Chapter Text
Valere sat high on the crows mast. Since getting the ship she spent a lot of time up there, especially during the night. It felt… good, being up there close to the moon, the stars, and the sky.
Unfortunately this meant she wouldn't go to bed until her body forced her to, often still up there. Tonight Zale scrambled up the latter and flopped beside her.
“It's night time.” Zale groaned playfully but his voice traced with tiredness. “Can you please go to bed with me. I miss cuddling.” He mumbled laying his head on her shoulder.
“I guess I do lose track of time. But it's so calming up here.” she hummed and rested her head on his own.
“More like cold. And lonely.” He grumbled. “Can we please cuddle! I won't bother you again!”
“We both know that's a lie.” She smirked.
“No… maybe…” he sighed “ok fine yes. But still!”
“I'm not tired yet but we can cuddle up here.” She responded to his pleading.
“Ok.” He sighed in defeat knowing he wouldn't both get cuddles and be able to go back to below deck where it was warm.
Valere scooted away from the railing to allow him to sit in her lap, which he gladly did. Zale wrapped his arms around her sides and clasped behind her back, head resting on her shoulder.
One of Valere’s hands stayed on the wood behind the two to keep them propped up while the other drifted from playing with Zales hair to rubbing his back.
“I missed you…” Zale grumbled into her neck.
“What do you mean? I haven't left.” She glances down at Zale's frowning face.
“You're not gone but you hardly ever hang out while we're here. It's like you aren't even here…” he bit the inside of his cheek keeping his voice steady.
“Can't even be separated from me for a little while?” She giggled. “Listen. I promise I'll try to hang out with you more while here, however you have to stop adding so much spice when you help Garl with cooking. Deal?”
He thought for a moment. “Deal.” He said happily and nuzzled back into her neck.
It didn't take long for him to pass out. Valere felt herself growing tired and scooted back against the wooden mast at the center of the nest.