Random meeting and blood~Nick~

The list of ingredients sounds interesting, but it does have some complimenting flavors. Personally, I can't wait to try it. "So besides fishing, you also take people on day cruises huh? Any place in particular or is it more of a request sort of thing?" I'm quite interested in what he does. Sailing sounds quite free, or at least it sounds more free than other things. I like the sound of it. That and I always like learning where good places were to go. I've lived here all my life, but the area around here is large. It's hard to see and know every place. I think that's partly why it is bearable. "I'm sure that a lot of people are happy to have you in their homes," I say. "You are welcome at ours as well, but you may have a few faces around us unless mother can convince them to leave again." I wink at him as I speak.

I nod my head in agreement. Eating alone really isn't fun though sometimes necessary. "Homemade is always better as well. Although, the pub is nice for atmosphere. You're careful with tesserae huh? I like that." Honestly when you were my age, there was too much of a risk if you didn't keep tesserae together. It's not like my family is poor what with the business, but it's still not worth the risk. "Sorry," I say. "I'm sure that sounded like a strange thing to like." I bite my lip nervously; I always worry I am going to say the wrong thing around people.

My eyes twinkle as he tries the food and grins about it. I put my own spoonful into my mouth and sigh contentedly. The taste of all the ingredients works amazing. I swallow and look over at him with a grin of my own. "It is more than edible. It's delicious. I'm a very lucky one to be sharing this with you." I eat some more and slowly slip my water. This is already more enjoyable than I would've ever imagined.

His question gives me pause. Answering something like that could lead me to sharing things and letting somebody past my defenses faster than I ever have. Still, I want to see how this progresses. Perhaps it is best if I just start out with something simple. "My favorite color is purple, but not the pastel kind. I like the deep purple." His next question surprises me; he says many things that surprise me. "No, I have no boyfriend," I say with a smile though I'm sure my eyes portray a little sadness. "It's nice to know you'd take that risk," I tell him with a wink. I do wonder why it is that he asked.

"Th-th-thank you," I stutter out. Quickly I recover and make a better response. "Sorry, guess I'm not used to compliments from somebody this close to my own age or about my appearance." I pause for a moment as I think about his question. "I suppose part of it is that I have three brothers; no guy is really wild about trying to deal with them. I've had some offers, but haven't really been asked by anybody that I would date. Those that I would have me in the friend zone. Sometimes I wish it wasn't like that, but what can you do? Part of life right?" Another part is that I'm not keen on letting too many people get near me. It can be too painful.

It doesn't really surprise me that he takes risks. I wonder how many and how severe a risk he's willing to take, but the thought is quickly wiped from my mind as he starts to share something else. Honestly, I dislike when people are careless with their money, but I do find it admirable that he is paying it back. Perhaps there was a reason for him being careless before. I think for a moment, but before I can answer he asks if he shocked me. "I'm not sure that shock is the right word," I say. I take another drink of water before I speak again. "I don't think less of you though. It takes a lot of work and control to pay back money. Still, I'm glad that you're careful now. Wouldn't want anything to happen to you."

I realize that must have been something difficult to share. A debt is not something one talks about, so I decide that perhaps I should go ahead and share something as well. "I've almost died twice. That's one of the reasons that my brothers are so protective and why my father hasn't let me go out very often. He's only let me this year because of the drought. I sometimes sneak out though. He doesn't know about it. Nobody does, but I go out at night to help the night fishers." It's not really as deep as his, but it's something that nobody else really knows.

I watch him closely and am unsure what it is that I'm searching for in his face. Maybe I'm trying to understand why it is that he has chosen to confide in me. My eyes trace over the scar on his cheek; he doesn't seem the type to be hurt easily as he looks quite strong, so I feel certain that the guys must be quite large. "I can see that. I'm glad they haven't done worse or you really would have a time paying things back. Of course, if I hear of any work that can be thrown your way, I would be happy to let you know." I smile at him; I'm always willing to help out those that I have decided to let in. "You may have a debt, but the guy that I see is fun, determined, and all in all pretty wonderful. I like being around you." I manage to say it without blushing which I think is made easier by the atmosphere.

I'm suddenly aware that he is sitting next to me now. There is a strange feeling in my back, but I push it from my thoughts. "You know I don't usually share this sort of thing with people." My eyes look into his and then down at my lap. When he mentions the reef I nod. "Yeah, that could be dangerous. I'd still be willing to go if you want though. If you go tomorrow I would definitely like to come. A little adventure every now and then is good." Of course, I always feel like I'm on an adventure around him since this is my first time letting somebody get so close so soon.

I'm not entirely sure whether or not I should've shared something like that, but there really is no backing down at this point. I nod my head to indicate that I will tell the story. While my eyes are on him, they aren't really seeing him. They are seeing the past and recalling all the feelings. "The first time was before my brother died. The two of us were working on the ship of a customer; he went out in a storm after he was told not to. We had to follow. Anyway, he had me climb up the mast to untangle ropes and lines that were around the sails. " I pause a moment; I can still hear and smell everything going on around me as the boat was tossed around in the waves. "The mast cracked, and I fell with it. I got tossed into the water. I'm a pretty strong swimmer, but in the storm it was harder especially since I was smaller than I am now. I managed to get close to the boat, but my strength gave out. I was going under for good, but my brother managed to get to me in time. I think our twin connection helped him find me. That was the first time I heard my father and brothers so up in arms about something."

I stop and remember how easily my twin had located me. He said the others were looking the completely wrong direction, but somehow he knew where to find me and had managed to get me out of the water. For a while after that I had been nervous about going out again, but I had managed to get over it quickly. My twin helped me get through that too. Quickly I shake my head and clear my throat. "Anyway, that was the first time. Thanks to that I'm still a little iffy about heights, but I manage. After all, we all need money, and I can't let my own fears get in the way of that." I pause for a moment as I think about the other fears I have. "I guess the only fear that could get in the way is the fear of losing somebody else that I care about. You know what I mean?"

I pretend to consider his statement for a moment before shaking my head. "I don't think so. I trust in you, and I can see something in you that's different." My head tilts to one side as I consider him before I reach over and gently touch his cheek. "I think that you underestimate yourself," I tell him seriously. Sometimes people just can't see what's in themselves; I could be wrong, but I just feel that there is something different about him.

"That's good news to me. You seem quite capable, so it doesn't surprise me." On the outside I smile, but on the inside I'm quite relieved and thankful for that little information. Being on a sinking ship is not an experience that I would like to know. "Why don't you put more faith in yourself?" I ask.

My breath is a bit shaky, but I am able to calm it a little as I nod. "That makes two of us." My mind wonders off to what could have happened, but I give it a little shake to bring myself back to the present. I'm not going down that path tonight. "I appreciate that. I will definitely feel safe with you around," I tell him with a smile. It's true; I feel safe wtih him. Of course, he did bandage my hand and take care of me before, so that might have something to do with it.

I remain silent as I watch him take the dishes away. The rain is still coming down outside, and I have to wonder if it will be alright for me to get home tonight. Storms can be pretty serious around here. I'm shaken from my thoughts when Nick comes back and starts talking to me again. Immediately I feel myself start to color and get a little nervous. I don't say anything at first since I'm a little in shock. It happened so fast. "I like you too, Nick...a lot. I am completely willing to see what happens. I haven't felt like this before, so I know something is there. I'm not exactly queen of relationships myself, but I do want to try." It all comes out very fast, but I'm very sure of myself.

I don't know what to do now. It's unfamiliar territory to me. If this is what I've been missing, part of me is very sorry and the rest is nervous about the out come. Still, I'm so incredibly happy that it is hard to think about anything else. This is the first time that I actually found a guy that likes me and that I like. I don't just give myself over to just anybody. Part of me knows what I want, but I definitely don't want to make the first move.

Thankfully, he makes the move. My senses seem to be heightened by the tension I'm feeling and the nervous excitement. I feel each touch all up and down my spine. While I'm nervous, I do feel comfortable with him. I look at him in his eyes and hold his gaze. He kisses my hand, and I blush. I immediately felt a tingle and a warmth spread out from my hand. Without thinking about it, I find myself moving a little closer to him.

I see him smile, and my own mouth curls up. Everything seems so fast, but it also seems like it's in slow motion. My heart is speeding up, and I feel almost as if he can see my heart coming out of my chest. I realize that he's leaning in with his head cocked. Only one other guy has ever kissed me, excluding my family. Still, I know that this is what I want. I want him to kiss me. He stops, and I know that it is my choice now. Without hesitation, I close the distance between us. My body starts to press against his, and my lips meet his lips. Before I know it, I'm kissing him softly as a light show goes off inside of me.

Even though I have no idea what I'm really doing, it starts to come. Having experience with only one guy before this makes me wonder how I'm doing, but I just keep going with what feels natural to me. Nick's sucking on my lip makes me shiver slightly, but that is soon solved by the movement of his arm. Feeling him pressed against me makes me feel like I'm melting. He is so warm and incredibly comforting. The sound of the rain outside just makes the feeling intensify.

When he pulls back, I feel a slight twinge of sadness that it ended, but I feel so incredibly exhilerated. I feel like I'm glowing, and then I see him mouth the word "wow." My face lights up into a smile, and I feel the same way. I reach up and stroke his cheek with my hand for a moment before he starts giving me another kiss. This one I realize is different, and I have to say my breath is immediately taken away at the passion behind it. I love the feel of his hand in my hair; it's something that I always wanted somebody to do while kissing me. It's like a dream kiss.

When this one ends, I'm not sure if I'm breathing still. My head feels so cloudy, but in a good way. Our eyes find one another. His words make me look towards the ground. "I could ask you the same. You are truly amazing." Once again, I reach my hand out to stroke his face, and then I lean in and kiss his cheek.