Chapter Text
The ship sailed into open waters, the salty air filling Uma’s lungs as the wind tousled her hair, whipping it about her face playfully. Nearby, the rhythmic clapping of waves against the hull provided a soothing backdrop to the quiet moment she shared with Harry at the stern. They leaned against the railing, their eyes drawn to the flurry of activity on deck. Gil animatedly demonstrated the intricacies of knot-tying to a wide-eyed Audrey, while Chad fumbled with the rigging, his frustration evident in the furrow of his brow.
Harry shifted closer to Uma, the warmth of his shoulder brushing against hers as he leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. “So, what do you think of our new recruits?”
Uma turned, a smirk dancing at the corners of her mouth, her heart fluttering slightly with the thrill of the sea breeze. It was nice to finally be free.
“They’re adjusting better than I expected. It’ll be interesting to see how they handle life at sea.” She chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with amusement as she took in the scene.
The corners of Harry’s eyes crinkled with mischief.
“You know, they might fit in even better than we thought. Have you considered... inviting them to join us? All of us?” He leaned in a fraction closer, as if extending a secret invitation, his breath mingling with the scent of the ocean.
Uma raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of cautious contemplation.
“Harry,” she said, her tone steady yet firm, “they’ve barely left Auridon. I’m not sure they’re ready for that kind of... arrangement.”
She crossed her arms, feeling the slight coolness of the air against her skin, a protective barrier forming around her thoughts.
Harry chuckled softly, the sound warm and infectious, even competing with the call of a distant gull.
“Come on, Uma. You can’t tell me you haven't noticed how Chad looks at you.” He gestured flamboyantly toward the determined prince, his movements exaggerated against the backdrop of the deep blue sea. “And Audrey? She’s been stealing glances at Gil all afternoon.”
Uma sighed, her gaze drifting back to the others, the thrill of adventure mingling with her unease.
“Maybe. But they’re still figuring out who they are outside of Auridon. I don’t want to rush them into anything they’re not ready for,” she said. She'd love nothing more than to tie Audrey and Chad to her side, but she knew they might not be ready for that. And they’d been forced into too many situations already.
Harry’s expression softened as he pondered her words, the wind rustling the sails overhead. “Fair enough. But how about we take it slow? Get to know them better, let them get comfortable with us. No pressure, just... leaving the door open?”
Uma mulled it over, her heart swelling with a mix of caution and resolve. After a moment, she nodded slightly.
“Alright. We can take it slow. But Harry,” she said, fixing him with a stern look that could quell a storm, “no pushing. Let them set the pace.”
Harry grinned widely, holding up his hands in mock surrender, his eyes. “Aye aye, Captain. Slow and steady it is.”
They turned back towards the deck, their smiles growing as they watched Chad finally manage to secure a rope correctly. His exhilarated grin sent a rush of warmth through Uma, while Gil erupted in cheers, the sound bubbling up and mingling with the salty tang of the ocean air. Audrey clapped her hands softly, casting a soft smile toward Chad.
Uma leaned against the railing, feeling the rhythmic sway of the ship beneath her. Sipping from a mug of tea, she watched as the seagulls danced in the air, their calls blending with the soothing sound of waves. But a knot of unease tightened in her stomach as she glanced back at the crew handling their tasks, laughter and cheer swirling around them.
Harry continued to sip his drink, unaware of Uma’s inner turmoil, until he turned to see her gaze fixed on the horizon, a storm brewing in her mind.
“What’s wrong, Uma?” he asked, the warmth in his tone slicing through her thoughts.
She hesitated, taking a moment to gather her feelings before meeting his curious gaze.
“It’s… it’s just that while I appreciate this freedom, I can’t help but worry about our supplies,” she admitted, running a hand through her hair as the wind tousled it about her face. “The provisions we picked up from Chad’s grandfather—no matter how generous, they won’t last forever.”
Harry furrowed his brow, his playful demeanor shifting slightly as he contemplated her words. “You think we should turn back?”
Uma shook her head, frustration creeping into her voice. “No, turning back isn’t an option. Not anymore. But we have a crew to think about, Harry.”
Her eyes scanned the deck, landing on Chad and Gil who were whispering urgently to each other. Despite her stress her lips tilted into a brief smile.
“I know you love this idea of sailing wherever the wind takes us,” she continued, “but we can’t navigate endless horizons without a plan or supplies. Adventure is one thing, but responsibility comes with leadership.”
Harry ran his fingers through his tousled hair, the playful glint in his eyes dimming slightly.
“You’re not wrong, Captain,” he conceded, his voice dropping to a serious tone. “But we have time. We can scout for the next port, see if any fishing vessels or merchant ships are passing through. We should be fine for now, and every moment we’re out here is valuable. This,” he gestured widely, encompassing the open sea, “it’s what we’ve dreamed of.”
Uma sighed, feeling the weight of her thoughts pressing against her chest.
“I know,” she said softly, dipping her head. “And I want this. I truly do. The salt on my skin, the wind in my hair—I've never felt more alive. But every adventure we embark on comes with risks. What happens when we run out of food? What if we run into a storm? This ship isn’t exactly up to standard.”
Harry’s expression shifted, reflecting her worry. “You think something will happen?”
She met his gaze earnestly, her heart weighing heavy in her chest. “I don’t think it will; I know it can.”
Harry’s expression softened, realizing the depth of her feelings. “Alright. I’ll take a look at the charts after dark. They might be outdated but it should give us an idea where to start. We can chart a course for the nearest port and see if we can trade some of these supplies for more food. Maybe even secure a job or two while we’re there. How does that sound?"
“That sounds reasonable. I just don’t want to lose this beauty,” she said, gesturing to the endless sea surrounding them. “It’s enchanting and terrifying all at once.”
Harry nodded, a smile creeping back onto his face. “Better than being stuck on an Isle waiting to die.”
As they shared a moment of understanding, Uma felt the tension lift slightly, buoyed by their united front. “Let’s take it one day at a time. For today, we’ll ride the waves and soak it all in. Tomorrow, we can put our heads together and map out our next move.”
Harry’s eyes sparkled, the storm clouds lifting.
“Deal.” He raised his mug in a toast before taking a sip, and Uma found herself mirroring his gesture, her heart swelling with gratitude.
(Audrey)
Her footsteps were light across the wooden deck as she made her way to the storage hold at the back of the ship. The excitement of adventure fueled her, but it was the meticulous nature deep within that drove her as well. Work was second nature to her, and it felt almost instinctive now to check on their provisions.
The scent of saltwater filled her nostrils, tangy and sharp—a reminder of both freedom and obligation. She flicked on a lantern, its flickering light casting dancing shadows around the cramped quarters, illuminating crates and barrels stacked high. The extra supplies that they’d gotten from Chad’s grandfather weren’t nearly as much as she knew they needed. Her heart hummed with purpose as she knelt before the nearest crate, pulling open the lid to reveal their bounty: dried fruits, nuts, some jerky.
Audrey's fingers danced among the supplies, counting and categorizing.
“Ten packages of dried apricots. Twenty-three pouches of mixed nuts. Some jerky, but not as much as I’d like,” she murmured softly to herself, the routine of work comforting and grounding. Her mind raced through the numbers, calculating meal rations for the entire crew, concocting a menu in her head that must balance sustainability with the remaining supplies.
A stray thought pulled at her—a concern for Uma. Audrey was used to working to keep Ben’s plans running and it was second nature to shift that role to Uma. Getting supplies was a critical part of their journey, and someone had to ensure they were prepared for whatever lay ahead. Besides it wasn’t like she could be much help if they got into an emergency.
Continuing her inventory, Audrey began to lose track of time, engrossed in the process. The crew depended on her level-headedness, and each successful calculation pleased that workaholic instinct inside her.
“What do we have left?” she pondered, running her hands over canned goods, jars of preserves, and small barrels of oil. “Not bad—if we can stretch it.”
As she jotted down notes in her journal, stealing glimpses of the sun setting and casting vibrant colors through the small porthole, a flicker of unease nagged at her. She really didn’t want to lose track of time and upset the others.
“Alright, Audrey, you can do this!” she whispered with an encouraging nod to herself, her reflection in the muted lantern light flickering like the flame itself. “Just one more crate.”
She crossed the hold, finding an assortment of spices and tea bags. Her shoulders relaxed. Tea had a way of bringing comfort, even amidst the unknown. Her instincts told her to prepare them for what was to come—to ensure Uma had enough to lead effectively. Just like she’d done for Ben.
Finishing up her inventory, she tucked the parchment into her jacket, determined to share her findings with Uma later.
As the amber hues of the setting sun began to melt into deeper shades of purple and gold, Audrey stepped back onto the deck, reveling in the fresh rush of salty air. A lingering sense of satisfaction accompanied her after completing the inventory.
Before she could lose herself in the moment, she felt a presence behind her.
“Hello darling,” Harry’s voice floated through the evening breeze, laced with playful mischief.
Audrey jumped, her heart racing as she turned to face him, eyes wide.
“Oh! Harry! You startled me!” She clutched the edges of her notes tightly, her pulse quickening—not from fear, but from the sudden closeness that swept over her in waves of flustered heat.
Harry leaned casually against the ship's railing, arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
“I figured someone would finally take a break. Instead, I find you slaving away while the rest of us have fun. What happened to relaxing?” His tone was light, teasing, but there was an underlying sincerity to his words.
Audrey’s cheeks warmed.
“I—I was just making sure we have everything we need for our journey!” she stammered, her hands fiddling nervously with the parchment. “You know, keeping track of supplies is important!”
She felt a bit like a sparrow trying to defend its nest when faced with a playful cat.
“Important, sure, but it’s not exactly thrilling,” Harry laughed, tilting his head as he observed her flustered demeanor. “You do realize there’s a world outside that storage hold, right? One with sunsets and a whole crew that misses you?”
Audrey’s heart raced as she stumbled over her words in a poor attempt at a rebuttal. “I—um, well, you see, I just prefer to be prepared! What if... what if we run out of something critical? I can’t let that happen!”
A light chuckle escaped Harry as he pushed away from the railing, slowly encroaching on her space. “You’d think I was trying to drag you into a pirate’s den with how defensive you are.”
Audrey opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. Instead, she could feel the heat creeping up her neck, the flummoxed feeling only amplifying as she met his amused gaze. “I— I’m not defensive!”
Harry leaned in just a touch closer, those playful, teasing eyes fixated on hers. “Then why are you still holding on to that notebook like it’s a shield?”
She fought to maintain composure, desperately trying to find her footing in the banter, but in the presence of his charming smile, she struggled to keep her thoughts clear. “Okay, fine! If I go watch the sunset, will you stop teasing me?”
A satisfied grin broke out on Harry’s face, and before Audrey knew what was happening, he took her hand in his, carefully leading her toward the bow of the ship. “Ah, now that’s the spirit! Think of it as a reward for your hard work.”
The moment their hands connected, Audrey’s face turned a bright red.
“Reward?” she echoed, attempting to regain her clarity as they walked, but the warmth of his hand on her own filled her senses, clouding her thoughts.
“Absolutely! Life isn’t just about work, you know,” Harry replied, glancing back at her. “You’ve got to take time to indulge yourself—like this.”
He gestured grandly toward the horizon, where the sun was dipping ever closer to the edge of the water, the sky ablaze with fiery oranges and calming purples.
Audrey swallowed hard, her eyes shimmering.
“Wow, it really is breathtaking,” she said softly, momentarily letting go of her worries about inventory and supplies. The colors danced across the surface of the water like shimmering sequins, and for a moment, it was as if time itself had paused to admire the view.
Harry stood beside her, casually leaning against the railing, his demeanor relaxed but attentive.
“See? Worth it, right?” he said, casting her a sidelong glance. The sunset had nothing on the way light drifted over her dark hair. “And you look lovely in the sun’s glow, by the way.”
The compliment sent a fresh wave of warmth flooding through her, and she quickly turned her gaze back to the crumbling horizon, cheeks burning with embarrassment.
“I—thank you,” she managed, feeling more flustered than ever, the sunset now a distant second to Harry's teasing charm.
His laughter danced through the air alongside the gentle sounds of the ocean rhythm. “You’ve got to work on relaxing, love. Life’s too short to be buried in spreadsheets and logistics. Besides, it’s refreshing to see how easily you get flustered.”
Audrey shot him a glare, though her heart fluttered at his words.
As the sun sank lower, casting a warm glow over the deck, Audrey found herself leaning against the railing beside Harry. The sky, a kaleidoscope of colors, felt almost too beautiful, juxtaposed against the anxious thoughts swirling in her mind.
“I just want to make sure I’m doing enough,” she murmured, unable to hold back her worries any longer. “If I don’t prove myself useful to the crew, then... then what if Uma decides I’m not fit to be here?”
Harry turned to her, his expression shifting from playful to sincere, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You really think that? Audrey, come on. Who said anything about letting you go?”
“I mean, look at how capable everyone is. I just want to contribute something meaningful, to show that I belong. Even if it’s just organizing supplies.”
Harry leaned in, eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and concern. “You think Uma would cast you aside just for being ‘less’ than what you imagine? I can’t believe you think that. She adores you! And honestly? I’d still keep you around, even if you just sat on deck painting pretty pictures all day.”
Audrey blinked, caught off guard by the lightheartedness in his voice. “Really? You wouldn’t care if I did nothing?”
“Not at all!” Harry chuckled, shaking his head. “In fact, I think I’d enjoy that. We need some artistic flair on this ship!”
Audrey laughed, but it felt bittersweet, tugging at the strings of her heart. “You’re joking, right?”
“Do you think I’m joking,” he asked, leaning back against the railing, a playful glint in his eye. “We’re all here together, and honestly, having you around makes it more fun. Your quirks are what we love about you, you know?”
She shot him a skeptical glance but couldn’t help letting a smile break through. “You’re just saying that because you think it’s funny to watch me fumble around.”
Harry straightened, suddenly earnest. “I’m serious, Audrey. You could be the worst sailor on this ship, and I’d still want you here.”
Audrey felt her cheeks heat up again, though this time it was less from embarrassment and more from the warmth of his words. She relaxed when Harry threw his arm around her shoulders.
(Uma)
The moon hung high in the sky, a luminous beacon casting a silvery glow over the tranquil waters. The surface sparkled like scattered diamonds, undulating gently with the rhythm of the soft waves. A soothing breeze wafted through the air, carrying with it the faintest scent of salt and adventure. Uma, making her midnight rounds, paused as she noticed a shadowy figure perched high in the crow’s nest. Curiosity piqued, she decided to climb up and investigate.
As she ascended, the wooden rungs creaked softly under her weight, and the cool night air brushed against her skin, invigorating her senses. When she reached the top, she found Chad sitting there, his knees drawn tightly to his chest and gaze lost in the expansive horizon.
He startled slightly as she appeared, his posture stiffening for a brief moment before he relaxed, a ripple of surprise crossing his features.
“Chad? What are you doing up here so late?” Uma asked, her voice softer than usual, almost as if she were afraid to disturb the serene atmosphere.
Chad shrugged, his shoulders rising and falling as he glanced away, looking a bit embarrassed.
“I couldn’t sleep. It's... it’s all so different here,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper as if he were afraid to break the tranquil night with his revelations.
Uma settled down beside him, the wooden platform creaking beneath her as she crossed her legs. Her presence was strangely comforting, a warmth in the cool night air.
“Different can be good,” she said gently, nudging him lightly with her shoulder. “You should be excited. This is your chance to let loose, have some fun.”
Chad furrowed his brow, his expression shifting from contemplation to uncertainty.
“That’s just it,” he admitted quietly, his gaze still focused on the moonlit waves. “I... I don’t know how to do that. To relax, to have fun. It’s not something I ever really learned.”
His voice wavered, revealing a fragility that Uma couldn’t help but notice.
Uma studied him for a moment, her heart swelling with a mix of concern and understanding. “You’ve never just done something because you wanted to? No rules, no expectations?”
Chad shook his head, his dark hair catching the moonlight in an unsettling way, as if casting a shadow over his eyes. He appeared almost lost in the deep blue sea of his thoughts.
“There were always expectations. Always a right way to behave, to speak, to... exist.” The weight of his words hung in the air, palpable beneath the stars.
Uma felt a pang of sympathy hit her like a tidal wave. That sounded a lot like being caged and she hated the idea of her prince being a bird in a cage.
“Well,” she said, bumping his shoulder gently with hers, her smile warm and inviting, “that’s about to change. We’ll teach you how to have fun, Chad Charming. Pirate’s honor.”
A small smile tugged at Chad’s lips, a fragile thing that illuminated his face like the moon's glow. “Thanks, Uma,” he said softly, his voice thick with gratitude.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the gentle rocking of the ship underfoot and the rhythmic sound of waves against the hull creating a melody of tranquility. Uma noticed Chad’s eyelids starting to droop like heavy curtains drawn across windows.
“Why don’t you try to get some sleep?” she suggested, her tone imbued with genuine care.
Chad nodded drowsily, blinking slowly as if struggling against the softness of slumber that beckoned him, but he still made no move to leave. Instead, his head slowly tilted to the side, coming to rest against Uma’s shoulder. For a moment, Uma tensed, surprised by the sudden intimacy of the contact.
Her heart raced in that unexpected closeness. She could feel the warmth of his breath grazing her skin, against the backdrop of the cool night air. But as his breathing evened out, becoming a serene lull against the night’s stillness, she gradually relaxed into the moment, her shoulder accommodating his head comfortably.
Looking down at the sleeping prince, Uma’s expression softened, a protective instinct rising within her. She gently brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, marveling at how nonchalant he appeared now that the weight of expectations had been lifted. She decided to stay put, letting him rest, cherishing the quiet intimacy shared in their midnight retreat.
As she gazed out at the moonlit sea, waves gleaming silver under the celestial glow, Uma wondered about the layers yet to be uncovered in Chad Charming, the complexities of a young man molded by expectations.
The sound of the ocean surrounded them, an endless whisper of stories yet to be told. The breeze shifted, and the scent of brine filled her lungs, allowing her to reflect on the adventures that lay ahead. With Chad's weight against her shoulder, Uma reveled in the silence.