Kraglin smiled and took Yondu's hand,
-Wow, Captain, ya really thought this through.-
Helping the other down the stairs, Yondu led the two away from the land point and deeper into the beach. The water's glowed as millions upon millions of tiny organisms convulsed in an age old mating dance that made them light up. The whole water's edge looked as though filled with sapphires.
Making their way slowly towards the lit-up pier, Yondu helped struggling Kraglin. He forgot to tell him not to wear anything with sharp points as sand was a bitch to get out of those, and the other man ended up being stuck more than he walked.
Finally, after a few minutes of pulling his Second out of sand traps, Yondu cursed and hefted the younger man in his arms.
-This way, at least we'll get to get there before the sun comes up- huffed the Centaurian.
Blushing, Kraglin turned his head away,
-Thank you, sir.-
After a somewhat perilous journey through sand, and dusting off the dress, the pair got to the pier.
-I know we have dinner almost every night on the ship, - Said Yondu, - But I wouldn't chose to have that as tonight's set up.
He walked Kraglin over to the table set for two, and motioned for the waiter, giving Kraglin a chance to look around.
-Oh my stars, Yondu this is amazing!- Kraglin smiled as he looked out over the water. -Ya know ya didn't have to do all this?-
Yondu dismissed the waiter with their order and leaned back on his chair. He nodded along
-Yeah I did.- Said the older man, raising a hand and runnig it through the unusual hair that now covered his head. - I ain't about to show my intentions in a lousy cantina with spit and vomit in the corners.
-Intentions, sir?- He tilted his head, slightly.
Yondu dismissed the question and put his hands on the table in front of them,
-Tell me about yourself, Obfonteri. - Asked the man. - I'll be fair, you can ask me questions as well
-I'm not very interesting, Captain.- Kraglin blushed slightly. -But I have a question for ya.-
The Centaurian shook his head, and eyed the waiter making eyes at his companion as she down the dishes.
-You go on to work, girl- Grumbled the man, as the young Kleossian cringed and ran off.
Turning his gaze back to Kraglin he said,
-I truly doubt that, darlin'. But go ahead.
-Why'd ya go through all this trouble for me? Why didn't ya just make me clean the entire ship for the picture?- He said, crossing his arms, smirking.
Yondu took a moment to decide on an answer.
-I got plenty of crew to do clean up duty. I have people to kill, I've got some to steal, and even negotiate. But do you know how many I actually talk to, or Stars forbid like?-
-No sir.- Kraglin shook his head.
Youndu raised a hand and pointed it across the table silently.
-Oh…- Kraglin whispered, softly.
- So yeah, I might like the picture, but that wasn't my main reason for calling you out here. Even though you do look better in this type of clothing.- Said Yondu. - You're smart, Obfonteri. You can think, got a good head on your shoulders. And you're thoroughly mistaken if you think I don't know who leaves me a present every birthday.
Kraglin started blushing,
-What? I have no idea what you're talkin' 'bout, Captain. I don't even know when your birthday is, sir…. But go on…-
Yondu let out a laugh at his partner's expression. It reminded him od a small animal caught in a trap for a second.
-As I was saying, you have a good head on your shoulders. Unlike most of the crew I don't have to repeat or explain myself to you. Its refreshing. Add to all that, the fact that you're one hell of a fighter and you get a combination I have been thoroughly enjoying the observation of as of late.
-You've been enjoying it, Captain? Well, I guess I'm glad that I can be of service to you then.- Smiled Kraglin, his eyes down casted.
Yondu frowned.
-Kraglin look at me.-Said the man firmly, catching the other's attention. - I didn't order you here. You could've said no, I'd have given you back the picture, and not brought the point up again. If you feel you don't want to be here, with me… Well you just come out and say so. I'll take you back, we'll never talk of this again.-
It pained the man to say so, but he did not want the other to think he had to be here just to get his photograph back. Wincing internally, Yondu brought out his padd, pulled up the picture and showed it to Kraglin. Demonstratively, he swiped it into the trash folder.
-I know I've could of said no to you…but I didn't want to…..I wanted to be with you.- Kraglin said, shyly. -I like bein' with you, sir-, Yondu.-
An unusually warm little smile appeared on the Centaurian's face.
-You ain't ever called me by my name before-
-Oh really? I didn't notice.- Smiled Kraglin. -I hope ya don't mind it.-
Yondu just chuckled in response.
-Nah, I don't mind.
He then motioned to the plate sitting innocuously in front of the younger man.
-Since this planet's mostly oceans, they strive on this kinds food. I hope you like it. I don't know if you ever had a chance to try this on Xandar.
-Never had it, but it looks great, sir.- Kraglin smiled.
Kraglin took a bite of his food and smiled,
-It's delicious, sir. Thank ya for taking me here, it's really sweet of you."
The older man scratched his cheek a bit. He looked at his Second, sitting there in a tight dress, with a flower, illuminated by the lights of the pier. He didn't have the prettiest face, and years took their toll, but he ain't ever seen somebody so beautiful.
Kraglin notice Yondu staring at him,
-Uh, Captain?…You alright?- He smiled and laughed a bit, waving his hand at him. -Hello? Captain, ya still there, sir?-
The man's hand was caught by a larger callused one and brought over to Yondu's lips. He carefully kissed each finger before giving the center of the palm the same treatment.
-C-captain?- Kraglin whispered and felt his face heat up from a blush that spread across his face, from Yondu kissing his hand.
-Now I can't promise you nights like this one every day, not with the life we're leading,- Said the Centaurian, still holding onto the hand.- But if you give me a chance I'll make sure to provide as many of them as possible.
At that moment all Kraglin could do was just nod, still in a happy shock from what the Captain just said to him. His smile grew and he blushed even more,
-I'd give ya a hundred chance, Yondu!-
-I'll remind you you said that next time you yell at me- Laughed Yondu, relieved.