Flufftober 2022 - Day 9 - Caught in the Rain* (*Substituted for "Game Day")
When it rained in this climate, it really damn well rained. The heavens opened and they were granted a reprieve from the endless sun and humidity, water pelting down upon them with the heaviness of hail. Theo was often the only one willingly caught outside on such days, and certainly the only one who ever spent it in the garden of the house that she shared with James. Their house - no longer just his house. Not since they got back from Tortuga.
Within a minute of stepping outside she was already so soaked that she looked like she'd just stepped out of the bath, and she always stayed out for far, far longer.
"You know this is the sort of behaviour that has them naming you witch."
James had to shout to be heard against the thundering of the rain all about them, and Theo jumped at first - but then she grinned, opening her eyes and turning to look at him. He'd abandoned his wig, likely having no wish to dry it once he'd coaxed her inside, and his hair hung about his face in dark, soaking sheets.
"I thought that was because of my beguiling good looks and magical turn of phrase," she countered with a serene smile.
He lingered beside her - offering nothing other than a rueful look in response to her words. A few moments went by, during which rainwater began to drip steadily from his chin and the tip of his nose.
"I fail to see the appeal," he called.
Theo smiled, tilting her face up to the sky and closing her eyes before she responded "If I shut my eyes, and calm my mind, it's almost like I'm at home."
Reaching a hand out blindly towards him, she wound her fingers around his forearm and pulled him closer so she wouldn't have to shout. Considering how much her hair and her sodden skirts weighed her down now, it was much easier than her stepping towards him.
"Sometimes, if it gets cold enough, and if everything's quiet enough, I could almost swear that when I open my eyes, I'll be back."
"Would…you rather be alone?"
"No," she shook her head, which did little to un-plaster her hair from her face "Because this way it's like you're with me."
Wouldn't that be the ideal outcome? To leave all this mess behind, to leave Beckett and the pirates to their fight, and to wake up at home, with James, safe and free. It wasn't an option she was certain she'd take, if offered it. She'd be tempted, sure, but she didn't know if she'd be able to live with it. To know she'd shown up, messed things about, and left everybody else to deal with the consequences while she and her husband were safe and happy. But until they secured a future that she wouldn't trade for anything, it was a nice fantasy.
He pulled his arm away, and at first she thought she'd offended him with her talk of home. That he'd taken it personally, or as some sort of rejection. Something. But then his fingers threaded with hers, warm amidst the cold of the rain, as he spoke.
"I am with you."
And that was nicer still.