⋆.˚come now alice,˚.⋆

—-

It’s cooler in the evening, a breeze soothes your body compared to the sweltering heat earlier that day. The kids are in the pool, adults with martinis in hand and a movie is set to play soon. Eventually, you settle on the emptier side of the deck on an unused pool floatie, a glass of juice in your hand; the waiter was nice enough to give you one for free. The movie has started to air, the familiar intro of nearly every Hollywood movie echoing around the top deck of the cruise ship.

“You mind if i sit ‘ere?” 

A gruff voice snaps you out of your trance, a familiar one at that too. You look up, recognising the man from before, cap still lowered slightly over his eyes, and you quickly nod, shuffling up. “Yeah, sorry. You’d be doing me a favour actually.” 

“How so?”

You look away sheepishly, and then point to that same family a few metres away from him. “I kind of lost track of time on one game and they were staring me down. Just looking at them makes me embarrassed.”

He just chuckles in response to your hushed words, though it’s not like the movie isn’t extremely loud anyway. “You here on your own?’ You blink, suddenly forgetting your entire life when he looks at you like that, eyes directed deep into your own. It takes you a moment to recover before you shake your head quickly.

“My family are here too, but they all have their own plans, so kind of.. Are you?” He probably wasn’t, and his friends would return too, or even his wife– you would be honestly surprised if someone hadn’t snatched him up yet.

“Was supposed to be here with a friend, but we kind of fell out last month. I’m on my own.” 

“Oh, that’s rough..Sorry.” 

It falls silent, and you decide to not speak any further unless he does. After all, he might just want some peace and quiet, not someone yapping into his ear. As the movie continues, you quietly shift, growing uncomfortable and a little bit bored. You figured whatever movie they put on would be good, but you suddenly feel very antsy knowing this hulk of a man is sitting centimeters away from you. The family from before gets up as their kid starts to grow tired, young enough to act out so they are probably taking him back to their room. You’re debating getting up at the same time as them, so you can make a quick escape and not disturb anyone else around. As usual, you end up overthinking it so much, as soon as you build the courage to stand, they’ve already disappeared.

“What’s wrong?” A cold hand settles on your arm and you almost jump, eyes wide as you look back over to him. 

“I was going to go to the bathroom.. But I just lost my chance..”

All of a sudden, he holds your wrist and pulls you up, before promptly pulling you along and out of the crowd through the doors and back to the corridors again. “Think they’re this way.’ With his.. guidance , you make it to the bathrooms and you go inside with a quick thanks for helping you out of that situation. Right, he probably wanted to get out too. When you leave, he’s on the opposite end of the hall, waiting for you to return. 

“I wasn’t planning to go back– did you miss the movie to wait for me? I’m so sorry-” You begin but he just laughs again, shaking his head to silence your string of apologies. 

“No worries, I hated that movie anyway. I’ll walk you back to your room.”

A small smile graces your lips at his offer, a quiet thump starting to grow louder in your chest with each step you take. He asks you small questions on the way, and you dont complain once, feeling like your mind is floating on a cloud. When you finally reach your room, he stops, letting you tap your keycard against the door. “You wanna hit the pool tomorrow morning?” 

“S-sure, what time?”

“I’ll text you it.’ 

He puts his number into your phone, and you put yours into his, before excusing yourself with red hot cheeks and closing the room door firm behind you. Simon. It was written there in the contact page. You needed to sleep very early tonight.

—-------

A pounding excitement is already in your heart when you wake up, and it only grows bigger when you check your phone for any message from him. You exit onto the outer deck as the sun still barely has risen, noticing the few people loitering around to watch it fully rise. He’s already sat there, lips curving into a smirk as you approach. 

From there it’s like all the romcoms you’ve ever watched mashed into one, days going by where you only get closer to one another. Early morning swims become a regular occurrence, and sometimes you even grab dinner with him, though he never seems to be around at lunch. It doesn’t bother you though, because your phone lighting up shows he wants to do the stupid indoor obstacle course and you don't even hesitate to get up and head there right away.

The only times you feel nervous with him is when you get caught admiring him, his head turning and catching you by surprise– he looked pretty damn focused on the setting sun but he always seemed constantly aware of his surroundings. You were on the highest deck, a small viewing point that he had helped you climb the ladder to, grabbing your waist and lifting you up. Now you gripped the railing he leaned his arms on, instead now he was staring directly at you. Just like that first day you were enthralled by the softness his eyes had, no matter how sharp his other features are.

“Y’alright?” He tilts his head, and you nod, looking down at the pool below, where you held your first actual conversation. It’d been two weeks since then, but somehow it felt like an eternity ago and yesterday all at the same time. You snicker as you see that same family as before, the one that had intimidated anyone in their way. 

“What’s up with them anyway? They act so posh, you think they own the cruise ship or something?”

His breath hitches for a second, and he looks over at you, that same cap hiding his blonde hair that you so desperately wanted to feel beneath your fingertips. “Uh, yeah– yeah, they probably do. Act like right snobs.”

You snort at that; the conviction in his voice is nothing short of amusing especially since he tended to act pretty calm except from the time a kid knocked the ice cream right out of your hand. “Little shit” he had muttered as he stepped up to buy you another one, not letting you argue your way out of it.

Goosebumps rise on your arms, the last sliver of the sun disappearing beneath the horizon and all of a sudden he puts an arm around your shoulders, and steers you back to the ladder. “C’mon, should go back down now before it gets too dark.”

—--------------

It’s a few days later when the cruise ship finally stops off at its first city, a quaint little town in Italy. You nervously knock at his room door, having finally built up the courage all week to ask him to explore with you. However, you’re met with nothing but silence, and the room door beside his opens. “Already left, heard him on the phone to someone.”

Oh.

You shook any worries out of your head– maybe he was just meeting a friend out there? So you took your own things, and joined the rest of the passengers into the city and the cruise owned tour bus. Though, you couldn't stop yourself for too long, texting him soon after to ask if he'd like to at least grab dinner with you. To your surprise, he doesn't answer until the end of the day, apologising about being very busy with something and he wouldn’t be free for at least another day. So, you reluctantly let it slide, knowing he probably would never mean to cause you harm, or anything of the like. Maybe he’s just feeling a bit ill.

You’re picking at your food at breakfast the day the cruise ship starts moving again, when you feel a palm on your shoulder, and then the chair being dragged out beside you. “Sorry, love, didn’t mean to leave you. Just had some plans already from months ago.”

Love. It was probably unintentional, a pet name that slipped out since he was still waiting for your answer with not even a hint of a reaction on his face. Of course you just shake your head, dismissing any bad feelings that may have swelled up over the past few days. “It’s okay, I should've asked you in advance.”

“You wanna hit the pool again? Missed you this mornin’ “ 

You were there this morning though– you couldn't sleep, and there was nothing better to do anyway. “I was there.”

“Must’ve been a different one then– c’mon.”

—---------------

Glow in the dark sticks, bracelets, necklaces and even hats– everyone was wearing at least one if not two of them as they entered the dark room. The lights slowly started to come on too, the music already loud drowning out cheers and the clinking of glasses as friends took their first shots of the night. It was disco night on the cruise ship, more for the adults, but kids were welcome to sit in the booths too with some fun mocktails at a discount. You stood to the side, phone nervously in hand as you watched more and more people enter yet still no sign of Simon in the slightest. He confirmed he would come earlier, promised even, but still there was no show of him at all. Even that snobby family was sitting in a booth, the mother sipping her wine and you’re surprised this is even the type of scene for them. 

Minutes turn into an hour, and then another, until still he doesn't reply and there’s only an hour left until the bar closes and everyone heads back to their rooms. It’s well past midnight now, and even the woman bartending has been nice enough to talk to you throughout the night. Well at least you made a friend here. Some guy did try to hit on you though, a scot from his noticeable accent and he even told you the guy you were waiting for was probably an idiot. Or you assume he said that– you couldn't exactly understand what he had said over the loud music. Still, you rejected him, nicely of course, and decided to walk back to your room, upset and lonely once more. 

“I’m so sorry, I got a really bad stomach bug, and have been in bed for hours. Must’ve passed out. Sorry.”

You sigh as you stare at your phone, feeling guilty for thinking he had intentionally stood you up. Of course he wouldn't, he could never.

You offered to help him the next day, asking if he wanted breakfast dropped off, but apparently the guy next door had been nice enough to bring him some already. Still, you worried about him all day, already forgetting that he stood you up and focused more on his health instead. He assured you he’d be fine though, and insisted you do some activities you wanted to try, so reluctantly you listened.

—-----------

You’re up on that same vantage point when you hear the ladder made a soft creak, the sound of someone likely coming up. It’s been three days, and you’ve been worried sick, but there’s nothing much you can do but wait for him to feel better. In your hands is the small origami bird you made, during one of those silly workshops. It was the one you wanted to go with him, but it’d have to do for now. 

You turn, preparing to leave and let the newcomer enjoy their time up here only to be face to face with Simon, his lips pulled into a gentle smirk as he slowly approaches. “Hiding out up here, hm?”

“Well it’s not like you asked me to hang out.” You frown back, but he knows it’s nothing more than a playful jab, his hand gently taking yours. 

“Came to collect you, actually.”

Soon enough, he’s pulled you to a little table on the far side of the outdoor restaurant, the chairs set up right against the railings so you can look over at the sea and the horizon beyond. It’s late, probably too late for dinner, but he calls the waiter over anyway, confirming that you’re here.

There are a few other people around, some families, some couples who mirror your exact selves, though you try to not think about that too hard, instead focusing on that posh family from before.

“Really? It’s like they follow us wherever we go..” You groan, stubbornly moving your gaze away from them so they dont haunt you anymore. He just chuckles, though his breath did catch like before, and nods. 

“Don’t know how people go on months long cruises–i’d get sick of the same faces.”

Before you can think about it further, the waiter brings over two mocktails, and then some starters. Garlic prawns served with lemon and some courgettes and parsley, and another platter of chicken gyozas. More come until you have at least five assortments of starters on your table, your eyes wide at the professionalism done with each dish. Simon just gestures for you to eat, and so you hesitantly try each one, smile growing bigger with each new flavour that hits your mouth.

Talking with him over dinner like this is more than you wanted, than any disco or any silly city excursion. He makes silly jokes but ones that make you crumble nonetheless, and his intelligence is obvious in every response he gives to you. 

“This was soo good, Simon! I didn’t even think cruise ship food could be this good!” You had mainly been eating at a restaurant on the complete opposite side of the ship, so this was a surprise for you to say the least. “I’m stuffed, I think i’ve been fed for three days..”

“Glad you liked it, but you’re not done till  I say you are.” He calls over the waiter, who takes his card and processes the payment, even when you try to argue to pay half. Then, as you both stand, he takes your hand again.

-

“Simon.. That damn family…” You groan as he drags you to the poolside, which is far quieter today because of something else happening on the other side of the ship. To be honest, you were going to ask him to go with you, but you figured he’d likely say no again.

“Shh, just ignore them. C’mon we get such a good view from here.”

You lean over the railing, looking out at the sea below, the lapping waves and the darkness beginning to swallow the sun’s last rays of the day. “It’s just the sea..” You mumble, despite loving it nonetheless, the salty breeze and the coolness running up your sleeves.

“No, silly.” He gently grabs your chin, turning your head to look back at the ship. For a moment you’re confused, wondering why you’d even want to look at the ship, until you hear the soft whistle and a shot of white burst into a million different colours in the sky. It keeps on going, getting better with each one that fills the entire night sky. It’s captivating, and romantic, and you don't even bat an eye when that damn annoying family start whispering, concerned looks across the father’s face.

Simon’s arm has settled around your back, settling on your hip as he protectively squeezes you close to him, before kissing you on the cheek. That’s what breaks you out of the trance, your eyes wide when you turn your head just for your nose to bump his unmasked face. He lets out a low chuckle, purposefully touching noses to whisper.  “Can I kiss you?”

Another firework explodes in the sky as your hands lock behind his neck, his own hands tight on your waist as your lips lock, entranced by each other. 

—-------------

The cruise would end soon. You had one more pit stop, and you were determined to spend this part of the trip with him before the day-long ride back to where you departed. In your hands you cradled a gift for him, fingers running over the ridges of the little clay turtle laying on his back. A pretty cute tray if you do say so yourself, seeing as you made it in a workshop the other week. 

You stood in the main hall, closer to the quieter side of deck, after having texted him an hour ago to meet you out here. It was early enough that he surely hadn't left yet, and to be honest, there was something else you planned too. 

It’d been a while of knowing him now, and ever since that kiss the other night you were buzzing with excitement. If that wasn't proof enough you didn't know what was. You needed to know how he felt, if he wanted to actually be with you. Hell, you’d be the happiest person alive if you actually got to see him again after this cruise.

As the time passes, you lean against the wall, watching early risers start heading out to where the ship is docked today. Other families had just woke up for breakfast, slowly crowding the halls with hungry kids and sometimes even a hungover parent. Yikes.

You wait longer, and longer, checking your phone only to recieve no notification. A shame really, it probably was your own fault for telling him so last minute. Damnit, what if he had another plan already?

It’s ironic that you happen to see that posh family again, making you roll your eyes. What is even the point of a cruise like this if they look so miserable? The poor kids you think, well at least they got to play in the arcade that one time. It was always a core childhood memory for you too.

You tuck your phone into your pocket, ready to give up when suddenly loud boots echo in the hallways. Confused, you snap your head towards the other side of the long hall, seeing military personnel file in and most surprisingly, the father of the posh family curses loudly and starts to fight one of the soldiers if not for another helping him subdue him. Some of the other cruisegoers flee, and even you back up, terrified by the guns suddenly pointed around the area and the ones strapped on their backs.

“Yer coming with us.” The Scot from the bar is there, dressed in full military gear, his knee on the man's back as another soldier handcuffs him, other members going to escort the mother and child out of the cruise. Then the soldiers start filing in too, strapped and ready and then there at the front of it.

“Good work, Simon.” A soldier and a hat shakes the hand of the man you’ve given your heart for, dressed in the uniform himself. He smiles at the man, pulling up a surgical mask as a rough hand of the Scot pats his back. “We fuckin got em!”

All the weeks you gave up for him, the days you watched his facial expressions change. That damn family always lingered nearby, and whenever you spoke, it was always dismissed just as fast. 

You were just part of a cover story, an alibi. A distraction so they wouldn't see the operation going behind it. A fake love, just to dangle you so you’d hide him from view. 

The turtle drops from your hands, smashing against the floor at your feet. Simon turns where he stands, looking towards the source of the noise to lock eyes with you. His face is hidden now, but you feel like you’re seeing the true him instead. How ironic. 

You should’ve known it was too good to be true, you think, stepping away as fast as you can, and dashing down the corridor as soon as you pass his line of view. You should’ve seen the signs. 

------------------------

COD masterlist

—-

It’s cooler in the evening, a breeze soothes your body compared to the sweltering heat earlier that day. The kids are in the pool, adults with martinis in hand and a movie is set to play soon. Eventually, you settle on the emptier side of the deck on an unused pool floatie, a glass of juice in your hand; the waiter was nice enough to give you one for free. The movie has started to air, the familiar intro of nearly every Hollywood movie echoing around the top deck of the cruise ship.

“You mind if i sit ‘ere?” 

A gruff voice snaps you out of your trance, a familiar one at that too. You look up, recognising the man from before, cap still lowered slightly over his eyes, and you quickly nod, shuffling up. “Yeah, sorry. You’d be doing me a favour actually.” 

“How so?”

You look away sheepishly, and then point to that same family a few metres away from him. “I kind of lost track of time on one game and they were staring me down. Just looking at them makes me embarrassed.”

He just chuckles in response to your hushed words, though it’s not like the movie isn’t extremely loud anyway. “You here on your own?’ You blink, suddenly forgetting your entire life when he looks at you like that, eyes directed deep into your own. It takes you a moment to recover before you shake your head quickly.

“My family are here too, but they all have their own plans, so kind of.. Are you?” He probably wasn’t, and his friends would return too, or even his wife– you would be honestly surprised if someone hadn’t snatched him up yet.

“Was supposed to be here with a friend, but we kind of fell out last month. I’m on my own.” 

“Oh, that’s rough..Sorry.” 

It falls silent, and you decide to not speak any further unless he does. After all, he might just want some peace and quiet, not someone yapping into his ear. As the movie continues, you quietly shift, growing uncomfortable and a little bit bored. You figured whatever movie they put on would be good, but you suddenly feel very antsy knowing this hulk of a man is sitting centimeters away from you. The family from before gets up as their kid starts to grow tired, young enough to act out so they are probably taking him back to their room. You’re debating getting up at the same time as them, so you can make a quick escape and not disturb anyone else around. As usual, you end up overthinking it so much, as soon as you build the courage to stand, they’ve already disappeared.

“What’s wrong?” A cold hand settles on your arm and you almost jump, eyes wide as you look back over to him. 

“I was going to go to the bathroom.. But I just lost my chance..”

All of a sudden, he holds your wrist and pulls you up, before promptly pulling you along and out of the crowd through the doors and back to the corridors again. “Think they’re this way.’ With his.. guidance , you make it to the bathrooms and you go inside with a quick thanks for helping you out of that situation. Right, he probably wanted to get out too. When you leave, he’s on the opposite end of the hall, waiting for you to return. 

“I wasn’t planning to go back– did you miss the movie to wait for me? I’m so sorry-” You begin but he just laughs again, shaking his head to silence your string of apologies. 

“No worries, I hated that movie anyway. I’ll walk you back to your room.”

A small smile graces your lips at his offer, a quiet thump starting to grow louder in your chest with each step you take. He asks you small questions on the way, and you dont complain once, feeling like your mind is floating on a cloud. When you finally reach your room, he stops, letting you tap your keycard against the door. “You wanna hit the pool tomorrow morning?” 

“S-sure, what time?”

“I’ll text you it.’ 

He puts his number into your phone, and you put yours into his, before excusing yourself with red hot cheeks and closing the room door firm behind you. Simon. It was written there in the contact page. You needed to sleep very early tonight.

—-------

A pounding excitement is already in your heart when you wake up, and it only grows bigger when you check your phone for any message from him. You exit onto the outer deck as the sun still barely has risen, noticing the few people loitering around to watch it fully rise. He’s already sat there, lips curving into a smirk as you approach. 

From there it’s like all the romcoms you’ve ever watched mashed into one, days going by where you only get closer to one another. Early morning swims become a regular occurrence, and sometimes you even grab dinner with him, though he never seems to be around at lunch. It doesn’t bother you though, because your phone lighting up shows he wants to do the stupid indoor obstacle course and you don't even hesitate to get up and head there right away.

The only times you feel nervous with him is when you get caught admiring him, his head turning and catching you by surprise– he looked pretty damn focused on the setting sun but he always seemed constantly aware of his surroundings. You were on the highest deck, a small viewing point that he had helped you climb the ladder to, grabbing your waist and lifting you up. Now you gripped the railing he leaned his arms on, instead now he was staring directly at you. Just like that first day you were enthralled by the softness his eyes had, no matter how sharp his other features are.

“Y’alright?” He tilts his head, and you nod, looking down at the pool below, where you held your first actual conversation. It’d been two weeks since then, but somehow it felt like an eternity ago and yesterday all at the same time. You snicker as you see that same family as before, the one that had intimidated anyone in their way. 

“What’s up with them anyway? They act so posh, you think they own the cruise ship or something?”

His breath hitches for a second, and he looks over at you, that same cap hiding his blonde hair that you so desperately wanted to feel beneath your fingertips. “Uh, yeah– yeah, they probably do. Act like right snobs.”

You snort at that; the conviction in his voice is nothing short of amusing especially since he tended to act pretty calm except from the time a kid knocked the ice cream right out of your hand. “Little shit” he had muttered as he stepped up to buy you another one, not letting you argue your way out of it.

Goosebumps rise on your arms, the last sliver of the sun disappearing beneath the horizon and all of a sudden he puts an arm around your shoulders, and steers you back to the ladder. “C’mon, should go back down now before it gets too dark.”

—--------------

It’s a few days later when the cruise ship finally stops off at its first city, a quaint little town in Italy. You nervously knock at his room door, having finally built up the courage all week to ask him to explore with you. However, you’re met with nothing but silence, and the room door beside his opens. “Already left, heard him on the phone to someone.”

Oh.

You shook any worries out of your head– maybe he was just meeting a friend out there? So you took your own things, and joined the rest of the passengers into the city and the cruise owned tour bus. Though, you couldn't stop yourself for too long, texting him soon after to ask if he'd like to at least grab dinner with you. To your surprise, he doesn't answer until the end of the day, apologising about being very busy with something and he wouldn’t be free for at least another day. So, you reluctantly let it slide, knowing he probably would never mean to cause you harm, or anything of the like. Maybe he’s just feeling a bit ill.

You’re picking at your food at breakfast the day the cruise ship starts moving again, when you feel a palm on your shoulder, and then the chair being dragged out beside you. “Sorry, love, didn’t mean to leave you. Just had some plans already from months ago.”

Love. It was probably unintentional, a pet name that slipped out since he was still waiting for your answer with not even a hint of a reaction on his face. Of course you just shake your head, dismissing any bad feelings that may have swelled up over the past few days. “It’s okay, I should've asked you in advance.”

“You wanna hit the pool again? Missed you this mornin’ “ 

You were there this morning though– you couldn't sleep, and there was nothing better to do anyway. “I was there.”

“Must’ve been a different one then– c’mon.”

—---------------

Glow in the dark sticks, bracelets, necklaces and even hats– everyone was wearing at least one if not two of them as they entered the dark room. The lights slowly started to come on too, the music already loud drowning out cheers and the clinking of glasses as friends took their first shots of the night. It was disco night on the cruise ship, more for the adults, but kids were welcome to sit in the booths too with some fun mocktails at a discount. You stood to the side, phone nervously in hand as you watched more and more people enter yet still no sign of Simon in the slightest. He confirmed he would come earlier, promised even, but still there was no show of him at all. Even that snobby family was sitting in a booth, the mother sipping her wine and you’re surprised this is even the type of scene for them. 

Minutes turn into an hour, and then another, until still he doesn't reply and there’s only an hour left until the bar closes and everyone heads back to their rooms. It’s well past midnight now, and even the woman bartending has been nice enough to talk to you throughout the night. Well at least you made a friend here. Some guy did try to hit on you though, a scot from his noticeable accent and he even told you the guy you were waiting for was probably an idiot. Or you assume he said that– you couldn't exactly understand what he had said over the loud music. Still, you rejected him, nicely of course, and decided to walk back to your room, upset and lonely once more. 

“I’m so sorry, I got a really bad stomach bug, and have been in bed for hours. Must’ve passed out. Sorry.”

You sigh as you stare at your phone, feeling guilty for thinking he had intentionally stood you up. Of course he wouldn't, he could never.

You offered to help him the next day, asking if he wanted breakfast dropped off, but apparently the guy next door had been nice enough to bring him some already. Still, you worried about him all day, already forgetting that he stood you up and focused more on his health instead. He assured you he’d be fine though, and insisted you do some activities you wanted to try, so reluctantly you listened.

—-----------

You’re up on that same vantage point when you hear the ladder made a soft creak, the sound of someone likely coming up. It’s been three days, and you’ve been worried sick, but there’s nothing much you can do but wait for him to feel better. In your hands is the small origami bird you made, during one of those silly workshops. It was the one you wanted to go with him, but it’d have to do for now. 

You turn, preparing to leave and let the newcomer enjoy their time up here only to be face to face with Simon, his lips pulled into a gentle smirk as he slowly approaches. “Hiding out up here, hm?”

“Well it’s not like you asked me to hang out.” You frown back, but he knows it’s nothing more than a playful jab, his hand gently taking yours. 

“Came to collect you, actually.”

Soon enough, he’s pulled you to a little table on the far side of the outdoor restaurant, the chairs set up right against the railings so you can look over at the sea and the horizon beyond. It’s late, probably too late for dinner, but he calls the waiter over anyway, confirming that you’re here.

There are a few other people around, some families, some couples who mirror your exact selves, though you try to not think about that too hard, instead focusing on that posh family from before.

“Really? It’s like they follow us wherever we go..” You groan, stubbornly moving your gaze away from them so they dont haunt you anymore. He just chuckles, though his breath did catch like before, and nods. 

“Don’t know how people go on months long cruises–i’d get sick of the same faces.”

Before you can think about it further, the waiter brings over two mocktails, and then some starters. Garlic prawns served with lemon and some courgettes and parsley, and another platter of chicken gyozas. More come until you have at least five assortments of starters on your table, your eyes wide at the professionalism done with each dish. Simon just gestures for you to eat, and so you hesitantly try each one, smile growing bigger with each new flavour that hits your mouth.

Talking with him over dinner like this is more than you wanted, than any disco or any silly city excursion. He makes silly jokes but ones that make you crumble nonetheless, and his intelligence is obvious in every response he gives to you. 

“This was soo good, Simon! I didn’t even think cruise ship food could be this good!” You had mainly been eating at a restaurant on the complete opposite side of the ship, so this was a surprise for you to say the least. “I’m stuffed, I think i’ve been fed for three days..”

“Glad you liked it, but you’re not done till  I say you are.” He calls over the waiter, who takes his card and processes the payment, even when you try to argue to pay half. Then, as you both stand, he takes your hand again.

-

“Simon.. That damn family…” You groan as he drags you to the poolside, which is far quieter today because of something else happening on the other side of the ship. To be honest, you were going to ask him to go with you, but you figured he’d likely say no again.

“Shh, just ignore them. C’mon we get such a good view from here.”

You lean over the railing, looking out at the sea below, the lapping waves and the darkness beginning to swallow the sun’s last rays of the day. “It’s just the sea..” You mumble, despite loving it nonetheless, the salty breeze and the coolness running up your sleeves.

“No, silly.” He gently grabs your chin, turning your head to look back at the ship. For a moment you’re confused, wondering why you’d even want to look at the ship, until you hear the soft whistle and a shot of white burst into a million different colours in the sky. It keeps on going, getting better with each one that fills the entire night sky. It’s captivating, and romantic, and you don't even bat an eye when that damn annoying family start whispering, concerned looks across the father’s face.

Simon’s arm has settled around your back, settling on your hip as he protectively squeezes you close to him, before kissing you on the cheek. That’s what breaks you out of the trance, your eyes wide when you turn your head just for your nose to bump his unmasked face. He lets out a low chuckle, purposefully touching noses to whisper.  “Can I kiss you?”

Another firework explodes in the sky as your hands lock behind his neck, his own hands tight on your waist as your lips lock, entranced by each other. 

—-------------

The cruise would end soon. You had one more pit stop, and you were determined to spend this part of the trip with him before the day-long ride back to where you departed. In your hands you cradled a gift for him, fingers running over the ridges of the little clay turtle laying on his back. A pretty cute tray if you do say so yourself, seeing as you made it in a workshop the other week. 

You stood in the main hall, closer to the quieter side of deck, after having texted him an hour ago to meet you out here. It was early enough that he surely hadn't left yet, and to be honest, there was something else you planned too. 

It’d been a while of knowing him now, and ever since that kiss the other night you were buzzing with excitement. If that wasn't proof enough you didn't know what was. You needed to know how he felt, if he wanted to actually be with you. Hell, you’d be the happiest person alive if you actually got to see him again after this cruise.

As the time passes, you lean against the wall, watching early risers start heading out to where the ship is docked today. Other families had just woke up for breakfast, slowly crowding the halls with hungry kids and sometimes even a hungover parent. Yikes.

You wait longer, and longer, checking your phone only to recieve no notification. A shame really, it probably was your own fault for telling him so last minute. Damnit, what if he had another plan already?

It’s ironic that you happen to see that posh family again, making you roll your eyes. What is even the point of a cruise like this if they look so miserable? The poor kids you think, well at least they got to play in the arcade that one time. It was always a core childhood memory for you too.

You tuck your phone into your pocket, ready to give up when suddenly loud boots echo in the hallways. Confused, you snap your head towards the other side of the long hall, seeing military personnel file in and most surprisingly, the father of the posh family curses loudly and starts to fight one of the soldiers if not for another helping him subdue him. Some of the other cruisegoers flee, and even you back up, terrified by the guns suddenly pointed around the area and the ones strapped on their backs.

“Yer coming with us.” The Scot from the bar is there, dressed in full military gear, his knee on the man's back as another soldier handcuffs him, other members going to escort the mother and child out of the cruise. Then the soldiers start filing in too, strapped and ready and then there at the front of it.

“Good work, Simon.” A soldier and a hat shakes the hand of the man you’ve given your heart for, dressed in the uniform himself. He smiles at the man, pulling up a surgical mask as a rough hand of the Scot pats his back. “We fuckin got em!”

All the weeks you gave up for him, the days you watched his facial expressions change. That damn family always lingered nearby, and whenever you spoke, it was always dismissed just as fast. 

You were just part of a cover story, an alibi. A distraction so they wouldn't see the operation going behind it. A fake love, just to dangle you so you’d hide him from view. 

The turtle drops from your hands, smashing against the floor at your feet. Simon turns where he stands, looking towards the source of the noise to lock eyes with you. His face is hidden now, but you feel like you’re seeing the true him instead. How ironic. 

You should’ve known it was too good to be true, you think, stepping away as fast as you can, and dashing down the corridor as soon as you pass his line of view. You should’ve seen the signs. 

------------------------

COD masterlist