Chapter 34

Vatulele Island Fiji

Friday February 20, 1920

Pre-dawn

Tommy POV

He woke to darkness and an empty space in bed beside him. Aoife'd managed to slip out without waking him. Feeling the sheets by his side he felt a little bit of remaining warmth that suggested she hadn't been out of bed long. He rolled over and saw the faint line of light coming out from beneath the washroom door.

He figured it must be close to dawn if she was up already. He'd wait until she finished before rising for the day himself. While he waited his mind drifted back to the previous night. Dinner had been an interesting affair with loud boisterous friendly conversations. He ended up listening more than he spoke but he'd enjoyed getting to know some of Aoife's relations. She seemed to have a close bond with her cousin Cam and the only reason it didn't worry him was because they were blood, otherwise he had a feeling he'd have been jealous of their closeness.

Aine had seemed to be feeling a bit better when she and Alfie had arrived. He took note that she didn't touch too much of her food and she stuck close to Alfie for the night. The celebration for them was filled with drinking games, stories of Aine from her childhood, most of which had Aoife in them as well, along with music and dancing. He had enjoyed finding Aoife speaking with her Aunt Adele and asking her to dance.

"This is where ya disappeared ta."

She'd turned to him and her smile had left him breathless. The sparkle in her eyes told him she was happy and enjoying herself. She was completely at ease and it translated in the way she carried herself.

"Tommy! Have you met my Aunt Adele yet?"

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure yet, no."

"Well then, Tommy this is my Aunt Adele, Adele this is my Tommy."

Tommy felt a smirk pulling at his lips as she introduced him as her Tommy. He wasn't sure if he'd ever tire of hearing her call him hers. Whether it was written in a letter to him or said aloud to someone else it made his stomach flip and he felt like smiling.

"It's nice ta meet ya Adele."

"And you Tommy."

"Do ya mind if I steal Aoife away for a bit?"

"Somehow it seems as though you may have already stolen her away from us."

Adele's smile and demeanor had been pleasant showing him she didn't mind and that she thought his relationship with Aoife was already a foregone conclusion.

"Aoife, would ya care ta dance?"

He'd watched as Aoife's eyes started to sparkle even more and her dimples deepened before she teasingly responded to him.

"Mm, and he dances."

She placed her hand in his and he led her over to where others were dancing before taking her in his arms and dancing with her through the upbeat song some of her cousins were playing on their instruments.

"So is this another item that goes in your list?"

"What list?"

"The list of things ya like about me."

He enjoyed hearing the light laughter that his comment induced. She was shaking her head gently as they continued to move smoothly around the makeshift dance floor. He even caught himself smiling back at her with no restraint, truly enjoying this time with her regardless of the onlookers.

"Are you keeping track Tommy?"

"Mm. It's not me fault that your letters are detailed."

He leaned down slightly to whisper in her ear so only she would hear him.

"I've taken a special liking ta the ones that list off what ya like ta do ta me and what you like me doin ta ya."

"Mm. Well I do enjoy thinking about those things, I enjoy remembering them when you're not with me. Sometimes I'll even touch myself while I think of you."

"For fuck sake woman!"

Her laughter was full and filled with mirth as she teased him, she was shameless and he found himself enchanted with her even more than he'd been before. Yet again she'd surprised him. He'd have never thought she'd bring up such things while they were dancing, surrounded by her family, or possibly at all. He found he had a deep appreciation for her forwardness and her refusal to follow the typical rules of polite society.

He had looked around and seen that those close to him had heard his comment but were smiling and laughing along with Aoife. No doubt knowing her enough to know that she'd made a comment to make him feel flustered enough for his outburst. He lowered his voice back to a pitch that only she would hear when he spoke again.

"What am I supposed ta do with ya Aoife?"

"That's simple Tommy. Accept me and enjoy the ride. Cause that's what I'm doing."

The song was coming to an end and he hadn't been able to help himself. He leaned down and took her lips in a light simple kiss, appreciating the sound of her humming purr. Not once worrying about the audience around them, for him they'd disappeared.

The door to the washroom opened and Aoife came through wearing a lightweight pair of trousers and a tunic that reminded him of pictures that depicted Arabian fashion. Though she wore a type of corset over the tunic to help keep her breasts snuggly in place. Her hair was braided in a style that seemed to wrap around her head in order to keep it out of her way and her forearms were covered by leather bracers that had metal rods running their length.

Her voice was quiet but as always the tone she spoke in was soothing and while strong and fluid seemed delicate and ethereal.

"I didn't mean to wake you yet. You still have some time before you need to rise."

"Mm. Ya didn't wake me Aoife. Come here."

He studied her as she walked smoothly over to him. Comfortable in her attire and confidence in her walk. "Ya look lovely."

She softly smiled down at him before bending and placing her lips on his. "I need to finish getting ready, do you want to rest a bit more? I'll wake you when it's time."

"No, I'll get up now. We're running out of time and I want ta spend every moment available with ya."

"Hm. You know you should be careful Tommy, that sounded sweet and I've been told on good authority that you don't do sweet."

He licked his lips and thought about her statement before answering her.

"Well now, I could easily argue that it's just me being selfish, not sweet."

Her chuckle was low and soft as she leaned down and kissed him again.

"My mistake then, you can be as selfish as you want."

"Good. Now get out of here and let me get up, otherwise you'll be needing to get redressed."

"Tommy!"

"Fair warning Aoife."

He listened to her laughter as she quickly slipped away from him and out into the main room.

Aoife POV

Aoife sat in one of the sitting room chairs as she worked on lacing and fastening the buckles on her knee high airmen boots. The sound of running water drifting out from the bedroom as Tommy cleaned up for the day. Her mind drifted as her fingers automatically worked on their task.

The previous night had been memorable. Tommy was a very good dancer, he led effortlessly and while she enjoyed dancing and found yet another facet of him, it had been the way he relaxed last night that meant the most to her. He'd let go and allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment.

He'd smiled, and not just a small quirk of lips or the sexy little smirk that typically graced him when they were set in something other than a thin line or scowl. A real smile, one that creased the line of his cheeks, showed his teeth and danced in his eyes. For a short time, dancing with him under the moon, he wasn't the cold, calculating gangster that instilled fear or the patched together emotionless soldier that moved through life like an automaton.

She had to admit that dancing with him, made her feel like they were in their own little world and everything outside of them didn't matter. It was another new experience for her. When the night came to an end they'd walked back to her hut and continued to dance inside. A slow dance that moved them fluidly through the room wrapped up in each other arms.

Neither one of them cared that there was no longer any music. It seemed as though they could both hear a silent music of their own making. Article by article their clothing disappeared and still they danced until they came to the bedroom and then a different type of dance began.

The soft slow strokes of Tommy's hand moving across her skin felt different this time. Before there had always been a sense of discovery or a need to claim, perhaps even both at the same time. Now it was like there was no need to discover because they knew one another. No need to claim because there was a definitive sense that they already belonged to each other.

No tram to catch, no pent up desire raging to be let loose. There was no need to rush through the enjoyment of being together. There was nothing but time and the desire to take it.

Soft delicate kisses that turned into slow deep battles, the only goal to feel the other. It was his heat. The rasp of his callused fingers mixed with feather light touches. The strength in his hands and the gentle firmness in which he held her. The unrushed glide of lips glancing across various plains of skin infused with the subtle scratch of his stubble. Her own slow deep breaths that seemed to inhale his scent like a drug that she was becoming a addicted to. It was everything at once, everything converging together to make her heart beat out a tempo that only played for Tommy.

The room was filled with the sound of low unrestrained moans, whispered names, gentle embraces and the quiet sound of bodies sliding and moving in concert with each other. The night filled with shared breaths, deep potent kisses, leisurely touches and gazes open to the soul.

The unhurried movements of two people truly seeing one another, sharing everything and having an entire conversation without saying a single word. Leaving behind a profound enduring connection that was even more than the physical pleasurable headiness she felt with him.

The previous night had been eye opening for her. She'd known she was in love with Tommy but now it felt like she had given him another piece of herself, not just her heart. Perhaps a piece of her very soul. It was a bit scary, feeling so deeply for someone. Realizing that they held parts of you, you could never retrieve. Parts that would never be the same, that would never heal if they were ever lost.

Her initial instinct had always been to protect herself, her heart. Then this man came along, broken yet so strong. Bitterly cold down to the bone yet so caring and loyal to the ones he loved. Even to those he simply called his own. This man put together of such complex, disjointed and opposing values. Somehow had made her willing to open herself to him, to trust him with valuable parts and pieces of herself.

She had never needed any man, she wanted this one, and she was coming to the realization that she just might need him. Feeling somewhat overwhelmed by this realization she took deep breaths. She wouldn't allow the fear of the possibility of being broken one day to keep her from the beauty and adventure of the unknown. She'd learn to accept and trust the invisible rope around her entire being, that seemed to be tied to Tommy's.

Aine POV

This morning wasn't as bad as the previous one, the medicine and special tea that Celeste had given her were definitely helping. She moved slowly and took deep breaths allowing her equilibrium to adjust as she sat up in bed. Alfie was laying next to her, her movements waking him.

"Ya feelin' any better, Luv?"

"A little."

"Why don't ya get some more rest then, eh."

"No, the competition is this morning."

"Aye, it is. You are not goin' ta be participatin' though so..."

"I won't be Alfie but I still want to go and watch, support the others."

"If you're sure you're up for it."

"I am Alfie, don't worry so much."

"Alrigh', do ya want to shower first or do ya want ta relax wit a cup o' that tea while I clean up?"

"I think a shower first, will be good to start."

Aine felt the mattress dip behind her signaling Alfie had sat up and leaned toward her. She felt the gentle movement of her hair as Alfie moved all of it over her shoulder. The tickle of his beard hit her skin just before his soft full lips pressed into the crook of her neck. Reaching back she ran her fingers through the silken soft strands of his hair. Appreciating the moment and the man that never failed to make her feel cherished.

"I'll make ya a cup o' that tea while you're freshenin' up, that way it'll be ready for ya when you're done, eh."

"What did I do to deserve you Alfie?"

"And here I am constantly wonderin' wha' I've ever done ta deserve ya. Most o' the time I think I just got fuckin lucky. Mm. Fuckin lucky is right."

Alfie kissed her shoulder and got up heading out into the main room. She assumed to set the kettle on and brew her tea. Moving slowly she got up and headed for the washroom. When she felt poorly she always seemed to feel better after cleaning up. She hoped she could shower and then feel well enough to have the tea without worrying about if it was going to come back up.

Alfie POV

As he filled the kettle wit water he heard Aine make her way to the washroom. She was still moving slowly so he knew that while she said she felt better she still didn't feel that well. He wasn't so sure that this had come on due to eaten something rancid. Typically under those circumstances she would 'ave been heading back and forth to the loo throughout the night.

He was in the middle of thinking she could have gotten everything out yesterday and would be on the mend today when he heard her heaving. He put the kettle on the stove and went to check on her. She was sittin' on the floor wit her head bowed and her hand over her stomach. The idea popped into his head that what was goin' on could be something entirely different.

As she sat there trying to settle herself he went about getting the water started for her shower, hoping by the time she felt well enough to stand it'd be warmed up for her. Gettin' a cloth he wet it with cold water in the sink and then sat himself down on the floor next to her.

She took the cloth from him and ran it across her neck before placing it over her forehead. Since she seemed to be done tossing her biscuits he gently pulled her into him so she was resting against his chest and ran his hand up and down her back in a soothing manner.

"...Aine... Is there a possibility that this is somthin' other than food poisonin'?"

"... a possibility..."

"...We should probably 'ave a look into it then."

"Celeste took some blood yesterday, she's having Cam run a test. It takes a little bit of time though. She said she should know for sure by tonight."

"... Alrigh'. We haven' really discussed..."

"Alfie, I don't want to talk about it until we know. Is that alright? I just... there are so many things flitting around my head right now and I don't have any answers to any of the questions I've been asking myself."

"... Alrigh', we'll wait till we know whether there's anything to speak of. Whether there is or isn't, everythin' will be fine Aine, eh."

"Thank you Alfie."

"Mm. ... You feel well enough to stand Luv?"

"I think so."

Alfie stood up and helped Aine to stand, kissin' the top of her head. He removed himself from the washroom leaving her to move at her own pace. The kettle just starting to begin its whistle.

Finn POV

He'd set an alarm to wake him early so he wouldn't miss a single moment of the competition. He'd been looking forward to seeing what exactly all those different riggings were for. He hoped he'd be able to sit and watch with Tommy. Aoife's family had been pretty interested in meeting and talking with Tommy yesterday and he hadn't really gotten to spend that much time with him.

Tommy had started to ask him about Chichen Itza and El Tajin but they'd been interrupted by a couple of Aoife's uncles. He was looking forward to telling Tommy all about the things he'd seen and learned and how he'd even got to meet the arch... arche-olo-gists, archeologists that were exploring and excavating the sites, as they were called.

Finn took a look around the room and made sure to grab the tinted glasses that Reilly had given him. They would make it easier for him to see what was going on since he'd be looking up toward the sky to watch. They really had come in handy in all the bright places they'd been visiting.

He could hear Michael up and moving around in the room next door and was happy that he wasn't the only one looking forward to today. He checked his pockets and made sure that he had everything including his hat before heading out into the main room to wait for Michael to be ready.

Eirnin POV

He had been up and ready for the games to begin for quite some time. Hard as he tried he hadn't been able to sleep very well the previous night. His traitorous mind refusing to stop replaying his dance with Ada.

She was sitting at one of the round tables with some of his female cousins. No doubt getting to know them since he was fairly certain they would have harangued her about her nieces and nephews.

She appeared to be having fun and enjoying her company. He did however catch her foot tapping and swinging along to the music. She'd eye the dancing couples with a wistful look upon her face.

That made his decision for him. Just because she was seeing some bloke didn't mean that she couldn't enjoy a dance or two.

He headed her way stopping periodically to say hello or clap a cousin on the back. He finally reached the table to ask Ada to dance.

"Good evening ladies! Aren't you all looking marvelous tonight."

His cousins ribbed him a bit and he good naturedly teased them in return gaining a few laughs and smiles for his efforts.

"Ada! Would you mind dancing with me? I don't get the chance to that often and well you've seen how my relations treat me... I'd like the chance of leaving alive."

Her laughter was light and beautiful and she smiled full on. Her eyes lighting up with the prospect of a turn around the floor.

He offered his hand and she accepted. Pulling her up from her seat he swung her around and straight into a hold to step their way over to the crowd already twirling about.

She was light on her feet and had a lovely bounce to her step. Her height was practically perfect for him, as he enjoyed being able to easily look into her eyes.

"Why haven't you danced till now Ada? You're quite good."

"No one else has asked me."

"That can't be possible... fucking idiots, that's what they are."

Ada laughed again, shaking her head.

"No, they just assume John's little ones are mine."

Eirnin couldn't help but laugh at that.

"Well, their loss is my gain tonight. And they are fucking idiots."

The song came to a close and they continued on to dance the next. He'd caught sight of Shelby winding his way to where he'd spied Aoife. He watched as the man led Aoife out to dance. Ada's voice returning his attention to her.

"They look so good together. Aoife is really good for my brother...do you see that?!"

"What? What am I looking at?"

"Tommy... he's smiling...I haven't seen him look that happy since... well ever come to think of it."

"Hm."

They were close enough to the pair that they clearly heard Tommy when his voice rose, "For fuck sake woman."

It was nice hearing and seeing his sister burst into laughter, the twinkle in her eye and the expression on her face telling him she'd been teasing the man. He couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle at his sisters ability to bring a man to his knees. As the song started slowing he turned his eyes to Ada and watched the joy expressed on her features as she continued to gaze at their siblings.

"Are you having a good visit with him?"

"Yeah, surprisingly."

"You didn't expect to?"

"Let's just say we had a discussion that's been a long time coming and it went better than I was expecting."

"Well then, I'm glad."

Ada had returned her attention to him and smiled as they bounced around to the music.

"May I ask you a question Eirnin?"

"Of course."

"How come you don't have a girl for your own?"

"Where'd that come from?"

"It's just I originally assumed it's difficult getting into a serious relationship for airmen in general because you're always off on travels. But seeing your family, it seems that...well that your immediate family are some of the few who aren't married or in relationships."

"I suppose it does doesn't it. The majority of our cousins have settled down... It's not that we haven't had relationships Ada, it's just that they haven't worked out as well as our cousins have. You already know about Carrick and Grace and the story behind that fiasco. The girls of course are serious about their men but those relationships are recent. Reilly is actually quite hot under the collar for this little Egyptian lass. He makes it a point to visit her whenever he can... don't know yet if that will ever go anywhere but he considers it a relationship."

"And what about you?"

"Me? I knew a girl once, we liked each other but when it came down to it, she wasn't interested in a life in the sky. As for myself I'm an airman Ada. My life is in the sky, I either need to find another airman that I fancy or a grounder that would take to living aboard and constantly traveling. There aren't many who would, at least none that have ever caught my fancy."

"I never quite thought of it that way. I always just assumed that if you loved someone and they loved you back you'd find a way to make it work. Do you think... do you think that will be an issue for Aoife?"

"What? Whether she'll continue on with life aboard the Adelisa or move to the ground where Tommy is?"

"Yeah."

"I think if she truly loves him, the kind of love that never dies and strengthens through adversity. If it's that kind of love, then she'll leave the Adelisa for him. What she'll do on the ground or how happy she'll be down there, I don't know. I do know that she won't regret her decision. It's the way she lives, the way she is... no regrets."

"Thank you."

"For?"

"Being honest with me, letting me pry into your life."

"If you don't ask questions how do you get to know a person."

He saw the twitch of Ada's lips as she smiled softly and looked down trying to hide the lovely blush that had begun to rise to her cheeks. He wondered if she liked him, wondered what she was feeling. Then he stopped himself, the reminder that she was spoken for flashing through his head. When the song came to an end he kissed her knuckles and thanked her for dancing with him. He needed a drink and to stay away from Ada Shelby because she had him thinking things he shouldn't be. She was spoken for, and he'd just told her his life was in the sky. There was no way of knowing if living in the air appealed to her. Besides he'd already concluded that he wasn't going to pursue his interest in her. She wasn't free to pursue. Perhaps if he continued to repeat that reality to himself he'd stop forgetting it when she was near him.

Now, unable to find rest he sat on the pristine beach watching the water and waves mix with the starlit sky above. No sounds to be heard other than the ocean tide and gentle breeze drifting through the foliage behind him. The night air was warm and the sand beneath him cool. He rested his arms upon his bent knees and closed his eyes, breathing slow and deep, relaxing himself with controlled breaths and the rhythmic sounds of nature that surrounded him.

Ada POV

She couldn't sleep, she was tired but all she seemed to do was toss and turn, after dealing with that for two hours she finally just got up. Grabbing a lightweight wrap from her traveling trunk she wrapped it around herself, covering her nightdress before checking on the kids. They didn't seem to have her problem as they were all passed out, dead to the world till morning.

She stepped out onto her veranda and dropped herself down into the woven swinging chair that hung from the ceiling. Looking out at the ocean and night sky , appreciating their beauty. She could just make out a lone figure sitting in the sand down the beach a ways. She felt somewhat relieved that she wasn't the only one having trouble finding sleep.

As she sat there and enjoyed the night ambiance she thought about what Tommy had said about Freddie. She thought about her feelings for Freddie. Thought about everywhere she'd been and everything she'd seen on this trip. Then she started to think about something Aoife had said to her when she'd sat up on a night watch with her once.

"What do you want from your life Ada?"

"What do you mean?"

"What do you want in life? I know you eventually want marriage and kids, a home. Have you given any thought to what kind of home it is you want?"

"I... I guess I really haven't. Have you?"

"Mhm. Before I met your brother, I always thought I'd live out my life in the sky. Either on board the Adelisa, aboard a ship of my own or on whatever vessel the man I married lived on. Now though, things are different. Tommy is a Grounder, his entire future is on the ground, not in the sky. I need to reconsider what I thought I wanted. Figure out what it is I do want, what I can live with and what I can't."

"Would you move to the ground?"

" I don't know yet Ada, I really don't."

"I think, I always wanted to marry a man that I loved and loved me back. I saw us maybe moving to London, anywhere other than Small Heath really. Away from my controlling brothers and their... business. A flat or house it doesn't matter as long as it's our own. Hopefully a home, big enough to raise our children in."

"That sounds simple and lovely Ada."

"Mm. I never thought I'd ever see anything outside of England Aoife. This trip, my time up here with you and your family. It's wonderful. I knew the world was huge but I never truly realized how vast and different it was, not until now. I've caught myself missing home, but also wishing this would never end. There's so much more to see and experience. I want to."

"What makes you think that you can't?"

She'd laughed softly at that, the notion was absurd.

"One I don't have the money to pay for traveling around the world and two Tommy would never allow it."

"Why wouldn't he?"

"Because he wouldn't be able to keep me safe."

"He's not here, yet he believes that you're safe now."

"That's only because I'm with you, and he trusts you."

"Let me ask you this Ada. If you didn't have to worry about Tommy or anyone else for that matter. Money was not an obstacle. Thinking only about what you desire. Would you stay aboard the Adelisa without your family in order to travel and see the world or would you return home and seek out that house in London for your future family?"

"Thinking only of me and my desire?"

"Yes."

"Then I would stay aboard and continue to travel."

"Even though you would be without Freddie?"

"...Yes. What does that mean, Aoife?"

"That perhaps... your desires and dreams for your future have surpassed your feelings for Freddie. Maybe he is not the man that lives with you in that house with those children. It's something to think on Ada. Whatever it is you find you want in life, go after it, make decisions that you know you will not regret. Who knows maybe Freddie would desire to travel with you."

"Freddie, travel... not likely. He's so wrapped up in his cause. It's far too important to him, to simply walk away from, before he achieves it."

"Do you believe his goal is achievable? In his lifetime?"

"I don't know, but I know he won't stop trying."

"Even at the cost of you?"

"...I don't have an answer to that."

"Might be something worth finding out."

She still had no clear answers. Most of the answers she was seeking she knew she wouldn't find until she spoke with Freddie. She did know that she hadn't thought of him or even missed him recently. She also knew that she was beginning to have feelings for Eirnin. What those feelings were she had no clue but they were confusing her terribly. There were times when she thought he was flirting with her or just being exceptionally attentive to her. Then at other times he seemed to keep his distance from her even when there was no need to.

She appreciated their conversations. She did find him to be terribly attractive, not only physically but intellectually as well. Plus she adored his sense of humor and thoughtfulness. He had become her friend, someone easy to speak with about anything and everything. It was all just so dreadfully confusing to her.

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