“I wonder the same thing. What did I do to deserve you?” the pirate smiled lovingly as she met her wife's gaze. Though Lori couldn't help but laugh a little as Ellie cursed the waves. “Let me help.” she teased before placing her lips against hers.
Ellie frowned. "I don't know what you're talking about. You… You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Lori." She hummed in appreciation and surprise as Lori's lips claimed her own. Immediately, she relaxed, the waves and the storm and the wind forgotten while she was in her loving wife's arms.
Lori hummed softly into the kiss, running her fingers through Ellie’s short hair. “And you are the most incredible person I have ever known.” she murmured. “I can't imagine my life without you.”
Ellie grinned and savored the soft hum and vibration of Lori’s lips on hers. “I feel the same for you my darling,” she replied softly. “I know.” The feeling of Lori’s fingers in her shortened hair made Ellie giggle quietly.
Lori smiled at her wife’s words and kissed her again. “I’m sorry that our first day as a married couple is being interrupted by this storm.” she sighed softly.
Ellie giggled at Lori’s observation. “Well, it only seems fitting as we’ve weathered every other storm to get us here and together,” she mused. “But don’t worry,” she added, lowering her voice to a soft and silky whisper. “I’m sure you can make it up to me later, darling.”
Lori smiled at her wife's perspective of the weather and had to nod. “Well, that is true. And I will certainly make it up to you, my love.” she promised, her voice dropping into a low purr.
Ellie shivered, and this time it had nothing to do with the storm. But she quickly seemed to realize herself, and she blushed before glancing to make sure Charlie or Tommy hadn't seen them. Then, she looked back at Lori. "Do you know when it will be over?" she asked softly. "Do they need you back up on the deck?"
Charlies just cast a knowing look over her shoulder at the couple but there was a slight warning to be careful.
Tommy, fortunately, remained distracted by helping Charlie cook and ignorant of Lori and Ellie’s interactions.
“No, we rarely know when these storms will be over.” Lori shook her head. “Sometimes we can see them coming but… If they need me, one of the crew will come and get me but I am thinking of stopping at the next port and picking up a couple more members.” she admitted.
Ellie blushed at the look from Charlie and dipped her head slightly in an apology and acknowledgement. She was relieved to see Tommy hadn’t been watching. The former princess loved the child and didn’t want to do anything to upset him.
She nodded as she listened, but at Lori’s admission, her eyes widened. “You think that’s wise, love?” she asked worriedly. “With me here now, all it would take would be one deceptive new crew mate, and my father could find us and steal me back from you.” Her eyes began to tear up just at the thought. “And I couldn’t bear that.”
Lori smiled softly and kissed her forehead. “Don't worry, my dearest. You are my wife now. If anyone tries to steal you from me, I’ll keelhaul them.” she promised. “But no one needs to know about your past unless you feel it necessary to bring it up or circumstances force us to tell.”
Ellie didn’t quite understand what her wife meant, but she knew the general idea behind what she was saying. “Alright, my darling,” she whispered, closing her eyes at the sweet kiss on her forehead. “Have I ever told you before that I adore you?”
Her worry showed in her eyes as Lori explained. “You waited how many years before you could trust those on board now,” she murmured. “I understand what you mean, but what if someone recognizes me?”
“Many times. But I never get tired of hearing it.” the captain smirked. “Because I adore you too.” she added in a whisper.
Lori shook her head slightly. “I doubt anyone will recognize you where we would go.” she assured. “Most would only recognize a noble because of the way they dress and who they travel with. Besides, I doubt news of your… disappearance would have left your father’s kingdom yet.”
Ellie giggled at Lori's response. "Good. Because I adore you." She nodded, repeating the promises Lori made internally to herself. "Alright, my darling. I believe you. But I'll still try to keep hidden. I wouldn't want anything to happen when we're on land."
Lori’s smile grew at the words and kissed her cheek. “I’ll take care of you when we go ashore. So will my crew.” she assured. “Jax knows how to pick good ones. After all, many sailors hate the idea of a woman even being on board a ship. Imagine the thought of sailing under the command of one.” she pointed out.
Ellie smiled immediately, like she did any time her darling Lori kissed her. “If you say so, my love,” she agreed. “I trust you and I trust your crew with my life. With our life.”
She shook her head a bit at the comment. “That’s ridiculous. It’s like those who say Irene is unfit to rule simply because she’s the Queen and Julian is her king consort.” Ellie rolled her eyes then blushed. “Sorry, I’m trying to leave that life behind me.”
"Thank you." Lori hummed, still smiling happily as Ellie agreed with her. "Oh, it's just an old superstition on the seas. Women are bad luck." she explained with a roll of her eyes. "You don't have to apologize. You can leave that life behind but still be knowledgeable about royal families and court life. That's just part of who you are."
Ellie nodded, shooing away her blush that had started working its way into her face. “You’re right,” she cooed. “As always.” A mischievous smirk appeared on her lips. “Though maybe women are bad luck,” she teased. “I mean, in my experience…”
Lori's eyes widened at the playful accusation before quickly leaning down and pressing a kiss to Ellie's lips. She knew her wife was joking but she wasn't going to let her get away with that remark as she ran her fingers through the blonde's short hair.
Charlie raised a brow and glanced over at the couple, picking up on the tease as well so she took no offense to it. Though, to be fair, she did know a bit about causing some bad luck for those who caused her trouble.
Ellie hummed into the kiss, then squeaked as Lori’s fingers combed through her shortened hair. She loved the length of it more than anything, but she was coming to discover a newfound sensitivity to it being touched, brushed, or pulled… and Lori was finding that out as well. Ellie missed Charlie’s reaction, only praying she didn’t offend the other woman.
Lori smiled into the kiss at the sound, enjoying the new reactions Ellie was giving. “Does that feel good?” she whispered since she knew Charlie wouldn't understand the context of the question and wouldn't want to take chances around Tommy.
Ellie blushed wildly at Lori’s question. “Yes,” she whispered back. “It feels very good.” She shivered, both from the feeling and from a slight chilly, wet gust that slipped into the kitchen. “Can you tell if it’s getting better or not?” she asked hopefully.
Lori smirked at her wife's answer and rubbed her arms in an innocent attempt to warm her up when Ellie shivered. “It does feel like the waves have settled some. We should be able to walk normally on deck if you want to go back to our quarters.” she nodded, glancing up the stairs. “Can’t tell if the rain has stopped.”
Ellie closed her eyes and smiled. She enjoyed physical touch, which had made her incredibly lonely when Lori had been away. But now they were reunited, and the former princess would take advantage of that. Starting with the feel of Lori’s hands rubbing her arms.
Her eyes opened as Lori spoke. “That’s fine, love,” she replied softly. “Unless you’re needed. I don’t want to distract you,” Ellie quickly added. Quality time was ranked highly too.
“If the storm is calming down, I should be able to let Jax and the crew take care of things for a while.” Lori smiled softly. She would have to go over things later to make sure everything was not damaged but she could tell Ellie needed a little extra comfort right now.