Sorry, I'm a Mess

[Shane O'Sullivan]

It had been so long since he just allowed himself to have fun. As enjoyable as it could be out on the seas, more than half the time he was working...even if he was goofing around with Wesley and Marcel while doing it. But right now was the first time that he felt a little more free and didn't feel constrained to work or the drama of home. Perhaps that was why he didn't just wander off the first chance he got, and actually agreed to come to this party to begin with.

Or maybe he really didn't mind spending time with her, even if they looked like a couple of children laughing and running around in a hedge maze.

Just when he thought he was about to catch up, she was rounding another corner and he caught sight of the billowing red skirt of her dress, easily helping him follow behind. He, too, was not running as fast as he could, but it appeared as though he really didn't have to speed up. However, when he finally lost complete sight of her, Shane slowed down and tried to catch his breath while wild, blue eyes glanced around him every which way.

Unfortunately (although, not truly) for Avalynn, the sailor's vision was not based on movement, and that gown certainly did stand out a bit. It was only when he had turned another corner, though, that he came to notice her attempting to stand there as though she were a part of the foliage, or a stone statue that simply belonged there.

The laugh that escaped him was gentle and quiet, attention never moving from her as he slowly advanced towards her. "I do believe that you must catch me...according to the rules," he murmured, but she would be able to hear him in the absolute quiet around them. At the last possible moment, Shane drifted off to the side to begin fleeing down another path and out of her view...but he was immediately pausing.

Instead of running away this time, he silently waited for her to pursue and come into his view.

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Avalynn could hear Shane’s breath as he rounded the corner and most certainly found her. She drew in a deep breath and held it, trying to remain completely still and quiet. She heard his murmured words and couldn’t help her lips crack into a smile as she slowly released her breath.

For a moment, she thought their little game would be over since she had been caught, and he was slowly approaching her. But then Shane dashed off again and was quickly out of view before she could even process it. She giggled loudly and called out loudly. “Oh--you’re still going to make me work for it--despite everything?” Hadn’t she already done enough for him this evening? She thought she deserved a kiss, but if he wanted to continue this game…

She stepped away from the hedge and lifted one foot to pull a shoe off, before she did the other, now her bare feet touching the cold ground, but she wasn’t bothered by it, at least not yet. Rather than run in the direction Shane had gone, Avalynn walked (with shoes in hand) in a stalking-like, sneaky manner, hoping he wouldn’t go too far. Maybe he would mimic her so she could see for herself how ridiculous she had looked.

“I’m not so sure all of this is worth a kiss anymore.” She lightly teased, gaining closer to where, unknowingly to her, Shane stood waiting.

As she walked, her bright eyes darted around, trying to catch sight of him, to no avail. “Luckily for you…” She started, calling out, unsure if he was close enough to hear her at this point. “Your good looks and charming manner do offer up some redeeming points in making it a slightly more worth it.” She giggled quietly before rounding a corner and crashing right into him, nearly stumbling backward.

[Shane O'Sullivan]

This silly, childish little game could go on for hours, and Shane would happily allow it to. But, alas, it could not. And secondly, it was rather cold out, even with all of this running around. The one night he could sit in front of a warm fire and relax after being out on the frigid seas for months, he opted to be out in the cold with this woman instead. Unknowingly to himself, that meant something, and she likely didn't realize it either.

'Oh--you’re still going to make me work for it--despite everything?'

Shane silently laughed, his shoulders shrugging with the gesture as he tried to pinpoint her location. Something told him she wasn't giving up, nor was she going to pout about it like some other ladies would. Perhaps that was why he was still lingering around despite how much he really hadn't wanted to come to this damned party.

'I'm not so sure all of this is worth a kiss anymore.'

That grin spread wide across his face, hearing that she was closer, but from his spot along one of the hedges, he couldn't easily find her. He saw no flash of that beautiful red gown either. Avalynn continued to talk, and he wanted badly to say something in return but kept his mouth shut, just waiting for the moment to the strike...

Only, it would seem that the lady would find him, and accidently too, it seemed.

Shane actually jumped a little in surprise, but was quick enough to wrap an arm around her slim waist as it seemed like she was about to stumble. Unconsciously drawing her against him (which was quite improper, he'd realize later), he suddenly paused. That smile began to slowly disappear while this strange feeling began to quietly wash over him.

Maybe it was some sort of trance, but he was silently watching her as his other hand rose; fingers gently grasping her chin before his bright gaze dropped to her mouth.

"Ask for your prize, Lady Avalynn. Just once more."

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Avalynn didn’t think their little game would end anytime soon either, despite her sarcastic complaining of him making her work for what she should have already been owed. She hardly meant, or wanted to force him to do something he did not want to, he just seemed easy to tease and took it so well. If it made Shane forget about whatever unease he was previously feeling due to his father, she would happily chase him around the hedge maze all night--even if it was cold.

So she hadn’t expected to quite literally bump into and catch Shane. A small shriek of a noise escaped her as she dropped her shoes and prepared to stumble backward, but instead was caught by Shane. Again. She felt his arm wrap around her waist, and before she could steady herself, he was drawing her against him. Instinctively, she brought her hands up and placed them on his chest to further steady herself, but then upon realizing she had, she quickly removed them as she laughed nervously. “Sorry, I-” She muttered, though cutting herself off as she looked at him and noticed his smile disappearing and a more serious expression replacing it.

Her own smile slowly faded and her brows furrowed in slight confusion as she watched him. There was something about the way he was looking at her that made her feel a flutter in her stomach fly up into her chest and cause her heart to begin to beat a little faster. What was happening?

And then Shane’s hand rose to grasp her chin and she noticed his eyes lower to her mouth. If it weren’t for the cold and the recent exertion, it would have been a little more obvious that she was blushing. Avalynn could feel her cheeks burning and a wave of nervousness coursed through her veins.

‘Ask for your prize, Lady Avalynn. Just once more.’

The corners of her lips twitched ever so slightly, but she didn’t say anything right away. Was this another trick--she would ask him, and he would run off again? Avalynn breathed a small laugh out her nose, and despite the nervousness that was suddenly washing over her, she managed to speak with confidence. “But I told you I no longer wanted it,” she silently teased him. It was her defense mechanism… Make a joke when nervous or upset. It helped lighten the tension and draw the focus away from the matters at hand. She breathed another laugh and smiled softly before drawing her lower lip in and biting down on it to try and stop herself from grinning.

“But…” Her gaze dropped to his mouth now and she hesitated for a brief moment before whispering, “I do quite think I’ve earned a kiss, don’t you think? Even just a small, quick one?”

[Shane O'Sullivan]

He really didn't know what it was, but it was as if everything he had been so concerned over had begun to dissipate. Perhaps it was how carefree all of this had been- it was one of many reasons why being on the crew lifted his spirits. It made him forget all that awaited him at home on land. Tresteria and Brierwell were always the last places he ever wished to be. And here Avalynn was, managing to make him forget his woes on that very land he always desperately tried to avoid.

Shane didn't entirely know how or why, and it was what brought him to this silence after that very abrupt pause. He both liked it and feared it at the same time, unsure of which emotion to settle on, even as he had uttered those words to her.

'But I told you I no longer wanted it.'

The curiosity and mirth seeped into the tiniest of smirks, curling up one corner of his mouth as he watched her. Something told him that she was lying, but he didn't outright say so. Maybe because he didn't quite know what he was doing or what was going on in that head of his.

The sailor didn't think this was another trick, despite being unsure about what, exactly, he was thinking. His feet were now rooted to the cold ground, and he hadn't let go of her; finding himself watching how she drew in that bottom lip.

Had he been drinking? That was the only possibly explanation for this stupidity of his. And he wasn't budging, nor was she asking him to.

'I do quite think I've earned a kiss, don't you think? Even just a small, quick one?'

No. No was the appropriate answer but his mind wasn't in that usual panic. Perhaps it was the lingering adrenaline and amusement of their little chase that wasn't making him think straight, because instead of stepping away from her and apologizing, or putting her down easily, that grin of his widened just a little bit more.

With a subtle cant of his head, he leaned down just enough to brush his lips against hers in a gentle kiss that might have lingered for a few seconds too long.

---

[ log from Discord ]


AVALYNN
She honestly didn't know what to think or how to feel about all of this. It had always been just a light and fun little game. Even if Shane had allowed her to kiss him at the chase, she probably would have just given him a quick peck on the lips if she had been daring enough.

Her heart quickened in her chest and her cheeks began to burn even hotter than before. She hadn't realized she was holding her breath as Shane leaned down and got closer to her.

Finally his lips were touching hers, lingering for longer than she would have expected, but she didn't mind. Her stomach filled with butterflies and she returned the kiss with a matched gentleness.

As they pulled apart from the kiss, she kept her eyes closed for a moment, finally and slowly releasing that breath she had been holding. Her eyelids fluttered open and she looked at him curiously, but her lips pulled upward into a smile, before she drew her bottom lip in and bit it to stop her smile from widening a bit more, or to prevent herself from laughing.

She shook her head and looked down before she spoke quietly. "I think I would climb up another tree for a kiss like that...." She admitted, somewhat cheekily.


SHANE
In truth, he didn't know what he was doing. He didn't really know what came over him. Now, don't get him wrong, he wasn't about to change his view on anything related to courtship or love, but he wasn't entirely himself in that moment. Whether that was a good or bad thing was left up to debate.

Still, he shouldn't have kissed her, at least not like that but something had just come over him. The sailor hadn't been thinking, losing himself in the moment, humor and all, and it was hard to discern whether or not he regretted it. Immediately, as they pulled away from each other, Shane realized he didn't want to give her the wrong impression. He didn't want her to be hurt.

His eyes trailed up from the way she bit her lip, suppressing her smile as much as she possibly could, and he was torn; fluctuating between feeling horrified at himself but feeling the gentlest of grins tugging at the corner of his mouth. It was strange- he didn't know how to feel.

"With your record, dear Avalynn, I don't think I'd ever make you climb a tree again," he replied in soft humor, not wanting to fully acknowledge that he'd never kiss her again. It wasn't her fault by a long shot, it was his own issues. At that moment, it dawned on Shane that he likely wouldn't see her again after this, or at least not spend this kind of time with her.


AVALYNN
Honestly, Avalynn knew what she was getting into. Despite her bubbly and clumsy nature, that probably made her seem carefree and naïve, she was actually quite insightful and intelligent. She knew Shane wouldn't be sticking around- he was a sailor who lived out on the sea. From what she imagined based on earlier in the evening, he probably didn't come home much.

She wasn't expecting much to come of this evening, or even that they would see one another again. But she at least hoped that she could leave a good enough impression on the man, that he might feel like he had another friend on his side. Whether he truly wanted one or not.

Avalynn had dealt with enough rejection and disappointment in her life, that she had learned quickly enough to let it roll off her shoulders and push through it. If it was meant to be, it would be meant to be. And all she could do was enjoy whatever moments she came across and try to make the most of them.

At his response, she couldn't suppress squeak of a laugh from escaping her. But immediately after it had, she quickly clapped her hands over her mouth to try and muffle her laughter.

"You're probably right..." She said beneath her hands. A moment later, she slowly lowered her hands, but the residual smile from her amusement remained. "I would certainly appreciate not having to climb a tree again." She thought for a moment, before adding, "I suppose if there were to be a next time... I might need to swim across an ocean, perhaps?" Though her tone was still light and humorous, there was a hint of understanding behind them, and assurance in that she wasn't going to hold anything against him if this was the last time they saw one another.


SHANE
Of course she would leave a good impression. If anyone were to ask Shane, he'd likely suspect that mostly everyone Avalynn spoke with was left with a good impression of her. How could they not in all honesty? She was lovely and kind, and actually had a mind of her own. Although she appeared careful when navigating Tresterian society, she didn't act like a brainwashed noblewoman.

He believed she would do well and find her place- her proper place, and with a man who deserved her. The world couldn't be that cruel to everyone, right? She deserved happiness. She deserved to keep smiling.

The laugh that escaped her snapped him out of his thoughts, and he found himself grinning again. Then she said it, mentioning his occupation, and he wasn't entirely sure whether or not he should be sad about the notion. That seemed to keep happening and he didn't know why.

A light nod, his gaze lowered to nothing in particular, perhaps dazing off into the space that would inevitably grow between them. "Sometimes I am gone for long periods of time, yes," he explained, just for the sake of explaining. "And sometimes...when I am back in Tresteria-" A pause, he looked back up to her with a seriousness on his face that she could probably guess about. "I do not like to go home. The ship is where I am most of the time, I suppose."


AVALYNN
She tried to remain happy and smiling, regardless of what was going on in her life. It was easy to do when she was not at home and most of her focus was on everyone else and kept her busy. It was when she was home in the silence once everyone else was asleep, that she felt whatever sadness of her life creep in and remind her that she wasn't as happy as she came across.

It was easier to just pretend everything was alright. She didn't want the sympathy or the pity or anything else from anyone. She was capable of taking care of herself and she didn't need anyone else to do that for her.

Her bright blue eyes followed Shane's into that empty space between them until he spoke and she turned her focus on his face, even though he kept his own gaze down.

He didn't need to explain anything, though--she could easily read between the lines and she understood. So when he looked back at her, she offered a half-forced smile and nodded. "I understand," She said almost immediately, as if to silently tell him that he didn't need to explain or say anything. But she appreciated his trying to. "I supposed I can relate.... The castle is where I am most of the time... I don't get out very often."


SHANE
'I understand.'

He didn't know why, but that somehow seemed to make him feel bad. Not that he thought that was Avalynn's intention whatsoever, but she should be out here with someone who wouldn't be packing up and leaving, and blatantly afraid of any sort of commitment. But what of friendship? Shane could do that, couldn't he? There was nothing wrong with surrounding himself with those that could make him smile, even if he only saw some of them occasionally.

Perhaps he didn't need to explain his reasonings to her, but for a flickering moment, he wanted to. He nearly did.

"But the queen treats you well?" he found himself asking. The woman looked the caring sort, and Avalynn appeared happy around her, just like Shane was with Elliot and the crew. Maybe they had more in common than he was willing to realize.

While he waited for her to answer, he briefly interrupted again to realize that she wasn't wearing her shoes. "You must be freezing!" he exclaimed softly in some amusement. "C'mon, we should get you back inside, hmm?" If she was willing, he would offer his arm and begin to try and lead them out of the maze. To be honest, he didn't know how many turns they had taken.


AVALYNN
At Shane's question, her lips pulled upward into a bright smile and she nodded. Avalynn admired the queen so much, and she looked up to her more than anyone else. "Yes, of course. She is a wonderful queen and I love her as if she were my own sister." And she truly meant her words, but she was honestly worried of what was to come if Eleesa did not remain Tresteria's queen. What would become of her life? Of Eleesa's too? And all the other ladies who served her.

She was quickly reminded of the coldness at Shane's exclamation and she glanced down at her bare feet and laughed. Her bright eyes glanced back up at him and she noticed he had offered his arm to her. Her brows lowered, but there was slight amusement on her face. "But I thought we were heading away from the palace to make your escape? I won't make you walk me back towards there." Had Shane forgotten? Or was he just being nice?

Avalynn gently squeezed his arm before stepping back away from him, crouching down to put her shoes back on. When she stood back up, she took his offered arm. In all honesty, she wasn't sure she'd be able to find her own way out of the maze, since they had run every which way without a sense of direction. Suddenly, that thought began to cause a slight panic to rise within her chest.


SHANE
"And I'm not letting you walk back like this on your own," he pointed out. "I can bring you back to the door. I'm sure it's safe." Was it, though? If Shane knew his father well enough, Eamon was likely long gone by now or had gotten occupied with further drink somewhere inside the castle. The man wouldn't find him now.

Once she had her shoes back on and they tried to make their way back, Shane attempted to recall the proper way to go. "Getting out of here is our biggest concern," he joked. They hadn't run too far, fortunately, but even still. Chuckling lowly, he led her around a couple of turns that looked familiar, and before they knew it, they found the exit and could see the looming palace up ahead in the dark.

He really did have to leave, which was a shame, but knowing his father was here for a little while meant he might be able to see his family before going back to the ship.

"I'm...quite fond of letters, if you like to write them." Where the heck did that come from? Shane blinked but it was too late to take it back.


AVALYNN
She smirked as Shane refused to let her walk back like this on her own. "Like this?" She asked him, curious of what he meant.

She put her shoes back on and wrapped herself up in his jacket, slipping one of her arms around his and her free hand into the pocket of his coat she wore. She felt her father's pocket watch still in there and she smirked slightly, wondering if Shane had forgotten about it and how he had tried giving it back to her. She hoped he had and would find it later on when he placed his hands into his pockets.

Avalynn giggled softly at his joke and nodded in agreement. "Right...I am afraid I won't be much help because I wasn't paying a whole lot of attention to direction as I was in trying to find or hide from you." She scrunched her nose up and laughed again. "Honestly, it's probably a good thing you are not leaving me here on my own... I'd probably be wandering around aimlessly and then freeze to death because I'd get far too lost."

She continued to ramble on about one thing or another until they finally made their way back out and the palace was back in sight. She smiled, "See... Peace of cake."

Avalynn was finally silent once they left the maze and headed towards the door, but when Shane randomly mentioned he was fond of letters, she looked at him curiously and grinned, nodding. "I do quite enjoy writing letters...And receiving them." The last part was asked more like a question, as she was wondering if he would reciprocate the writing of letters, or if he had been just requesting her to write to him.


SHANE
He pressed his lips together tightly to refrain from answering her. He didn't mean to be rude or tease, but he kind of figured she already knew what he meant by "like this". But it was endearing.

Keeping her close against his side to try and stave off the cold, he didn't mind having to figure out the maze. But he had certainly chuckled a little when she admitted to what he had been kind of thinking. Adoringly, of course. "I mean...I didn't want to say such, but precisely." His tone was extra light, honestly joking. "And I'd never forgive myself if you froze to death. It would ruin this lovely dress." Okay, you cheeky bastard.

When they were out and nearing the castle once again, his demeanor had changed. Not for the worst, exactly- maybe he was a little surprised, and some what at himself. A tilt of his head, he regarded her as she walked beside him with a gentle smile. "Good," he said quietly. "I tend to have quite a bit of downtime at night out at sea."