Ankyra Sound dance with me

her smile comes slow—rare, crooked at the edge like she doesn't quite know how to wear it. first mate, huh? meredith echoes, voice low, almost teasing as she flicks him a glance from beneath pale lashes. there's a spark there, hidden behind all that usual grit.

she shrugs, but it's loose, easy. suppose i could get used to that. and maybe she could. with him, here, like this—shoulders brushing, waves crashing somewhere far below.

her gaze drifts back to the sea, chin lifted toward the dark stretch of horizon. long as you don't get any ideas 'bout ordering me around. but there's no bite in it. just that same sheepish grin, rare as gold, staying for a moment longer than usual.