She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. She whimpered for a split second, and turned away. "I'm sure there's something."
He sat up immediately and turned to her. "Oh God," he said. "Avice, I'm so sorry. That was stupid of me to say. I wasn't thinking." He paused and moved over to her to look her in the eyes. "I hope there is. That's all I'm trying to say. It's hard for me to think that way, but I hope that there is something."
She looked at him, and her emotions were indistinguishable. "It's okay. You don't have to apologize." She reached to lightly touch the side of his face, hesitant at first, but continued. Her eyes were sincere.
He hesitated, but reached up and touched her hand, and leaned into it. His fingers were trembling, although there was no breeze on the ship. (oh heck)
He laughed breathily, ducking his head and swirling his thumb on the back of her hand. "You're terrifying, you know that?"
He laughed lightly, embarrassed. "I guess," he began, smiling and pinching the bridge of her nose. "I don't know. I just haven't ever felt this way about a person before, and I guess it scares me."
She gave a small chuckle, and it was obvious that she had calmed down again. "Me too. It's a bit nerve-racking, but also.. nice."
He looked back up at her, grinning. "It is nice," he agreed amicably."But, Jesus. It plays on the nerves, doesn't it?"
She stared at him for a moment, then looked down. "Yeah," she smiled, "it does. But nothing I can't handle."
"Brave? Maybe. It could very well be ambition. Brave works too, though." She leaned in close to his face. "I think you're brave, too."
She squinted at him in disbelief. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. You're one of the bravest people I know."
"Not with you, I'm not," he said, laughing slightly. He looked down at his hands, callused and thin. Being in such a close proximity with her made him flush, but he stayed where he was, his heart pounding. "But I appreciate your sentiment."
She grinned, brushing back loose strands of hair. "You're so cute," she said, blushing slightly, but her voice was confident.
He looked back up at her, raising his eyebrow. "Cute, am I?" he asked playfully, tapping his nose with a cocky look in his eye. "Haven't heard that one before."
He chuckled. He seemed happy, with his brow relaxed and his grin easy. "Oh, no. It's plenty good enough for me. It's just a new one, that's all."
