a yellow rose.

“i don’t know about all that,” he grinned, the softest hint of pink at his cheeks from the compliment. “but it certainly passes the time.” that was an understatement. from start to finish, it had taken him near to a year to put this book together. usually he wouldn’t have devoted that much time to a single project, but it had been the only thing that kept his mind from straying back to his brother. upon finally finishing it, he’d been shocked when garreth had given it back to him. “ya keep it,” the old man had said as he closed aedan’s hand around the precious book. “i ain’t got no need for a book so grand. folks around here’re hardly looking for a book worth a small fortune. but i bet ya that with work like that, you could find yer way to a much higher job than i can give ya here.” he drew himself back to the land of the living when her voice sounded out once again. “among other things. i’m a bookbinder, miss. we’re meant to do it all. it is. i think it gives something new to a story.”

“that so? beggin’ your pardon, miss, but i’m a bit surprised you’d be readin’ something like that. it’s hardly the proper literature that a young lady such as yourself would generally find herself fancyin’.” he had met more than a handful of young rich girls, who would barge into the bookshop as though they were the best in the land. usually, they’d browse for ages (and he’d be sent to assist them) until they finally bought the very book that he’d offered them upon walking in.

“you’re an odd one, if ya don’t mind my saying. i can hardly imagine you fittin’ in at the afternoon tea, or whatever it is that your lot do to pass the time.” aedan knew that his comment was insubordinate, but he was curious to see whether she would scold him for it. “it’s a good one, miss. dark, to be certain- but if you’ve got the stomach for a bit of gore, it’s quite the read.”

“Well, you can have your opinion, and I can have mine.” It’s a statement that often leaves her lips: though typically in conversation with her parents, so it’s nice to say it without any hint of frustration coloring her voice. Looking at what he can do, with just his mind, his hands, and some colors...she longed to have a talent like that. Some people were just b l e s s e d with both ability and passion, and Nancy had no doubt that Aedan had both of these in spades.

She may not have any actual ‘natural talent’ but she did have an innate thirst to know more. There truly wasn’t a point in wishing for what she can’t have, so the girl leans against one of the poles as she speaks, “What other styles are you interested in?” Hearing other people ramble about their passions was always a beautiful experience.

“I’ve always been a bit...bad at following the proper young lady mold. As exhibited by the events of the past five minutes.” she emits an embarrassed laugh. It’s not like her and Henry hadn’t gotten themselves into worse sorts of hijinks, but there was something about this ship that made her feel...more adult. Less free. She was suddenly hyper aware that once they docked, she would be married off to some stranger, and though this idea had been drilled into her head for as long as she could remember, it hadn’t truly felt R E A L until now.

“It’s just muscle memory at this point, I suppose. Sit straight, smile, nod your head at the appropriate times. Attempt to look interested, though every single conversation is just have you seen this latest fashion trend, or did you hear that so-and-so is in search of a wife.” It’s as she says this that Nancy realizes how...”poor little rich girl” she sounds. Especially considering that they’re in the third class quarters, and her dress was likely the cost of all of his roommates tickets combined.

“That HAS to sound like such a superficial thing to complain about. I’m blessed, I know I am, but it’s just...a bit suffocating. I’m sorry, you didn’t ask me to barge into your quarters and now I’m unloading onto you. I should just go. Thank you, again.”

Should he hug her? Being best friends for so long and now– no. That wasn’t right. He learned that the hard way (when he had nearly gotten his head chopped off the last day they were together). “Living and breathing is good enough, ain’t it?” At least that’s what he was doing. “And you’re still a champion poker player, I assume?”

“I, uh,” Suddenly, he felt as if he had to defend himself. “I was going to write. But I didn’t think you would even be allowed to view my letters.” But he had missed her. God, hadn’t he? Even if his mother nearly disowned him, and her family nearly killed him, the year they spent together had been worth it.

“I can neither confirm nor deny that statement.” she crosses her heart, but tosses him a wink. There’s a pause: as if they both want to speak but just don’t know h o w. The scene then starts again: he begins going off ( defensive; it makes her heart ache that he feels he has to j u s t i f y himself to her. he did nothing wrong. ) it’s her fault- stupid and selfish, just like her mother said. 

“ It’s okay, Henry. I don’t blame you- the last time we spoke, you got a knife thrown at your head. “ she suddenly can’t meet his eyes, looking down, gut twisting with g u i l t. 

“five foot three is right tiny and you know it. i’m only six feet, hardly a tree. y’should have met my brother- he was six foot four. never let me forget about that one.” he chuckles at her petulant attitude. she was definitely someone who wanted to make an impression on a lad. “i’m sorry to say, but it more’n likely does. unless you’re a regular racehorse, seems difficult to think he wouldn’t catch up with ya soon enough.” her explanation caused him to raise a brow. “well, i’ll give ya points for dedication.”

“aye. it’s a design style. hold on.” he walked over to the pack that had been so lazily discarded on his bed and rifled through, settling his fingers on an old leather book with a pleased grin. he brought it back to her, flipping carefully through the pages to show the way that delicate hand painted designs wove through the words and pages to create intricate designs. “it’s not done all that much nowadays, but it’s a valuable skill to have for the nicer books. this one, though, is just for me.”

he looked the girl over, a smile cracking the planes of his face. “ya don’t say?” he intoned. “you’re a mystery fan, then? man’s got a flair for the dramatic, i’ll give him that much. i just finished reading over leroux’s novel, le fantôme de l'opéra. a translated version, at least. now he’s a hell of a storyteller. beggin’ your pardon for the language, miss.”

“Oh. This is stunning.” her eyes scan the designs painted across the pages, drinking in every color and ornamentation. it’s as if the pages are coming to life before her eyes, vibrant hues leaping off the sheets and drawing her inside. The girl tears her eyes from the page, looking up at the boy beside her. “You have a gift.” nancy gives him a smile, before breaking the spell herself. ( just leaving it at that would have been awkward. or maybe she’s just inept. girl is a mess in a dress. ) “So you’re an illustrator? Is illuminating your favorite style?” 

“ While I DO appreciate a good mystery, I was referring to The Lost World. Daring adventures in the Amazon with the greatest creatures to walk the planet.” she’s got a thing for escapism: she doesn’t have to be trapped in a room, her life more restricting than the corset digging into her ribs. She can explore the amazon, have the most bold adventures. It’s likely the reason she’s mostly been an obedient child. 

Running off doesn’t count if she keeps coming BACK.

“ I don’t mind.” she thinks back to Henry and his lack of a filter: best friends don’t have to restrain from cursing around each other, he’d reasoned with her. But no, now was not the time to go down that path. “I’ve heard of it. Well, if it comes so highly recommended, I ought to pick it up next, then.”

her laughter was vibrant and alive, and it brought a crooked smile to his lips. “it’s not exactly somethin’ that happens everyday,” he agreed jovially. “but runnin’ off now just seems like it would only make the whole thing all the more confusing, if i’m bein’ honest.” he couldn’t help but be amused at the embarrassed look on her, face. taking her hand in his, he brought it to his lips with a smirk and kissed it gently. “aedan o’shea. pleasure, nancy o’conner. welcome to the third class!”

he listened to her with fascination. what would it be like to have someone whose whole purpose was to make sure you stay in line? “he’s not doin’ a very good job,” aedan snorted. “you’re a right tiny thing, i can’t imagine it would be all that tough to keep you in one place.” he shook his head.

“nah, you should continue. I’d like to see where you go with this. plus, ‘m fascinated to see if your face can get any redder. soon enough, you’re gonna turn right into a tomato.” his laughter was rich and deep. “aye miss, I’m looking to illuminate it once i get to new york, so i figured it would be nice to read through it again. you’re a fan?”

She fights the urge to melt like a schoolgirl ( she’s TWENTY, not some teenager who can’t even handle having a boy kiss her hand). Thankfully, the spell is broken when he comments on her height. A mock-offended expression crosses her face,  

“ Five foot three isn’t THAT small- it’s not my fault you’re a TREE in human form. “ she fights the urge to stick her tongue out at him like an actual child. “ Besides, just because his legs are longer than mine doesn’t mean he’s any faster. Also, I may have vaulted down the stairwell and given him a mild heart attack, so.” 

“ Illuminate? Yes I am, actually. I mean, I love all books, but Mythology is my absolute favorite.  The newest work by Sir Doyle is also riveting, though.”  She can feel herself getting increasingly excited- Most she spoke to wouldn’t even entertain her love for novels, so to be speaking someone who was also a reader got her a bit extremely excited. 

aedan felt her fingers in his hair and reached a hand up to cup her face. the other was placed firmly on her waist. she pulled him closer and aedan felt as if he could feel her heart pounding against his chest. he wasn’t sure what was going on, but wasn’t exactly about to complain, all things considered. he heard the door shutting behind him and figured their strange encounter was about to be made a bit more clear. she broke the kiss and he stepped back with a chuckle. “must say, that was a rather enthusiastic hello,” he joked, his brogue stronger than usual. “where i’m from, we usually just shake hands.”

his eyes traveled to the closed door which had not a moment ago been slammed in frustration. “are ya alright, miss? seems like someone might be givin’ you a bit of trouble.” he looked back to her and for the first time, noted the grand clothing that she was wearing- clothing that probably cost more than the house he’d grown up in. “ah… well, you aren’t from around this neck of the woods, i’d wager.”

aedan waved off her thanks easily. “anything to help. ‘sides, it makes for an interesting story.” he grinned in amusement at the anxiety written clear across her face. it seemed that whatever was happening was not exactly standard for her either. at her questions, he smirked. “i’m fine, lass. it’s not my first time doing it.” 

she suddenly can’t help it, laughter BURSTING from her lips as her cheeks F L A M E “ I just realized how utterly ridiculous this entire situation is, excuse me while I retreat to my room and never come out again, dear Lord.” her laughter turns into just a regular smile as she holds out a hand for him to shake. “Well, can’t break decorum, with all of these witnesses. Nancy O’Connor.”

The girl bites her lip, but she DID promise him an explanation. “ I’m sort of used to it? Ardan is supposed to make sure I stay behaved- Meaning, I’m to just sit in the cabin, and only emerge for meals and tea. It’s been less than a day and I’m ALREADY considering jumping out a porthole and taking my chances.” the latter is supposed to be a j o k e, but in all honesty, she was going BONKERS. “Not really? I honestly just saw the opportunity to escape and ran as fast as I could- I don’t even know what floor we’re on. “ she confesses, with a sheepish expression followed by a shrug.

“ I didn’t mean to imply, I’m sure you- Wait. There’s absolutely no way to end that sentence that ISN’T embarrassing, so I’ll just end it there, yeah?” she stops herself from digging a deeper hole ( thank goodness ), “ Oh, I didn’t make you lose your place, did I? That’s always so irksome- You’re reading Homer?” 

“Doesn’t it– I mean, we’re gonna be across the whole damn ocean before we know it!” He pushed himself off the railing, turning to introduce himself to his companion. But when he finally caught sight of her face, he paused. “After all this time, look who the cat dragged in.” Was all he came up with, a smile gracing his features. “A dream this really is. Nancy.” Saying her name is a comfort; a reminder of days gone by. 

Long time no see is an understatement.

“ Henry.” she replies, an overwhelming amount of emotions hitting her at once (she’s never truly been GOOD with them, having learned at a young age that feelings were irrelevant for people like her). “It’s been a while, hasn’t it? How have you been?” the question makes her w i n c e. she suddenly feels unbearably awkward: Her conversations with Henry had been teasing and comfortable since the beginning. The fact that they were basically strangers, yet still knew everything about each other just... she’s a mess. “I would ask if you were still the cheeky hellraiser I remember, but considering you’re YOU.” she doesn’t finish her sentence, a teasing smile spreading across her face.

her expression is genuine, it IS. She’s happy to see him: the days they had spent in London were some of her fondest memories. She could pretend she wasn’t about to be subjected to a life she didn’t w a n t, she had freedom. But the last she’d seen him, she was being pulled away and there had been so much YELLING.

Aedan never really cared for crowds. The thrash of people as they bobbed and weaved between each other, all trying to get ahead at the expense of the people around them- it hardly suited the quiet young man. Coupled with the invasive health exams and exhausting lines, it had been an uncomfortable day for Aedan. he was blessedly relieved to finally be in the ship, and at his own discretion. He headed down to the third class cabins, his ticket in hand as he scanned the number of each door that he passed. Finally, after what felt like a lifetime, he found this room. 

He walked in slowly, throwing his bag onto the empty lower bunk and sat down to take a moment to himself. He rifled through his satchel until he’d found the book that he wanted. Nimble fingers flicked through the crisp pages until he found the spot that he had last left on. Just as he had begun to read, there was a clatter in the hall and a woman burst into his cabin.

He stood up quickly as he noted the panicked look on her face. “Are ya alright, miss?” He looked into the corridor, wondering what it was that had her looking so afraid. He took a step in, but quickly found himself being being pulled to the wall. His body was now pressed tightly against her own. A question was forming on his lips when she kissed him. Confusion and hesitation warred in his mind, but he decided not to ask questions and instead enjoy the moment of kissing the beautiful stranger.

there are a series of booms! as doors are thrown open, followed by sounds c o n f u s i o n as Ardan gets closer. nancy’s heart feels as if it’s about to burst out of her chest, but she’s trying to remain calm. Just focus on kissing on an attractive stranger, act n o r m a l ( literally nothing about this situation was normal, so SCRATCH THAT).

the door bangs open, but she pulls him closer (that’s really not p o s s i b l e at this point), fingers running through his hair as she prays Ardan will leave q u i c k l y . Thankfully, her prayers are answered, as he makes a frustrated noise, pulling the door shut behind him ( but not before he hears him shout her name ).

She waits a moment for the heavy footsteps to fade, before breaking the kiss, taking a step back as she quickly begins speaking, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t have time to ask if you were okay with that, but thank you so much for helping me.” she’s a bit breathless from both the running and the kissing, but she’s got to maintain some level of decorum. “ Are you alright? You didn’t hit yourself or anything?” 

The ship was grand. Hank had never seen anything like it- in fact, he had never dreamed of anything like it! He was less than excited to be shipped off to America for a month but the trip was nothing shy of a good time. At least, that’s what he was hoping. They didn’t call it a dream ship for nothing.

He was leaning over the edge, glancing down at the roaring waves below. In a few hours, they would be surrounded by nothing but water.

His fellow passengers were already lining the deck to catch a glance at the waves, and the people they left down below, and Hank shot a grin to the stranger at his side. “It’s something, ain’t it?”

the voice is f a m i l i a r- she can taste stolen gin on her tongue, feel brick against her hands. suddenly, she’s eighteen again, and she’s sneaking out of school with-

she almost speaks his name. nancy SOMEHOW manages to catch herself, mouth open as if she were going to reply. But there’s hesitation: he doesn’t recognize her, then. Or he just doesn’t care. Either way, she shouldn’t really be surprised ( it had been his charismatic, carefree nature that had d r a w n her to him in the first place ) but still, OUCH. The girl quickly composes herself somehow, after a beat “ it d o e s feel like something out of a dream. “ she manages to reply, staring firmly ahead. 

A curse escapes her lips as she realizes this and skids into the nearest room. There’s only one person: a boy her age, a book in his hand and engrossed expression. 

This is a bad idea, the RATIONAL part of her attempts to state, but it’s too late to turn back now, she reasons, rushing over and pulling him towards her as she backs against the wall. “I’ll explain later.” is all she’s able to say, before bringing his face to hers and kissing him, turning in such a way Ardan wouldn’t be able to see her face. 

          since cleo got on board early, she took the time to roam around the halls of the first class. she wondered how FANCY the wealthy people were for having the rooms. she entered a room she thought was vacant and lounged herself on the bed and lay down comfortably. 

          “ this is the life ! ” she grinned widely, not realizing that someone’s already watching her.

“ I’d say it’s a bit excessive, but then again, what do I know?” Nancy’s parents had gone out to meet with a pair of company partners in a different cabin, so she’d been left to her own devices. Her parents had given her the whole spiel ( “don’t leave, we’re trusting you to stay put and behave” etc ) and she’d decided to listen for ONCE. Besides, she was almost done with her novel. 

“ Would you like one? I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but I really ought to not eat this all on my own. Corsets are awful enough as it is, and I’ll “ruin my figure” or something like that.” she rolls her eyes, gesturing to the box of chocolates on the table next to her chair. 

Yo homies, Admin Laurel giving her second child a grand intro! I still suck at talking about myself, but here are some things to know about my kid, Nancy (who was def inspired by the song Nancy Mulligan by Ed Sheeran. I’m not even sorry)