A/N: Nearing the finish of this story folks. But don't worry. I plan on doing a sequel, tho it wont be about King Kong it will include Ashley the Jumper and Tori the sensetive. Thinking something with David and Griffin...(evil face) Anyhoo. So Next one might be the last. Let me know your thoughts. Read, review, and enjoy! And don't kill me for the cliffy...
Chapter Eleven
(Tori POV)
She walked back to the galley and found the place empty except for Preston, who was doing the dishes. She hung her apron up on the hook and walked over to Preston's side. "I'm so sorry," she murmured to him.
Preston looked at her with worry. "It's fine. What did the captain and you talk about?" There was a hint of suspicion in his voice when he spoke.
Tori looked at the sink and started to wash a mug. Her eyes went wide and she said, "Uh, just that we're doing a swell job." Tori looked at him and flashed him a nervous smile. 'Lying is not my strong point.'
He smiled and nodded. "That's good. We make a good team then."
"W-We do," she stuttered. Tori felt a blush rising on her cheeks.
Preston turned to her, putting the dry plate on a pile with other plates. "Do you mind if I…?" he pointed over his shoulder and took his apron off. Tori shook her head and he let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you. I'll catch up with you then," Preston told her as he left.
Tori let out a breath of air she didn't realize she was holding once he was out of sight. 'I won't be able to lie to him about Englehorn. What am I going to do…?' Tori pounded her wet and soapy fist to her forehead.
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(Ashley POV)
Ashley had just changed into a new set of black trousers, white t-shirt and a red long sleeved button down. She was rolling up the sleeves when she noticed Jimmy's hat on her bed. 'He left so fast that he forgot it.' She snickered as she put it on. 'Oh well. Now I can wear it.'
"Hey Jimmy," someone said from behind her. Ashley turned and saw Preston stepping into the room. "Oh, I'm sorry." He pointed to his head and said, "The hat… I thought you were him. Where is he?"
"Nest duty. You need him for something? I can help," she offered.
Preston pressed his lips into a thin line. "I guess." He walked in and sat on Jimmy's bed. "I just wanted to talk to someone. Ask what I should do about Tori."
Ashley's eyes went wide. "Well, I can help of course. I know her better than anyone on this friggin' tramp steamer!"
Preston laughed and said, "Good point. I just wanted to know if I should ask her…to be my girl," he said softly.
'That's a funny phrase. Glad we don't say that anymore.' She bit her lip, partially to hold back a laugh and partially in thought. After a minute, she said, "Preston, if you don't go for it you won't get her. So yes, ask her," she told him sternly.
Preston eyed her suspiciously. "Why wouldn't I get her?"
She shook her head and waved her hand. "Not important. Just go for it." She caught a glance of his shirt and noticed it was the same color of red as hers. "Heh. We match Presty!"
He smiled and nodded. "Thank you Ashley. I owe you one." He walked over to the door and started out.
Ashley furrowed her brow. 'That shall come in handy later maybe.' She sat for a few minutes by herself in the cabin, looking around at the bland walls. Finally she sighed and got up. 'This is boring. I'm gunna go see if Jimmy's still in the nest.' Ashley left the room and made her way out to the deck. She looked up towards the crow's nest and saw a figure leaning against the slim railing. 'Can't tell if it's him or not…' She walked over to the pole and looked up. She put a hand on the ladder with hesitation and began the ascent. 'Don't look down. Don't look.' Ashley squeezed her eyes shut and climbed up the ladder slowly. She opened her eyes to see she could reach the top. "Jimmy?" she called.
Jimmy leaned over the side carefully; his expression was a bit shocked. "What're you doing up here?" he extended a hand to her and helped her up.
"I came to see you. Taa-daa!" She held her hands up and shook them. "That was scarier than the first time," Ashley told him as she peered over the side.
Jimmy gave her a nod as he put his arms around her waist and hugged her. "It was brave."
"No sacrifice, no victory. Oh and," she plucked the hat off her head and reached around, placing it on his head, "you forgot this."
Jimmy leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Thanks Ash."
She nodded as she saw Tori walking cross the deck. Preston was many steps behind her and looked to be going at a slower pace. "There he goes. Off to win his girl."
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(Tori POV)
"…I bring you the morning; I bring you the sun…" Tori was singing softly to herself. It was a Celtic song Ashley introduced her to and she loved it from the start. She continued to hum the rest of it to herself as she approached the door to her room.
"Tori!" someone called behind her. She turned and found Preston rushing up to her.
"Something wrong Preston?" she asked as she turned back to her door and opened it. She walked in and Preston followed.
"Yes…well, actually no. I mean, I wanna ask you something." He stood in front of the open door; his hands were clenching and unclenching at his sides.
'Oh no. I hope he didn't find out…' "Ask…?"
He took a deep breath and said, "Would you…err, will you be my girl?" Preston asked with a nervous look on his face. Tori's mouth fell open, half shocked at his question. "I-If you don't want to it's fine. I'll understand…"
He nearly started to ramble when Tori said, "O-Okay," in a tiny voice.
Preston's face lit up. "Really?" Tori nodded as she squeezed her eyes shut. When she opened her eyes again, she found him moving towards her. Tori's eyes went wide as he leaned down, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. In the middle of her shock, she heard a thud. Preston looked over his shoulder and Tori looked past him. They both saw Ashley scrambling to get off the floor and Jimmy helping her up.
"Heh, whoops. Sorry," Ashley grinned. "We'll just be on our way," she smiled sweetly.
Tori smirked. "Get in here," she motioned for them to come in. Ashley looked around cautiously and Jimmy followed behind her with a hand in his pocket. "Fox," Tori said as she punched Ashley lightly in the arm.
"I can not help it if I'm a nosy person, now can I?" Ashley gave Tori a questioning look. "You know what we should do?"
Tori looked at Ashley oddly. "Uh oh… What?" Ashley linked a hand with Jimmy's free hand and smiled. "No! Not that. You can't. You'll mess up everything."
Preston looked at Tori with confusion. "What will? What's going on?"
Jimmy was looking at Ashley, who was grinning from ear to ear at him and looked at Tori. "Please?" she begged. "It'll be fun."
Tori shook her head. "No. My decision is final and over ruling in the situation," she said crossing her arms. She gave Ashley a stern look. "Think about it."
Ashley pouted. "C'mon," she coaxed Tori. "Just for a bit."
Tori looked at Preston, who was utterly lost and then at Jimmy. He wasn't concerned apparently about what was going on. "Fine, but ONLY for a little." 'This isn't gunna turn out good. I can feel it.'
