Jax’s eyes opened wide at the display of affection. What? A few days ago, wait just a two nights, he would have moaned with sure agony. Woman should not be aboard for that exact reason. Affection of that sort brings bad luck. Dust Skate would feel it. The ship is a hard mistress and a jealous one that will throw stormy seas, dead winds, or broken sails to those she feels betrays her. At least two nights ago Jax would have thought so. Things have changed. He had changed. Damn sea witches have shaken his core. To his great surprise there was a mix of envy as he watched the second kiss this time orchestrated by the Captain. Not that he wanted to kiss either of them, but... He looked to Nicki thinking of kisses. In her face he thought he saw her concern. Maybe. Would she watch that and think of him? No, she would worry about the crew. As she should. Still.

“Wait! Is that in the parameters?” He announced loudly. Jax pretended to almost reach for the First Mate with the intention of a kiss but in a dramatic flare so easy for Jax he spun instead to a crew mate who stood too close. It was Spice, who must have gotten the nickname from the silly scent he tried to cover his dirt ridden body with. Anytime, anything was going on Spice was there. He liked to be in the center of things in a good natured way. So Jax was sure he was a good pick.

With wide flung arms, quickly Jax placed one hand over Spices mouth and wrapped his other around him. Then he placed an over exaggerated smacking kiss on his hand over Spice’s mouth. Spice had the sense to keep his balance and hit his hands wildly over Jax’s back. With just as much drama, Jax let him go and grinned to Antonia. 

With a nod to the Captain, with eyes that said he understood, he scurried to his side of the riggings and took hold. He grinned and answered loudly, “The best man ain’t even on board.” 

Then he turned his head to offer his smile to Luc and he waited.