i can't help it if i want to kiss you in the rain, so
Flora didn’t answer with words, just a mysterious little chuckle that said you’ll see and the soft, knowing glint of mischief in her eyes. Instead, she turned toward the helm with an unhurried ease that belied the thrill building in her chest, undoing the moorings with the same casual grace she might use to untie a ribbon from her hair.
The Sugar Tide gave a gentle lurch as she turned its prow skyward, sails shifting with a lazy rustle as the enchantments woven into its bones answered her touch. Rather than skimming across the harbour, the little ship lifted steadily up, wind curling around the deck like a lover’s hand. It was Flora’s first time flying her new ship with anyone else aboard, and though her fingers were a touch tighter on the wheel than she’d ever admit, her expression was nothing but confident sunlight.
She didn’t speak until they were well above the masts and away from other vessels, the Sugar Tide drifting free in the sea-salted air. Then—her curls lifted by the breeze, her wrap dress clinging to sun-warmed limbs—Flora turned to face the Knight, beaming.
"Okay. Here’s what we’re gonna do." She held out a hand for the bottle, her other already gesturing to the side of the ship. "You’re going to spread your wings, pick me up and carry me over, and I’m going to christen this ship myself, no ropes required."
The Sugar Tide gave a gentle lurch as she turned its prow skyward, sails shifting with a lazy rustle as the enchantments woven into its bones answered her touch. Rather than skimming across the harbour, the little ship lifted steadily up, wind curling around the deck like a lover’s hand. It was Flora’s first time flying her new ship with anyone else aboard, and though her fingers were a touch tighter on the wheel than she’d ever admit, her expression was nothing but confident sunlight.
She didn’t speak until they were well above the masts and away from other vessels, the Sugar Tide drifting free in the sea-salted air. Then—her curls lifted by the breeze, her wrap dress clinging to sun-warmed limbs—Flora turned to face the Knight, beaming.
"Okay. Here’s what we’re gonna do." She held out a hand for the bottle, her other already gesturing to the side of the ship. "You’re going to spread your wings, pick me up and carry me over, and I’m going to christen this ship myself, no ropes required."
