Jax struggled to stand from the puddle on the floor. No one noticed much because everyone’s eyes, including his, were on the beautiful sea witches both of them. Jax could not hear the words, but he saw the gestures of kindness and flickers of meaningful eyes. He didn’t have to be any sort of expert in body language or human contact to feel the tension. Jax felt his heart sink. They were fighting over the Captain? He couldn’t say for sure. And the kisses? Is that what he saw? Nicki uses them on everyone not just him. They must just be part of her bag of healing, like a bandage, or special piece of dried herb. She can pull them out and slap those lovely lips on any wound and make it better. He knew that, but still the idea stung him.

How could he have believed he was anything special? She had his boots and so much more.

But she was turning to leave and asking him to follow. “Excuse me, First Mate, Sir.” He managed to call above the crackle of thick tension. He took a few steps to the door and stood in front of it. “If I have permission to speak freely,” He smiled realizing he would with permission or not. “There is a storm out there besting the band to hell. Our lovely lady ship is riding it out and she would be very distraught to see you out on the deck. You might shift her concentration as she would try to protect you, one of her favorite pieces on board.” With hardly a missed beat he pulled the extra blanket from the bottom of the Captain’s bed and without touching her shoulder very much at all, fighting hard to keep that distance, he spread the quilt out over Nicki’s wet shoulders.

“I am sure the Captain would be more than willing to break out his secret good stash to celebrate his return from the afterlife.” He grinned to Nicki without looking back to the Captain. 

Jax gestured to the chair by the Captain’s desk. She should sit, take a drink, dry herself and wait for the storm to settle. “We are right in the center of the storm but it came quick and will most likely die the same way. Wait it out.” He gently put his hand on her elbow still offering the chair. 

Jax stood still. He would follow if she left. But….

“Please.”