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Vincent told Aiden he'd be in touch but mysteriously he was not. While Aiden attended practices with Charlotte three times already, it didn't distract him from thinking nonstop about Vincent. Though, it was kind of Charlotte to invite him out for ice cream on Friday afternoon after practice. She had noticed he seemed distracted and wanted to give him something to smile about. Admittedly, having ice cream did help boost his spirits, and he was happy to enjoy a walk with his friend while her maid chaperoned behind them.
Charlotte and Lady Dubois reported that Vincent seemed well whenever they'd seen him as of late, so he wasn't as worried as he would have been otherwise. But after a week of not hearing from him, Aiden went to Vincent's flat but there was no answer. Finally, after missing him twice more, he scribbled out a note and wedged it into his door late Sunday evening. Hopefully, Vincent would get back to him soon. He was starting to feel anxious! He was still unconvinced that Vincent was really fine after their last meeting. And not only was Vincent nowhere to be found, but the masquerade was coming up! Aiden had no idea what he was supposed to do or where to go! At this point, all he could do was wait for Vincent to reach out. Worst case, he'd just have to go to the Dubois manor alone.
But, thankfully, a letter was delivered the next evening that finally eased the worst of his anxiety. It was from Vincent! Aiden read the note and felt relieved to find out that Vincent would be coming over Wednesday to help him get ready. He'd apologized for his silence by explaining that he'd been unexpectedly busy since his uncle's return to the city.
Wednesday morning finally came and with it brought an onslaught of nervous butterflies in Aiden's stomach. Tonight was the night of the masquerade! He'd not slept as well as he'd have liked, but now that he was up, there was no way he was going back to sleep. Time passed so damn slowly until finally the time of Vincent's expected arrival made its approach.
Vincent had spent the last two days processing his newfound feelings about Aiden. What was he supposed to do?! Unfortunately, he was no closer to any answers than he was two days ago. As much as he wanted to continue to hide away and pretend this wasn't happening, he had obligations to fulfill.
Vincent arrived at Leon's Claw on time and felt his heart flutter as he saw that winning smile of Aiden's and how his eyes lit up upon seeing him. Vincent, as if nothing were amiss, smiled in return. He'd already made arrangements with Damien to meet him at the masquerade, so he didn't have to worry about him until tonight. For now, he could focus on helping Aiden get ready and meeting with his family as planned.
During Vincent's time catching up with Aiden, he was a little worried that Aiden would start elaborating about his visits to the Dubois house; particularly about his time spent with Charlotte. But, thankfully, Aiden didn't really speak about his practice time at all. He merely mentioned that during one of his visits he'd been told about the celebration that had been planned this past Sunday and asked Vincent how it went. Apparently, Aiden had not been introduced to Vincent's uncle yet after all. Honestly, Vincent was a little surprised that Charlotte hadn't orchestrated that already. Though, Aiden would certainly be meeting him tonight. There was no way around that fact now. Once upon a time, he'd been somewhat looking forward to introducing them. Now he was starting to dread it thanks to Charlotte.
After Aiden and Vincent made sure they had their invitations, suits, and everything else they'd need for the evening they locked up Leon's Claw and departed for the Dubois manor. Aiden felt a little better seeing Vincent acting more like his usual self. Maybe whatever was bothering him was no longer an issue? At least Vincent was smiling more genuinely again...or so it seemed. Indeed, he was none-the-wiser to Vincent's internal struggles. He had no idea that Vincent was very much not okay and was, in fact, fighting a small anxiety attack as they drew closer to the manor. He was just very well-practiced in masking his emotions.
They were received by Bernadette, who was to be staying home that evening with Abigail to help care for the children. Once they made it inside, Aiden was shown a guest room where he could store his items until it was time to change and get ready. They only had another hour until then, so they were invited to the family sitting room for tea.
Abigail was waiting there with the three youngest children who were playing a board game on the coffee table to pass the time. Though, at the sight of Vincent and Aiden the children all jumped to their feet to greet them happily! It didn't take very long for Aiden to get roped into playing a quick game with them while Vincent sat with his elder cousins and watched in amusement.
The next hour passed quickly and soon it was time to start getting ready! Vincent took it upon himself to escort Aiden along the hallway to his guest room while his cousins went to start washing up for dinner. Aiden was such a big hit with his family! Everyone, including the children, seemed to really enjoy having him around.
"We'll be meeting in the entrance hall in an hour," Vincent explained as they turned down the guest hallway and Aiden moved to walk alongside him. "It's easy to get to, but if you need help with anything you can ask any of the staff."
"I appreciate it. Thank you."
"Mhm."
"Who is coming tonight?"
"Mm, it is no small affair. There will be a lot of people in attendance."
"I meant your family. Is it really just us, Charlotte, and your aunt and uncle?"
"Oh, right. Yes, that's correct."
"I'm surprised Bernadette and Abigail aren't going."
"Heh, Abigail doesn't do large crowds. I daresay she hates them more than I do."
"What about Bernadette?"
"It's not exactly her cup of tea, either." Vincent actually chuckled and smirked a little before adding, "Let's just say your toes should be grateful that I asked Abby to join us instead for practice the last few weeks."
Aiden laughed softly as they made it to the second floor and turned down the hall that led to Aiden's guest room. He remembered Vincent and Abigail joking about that once or twice during their practices. Aiden knew that Bernadette proudly did not consider herself a "proper lady" and would rather be mixing medicines or be out in the woods. Honestly, that wildness was something that Aiden loved about her.
They had made it to Aiden's room. With one hand on the handle Aiden glanced back at Vincent with a small smile and felt his heart thump heavily in his chest as he gazed at the man he'd come to love. Perhaps after tonight, once he figured out how to tell Vincent how he felt...well, maybe Vincent would finally feel the same way about him. He couldn't falter now. He'd come this far! Finally, after a long moment Aiden said softly, "So...I'll see you soon?"
"Yeah, see you soon."
Vincent felt as if he could get lost staring into those ocean eyes of his. Instead, after responding, he smiled slightly and forced himself to turn and set off in the other direction so he could head back towards his room. Aiden was dangerous! Damn it all! He just needed to get through tonight! Tomorrow, he could go back to trying to figure this all out.
Vincent felt like he was moving slowly as he undressed, his mind occupied with thoughts about tonight. Not only was he still undecided about how to handle this situation with Aiden, he also was dreading the ball, itself. There would be many people there; many who loved small talk and others who would try to ignore him so blatantly without caring to pretend otherwise. Between his scarring and more effeminate appearance, people often tried to avoid him. He was a quiet fellow anyways and most people knew that by now. He'd spent most of the last ball hiding and avoiding everyone if he could help it. It...hadn't gone as well as he'd have liked. Thankfully, this time it was a masquerade and people were less likely to recognize him.
And now he stared at himself in the mirror at the unsightly vertical scar that ran through his right eye. Honestly, he'd grown more used to it in the past couple of years but it was always such a painful reminder of what had happened. It wasn't so long ago that he couldn't even stand to look at himself in the mirror. But in the more recent months, he'd begun to appreciate his own appearance more. It was more noticeable, not just to his family, but to Vincent. It showed in how he held himself, how he dressed, how he did his hair...
Even now, as he sat and began brushing out his long hair, he began to envision how he wanted to do it. Most of the time he wore his hair the usual way: in a braid with his bangs in his face as if he didn't exist. He felt it always made him seem unapproachable and less noticeable at that. That was how he liked it. Yet with his renewed sense of self, he didn't really need to think about it too much. Something that was still him...something different...better...
Upon his arrival to the entrance hall, Vincent discovered he was the first to arrive. He glanced towards the clock. Surely the others would be joining him any moment. He tucked his hands behind him and bounced slowly on the balls of his feet. In an effort to keep his anxiety at bay, he kept himself distracted by staring at a painted family portrait up on the wall from about ten years ago. He was so preoccupied and lost in thought that he didn't realize a moment later that he was no longer alone.
"Wow."
A breathless voice spoke up so quietly behind him that Vincent almost thought he'd imagined it. He slowly turned and was amazed to find that the breathless voice belonged to Aiden. His tone had suggested that whatever he saw was perhaps the most stunning creature he'd ever laid eyes on. And if that were true...then why was Aiden staring at HIM?
The way Aiden's gorgeous eyes shimmered in wonder and how his lips parted into such a handsome smile...how Aiden seemed to look like a fairy tale prince come to life in his ballroom attire... He'd even partially pulled his hair back and it only added to his maturity. Vincent had never seen Aiden look so grown up in all the time he'd known him.
Vincent's breath hitched in his throat as he felt himself feel frozen and yet also suddenly very warm. There was an odd tightening in his chest that was painful and yet felt so pleasant at the same time. Vincent swallowed hard and turned more to face Aiden; unable to help being pulled into his admiring gaze as Aiden stood there staring at him like that still. Vincent's heart beat hard in his chest and his lips parted, unsure what was going to come out. But before Vincent could speak...
"Aiden, you're here!"
Very suddenly, the moment was gone as Charlotte's voice cut through the silence. Vincent silently cursed as above Aiden, at the top of the staircase, stood his younger cousin. She smiled so brilliantly as she descended the stairs. She clearly had eyes only for Aiden. The sight made Vincent want to grind his teeth bitterly.
Aiden, of course, had turned at the sudden call of his name and a warm smile broke out upon his face as he saw the young lady he was to escort for the evening. She was an absolute vision! Aiden couldn't understand how someone who was as kind and sweet as she was beautiful was still available. And as Charlotte joined him at his side, he extended his arm out to her graciously to which she happily took with a smile.
"It's so good to see you. You look dashing!" Charlotte exclaimed softly as she squeezed his arm and gently tugged him to step off the stairs with her. And as they did, Aiden replied with a chuckle, "Thank you. It's good to see you, too. You look lovely!"
"You're too kind. Have you been waiting long?"
"Oh no, I just got down here..."
Vincent stood off to the side and slightly in the shadows as the two walked past him, locked in their own conversation. He tried to ignore the feeling as if the floor had been yanked out from under him. Now that Charlotte was here, the moment he had been sharing with Aiden was long gone. Or maybe it was really nothing and he had simply misunderstood what he thought was Aiden's infatuated look? From above he could hear the sound of his uncle and aunt's voices growing closer which meant it was time to put a brave face on.
With a deep breath, Vincent pushed down his conflicting feelings of anger and sadness and forced an amiable smile upon his face. He could do this. He just had to. He'd deal with the consequences of whatever came of all this tomorrow. It was all he could do.

---
NEXT PART: (Soon to come!)


To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!

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Atlas Global A321-211 TC-ATE
AMS/EHAM

After witnessing Aiden and Charlotte together on the street, Vincent went straight home. He locked himself in his flat with the lights off, sat on his bed, and immediately sank into a depression. When Damien came knocking fifteen minutes later Vincent simply rolled over on his side and pretended not to be home.
The entire next day was a repeat of the evening before. He spent his day sitting on his bed while staring at the wall. No books. No music. No herb. No tea. Nothing. He wasn't even hungry. And as the day shifted towards evening, his depression was layered on with a deep, growing brood. Even the weather seemed to reflect his mood with dark skies, heavy rain, and loud thunder that had intensified as the day dragged on.
Earlier in the day, there had been a knock at the door. He'd ignored it and thankfully whoever it was got the message and left shortly afterwards. He was not ready to face anyone yet.
The following day, Sunday, was meant to be a special and important one. With his uncle's long-awaited return there was going to be a huge family feast in celebration! Vincent had been looking forward to tonight very much! But even that felt ruined for him now. Yet, he felt obligated to attend. Besides, he'd not eaten in nearly two days. Perhaps the lure of Mrs. Faris' incredible cooking would encourage his hunger.
So, after dragging ass all morning, Vincent finally bathed and started getting himself ready for a celebratory evening with his family. He still did not feel ready to be in anyone's company. He was growing more and more uncertain about his decision to attend by the minute. Besides, what if Charlotte had invited Aiden? He didn't think he could handle that. BUT WHY?!
And then the memory came of the night when Aiden had walked Vincent home from the tavern. Aiden had smiled so sweetly just for him all because Vincent thought it was cute that he had dimples at the corner of his mouth. Then another memory came of Aiden as he grinned so hugely and cheered Leon's Claw on as the ship climbed the skies during their moonlit flight together. He liked it when Aiden was happy. That's how he should always be.
'So, you DO know how to laugh after all! Don't worry, Captain, I won't tell anyone.'
Aiden had said that after he'd made Vincent laugh for the first time in three years! And how many times since then? Aiden always managed to get him to smile and laugh so easily! Aiden made him feel safe to come out of his shell. He'd always been there for Vincent since the very beginning. Memories began to play back as he remembered all those wonderful times he'd shared together with Aiden.
The memories were still playing in his mind a minute later as Vincent sat on the edge of his bed and dragged over his boots. He was moving slowly and had a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he began to pull the first one on. He was just thinking about how Aiden looked so perfect as he stood there in the fading sunlight; how his hand extended out to Vincent and spoke such beautiful words that never failed to make his heart flutter with joy whenever he thought about it: "Fly with me, Vincent."
"Oh shit..."
Vincent's head snapped up with wide eyes. He dropped his boot to the floor with a loud thunk. He didn't even care he'd dropped it on his foot! All that he cared about...all he could think about...was Aiden.
A soft chuckle escaped him as a touch of giddiness bubbled up inside of him. He began to realize that maybe he HAD started growing feelings for Aiden after all. Was...was this really happening?! And as he sat there, it began to sink in that yes, this was really a thing! Yet, seconds later that giddy, elated feeling came crashing down around him as in its place a deep feeling of dread began to fill him. He began to rub his face anxiously.
"Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit."
How did this happen?! Hell, WHEN did this happen?! What was he supposed to do?! The last thing he fucking wanted was this! He'd gone and allowed himself to fall in love once before and look where that got him: a broken heart, an empty house, and years of crippling depression! He didn't want to risk falling in love again!
What if he wasn't able to work through these feelings after all? What if, after the ball, Aiden decided to stay here to be with Charlotte? Not only would he be losing someone he apparently had feelings for but that also meant he would lose his best engineer! And what if Damien found out? Something told him Damien wouldn't be so receptive to the idea of Aiden potentially becoming such an important figure in Vincent's life...
In the end, Vincent gathered up what little courage he had left and finished pulling on his boots and set off for the Dubois Manor. By now, he desperately did not want to go tonight, but he respected and loved his uncle too much to miss such an important occasion. And while Vincent was upset with the situation with his cousin, he did love Charlotte very much. Deep down, he wanted her to be happy. If Aiden chose her as his intended then what right did he have to come between their happiness?
Upon his arrival at his family's home, Vincent was relieved to discover that Aiden was not going to be making an appearance at tonight's gathering after all. With that weight off his shoulders, Vincent was able to put on a more genuine smile and welcome his uncle home in celebration. He tried his best to stay in the moment and enjoy this time with his family. He avoided spending too much time around Charlotte, though he'd managed to give her a hug and smile pleasantly upon greeting her as if nothing were bothering him.
Vincent stayed the night in his old bedroom. But instead of sleeping, he found himself staring up at the ceiling for hours upon hours. What was he going to do? How was he going to handle this? Unfortunately, the answers did not come to him.
After the Sun rose the following morning, Vincent, feeling grumpy from not getting any sleep, headed downstairs for a quick breakfast of leftovers from last night's dinner. Meanwhile the kitchen staff began to make breakfast for the rest of the family who were mostly not yet awake but would be soon.
An hour later, upon Vincent's departure he was walking the hallway towards the entrance hall while the rest of the family began to gather for breakfast. That's when he overheard his aunt coming down the adjacent hallway with the family butler, Mr. Faris.
"...will surely be very busy the next couple of days. Speaking of which, we will be having company this afternoon. Mr. Anderson will be coming back over to practice with Charlotte again. I am certain he will be staying for dinner."
"Very good, Ma'am."
"Mm, there is still so much to do before we- Oh, Vincent!"
Vincent didn't have a chance to duck and circle back before his aunt and Mr. Faris came around the corner. Aunt Jennifer smiled before she turned and said, "Thank you, Mr. Faris. That will be all for now." And once they were alone she turned to look up at her nephew and straightened his tie with a satisfied smile before smoothing it out for him.
"You know we're about to have breakfast, yes? Are you sure you don't want a bite to eat before you go?"
"No, thank you. I've already eaten."
"Hm. Your friend will be coming by this afternoon."
"So I've heard."
"Will you be joining him?"
"Not tonight, Auntie. I already have plans."
"Hm...Are you well? You know you can always talk to me, right?"
"Of course. But I'm fine. Everything's fine. I promise."
While he gazed back at her with what he thought was a convincing smile she gazed right back up at him with a look that showed that she, the woman who had raised him as her own son, knew he wasn't quite telling the whole truth. He was so sure she was going to call him out on his bullshit! But instead, she simply patted his chest in a motherly sort of way and nodded.
"Very well, then. I will see you on Wednesday. I love you."
"I love you, too. I'll see you then."
Vincent kissed her forehead then made his departure straight back to his flat. He had two days until the masquerade. Two days to get his shit together. Two days until Aiden and Charlotte would be going to the ball together...
Upon his arrival home Vincent was surprised to discover a piece of paper folded up and wedged into the crack in his door. He blinked and took the paper out before letting himself inside and opening the folded letter to see what was written inside:

Vincent,
I came by yesterday but we seem to keep missing each other! It feels like a month since I last saw you. I am eager to see you again. I hope you are well. Let me know when you want to meet before the ball.
Yours truly,
Aiden

Aiden had come to see him? Maybe he had been the mysterious knocker! This note wasn't here yesterday evening so he must have come back again while Vincent was out. They did seem to keep missing each other, didn't they? But perhaps that was for the best. But unable to help himself, Vincent smiled softly as he read over Aiden's scribbled note once again.

'It feels like a month since I last saw you. I am eager to see you again.'

Was Aiden missing him too? He needed to respond to this and let Aiden know he'd be over Wednesday to help him get ready for the masquerade. But until then he had a lot to think about...

---
NEXT PART: (Soon to come!)


To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!
He also made the pose so EXTRA thank you....and for also noticing that I originally had Vincent putting on the wrong shoe. X'D


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
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FACEBOOK PAGE: The Captain and the Engineer has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
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Honestly Vincent had been looking forward to flying the skies with Damien despite everything that had happened between them recently. The engines were fired up and they were off for hours! It felt like old times with just the two of them. It was good to have one-on-one time again now that they weren't fighting. He was still clinging to the hope that things would go back to normal.
But while Vincent was smiling and chuckling...it was just a facade. What should have been a fun evening out instead had been secretly ruined for him. He had to put on a brave face because he sure as Hell wasn't about to tell Damien that he was thinking about Aiden and Charlie the Octopus (as he very recently and bitterly dubbed her). Even Damien and all the strong herb he could smoke couldn't stop those intrusive thoughts and images of the two of them together and all the what-ifs of what could be. And to top it all off he KNEW this was illogical!
The next morning after a restless sleep, Vincent groggily found himself standing alone with a steaming mug of coffee while staring up at Aiden's vacant hammock. He...he missed Aiden. What was up with that? He'd just seen him yesterday afternoon! There was no reason to be missing him already! Yet he was oblivious of the prevalent look of longing upon his face that suggested otherwise.
Damien returned very shortly afterwards with breakfast. He insisted on sticking around and keeping Vincent company while waiting. Aiden wasn't expected until noon and there was still a couple hours to go so Vincent was glad to have some sort of distraction again.
When Aiden arrived at the appointed time, he was greeted by Vincent and Damien up on the deck waiting for him while Vincent smoked from his pipe. It was the best way for Vincent to keep himself centered while they'd waited. Yet, if you'd looked at him you'd never guess anything was amiss. Thankfully, the moment his eyes rested on Aiden, relief filled him. That was better. However, there was still the matter of wanting to know how things had gone last night...
Aiden quickly put up his overnight bag and rejoined his crewmates on the top deck with Eugene the mechanical hermit crab in hand. He flashed a grin at Vincent as he took a seat down on the ground next to where his captain sat on a crate. With his legs spread out wide, Aiden set Eugene down on the floorboards and watched as he crawled around. With an impish little smile Aiden glanced up at Damien and gestured towards his creation.
"Damien, meet Eugene! I made him while you were gone. I used Fulgora's Eye just like with Pete!"
"You...you made another one."
"I did! He's adorable, isn't he? He just moves around aimlessly forever and ever and ever!"
"Yes," Damien agreed with a wry smile. He obviously didn't think so. "Absolutely ...adorable."
Aiden knew Damien didn't think much of him or his ideas. Likewise, Aiden didn't think much of Damien, so was he antagonizing him a little bit? Yes, he was! Pretending that Damien had meant it after all, Aiden grinned a little wider and responded enthusiastically, "Right?! Vincent thought so, too! You should have seen how tiny the screws were! I had a lot of fun breaking apart the Fulgora's Eye and chipping off a piece tiny enough to fit inside and..."
Vincent smirked a little to himself and said nothing as Aiden launched into one of his excited explanations about how he'd done it. He basically gave Damien a taste of his own medicine by not letting him get much of a word in. Nearly three minutes passed and Aiden was STILL talking about Fulgora's Eye and Vincent could see Damien was already spacing out. Vincent, however, was still following along interestedly.
When Aiden finished his excited rant one more minute after that, Vincent chuckled and told him, "Good! I'm glad you're making good use of the Fulgora's Eye." Though, opposite him, Damien sneered, "Good use? Eh, if you say so. At least the lantern is somewhat useful."
Aiden's head snapped up in defense and he opened his mouth to buck back when he saw Vincent's silent, pleading look; begging him to not say anything. So instead Aiden closed his mouth and scooped Eugene into his hand and held him close and tried not to let Damien get to him. This was bullshit. Utter...bullshit...
"We had a marvelous time last night! Leon's Claw is in great condition by the way," Damien informed Aiden with a small grin as he strode over and stood on Vincent's other side. "After sitting these two months on her ass there were no problems whatsoever getting her up in the air!"
Vincent chuckled and shifted off the crate and gave a small little stretch as he responded, "Well, thank Aiden! He's done a great job keeping the engines running and the ship ready to go at any time. Did you really think I was going to let my ship sit all this time as if she were dead in the water? Speaking of, I'd like to get back on schedule as soon as possible." Deflecting to the safer, new topic Vincent turned to look at his crewmates and huffed, "My uncle has been delayed further in his return to the capital. I need to speak with him before we make our final arrangements. He better be back before the ball or else I'd hate to be in his shoes when Aunt Jennifer finally gets a hold of him..."
Had...had Vincent not told Damien about their moonlit flight? Aiden wondered. He tried to listen as Damien and Vincent discussed how soon after the ball they'd be leaving. But instead his mind was occupied by the idea that Vincent and he shared a secret knowledge of a wonderful night together sailing the skies during the full moon.
Not long after Damien suggested that they head out to let Aiden settle in. Vincent didn't really want to go but he wanted to talk to Aiden in private. It would be easier to do that if Damien thought he was leaving, too. They had managed to skirt around yesterday's details. He'd not told Damien that Aiden had gone to the Dubois manor for dinner alone nor that there had been a gathering yesterday in Vincent's office beforehand. It wasn't that Aiden or he were doing anything wrong, right? He didn't 'have' to tell Damien everything that went on in his life!
After managing to shake Damien off half an hour later Vincent returned to Leon's Claw while trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in his stomach. Not knowing the details was eating at him! Yet in his calm voice he called out, "Aiden?"
"I'm here! Come on down!"
When Vincent made his descent, he found Aiden sitting atop his hammock and leaning back against the wall with his knees drawn up and forearms resting over his knees. In his hand was Eugene, who was turned off. It was as if he simply was wanting to hold something in his hands. There was no sign of Aiden's sketchbook or tools beside him. It appeared he was just...sitting. Aiden rarely just sat there unless something was heavy on mind. But he saw how Aiden sat up a bit more and his smile lighting up upon seeing him. With a small, curious tilt of his head Aiden asked, "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, everything's fine. I-I was wanting to speak with you in private is all," Vincent explained with a slight smile. "About yesterday."
In private? That all but confirmed it, Aiden realized. Vincent really hadn't told Damien much of any of what's been going on lately. He felt his stomach fill with butterflies that Vincent had come to see him...just him.
"What about yesterday?" Aiden wondered aloud to him to which Vincent simply smiled as he leaned against one of the pillars.
"Ah, nothing serious. I was simply wanting to know how your evening was at my aunt's. Did you have a good time?"
Vincent gave a soft chuckle as Aiden lit up with an enthusiastic nod and exclaimed, "I did! I swear if I could eat Mrs. Faris' cooking again, I could die happy!"
"Without a doubt her cooking is worth visiting home for every time. What did she make?"
"Shepherd's pie!"
"I'm jealous! I don't think I've had that since last Summer."
"Next time, you should come with me! I'm going back over there on Monday afternoon!"
Wait...Aiden was going back over there on Monday? But why? Wetting his lips and ignoring the feeling of a rock sitting in his stomach, Vincent dared to ask, "What's happening on Monday?"
"Oh, I'm practicing with Charlotte for the masquerade! She even offered to come as my plus one."
"I see. Good for you! That's wonderful. I appreciate the invitation but I have plans that day. I'm sure you'll do great. Like I said, you've already got natural talent."
Vincent gave a nod and forced a smile to indicate his approval despite feeling as though he'd just been slapped. Apparently, Abigail hadn't kept an eye on things as much as he'd hoped she would. The idea of going back to his family home on Monday with Aiden didn't sound appealing at all; not if he was going to be subjected to watching Charlie and Aiden dancing and looking so fucking perfect together...
"Anyway," Vincent quickly added as his gaze diverted and pretended not to be bothered, "I'm glad things went well but I should take my leave. I'll be in touch."
Already?! Aiden didn't want Vincent to go yet! He'd only just gotten here! He quickly suggested, "You don't have to go yet. Did you want to stay and smoke together?"
"As tempting as that is, I really must be going. Maybe next time. Have a pleasant day. I'll see you soon."
"Oh, okay. See you soon."
And with that, Vincent left, leaving Aiden sitting atop his hammock with a small furrow on his brow and feeling even more troubled than before Vincent had arrived. That hadn't been Vincent's real smile. He knew his captain enough to be able to tell the difference. Aiden didn't like it when Vincent fake-smiled...but why do it to begin with? What was wrong?
...
The following week felt like a blur for Vincent. With the masquerade being less than a week away now and preparations to be made for leaving the capital in the near future, it was easy to keep himself busy. Plus, his uncle had finally returned after his massive but unavoidable delay. Unfortunately, that meant there was even MORE to be done with much less time to do it. Thankfully he had made it back in time! At least it helped keep Vincent's mind occupied...
Today, Vincent was due to meet with Damien and run a few errands for the ship's business. Once that was all taken care of, then he'd be heading to his most anticipated and final stop of the week: Rosamund's!
Rosamund warmly welcomed the captain and his first mate to her wagon. It had been since last Summer since she'd seen Damien. However, this time she observed the two of them with a slightly different lens now that she was aware that not all had been well with them lately.
It was a profitable meeting for both parties. Deals were struck, a late lunch of venison was shared, herb was smoked, and the day was going swell thus far! Vincent was happy with everything and he made sure Rosamund was well compensated for her wares and sensitive, particular information of which he'd not be able to find out otherwise regarding some rivals and competition. He was eagerly looking forward to the day here very soon where he'd be inviting Aiden along on these sort of meetings and get him fully integrated into the crew of Leon's Claw. In fact, he already had plans to do so after things settled down from the ball before heading back to the skies.
Once everything was all said and done, Rosamund escorted her guests back into the bustling city. She needed to run an errand there so they decided to walk together. Once they made it to where they needed to part, Vincent and Damien began to bid their hostess a final farewell. As Damien was chuckling and speaking with Rosamund, Vincent turned to look around at the city and...felt like he was suddenly punched very, very hard in the stomach.
Across the road and completely oblivious to Vincent's staring was Aiden. And he wasn't alone. Looking more mature and grown up than Vincent had ever seen her was Charlotte. She had her hands ('More like tentacles,' Vincent thought to himself) wrapped around Aiden's arm as he escorted her along. They were smiling! And laughing! At least they weren't completely alone. One of the family lady's maids was following behind a short distance away as a chaperone of sorts.
Vincent was aware that they were meeting for dance practices this week but what the Hell were they doing all the way out here?! The longer Vincent stared, the worse he felt! It felt like everything inside him was clenching painfully. And to make matters worse, Damien had suddenly noticed them as well.
"Is that-? It is!" Damien exclaimed with a wide grin. "Who would have thought it, eh, Vincent?" He set his elbow atop Vincent's shoulder and lightly leaned against him as he watched the young couple walk together from afar. Vincent folded his arms across his chest as Rosamund came up alongside Vincent's other side. She brought her hand up over her brows and peered around.
"Who are we talking about?"
"See the blond man with the blue shirt over there? That's our engineer: Aiden," Damien explained. Vincent silently begged him to stop talking, but Damien did not. He cheerfully continued, "And the beauty on his arm is Vincent's cousin. I had no idea they were courting! This is brilliant!"
"Ooh, I see! He's real easy on the eyes, too," Rosamund responded with an appreciative smile as she appraised Aiden's appearance from afar. With a smirk she gently nudged Vincent's arm and demanded, "So when were you planning to introduce us?! I forgot you said you had a new engineer!"
Vincent turned towards Rosamund and with absolutely no emotion on his face or in his tone as he responded simply, "Very soon. Forgive me, I just remembered I have a sudden urgent matter to attend to."
"Wait, Vincent! Where are you going?"
Ignoring Damien's demands and Rosamund's bewildered expression, Vincent continued to briskly walk away in the opposite direction of his associates and the direction Aiden and Charlotte were heading. He...he needed to go home. Now. He was done. Just...so fucking done with everything.


---
NEXT PART: (Soon to come!)


To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here's the album link:
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***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain! And BIG THANK YOU to Vin for also putting together all these poses and being my hero! ♥

And also thank you to Mythra Rose-Älskling for starring, once again, as our lovely Rosamund!

*** This scene was taken in Second Life at Victorian London - Time Portal! When you first land, head down the main road and just as you come to the main city square, look straight ahead across the courtyard and you'll find the location for this scene!
You can check out this AMAZING roleplay-type parcel and even rent from there! Its so realistic! Seriously! The details here are incredible!

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The following day Vincent reached out to Aiden to let him know that the next day's lessons would be his last. With a pleased smile, Vincent assured Aiden that he had exceeded his expectations and he was ready! He also explained that the following day was when Damien and he had opted to go flying. They'd be going in the evening. Once Aiden assured his captain that he had a few inns in mind to stay at already, Vincent resisted the urge to stay in his presence longer and left Aiden to take care of further business in town.
The next day at lessons, they were joined by not only by the now-recovered Abigail but by Bernadette as well! And with this unexpected visitor, instead of lessons, the four of them quickly found themselves seated together just chatting away while getting lost in listening to music and smoking the herb. They were having such a splendid time together!
As the afternoon shifted towards evening, Vincent declared his last round of smoking. He needed to be wrapping this up soon because he needed to be meeting Damien at the ship. Aiden mentioned needing to go with him to pick up his bag as well for the evening.
As soon as the sisters discovered that Aiden would be heading towards an inn for the rest of the night after grabbing something to eat, they looked at each other. They simultaneously came up with an idea.
Abigail smiled warmly and turned to Aiden and asked him, "Never mind having to go out! How would you like to join us and the family for dinner? It's been a while since we've had you over, and this way we can get Eugene back to you! I swear if that crab stays with us any longer he'll become the family pet!"
Aiden looked between Bernadette and Abigail and their hopeful smiles and pleading eyes; eyes that mirrored his beloved captain's. How was he supposed to resist them? As if that weren't enough to convince him, he vividly recalled Mrs. Faris' divine cooking and the warm welcome he'd received from the Dubois family. While the idea of going there without Vincent intimidated him, he wasn't about to decline Abigail's invitation!
And while Aiden agreed and spoke to Bernadette, Abigail stood and went to walk around the back of Vincent's seat. She'd seen the look of trepidation in his eyes. She placed her hand upon his shoulder and gave it a gentle pat before speaking quietly in his ear, "He'll be fine. I'll keep an eye on things."
After bidding the others a quick farewell, Abigail took her leave to let the family know they would be having company for the evening. Even though Vincent may think her a small villain right now, she knew exactly what she was doing! His subtle reaction was exactly what she had hoped for. While Vincent may be fooling himself, he wasn't fooling her, his closest friend and confidante. It was enough just to hear Bernadette's recollections of the two together during Vincent's initial recovery. But now that Abigail bore witness, herself, over the past few weeks? Oh ho! This was better than theater! Of course she didn't want to upset her cousin in any way but sometimes he needed a little kick in the ass!
...
Upon his arrival back at Leon's Claw, Aiden went below deck to quickly grab his overnight bag while Bernadette waited patiently for him. Then after a quick farewell to Vincent, Aiden and Bernadette departed together. Vincent's gaze followed after them wistfully until they were no longer in his sight.
Ever since Aiden had been invited to dinner, Vincent's mood started to sink. Now he was feeling downright sour. He knew that it was perfectly acceptable for Aiden to be invited over to dinner. In fact, at this point he almost expected it. He was officially a family friend and everyone adored him! It was just...it came down to Charlotte. And despite knowing Abigail and Aunt Jennifer would be there to chaperone, Vincent still felt anxious and...and the idea of Charlie and Aiden in the same room irritated the fuck out of him!
What the Hell was Abigail playing at?! Surely, after this, Charlotte would want to introduce Aiden to her father who was coming home next week! She'd likely think that Aiden was coming back to see her; not the whole family. But wait...what if he WAS going so he could see her? Shouldn't he be happy if Charlie found someone as wonderful as Aiden? Maybe so, but instead the idea was...actually starting to piss him off.
But in the end, with no real valid reason to go chasing after Aiden and summon him back, Vincent tried to push it out of his mind (of which he was unsuccessful), and began to get Leon's Claw ready for her evening adventure. Something told him it was going to be a long night...
...
Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick tock.
Staring out the window of the family's sitting room, Charlotte nibbled her lower lip while fidgeting nervously. She had already changed into a more flattering dress for dinner and was now waiting impatiently for her elder sister and their guest to arrive. After these past couple of weeks with no contact, she'd begun to think that maybe Aiden wasn't interested in her after all. He'd not come despite her invitation. Yet when Abigail announced that Aiden was coming tonight after his dance lessons, Charlotte's fears dissipated on the spot. Of course he'd been busy preparing for the masquerade! It made sense now why he'd not come to see her until now!
"He's here!" Charlotte exclaimed excitedly as she made haste out the door to greet the carriage coming down the driveway. Meanwhile, Dionne rolled her eyes as she looked up from her notes of cooking recipes and leaned against her mother wearily. She then whined, "I can't wait for her to finally get married! She keeps going from happy to mopey...to happy again! It's always 'Aiden this' and 'Aiden that.' A few months ago it was 'Edward this' and 'Edward that' She's so annoying!"
Lady Dubois gave a soft chuckle and wrapped an arm around her daughter's shoulders and squeezed gently. She told her with a knowing smile, "That is normal for young ladies, I'm afraid. I remember sitting by the window for hours eagerly waiting for your father to arrive. Ah, my darling, you will see for yourself soon enough once you fall in love."
"No, I won't! That's so boring! Ugh! I'm not sure I even want to fall in love!"
"I think it's romantic! I can't wait to fall in love!" cut in Emele as she looked up from her romance novel. She sighed dreamily, causing her twin to make a face and stick her tongue out in disgust. Lady Dubois couldn't help but laugh harder as she motioned for the girls to come along to greet their dinner guest.
"It's so good to see you," Charlotte was telling Aiden as Lady Dubois and the twins made it to the entrance hall. "I was wondering when you'd be stopping by again!" Already, she had her hands comfortably wrapped around Aiden's arm and was guiding him inside as Mr. Faris held the door open for them. Bernadette followed behind them, thanking Mr. Faris and looking mildly put off as she huffed slightly at her sister who wasn't paying attention. She only had eyes for their fine guest.
"It's good to see you too. I've been wanting to come visit everyone again," Aiden replied with a sincere smile which made Charlotte smile wider. "I've been distracted with lessons the past few weeks."
"So I've heard! Mama, look who's here!"
After a quick round of pleased greetings with Lady Dubois and the twins, Aiden found himself in the dining room where Abigail and the rest of the family waited eagerly for their guest’s arrival. It didn't take very long for everyone to get settled and sit down for dinner. This time Aiden found himself seated beside Charlotte. She seemed to be taking it upon herself to be Aiden's hostess this evening.
Mrs. Faris had made yet another delicious meal: shepherd's pie! It was savory and hit all the right notes. Dinner was a fairly quiet affair; a testament to how much everyone was enjoying their meal. But as dinner drew to a close, conversation started becoming more lively as Lady Dubois inquired about the lessons that she'd been hearing so much about.
Aiden glanced towards Abigail who smiled and quirked her eyebrow at him with a little smile; gesturing for him to go ahead and elaborate. Aiden took a quick sip of his wine with a small smile as he turned his attention back to the lady of the house.
"I was offered an invitation to the coming masquerade ball so your daughter and nephew have been kind enough to teach me how to dance and proper etiquette. This is- heh, well I never dreamed I'd attend an event such as that! But we've been meeting and I've been practicing my dancing."
"And you're doing wonderfully," Abigail praised his efforts as she lifted her wine glass and gave it a gentle swirl. "It's a shame there wasn't enough time to teach you more. You are a quick learner!"
"Aw shucks. Thank you!"
"But there's still time. Why stop early?" Lady Dubois wondered aloud as she tilted her head curiously at her eldest daughter. Abigail licked her lips and replied, "Vincent seemed to think Aiden had learned enough." She gave a small shrug and added, "Just as well. There is much to do before the ball."
"You know, Aiden," Charlotte spoke up with a suggestive smile as she leaned a touch closer and placed her hand on his forearm, "I'm quite the dancer, if I do say so, myself. If you'd like more time to prepare, I'd be happy to offer myself as your practice partner. Perhaps after dinner? If Mama or one of my sisters would be willing to chaperone, of course."
Bernadette and Abigail were already internally groaning. Abigail thought to herself how she should have known Charlotte would pull something like this! And to make matters worse, Aiden was suddenly perking up and nodding his agreement!
"You know what? I'd like that," Aiden agreed with a grin. Maybe if things worked out practicing with her this evening, he could ask to come back a few more times before the masquerade and get more practice in! He couldn't wait to show off his improved skills to Vincent at the ball. After all, his big plans to finalize his sneaky courting of Vincent were to come to a head there!
With Aiden's motives unknown to them, Bernadette's brow furrowed as she glanced towards Abigail uncertainly. But her sister was discreetly, yet keenly, observing Aiden and Charlotte as she sipped her wine. And as Lady Dubois readily agreed to chaperone, Abigail spoke up and offered to assist as their dance instructor. She had promised Vincent she'd keep an eye on Aiden after all. As much as she didn't want to admit it, if Aiden decided to choose Charlotte, there wasn't much anyone could say. In the end, Vincent would likely remain none the wiser as to what could have been.
But as the evening progressed, Abigail would see that their concerns were unfounded after all; at least where Aiden was concerned. Even with the most desired and eligible young woman this side of town in his arms with eyes only for him, Aiden could not stop bringing up Vincent! Bless him! It was obvious, at least to Abigail, that he was completely smitten. Abigail was actually beginning to wonder if Aiden was even aware of Charlotte's growing feelings for him.
However Charlotte, in her infatuation, seemed unphased by Aiden's favorite topic of discussion. She gladly listened to his adventures and the funny stories and enjoyed his conversation. From an outside perspective the two appeared well-matched and looked good together. Anyone would believe that something was growing between them.
The hour was starting to get late when Lady Dubois cleared her throat softly and offered a nightcap. Aiden hadn't realized how late it was and began to apologize but Lady Dubois graciously dismissed his apology by telling him it was a pleasure to have him. Here, Abigail regretfully needed to excuse herself. She was, first and foremost, a mother and she needed to see about putting her son and the other little ones to bed. It left Aiden to sit with Charlotte and her mother to share a drink before parting for the night. Once Lady Dubois poured the drinks, she went to sit nearby as the young couple took a seat on the sofa.
"You really dance wonderfully!" Charlotte praised Aiden as she took a seat comfortably beside him on the sofa and offered him his drink. Aiden blushed and smiled shyly as he brought the glass to his lips and took a small sip. She took a sip as well then told him, "I'd seriously never have guessed you'd only started learning a couple weeks ago!"
"Thank you. I didn't realize how much I'd enjoy it. Heh, Vincent says I'm a quick learner."
"I'd say you are! Your partner is going to be a lucky lady!"
"My partner?"
"For the masquerade? You said you had an invitation, yes?"
"Oh, right," Aiden responded as realization suddenly hit him and he lowered his drink and stared at it with a slight furrowed brow. His invitation DID mention he was invited as well as a plus one.
"Vincent invited me. I didn't realize I had to bring anyone."
"Wait. So you're going with Vincent?"
"No. He's...he's going with Damien." God, saying that aloud felt like he was swallowing acid. "He just got me the invitation."
"Well it is not required, per se. But it IS expected," Charlotte explained thoughtfully. He didn't have anyone to go with! This had to be divine planning! With a light nibble of her lower lip and looking as sweet as possible, she gazed up at him with pleading eyes and suggested in a soft tone, "What if...we went together? I haven't found anyone to go with, myself. It is a bit last minute, I know. At least you know we're very compatible on the dance floor?" She gave a soft laugh and quickly added, "We could even practice more ahead of time if you'd like."
"That would be brilliant!"
"Excellent. So it's settled!" Charlotte smiled happily as she raised her glass towards him. "We'll be sure to get plenty of practice in and dazzle the whole lot of them!"
Aiden chuckled at her enthusiasm and raised his glass to gently clink against hers in agreement. If it was expected that he brought someone then why hadn't Vincent mentioned that? Perhaps he just didn't want to put unnecessary pressure on Aiden? Charlotte had a valid point: they were compatible on the dance floor and this way at least they had a friend to go with. She was fun to be around and he did like her. And this would give him the opportunity to keep practicing dancing like he wanted! It was kind of her to offer.
A short time later Charlotte and Lady Dubois were bidding Aiden a fond farewell outside the front door. The Dubois family carriage was waiting to take him to the inn for the evening; a generous offer by Lady Dubois. Aiden said goodnight to the two ladies and tucked Eugene the mechanical hermit crab safely in his pocket. Then he took his leave until his planned return to practice with Charlotte.
Charlotte waved to Aiden as the carriage pulled away. Once it was by the road she sighed happily and looked at her mother with a dreamy little smile before heading back inside. And as she did, she began to hum to herself; a sign of a happy woman.
Lady Dubois quirked her brow and chuckled softly with a small shake of her head. Though before she turned to go back inside, herself, she paused with a touch of doubt and cast her gaze back towards the carriage as it turned onto the main road. While she thought Aiden and Charlotte would make a lovely match, something wasn't quite right. She couldn't quite put her finger on it...
'He's...he's going with Damien,' Aiden had told them. While she respected that Damien was one of Vincent's best friends and a loyal crewmate, she wasn't quite sure how to feel about this...situation. Damien was....he was just... And if she was being honest with herself there was something in Aiden's tone that suggested he was displeased with that notion as well.
And one couldn't deny that little smile that crept up on Aiden's face whenever Vincent was mentioned all those times. Call it a mother's intuition, but something told her that there was definitely more to all this than what meets the eye. She didn't sense there were any ulterior motives from Aiden, but why spend all this time with Charlotte if he was infatuated with Vincent?
But even Lady Dubois had to admit that there had been no mention of actual courting between Aiden and her daughter. They'd simply agreed to spend time together practicing much like Abigail had done with Aiden. However, Abigail didn't see Aiden as a potential suitor whereas Charlotte did. She just really, really hoped that Charlotte kept her wits about her as whatever was to come would come.


---
NEXT PART:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/54173438307/in/datepo...


To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
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-Alternate Universe-

(Continued from Chapter 22: The Meet-Cute)
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***Please note that this chapter contains adult themes (NSFW).***


The last three weeks had passed both quickly and agonizingly slow for Aiden. Ever since his first date with Vincent at the diner, they had been texting back and forth. Aiden felt that they were getting along splendidly. But now all the waiting was finally over! Vincent was back from his business trip and he'd agreed to meet again for a second date! They decided to meet where they'd first met, at Babba's Cafe, in the early evening and see where the rest of the day took them.
Aiden had arrived at the little outdoor coffee shop just before the appointed time to find Vincent had already made it before him. Aiden grinned and couldn't help how his heart sped up excitedly upon seeing Vincent smiling back at him in return.
Vincent had to admit he enjoyed those text conversations over the past few weeks with the younger man. Aiden surprised him several times; often by causing Vincent to chuckle or say something he'd normally not reveal so early in the dating game...but Aiden had a way about him that made him feel so comfortable to be himself.
And it showed! Nearly two hours passed and the men were still just chatting back and forth as they enjoyed their coffees and each other's company. It was almost unheard of for the introverted Vincent! Just like the time at the diner, he found he didn't really want to say goodnight to his date yet. Last time, he had to cut the evening short due to his business trip. Tonight, however, he had all the time in the world!
Therefore, Vincent invited Aiden out to dinner and offered to pay since Aiden had generously paid for Vincent's iced coffee. Aiden was happy to spend more time with him and agreed to join him without hesitation and even offered to buy dessert.
Together, they'd agreed on Chinese. So Vincent suggested an amazing hole-in-the-wall restaurant over by his apartment. Vincent, surprising himself, volunteered to drive them there. So, together they walked to his vehicle (a black Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet) and off they went...once Aiden had his chance to gush over it, of course!
Dinner was delicious and while they continued to enjoy each other's company it was clear the mood had started to shift. They were more quiet now as they enjoyed their meal. Every so often Aiden would glance towards Vincent. Each time, Vincent caught him and gave Aiden a little smirk; often with a blush tinting his cheeks. Aiden was not as sneaky as he thought he was being. And there was a small tension growing between them; a good kind of tension.
As Vincent paid for their meals afterwards, he began to contemplate saying goodnight now after all. It wasn't that he didn't want to spend more time with Aiden...but was it wise? He glanced over towards Aiden as he stood in front of a claw machine. A moment later he began digging for quarters in his wallet. Vincent smirked a little and turned back to the desk to finish paying the cashier. Once it was all settled, he went to rejoin his date at the claw machine.
Vincent was impressed with Aiden's skill as he succeeded to score a small raven plushie! Good for him! He grinned and nudged Aiden's arm once the plushie dropped successfully into the prize bin and chuckled.
"Go you!"
Aiden laughed softly and blushed as he retrieved his prize. Then he turned to face Vincent and licked his lips nervously. But before Vincent could ask what the look was for, the plushie was held out to him as Aiden explained, "This is for you."
"For me?"
"Mhm. I saw it and I thought of you."
Vincent blinked in surprise as he reached out and took the soft, hand-sized plushie in his hands. No one had ever given him something like this before. But then perhaps no one would have guessed that the stoic, unsmiling, and straight-to-the-point Vincent was secretly a lover of adorable things. Vincent's cheeks colored a lovely shade of red as he gazed up at Aiden with a pleased little smile. Ah, Aiden was doing everything right tonight so far.
"Thank you. That's...sweet of you."
"You're very welcome!"
Aiden blushed slightly more as Vincent broke out into a wider smile. As he began heading out the door, Aiden began to walk alongside him with a satisfied smile. This date was going splendidly!
Once out in the evening air, Vincent inhaled deeply and let it out happily. As Aiden joined him at his side, Vincent gestured for him to walk alongside him. He didn't have to tell him twice! Aiden grinned and happily began to walk the short distance down the sidewalk back towards Vincent's car.
Yet Aiden was a little surprised that Vincent didn't slow down and walked right past his car. That WAS his car, right? Aiden glanced over his shoulder, certain that they'd passed it, and was about to mention it to Vincent. But before he could open his mouth, he felt Vincent's hand brush against his almost hesitantly before his palm turned towards his and boldly slid his fingers between Aiden's. Okay, Vincent realized, maybe he wasn't ready to say goodnight after all...
Aiden blinked and broke out into a grin as his fingers gently gave his a squeeze. Yes, he wanted this. Aiden nibbled his lower lip and glanced towards Vincent who glanced back at the same time. They both smiled shyly and continued to enjoy their quiet walk along the city street. Though it was only a minute later that Aiden suddenly remembered something as he noticed a sweet shop across the street!
"Are you in the mood for dessert?"
"Mm, I could go for dessert. What did you have in mind?"
Aiden smiled and pointed with his free hand across the way towards the shop that had caught his eye. Vincent followed his gaze and broke into a smile. Normally, he wasn't big on sweets but this shop sold a few of his favorites. He grinned up at Aiden and told him, "I like the way you think."
Inside the sweet shop, Aiden revealed himself to have quite a sweet tooth! Vincent watched with amusement as Aiden struggled to decide between everything! Finally he settled on chocolate drizzled honeycomb; a favorite but rare treat he'd not had in a long time. Meanwhile, Vincent chose one of his usual favorites: chocolate covered coffee beans.
The men happily made their way back out onto the sidewalk once again with their dessert (with Vincent's plushie tucked safely into his pocket). Vincent led Aiden the long way back to the car so they had more time to enjoy together. He couldn't help but occasionally glance up at Aiden and watch his enjoyment as he munched away happily. When Aiden offered to share a bite Vincent politely declined but offered some of his own dessert. Aiden grinned and reached in to take some but walking made it awkward and Vincent nearly dropped the bag!
"Aiden, wait!" Vincent chuckled as he reached out to grasp his arm to halt his progress. He gently tugged him to stand before him causing Aiden to laugh softly as he was steadied. And in the dim lighting of the streetlights Vincent could see that cute blush of his. With an amused smirk Vincent offered the bag up to him again. After gazing into Vincent's eyes for a moment Aiden then reached in and plucked out a few beans and popped them into his mouth.
"Mm, tasty!"
"Mhm. You can taste the freshness. They make them here at the sweet shop," Vincent explained as he began to walk once more. A second later he realized Aiden was not next to him anymore. When he glanced back at Aiden he saw Aiden's gaze had actually lowered and was very obviously checking out his ass!
Aiden realized quickly he'd been caught and sheepishly raised his gaze with a deepening blush and nervous nibble of his lower lip. Would Vincent be upset? Though his worries were quickly squashed as he saw a highly amused smirk perk his date's lips. Instead of saying anything, Vincent reached out and hooked his arm around Aiden's so they could walk close and still enjoy their desserts. He was still smirking as he popped a couple of his chocolate covered coffee beans into his mouth and silently continued walking. Aiden grinned and happily walked alongside him while taking a bite of his honeycomb. Evidently, Vincent approved of Aiden's admiration of his ass. Well, then!
They continued to slowly make their way towards Vincent's car in silence as they enjoyed their treats. But as they turned the corner and the car was in sight Vincent began to feel a small sinking feeling in his stomach as he realized this meant the end of their evening together. As he heard a tiny sigh next to him, he began to think that maybe he wasn't the only one feeling that way.
When they were close to the car, Vincent paused their trek beside a garbage can where he tossed his small bag out. He stepped back as Aiden tossed his own trash out. Aiden turned to smile at Vincent before he reached for his hand and took it now without hesitation. Vincent spread his fingers for him and intertwined their fingers. Though, they didn't keep walking.
As they stood there and gazed at each other, Vincent began to feel his heart thump harder in his chest and his lips parted slightly. He watched Aiden's eyes flick down towards his lips and he felt his heart thump again. It was the universal sign for wanting to be kissed. And truthfully Vincent's own lips had begun to tingle as he began to wonder how Aiden would taste...
Vincent's hands came up without permission and gently but firmly grasped the collar of Aiden's open button up and tugged him downwards and captured the younger man's lips with his own. He immediately delved in, fingers brushing up along his collar to cup along his neck as he began tasting him for the first time.
Aiden blinked in surprise as he was suddenly kissed, but he didn't need to be told twice! With a quiet sigh of pleasure, Aiden's hands moved around Vincent's slender waist and pulled him closer as he closed his eyes and allowed himself to experience their first kiss. Aiden had been fantasizing about kissing Vincent all night! He hadn't realized he had been giving any such look of longing as he was doing moments earlier.
They continued to kiss for nearly half a minute, uncaring of the world around them as they touched and tasted each other. When Vincent pulled back slightly and gazed up at Aiden with flushed cheeks, Aiden gazed back at him with a little grin. He glanced around then leaned in to peck Vincent's lips before reaching for his hand and tugging him nearby to a more private corner of the side street.
Once they had a little more privacy the two quickly met for another kiss; this time delving in deeper and pressing closer so that there was no space between them. It had been a while since Vincent had felt like this for anyone...but now that he was and knew that Aiden was feeling the same? He wasn't about to stop just yet.
Though it didn't take very long for their kissing to become more heated and they were pressing the boundaries of public decency with their making out. Vincent's fingers slid back to Aiden's hair and gave a gentle tug in a spot that most people found...arousing. He was not disappointed as he heard Aiden gasp pleasurably and felt his fingers curl into Vincent's sides. Vincent's lips slid down along his chin and to his throat as he began to allow himself to get a little lost in the moment. The fire was only fueled as Aiden gave a quiet moan as Vincent's lips found just the right spot...
Lifting his head Vincent gazed up into Aiden's eyes through his bangs and murmured, "Ready to go home?" to which Aiden's eyes darkened slightly as he breathed a little huskily and without hesitation, "Home? Yours or mine?"
Aiden hadn't meant that to slip out like that despite it being what he wanted! Would Vincent find it too forward of him? He very quickly got his answer.
With a small growl that sounded primal and a touch animalistic, Vincent leaned in and roughly nipped a spot near the base of Aiden's throat; a sensitive bundle of nerves that lit his body aflame with desire. As Aiden fought back another moan, Vincent's gaze lifted and poured into his with a heat that froze with fire.
"Mine."
The way he said it, Aiden felt, it felt more than just declaring their destination. It felt as if he were being claimed somehow. God, that was hot! Licking his lips, Aiden swallowed nervously and agreed breathlessly, "Yours."
Without another word, Vincent pulled away while keeping his gaze on Aiden for a long moment and very obviously was taking the time to look him over. With a small smirk he gestured for Aiden to come along and head back to his car. Oh yes, he couldn't wait to make this young man his...
...
At his apartment Vincent let his guest inside and closed the door behind him, locking it and toeing out of his shoes and leaving them at the door. Thus far, they'd been good. Just a little longer. Vincent went to his modern day record player and retrieved a favored album. It was one that was New Age; something melodic and sensual that would help enhance the mood, he felt. When he'd turned to look at Aiden, he saw that he was standing nearby and was watching him; not even bothering to conceal his look of desire. It seemed Aiden wasn't too concerned about a tour and neither was Vincent...unless it had to do with his bed.
Vincent approached Aiden and once he was in reaching distance, Aiden's arms opened and encircled him. He pulled him close and they immediately met and delved into a hungry kiss; one that they'd held back in public. But now that they were in the safety of privacy? There was no reason to hold back anymore.
Soft moans and heavy breathing escaped as they kissed, touched, and experienced each other. Still kissing, Aiden shrugged off his nice button up and Vincent's hands slid down his torso and began to tug his tee shirt up off of him. Their kiss broke long enough for the fabric to pass between them before their lips were back on one another's as Vincent tossed Aiden's shirt carelessly aside. Right now, he didn't really give a shit where anything landed.
Vincent gave Aiden's lower lip a nip before pulling back and lowering his mouth to ravish along his neck. He focused on that little bundle of nerves at the base of Aiden's neck, causing soft gasps of pleasure to escape him. And as Vincent's lips parted as he began to suckle along his flesh, he felt Aiden's hands slide down over his ass and squeeze.
Vincent moaned into Aiden's neck as his lips moved further south, leaving a trail of kisses and love bites along his flesh. Gods, something about Aiden had lit a fire in him; one he never expected to feel so soon if at all!
Aiden's hands slid down further and suddenly Vincent was lifted up into the air and Aiden pressed his pelvis between his thighs. As Vincent's legs wrapped around Aiden's hips, he lifted his head and pointed towards his bedroom as he told him, "In there." With a nod, Aiden turned his gaze to see where he was pointing. Once he knew where to go, he turned and delved into a kiss once again and began to carry him to the bedroom as Vincent clung to him.
As soon as they made it inside, Aiden pressed Vincent right up against the nearest wall, pressing pelvis to pelvis and grinding against him and encouraging his body to respond more. Now that he knew Vincent wanted him, too, there was no need to hold this side of himself back. He broke the kiss to press his mouth heatedly to Vincent's throat and began to sample and taste his flesh.
Vincent moaned as he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He felt Aiden's tongue trace along his sensitive skin, causing him to tremble and tighten his hands around him. Gods...yes. Aiden was doing everything right, and now? Now, Vincent couldn't wait to see what the future held for them. Something told him this was going somewhere. He was secretly looking forward to it. But they'd figure that all out tomorrow. Tonight? Tonight, he had every intention of getting to know his new lover in quite the physical way and finding out all the ways they were compatible in bed...


---
NEXT PART: (Soon to come!)
Please note that the next chapter will continue the original storyline of TCATE!


To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!

♥ I would also like to say this chapter is written as per Vin's request! He is, after all, my #1 fan and I have to do some fan service, yis? *waggles brows* His request was to see Cap'n and Aiden getting rawr! So here you go, Baby! ;)

---
DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
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FACEBOOK PAGE: The Captain and the Engineer has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
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-(BTS) Behind-The-Scenes -


It was another day of eager anticipation on set of The Captain and the Engineer. Very recently, word had gone out that new scripts had been written which were due any day now! Additionally, new sets were being made and new costumes had been brought in! Some of the characters were even getting updated looks! Who wouldn't be excited?!
Just a few minutes ago, Logan (who starred as Damien) had been pulled into the Costume Department to get fitted for new green screen sleeves for his arm. It left his brother, Corry, and brother-in-law, Vin (who starred as Aiden and Vincent, respectively), to head off to the Props Department alone to see what else had been brought in! Vin had seen some interesting looking items being unloaded from the truck. He was curious and roped his husband to come along with him to check them out!
"Oh, my Gods!" Vin laughed as he stood at the door and stared around at all the new props. His eyes were drawn to a pair of fairy wings to his right. He immediately pulled them on and began flitting around the room with giddy laughter and zero fucks!
Meanwhile, Corry grinned with amusement and began inspecting everything! He recognized some props that had already been used and some that he knew would be used soon. Then he saw one that he KNEW would never be used on The Captain and the Engineer but he couldn't resist...
"Baby, how do I look?!"
Vin turned around suddenly to see his husband standing there with a violently pink faux fur around his shoulders and devil horns atop his head! Vin had to admit that Corry really rocked the pink...but Gods noooooo!
"Oh, you look faaabulous, daaaaahhhhhling!" Vin exclaimed with an accented drawl before breaking into laughter at the ridiculousness! As Corry joined in the laughter he reached out and placed a small cartoonish crown atop Vin's head and grinned cheesily and teased, "I bet that would look fabulous with Cap'n's ballroom getup!"
Vin reached up and adjusted the crown as he snickered, "Absolutely fabulous! I think I'll bring it with me when we start shooting the ballroom scenes!"
"You should! Ha! That would make a funny outtake! I can see you just dancing and acting normal as if nothing were amiss! No one will be able to keep a straight face but you! Oh but before they start filming the masquerade..." And Corry's voice turned just a touch suggestive as he slid the horrendous pink horns and faux fur off. "I heard it through the grapevine, but did you hear about that scene coming up next?"
Vin waggled his eyebrows with a smirk before saying, "Oh, yeah, I heard. A little sneaky preview of what's to come, yes?"
"Uh huh! But after that the story is going to progress and soon we'll be ready for the masquerade! I'm excited! It's finally here!"
"I knoooooow! Just as soon as the-”
"ATTENTION, CREWMATES!" came the sudden call on the intercom for everyone to hear. It was their director! Vin and Corry stared at each other with wide eyes and held their breath. "THE TIME WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR HAS COME! THE SCRIPTS ARE IN AND THERE WILL BE A READ THROUGH AT 3PM WITH THE MAIN CAST! ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS PLEASE GET WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT HEAD FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS! THANK YOU!"
Corry and Vin's cheers joined the chorus of cheering that rang throughout the whole area. Everyone's excitement was palpable!
"Come on, Corry! Let's go get our hands on those scripts!"
"Wait, you're going like that?"
Vin was still standing there with the wings and crown on! Yet, Vin quirked his brow up at him. He didn't even need to say anything! Corry was already laughing as he slid his arm around his shoulders and began walking out with him.
"My bad! I forgot who I was talking to!"
"Yeah, your bad." Vin told him with a huff before grinning and nudging his husband's side. "Allons-y! To the writing room!"

---

That's right, Crewmates! TCATE IS BACK!! There will be a small intermission chapter up next then we will be continuing on with the story! Thank you SO much for your understanding and patience over the last half year!
I am looking forward to continuing our adventure together!

---
NEXT PART:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/54084493809/in/datepo...


To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain! I always wanna give him an extra shout out for setting up the whole scene!


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
discord.gg/qBa769TAC4

FACEBOOK PAGE: The Captain and the Engineer has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
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Happy Pride Month, Crewmates!

This chapter is dedicated to celebrating the most delicious, fruity month of the year where the rainbow flags fly high and we let the world know that we're not going anywhere!

That being said, I want to take a moment to announce that I will be taking an unexpected but necessary hiatus from The Captain and the Engineer for a little while. I have every intention on continuing the story but this will give me a chance to prepare for the upcoming chapters which are very involved.
I also want to make sure I don't overwork myself too much and therefore will be taking some time for me and my mental health.
Thank you for your understanding and patience ahead of time!

Please continue to follow me on Flickr and Primfeed..and of course don't forget to follow TCATE on Facebook and join the Discord group! Links are below!

Thank you for all your support and sticking it out with us as the journey of The Captain and the Engineer continues!


---
NEXT PART:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/54052819259/in/datepo...


To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!

DISCORD SERVER: The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
discord.gg/qBa769TAC4

***NEW!!!!***

The Captain and the Engineer now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558531406088

Author's Note: The contents of this chapter include very sensitive subject matter and may be triggering to some individuals. Scenes of abuse of various forms are represented as not only for storytelling, but to raise awareness of what this behavior looks like. Abusive behavior in this story includes, but is not limited to: physical abuse, mental abuse, verbal abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, intentional triggering of another's PTSD, and trauma. In no way are these scenes intended to purposely trigger or harm anyone.

~~~

The following morning after Aiden's moonlit flight with Vincent, he'd woken up late just as Vincent was emerging from his quarters. His captain was already fully dressed and ready to run errands. As Vincent explained it to the yawning Aiden, now that he was going to the masquerade, there was much to be done! A short while later, Vincent departed in a determined but cheerful mood to get everything set in motion. And when he returned that evening he had an official invitation to the ball for Aiden in hand! He sat Aiden down and explained in greater detail what preparations would need to be done. While Vincent had informed him that there would be fittings, dancing and etiquette lessons, and even promenades for social practice, the days following were unexpectedly much busier for Aiden than he'd anticipated.
The first order of business was a visit to the tailor! The shop they went to belonged to a highly skilled older man who knew Vincent by sight and greeted the captain enthusiastically. As it turned out, this was where Vincent and the other men in his family frequented as regular customers! After Aiden's nervous last attempt to get himself to visit a shop like this, he was grateful to have Vincent there to guide him through the process. As soon as Vincent explained that they were here for a suit for Aiden for the upcoming ball, the tailor got straight to work! Vincent helped Aiden sort through different fabrics and finally settle on a nice dark teal and gold lining which, as Vincent put it, brought out the color in his eyes. The comment had made Aiden blush slightly; something Vincent noticed which made him feel a little pleased with himself.
When the topic of how much everything was going to cost came up, Aiden felt panic rearing up inside him. He knew it would be expensive but to actually spend the money? Aside from the tiny piece of Fulgora's Eye that he'd gotten for Pete, this was the most expensive purchase he'd ever made for himself! However, with a few quiet, carefully chosen words of reassurance from Vincent, Aiden remembered that he was, in fact, wealthy. He could afford this suit hundreds of times over and then some! With Vincent's encouragement, Aiden went ahead and made the down payment purchase for his suit! Once measurements had been taken some time later and they were free to go, they went next door to the cordwainer. There Aiden got measured again; this time for boots to go specifically for his ballroom attire! This time, Aiden didn't hesitate to pay for his boots which Vincent felt proud of him for.
The lessons Vincent promised began just two days later. While Vincent didn't really care much for all the niceties and politeness of upper class society, he was still a part of it and therefore educated thus. During these lessons, Aiden began to learn the basics of gentlemanly ballroom etiquette. He'd be learning how to dance very soon but first Aiden would need to learn how to properly walk, stand, and even how to talk. While Vincent stressed the importance of these lessons, most of the time the two men were just laughing and enjoying each other's company. Vincent was having such a grand time with his friend that he was often smiling and full of spirit. Vincent suggested Aiden put to practice what he'd learned while they were out and about. Aiden remembered that this was just a part of the facade; the mask that must be put on for society. So, that's what he did. Following Vincent's example, he began to learn. He would gladly play the part. Aiden knew deep down that Vincent liked Aiden just as he was now... but a big part of him wanted to fit into Vincent's world more. He wanted to show Vincent that he was capable of being a part of ALL aspects of his life; not just on the ship.
When it came time for Aiden to learn to dance, Vincent knew that Charlotte would be the most logical choice to be Aiden's dance partner. When the young lady learned to dance a few years ago, it had been Vincent, himself, who was her dance partner as she learned the art. He knew she was a lovely dancer for her age; a talented one, at that. She'd also proven herself to be a patient teacher. Besides all that, Aiden and she got along well and clearly there was chemistry between them. Vincent knew that this would be a perfect opportunity for the two of them to get to know each other and spend time together. There was every reason for him to allow them to practice together! Yet, Vincent knew without a doubt that Charlotte would be all over Aiden...which was why when Aiden arrived for his first day of dance lessons it was not Charlotte there to greet him alongside Vincent....it was Abigail!
Abigail was happy to join Vincent in teaching Aiden how to dance! Of course, she knew the real reason he was asking her even if he didn't want to admit it, and the alternative would have been Bernadette. While Bernie excelled in many other things, Abigail knew just how skilled her sister was on the dance floor....and something told her Aiden would prefer to keep his toes intact.
And so, practice began! Aiden discovered that he liked dancing and the chemistry between the three of them was very pleasant and enjoyable. Abigail was fond of Aiden already and the more she learned and saw of him, the more she found him a pleasure to be around. He was a fun student who made the task of teaching him an enjoyable experience. When the cousins demonstrated to Aiden the various popular dances that he'd see at the ball, the young man was in awe. They appeared to move flawlessly to the music coming out of the phonograph. As it turned out, Abigail had a small passion for dance, and Vincent, while he didn't like to show off, was quite skilled as well. Despite the intricate dances he was shown, Aiden was told he'd be learning the easiest of the dances first: the waltz.
The days passed and things were starting to come together quickly! Aiden's confidence with the waltz was starting to build. Soon, he was guiding Abigail with less mistakes and even felt brave enough to add in a small flourish in his step! Not only was his dancing skills improving, his suit for the masquerade was coming along nicely.
On the topic of his suit one afternoon, Vincent pointed out that dancing in full formal attire was different than practicing in comfortable clothes. It would be heavier and warmer than what they were doing now. He mused that Aiden should be more dressed up while practicing to get used to it; much the way Vincent dressed when out as a member of high society. It got Aiden thinking that maybe it was time he finally got something a little nicer to wear after all.
Normally, these things took time to make so when Aiden went back to the tailor's the next day, he was not expecting to be able to walk out with a brand new outfit in hand. The tailor happened to have a complete set on display that he sold to Aiden at a discounted price. Apparently, it had been made for another customer some time ago who had changed their mind at the very last minute. Amazingly, the entire ensemble fit Aiden like a glove! There were only a couple quick adjustments needed for the pants but that was it!
Finally Aiden stepped up to the mirror. He almost didn't recognize himself! The young man staring back at him looked older and more mature. There was a growing confidence which showed in how he stood tall and smiled with approval.
The next time Aiden was due to meet Abigail and Vincent marked two weeks until the masquerade! While it also meant Damien was officially back in town as well, Aiden had other things on his mind. This was the day he would be arriving dressed like a gentleman; not some commoner who worked aboard a ship.
Aiden was feeling nervous! His hands kept fidgeting and tugging at his fitted blue waistcoat as he stepped off the lift. Just ahead of him was the open door that invitingly led into Vincent's office. What would Vincent think? Would he approve of him? Aiden peeked into the room and took a cursory glance around to see who was all here. His eyes appreciatively settled on the slender yet curvy shape standing by one of the bookshelves beside the tea station.
It was Vincent, of course! He hadn't realized he had company yet. He was standing in front of a small mirror up on one of the bookshelves and was actually humming softly to himself. Intent upon his task, he deftly pinned the last strands of hair into his updo. It was a more effeminate style than Aiden had ever seen on him. It wasn't just his hair but also the way he was dressed that gave him such an androgynous appearance. He was a little more dressed up and the way his corset and trousers flattered and hugged his figure? There was just something different about him today. Whatever it was, Aiden found it attractive.
Just as Vincent finished with his hair and gave a satisfied smile at his appearance there was a soft knock at the door. Ah, that had to be Aiden. He was right on time! As he turned to greet Aiden, he saw Aiden's smile which bemused him. And while he'd never admit it aloud, it made him feel shy. His mind tried to reason why Aiden would be smiling at him as if...as if he were the loveliest creature in the world.
No, his mind reasoned, that couldn't be right! And as if to prove him right, Aiden suddenly began to grin. That's right...he must be amused by his appearance! However, he was completely unaware that, in truth, Aiden was actually grinning at the sight of Vincent's deepening blush that had blossomed across his cheeks at the sight of his friend staring at him...
But now, Vincent was feeling awkward and second-guessing his decision to dress up. He nibbled his lower lip and glanced off to the side. As he reached up with one hand and toyed with his bangs, he said just loud enough for Aiden to hear, "I know, I know. I look silly."
"What? No, you don't!" Aiden chuckled as he stepped into the room. "I think the whole look is very flattering on you."
"You really think so? It's not too much?"
"I really think so. You look great!"
Vincent saw that sweet, reassuring smile and suddenly he felt much better as he found himself suddenly smiling as well. Once upon a time, he would have not believed it so quickly, if at all. But Aiden had a way about him that made him feel safe to be himself. And it seemed that was turning into confidence that was taking hold more firmly in Vincent's life. And though Vincent didn't realize it, he was finally starting to come into himself and blossom; something those closest to him 'had' started to notice.
As it turned out, Abigail had come down with a small cold and wouldn't be joining them today...but Vincent didn't want to cancel Aiden's lesson. After all, Vincent knew how to be led in a dance just as well as he could lead! So, when he offered himself as Aiden's dance partner, he was pleased with Aiden's enthusiastic response.
Once Vincent turned the phonograph on, he turned to face his friend and saw Aiden offering out his hand towards him with a grin. It was much like he'd done the night he'd asked Vincent to join him on their moonlit flight. Vincent grinned back and placed his hand in Aiden's before allowing himself to be guided to the middle of the room.
Aiden slid his hand around Vincent's waist and stepped close, his gaze shifting down to gaze into Vincent's as Vincent's hand came to sit upon his upper arm and gently took his hand. Then after what felt like several quiet, wonderful minutes of suspended time (but was really only a couple of breaths), Aiden began to lead on the next beat of melody that was playing for them.
Aiden had proven by now that he had a pretty good handle on the waltz. So after a couple of dances together, Vincent decided how to show him the first steps of another type of dance he'd demonstrated the first day: the quadrille!
A couple of hours had passed and Aiden was finally ready to give leading a real try! So after a quick break, the men got back to it! It was about halfway through the first dance when Aiden first accidentally treaded on Vincent's toes and bumped into him. At first, Aiden was apologetic, but Vincent laughed it off.
And as they continued to dance, he told Aiden about a few collisions on the dance floor that he'd witnessed. Vincent was no longer keeping an eye on Aiden's dance moves because he was too preoccupied talking and laughing all while still dancing! As natural as can be, Aiden still led Vincent around the small space while listening and tossing in his own laughter and commentary. They were no longer dancing the quadrille, exactly, but instead just dancing for fun while they interacted. In fact, they were so engrossed with each other, their dance, and the music that they were unaware that they were no longer alone.
As seconds turned to nearly a minute, Damien's composure was starting to crack. So this was why Vincent couldn't spend time with him earlier today! Of course, it was because of fucking Aiden! What the bloody Hell was going on? Finally deciding to just get their attention before he completely lost himself, Damien forced another smile upon his face and knocked loudly on the door.
"Damien! Is it three o'clock already?!" Vincent exclaimed before quickly glancing towards the clock. With a small chuckle he added, "Oh, you're early!" He gently detached himself from Aiden's embrace so he could go turn off the music. And as he moved, he glanced out the window and was made aware that it was suddenly getting dark outside as if it were going to pour any moment. And indeed, there was the gentle sound of thunder in the distance.
"Well, you said to just come in when I got here so here I am!"
"I meant at three, but it's fine. It looks like it's going to rain anyways."
It wasn't fine, Vincent felt, but he moved onto the next topic as he joined Aiden and Damien in the center of the room. Vincent realized how nicely Damien was dressed and he complimented him, "Well, don't you look extra sharp today? What's the occasion?"
Damien beamed as Vincent praised his outfit. He'd dressed up just for him for this very reason! He'd even let his hair grow out which he thought gave him a more roguish appearance. He felt handsome and confident; especially now that he knew Vincent approved (just as he already knew he would)!
"Well, thank you! I think I appear rather dashing."
Vincent gave a nod of approval then smiled and gestured over at Aiden. "Aiden's gotten a new outfit, too. Well, two. He's been practicing his dancing for the ball! Didn't you see? He's doing great! He's only just started learning a couple of weeks ago!"
At Vincent's proud grin and praise, Aiden felt himself blush deeply and smile bashfully. He glanced towards Vincent who stood beside him and nudged Aiden's arm with a chuckle. But across the way, Damien wasn't as pleased.
"Wait, wait, wait. The ball?" Damien wondered aloud condescendingly. "Since when is Aiden coming to the ball?"
"Since I invited him!" Vincent retorted more defensively than he'd intended. Damien blinked in surprise and even Aiden felt a little surprised...though also a bit pleased. Mysteriously, a shade of red appeared on Vincent's cheeks as he cleared his throat. He'd invited Aiden there so that he'd not dread the event so much. And...and he wanted him there. Aiden always made things better when he was there!
Unaware that he was still blushing, he quickly glanced up at Aiden then looked back at Damien before explaining a little timidly, "I just thought it would be fun, you know? I wanted to have my best friends with me." And suddenly there was a weight on Vincent's shoulders as Aiden daringly slid his arm over them and leaned towards him with a handsome smile.
"And it's going to be absolutely fantastic. I'm looking forward to it. And...thanks again for teaching me how to dance. These past couple weeks have been...wonderful. You're wonderful."
"Well, gosh! I've been enjoying your company, too. Practice is just a good excuse to see you! It...it HAS been wonderful."
And as Vincent and Aiden teased the boundaries of flirting, the realization of how good they looked side by side was more obvious than ever! Damien suddenly realized that they were even dressed to match in similar colors! It made them look even more like a couple! And with how had Vincent turned to look up at Aiden and seemed to lean into his touch? It took everything in Damien not to punch Aiden in his cocky, smiling face!
'...These past couple of weeks...' Aiden had said. What else had happened during this past month while he was gone?! Maybe he should have come home sooner, after all.
"So, tell us about your trip!" Vincent exclaimed as he was suddenly approaching Damien and tugged him further into the room towards the armchairs. "Would you like some tea? I was just thinking about making some! Aiden?" With both his friends acknowledging his offer, Vincent left Damien to sit and started up the kettle. Meanwhile, Aiden went to lean against the desk as he watched and listened silently.
Damien took his seat and groaned softly as he settled in. His eyes remained focused on Vincent (ignoring Aiden's existence as much as possible) and responded enthusiastically, "It was a lot of fun! I saw lots of family and some old friends..."
Damien began to elaborate on his visit, to which Aiden found a bit dull. However, Vincent seemed to know who Damien was talking about and was much more invested in this conversation. Even as Vincent finished serving their teas, Damien was still talking. It was as Damien's tea finally cooled enough for him to drink some that Aiden finally had a chance to speak.
"After this cup, I think I am going to let you two finish catching up and head out, myself," Aiden informed them. "When you decide when you want to take Leon's Claw up in the air, let me know."
"Mm, that's right. You and I need to decide on that!" Damien replied with a pleased grin to which Vincent smiled and nodded before sipping contently at his tea. Good, Damien thought to himself. Aiden was leaving! As soon as Aiden was gone, he'd get to the bottom of all this.
Aiden finished his tea fairly quickly, and it didn't take long before he reluctantly bid Vincent and Damien farewell. He'd be seeing Vincent the day after tomorrow for sure but that already felt like too far away. And there was something in the way Vincent hesitantly gave Aiden an umbrella to borrow and how he looked at him with a touch of longing that convinced Aiden that Vincent may, in fact, be feeling the exact same way.
Damien watched silently from where he leaned against the desk, arms rising and folding across his chest as the door finally closed behind Aiden. He watched as Vincent turned to face him with a smile. However, Vincent's smile immediately faded as he caught sight of Damien's slight frown and how his brows creased with irritation.
"What's-?" Vincent started but was cut off by Damien's abrupt, "What the fuck is going on?" Vincent drew in a deep breath and defensively responded, "What are you talking about exactly?"
"You know what I mean, Vincent!"
Vincent's lips parted but no words came out. He was flabbergasted! Where was all this coming from?! He really had no idea what Damien was so upset over so quickly! Yet as seconds passed and Vincent couldn't come up with an answer, Damien finally huffed and took a step away and ran his fingers through his hair frustratedly. Though a moment later he took a deep breath and glanced over his shoulders. He let out another sigh and asked Vincent, "I'm your best friend right?"
"Of course you are!"
"You know you can tell me anything."
"I know that."
"So, then what has he done to you?"
"What are you talking about?!"
"Aiden!" Damien placed his hands on Vincent's shoulders and squeezed tightly. Vincent winced and felt a headache take immediate siege as Aiden was being blamed yet again. "Come on, Vincent! This isn't you! I told you: you look silly when you dress like this. What's with the hair?"
Vincent felt his confidence start to sink as he glanced off to the side towards his mirror. Earlier, he'd felt pride in his appearance. He found he liked dressing more androgynously sometimes for personal reasons. Secretly, honestly... Vincent liked pretty things and had always wanted to dress more like this. It wasn't that he wanted to do it all the time but just on those rare occasions...but thanks to Damien, he was starting to question himself again and already wanted to unpin his hair. But then he remembered how Aiden had told him that it was flattering on him and that he looked great!
Remembering that, Vincent shifted his gaze up to look at Damien and placed his hands atop of his and pulled them off before stating a little sharply, "I'm trying something new. It's MY decision, Damien. No one makes that for me. No. One."
Drawing his hands back as if struck, Damien's brow furrowed as if hurt as Vincent walked past him with a sigh. Vincent placed his hands on his prized orrery and stared down at the planets as they rotated around. It was a moment later when Damien's voice appeared right behind him in his ear in a way that sent uncomfortable shivers down his spine.
"You're not the same anymore," Damien murmured. "It's like you're becoming a different person. I just miss my best friend. Is that such a bad thing?"
"No. It's-"
Vincent had turned around and found himself practically sandwiched between the orrery and Damien who was standing very, very close. Vincent wet his lips nervously and glanced off to the side uncomfortably.
"It's not a bad thing. I get it," Vincent relented as he maneuvered away towards his desk. Now feeling much less confident about himself, Vincent folded his arms over his abdomen and hunched slightly. This whole conversation had knocked the wind out of his sails.
Sensing Vincent's drop in mood, Damien reached out to touch his shoulder and explained, "It's just...not you. That's all. But I suppose I can get used to it. I just like good old Vincent, you know? I like how things used to be when it's just us...like now! It's okay, though. So..." And with that, Damien walked past Vincent towards the chair and went to plop down and folded his arms across his chest as he demanded, "...so, what's been going on with you this past month? What brought you to giving 'dancing' lessons?"
Vincent took a deep breath and then let it out and forced a smile on his face. He may as well try to keep the mood light. However, he decided to tread a little more carefully as he shrugged and went to the mirror across the way. He began to unpin the pins in his hair as he explained, "It's not just me. Abby's been helping as his dance partner but she's got a cold so I just stepped in for today."
"Oh! Well why didn't you say SHE was his dance partner?"
And though Vincent's back was turned and he couldn't see it, he could hear and feel Damien's demeanor easing down and becoming less tense. Thank God! He replied, "Because I didn't think it mattered? Anyway, I invited him to come to the ball because I thought it would be fun to have him there. Besides, there will be people he knows and it's a good opportunity. Plus, I was bored! You took TWO extra weeks to come back!"
"Yeah, but it was worth it. At least I had fun! I'm back now. That's what matters and things can go back to as they should be! Tell you what, why don't I come help out with Aiden's lessons? It would be fun! It would be easier to practice with another couple and you and I can dance together! How's that sound? We can practice for the ball!"
Vincent unwound his hair and let it fall across his shoulders; his hair falling forward across his brow and he stared at himself unhappily. And as he did, Damien suddenly appeared behind him, blocking his light and placing his hands around Vincent's upper arms. Vincent glanced off to the side though he felt Damien looming over him and pressing right up against his back and making him shrink and feel very small. Damien's eyes pierced the side of his head and his fingers dug in just the tiniest bit into his arms as he asked, "Don't you think that's a grand idea?"
"I do!" Vincent quickly lied as he plastered a smile on his face and glanced up at him up over his shoulder. Though, honestly, he wanted to crawl and hide for a while. While Damien was right that Aiden could practice better with another couple present for the quadrille, he didn't want to put them together right now. It seemed 4 weeks apart hadn't helped matters at all. "But he's already gotten so good that he won't need much more practice, I think. But if we do, I'll definitely be letting you know first."
Quickly, Vincent turned in place and pushed his long hair over his shoulder, "I'm tired of all this ball talk! Let's decide when we want to go flying!" He hoped Damien would allow himself to be distracted with plans and leave the rest of it alone. He just wanted to enjoy the rest of the day. And thankfully it seemed he was in luck!
Damien grinned and went to take his seat again all while going on a tangent about how eager he was for that. For now, it was best to let Damien enjoy that while he, Vincent, came down from whatever the fuck that argument had been about.
Vincent still wasn't sure what the core of Damien's actual problem was. It always felt like he was running in circles and never directly clarifying what upset him so much. Sometimes, Vincent wondered if even Damien knew. But it was as they parted ways much later in the evening, hours after the whole incident had even happened...that Damien finally started to hint what was really wrong.
"Tell me that you're not going to fall for Aiden."
"That's preposterous! Ha! What in the Hell has you thinking I'm going to fall for Aiden?!"
Vincent actually laughed at the idea! He shook his head as he leaned against the door jamb and folded his arms over his chest. And, if Damien was being honest with himself, Vincent sure did look surprised by this idea. Damien was standing before him in the hallway, peering back at Vincent with slightly narrowed eyes. He didn't want to go until he got that promise.
"Just....promise me you won't!"
"Pfft. Now you're just being ridiculous! Aiden? And 'me?' We're just friends! And crewmates...like you and me. Nothing's going to change, okay? Besides, I am absolutely sure Aiden doesn't see me as anything like that. Don't be a worry wart! You'll see! As soon as this damned masquerade is over with and we're back in the air, everything will be back to normal as it should be."
Vincent smirked and pushed on Damien's shoulder to nudge him to go home. The sooner Damien was gone, the sooner he could lock up and depart, himself. Thankfully, they were heading in opposite directions so he could finally get some peace and quiet.
It took a long moment, but Damien finally gave a satisfied nod and chuckle before responding, "I'm not a worry wart! Just call me a concerned best friend. I care about you. You know that."
"I do know. Be off with you! Get some rest! I'll see you in two days. Five o'clock at Leon's Claw. I'll make sure to get everything arranged ahead of time."
"See you then!"
And as soon as Damien's back was turned, Vincent ducked back into his office and slumped back against the door. Why the Hell was Damien so worried? Sure, Damien was never a person who enjoyed change but who ever truly did? Usually, the two worked very well together and got on well enough. They just needed to work through these few rough patches!
And besides, he was certain that whatever had Damien paranoid would soon pass because sooner or later he'd see that there was only friendship between Aiden and Vincent. It was absurd to think otherwise!
Absolutely...absurd.


---
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***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
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I know I was only supposed to be gone for 2 weeks. During the family reunion, everything was splendid! All attention was on me. I mean, as it should be, am I right? Things just ended up going so well, I decided to extend it for another 2 weeks. I wrote to Vincent and let him know of the extension. Naturally, he assured me it was completely fine and to enjoy myself. Oh, believe me, I certainly did. I got to meet up with some old friends and we, uh... heh... we had fun running around and getting up to our old tricks and shenanigans. Ah, it was spectacular to be back home.
Plus... it'd give Vincent a chance to see what life is like without me. Knowing him, he spent the whole time either holed up in one place or another and being his brooding self. I mean, everyone knows that Vincent only REALLY comes out of his shell when I'm around. Nevermind that annoying Aiden. .....okay, annoying is putting it lightly. I cannot stand the boy. I won't even give him the decency of calling him a man. I've seen how his eyes linger on Vincent a little too long, how he blushes when Vincent notices something he does or takes interest in one of his stupid little toy projects. What's so interesting about those anyways? What purpose do they serve? They're childish playthings. I'm confident that sooner rather than later, Vincent is going to grow weary of his antics and everything will go back to the way it should be...
Especially now that I'm back home! Vincent is nearly ready to go up in the airship for a fun little ride around. We're not returning to work just yet. But I can feel the anticipation winding up in him and myself! Ah, and the masquerade is in 2 weeks! Vincent must attend mandatorily but I'll be there to help ease the burden of society on him. I'll be sure to dress my best to impress... him, of course. When he sees me, he won't be able to take his eyes off of me.
Vincent summoned me today. It wasn't like his usual summons, though... Typically, he asks me to come to his flat, but today he asked me to come to his office. It's a bit of a pain in the arse, but at least I'll get to see him today, remind him of just how much he missed me.......
That's what I felt and thought until I walked into Vincent's office and what do I see? Red. I see red. I swear, I can feel the vein in my temple about to explode and my heart is pounding. Vincent and Aiden... are dancing? And laughing? Did Vincent not miss me at all? Did he even think of me at all?! WHY IS THAT BASTARD TOUCHING MY VINCENT?! .....keep calm. Maintain composure. Smile. Don't let them see how much this bothers me. Pretend. Deep breath. ........one way or another, Aiden needs to go.


---
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***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!

***EXTRA SPECIAL THANK YOU to Vin for (once again) helping me by literally writing this chapter! Vin also wrote 14. The Captain and The Engineer: Dawning Realizations (Vincent's Perspective) for us as well!
Vin also created the dancing pose for this picture! ♥

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Carefree and living in the moment really suited Vincent, Aiden felt. His captain's energy had shifted from how he used to be. It was as if he were a completely different person in the best of ways! Aiden couldn't believe how he'd boldly and spontaneously invited Vincent to join him on a nighttime flight, and he'd agreed! Now that they were at the docks, they were no longer running but he could still see that childlike excitement on Vincent's face. They'd already cleared their departure with the harbormaster so all they had to do was get the ship in the air and see where the night took them! As soon as his beloved airship was in sight, Vincent felt a renewed sense of joy and anticipation. He grinned at Aiden then hurried ahead to get started! Aiden chuckled and followed up the gangplank after him and quickly got to work.
Vincent knew that Aiden kept the ship maintained during their stay here in the capitol, so he wasn't worried about getting Leon's Claw's engine running. However, this would be the first time he'd be flying Leon's Claw without his First Mate's assistance. While he believed in Aiden, he was expecting to need to pull more of the weight between them. But he was pleased to find that in Damien's absence, Aiden was proving to be a more than capable crewmate! Aiden confidently moved around Leon's Claw without err alongside Vincent, getting the ship ready for departure. And when Vincent's ribs began to ache and slow him down, Aiden insisted that he be kind to himself and take a breather. But as Vincent began to combat him, he gave his reassuring smile and reasoned, "But you'll be able to enjoy the evening longer! And you're so close to being fully healed! Let me take care of this. Please?"
Vincent found himself unable to argue. He begrudgingly agreed that he was right; it would be wise not to push himself when he was this close to being fully healed. He relented to Aiden's request and went to cater to his nearly healed ribs with a small nod. While Aiden went back to his tasks, Vincent's gaze followed his engineer closely and silently. As his captain, he was starting to really appreciate Aiden's ability to handle himself aboard Leon's Claw. He had a feeling once they were in the air, he'd continue to prove himself thus. He wasn't concerned about tonight's flight at all! But as he continued to watch him, his appreciation shifted into something else.
As Aiden walked past and flashed a confident and gorgeous smile at Vincent, the young man was unaware of how Vincent's predatory gaze followed him silently as it had secretly done in the past. Vincent had long since decided that there was nothing romantic going on between Aiden and himself. There just couldn't be. But all his determination and denial couldn't stop him from devouring Aiden's physique in the fading twilight, nor stop the feeling of how everything felt right having Aiden here with him.
By the time Aiden was ready to fire up the engine, Vincent was recovered enough to jump right in! It didn't take long before the ship's engines were roaring to life! Aiden went to take his starting position while Vincent took his at the helm as Captain. Feeling Leon's Claw alive beneath his feet struck a chord inside Vincent as he felt an overwhelming wave of happiness. This was really happening! He quickly wiped at the single tear of joy that had leaked out the side of his eye before he grinned and called back to Aiden to indicate he was ready. He heard Aiden's answer before calling to the docks to relay that they were ready to go. As soon as Vincent heard they were in the clear, he urged Leon's Claw's propellers to lift them up vertically up off the docks and climb steadily higher and higher into the air! Once Vincent had guided Leon's Claw high enough, he glanced over his shoulder.
"Aiden, come up here!"
Surprised by Vincent's summons, Aiden quickly joined Vincent by his side with a slight crease in his brow. "Is everything okay?" he asked but was quickly relieved to see Vincent's smile. His captain responded, "Everything's fine! I just thought you'd like to join me at the helm."
"I'd be honored!"
Vincent waited for Aiden to eagerly take his position beside him and brace for take off. Once he had, Vincent urged Leon's Claw forward and they began to gain speed! They were off! And as they quickly gained speed, climbing higher and higher in the air, Aiden threw his right fist high in the air and let out a loud and energetic, "WOO!"
Vincent burst into a joyous laugh at Aiden's excitement and glee as he guided them up through a wide parting in the clouds. Aiden's happiness meant more than Vincent cared to admit, but right now he couldn't help but admire how beautiful it was. He settled into a soft, endearing smile as he gazed up at his friend with an affectionate look that he wasn't realizing he was giving.
Aiden could feel Vincent's eye on him. As he lowered his hand and glanced towards him, he could see that lovely smile upon Vincent's lips; full lips that right now, Aiden felt, looked absolutely soft and perfect for kissing. That magical feeling that anything could happen was still lingering. Aiden felt his lips start to tingle the tiniest bit. God, did he dare do it?! Biting his lower lip, Aiden felt an urge to glance towards his lips. What would it be like to kiss Vincent? Heat rose in his cheeks. Unable to resist, he allowed his gaze to flick downwards and his own lips began to ache...
"Oh gosh, Aiden, look!"
Completely missing Aiden's look of longing and desire, Vincent was captivated instead by the moon which had come bursting into view spectacularly from behind a mountain! It had to be the largest full moon he'd ever seen....and he'd seen many, many moons in his time! Beside him, Aiden licked his aching and tingling lips and forced himself to tear his gaze away from Vincent; the one thing that truly had him entranced. He turned to look at the moon and he had to admit that Vincent's awe was well-deserved.
"Whoa!"
"Uh huh! It's the biggest I've ever seen!"
Vincent turned Leon's Claw to sail towards the mountains as he admired the illuminating orb and all its splendor. And as he did, Aiden turned his attention back towards him and just helped himself to admiring how perfectly happy Vincent was to be sailing his airship in these perfect, magical conditions. While he wanted so badly to take Vincent in his arms and find out exactly how soft those lips were, he hadn't brought Vincent up here for that. They were here for Vincent to enjoy sailing...and that's what he was going to do! Nibbling his lower lip, Aiden swallowed his desires and turned towards Vincent and suggested, "Why don't you set the ship to sail and just enjoy yourself? I'll keep an eye on things from up here."
Vincent blinked as he was given this opportunity and turned to face Aiden with wide eyes. When Aiden smiled and nodded that he really meant that, Vincent smiled back and said, "I'll be right down there if you need me. I'll be back. And Aiden? Thank you. Just....thank you."
"You're so very welcome."
With a final smile to each other, Vincent went to descend below while Aiden turned to stand before the helm. A big part of him regretted not telling Vincent how he felt. He still could, but he really wanted Vincent to have this night just for himself. This was all completely worth it, he felt. The right moment would come.
It was only a couple of minutes later that Vincent emerged onto the main deck. And as he did, he turned his gaze towards the moon and just let himself soak in the peace of the moment. Here he was, in the air, sailing among the clouds as if they were a sea here in the sky. The stars were twinkling and the moon illuminated everything so beautifully that it all felt so magical. It almost took Vincent's breath away. He moved slowly along the deck and brushed his fingers along the railing. It had been forever since he'd taken a nighttime sail and this really was a perfect night for flying. Could it get any better than this?
It was the first time, Aiden realized, that he was seeing Vincent truly enjoy what he did and who he was for once without the pressure of work or a deadline and it was absolutely beautiful. If Aiden had thought Vincent was glowing before, it was nothing compared to how he was now. And this, he realized, was why it was worth waiting just a little bit longer to tell Vincent how he felt. And that lessened the ache in his heart a little as he smiled softly and just admired the man he'd fallen so hard for.
When Vincent returned to the helm some time later, he steered Leon's Claw a safe distance away from the nearing mountain range. And all the while, Aiden got a close up view of the serene expression upon his captain's face. This truly had been worth it, after all. Much to Aiden's surprise, once the airship was properly flying in a safe direction again, Vincent slowed their speed to an even slower coast and turned to Aiden with a grin.
"You need to see it from down there. Come with me!"
Vincent reached out and took Aiden's hand without thinking and began to pull him away from the helm which made Aiden's stomach fill with butterflies! As soon as Aiden was coming along, Vincent let go and hurried to descend down to the next deck! Vincent led Aiden all the way to the bow where he slid his fingers through a rope shroud for support and turned to glance back at his younger friend. Aiden joined him at his side and flashed a smile at him before looking out at the scenery around them.
"You weren't kidding. I really needed to see it from here."
Vincent chuckled and nodded silently before glancing around. And thus, they fell into a comfortable silence as they stood together. This was so perfect, Vincent felt, as they stood side by side. Aiden had done this for him and he was so grateful! All those depressive thoughts and feelings were long gone; left behind with the city. Vincent allowed himself to think that maybe he should start taking moments like this for himself more often. It seemed Aiden was rubbing off on him more than he'd thought. And as he wondered about when the next full moon would be, he suddenly remembered that was just around the time of the upcoming masquerade! But he'd think about that later! Now was not the time to be thinking of stressful situations! Though an idea came to mind; something that instantly made the idea of going to the ball infinitely much more appealing.
"Aiden?"
"Hm?"
"Would you like to come to the masquerade?"
"Wait, what?"
"Remember the Midsummer Masquerade that's happening a month from now?"
"I remember but isn't Damien already your plus one?"
"It's no problem! I can call in a small favor and get you an invitation. Please say you'll be there?"
"I'll be there!"
"Fantastic!"
Oh, Aiden couldn't help the smile that had plastered itself on his face. How could he have resisted Vincent's hopeful and pleading expression? It made his heart melt. The idea of being invited by the man of his dreams made everything so much better! Despite already having Damien as his guest to the ball, Vincent was willing to go out of his way to make sure Aiden had an invitation. He really, really wanted him there! It made Aiden feel special and wanted; needed.
And suddenly, everything seemed to fall into place as he realized what he needed to do. That settled it. He had no idea what was expected of him at a masquerade. He had no idea what he was going to wear. Hell, he didn't even know how to properly dance! He didn't know how he was going to pull it off but Aiden swore to himself silently, right then and there, that by the end of that fateful night in one month Vincent would know how Aiden felt. And maybe, just maybe, Vincent would choose him in return...
...
After flying the skies for hours with Aiden, Vincent decided upon their arrival back at the docks that he'd be staying the night on the ship. Once he bid the yawning Aiden goodnight and dipped into his own small, private living quarters, he found himself settling into the familiar feeling of home. While his flat was more luxurious in comparison, this here...this ship...this was where he belonged. Leon's Claw and all her scratches and dents and imperfections with age didn't matter to him. And having a loyal crew of his best friends at his side made it even better; just living their best life together. And he was confident that soon Aiden would be fully integrated into the crew. He'd proven himself many times over that he was ready for it, and he wasn't going anywhere. Vincent truly believed that. Ah, the adventures that awaited them! Perhaps after the masquerade he'd finally sit down and have that talk with Aiden…


---
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***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain! He also set up the scene you see around us!

DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
discord.gg/qBa769TAC4

***NEW!!!!***

The Captain and the Engineer now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
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As soon as Vincent was handed his bowl from the street vendor, he eagerly slid a spoonful of his spicy and delicious chicken curry into his mouth. Ah, that was the flavor and heat he was wanting! A soft, happy moan escaped him before he turned to face Aiden who was just...standing there and staring at his own bowl. Oh, how skeptical he looked! Vincent smirked a bit as he scooped more curry onto his spoon once again and asked, "Is it too spicy for you?"
"No!" Aiden said a little quickly. "I'm just...letting it cool off some more is all." Vincent smirked a little more but said nothing as he returned to his bowl and began to walk away from the vendor. Aiden followed along and lifted his curry to his nose and gave a small sniff. That was going to burn! He just knew it! When Vincent had asked him how spicy he wanted his bowl to be, Aiden had stated how he'd go for whatever Vincent was having. Vincent had warned him he liked his spicy and hot but Aiden boldly insisted he'd try it anyway. But now he was mildly regretting his decision. Finally, he brought the spoon to his mouth, blew on it for show, then stuck it in his mouth.
As Vincent slowly chewed his dinner, he watched with great interest and amusement as Aiden's face steadily grew a dark shade of red and his eyes began to water. Yet...he was eating it! And then he went for a second spoonful! Then a third! Vincent thought to himself that Aiden didn't have to get it that spicy! He didn't feel bad for him at all! ....okay, maybe he felt a little bad. After another few bites, Vincent chuckled and told Aiden, "Come with me." Then, he turned and led a confused Aiden away in the opposite direction.
As they turned a corner, Vincent paused in front of another street vendor (a drink vendor Aiden realized) where he ordered a large cup of cool milk for Aiden. Aiden found himself blushing in embarrassment when Vincent glanced up at him with a highly amused smirk. Aiden glanced off to the side and ran his hand through his hair awkwardly. Without having to say a damned thing, Vincent knew Aiden would get the message that he wasn't going to let him forget this humorous event!
Vincent took the cup once he'd received it and offered it to Aiden. Once it was taken, he took Aiden's bowl so he could drink and relieve the burning in his mouth. Without another moment's hesitation, Aiden quickly began to drink and was unable to contain his sigh of relief. Vincent found this even more amusing! But instead of making fun of him, an affectionate smile graced his lips as he told his friend, "You are such a git." He chuckled softly before he shook his head and began to wander off in search of a bench or somewhere they could sit. Aiden nibbled his lower lip as he followed Vincent and tried to push down how his stomach filled with excited butterflies at how Vincent used it as a term of endearment.
It didn't take long for Vincent to find them a bench facing the lake. As they ate dinner, Aiden noticed how Vincent seemed just a bit more subdued than he had earlier in the day and he kept staring out towards the lake. Aiden would dare say he looked almost bummed despite the enjoyable day. He'd noticed earlier how Vincent kept staring around at Leon's Claw longingly. As they neared the last few bites of their dinner, Aiden finally asked, "Is everything okay?"
"What do you mean?"
Vincent looked genuinely surprised so Aiden elaborated, "I....well, I was noticing how you seemed a bit more bummed. Not that it's overly noticeable! I just was wondering if maybe something was on your mind." Vincent blinked as he was taken aback. He hadn't realized Aiden had been paying that close attention. Perhaps Aiden had just come to know him that well.
"Heh, why am I not surprised?" Vincent gave a small shrug and stared off towards the colorful clouds of the sunset. With a wistful sigh, he explained to Aiden, "To say I miss flying would be an understatement. If I'm being honest, I'm feeling restless and bored and it's starting to REALLY get to me. Being on Leon's Claw today made me miss it more than ever." Aiden had paused eating as he focused his attention on Vincent. He understood how Vincent felt. Even Aiden was longing to be back up in the air! But Vincent had his flight with Damien coming up soon!
"But you'll be going up with Damien in a few days. He's supposed to come back tomorrow night, right? You can take Leon's Claw tomorrow if you want!"
"No," Vincent explained dejectedly. "I got a note from Damien this morning saying it will be another two weeks. No reason why other than he decided to stay longer." Vincent hunched slightly and brought his bowl and spoon up to finish his meal. Before he took his bite, he grumbled, "I should have known he'd do this again."
Despite being relieved to hear that Damien wouldn't return for a couple more weeks, Aiden knew that meant Vincent would have to wait even longer. He put aside his own feelings and continued to empathize with Vincent as a friend. "What do you mean?"
"He has a habit of changing plans at the last minute, is all. It's just....well, the moon is going to be full the next couple of days and the weather's been perfect for flying! But...it's fine. Really, it's...not a big deal. It's just two more weeks."
Aiden said nothing as Vincent brushed it off with a slight smile and continued with his meal in silence. Aiden quirked his mouth and faced the sunset once again. As he slowly finished his meal, he allowed himself to get lost in thought. It wasn't 'fine' at all. Vincent had obviously been looking forward to this! It was a couple of minutes later, once they'd finished eating, that Vincent, himself, broke the silence.
"I'm sorry."
"What do you have to be sorry for?"
"I don't know. For...bringing the mood down with my complaining? It's what I do. I always bring everyone down."
"You have nothing to be sorry for!" By now Aiden was facing Vincent in earnest while gazing into that sea-colored gaze he loved so much. He continued before Vincent could cut in, "You sure as Hell do NOT bring everyone down! Your whole family loves you! Tom was all smiles today and had a fantastic time with his uncle! He's been eager for this, remember? And you definitely aren't bringing me down! I enjoyed today. Even now! You're my best friend, Vincent. I want to be here for you! You don't have to carry your burdens on your shoulders silently all the time, you know? That's what friends are for! I asked you what was wrong. It's not fair to you that Damien brushed off your plans like that. It's normal to be disappointed. I would be! You don't have to pretend it's okay because it's not! So...please don't apologize. You really, really have nothing to be sorry for."
Every time Vincent had wanted to cut in and tell Aiden why he was wrong, he found he couldn't find the words. All he could do was sit there as Aiden went off on a passionate, long-winded speech to tell him why he shouldn't be sorry. And by the end, Vincent was sitting there in a stunned silence as he processed all of that. Did...did Aiden really just do that? No one had ever spoken to him like that! Well, Aiden had once before but nowhere near like this! And as Vincent stared back into that serious gaze, his cheeks colored a touch as he licked his lips and glanced down. Aiden had silenced him. So, instead, he managed a small nod as he conceded.
Aiden smiled softly and reached out to take Vincent's bowl for him who smiled back and mumbled a quiet thanks. Aiden wandered a short distance away towards a trash bin where he disposed of their bowls. He quickly drained the last bit of his milk then disposed of the cup as well. He knew there was a very real possibility that the evening would be drawing to a close now.
Though, as Aiden turned to face Vincent again, he couldn't help but pause and stare. There was just something about how his captain was relaxed and completely entranced by the colors of the sunset and how light sparked and shimmered across the water. The way the sun rays were hitting him made him look as if he were almost glowing. It was beautiful. The moment felt magical, Aiden felt. It was as if almost anything could happen...
"Fly with me."
Vincent blinked and turned his gaze up at Aiden in surprise. Not only was his young engineer asking him to join him to fly, but in a bold move he was actually extending his hand out towards Vincent for him to take. Vincent's lips parted as he glanced down towards Aiden's hand then back up to his eyes. Uncertainly, he asked, "Fly?" Aiden bravely kept his hand out towards Vincent as a small but confident smile spread across his lips. He wasn't going to miss this opportunity!
"You said tonight's a perfect night for flying, right? You need this. Do this for yourself. Just for tonight, you and me...let's run away together on Leon's Claw and just forget the world. Fly with me, Vincent. What do you say?"
Vincent stared up at Aiden so long that the latter was starting to doubt himself. This had been such a daring move on his part; especially offering his hand out for Vincent to actually take! And Vincent's expression was giving nothing of his thoughts away other than his initial surprise.
And indeed Vincent was unsure what to make of all this! What was going on with Aiden?! But as the seconds passed and he gazed up in those beautiful eyes, his heart began to beat a little harder in his chest as excited anticipation began to fill him. He knew his answer. Without another moment's hesitation, Vincent reached up and placed his hand in Aiden's as he took a step closer with a smile on his face as he gazed up at his friend.
Aiden's smile spread into a grin as his fingers closed over Vincent's. Taking his hand firmly in his, he turned and began to lead the way but Vincent took him by surprise! Instead of following him, Vincent squeezed his hand and ran ahead as he tugged Aiden along with a laugh. Once he was steadily keeping up, Vincent let go of Aiden's hand. Yet Vincent stayed comfortably by Aiden's side and exchanged looks of joy and laughter together.
Vincent felt liberated to let this side of himself come out! And it was all because of Aiden! And while he was still denying it to himself, he knew deep down that the excitement and joy in his heart wasn't just because of the upcoming flight.


---

NEXT PART:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/53653293054/in/datepo...


To read the rest of the story, here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
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"Maybe we will see one of those really big ones!" Tom exclaimed as he stared out the window of the carriage. Like Vincent had been at that age, he was in love with airships and his excitement was palpable as their carriage approached the airship yard and docks. Abigail had told Vincent that Tom had mentioned every day how excited he was to be spending the day with him and going to see the ships together. Honestly, Vincent had been looking forward to this as well. He loved his nephew and was happy to indulge him. Plus, it gave him a chance to spend some time on Leon's Claw. He was missing the feeling of home and peace that his ship brought him. Also, Aiden would be there! That thought alone brought a small smile to his face.
"We just might."
"Like really, REALLY big! Like Grandpa's ship!"
Vincent laughed softly as Tom spread his arms to emphasize the grand size of his grandfather's ship. Ships of that size were docked in a neighboring shipyard meant for much bigger ships than Leon's Claw. Though perhaps if there was enough time he'd take Tom over to see them as well.
The carriage pulled up to the drop off where uncle and nephew stepped out. It was a busy time of day and therefore a lot of activity and lots to see! But the first thing they did was go to a nearby street vendor to get ice cream! Vincent let Tom pick out his chocolate ice cream before selecting strawberry for himself. It was a warm, breezy Summer day and perfect weather for a cold treat as they walked the docks! And once they had their ice creams, they set off in the direction of Vincent's ship.
"I see it!" Tom announced about fifteen minutes later. They'd turned a corner and there was Leon's Claw just on the left! Tom ran ahead and up the gangplank as Vincent chuckled and followed behind him at a leisurely pace. By the time Vincent made it aboard his ship, Tom had already climbed up on the railing and swayed there with a giddy grin. Vincent glanced around and inhaled deeply before letting it go with an air of relief. His ship was just as he'd left it and all seemed fine. The only thing was...where was Aiden? However, they didn't have to wait long as the sound of someone ascending the stairs could be heard and Aiden's voice calling out, "Vincent, is that you?!"
"Yes, it's us!"
Moments later, Tom and Vincent were greeted with Aiden's cheerful smile as he peeked out at them from below deck. "You've got fantastic timing! Hi there, Tom! Come on down, gentlemen! I was just about to finish putting it together!" Tom waved from his perch upon the guardrail and responded, "Hi!" When Aiden dipped back down below deck, Vincent and Tom followed. Vincent let Tom go down first and as he made it to the bottom step, he heard Aiden say, "Pete, stay." Vincent blinked and glanced around as he set his hand on Tom's shoulder.
Pete was clinging to a nearby beam with his light illuminating Damien and Aiden's quarters. Aiden kept things fairly tidy in here on his own; something Vincent appreciated about him. On the ground sat Aiden with his legs spread out with a crate between them. His tools were laid out beside him and on the crate, well, at first Vincent wasn't sure what it was. But a moment later he realized that it was two pieces of a mechanical hermit crab! Vincent was about to ask about it but Tom beat him to it.
"What are you doing?" Tom asked as he knelt down to peer at everything curiously. Aiden smiled and shifted his leg to allow the boy more room as he explained, "Well, do you remember last night when I told you I make my own toys? Right, well this is one of them! Well...it will be once I finish putting it together." Aiden picked up the brass base and the wooden shell and set them off to the side. "Now, I'm going to piece it together but I need you to sit right there. Please don't touch anything yet." Tom nodded with a, "Yes, Sir" and tucked his hands away to resist from reaching out. Aiden winked at him then set to work.
Vincent leaned against a nearby pole and folded his arms over his chest with a small smile. While he wasn't expecting this this afternoon, he found he was perfectly content to be here and watch Aiden work alongside Tom. He hadn't had the chance to see Aiden make anything like this in person yet, so this was a bit exciting! He was fairly certain this would be a first for the boy as well.
Aiden had put on a pair of gloves and very carefully set down a small jar. Inside, Vincent knew, was a tiny piece of Fulgora's Eye. Aiden explained to Tom as he broke off a tiny, itty bitty piece that this was what would make it come to life. He explained as simply as he could what Fulgora's Eye was. Tom was a bright child and he understood everything Aiden explained to him. Aiden had then taken the opportunity to talk about Pete who diligently hadn't left his post. Aiden promised that after they finished up, he'd let Tom play with Pete and see what tricks he could do! By the time Tom had finished asking questions and Aiden had concluded explaining what he was doing, Aiden had already set the Fulgora's Eye into place. Now he was finishing connecting the two big pieces with the tiniest screws and tiniest screwdriver Vincent had ever seen!
"Okay, that should just...about...do it," Aiden muttered approvingly as he set down his tools. He picked up the small hermit crab and turned it over in his hands with a satisfied smile. He glanced over at Tom and Vincent before he held the shell between his fingers and asked, "Ready?" When they both acknowledged that they were, Aiden reached underneath the crab and flipped a tiny switch.
And suddenly the hermit crab came to life! Its legs began to move and its head shifted about just a little bit. Tom let out a squeal of excitement which drew a soft laugh from Vincent and Aiden. Aiden set down the hermit crab on its legs and it immediately began to move slowly forward! Then a few inches later it paused, shifted its head around, then proceeded to keep moving forward!
"That is incredible!" Vincent exclaimed with an approving smile. "I remember when you showed me this design!" Aiden glanced at Vincent with a deep blush as he beamed proudly. He replied, "Thank you!" Though a moment later Tom piped up, "Excuse me?"
"Yes?"
"May I touch it now?"
"Yes! You can pick it up if you'd like."
Tom reached out to pick up the small hermit crab though it was rather large in his small hands. He laughed and set it on the palm of his hands and stared at it while the crab seemingly stared up at him and shifted its head around before moving its legs around and trying to walk around. While Tom set it down and began to play with it, Aiden began to pack up his equipment. It didn't take long and soon Aiden had everything packed away and he was bringing Pete down to be formally introduced.
And as promised, about ten minutes later Tom was up on the deck with the hermit crab in hand while "making it fly" and with Pete's homing beacon in his pocket. The lantern was following the boy all over the ship, climbing over things and showing off his abilities. It was a good distraction and fun for Tom while the adults sat together on the topmost deck and spent time together.
Vincent had dug out his small pipe from his quarters aboard the ship and was partaking in the herb while Aiden sat beside him. Aiden hadn't smoked since his first encounter. While he'd liked the effects, he'd decided that it wasn't something he'd want to do regularly. In his line of work with heavy machinery and mechanics in general, it was unwise to be intoxicated. However, today was not going to be one of those days! He'd finished everything he needed to do and the rest of the day was meant for fun and relaxing. And, according to Vincent, this herb was a daytime one and much different than the one Aiden had tried last time.
It didn't take Aiden long before he started feeling in a really, really good mood. His project had worked out splendidly and now he was getting to spend some time with Vincent, getting to make him smile and laugh. And that's just what they did: spent the time just talking and laughing while watching Tom play. In fact, everyone was having such a great time that nearly an hour had passed since they'd all gone up on deck!
"So what have you got planned for the rest of the day?" Aiden asked as Tom started to approach them. It appeared he was done playing and had worn himself out a bit. Vincent dumped out the ash from his pipe and tucked it away as he responded, "We're rolling with it today, though we're talking about heading to the other side to see the big ships. There's still a few hours before he's due to be home." By now, Tom was within earshot so Vincent looked at his nephew and asked, "Tom, was there anything else you'd like to do today?"
The boy thought about it for a second as he stood there with the hermit crab in hand and Pete diligently at his side. Finally he responded, "Can we go see the big ships then go to the park?" Vincent took that as his cue that he should probably get up. He gave a nod of approval before starting to shift to his feet with a groan. And as he made to stand, Aiden grinned at Tom and swung his legs as he told him, "During my first week here, I saw this huge streamliner come in with probably three hundred passengers."
"Three HUNDRED?!"
"Aye! That's a lot of people, isn't it?"
"Uh huh!"
"Sometimes I like to go down there just to watch them land and take off."
"That's what we're going to do! Have you seen Grandpa's ship? It can hold a LOT of people! Like a hundred!"
"Not quite that many!" Vincent laughed as he corrected his nephew's elaboration. "It's closer to sixty." But here even Aiden glanced at Vincent skeptically and commented, "Sixty? Didn't you say the most crew he had was thirty-six?" Vincent turned to look at Aiden and quirked his brow in a way that had the younger man feeling as if he were about to be schooled. And indeed, Vincent retorted, "Just because that's the most crew it holds doesn't mean it can't hold more." At Aiden's confused expression, he smirked and revealed nothing else. Aiden wondered if maybe Vincent was simply teasing him. But something told him there was something Vincent knew that Aiden did not.
"Tom, why don't you give the crab and Pete's beacon back to Aiden? Then we can start heading out."
"Can Aiden come?"
"Well-"
"Oh, I wasn't expecting-"
Both Aiden and Vincent blinked and glanced at each other and both their cheeks turned a light shade of pink. Vincent smiled slightly and quirked his brow before he finally asked, "Well...I mean, would you like to? You know...join us?" Aiden grinned excitedly and replied, "Sure! Let me grab a few things and lock up! Tom, would you bring Pete downstairs?"
Vincent couldn't help but return the grin as Aiden quickly jumped up and went to get ready. His gaze followed the younger man as he climbed down to the lower deck to meet Tom, who began to follow him downstairs while asking questions about Pete. While Vincent was enjoying the time with Tom, Aiden's company was a welcome addition. Tom must really like him to invite him along. And thus, Vincent began to feel more eager for the rest of this afternoon. Aiden was going to be a part of it and that thought alone brought a smile to his face!
...
"We're almost there!" Tom declared as he turned and waved at his companions. Once they were just a little bit closer, Tom turned around and began to skip ahead once again with Aiden's mechanical hermit crab high in the air as it waved its legs around. A short distance behind him approached Vincent and Aiden at a leisurely pace. Aiden was happily distracted by all the unique ships and most of his conversation involved randomly pointing out different interesting aspects of various ships to Vincent.
Vincent was happy to indulge Aiden and Tom. He'd decided to treat them by purchasing tickets to a special observation deck. It had a spectacular view of the lake and the city. It was also perfectly located because guests could see both passenger and commerce docks for the largest ships! Best of all, there was an inbound cargo ship due in the next fifteen minutes! They'd have a fantastic view of everything from there!
Once at the lift, Vincent presented their tickets and up they went! It didn't take long and the trio arrived at the top-most deck. The view was phenomenal and they all took their time really looking around! Vincent went to stand with his nephew as the boy went to the rail to peek out at the skyline better. Aiden joined them a moment later, grinning at Vincent who grinned back. It appeared they'd arrived just in time! There was a loud horn off in the distance over the lake. Sure enough, it was the airship they'd come to see!
"SHIP!" shouted Tom as he waved and grinned widely in excitement. "IT'S HUGE!" And Tom was right! Aiden had seen many exciting landings and takeoffs in his life, but never had he been THIS close to one this big! Even from here, Aiden could see the crew's expressions and hear some of their words over the sounds of the engines! All the while, Vincent happily stood with two of his favorite people in the world as they admired the airship and all its splendor.
And when Tom began guessing the officers of the ship, Vincent smiled and began to help his nephew. To Aiden, it was sweet to see Vincent's soft side come out for Tom. He'd never really gotten to see this side of him before. He'd seen Vincent's soft side when it came to his family but the way he was with Tom....it was like watching a doting father and his son. There was pride and so much love there. Vincent was being open and expressive; behaving more boyish and laughing and just...not behaving like his usual stoic self while out in public. Aiden found he was loving this side of him. Who wouldn't? Vincent's transformation was just absolutely beautiful to see. It was nice to see him come out of his shell more.
Once Tom and Aiden had finished watching the crew unload their cargo, Vincent suggested they head off to the park and off they went! Though, as he turned to follow behind the other two, he glanced back towards the shipyard with a wistful sigh. How he longed to be up there again...
The beautiful weather kept up throughout the rest of the afternoon, so the three decided to enjoy their time around the park as the afternoon slowly progressed into the early evening. Aiden's hermit crab was getting a lot of adventure time as he'd allowed Tom to continue to play with it this whole time. Now that they were at the park, it was getting to really test its abilities to climb over different terrains! Even Vincent chimed in with a couple of ideas on where to let the crab climb.
"You know," Vincent thought aloud as Tom sat beside him on a bench, "it should have a name. We can't keep calling it 'the crab' all the time. Even Pete has a name!"
"How about Eugene!" volunteered Tom as he kicked his feet and pet the crab's shell with the tip of his finger. Vincent chuckled alongside Aiden and responded, "Why don't we let Aiden decide? It's his crab, after all." They both glanced up at Aiden standing before them with a grin on his face as he folded his arms over his chest. With a laugh, he agreed, "I like it. Eugene, it is! Now we have a Pete and a Eugene! Ha! Another crewmate!"
"I swear, Aiden, if I wake up one day surrounded by your 'crewmates...'"
And as Aiden laughed at that, Vincent joined in with his own chuckle. Honestly, these were really fascinating and Aiden did such an excellent job! He was eager to see what else he'd come up with! Though, as Vincent cleared his throat and checked his pocket watch, he realized that it was getting late. It was early evening already and Tom was due home for dinner soon. When he mentioned to Tom that it was time for them to start heading back home, he could see Aiden glancing around. Surely, he was expecting to take a carriage back to the other docks and this would be the end of their afternoon together. Perhaps it was just as well. The Dubois manor was even further away than Vincent's residence. It felt like there was a small weight weighing down on his chest. He was really enjoying having Aiden here, making him smile and laugh and feel good. A small part of him didn't want to say goodbye. Not yet.
"Would you like to come with us?" Vincent asked suddenly before he could stop himself. "I'll pay for the carriage fare back."
...Okay, so maybe it was a bigger part of him than Vincent realized. Seeing that bashful smile and how Aiden's eyes lit up was a wonderful sight to see. Even before Aiden was readily agreeing to come along, Vincent was already feeling that weight being lifted off and it was as if he could breathe more freely.
...
Upon their arrival at the manor, they were greeted by Abigail and little Genevieve. Tom immediately ran up to his mother and aunt to show them what Aiden had made as soon as he was out of the carriage. He explained, "His name is Eugene! Aiden made him! Just like he drew! Aiden, can I show Eugene to the others?" Tom looked up at Aiden hopefully, who thought about it a second before smiling and saying, "Actually, you've been doing so great with him today, why don't you hold onto Eugene for now? You can give him back to me later. Just promise to be careful?"
"Okay! I promise!" But before he left, he went up to Vincent and gave him a hug to which his uncle returned warmly. Once he was released, Tom grinned and told Genevieve, "Come on! Let's show Fleur! I TOLD her adults can play with toys! Aiden did and I saw him do it!"
Once the kids were inside and the adults were done laughing at the children's shenanigans, Abigail chuckled and asked, "Will you two be staying for dinner tonight?" Aiden wasn't sure what Vincent was planning and he glanced towards him questioningly. Though, Vincent was already shaking his head. He already knew that Charlotte would be inside. He didn't want to ruin such a splendid day with a repeat of last night. Honestly? He wasn't sure if he could stomach it.
"Not tonight, but thank you," he explained. Then he added without thinking, "We already have plans." Aiden blinked but then grinned at hearing that. They did? Well then!
Abigail smiled happily at this news and replied, "Well then, I shan't keep you! Be off with you two! Be well!" She hugged her cousin and then even gave Aiden a hug as well. Then she began heading back inside to let them get to their evening together.
Vincent and Aiden smiled at each other before making their way back towards the street. As they did, Vincent glanced up at Aiden and asked, "How do you feel about spicy food?" Aiden thought about it and responded, "I like it some. Why?" Vincent grinned and responded, "That settles where we're going for dinner. We're going back to the park!"


---
SHOUT OUT: I want to give the one and only Skippy Beresford a shout-out for inspiring the character of Tom!
Skippy has a way about him that inspires people to see the good in themselves, in others, and the world around them. He is partially what inspired me to want to write such an awareness story like TCATE.
Skippy's pictures and stories are always worth a view. I always find myself eager to see his newest adventures! Keep shining your light, Skippy! ♥
You can check out Skippy's own inspiring adventures in People in Photo!
---
NEXT PART:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/53624972321/in/datepo...

To read the rest of the story, here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated PG13!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and The Engineer has a Discord Server! If you wanna join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
discord.gg/qBa769TAC4

***NEW!!!!***

The Captain and the Engineer now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
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Its finally time to meet our favorite antagonist and First Mate of Leon's Claw: Damien O'Connor! Here's your chance to get to know Damien on a more personal level!

Name: Damien O'Connor
Age: 29
Height: 6'
Weight: 195 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Green


IF YOU WANT TO ASK DAMIEN ANYTHING, ASK IN THE COMMENTS AND HE WILL RESPOND!!!
(Yes, anything and as many as you'd like!)


If you'd like to Meet and Greet with another character, click below:

Aiden: www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/50846691428/in/datepo...

Vincent: www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/51060913911/in/datepo...

---

The story continues in...
NEXT PART:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/53599760413/in/datepo...

To read the rest of the story, here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated YOUNG ADULT!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and The Engineer has a Discord Server! If you wanna join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
discord.gg/qBa769TAC4

***NEW!!!!***

The Captain and the Engineer now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558531406088

Dinner had been absolutely delicious and a fun experience for Aiden! He couldn't remember eating anything so splendid as Mrs. Faris' incredible feast! The London broil had been unlike anything he'd ever tried before! Vincent had assured him it was supposed to be eaten the way it was prepared: rare and tender and full of flavor having been marinating for a whole day! And it felt satisfying to be eating the salad he'd helped prepare! At one point, he'd mentioned feeling so and it had sparked a series of short stories told by Lady Dubois, Abigail, and Vincent about shenanigans in the kitchen! Even the younger children piped in with quick stories of their own and got into the conversations...such as Emele's story involving Vincent leading her, her twin, and three elder sisters on a raid in the kitchen for pastries!
As Emele explained it, Vincent had come home for his first Summer after joining his uncle's crew. The younger girls had missed him dearly and wanted to have a tea party to catch up... but they didn't have anything to go with it and they wanted to make it special. Therefore, Vincent had come up with this brilliant idea that they could pretend to be pirates and raid the kitchen for some of Mrs. Faris' freshly baked treats! It had gone smashingly well...though Charlotte had come away COVERED head to toe in flour! According to Lady Dubois, to this day Mrs. Faris always kept herself armed with a baguette nearby whenever she did any sort of pastry baking! All the girls grinned smugly at each other while Bernadette explained in a whisper to Aiden that Vincent had been leading raids since he was a boy. It was because of him that Mrs. Faris always would secretly make a little extra and always act so surprised!
This topic also led to Aiden finding out more about Vincent's upbringing and the unconventional Dubois family. Aiden had known that Vincent's mother had left when he was just a baby which led to his aunt becoming the mother figure in his life. He didn't realize that she had actually raised him in this house alongside her daughters! A lot of things started to make more sense regarding why everyone was always so happy to have him home; family and staff alike!
When the time came for the family and their guest to move over to the family sitting room for dessert and entertainment, young Fleur jumped up and declared that she needed to get ready! She hurried to drop off her dishes into a bin set off to the side then set off quickly out the door. As the rest of the family began to drop off their own dishes, Aiden glanced at Vincent and asked, "Ready for what?" But before Vincent could respond, there was a soft laugh on his other side as Charlotte appeared and explained, "She's been eager to play the flute for us all afternoon! She's been practicing."
"That's right! I remember her asking if she could play for- Oh, well thank you!" he responded with surprise. She had taken Aiden's dishes for him and set them in the bin with her own with a sweet smile as she replied, "You're very welcome!" Then, before Aiden knew what was happening, she'd turned and linked her arm with his and began to guide him towards the door. She boldly set her other hand on his forearm in a more familiar manner and continued her conversation with him.
"Fleur is quite the little prodigy. The flute is one of my favorite instruments to play as well."
"Impressive! I don't know how to play anything! What other instruments can you play?"
"Hm, let's see...the clarinet is my favorite but I can also play the oboe..."
And as she began to explain how much she enjoyed playing various woodwinds, Vincent watched their departing backsides with an internal silent sigh and bubbling frustration. His broody mood had dissipated during dinner but now it was rearing its ugly head full force! Wasn't Aiden supposed to be HIS guest?! With a touch more aggression than intended, Vincent shoved his dishes into the bin and began to follow the rest of his family towards their sitting room. He was unaware of Bernadette and Abigail's exchanged glances of amusement and curiosity.
By the time Vincent made it to the sitting room, Aiden and Charlotte were already seated together on the loveseat and....well, he didn't like it. The sight of them together made him want to grind his teeth. When he'd told Abigail yesterday that Aiden was going to need his protection, he'd meant it and THIS was why! Yet it was all perfectly innocent and they weren't doing anything wrong. They weren't even touching. Fleur was showing off her flute to Aiden who was leaning in close to admire it. And beside him sat Charlotte as she smiled and doted upon her little sister. Vincent knew that Charlotte and Fleur were close so this was a chance for Charlotte to show off her maternal side...
"Uncle Vincent, would you put a puzzle together with us?"
Vincent's attention was grabbed by a colorful box being waved up at him by Tom and Genevieve who stared pleadingly up at him. While he wanted nothing more than to sit off to the side and brood, he forced a smile and told them, "Sure." He followed the eager children towards the coffee table and sat down opposite Aiden and Charlotte. Fleur had wanted to play for him, after all, and it would give him a chance to keep an eye on those other two...
Logically, Vincent knew he was being ridiculous! He didn't really need to keep an eye on them! There were other chaperones present! Besides... they were both marriageable young adults and if they wanted to court each other, it was their business! Vincent didn't want to admit it, but Charlotte and Aiden DID look good together side by side. Aiden was just the sort of man that his uncle would approve of: brave, dependable, respectful, intelligent, adventurous, kind... Oh, Vincent could go on! Aiden was quite a catch, and even Vincent knew that he'd make someone very happy one day. It would make sense that Charlotte would gravitate towards him, and if Vincent was being honest with himself, Aiden would be a good match for her...
It didn't take very long at all before everyone was settled into the family room and Fleur began to play for her family. Vincent was able to set aside his feelings and focus on Fleur and her performance. Vincent could tell she'd been practicing! As soon as she was finished he told her how wonderfully she'd done and asked her to play another piece which made the girl beam happily.
Once Fleur had finished, Mrs. Faris arrived with dessert which had everyone's mouth watering: freshly baked snickerdoodle cookies (still warm from the oven) served with a side of vanilla ice cream! There were many excited exclamations that had the family's cook beaming proudly and happily.
...
"This one is my favorite!" Tom told Aiden as he held his small model airship out for Aiden to see. Aiden blinked as he tilted his head and gazed down at the small model. It looked familiar! It was as Tom elaborated, "It's just like Uncle Vincent's ship!" that he realized it WAS a small, differently colored model of Leon's Claw!
"That is SO neat!" Aiden exclaimed as he was handed the small ship. As he was inspecting it, Tom asked, "Do you still play with toys?" But before Aiden could answer him, Fleur cut in with a slightly condescending tone beside him, "Tom, grown ups don't play with toys!"
"Well when 'I' grow up, I am still going to play with my toys!"
"Actually," Aiden said with a little chuckle, "I get to play with toys all the time!"
"What?!"
"You do?!"
"Mhm. In fact-" he held the ship out to Tom to take before he reached into his pocket and withdrew his pocket sketchbook and pencil "-I can show you if you'd like."
"I want to see!"
"Me, too!"
"Wait for me!"
Vincent smirked as he observed this whole interaction between Aiden and his little cousins. Aiden had actually brought his sketchbook with him! Vincent almost couldn't believe it, yet...that was so Aiden. He supposed it was just like Emele bringing her book with her to dinner. It was just...highly amusing. He watched as Aiden flipped to the back of his sketchbook and began to draw; all the children's eyes glued to what he was doing. It was really sweet to see Aiden bonding so easily with them. Perhaps it was the childlike wonder Aiden had about him.
"See, I build my own toys!" Aiden explained with a grin as he indicated what he'd drawn. "My first toy was a hot air balloon! It looked just like this one but it had been painted yellow and blue. I had it for a long time. Then there's also my spider lantern, Pete..."
Aiden took the next ten minutes or so sketching little creations he'd made for fun that he considered toys including a few tools. By now all the children were huddled around Aiden curiously watching and hanging on his words. Though he was a little surprised when Fleur asked, "Can you draw anything else?"
"Like what?"
"A pony!"
"Ah, well...I can try? I am no Master Artiste over here..."
Aiden cleared his throat and sat up a little more and thought about it a moment before he began his attempt. As it turned out, Aiden was a pretty decent "artiste" after all! And that launched requests from the children: a cow, an airship, a potato... Aiden laughed and was happy to indulge and listened to their input and teasing and constructive criticisms.
"He's so good with the children, isn't he?" Charlotte murmured with a little sigh as she took a seat beside her mother. Lady Dubois nodded in agreement with a small, "Mhm." Charlotte smiled and leaned against her mother's side as she watched Aiden. So far, she was really liking what she saw of him! He was sweet, funny, and good with children. Of course, he had to be trustworthy considering Vincent introduced him to the family! It was as if the stars were aligning because they'd be here in the city for the rest of the season!
Meanwhile, Abigail and Bernadette were sitting together with Vincent while catching up. The sisters were involved in the conversation, leaving Vincent to quietly relax and observe the rest of the room. He'd overheard what Charlotte had said to her mother, and he had to agree. Aiden really did get on well with the children, which was sweet. But what really made him feel warm inside was seeing Aiden so at ease and happy here. Aside from his deceased wife Emily (who had been best friends with Abigail and the family had absolutely adored her), he'd only brought Damien over before and his family had a habit of becoming more quiet in his presence. But it wasn't that there seemed to be anything wrong otherwise. They just...weren't their usual boisterous selves. While he knew that his family was going to adore Aiden (after all Bernadette and Abigail already did), a small part of him had wondered if Aiden would have gotten the same, more subdued reception.
"...and tomorrow Tom will be out all afternoon. Why don't you come by once you're finished?" Abigail was telling her sister before addressing Vincent, "Vincent, you're picking Tom up at noon, right?" There was no response. She glanced over and found her cousin abnormally distracted as he gazed across the way towards his engineer and the children. She smirked a little to herself before attempting to gain his attention again.
"Vincent?"
"Hm?"
"Did you hear me?"
"No, sorry. What now?"
"Tomorrow. You are picking Tom up at noon, right?"
"Yes, noon. I'll have him home by dinner time."
"Sounds like a plan."
And once Vincent's attention was turned away, Abigail and Bernadette glanced back at each other with identical smirks and quietly sipped at their drinks.
...
"Thank you for having me, Lady Dubois!"
"It was my pleasure to have you here with us. You are certainly welcome to come visit again anytime! Now, my little loves, inside! Time for bed!"
Aiden was standing with Lady Dubois as everyone made their farewells, but now it was time to really say goodnight. Lady Dubois began ushering the children inside despite their protests. And as she did, Aiden felt a touch upon his arm and found his attention taken by Charlotte.
"I very much enjoyed our conversations this evening," she told him as she slid her hand around his forearm and guided him a few steps away from the others. She nibbled her lower lip before suggesting boldly, "You know, you don't have to wait for my cousin for an excuse to visit. I'd love to get to know you better and hear more about what you do and your adventures."
"You do?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't I?"
"I tend to ramble a little bit."
But before Charlotte could reassure him, Vincent's chuckle interrupted their conversation as he approached their side. It was time to leave. Now.
"That's an understatement!"
Aiden scoffed but as soon as he did, Vincent made a face of disbelief that Aiden dared to buck back! He leveled a gaze up at him without blinking; a look that clearly meant he wasn't going to take any of Aiden's bullshit and he knew EXACTLY what Vincent meant. Without having to say a damn thing, he watched as Aiden's face colored just a slight touch and that awkward yet silly little grin of his appeared before he glanced downwards slightly. Then he flicked his gaze back to meet Vincent's while nibbling his lower lip. Feeling satisfied (and secretly pleased), Vincent pushed down the purring beast within him as he smirked and playfully nudged Aiden.
"Being an annoying rambler is part of your charm. Come, mon ami. Let's find us a carriage before it gets too late."
Aiden's gaze lingered on Vincent for a long moment before he glanced back at Charlotte with a friendly smile before promising, "I'll see you again soon. It was good to meet you." "See you soon!" she responded with a smile. Her gaze followed Aiden as he went to bid Bernadette and Abigail farewell once more before going inside, herself, while humming.
With a final big hug from Bernadette, Aiden turned and hurried to catch up with Vincent who had paused a short distance away with a small smirk. As Aiden caught up, Vincent turned and began to walk once again so he could hail them a carriage. Aiden fell back just a few steps and as he did, he allowed his gaze to glance down at Vincent's ass. He was unable to resist! Vincent had a nice ass and he always managed to wear pants that made it look amazing. With a cheeky grin, Aiden turned his attention ahead of him and started up a conversation with Vincent. While Aiden may have thought he was being subtle, the two eldest Dubois sisters were still standing alone at the entryway of the house staring out at their beloved cousin and his friend.
"You saw that, right?" Bernadette asked quietly before glancing at her elder sister with a small smirk. Abigail nodded and replied, "Mhm."
"How long do you think it will take them to stop dancing around each other like idiots?"
"Heh, you're the psychic! You tell me! You know, Vincent was right about Charlotte. He DID tell me yesterday that he would need to be here for Aiden's protection." They both burst into laughter at that. Then Abigail asked, "Did you see his eyes when she touched Aiden?"
"No, but I can only imagine the look. Remember how he was rough with this plate? Should we say something to her? She may be a little shit but she's still our sister. I don't want her to get her heart broken."
"Mm. If this gets any more serious, I'll say something to her. Let's not jump ahead of ourselves."
"But Aiden is clearly enamored with Vincent!"
"Clearly...except to Vincent. For someone so worldly and deep, he can be a real dunce when it comes to love. So what DO you see for them?"
Bernadette laughed as she folded her arms over her chest and leaned against the door frame. She glanced out towards the street where Vincent was holding the carriage door open for Aiden as he got inside. Even from here, she could see Vincent was smiling. She let her mind drift just a little and she blinked slowly as she thought of the two of them together. Her smirk softened to a gentle smile as she explained, "It can't be much longer. They've been circling and dancing around one another for some time now but they are each other's as sure as the Sun rises and falls each day. I can see Vincent's possessive nature emerging every time they're in the same room together. They keep gravitating towards one another and always find themselves in each other's company. But something's going to happen to push Vincent and once he realizes that Aiden is his, he is going to make sure everyone knows it."
"You don't think Aiden will break first?"
"Mm, that's a tough call. Though, heh, in all reality it may just come down to Vincent finally catching Aiden staring at his ass. This is the third time I've caught him, you know? He is not as subtle as he likes to think he is."
They both burst into laughter. Abigail linked her arm with her sister's and led her inside and closed the door behind them. Only time would tell how this would play out!

---
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***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated PG13!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!


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"...and I told him: 'Keep rolling your eyes and maybe you'll find a brain back here!' and I swear his face got as red as a tomato!"
Laughter followed that statement as Vincent and Aiden walked into the large dining room just in time to catch that last bit. Aiden quickly began to grin as he laid eyes on Bernadette who was standing with the twins. She seemed to notice him at the same time, and she grinned as well as she exclaimed, "Aiden! You're here!"
Aiden found himself on the receiving end of a hug (to which he happily returned) while Vincent smirked and rolled his eyes with amusement. Once again, he was momentarily forgotten for Aiden as she'd greeted him first instead. Vincent walked past the couple of friends who began quickly catching up with each other. He went to take a seat at one of the heads of the table as the twins settled into their spots at the table beside each other. He smirked slightly as one of them picked up a book seemingly out of nowhere and immediately buried her nose in it.
"You're such a bookworm!" her twin teased to which her sister looked up from her book with a big grin and responded with great enthusiasm, "Yes, I am!"
"But we're about to eat!"
"Mama's not here yet! I still have a few minutes! Now shh! Lord White is about to confess his love to Marina!"
And with that, her attention was glued to her book. Her sister looked past her at Vincent with a small smirk and roll of her eyes. Vincent chuckled. Ah, his little cousin was quite the reader! She'd been on a binge of romance novels as of late...
While all this had been happening, some of the house-servants began to bring out the dinner and set it out for the family. Aiden was impressed to hear and witness Vincent and his family thanking their staff! It was clear they really did appreciate the help and their staff was happy to serve them. They all had smiles as they exchanged a few words with them before taking their leave. The rest of the family would be arriving for dinner any moment...and Vincent was feeling impatient for them to arrive!
Aunt Jennifer had gone out of her way to prepare a combination of foods that he absolutely loved! Therefore, this was one of his favorite meals! There was Caesar salad with freshly baked crusty bread and butter to have as an appetizer. Of course he was eager to try those roasted potatoes! The sizzling cheesy, buttered asparagus next to it absolutely looked appetizing! Though, the real treat was Mrs. Faris' steaming London broils; two large chunks prepared in a marinade that had Vincent salivating in anticipation! He knew they would be perfectly tender and juicy! Mrs. Faris was an exceptional cook and was the envy of other households in the neighborhood! While Vincent was always happy to see his family, any opportunity to sample Mrs. Faris' cooking was worth a visit!
Bernadette began to lead Aiden over to the table and declared that he would be sitting between Vincent and herself. So, Aiden did just that, and took his seat between them at Vincent's immediate right. As he did, the door opened and in walked Abigail! However, she was not alone. With her were three small children: two girls which Aiden already met: little Genevieve and her slightly older sister that he'd seen outside. The third child was a small boy Aiden didn't recognize at all. Unlike the rest of the family, this boy had dirty blonde hair and vibrant blue eyes like sapphires. He appeared to be the same age as Genevieve. And just like everyone else had been, Aiden had thought he was just as eager to see Vincent because his eyes lit up upon seeing him. Honestly, it warmed his heart to see that Vincent was so loved by his family and he clearly loved them back.
"Uncle Vincent, are we still going to see the ships tomorrow?" the boy asked hopefully as he drew up beside Vincent's chair which made Aiden's heart beat a touch faster with anticipation. The ships?
Vincent grinned and turned to the boy and held out his pinky to him. Once the boy hooked his own, Vincent promised him, "Tomorrow at noon. I have not forgotten." Then Vincent sat up and realized something before he looked over at his engineer. "Come to think of it, Aiden, would you mind if Tom and I stop by Leon's Claw tomorrow afternoon for a short visit?"
Aiden shook his head with a smile. "Not at all!" Oh, today just got even better! Now he had something to look forward to tomorrow as well! The young boy, Tom, lit up as he grinned and replied, "I can't wait!" Then he looked over his shoulder and went to take his seat. Abigail had set a small booster seat down for him and on the chair beside it for Genevieve.
As the youngest children got settled into their seats with Abigail's help, Aiden leaned over and whispered to Vincent curiously, "Uncle?" He distinctly remembered Vincent telling him he was an only child! Vincent chuckled and explained to him quietly, "He calls me 'Uncle', but I'm really his great-cousin. That's Tom; Abigail's son."
"I see!"
Looking around as Abigail sat down on Vincent's left, Aiden saw there were only two chairs missing seated on the far opposite end of the table. Aiden began to wonder where Tom's father could be. There was no empty chair beside her and she sat between her cousin and son. Was he like Abigail's father and simply gone for long periods of time aboard a ship possibly?
All the girls were waiting patiently while they chatted quietly together and occasionally peeked over at Aiden curiously. Aiden smiled shyly as he was not used to so many curious eyes. He knew they were all waiting to be introduced but were waiting for their mother and absent sister. Honestly, Aiden was eager to be introduced as well! He was meeting Vincent's family! Thankfully, they would not have to wait much longer!
"It looks fine, dearest! Stop fussing with it. Come, everyone's waiting."
Lady Dubois' voice carried into the dining room as she spoke to the person behind her. Then she entered the room and told everyone, "Sorry to keep everyone waiting! Let's start the introductions then we can eat!" Lady Dubois went to stand beside her seat at the head of the table opposite of Vincent and waited expectantly. And as Vincent glanced over towards the door towards the third eldest of the girls, he had to fight the urge to clench his teeth.
Of all the things that Vincent had been most skeptical about, perhaps even slightly dreading...this was it. His cousin Charlotte had come out into society last year as a marriageable young woman. Now, at seventeen years of age, she was still unwed. Vincent knew that this year she was more determined than ever to find her "happily ever after." She was beautiful and highly attractive by society's standards with a heart-shaped face and a slender yet curvy shape that drew many eyes. Like most of her sisters, she had fiery, wavy tresses and the family's striking, oceanic eyes and a dusting of freckles. Young women envied her. Young men coveted her. And to top it all off, she even had a friendly disposition to match! It was hard not to like Miss Charlotte Dubois!
....but right now Vincent found the presence of her irritating. Maybe it was the way that her eyes cast over the occupants at the table until they predictably settled on the handsome guest beside Vincent. Perhaps it was the way her lips parted into a lovely, fetching smile as she began to move across the floor to take her seat. And once she was settled into her seat, there was just something about how she slightly nibbled her lower lip while gazing down the table towards Aiden as she waited for the opportunity to be introduced...
"Vincent, would you please do the honor of introducing everyone?"
"Gladly!"
At his aunt's request, Vincent stood with a warm smile and gave no indication that he was feeling broodier and broodier by the second. Dreading that he'd find Aiden leering across the table at his attractive cousin, Vincent turned his attention to his friend to introduce him. Whether Aiden had been staring at Charlotte before, Vincent didn't know. Right now, in this moment...Aiden was staring up at HIM. He was even smiling shyly with a hint of red on his cheeks. Vincent had to admit that Aiden looked really cute right now.
"Everyone, allow me to introduce my friend, Aiden Anderson. I know a few of you have met him already. Starting to the right...well obviously you already know Bernadette! Then next to her we have Emele then Dionne..."
Aiden recognized Dionne as the twin who had been in the kitchen. He remembered she had been eager for Vincent to try the potatoes upon their arrival, as well. Beside her, Emele had set down her book once introductions began and had given a small wave of hello once introduced.
"...and next we have my aunt Jennifer, whom you've met. And you haven't met Charlotte yet-"
"Hm, an unfortunate oversight, but it is a pleasure to meet you, Aiden," Charlotte spoke up. She set her chin in her hand and smiled across the way at Aiden and fluttered her eyelashes. Aiden blinked before chuckling nervously. He couldn't help the heat that rose to his cheeks at the attention of someone like her!
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Dubois."
"Indeed," Vincent muttered. An oversight? Really? He quickly began to introduce the youngest children before this irrational irritation made him say something stupid! "Then we have Fleur, Genevieve, and Tom! And, of course, Abigail!"
Meanwhile, during the introductions, Lady Dubois had poured red wine into some glasses for the adults. Once she'd been introduced, Charlotte had stood and began to distribute the wine first to Abigail and Vincent before picking up the next two. As she came around to deliver them to Bernadette and Aiden, Lady Dubois smiled at Aiden and said, "Welcome to the Dubois house, Aiden! Please help yourself and enjoy."
"Thank you! Everything looks and smells incredible!"
There was a general sound of eagerness as Vincent took his seat while Lady Dubois went to assist her youngest children with serving their meals. Meanwhile, Charlotte had set down the first of the glasses she was carrying before Bernadette. By the time Vincent had scooted in his chair properly Charlotte had already asserted herself at the corner of the table between Aiden and himself. Vincent watched as she set her hand gently on Aiden's shoulder before she reached across his place setting to set the glass down on the far side of his plate.
Aiden blinked at the sudden closeness but he glanced up at her with an appreciative smile as he told her, "Thank you, Miss Dubois."
"I'm happy to help. And It's okay to call me Charlotte," she assured him with a winning smile. Still she had not taken her hand off his shoulder. And as she leaned in just a little closer Aiden felt himself blush. He was not used to so much attention; especially not from such a pretty girl! "I know you are on first name basis with my sisters and- well, after all, with you being such good friends with my cousin-"
"It's like having another brother!" cut in Abigail on Vincent's other side as she served her son some roasted potatoes. "Wouldn't you say so, Bernie?"
"Mm, I would!" Bernadette replied enthusiastically and without hesitation. "Ah, it's good to have you join us finally! I was wondering when it would happen!" She leaned her head on Aiden's shoulder affectionately and Aiden laughed softly as he turned his attention to her and responded, "But how could I refuse such an invitation?" Here, Vincent snorted and retorted, "Don't be so polite. You mean: how could you refuse Abigail's aggressive negotiations?"
And as the rest of the family and their guest began to laugh (Abigail was laughing the hardest), Charlotte still stood there with her hand on Aiden's shoulder and looked just a touch put off by her sisters despite laughing softly at Vincent's humor.
A moment later Lady Dubois called over the lingering laughter, "Girls, come now! Let our guest be so he can eat! Charlotte, since you're up would you please grab a few extra napkins for the table?" With a resigned, quiet sigh Charlotte agreed, "Yes, Mama!"
Beside her Aiden heard the sigh and wanting to be nice, he looked up at Charlotte with a friendly smile and said, "It was great to meet you. Thank you for the warm welcome."
Charlotte instantly brightened with an elated smile and replied, "It was my pleasure. Perhaps...after dinner when we all go to the family room, we could sit together? I'd love to hear more about some of your inventions."
"My inventions?"
"Bernadette told me about your impressive lantern. I think it's the most intriguing thing!"
"Oh!" Aiden grinned at her praise. "Are you interested in mechanics as well?"
"Oh, I don't know much to be honest, but I'm really interested in what you have to say about it!" she told him. "I should let you get to your meal. Enjoy, Aiden! I shall see you afterwards!"
With a little nibble of her lower lip and a sweet smile, she squeezed his shoulder before setting off to do as her mother asked of her. But instead of letting go immediately, she walked alongside the back of his chair and her fingers brushed along both of his shoulders in a gentle manner, almost caressingly.
At the sight of Aiden's deepening blush and embarrassed smile, Vincent clenched his teeth and fought back demanding to know when the last time that she even cared what the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver was! But he refrained from speaking and opted to begin serving himself dinner instead. Bloody Hell, this was going to be a long Summer…


---
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***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated PG13!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!


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The cobblestone path gently jostled the carriage as it carted Vincent and Aiden through the city towards Vincent's family home. Thankfully, Vincent didn't feel nearly as much pain now that his ribs were about a month along in their healing. He was pleased with his recovery thus far, considering the potential setbacks. He was glad to be able to be out and about more regularly! And soon he'd even be flying again! Damien would be home in a few days too! There was much to look forward to!
Though, while Vincent was in a good mood and looking forward to seeing his family, he was feeling a little nervous. He still could hardly believe that Abigail had invited Aiden to dinner this evening! While it was no secret that Vincent and Aiden were close friends, he hadn't expected Abigail to call him out for saying "wonderful things" about Aiden like that! That had been very 'Bernadette-like' of her' he'd thought wryly. But Aiden had taken the whole invitation in stride and here they were! And they were almost there! If he was being honest, Vincent was secretly looking forward to having Aiden around, despite feeling nervous. He wasn't sure if he could admit that out loud though.
It had been a fairly quiet ride so far, and at first Aiden had wondered if maybe Vincent was uncomfortable regarding his being invited to dinner. He had to remind himself that Vincent had greeted him earlier with a warm smile and there had been no indication that he was unwelcome at all. So, by now, Aiden suspected he may be preparing himself for this evening and was simply enjoying the silence. Didn't Vincent say he had seven younger cousins; all of which were girls? All he knew was Vincent was close to his family. Aiden wasn't sure what to expect! After all, he was an only child with no close extended family, himself.
"Hm, we're here."
At Vincent's quiet declaration, Aiden looked up and smiled at the small courtyard and manor they were pulling up to. Most of the homes in this part of town definitely belonged to the upper class residents of the capitol. This one was no different, though there was something more welcoming about this house. Maybe it was knowing it belonged to the Dubois family? But perhaps it was also in how it almost felt as if he were visiting a countryside home instead of the fast paced city? There were plants decorating along the windowsills and he was sure he could see the entrance to a small garden peeking around the edge of the house. It was all lovely and well kept and welcoming. The landscaping was filled with flowers; many were blooming roses. It seemed like someone here (most likely Vincent's aunt, Aiden figured) loved plants!
The carriage pulled up in front of the house and came to a halt. Once it did, Vincent went to let them out of the carriage and stepped out to stretch. As he did, the door opened and a man with just a touch of gray in his dark hair stepped out; presumably a butler by the looks of him. Though he barely had the chance to do anything else than take two steps out of the door. He smiled helplessly as around either side of him darted out four young bodies; all of which surrounded Vincent and spoke with excited voices:
"Vincent! He's here! He's here!"
"You don't have to yell, Genevieve."
"Abby made dinner-"
"I've been practicing my flute!"
"-dinner but I helped!"
"Can I play for you after dinner?"
"I can't wait for you to try the potatoes!"
"Ooh, is that Aiden?"
"Can you pick me up yet?"
The youngest was perhaps five or six years of age and had dark raven hair just like Vincent. There was one girl just a little older and the other two (the eldest girls) appeared to be identical twins at eleven...maybe twelve years old? All three of them shared the same fiery, red hair as their sister, Bernadette. The youngest was clinging to Vincent's arm and staring up at him pleadingly in hopes of being picked up. Meanwhile, the other girls stared up at Vincent admiringly and were obviously happy to see him! It was such a whirlwind of sudden activity that Aiden was a little overwhelmed but thankfully not in a bad way.
Vincent, however, had taken it all in stride and smiled warmly for all the girls and wrapped his arm around the second youngest and squeezed her shoulders as he promised the smallest, "Not yet! As soon as my ribs are healed up I promise you will be the first to know!" The little girl beamed and hugged his arm and buried her face into his sleeve with an excited wiggle. Vincent's attention turned to the twins and said to one "I can't wait to taste them! Your last batch of potatoes was much improved from the time before." His attention turned to the girl he was holding and told her, "I'd be happy to listen! And YES, this is Aiden! I swear you brats wear me out. And I just got here!" There was a round of giggles and snickers as he declared and gestured, "Allons-y! Let's get inside and I'll introduce the lot of you soon, I promise!"
The girls went to head back inside; twins first, then the next eldest who was eyeing Aiden curiously, and following up behind them was the youngest still holding onto Vincent's hand as she gently tugged him to come along. Vincent glanced back towards Aiden with a small grin before looking ahead and happily received the sincere smile and welcome by the butler.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, young Captain Dubois, and welcome home. Mr. Anderson, welcome to the Dubois house."
"Thank you," both men responded before Vincent added with a sincere yet concerned smile, "It's good to be back. And how is Mrs. Faris? How's her cough?"
"Much improved, thank you, Sir! My wife is a hardy woman. She's already back in the kitchen; happily in her element cooking for the little misses. Be sure to stop in. She will be happy to see you and know you are concerned for her."
"Of course I am...I certainly will!"
"I'm certain that is where you will find your aunt and Miss Abigail as well."
Aiden glanced around as they were escorted through the entryway and admired the look and feel of the Dubois house. It held a welcome atmosphere and Aiden could hear the sounds of laughter coming from a nearby room. Once the greetings were finished, Aiden had expected to be shown to the sitting room where most people took their guests. Instead, Vincent set off down the hall with the youngest girl still clinging to his hand with Aiden walking alongside him on the other side.
"Aiden," Vincent introduced them with a little grin, "meet my First Mate: Genevieve!" Before he had a chance to elaborate, the little girl peeked around Vincent to look up at Aiden with a cheeky grin and merriment in her eyes as she declared, "I'm going to be First Mate one day! Tom and I are going to join the crew!"
"Oh!" Aiden replied with surprise as he grinned down at her. "Well, I look forward to serving with you, First Mate Genevieve!" Aiden had no idea who "Tom" was but he didn't get a chance to ask because they were already at the kitchen. Genevieve pushed open the door and the men followed in behind her.
Aiden had figured they'd find the lady of the house and her daughter overseeing the cooking of dinner. He hadn't expected to find them in the midst of preparing dinner, themselves, along with the cook! Abigail and one of the twins were standing over a steaming, sizzling tray of roasted potatoes. It very clearly had just been pulled out of the oven by them. Lady Dubois, herself, was just getting started preparing lettuce for what appeared to be a salad. They were all dressed in their comfortable dresses with aprons on as if they completely belonged in here; opposed to being stereotypical members of an esteemed, exceedingly rich family of society who had a perfectly capable staff to assist them.
"There you are! We were just talking about you!" came the pleased voice of Vincent's aunt as she paused her task. She set down the knife then wiped her hands on her apron as she came around the counter to greet him. As she approached, Aiden could see where most of the girls got their looks from! Her fiery hair had faded with soft touches of gray and she carried herself with grace and confidence and as if she stood a foot taller than her small stature actually was. Aiden could feel the maternal energy coming off of her as she reached up to pull Vincent into a full hug. One would think it had been weeks instead of just yesterday since she'd seen him!
"I expect it to be only the worst possible things!" Vincent declared which pulled a laugh from his cousins. He leaned in to kiss his aunt's cheek then glanced around. Aiden could see he looked genuinely happy to be here!
"It smells incredible in here!" Vincent continued his praise. "Do I detect garlic roasted potatoes...and Mrs. Faris, is that what I think it is?!" He glanced off to where Mrs. Faris stood before the wood stove with two large slabs of meat in a deep pan. She smiled brightly as she responded happily, "It is!"
"Mm. You're spoiling me today, Auntie!"
"Well it's not every day we get to have you over with a special guest!"
Vincent's aunt smiled expectantly and reached out to run her hand over her youngest daughter's head. The little girl shifted over to wrap her arms around her mother as Vincent cleared his throat and took a step back and began introductions.
"Aunt Jennifer, meet my friend and crewmate, Aiden Anderson. Aiden, this my aunt and the woman I consider my mother: Lady Jennifer Dubois."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Dubois."
"Likewise! We've heard so much about you! I promise once we're all together, I'll begin the formal introductions! There's quite a few of us and we're still waiting for Bernadette. Dionne, would you take your sister to get washed up and let the others know dinner will be ready in about half an hour?"
The twin set down her oven mitts and came over with a quick, "Yes, Mama!" and took her sister's hand and began to lead her away. Genevieve looked over her shoulder and waved at Aiden as she was led off, calling out, "Bye!"
Aiden smiled and waved back as he watched the girls go. Then he returned his attention back to the observant eye of Vincent's aunt. She smiled up at him then linked her arm through his and guided him to follow her towards the lettuce. And as she did, she began to speak with him; doing the motherly sort of thing as she got to know the young man that her nephew brought home to meet the family.
Once they got back to the cutting boards, Aiden happily jumped to help! He took the cheeseboard and asked what she needed before he began to slice up the cheese for her. It didn't take long for them to get the salad put together!
Meanwhile, Vincent left their side to go greet Abigail and Mrs. Faris. Without being asked, he began to help as well. Very quickly everything was getting done! Every so often Vincent would glance up and peek over towards Aiden. He noticed how Aiden and Lady Dubois were getting along just fine. It made him feel good to see Aiden take it all in stride and fitting in already as if he belonged here with them.
It was a short time later that Mrs. Faris approached Lady Dubois and the cousins and informed them that she could handle the rest and they should go get ready for their meal. She went to thank them for their help but Lady Dubois stopped her with a gentle smile and replied, "No, thank YOU Mrs. Faris, for allowing us to impose upon your kitchen! It's always a pleasure to be in here cooking with you! I think I shall wash up really quick before dinner. I will see you all shortly!" And with that, the lady of the house made her exit and went to freshen up. Mrs. Faris beamed before promptly shooing the "young bloods" out the door to get ready for dinner as well.
"See? I told you that you would be welcome!" Abigail was telling Aiden as she led the men out into the hallway. "As soon as I told Mama that you would be coming, she set off for the market with Mrs. Faris."
"She did? I'm flattered! Honestly, I can't wait to taste everything. It smells incredible!" Aiden exclaimed with a grin as he walked alongside her. It had been fun to get in the kitchen like that! Vincent's aunt had been patient with him and had him do a few other tasks that made him feel included and welcome.
"Mhm! Now, if you would excuse me gentleman... Vincent, would you show him to the dining room? We'll all be joining you in a moment!"
Once Abigail took her leave, Vincent began to escort Aiden around the corner at a leisurely pace in silence. As they approached the door to the dining room, Vincent glanced up at Aiden a touch nervously. He wasn't sure why he was nervous...
And then Aiden was looking at him with an encouraging, sweet smile. Suddenly, he wasn't feeling so nervous anymore. Vincent returned the smile as he felt more at ease. Then pushed open the door to escort Aiden inside to meet his family.


---
Next Part:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/53470128993/in/datepo...

To read the rest of the story, here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated PG13!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and The Engineer has a Discord Server! If you wanna join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
discord.gg/qBa769TAC4

***NEW!!!!***

The Captain and the Engineer now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558531406088

Aiden knew that Fulgora's Eye was an exceedingly valuable treasure. He definitely knew that the small piece he'd broken off to sell was going to bring him a lot of money. However, he was not prepared for the vast amount of wealth that was being offered to him when Vincent reached out to the capitol's royally funded university on his behalf. By the end of negotiations (also with Vincent's help and guidance), Aiden had sold the small but sizable piece of Fulgora's Eye. He was richer than he could have ever imagined!
When he demanded incredulously to Vincent about what the Hell he was supposed to do with all that money, Vincent had to laugh. He actually offered to let Aiden store his wealth and extra Fulgora's Eye pieces in his office for safekeeping while he figured it all out. That way, he could also find a better alternative; perhaps the bank in his hometown or even the one here. By the end of the day, Aiden had kept a substantial amount to sustain himself on for a long while and put the rest (and his unused Fulgora's Eye) under lock and key in one of Vincent's safes. His generous captain had emptied it specifically for Aiden's use. Honestly, Vincent was just happy to see Aiden succeed and win in life and glad he could do something to help. He gently suggested that maybe this would be a good opportunity for Aiden to get the things he needed and had been putting off getting for himself...such as new clothes and tools; maybe something to spoil himself, too, because (according to Vincent) he deserved it.
That had been a week and a half ago.
Aiden had been sitting on the large sum of money this whole time. He kept it safely stowed away in his bolted down chest. It was as if it didn't exist...except that he kept going back and looking at it at least once a day. It was as if he were trying to convince himself that it was really there and his to do with as he pleased. He had more money saved than he knew what to do with and then some! Though, finally the time had come where he was starting to realize that it would be okay if he used some of his money.
So, finally, one morning after a hearty breakfast and dressing in a pair of fresh clothes, Aiden grabbed his money pouch then set off for a day on the town! Now that he'd been in the capital for about a month and a half, he had figured out where a lot of things were on his end of town near the docks. However, the shops and other places he wanted to visit were further into the city. He wanted to go shopping for tools of his trade, but first: wardrobe. He may as well get it out of the way! He had seen many nicer shops closer towards Vincent's part of town. He figured he'd start there since he was somewhat more familiar with that area.
Aiden wasn't really sure what he was looking for as he wandered these nicer city streets. There had been several book shops, furniture shops, and boutiques down this way. He'd even passed by the book shop from which he'd bought his present to Vincent! Though, nothing so far was sticking out at him. If he were being honest, he felt a little intimidated by most of it. He wasn't an avid reader nor did he need home goods. The boutiques didn't seem to have anything of interest and he certainly didn't need to visit a modiste! He'd seen at least three! Finally he did come across a tailor shop specifically for men but the mannequins on display's clothing looked expensive! It was today's most fashionable style and perhaps just a little more flashy than he'd seen Vincent wear when out and about on the town. Vincent HAD suggested Aiden treat himself some nicer wardrobe items. However, Aiden thought, while it was really interesting to see and look at, he couldn't get himself to go inside. He felt a little foolish imagining himself dressing nicer than his usual fare of someone of the working class.
By now, it was early afternoon and Aiden was starting to think he should grab some lunch then perhaps a carriage across town. While fashion was not his forte, tools and other crafts were. And he knew exactly where Craftsman Alley was! Maybe now that he was willing to spend some of his money, he could start putting some of his plans into action! When he'd shown Vincent his ideas for the Fulgora's Eye, he'd not had the money in his pocket. Now he did! That settled it! Lunch then Craftsman Alley! He could go clothes shopping another day! At least he went and looked, right? With that plan set in mind, Aiden turned and set off to find himself something to eat.
After a quick lunch of sweet yet tangy grilled chicken and vegetable skewers, Aiden started to head back towards the busier city square to try and find an available carriage. It was quite far to get to Craftsman Alley and he'd been walking all morning! It wasn't too busy this afternoon on the streets, though there were several people out and about. Maybe he would get lucky?
Aiden was walking up along a street, and as he did, he began to notice a lot of flyers posted up along the side wall of a large building. He slowed and glanced over and began to realize that many of them were advertisements of operas and plays; mostly old ones with new ones layered on top. Glancing around, he realized he had to be by a theater! And sure enough as he walked around the corner there was the entrance with several other flyers and posters up! He slowly moved around the corner so as not to startle the nicely dressed lady standing very close by. She happened to also be admiring the flyers. Aiden cleared his throat softly and tried not to startle her. Then he politely went to move around her with a small, "Pardon me, Miss."
The young woman turned her gaze towards Aiden as he caught her attention. With a polite smile, she stepped more off to the side and replied, "Oh no, excuse me. I didn't realize I was blocking your path."
"Not at all!"
Aiden glanced back to give a reassuring smile with full intent to keep going on about his way and look at the other posters. But then he found himself pausing a little sooner than he'd planned. She seemed strikingly familiar! Bernadette? Wait, no...it couldn't be!
He paused and turned once he was a few steps away, gazing covertly up at the poster nearby. A few seconds later he glanced back at her while trying to be sneaky about it. No, he realized, it definitely wasn't her. While her face may have resembled Bernadette, from this angle he could see she didn't have Bernadette's generously curvaceous figure nor fiery red hair. Instead she had dark, raven hair and a more slender shape to her.
Though awkwardly for Aiden, she noticed Aiden staring. Her smile faded as she glanced his way. He suddenly blushed in embarrassment as she asked a touch cautiously, "Can I help you, Sir?"
"My apologies for staring, Miss!" he told her sincerely and waved his hands in apology. "You just look like someone I know and I thought you might have been her." The young woman turned bodily to face him as she considered him for a moment before shaking her head.
"Ah no, I'm fairly certain we've never met."
"Right. I'm sorry to have disturbed you."
They smiled at each other amiably then went back to looking up at the flyers up on the wall. Aiden quickly finished observing everything before deciding to bid the young lady a good day. Though when he glanced over he saw she was smiling softly to herself as she read over some showtimes for a play currently being performed this week. He glanced up to see what she was looking at then grinned a bit and asked her casually, "Have you seen it before?"
"Hm?" she responded, blinking and glancing back at him then back to the showtimes. Then she laughed softly. "Oh, the play? I have!" Aiden smiled and said cheerfully, "I have once! Though I haven't had many opportunities to see many plays." The young lady smiled and encouraged him, "This troupe is worth seeing. They often host traveling ballets and operas as well. Oh!"
One of the workers had come out with a brand new poster and gruffly excused himself for getting in their way. Both Aiden and the lady moved out of the way and watched curiously as the new opera singer's poster was put up. And as soon as she caught sight of it, the young lady gasped and a smile lit up across her lovely face.
"Camille Callas! Vincent needs to see this! Ah, speak of the Devil..."
Aiden glanced over his shoulder as she waved to someone behind him. And much to his surprise, the very 'Vincent' she was speaking of turned out to be none other than his very own captain! Vincent was dressed nicely and not like his usual traveling self. Instead he was dressed much in style like the young lady and those suits Aiden had seen at the tailor's. And now that all signs of bruises and cuts were gone? Aiden couldn't help but think how handsome Vincent was....and how underdressed and out of place he felt in comparison. It was hard to remember that sometimes Vincent was a part of high society. Though, logically, Aiden knew Vincent didn't like it. He hadn't forgotten how much Vincent had complained the day he told Damien and him that he'd have to go to the ball. But seeing his captain like this sure made it hard to remember that...
And to make matters worse, Aiden couldn't help the knot that began to form in his stomach as his new acquaintance smiled beautifully and extended her arm out for Vincent to join her at her side. She greeted him warmly, "Welcome back, dearest. Did you find what you were looking for?"
Vincent's eyes had widened in surprise momentarily when he saw both Aiden and the young lady together. How the Hell did they know each other?! Or was this just a chance meeting? He cleared his throat a touch nervously and returned her warm smile as he joined her side.
"I did. Thank you for waiting for me," Vincent responded with gratitude. She grinned with a soft, "Of course." She didn't hesitate to gently wind her arm around his in a comfortable manner.
Vincent finally glanced at Aiden and quirked his brow with a small smirk. Then he asked with a small chuckle, "Are you SURE you're not stalking me?" Aiden couldn't help but laugh as he was accused once again of stalking Vincent!
"I'm not!" he insisted but Vincent made him laugh more by teasing, "I'm starting to question that!" Vincent felt a gentle squeeze on his arm and he glanced at the woman who was gazing up at him with a curious, quirked brow. He knew what she was wanting. He chuckled once again as he began introductions and Aiden settled from his laughter.
"My apologies," Vincent began. "This is my friend Aiden Anderson; the one I told you about aboard the ship."
"Oh, I see!" the young woman exclaimed softly with a smile as it suddenly clicked for her. Yet Aiden had no idea who she was! They were obviously VERY familiar with each other. Aiden tried not to jump to conclusions but he couldn't help it! Maybe she was Vincent's lady-friend. He did seem a little nervous upon approaching and introducing them, hadn't he?
"Aiden, let me introduce you to my eldest cousin and closest friend: Missus Abigail Watson."
Cousin...? Oh. Oh! Aiden grinned and gently took her hand in greeting as he took the liberty to really look at her. Now that Aiden was staring at them side by side it made perfect sense why he had thought she resembled Bernadette. She clearly had to be Bernadette's sister! Aiden felt silly for not realizing it sooner! Her sea colored eyes were shared by both her sister and cousin though her raven colored hair matched Vincent's. It was obvious now! That knot that had begun forming began to ease as he realized that Vincent really didn't have a lady-friend after all! Instead, he began to feel butterflies. He was meeting more of the Dubois family!
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Please, call me Abigail," Abigail told Aiden with a different kind of smile; one more grateful as he squeezed his hand. "I cannot put how I feel into words but....thank you for everything you have done for my cousin these past few weeks." Aiden blushed as he glanced back towards Vincent who had a soft rosy hint of color on his cheeks as well. Vincent's blush only darkened and his heart skipped a beat as Aiden responded to Abigail while still gazing at him, "Vincent is my best friend and my captain." Aiden's gaze slowly shifted back to her as he smiled and added, "And the pleasure is mine."
Once Aiden released her hand, she brought her hand to rest over Vincent's arm as she explained to her cousin, "We've been talking for the last couple of minutes about the theater. And look, Vincent! Camille Callas!" Vincent glanced past her to view the poster as her gaze instead shifted back towards Aiden. Ever since Vincent had joined them, she'd noticed the young man's eyes had hardly deviated from her dashing cousin...
"Well then, we'll have to make plans to come back to see her perform!" Vincent promised his cousin as she smiled in gratitude. She watched as his attention returned back to the young man beside them.
"So how are you, Aiden? What are you up to today?"
Beside him, Abigail smirked a tiny bit and shook her head and simply leaned against Vincent's side and let him talk to his friend and keenly observed their conversation.
"I'm doing fine," Aiden assured him. "I went shopping around like you suggested and I'm planning to go to Craftsman Alley next to do some shopping there. I've got a few new ideas I want to try."
"I'm not surprised! I look forward to seeing what you come up with next."
"Really?"
"Really. We'll need to get together again very soon so you can show me what you've been working on and what new ideas you have."
"I'd...I'd like that."
"Aiden," Abigail spoke up in the adorably awkward silence that followed, "how would you like to join the family for dinner tomorrow evening?" Vincent blinked and looked at his cousin in surprise. Then he went a deep shade of red as she added, "After all the wonderful things we've heard about you from Vincent, I'm sure everyone would be happy to meet you."
Vincent turned his burning face away from them; he was unable to form any sort of language as he tried to wrap his head around that she'd actually said that! Beside him, his cousin smiled at Aiden as if Vincent's adorable embarrassment weren't even happening.
Aiden was now a deep shade of red as well. Wow, this was big! He was being invited to meet Vincent's family! Had Vincent really talked about him that much? He glanced over at the obviously embarrassed Vincent then back to Abigail. "Are you sure it would be okay?"
"Absolutely," she replied with a confident smile as she ignored Vincent's tiny, pleading groan beside her. "Mama won't mind one bit and I know Bernie would be pleased to see you again. It's been a while since we've had guests over, besides Vincent. Weekend dinners are always extra special. Unfortunately, you won't be able to meet Papa yet, but please say you'll be there?"
"Well when you put it like that, how could I refuse?"
Vincent stood there helplessly as Abigail and Aiden began making arrangements without him. And, very quickly, it was done. Aiden was to meet with Vincent at his flat then travel to the Dubois house together. Vincent wasn't quite sure how this all happened, but here it was happening anyway!
The next thing he knew, he was bidding Aiden farewell until the morrow. And while this had all been utterly embarrassing, he couldn't help but feel pleased. Abigail took such a liking to Aiden that she wanted to invite him over for a weekend meal right away.
And as Vincent watched Aiden's departing backside, he felt Abigail very gently squeeze his arm and murmur suggestively, "He's rather easy on the eyes, don't you think?" Vincent quirked his brow at her then demanded, "Easy on the eyes? Bloody Hell, Abby! You realize I'm going to have to be there for the sole purpose of protecting him from Charlotte, right?"
"Oh?" she inquired with a small, amused smirk. "I would have thought a gentleman such as yourself would have been more concerned for the young Miss."
"No," he insisted firmly, "I'm certain it is Aiden who will need protection."
As he began to escort her towards the tea shop where they had planned their afternoon together, Abigail laughed softly. She had to concur with his sentiment! She was looking forward to this. Admittedly, she found herself becoming invested in seeing how tomorrow would play out.


---
Next Part:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/53347067734/in/datepo...

To read the rest of the story, here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated PG13!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!

This scene was taken in Second Life at Victorian London - Time Portal! When you first land, head down the main road and just as you come to the main city square, look to the right and you'll see the theater in this scene!
You can check out this AMAZING roleplay-type parcel and even rent from there! Its so realistic! Seriously! The details here are incredible!


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and The Engineer has a Discord Server! If you wanna join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
discord.gg/qBa769TAC4

***NEW!!!!***

The Captain and the Engineer now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558531406088

Life aboard Leon's Claw had taken a major turn when Vincent's abduction left him with grievous injuries. It meant ship operations would be suspended for the remainder of the Summer while he recovered from his ordeal. Between the stress of that, Damien and Aiden's growing animosity, and hovering loved ones? Well, it was quickly making Vincent feel he'd go mad! Though fate would have it that he wouldn't have to go through it all alone...
Aiden had discovered more about himself since leaving home than he could have ever imagined. When his beloved captain's life was at stake, Aiden risked everything to get him back...and he succeeded!
Now with nothing but time on their hands, Vincent and Aiden are finding themselves in each other's company more and more, as if unable to help themselves. And with pressure of the Midsummer Masquerade approaching and new friendships testing the boundaries of their relationship, will Aiden finally get the courage to tell Vincent how he feels before it's too late?
Join the crew and read on as Vincent and Aiden take on a whole new set of more personal adventures as The Captain and The Engineer continues with Volume 3!!


---
The Captain and the Engineer continues in....

Next Part:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/53234396773/in/datepo...

To read the rest of the story, here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated PG13!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!
Vin also custom-made this pose for me and did the titling on the picture for me too!


DISCORD SERVER: That's right! The Captain and The Engineer has a Discord Server! If you wanna join and chat with other crewmates and see what's new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
discord.gg/qBa769TAC4

***NEW!!!!***

The Captain and the Engineer now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558531406088

Author's Note: There is a lot of stigma regarding cannabis (often referred to as "herb" in this story) and it being used as a "drug." Cannabis is a healthy, natural herb with many medicinal benefits. There is a lot of misinformation out there and I encourage you, my crewmates, to do your research.
For people like Vincent, cannabis has the ability to ease chronic pain, silence anxiety, promote restful sleep, and improve overall mental wellness and so much, much more!

Once Vincent and Aiden had gotten past the initial bouts of laughter over Aiden's ponderings over cheese and cellos, the two enjoyed a pleasant hour together with lots of chuckles, light banter, and good conversation. Aiden hadn't needed another hit off Vincent's pipe yet, though Vincent had been keeping an eye on him. So far, he'd seemed to be taking well to it. Aiden was in a great mood, was laughing more, and more relaxed than Vincent had ever seen him be.
"Do you think the herb is working?" Aiden finally asked after having thought about it for a while now. While it didn't appear obvious to him that he was under the influence of the herb, it was to Vincent! Vincent laughed softly at Aiden's question as he pulled himself to sit up a little more to survey his young friend. Currently, Aiden was slouched in the chair with his knees spread wide and his hands folded over his abdomen with his head at a slight awkward angle. Vincent had thought it looked uncomfortable but whatever made Aiden happy, he figured.
"Oh, it's working, alright," Vincent assured him with a little smirk. "Don't worry, a lot of people don't realize they are high their first time. You are making some hilarious observations, mon ami. Remember your commentary about the moon? It made me laugh so hard I nearly fell out of my chair!" When Aiden laughed in memory, Vincent nodded and told him, "And you are so relaxed that you're sitting half out of your chair and you give zero fucks."
Aiden realized Vincent was right! With a sheepish little smile, he began to pull himself to sit up more properly with a small groan as his middle back popped. Vincent chuckled at him and folded his arms across his chest. Vincent had allowed himself to indulge in some more herb and now he was feeling great again! He'd promised Aiden another hit soon if he still wanted it and that time was approaching.
"Hm," Vincent thought aloud as he realized all was quiet, "the music's stopped." His gaze shifted towards the phonograph and began to wonder what he could put on next for them to listen to. Vincent prepared himself and groaned as he finally managed to get to his feet steadily. He blinked a few times, grinned down at Aiden, then went to retrieve the finished record and stow it away. "Do you feel a nice little pressure right up in here just above your brows?" And he turned to face him and gestured towards his forehead with a little smirk. Seeing the realization light up on Aiden's face was amusing!
"You're right!" Aiden exclaimed. "And a little tingly around the eyes too!" Vincent grinned a little more and replied, "Same with me!" And as he went to gingerly lift the record and put it back in its album, Aiden turned in his seat and peered over the edge of the backrest at him with a little grin of his own. He watched as Vincent hummed softly to himself as he next went to the shelves to set the one album up and began searching for a new one. Once Vincent took out one and then slid it back in its place a moment later, Aiden asked him, "What are you looking for?"
"I'm not sure yet. We want something a little less energetic, I think. What did you think of the last one?"
"I liked it a lot!"
Aiden enjoyed having the excuse to openly watch Vincent as he shifted about and hummed to himself. Without even realizing he was even doing it, there was a sort of sensual way Vincent shifted from one leg to another, how his hips moved in a way most men's didn't, how he'd occasionally bite his lower lip before smiling to himself as he contemplated his music options.
"Mm, yes. This one. Same artist, slightly different feel."
Vincent turned with a smile spreading across his full lips as he went to get it set up. Aiden licked his lips then set his feet down firmly on the ground before pushing up to stand.
"Woo...I think I see what you mean by 'loopy,'" he said with a few hard blinks as he set his hand on the back of the chair. While the world wasn't spinning or anything like that, it was somehow more vivid. This must be what Vincent had been talking about! From beside him, he heard Vincent's soft chuckle, "You doing okay?"
"Oh yeah, I'm fine. More than fine!" Aiden assured him as he moved to stand beside him. "I'm just- I don't know, experiencing everything just somehow more vivid." Vincent smirked and shook his head slightly as he set the new record and needle. Vincent's gaze shifted to look up at Aiden as he set the album cover down and out of the way...and realized Aiden was staring at him instead of at what he was doing.
Thump thump. Thump thump.
Thump thump. Thump thump.
And as Vincent felt his heart pound harder than expected, the sound of a gentle and sweet melodic violin began to play from the phonograph beside them, sweet and romantic in nature. Vincent blinked and suddenly realized he was staring at Aiden for far too long than what was appropriate. God, what the Hell was he doing?! Not even thinking about why Aiden had been staring at him in the first place, he softly cleared his throat and turned around to face his tea station and quickly began to turn the flame up to heat water for their next round of tea. He felt a little awkward and shy suddenly. Maybe the herb was making him feel like that? Yeah, that's right, he figured, because there was nothing to be shy or awkward about!
"Did you want some more tea?"
"Yes, please."
Aiden had turned to watch as Vincent busied himself with fetching their teacups so he could put in fresh tea bags. Watching Vincent was something of a hobby of his, it seemed. He felt like he couldn't help it! He smiled softly as he watched Vincent sit in his chair before his desk with a happy little groan and began to hum along to the music.
It was as if Vincent could feel Aiden's eyes on him. He glanced back over towards the young engineer about half a minute later and caught Aiden doing just that. However, he wasn't looking at him in any sort of way other than...well, what seemed to be contentment. It made Vincent smile softly. And though he was unaware, his cheeks tinted a soft rosy color the longer this went on. It was good to see Aiden like this, but why stare at him when there were so many other interesting things to see in here, like the telescope behind him or the orrery? At least, that's how Vincent felt. Though a moment later Aiden seemed to realize he was being stared back at because he gave this silly little grin then suddenly turned to face the shelves and proceeded to browse along the albums Vincent had collected. Vincent smirked a little to himself as he tilted his head. What was Aiden up to?
As soon as he was turned away, Aiden's cheeks flared to life! What the Hell was he doing?! He needed to stop staring so much! Yet, he bit his lower lip with a tiny smile as he reached out to brush his fingers along the shelf in front of him. For a long moment, his gaze remained unfocused as he smirked and shook his head at himself. He had a feeling the herb was making him a little more lax in his discretion. He should be more careful about that, he decided. Vincent was going to figure him out! Aiden just couldn't help it! Every time he stared into Vincent's eyes it was like he was floating; lost in the sea that was the beauty of his gaze.
Though, as he was glancing over the album covers, he decided while he was here he should take the time to see what sort of music and books Vincent liked to collect and keep in his special place! When he glanced back towards Vincent curiously, he saw that Vincent was back to staring at the teacups and humming along to the soft music again. Well that settled that. Vincent didn't seem to mind him looking around! Hell, he'd invited him to do it earlier hadn't he? Now choosing to focus on actually looking, Aiden did just that.
Aiden could see from the musical selection here that Vincent seemed to really enjoy quartets and other classical style music. There were a few solo artists; some of which seemed foreign with strange names. Truthfully, Aiden wasn't familiar with most of them. He slid a few in and out, peeking at the covers curiously. He found a poetry album and what seemed to be short stories as well. Though, as he got to the next shelf he happened to see something peculiar as he was sliding back in a blank, black cover: a small skull and crossbones etched into the bottom corner. Aiden hadn't been looking for anything out of the ordinary. It just happened to catch his eye as he was sliding it back in! He glanced back over at Vincent and saw he wasn't looking. So Aiden glanced forward again and slid the album out and opened it. He blinked as he realized that the art style inside the cover was even more peculiar and interesting to see!
The inside of the cover looked to be a map! Well certainly it couldn't be real but the design was realistic enough! There was a painting of mountains overlooking a hazy sunset with an airship flying a flag of skulls and crossbones. Pirates? Sure enough as he glanced over to the other side and he began to silently read off some of the names of the tracks: 'Pirates of Estorna,' 'Voyage of the Red Victoria,' and 'The Captain's Wives' were just to name a few.
While music like this was often heard in bars or taverns, it wasn't something Aiden had expected to find in Vincent's office! Yet...somehow, he felt he should have known to expect the unexpected while sorting through Vincent's musical preferences. The man was always full of surprises! As a cargo airship captain, Aiden would have assumed Vincent wouldn't want to have much to do with pirates. But he supposed that didn't mean he couldn't like music inspired by them right? After all, it was all about life sailing the open skies and sea and living life freely as you saw fit. Aiden quietly slid the album back in and continued browsing for a few more minutes before he returned to his seat as Vincent smirked over at him and asked, "Find anything interesting?"
"Several!" Aiden responded with a grin. "I had no idea you had such a wide variety of interests. How many languages can you read?!" That sudden exclamation made Vincent glance away with a bashful shrug.
"A lot."
"How many?"
"I don't know."
"Vincent!"
"Gah, fine! Six! I think? No, seven! If I have my linguistics reference book handy then probably more."
"Whoa! That's impressive!"
"Well...I suppose? I mean..." Vincent blushed slightly and looked down. He cleared his throat. "...Thank you." Even saying that seemed too prideful! What else could he say? He just...it was just how he was! He retained knowledge easily! That wasn't impressive!
Suddenly (and thankfully, Vincent thought) the kettle began whistling. Vincent stood and gently brushed past Aiden to tend to it. He blew out the flame and lifted the teapot before swiftly making his way back to his desk where the teacups waited. After finishing pouring the water into the first cup, he glanced up and saw that Aiden was watching him again with a smile. No, he told himself silently. Not him...it was what he was doing. That's all. Vincent smiled back and then lowered his gaze as he focused on what he was doing with the boiling water before pouring into the second.
Once they were all set up again at the table, Aiden got comfortable and accepted Vincent's pipe once it was offered to him. With Vincent's permission, Aiden took two hits off Vincent's pipe before handing it back. Thankfully the coughing wasn't nearly as bad as the first time. While Aiden rested his lungs, Vincent took the opportunity to smoke more heavily upon the bowl.
As this next round of herb began to take effect, Aiden realized that he didn't feel 'good' anymore. He felt fantastic! Even though Vincent and he hadn't spoken a whole lot, the silence had been comfortable and they'd occasionally glance towards each other with a small, content smile. A couple of tracks had passed and Aiden had noticed Vincent had gotten lost in the music again just like before. Vincent's gentle smile had emerged once again and his eyes were closed as he hummed and shifted to the sweet, gentle melody.
Aiden's eyes closed and he smiled softly as he allowed himself to get lost in what he was hearing. Though, as he listened, he could hear Vincent's voice not simply humming but vocalizing! He was singing along to the music! It made the experience so much more satisfying and beautiful. And as the music continued to play Aiden could feel his body moving and how his own voice almost could anticipate the sound of the quartet as he began to hum along, himself. Once or twice he heard his own voice carry alongside Vincent's, which made his heart beat a little faster with silent joy. However, he spent most of his time listening as he continued to let himself drift mentally; just letting the music take him away in ways he'd never experienced before.
When Vincent finally came back from his own spacing out some time later, he realized that several of the candles had burned down lower than he'd anticipated. Sitting up a little more, he delved his fingers under his eyepatch and ran his fingers over his eyes tiredly. When he lowered his hands to peek over at Aiden he realized that he was starting to nod off. If he didn't say something, he was going to fall asleep for sure! Vincent smirked to himself as he stretched. Yeah, it would be wise to go ahead and get some sleep. But first, he'd need to wake Aiden up and make sure he was taken care of.
"Aiden."
Aiden grimaced and inhaled sharp and deeply as he blinked and struggled to focus as Vincent gently shook his shoulder.
"Heh, c'mon. You can take the sofa in here. I'll sleep in my uncle's office."
Aiden scowled slightly as he forced himself to wake up some more. Honestly, he hadn't expected to stay the night here. He figured Vincent would just send him back to the ship but it seemed he was keeping him around after all! He managed to get up and drag himself across the room towards the sofa as Vincent shifted out of the way for him. Once Aiden began laying out, Vincent went back towards the chair to retrieve the pillow for Aiden. And as he passed the phonograph, the next song (his favorite on this album) began to play; sweet and romantic with gentle but passionate swells that was soothing to the ear.
And it so happened that as Vincent returned, he found himself on the receiving end of one of the sweetest and concerned expressions as Aiden gazed up at him. But it was the way his eyes shined so gorgeously and flared in the dimming light and how they silently pleaded with Vincent; well it took his breath away. With the hints and hues of the candlelight, his eyes reminded Vincent of the sunset overlooking the ocean. Still caught off guard, he was asked, "But wait...what about you? Your ribs...Vincent, I-I can sleep on the floor. You can take the sofa."
"Shh," Vincent hushed him gently with a soft chuckle as he unexpectedly knelt down before Aiden. And then he gave him a handsome, reassuring smile. "No one has to sleep on the floor." He was unable to help but fall into those ocean eyes all over again. Aiden had apparently forgotten in his high, sleepy state so he patiently reminded him, "I'll be next door in my uncle's office and sleep on the sofa in there. I am just making sure you are taken care of first." With a small grin, he offered the pillow out to Aiden who took it with a sleepy, adorable smile and tucked it under his head.
"Oh, well, thank you."
"You're most welcome. Goodnight, Aiden. Rest well."
"Goodnight."
Aiden smiled a little bit more and tried to stay awake more so he could enjoy Vincent's company just a little bit longer. However, the combination of the enjoyable but tiring evening took its toll and before Vincent could even stand, Aiden was already asleep. Vincent smiled to himself as he watched Aiden sleep for a moment. Satisfied that Aiden would be comfortable enough here, he pulled himself away and went to turn off the music and put everything away. He worked deftly and made hardly any noise as he straightened his office and made sure there was some water and beef jerky set out for Aiden to find in the morning with a small note indicating so. Once he turned off the lanterns and blew out the candles, he cast a final glance towards Aiden's sleeping form. Of course, it was natural to make sure his friend was taken care of, right?
But even thinking that made Vincent a little uncertain. Something felt different when it came to Aiden lately, but he couldn't quite figure it out. He'd dismissed a lot of tonight as being herb-related. After all, it had a way of amplifying emotions. But even so, why should he feel shy around Aiden? Why feel nervous? He was certain he'd caught Aiden blushing once or twice tonight, too. If he was being honest with himself, he'd knelt down to get a closer look at those gorgeous hues of Aiden's a little more closely....
"Stop it. You're just...high. And sleepy," Vincent muttered to himself dismissively, pushing those thoughts of Aiden out of his head. That's right. He was intoxicated and just needed to sleep this stupid feeling off. Him and Aiden? That would be illogical! Shaking his head, Vincent turned and walked out of the room and tried to push that out of his mind, pipe in hand. Oh, he sure as Hell intended to go through some more herb; especially now! Maybe if he could put himself into a stoned coma he could just pass out quickly and not have to think about illogical nonsense and pretend that didn't happen. Besides, he didn't want that sort of heartache anyway. He was no good as a partner! Aiden knew that! He knew Vincent's story! It didn't matter because this was stupid anyway ‘cause there was NOTHING going on between him and Aiden.
Though, try as he may to push it out of his mind (though he thought he'd succeeded), when Vincent eventually managed to fall asleep in his stoned stupor about an hour later, it was with a small, sleepy smile on his face. And without realizing he was even doing it, he hummed softly as he drifted off; the very melody that had been playing when Aiden had looked so beautiful and sweet while gazing up at him in a way that had secretly made his heart stir in a way that he never knew it could again...


---
NEXT PART: Volume 3!

www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/53232282849/in/datepo...

To read the rest of the story, here's the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127

***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (BL/yaoi/gay) series. It is a slow burn and rated PG13!***

Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain! Not only that, he created the poses and expression for me for this cause I needed the proper body language for this chapter! ♥


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