hands into fists, held tightly by his side.

“I’m gonna go to bed,” he muttered, unsure if he’d really been heard. Chip walked away. Tears prickled in his eyes.

Gillion knew. He’d given himself away just like that. Gillion knew he was completely head over heels.

How could he be so blatantly obvious? Why did he allow himself to settle into the feeling of hands cradling his face, pulling him closer? It was selfish, and now his selfishness had him caught. Would Gillion ever forgive him?

“Chip.”

A hand wrapped around his wrist, holding him back. He could feel Gillion standing behind him.

Now Gillion knew why he’d been avoiding him lately, the reason why he couldn’t stand the mention of desire island and the cause of his (less than subtle) staring.

“Chip?” Gillion repeated, softer. Chip turned to face him, the tears already sliding down his cheeks as he sniffled to try and hold them back.

Gillion didn’t seem to wait a moment, clearly curious and perhaps hopeful. He reached forward to wipe the tears, and Chip flinched away. It was intense and awkward, the shuffling of feet against wood, a hand left in the air.

The triton didn’t seem angry, more so unsure as he began to speak, pulling his arm back to his side.

“I fear I may have misinterpreted your affections,” Gillion began to ramble, the same way he always did when there was something he didn’t quite understand. He held his hands against his chest, fiddling with his fingers.

“-But, I… feel I have reason to believe there’s more to this than I thought.

I’m not very familiar with oversea culture… but I- I’d just like to know Chip.”

There was a brief pause, and Chip’s heart couldn’t beat any faster.

“What… am I to you?”

Gillion looked distraught, cautious like he was hoping for a specific answer. An answer Chip wasn’t sure how to give. What was Gillion to him?

A lot of moments passed through his mind, precious times when they’d celebrated a victory or sat together on the ship as a crew. They were nice memories, and Gillion seemed to be a common factor in all of them, his face highlighted in vivid detail.

“A friend. Best friend,” Chip sniffled, but his sentence felt open, unfinished. Gillion felt it too.

Chip blinked away tears. Fuck. He was really doing this now then.

“Someone I’d do anything for,” he whispered, “Someone I’d follow anywhere.”

He spoke quietly, words trailing off and picking up again.

“Someone who makes me nervous and happy and terrified all at once.

I… I don’t know how else to explain that.”

It wasn’t direct at all; Chip wasn’t even sure Gillion would understand what he was suggesting. Typically, he’d be oblivious to him admiring his face or pitifully flirting with the triton. Yet for once, Gill seemed to see it fully, a serious look that slowly curled into a smile.

Chip shook against Gillion’s hold on his wrist, wiping away the few tears that caught on his face. He’d feared nothing more than this moment, and the silence only scared him more. What was Gillion thinking? What if he dove into the sea and never returned?

Arms wrapped around him instead, tightly pulling Chip into Gillion’s chest and squeezing. It all fell still for a moment; he was startled by the spontaneous embrace. Gillion didn’t look at him, only stared aside at the ocean, a sort of longing look in his eye.

It was comforting and scary; Chip couldn’t help himself but relax just a little. Maybe he was left with an uneasy silence, but the hug felt like a promise that it was okay.

There was a shaky breath. Chip could hear the bubbling in Gillion’s throat and the beating of his heart. Hesitantly, he moved to press his forehead against him, enjoying the feeling of cold skin. It was quiet, cold air sweeping around and the boat still creaking as a sort of ambience.

It was strange how he had craved a warm hug during a vulnerable moment like this. He’d never really been treated this kindly or allowed himself to sink into someone’s arms. Chip imagined Gillion had never experienced something like this either.

The triton looked more unsure than he ever had, turning back to rest his chin atop Chip’s head. He took a deep breath and let words pour.

“Nobody has made me more scared than you,” Gillion confessed, nothing more than a whisper close to Chip’s ear as if it were a secret for the two of them. Gillion shivered.

Scared. Gillion, scared? The idea felt silly. Chip could barely imagine it, even with the words coming from his mouth.

After all, Gillion was a fearless champion, diving head-first into battle and challenging evil. He’d always been so brave and straightforward; fear wasn’t something he’d ever seen Gillion express. It wasn’t something he’d imagined he could feel. Yet here he was, admitting it.

It was almost a reminder that besides his intimidating champion persona, Gillion was only a person - with emotions and feelings and convoluted thoughts.

More terrifyingly, he spoke it like a terrible secret, something that nobody else could know. Gillion seemed nervous, shaky, like a child afraid of being punished for a mistake. It was worrying that being scared seemed to be a flaw in his eyes, and he took note of it to talk about later.

Chip pulled back, looking up at the triton’s failing attempt to look calm. He saw it now, a glazed wash of fear in Gillion’s eyes, now staring back. It was gratifying, not only that the triton was afraid in his presence, but that he somehow managed to cause this.

He could feel cold breath on his face, fighting with the warmth of his own. Chip shivered, and Gillion only waited, prepared to be shunned. Why was he afraid? What could someone as pathetic as himself do to scare Gillion Tidestrider?

“I… uh… how? Why?” Chip muttered, at a loss for words. He wanted to respond in a meaningful way, to ask Gillion what that declaration meant, but his thoughts were wildly overwhelming. He was sure it wasn’t really coherent, just a vague question.

Somehow Gillion seemed to get the gist of it, swallowing the salty air like he could barely breathe.

"It is as you said," he replied. “I believe I would do anything for you, even if it meant sacrificing everything I have.”

Oh.

Gillion sniffled a little, voice shaking in a way it only had a couple times when he would reach his lowest.

“I know that is something I should not say as a champion when my people should come first and foremost… but the thought of losing you… it’s terrifying, like nothing else." His heart raced with emotion. It was all just raw, poetic words that you could only expect from someone such as Gillion.

“And while everything used to be a clear path… I don’t know what to do anymore. I have my prophecy to fulfil, but it all feels so inconsequential when I’m beside you - when I want to spend every moment with you.”

Tears prickled at Chip’s eyes, threatening to spill.

“You… are the one person who has ever truly understood me, who has seen me for who I am and not just what I can offer to you. It’s… new to me but comforting. I suppose… I have never gotten to be a person until I met you.”

His words were filled with hurt, a pained smile plastered on his face. Gillion paused for a while longer, searching for the right words.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think-“ he paused, rearranging his words, “I know that I am completely and utterly devoted to you. And that, if you would have me, I am yours, without reservation.”

Gillion settled into the quiet around them, watching Chip as every word echoed in the hollow of his mind.

He wasn’t sure how to describe whatever he was feeling. Relief? Joy? Peace? Whatever it was, it overwhelmed him in a beautiful way, an explosion of warmth in his chest.

Gillion felt the same.

Tears began to flow down his cheeks, his heart pounding at a racing speed. For once, the water welling in his eyes was for joy, among a goofy smile that crawled onto his face.

He wondered how long they’d gone like this, uncertain and nervous around each other because of the thought that things could go horribly wrong. How long had Gillion felt this way? How long had he wasted time moping and daydreaming?

Everything was gentle, only sniffles and smiles. Gillion seemed to relax in relief, reaching again to wipe the tears off Chip’s cheeks. This time he stayed in place, accepting the gesture.

Chip mustered the courage to reply, a bubbly feeling bringing him a little confidence.

“Fuck it… I… I love you,” Chip finally managed to say, a huge smile spreading across his face. It was the first time those words had ever slipped out of his mouth, and he’d really meant it. It felt exhilarating.

Gillion beamed a grin back at him; the fins on either side of his head fluttered like wings, blue painted his face. Chip could see his sharp teeth peeking between his scarred lips and, oh, he wanted to kiss him silly.

And so he did.

Chip wrapped his arms around Gillion’s neck and stood on the tips of his toes, their noses just barely brushing over each others. Gillion’s eyes widened, a giddy look on his face as Chip pulled himself closer.

“Gill,” Chip breathed, shivering from cold breath on his cheeks, “can I kiss you?”

It was still for a moment before he was given an eager nod.

Without a moment to spare, Chip pressed closer until the gap between them was closed. It was a euphoric rush, nothing less than Chip had (embarrassingly) daydreamed about.

It wasn’t like it had been on desire island; passionate, electrifying. It was calmer and personal, appreciative of the time they now had to spare. Gillion’s lips were cold, but Chip couldn’t complain with the warmth of his face ablaze. He felt like wildfire, his heart running at a thousand miles a minute.

Chip pressed on, barely able to hold himself steady without leaning too far into Gillion on his toes. The triton wrapped his arms around his waist, leaning down to make the height a little easier for Chip to reach. He let his hands settle on his sides.

Momentarily, they pulled away for air. Their smiles stayed strung on their faces between panting and loud breaths. Both were too caught up in the warm sensations of kisses and reciprocated love to mind.

Gillion didn’t hesitate to lean back down again until they were kissing again and again and again a thousand times over like they’d never get bored.

Chip knew that later they’d have to talk about what this meant for them, for their future.

What about Gillion’s prophecy? What about finding Arlin? What were they?

It was a series of complex questions, and he supposed it deserved a long conversation with the two of them and their crew, no matter what the future held.

But right now? Right now, all the troubles and fear faded away like smudged ink, blurred by the exhilaration of being in the arms of none other than Gillion Tidestrider.

Chip decided not to dwell on it and instead littered short, sweet kisses across the features of Gillion’s face. His jaw, the bridge of his nose, the outer corners of his eyes and the markings across his cheeks.

Gillion laughed, the familiar bubbling in his throat hidden among the sound. It was serene and warm, and Chip joined him in his laughter.

They both giggled like lovesick idiots, tangled in one another’s arms.

A pirate and a champion, earth and ocean, sea and shore, both hopelessly devoted to each other.