Hello. I wouldn't be surprised if this idea had already been done, but here's my version of it anyway. I'm planning to make it only about two or three chapters.

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Washing clothes could be extremely bothersome. But for once, Deryn was glad for the tedious chore.

Today was April Fool's Day and she had a prank planned- one that involved the crew's laundry.

"Pass me that dress, will you, Alek?"

So far everything was working out brilliantly. Deryn and Alek had snuck past the sleeping crew and were now putting their plot into effect.

The Leviathan had quite an advanced wash system. It ran off the engine's electrical alternators, and used rainwater, gathered and stored in tanks, to wash everything. Both clean and efficient.

The lady boffin, of course, washed her own clothing. Even so, Deryn had managed to procure the items they needed: Dr. Barlow's crimson red dress, a scarlet-colored shawl, and a pair of bright -red wool gloves.

Presently, she and Alek were adding the garments to several different machines. The crews' white dress shirts and under-things were stuffed inside. When the washing was through, everything would be a ravishing pink.

Alek looked doubtfull down at the pile of clothes. "Do you think this will be enough?"

Deryn threw a glove in. "Oh aye. It doesn't take much."

She grinned at him. "Back home in Glasgow, my brother pulled this same trick on me once. Turned all my clothes pink for weeks!"

Deryn, putting another glove in, shook her head, "I never have cared much for that color since then."

"I can believe it," Alek said. Having to wear all pink for weeks would turn anyone against the color.

"Here's the last one," he said. Deryn tossed it in and closed the machine.

"Well that's done." She and Alek grinned at each other.

"I can't wait to see the barking sods' faces when they find everything's pink!"

"Neither can I." Alek smiled as he imagined the look on a certain wildcount's face.

Deryn looked at him. "You did remember to put your shirts in, too?"

Alek nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't want anyone to suspect it was me."

"Excellent." She turned to leave, but then said seriously, "You know though, Alek, I really don't think anyone would ever even consider you a possibility."

"What?"

She laughed at his outraged expression. "I'm just teasing. But I'm glad that I put my things in, too, or else everyone would know immediately who did it."

She put a hand on the door knob. "Now let's get ready for our next prank."

"All right," Alek grumbled. He stood scowling for a moment, then turned and followed Deryn out of the room.

Deryn stood inside the bathroom adjoining her cabin, staring at Alek's arm.

"This might be a wee bit tricky."

"What do you mean? It will come off won't it?"

"Aye, of course it will. It's just berry juice."

Deryn carefully wiped Alek's lower arm with a wet cloth.

"Almost ready. . ."

Alek grimaced at the small, glass jar of liquid in Deryn's hand.

"Why can't you be the one to do it and shock Dr. Barlow?"

"Because. Shocking your Mr. High and Mighty Count Volger is much more entertaining."

Alek sighed. "I suppose."

Deryn dipped a quill into the bluish ink. "All right. Now hold up you arm."

Alek did and watched as she began sketching a design. The ink was cold and wet on his skin, making him think of some slimy creature slithering up his arm. He couldn't help wondering why he'd agreed to let her do this. He must have been mad.

Deryn licked her lips in concentration as she drew the design. One long, curving line, then another. A few more strokes and she was finished.

Deryn straightened from leaning over. "What do you think?"

Alek studied his arm seriously for a moment, then smiled. "A snake is perfect! It will certainly scare Count Volger."

Deryn returned his smile. "Aye, and that I'm looking forward to seeing."

Deryn and Alek couldn't help snickering as they walked down the corridors of the Leviathan.

Their plan was just too sneaky- almost worthy of Dr. Barlow.

They reached the lady boffin's cabin and Deryn slipped a note beneath the fabricated wood door. The loris on Alek's shoulder chuckled.

"Shh..." Deryn shushed it.

"Shh..." the creature said.

Deryn scratched it on the head. "Aye, that's the idea beastie."

She turned to Alek. "All right. Let's go."

They hurried back to Deryn's cabin, trying not to laugh. Several of the crew gave them curious looks, but no one stopped them.

As soon as they were safe inside, Deryn collapsed onto her bed laughing. Alek leaned heavily against the door, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Oh," Deryn gasped, "The lady boffin and Count Volger! You really had a good idea, Alek."

"Thank you, Dylan," he managed to say between guffaws.

"Can you imagine when she opens our letter and sees it's from him?"

"I know. And it's a love note no less!"

They broke into uncontrollable laughter at the thought.