The world grinds to a halt as he rounds the corner that brings Rivin into view and his heart leaping up into his throat as he skids to a halt just mere inches from the woman he loves. Blood red sun hangs around her shoulders, highlighting every curve of her face and every branch of her antlers. A tine that she had given him so long ago still hangs from his neck, his fur obscuring it from view but he knows it is there and he feels it warm against his skin. For so long it had been the only thing he had of her and for so long, he feared it was all he would ever have of her.
Chest hitches as she speaks, the reality of this moment slamming home and stealing his breath away as she apologizes and speaks of the ocean trying to claim her again. Rivin asks about Gil and Modesty and silence fills the space between him as he really takes her in, noticing the haggard appearance and how her ribs poke out from her slightly dulled coat. Not trusting his voice, he walks up to her and reaches out, seeking to envelope her in his strong arms that have been finely toned from all his swims in that same accursed ocean.
Vision swims as tears slip silently down his cheeks and he buries his face in her neck, inhaling her scent deeply and finally assuring himself that it is her and that she is real. Jack isn’t exactly sure how long he clings to her, not ready to let her free after having missed her for so long. When he finally speaks, he says, “I… I thought I lost you.” His voice cracks and breaks and he closes his eyes willing his fluttering heart to return to his chest as he offers her a gentle squeeze before loosening his grip.
Calico Jack had always tried to be strong, a true Raider and someone Gilgamesh would be happy to call his son but, as he holds her, all his resolve to be strong falls away and his tender heart is brought out into the heart. A breathy chuckle falls from his lips as he pulls back slightly, eyes shimmering with unshed tears as he says, “Oh, Little Flame. Please, never leave me again. I don’t think I could handle it….” A paw reaches up, gentle ruffling the fur on her cheek before cupping it and bringing her mouth in toward his.
A kiss, filled with all of his tumultuous feelings is placed on her lips and he forgets about the Raiders and life outside of this moment for sometime. When they finally separate, the world begins to slowly turn again and his brows furrow uncertainly as her question comes burning back into his mind. With a sigh he finally releases her and admits, “I’m… not sure, honestly. I haven’t really been socializing since you left. I was kind of angry for a long time but now I am happy. Happy that you are back.”
The smile that appears is bright and filled with a joy that Jack had not felt since Rivin had disappeared. Maybe the gods were kind and smiling on the couple.
"Calico Jack"
Marauder
