Serenity

Chapter 14

A/N: Its a short chapter... but I'm on time... so there :P

LauRa-ReaDinG-XoX: Haha yeah, I'm pretty sure everyone was expecting something big from him catching her going to the other town, but... I decided to change it up a tad. All I can tell you is that you are in for a wild ride through the emotional roller coaster which is their relationship. And don't worry, I have a plan for when the boat is finished :P Mary-Margret will have the staring roll to say the least.

lokidoki9: Aww :( I figured that you were just super busy or something but I was missing you! WOW o.o thank you for the thoughts that warranted those 3 paragraphs though! Thank you for all the support in that you just want an update whenever! People were starting to get antsy about it which I understand, but still, you understand the struggle! How is postgrad? And tell me about that... I haven't had a social life in like 4 years thanks to engr-ing lol.

Onto the meat and potatoes... I'm glad that you liked the dinner scene so much :) I figured that it was a nie way to show where everyone was at with their relationship with each other (if you thought that was good just wait for this chapter...). I'm glad that you picked up on his perspective! I thought it was about time we see some things through his eyes in regards to Grace :P And don't worry, we have not seen the last of Egil and Benny's plotting... like seriously you're going to die in this chapter about it :P I'm just waiting to hear about it!

Aaliyah: Thank you for the kind words... and here is your update... Actually on time this time!

Love. Fiction. 2018: :P

Dragoness8982: Thank you so much for the compliment, I appreciate it and I am so glad to hear that you have liked this story so much! And don't worry... You will be happy with the chapters to come in regards to their relationship to come... Anyway, enough of me talking, I hope you enjoy this next chapter!

Everyone was sitting back in their chairs, letting the glucose of the meal digest in their stomachs. Grace was the first to move to get up and clean off the table. Benny just kicked his chair back and patted his stomach indicating how full was it but Arthur took a moment to stand to start help the blonde clear the table. When Arthur took over a dish, Grace just cheerfully shooed him away claiming that he was a guest and that he didn't need to help with the dishes, Benny did. Grace shot a glare at Benny after the statement but Benny seemed to be in his own world of bliss after a good meal. Arthur stood there not knowing what to do as Grace cleaned the dishes, and realizing this, Grace took off the towel from her shoulder and handed it to Arthur.

"Here, you can help by drying."

Arthur took the cloth from her hands, and Grace returned her own to the soapy water below, taking a sponge to the plates, utensils and pots used. The two of them stood side by side, every so often, their arms brushing by how close they were. Both parties tried to ignore the electricity flying between the two of them. Grace was hyper aware of Arthur and how he seemed so much larger in the small room of the kitchen. He was a tall and burley man to start, but in a small, compact room on a ship, his size really did show. However, it didn't seem like it was uncomfortable for him, it was quite the opposite. For whatever reason, ever since dinner started, she saw his mood change into something warm and cheerful, two words that she wouldn't have ever used to describe her friend.

Something changed when they all sat down, and Grace wasn't going to be the one to complain. She knew that this was a rare sight and she didn't want to ruin the moment. To put it simply, it was nice. They stood there, side by side, not talking, but it was almost as if they were just basking in the other's presence. Benny's snores started to fill the air as he had leaned his chair back so he was balancing against the wall. His head was back, mouth wide open to the point where he could catch flies with it. Grace smiled and it was returned by Arthur who pressed a figure to his lips to make sure that Grace remained quiet.

The two stayed like that for a while, working as a team. Grace washed and Arthur dried. Rinse and Repeat, again and again. Finally, everything was clean and Grace dried her hands on another cloth that was on the counter. She made a note to make sure to throw the two dish towels into the wash the next time that she had a chance. Even though she should have walked Arthur out or have suggested he leave, the words never surfaced. Grace stayed silence and waited for Arthur to make the first move.

"Thank you for having me over for dinner."

"Anytime, Arthur… and I mean that."

"I don't want to intrude—"

"Trust me, you're not. I haven't seen Benny have that much fun in a while. E even fell asleep without any alcohol for once... So, really, I should be the one to thank you."

"You know, he loves you as if you are his own daughter."

"Oh no… what did he say to you?" Grace stifled a laugh, Arthur giving her a teasing look to be quiet.

Grace apologized to him quietly, trying to keep her laugher down so she wouldn't wake up Benny.

"Anyway, thank you for your help. I guess I should probably walk you out then…"

"Yeah… You probably should."

However, the two of them didn't move away from one another to make their way outside. Instead, it seemed as if they took a full step closer. Grace could see Arthur's chest rise and fall with the breath he took as she looked up at him. He looked down at her and watched her cheeks become a flushed rose color as she lifted his hand and pushed her hair behind her ear. Grace swallowed and felt Arthur leave his hand placed just behind her ear, resting on her neck. The lingering gesture could only mean one thing and at this moment, everything in Grace's head escaped her. The world faded around her and the only thing there was her and Arthur. Grace felt Arthur stroke her cheek with his thumb, causing her to sigh and make her eyes flutter shut. Grace place a hand on Arthur's chest, bringing him closer and he snaked a hand around her waist, leaning down.

Grace felt Arthur's breath on her face and she quickly licked her lips, knowing that the only thing that she wanted in that moment was to know what it felt like to be kissed by this man and she had a feeling he wanted to know what her lips tasted like as well. What surprised her, was how tender Arthur was being with her. He was always so hard and callous, but when he was trying to be intimate, the man changed into someone gentle and kind. Arthur closed his eyes to match Grace's actions and he leaned down all the way, his hair brushing her face. Grace could feel Arthur brush his lips against her own, but it was just a move to tease her to make the kiss that they were about to share that much more passionate. But nothing ever goes the way that we want.

A loud crash and a string of frightful curses from the other side of the room made both Grace and Arthur jump backwards. However, Arthur kept a firm grip on Grace's waist and practically moved her behind her as if to protect her from the unknown source of noise. Grace took a few deep breaths and looked at the floor where Benny was rolling around and cursing that he was in pain. He had falling off the chair after he had fallen asleep, causing the loud noise. Sighing, Grace untucked herself from Arthur's arm, instantly feeling cold at the lack of contact. She went and helped Benny up, and told him to go up to his own bed if he was going to fall asleep like that. Benny waved off Grace and instead told Grace that she should walk Arthur out given that he helped clean up even though he was a guest. Grace flipped Benny the bird as he left the room, and she turned to face Arthur again, her heart rate instantly picking up at the sight of him. It seemed as if their moment had some effect on him too as his face seemed almost flushed. At least, that was what Grace wanted to think and not how it was warm in the ship that night.

"Well, it is getting kind of late and Benny's right. I should walk you out" Grace stated scratching the back of her neck.

Arthur didn't say anything, and instead went to his chair and took the coat off it and slung it on. Grace nodded and led the way up the stairs and onto the deck, the heat of the inside instantly cooling from the surface of her skin as her hot body reached equilibrium as the cold wind blew against her body. Once they got on the deck, however, Grace went to the rails and leaned up against them, crossing her arms and looking down at her feet. Arthur stayed silent but decided to join her. The two not acknowledging the white elephant in the room between them. Arthur look straight forward and shoved his hands in his pockets, not trusting his body after the out of place and random moment the two just shared.

"I'm sorry about Benny… He is… Benny."

"That wasn't a problem, just startled me. I enjoy your uncle." Arthur forced a fake laugh out of his throat with his words, trying to make the conversation lighter.

"It startled me too." Grace said simply making Arthur wonder what she was referring to.

"You know, with Benny, you are just sucking up to him" Grace saying, not letting a silence fall between the two of them.

"Well, I figured it would be good for Benny to like me."

"And why is that?"

"Because I am one of your only friends… maybe your only one" Curry smirked, making Grace give a mock gasp and punch him lightly in the arm.

The two were trying to tread in water that they could easily put their feet down and reach the bottom only if they could face their fears and talk about what had just happened. But with both of their personalities, that wasn't an option. Instead, both figured that it wouldn't be good to bring it up. They had pushed their relationship to be friends and that was rocky at times, so why add a romantic relationship on top of that that would only be worse.

"Why do you presume that?"

Arthur just responded to Grace with a look stating that he knew that she didn't have a lot of friends with her type of personality. The look made Grace shut her mouth and not respond, confirming to Arthur that he was correct. The two drifted into comfortable silence before Arthur broke it.

"The meal was really good."

Grace snorted, "You don't have to lie to me. I know that chicken was dry as fuck."

"I haven't had a homecooked meal in a while, and I have to say that yours really was good, Grace."

The blonde was taken aback by the sudden use of her name in such a context, but tried to make sure it didn't show on her face.

"No problem. Typically, Benny and I switch off on cooking days. I'm not the best, but trust me when I tell you that I am a thousand times better of a cook than Benny."

"I can believe it… Is there anything that you can't do?" Arthur questioned.

However, there wasn't a word coming from Grace and Arthur didn't want to look at her in fear that it would pry information from her that she didn't want to give. Nevertheless, he took the moment to steal a look at her, and it seemed as if she was thinking about how to respond to his question. With her features, maybe it wasn't as bad of a question to ask than he originally thought. Grace turned her head and locked her dark, brown eyes with Arthur's ocean colored orbs.

"It's something pointless and stupid, but I can't sing. According to Benny I sound like a dying animal when I do," Grace grinned softly, "However, I'm stubborn so I don't know when to give up and I think that translates into my hard work ethic. I feel like I embody the full version of the jack of all trades quote."

"What do you mean by the full version of the quote."

"Jack of all trades, master of none; though oftentimes better than master of one."

"I like the full version better" Arthur replied.

"Me too."

Grace titled her head up, looking at the glittering stars overhead. She placed her elbows on the railing as she leaned back, letting the beam support most of her body weight. As before, Grace never felt that looking at the stars in Alaska ever got old. Especially on the water or in a small village like this one. The skies were always clear unlike those in a big city. Cities had plenty of things to offer, but this was a major thing that they lacked—being able to connect with the world that mother nature provided for human kind.

"Have you ever wanted to travel to space?" Arthur asked softly, trying not to disturb the mood.

Grace glanced away from the stars to look at Arthur, who had seemed to have the same idea. In response, Grace shook her head and returned her gaze to the stars, just as Arthur did.

"It never interested me to go to space. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at the stars but there is just so much left on Earth that had yet to be explored. People always seemed to look to the stars never realizing the beauty that was already around them."

"That seems wise, almost as if you are speaking well beyond your years" Arthur chuckled eliciting the same response from the blonde.

"How old do you think I am?"

"I don't know, and I am not going to fall in that trap tonight. I don't want to dig my own hole right now so you can take that shovel back. How old do you think I am?"

"Well, you're never supposed to ask a lady her age, so I won't do that to you or you may get embarrassed."

"Shut it, blondey" Arthur teased.

Grace looked amused at his response and she rolled back her shoulders, "I'm 24. My guess is that you are like what, early thirties?"

Nodding Arthur said, "Yeah, 31 to be exact."

Grace scratched her eyebrow with her thumb and then pulled her beanie down to fix it, even though she didn't have to. The math was there with the seven-year age difference. So, instead of dwelling on this information, Grace decided to ask a random question that caught Arthur off guard.

"Since I am assuming you can travel anywhere in the world with your powers of the ocean, where is the best place you have visited?"

Silence overtook the two of them as it became evident that Arthur was trying to search for an answer to her question.

"My favorite place is one that isn't marked on any map."

"That isn't a real answer" The blonde said shaking her head.

"It totally is. You said it before that mankind hasn't found everything on Earth yet. Maybe I just found something beautiful and want to keep it for myself."

Grace rolled her eyes, thinking that Arthur was trying to play her when he was being honest. There was no name for his favorite place and it wasn't written on any map. One day he came across it during his travels and since then, he made sure to know the coordinates just in case he could ever go back.

"I guess I will just have to take your lie for what it is worth then."

"If you want, I can take you there sometime to prove to you that I'm not lying."

"I'll see it when I believe it."

"Trust me on this, it is about a forty-five minute boat ride away in a small little cove. Plus, I know if you go you will love it."

Grace didn't immediately respond and was happy that it was dark outside. She didn't know after everything if she was ready to be alone again with Arthur. It didn't even help that what happened in the kitchen was when they weren't totally alone. In fact, being completely alone with the man next to her scared her. Not because she was afraid he was going to hurt her but because she was afraid of her own feelings and emotions; with what she may do alone with the man.

"I'm only going to prove that you are lying to me" Grace muttered making Arthur smirk at her response.

"That's fine, just be warned that you have never seen anything like this before in your life."

"You're setting a pretty high bar here, are you sure you can deliver, Rapunzel?"

"Heh. Yeah, I'm sure. Keep your nights open in the next couple of days to a week. You can only see this on a clear night and being in this part of Alaska that is as rare as hens' teeth."

"Why at night? Wait… is this where you're going to take me to kill me?"

"Hah hah, very funny" Arthur deadpanned, "Plus, it is part of the surprise" Arthur changed his look and winked at Grace causing her to scoff.

Grace shook her head, not realizing the full extent of what she just got herself into and pushed herself from the railing. She waited for Arthur to follow suit, and it seemed he did so, so it didn't seem like he was overstaying his welcome. The blonde appreciated that he knew when a change in this conversation was headed. If Arthur felt in the same way that Grace did, she knew that he wanted him to stay longer. She enjoyed talking about mundane but gentle things like they had been doing. There was still so much about the man next to her that she didn't know.

"Thanks again for dinner, Grace."

"Again, anytime, Arthur."

The blonde walked the long-haired man to the edge of the deck so he could swing his legs over the edge and make his way across the docks. She watched as Arthur grabbed onto the rope to help lower himself down, but before he did so, Arthur leaned down and planted a kiss on Grace's cheek, catching her completely off guard. When Arthur backed up, he grinned at Grace, who had a dumbfound look on her face as she held her hand up to her cheek. She couldn't tell what was on his adjenda but a part of her hoped that he wasn't just teasing her with the gesture.

"I'll see you later, Blondey" Arthur remarked before excusing himself first.

Sanibel watched as Arthur jumped over onto the dock and started walking down it. She watched him tug his coat on tighter as the wind picked up and blew through his hair. At the cold, she folded her arms as her body started to shiver. She wanted him to turn around as she watched him leave. She didn't know why she wanted that, but she did. Just when she thought that he wouldn't Arthur surprised her and turned his head back, picking up his arm as if to wave goodbye to her. A soft smile came to Grace's lips and she waved goodbye to him as well. She watched him fade into the distance and even though she was cold, she wanted to make sure that her heart rate and flushed skin tones returned to normal before confronting Benny. She knew that he would just make a comment that he owed her twenty dollars from the bet they made, but Grace didn't know if she was ready for that yet.

First, she needed to figure out where she stood with her own feelings before admitting them to anyone else, even though she had a feeling that she would be giving Benny his money sooner, rather than later.