I really can't decide when this takes place… Maybe mid-WWish? I dunno. Mm, let's say that, just for giggles. I'm not sure what I think of this one either. Ah well, I guess they can't all be gold. But still, be sure to let me know what you think of dis story! 'Cause it makes me happy! And hell, if you have an idea, don't hesitate to toss it out. I only have about forty other ideas (no lie) right now.


Skin

Like he often did when he had nothing to do, he found himself wandering around on the deck of the ship. Everyone else was busy with chores that needed to be done, but no one had vocalized the need for help like he had hoped. They were relatively mundane tasks, so there wouldn't have been much for him to do anyway; what he had really been hoping for was some company. As much as the King of Red Lions talked with him when he was out on a mission, he was bound to being a boat. So when he was left behind during a dungeon trek, Link was on his own.

He didn't really care for it, which was one of the reasons he made an effort to visit Tetra so often. She never minded his company, whether she was busy or not. Often, he just talked about whatever harrowing task he had most recently completed while she nodded and offered a few 'uh-huh's while working over her maps. But they didn't mind – it was still time spent together, and that was what was important.

Now, though, she was busy helping out Mako and Niko with some chests full of their most recent plunder. All she had mentioned was that they'd pulled it up from some sunken ship not too far from Dragon Roost. He had no doubt he'd be hearing the full story later on, but he looked forward to it. She told great stories, after all – she could spin words like no one else he knew.

So, for the time being, he was content to hang out at the stern with Gonzo while the latter manned the wheel. He leaned against the railing, taking in the spray of the salty water as the ship cut through the waves. There was a soft breeze that played with his bangs, and he absentmindedly brushed them under his hat. With nothing else to look at, he decided to watch the others finish their task.

As Tetra sorted through the loot, the hilt of her dagger caught the light of the sun and momentarily blinded him. She seemed to notice, for she tucked it under her vest with a smirk before returning to her task. Blinking the glare out of his eyes, he resumed his watching, tracing his eyes over the captain. She had quite the unusual look for someone who led a group of pillaging men. Most would adorn themselves with the precious metals they had swindled, but not her. In fact, the only jewellery she wore was a necklace hidden under her shirt. He had noticed a couple of times, but she always made sure to conceal it.

No, instead she wore an assortment of clothing, a collection of vivacious colours that complemented each other. Her red scarf cheerfully contrasted her deep blue vest, which was accented by her bright blonde hair that was only a few shades off from his own. She topped it off with white pants and wristbands, which stood out vibrantly against the colours and her dark skin. Her dark, smooth, flawless skin…

He blinked. Had he been staring? And daydreaming about her skin? He could admit that it was a nice shade, especially when held up against his fair colour. But hers had been darkened by the sun after being in direct light for weeks, months, years on end. He doubted it would ever change back now; it was permanently tinted after all her time on the ocean. Not that he minded, of course; in his opinion, her skin was beautiful, and it was certainly unique – no one had skin as tanned as hers. And it was always warm to the touch…

Okay, again? What was he doing? Skin wasn't that infatuating, it was just skin! He shook his head and got up, turning away from her. Somehow she was distracting him, and he didn't like it. Maybe it was just heat of the sun, or the stress of his quest, but either way he didn't want it happening. Think about something else. Think about-

"Hey!" came her voice, and he spun around. She was waving at him, with the wink and smirk she usually wore. "Get down here, I have a story to tell. Someone's going to hear it, so hurry up!"

He nodded and made his way down to her. It was probably nothing to worry about. She had nice skin, end of story. There was no reason to go on and on about it. She had a feature that he liked, probably because he'd never seen it before. No big deal. Really, it didn't help when it was added with such soft, amazing-looking hair…

He sighed, rubbing his eyes. He'd been around talking boats for too long.