Chapter 26: And Sometimes Words Aren't Needed
The crew of the S.S. Larksfield, a large yacht owned by Bruce Wayne himself, had long known the identity of their employer as Batman. He was a good man, though, and very generous so their mouths were sealed upon much of the man's whereabouts. His bringing Harley Quinn aboard had been a shock. They knew of the woman, but after observing her demure nature with Bruce, her utterly feminine curiosity they were unsure how to take it. She seemed very genuine, no ill-intent present in her eyes.
"Mr. Wayne," Bruce had been approached by the yacht's captain while he was on the deck by himself—Harley was being given a tour of the vessel by another crew member.
"Yes, Lysander?"
"My men and I trust you deeply, sir, thus we will not ask you your reasons for bringing the woman on board; it was just a shock."
"I expected it to be," Bruce smiled, "she's a good person, Sander."
"I can see that, as can the others," the man replied, "but I thought I should tell you in case you notice our behavior is a little strange. She will take some adjusting to." Bruce turned his head away from staring out into the golden sea, dyed such by the orb in the sky. "Thanks for telling me." The captain nodded and turned away to go foresee the rest of the preparations. The boat had yet to set off.
Half an hour later, Bruce was still to be found leaning against the yacht's railing on the highest level of the ship as it broke through water. The wind swept through his hair, the tangy scent of the ocean passing his nose. The sounds of the speeding air in his ears drowned away any distant sounds. He shut his eyes for a moment. He was enjoying himself; he could relax.
He cracked open an eye when he heard shuffling close to him. Then the warmth of a body came to his side. He looked to see Harley leaning on the railing too. Once she noticed his attention she stared at him from the corner of her eyes, a shy smile on her face. He chuckled in amusement and moved behind her. He leaned over her smaller body, caging her back to his chest with his arms on either side of her. His hands took hers gently and he tucked her head beneath his chin.
They watched the ocean in a comfortable silence. Neither had to say anything; what was there to say? Her body relaxed against his spoke enough as did his when he straightened back up but stayed close, chest still against her back, hands holding hers.
The golden ocean glittered like her hair in the sun as the wind played about them. He loved her hair down, much like it was where it moved freely and shimmered; tumbling around her face so he could run his fingers through the silky strands. He had discovered how soft they were when he had kissed her in the kitchen. He gave into temptation and tilted his head until his nose was barely brushing her hair.
The scent of jasmine filled his senses. It was her favorite shampoo, and becoming his favorite scent for her. Strong enough to soothe, yet light enough not to overpower. His fingers traced over the back of her hand.
"Do you like it here?" He broke the silence. When she nodded he smiled. "I'm glad." And they fell into silence again, needing nothing more than the other's presence.
Prompt #20, Gold.
The fluff abounds again! Yeah, it'll be cute for a few more chapters...but it can't stay that way forever.
Sorry about the week-long wait for this chapter. I was working on other projects and this one was neglected for a little while. College is about to start once again for me; I'm not happy about that, but I have to get my education.......All I got was a week vacation. Well, I'm back. Lots of love for the reviews I got in my absence. You're all great! Which brings me to...85 reviews! I'm honored! Thanks!