#older wind

—-

Ava stood at the docks, her arms wrapped loosely around herself as the sea breeze tugged at her hair. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow across the water, but inside, she still felt the weight of the clouds that had been hanging over her for days.

The thought of seeing Wind again, of escaping onto the sea, should have lifted her spirits. But the gloom that had been following her stubbornly clung to her, making it hard to feel the excitement she wanted to.

She glanced down the length of the docks again, pacing slightly, scanning the horizon for any sign of his ship. She hadn’t ever set foot on a ship before, let alone sailed with pirates, and part of her wondered what this adventure would be like.

Wind had always had a way of brightening the darkest days, and she was grateful he had thought of her when she needed it most.

Still, Ava’s heart ached with the lingering sadness she couldn’t seem to shake.

A part of her worried she wouldn’t be able to enjoy this trip, that the heaviness inside her would ruin what was supposed to be a getaway. But then she saw it.

Cutting smoothly through the waves, a sleek ship with vibrant red sails appeared in the distance.

It was beautiful, unlike any ship she had ever seen. There was something striking about it, with intricate rose motifs carved into the woodwork and details in rich, deep crimson.

The ship seemed to glow in the fading light, the red contrasting beautifully against the blue sky and sea. And there, standing at the helm, was Wind.

Ava’s heart skipped a beat as the ship drew closer, her breath catching in her throat. She had known it had been some time seen she’s seen him, but the changes since still took her breath away.

It wasn’t the young, carefree boy she remembered.

No, this Wind was taller, broader, with a quiet strength in the way he moved.

He still had that familiar spark in his eyes, the one that spoke of adventure and endless possibilities, but there was a maturity to him now, a depth that hadn’t been there before. His once messy hair was still wild, but longer, tousled by the wind.

He wore a deep red scarf, tied loosely around his neck, and his tunic, though still a shade of blue, was accented with crimson. His boots and gloves, too, bore the red that adorned the rest of the crew.

Ava felt her cheeks flush as he waved at her from the deck.

She couldn’t help but think back to the boy he’d been, full of energy and mischief, and now here he was, a man.

A part of her couldn’t reconcile the two, but seeing him now, so sure of himself, sent a strange warmth fluttering through her chest.

The ship docked, and Wind jumped down with a practiced ease, striding toward her with a grin that made her heart skip again. “Ava,” he greeted her, his voice deeper than she remembered, a bit rough due what she no doubt assumed was him yelling out to his crew, but still carrying that same familiar lightness. “Ready for your first adventure on the sea?”

She tried to smile back, but the heaviness of the past few days made it difficult. “I think so,” she said softly, her voice quieter than she intended.

Wind’s expression softened. He could see the tiredness in her eyes, the weight she was carrying, even though she tried to hide it.

Without a word, he offered her his hand. “Come on,” he said gently. “Let me show you something.”

She took his hand, and the warmth of his touch sent a small spark through her. He led her onto the ship, and as she stepped aboard, her eyes took in everything.

The entire deck was decorated with the same intricate rose motifs she had noticed from the shore.

The sails, too, were embroidered with roses, their deep red fabric billowing softly in the breeze. The crew, all dressed in varying shades of red, moved with ease and purpose, greeting her with warm and respectful smiles.

“This ship…” Ava whispered, her eyes wide as she took in the beauty around her. “It’s incredible.”

Wind chuckled softly beside her, his hand still resting gently on her arm. “It’s yours,” he said, his voice low. “Well, not yours yours, but I thought of you a lot when I made the design choices. Thought you could use a little place where you’d feel…special.”

Ava blinked, turning to look at him, her heart skipping again. “You built this for me?”

Wind shrugged, but his grin betrayed the pride he felt. “Everyone deserves a getaway now and then. Especially you.”

Her cheeks warmed again, and she glanced away, unsure how to respond. The ship was stunning, every detail carefully crafted with care.

And the fact that Wind had gone through all this trouble for her. it was overwhelming, in the best way.

“You didn’t have to…” she murmured.

“I know. So I did it knowing I just wanted to,” Wind said simply, his voice soft.

Ava’s chest tightened, her emotions catching her off guard.

She looked up at him again, her eyes lingering on his face, remembering the boy she’d known and seeing the man standing before her.

He was still Wind, still the same hero who had always come through for her, but there was something about him now that made her heart beat just a little faster.

“I—” She tried to speak but felt the words get caught in her throat.

Instead, she just nodded, her lips curling into a small, grateful smile.

Wind smiled back, his eyes warm and steady. “Come on, Ava. Let’s set sail. I’ve got a whole adventure planned just for you.” He held out his elbow at her, and shyly she linked her elbow with him. (Trying not to focus on firmness of his arms)

—-

—-

And as the ship slowly drifted away from the docks, the waves carrying them into the horizon, Ava felt the weight on her shoulders begin to lift.

Wind led Ava through the narrow corridors of the ship, the gentle rocking of the vessel beneath their feet a reminder of the ocean’s presence.

The wooden planks creaked softly under their steps, and the scent of sea air followed them everywhere, mingling with the faint aroma of the roses that decorated the ship.

Ava’s heart still felt heavy, but the further they ventured into this strange, beautiful place Wind had prepared, the more the tight knot of sadness inside her seemed to loosen.

He stopped in front of a door near the end of the hall, turning to her with a small smile. “This’ll be your room,” he said, pushing the door open with a gentle hand.

Ava stepped inside, a gasp escaped her at the sight before her.

The room was larger than she’d expected, with a wide, arched window that stretched nearly from floor to ceiling, offering a breathtaking view of the open sea.

The deep blue of the ocean stretched endlessly beneath the darkening sky, and the golden light of the sunset filtered through the glass, casting a warm glow across the room.

It felt peaceful here, almost as if the room had been designed to capture the very essence of calm.

Her gaze shifted to the bed at the center of the room. It was grand, much larger than any bed she’d ever slept in, with blankets and pillows in soft shades of pink and rose.

The fabric looked so inviting, like it would wrap her in a cocoon of warmth and comfort.

The bedspread was embroidered with delicate roses, matching the rest of the ship’s motif. It was as if the entire room had been created just for her, though she couldn’t quite believe it.

Wind stood beside her, watching her take it all in. He was quiet, giving her the space to explore with her eyes, though there was a certain softness in his expression that made Ava’s heart flutter.

“Oh Link,” she whispered, unknowingly causing him to inhale at the use of his name, her voice catching slightly. “It’s beautiful…”

Wind smiled as if hearing his name spoken from her lips hadn’t affected him, his hands tucked casually into his pockets.

“I’m glad you like it,” he said, his voice low but full of warmth. “I wanted you to be comfortable. I figured… you could use a place like this. Somewhere you can just relax.”

Ava stepped closer to the window, her fingers brushing the cool glass as she looked out at the endless sea.

The waves rolled gently, their rhythm steady and calming. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this peaceful, even if the weight inside her still hadn’t fully lifted.

Being here, in this room, with the sea stretching out before her, she felt like she could finally breathe.

“I didn’t realize you went through so much trouble,” she said softly, turning to look at him.

Wind rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish grin pulling at his lips. “It wasn’t trouble,” he said, his voice as gentle as the ocean breeze outside. “I wanted to make sure you had somewhere nice to stay.” He gestured toward the bed with a nod. “It’s yours for as long as you stay on the ship. And, uh, if you ever need anything, my room’s right next door.”

Ava blinked, her cheeks warming again. He had really put her room next to his?

Her mind flashed back to the younger version of Wind, the boyish pirate hero full of mischief and charm, and now here he was, older, more thoughtful, and still looking out for her in the ways that mattered most.

She swallowed the lump in her throat, feeling a rush of gratitude, though she couldn’t quite find the words to express it.

Instead, she smiled, small but genuine, feeling the beginnings of warmth start to spread through her chest. “Thank you, Wind,” she murmured. “This means more than you know.”

He gave a soft, almost shy laugh, his gaze flicking from her to the window and back again. “Just want to make sure you’re taken care of,” he said. “You’ve been through a lot. Figured a change of scenery might do you some good.”

Ava nodded, glancing once more at the window, the sea glowing in the fading sunlight.

The room, with its soft pink blankets and comforting warmth, felt like a safe haven,

one that she hadn’t realized she needed until now.

She turned back to him, her blush deepening slightly as her eyes lingered on his face.

He looked so much older now, more sure of himself, yet still unmistakably Wind. It was strange, seeing the man he’d grown into, knowing how much had changed, yet feeling the same comfort and connection as always.

Wind, catching her gaze, offered a small, lopsided grin, the one she remembered so well. “Get some rest,” he said gently. “Tomorrow, I’ve got the whole day planned for us. But tonight… just enjoy the view.”

Ava smiled again, softer this time, the warmth in her chest growing. “I will.”

As he left, closing the door quietly behind him, Ava sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers brushing over the soft pink fabric.

She looked out at the sea through the large window, feeling, for the first time in days, like maybe the storm inside her was starting to calm.

—-

—-

The ship rocked gently beneath the night sky, the stars scattered like diamonds above the open sea.

The air was crisp but not cold, the kind of stillness that made the world feel quiet and safe. Ava lay in her bed, cocooned in the soft pink blankets, but sleep wouldn’t come.

Her thoughts churned in a quiet storm, memories of the last few weeks, the weight of everything she couldn’t shake, and the steady presence of Wind, who had gone out of his way to make sure she was comfortable.

After a while, the room felt too small, too quiet. Ava slipped from the bed and padded softly out onto the deck.

The moment she stepped into the open air, the breeze tugged at her hair, and the sound of the ocean filled her ears, soothing but distant. She wandered toward the bow of the ship, the wood cool beneath her feet.

To her surprise, Wind was already there, sitting on the edge of the railing, one leg dangling over the side.

His back was to her, and for a moment, she considered going back to her room. But something about the way he sat, quiet, reflective. made her pause.

Without a word, she approached, and Wind, sensing her presence, glanced over his shoulder.

His expression softened when he saw her. “Couldn’t sleep either, huh?” he said quietly, his voice a low murmur that blended with the sounds of the waves.

Ava gave a small nod, standing a few feet away, unsure if she should join him or not.

But Wind, ever perceptive, slid over slightly, making space on the railing beside him. “Come on,” he said gently, “the stars look better from here.”

She hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer, sitting next to him on the edge of the ship.

The sea stretched out before them, dark and endless, but the sky, oh, the sky, was breathtaking.

The stars sparkled against the deep indigo, their light shimmering like a promise of something better, something brighter.

For a while, they sat in silence, just listening to the wind and the water.

It was comfortable, even though Ava felt the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her chest. Wind was patient, though, giving her space, as if he knew she wasn’t ready to speak yet.

Finally, she let out a soft sigh, her hands clasped together in her lap. “It’s… hard,” she began, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

“I keep thinking I should feel better by now, that I should be over things. But no matter what I do, I can’t… I can’t seem to shake it.”

She didn’t elaborate, but Wind didn’t press for more. He just nodded, his eyes never leaving the horizon.

“It’s like the weight won’t lift,” Ava continued after a pause. “Even here, on this beautiful ship you made for me, I should feel happy, and I do…but…I feel it… and I don’t know why.” She bit her lip, feeling vulnerable. “I don’t even know how to explain it. Everything’s just… too much.”

Wind was quiet for a moment, processing her words.

His gaze shifted from the sea to her, his eyes soft, understanding. “It’s okay not to have the right words,” he said, his voice gentle. “You don’t have to explain everything. Sometimes…” He paused, looking up at the stars again. “Sometimes, it’s enough just to feel what you’re feeling, even if it doesn’t make sense. You don’t have to rush to be okay.”

Ava swallowed hard, her throat tightening. “But it feels like I should be okay. Like, I don’t have a reason not to be.” She shook her head, frustrated with herself. “I should be enjoying this, the sea, the stars, everything you’ve done for me, but instead, I’m just… tired.”

Wind turned to face her more fully, leaning his arm against the railing. “Ava,” he said softly, “you don’t owe anyone a reason for how you feel. Not me or anyone. And you don’t have to force yourself to be happy just because things are nice on the outside. Feelings don’t always follow logic.”

He gave her a small, reassuring smile. “And besides, this trip isn’t about making you feel better right away. It’s about giving you space to breathe, to be… without the pressure of fixing everything.”

Ava looked down, her hands twisting together in her lap. His words sank in, but they also made her feel exposed, like he could see right through the walls she’d been trying to hold up.

She wanted to tell him more, to explain the heaviness inside her, but it was hard to put into words. All she knew was that she felt like she was sinking, even when she was supposed to be floating.

Wind didn’t push. He just sat there, his presence warm and steady beside her. “You don’t have to carry everything alone, you know,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost a whisper. “I’m here. Even if you don’t want to talk about it, just… know I’m here.”

Ava felt a lump rise in her throat, her chest tightening. She blinked, trying to hold back the tears that suddenly threatened to spill over.

She wasn’t used to this kind of care, this patience. It was overwhelming in a way she hadn’t expected.

“Thank you,” she quietly , her voice breaking just slightly.

Wind smiled softly, his hand resting on the railing beside hers, close but not touching. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad you’re here. That you’re… taking this time.”

They fell back into silence, the kind that wasn’t uncomfortable, just quiet and full of unspoken understanding. Ava felt the weight still in her chest, but something about being here, with him, made it feel just a little lighter.

The stars above them shimmered, and the sea rocked gently beneath them, and for the first time in what felt like ages, she allowed herself to just sit in the quiet, to let her guard down, even if just for a moment.

Wind, true to his nature, didn’t press any further. He didn’t try to fix what was wrong or force her to explain more than she was ready to.

He was just there, steady, calm, and quietly offering her the space to be herself, however broken or tired she felt.

Ava sat in the quiet after Wind’s words, feeling the weight of her emotions swirling inside her. His patience, his gentle way of listening, it was almost too much.

She was used to feeling like she had to hold everything together, to keep pushing through her feelings, but here with Wind, she found herself softening in a way that left her vulnerable.

She glanced at him, noticing the way he looked out over the sea, his face calm and sure.

There was something different about him now, still the Wind she knew, but with a quiet strength that hadn’t always been there.

Her lips twitched into a small, shy smile as she tilted her head, her voice soft and teasing, “When did you get so mature?”

Wind turned to her, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He raised an eyebrow, playful but warm. “Mature, huh?” he echoed, clearly amused. “I guess it happens when you spend enough time out here, watching the world.”

Ava chuckled softly, a brief escape from the tightness that still lingered in her chest.

He was still Wind, after all, just with a little more depth behind those playful eyes.

They exchanged a glance, both smiling, and for a moment, everything felt lighter. But as she turned her gaze back toward the sea, the knot in her chest returned, persistent and unyielding.

She stared at the stars, trying to focus on their beauty, trying to breathe deeply, hoping it would help.

Her breaths came slow and controlled, but no matter how hard she tried, the tightness in her chest wouldn’t go away.

It felt like it was mocking her, reminding her that she couldn’t just wish these feelings away, no matter how much she wanted to. Ava clenched her jaw, blinking rapidly as her eyes began to sting with unshed tears.

Don’t cry, she told herself, her fists clenching in her lap. There’s no reason to be upset. No reason at all. She mentally berated herself, the frustration bubbling up as the tears she’d been fighting back started to blur her vision.

Just as she was starting to spiral, she felt it, Wind’s arm, wrapping gently around her shoulders, slow and deliberate.

His touch was soft, careful not to startle her, but steady, as if to remind her she wasn’t alone.

Ava’s thoughts came to a screeching halt. She tensed for a moment, her body stiffening at the unexpected contact, her breath catching in her throat

. But Wind didn’t say anything, he didn’t ask her what was wrong, didn’t push her to explain. He just kept his gaze on the sea, his arm resting comfortably around her as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

After a few beats, Ava let out a shaky breath.

Slowly, she began to relax into him, leaning just slightly against his side. She could feel his warmth through the fabric of their clothes, the steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathed in time with the gentle rocking of the ship.

The tightness in her chest didn’t vanish, but it eased, just a little. She sniffled quietly, the tears still threatening, but she kept her focus on the way Wind’s arm felt around her, grounding herself in his presence.

For the first time in a while, she didn’t feel like she had to hold herself together alone.

Wind, still quiet, kept his gaze fixed on the stars, his expression unreadable but calm. He didn’t need to say anything.

His presence alone was enough, and it allowed Ava the space to just be, to feel what she was feeling without trying to force it away.

She sniffled again, her breathing still uneven, but with every passing minute, she felt herself settling a little more.

Wind’s steady presence made things easier to bear.

She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the sound of the waves and the gentle pressure of his arm around her, letting herself take comfort in it.

As Ava leaned into Wind, she felt the warmth of his arm holding her steady, grounding her in the present moment.

Though she was still sniffling quietly, the tension in her chest began to ease, little by little.

She let herself melt into his side, even as her mind wandered to how she might look to the rest of the crew, vulnerable, teary, leaning on their captain.

Just as she began to feel self-conscious about it, Wind, still with his arm wrapped around her, lifted his opposite hand.

He made a subtle motion to one of the crew members who had been standing by, and within moments, they approached, responding to his unspoken command with quiet deference.

Wind leaned in slightly, speaking softly but firmly, his voice steady. “Can you bring us some food and drinks? Something light,” he instructed, his tone kind yet authoritative. The crew member nodded quickly, scurrying off without question.

Ava felt a flush of warmth rise to her cheeks, a bit embarrassed at being seen in such a vulnerable state.

She shifted slightly against Wind, not pulling away but feeling the weight of the crew’s attention, even though they were respectful.

But Wind’s arm stayed firm and reassuring, holding her in place without hesitation. He didn’t care if they saw her like this, didn’t care if the crew noticed her leaning on him.

He was making it clear she was safe, and that was all that mattered.

It wasn’t long before the food arrived, a plate of fresh fruits drizzled with golden honey, accompanied by a glass of vibrant, freshly squeezed juice.

The soft aroma of the sweet fruits wafted up between them, and Ava’s stomach gave a soft rumble, though she was too caught up in her emotions to realize how hungry she was.

Wind looked down at the food, then gently nudged her. “You should eat something,” he said, his voice coaxing but gentle. “It’ll help.”

Ava hesitated, glancing at the plate before looking back up at him. She felt oddly shy, like accepting the food meant admitting how much she needed this, needed him.

But when she saw the softness in his eyes, that same patient understanding he’d shown all night, she let out a small breath and gave a nod.

Slowly, she reached for a piece of fruit, the honey glistening in the low light, and took a small bite.

The sweetness burst on her tongue, and though she hadn’t expected it, the simple act of eating began to soothe her, the flavors grounding her further.

She took another bite, her body slowly relaxing against Wind’s as she ate.

Wind stayed still beside her, giving quiet orders to the crew as they went about their tasks. His voice was calm, commanding but never harsh, directing them with ease.

Ava listened to the sound of the sea, the faint rustling of the sails, and the footsteps of the crew moving about the deck, all while staying wrapped in the steady circle of his arm.

It felt peaceful in a way she hadn’t expected, and she found herself sinking deeper into that feeling, grateful for the space he was giving her to just be.

As she finished the fruit, sipping at the juice, she couldn’t help but feel a little more settled, the tightness in her chest loosening bit by bit.

Wind never once let go of her, even as he occasionally managed the night crew from where he was seated, his arm remaining a steady weight around her shoulders.

His presence was strong, unwavering, and she found herself appreciating the way he kept her close without saying a word, as if to remind her that no matter what storm was brewing inside her, he would be her anchor.