The Love Boat - Day 1

[notjustaface]

It's supposed to be an easy mission, kick back - take a cruise, maybe work on their tans in the process. Baggage, check. Engagement rings, check. Wedding bands, check. Tuxedos, check.

Hannibal and BA boarded first thing in the morning as crew, giving them more than ample time to install some weaponry and a pair of clean cell phones in their cabin and start sweeping for suspicious signs of gun running.

The happy couple took the opportunity to sleep in and have a nice breakfast before heading down to the marina to board.

"It's a nice cabin," Face murmurs, depositing his suitcase on the large bed before heading to the closet to hang up their carefully wrapped formal wear.

Comments

[notthatcrazy]

"Mmmhmm."

It's a nice memory, but so much of what happened between them back then is tangled up with the decidedly unhappy memories that happened after.

"C'mon, you said we'd write vows tonight."

[notjustaface]

They were weird times that got even weirder. And now he's on a Big Gay Cruise writing vows for a fake gay wedding.

Go figure.

"Can we stay for dessert?" He offers a set of bright blue puppy eyes; "They have ice cream and rainbow cake."

[notthatcrazy]

He rolls his eyes. Damn him and those adorable baby blues.

"Okay, okay... we can have cake, but then you're gonna take me downstairs and tell me how much you love me."

In terms of crazy relationship trajectories, it kind of works for them.

[notjustaface]

They've gotten him far more than cake.

"As you wish, love of my life." He pushes up out of his chair, "Want cake with your ice cream?"

[notthatcrazy]

"Way to pour on the charm, babe. And yeah, cake and ice cream sounds good."

He reaches over and ruffles his hair as he gets up.

[notjustaface]

Leaning in, he plants a firm kiss on his lips - letting himself enjoy the thought that all eyes there are on them and everything is just fine.

A few minutes later he's back with big slices of rainbow colored cake nestled against chocolate on one side and black cherry on the other.

"What're you in the mood for tonight?"

[notthatcrazy]

"Ooh, looks like they sprang for the good stuff."

He leans back against him. They're so close together he's practically in his lap.

"Chocolate, please?"

[notjustaface]

The closeness is nice, and Face takes the opportunity to slide a plate in front of him before dipping a spoonful of cake for himself.

"Only the best, right?" Well, budget best, at least. They're still rooming below decks but given their last several residences it's practically the VIP suite at the Hilton.

[notthatcrazy]

He's enjoying this. It's not often that they get to be together in public without worrying about being seen.

"Totally."

He really couldn't ask for anything more. They've got a nice view from where they are, and when they're in their cabin... the view's the last thing he's worried about.

[notjustaface]

Other things on their mind, better things. More than being watched or getting caught and having to drop and run.

"So, what about you?" He offers a bite of the cherry ice cream with a big split cherry in the middle. "What's on your mind, Buttercup?"

[notthatcrazy]

He sighs.

"You ever imagine six months ago you'd be feeding me ice cream and calling me Buttercup on a gay wedding cruise?"

It works, really.

[notjustaface]

That's enough to bring him pause, and he takes another bite - considering it.

"Six months ago I was pretty sure we'd be in prison by now." He shrugs; "I like it this way better."

[notthatcrazy]

Those are two rather sharp extremes.

"Hey." He takes the hand he's not busy eating with, holding it tight. "Never again, okay?"

He's not sure he'd survive being separated from him again.

[notjustaface]

Face flexes his knuckles as he squeezes his partner's hand, part of him still feeling the burn of ragged concrete in his scars.

"We can't make that promise." He murmurs, licking his lips. "You know that as well as I do."

[notthatcrazy]

He doesn't say anything. He just keeps holding onto his hand while they finish eating.

[notjustaface]

A quiet Murdock is not a happy Murdock - and Face knows it's his duty to bring that smile back.

"So, I'm thinking... we beg the boss into giving us a couple days off after we touch down wherever we're headed and me and you dig into the first hotel we can find?"

[notthatcrazy]

He knows he's trying. He offers him a smile in return, but it pales in comparison to his usual cheerful grin.

"Sure. Sounds good."

[notjustaface]

Apparently not good enough.

He offers another bite of cake and adds to the deal; "During which time you will be the absolute center of my attention."

[notthatcrazy]

He accepts the offered bite with a sigh. That's not really what's bothering him at all.

"Can we go downstairs now?"

[notjustaface]

"You're eager tonight, babe." He pushes the plate aside, nodding.

"Shall I carry my blushing bride over the threshold?"

[notthatcrazy]

That does manage to make him smile.

"I'm not your bride yet, Peck."

[notjustaface]

That's enough to bring out a small laugh - his smile has that effect.

Pushing away from the table, he stands up and offers his hand.

"Only a matter of time, love. Days."

[notthatcrazy]

He stands and takes his hand, cuddling in close.

"Better work on those vows."

[notjustaface]

It's easy to wrap his arm around Murdock's shoulders and lean in to kiss his shoulder.

"That sounds like a good idea, man. Lead the way."

[notthatcrazy]

He leans into him, not letting go until they reach their room.

"Love you, babe."