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61. The Captain and the Engineer: Absurd Assumptions
Cormack Owle posted a photo:
Disclaimer: The contents of this chapter include very sensitive subject matter and may be triggering to some individuals. Scenes of abuse of various forms are represented as not only for storytelling, but to raise awareness of what this behavior looks like. Abusive behavior in this story includes, but is not limited to: physical abuse, mental abuse, verbal abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, intentional triggering of another’s PTSD, and trauma. In no way are these scenes intended to purposely trigger or harm anyone.
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The following morning after Aiden’s moonlit flight with Vincent, he’d woken up late just as Vincent was just emerging from his quarters. His captain was already fully dressed and ready to run errands. As Vincent explained it to the yawning Aiden, now that he was going to the masquerade there was much to be done! A short while later Vincent departed in a determined but cheerful mood to get everything set in motion. And when he returned that evening he had an official invitation to the ball for Aiden in hand! He sat Aiden down and explained in greater detail what preparations would need to be done. While Vincent had informed him that there would be fittings, dancing and etiquette lessons, and even promenades for social practice, the days following were unexpectedly much busier for Aiden than he’d anticipated.
The first order of business was a visit to the tailor! The shop they went to belonged to a highly skilled older man who knew Vincent by sight and greeted the captain enthusiastically. As it turned out, this was where Vincent and the other men in his family frequented as regular customers! After Aiden’s nervous last attempt to get himself to visit a shop like this he was grateful to have Vincent there to guide him through the process. As soon as Vincent explained that they were here for a suit for Aiden for the upcoming ball, the tailor got straight to work! Vincent helped Aiden sort through different fabrics and finally settle on a nice dark teal and gold lining which, as Vincent put it, brought out the color in his eyes. The comment had made Aiden blush slightly; something Vincent noticed which made him feel a little pleased with himself.
When the topic of how much everything was going to cost came up, Aiden felt panic rearing up inside him. He knew it would be expensive but to actually spend the money? Aside from the tiny piece of Fulgora’s Eye that he’d gotten for Pete, this was the most expensive purchase he’d ever made for himself! However with a few quiet, carefully chosen words of reassurance from Vincent, Aiden remembered that he was in fact wealthy. He could afford this suit hundreds of times over and then some! With Vincent’s encouragement, Aiden went ahead and made the down payment purchase for his suit! Once measurements had been taken some time later and they were free to go, they went next door to the cordwainer. There Aiden got measured again; this time for boots to go specifically for his ballroom attire! This time, Aiden didn’t hesitate to pay for his boots which Vincent felt proud of him for.
The lessons Vincent promised began just two days later. While Vincent didn’t really care much for all the niceties and politeness of upper class society, he was still a part of it and therefore educated thus. During these lessons, Aiden began to learn the basics of gentlemanly ballroom etiquette. He’d be learning how to dance very soon but first Aiden would need to learn how to properly walk, stand, and even how to talk. While Vincent stressed the importance of these lessons, most of the time the two men were just laughing and enjoying each others company. Vincent was having such a grand time with his friend that he was often smiling and full of spirit. Vincent suggested Aiden put to practice what he’d learned while they were out and about. Aiden remembered that this was just a part of the facade; the mask that must be put on for society. So that’s what he did. Following Vincent’s example, he began to learn. He would gladly play the part. Aiden knew deep down that Vincent liked Aiden just as he was now… but a big part of him wanted to fit into Vincent’s world more. He wanted to show Vincent that he was capable of being a part of ALL aspects of his life; not just on the ship.
When it came time for Aiden to learn to dance, Vincent knew that Charlotte would be the most logical choice to be Aiden’s dance partner. When the young lady learned to dance a few years ago it had been Vincent, himself, who was her dance partner as she learned the art. He knew she was a lovely dancer for her age; a talented one, at that. She’d also proven herself to be a patient teacher. Besides all that, Aiden and she got along well and clearly there was chemistry between them. Vincent knew that this would be a perfect opportunity for the two of them to get to know each other and spend time together. There was every reason for him to allow them to practice together! Yet Vincent knew without a doubt that Charlotte would be all over Aiden…which was why when Aiden arrived for his first day of dance lessons it was not Charlotte there to greet him alongside Vincent….it was Abigail!
Abigail was happy to join Vincent in teaching Aiden how to dance! Of course she knew the real reason he was asking her even if he didn’t want to admit it, and the alternative would have been Bernadette. While Bernie excelled in many other things, Abigail knew just how skilled her sister was on the dance floor….and something told her Aiden would prefer to keep his toes in tact.
And so practice began! Aiden discovered that he liked dancing and the chemistry between the three of them was very pleasant and enjoyable. Abigail was fond of Aiden already and the more she learned and saw of him, the more she found him a pleasure to be around. He was a fun student who made the task of teaching him an enjoyable experience. When the cousins demonstrated to Aiden the various popular dances that he’d see at the ball, the young man was in awe. They appeared to move flawlessly to the music coming out of the phonograph. As it turned out Abigail had a small passion for dance and Vincent, while he didn’t like to show off, was quite skilled as well. Despite the intricate dances he was shown, Aiden was told he’d be learning the easiest of the dances first: the waltz.
The days passed and things were starting to come together quickly! Aiden’s confidence with the waltz was starting to build. Soon he was guiding Abigail with less mistakes and even felt brave enough to add in a small flourish in his step! Not only was his dancing skills improving, his suit for the masquerade was coming along nicely.
On the topic of his suit one afternoon, Vincent pointed out that dancing in full formal attire was different than practicing in comfortable clothes. It would be heavier and warmer than what they were doing now. He mused that Aiden should be more dressed up while practicing to get used to it; much the way Vincent dressed when out as a member of high society. It got Aiden thinking that maybe it was time he finally got something a little nicer to wear after all.
Normally these things took time to make so when Aiden went back to the tailor’s the next day, he was not expecting to be able to walk out with a brand new outfit in hand! The tailor happened to have a complete set on display that he sold to Aiden at a discounted price! Apparently it had been made for another customer some time ago who had changed their mind at the very last minute. Amazingly the entire ensemble fit Aiden like a glove! There was only a couple, quick adjustments needed for the pants but that was it!
Finally Aiden stepped up to the mirror. He almost didn’t recognize himself! The young man staring back at him looked older and more mature. There was a growing confidence which showed in how he stood tall and smiled with approval.
The next time Aiden was due to meet Abigail and Vincent marked two weeks until the masquerade! While it also meant Damien was officially back it town as well, Aiden had other things on his mind. This was the day he would be arriving dressed like a gentleman; not some commoner who worked aboard a ship.
Aiden was feeling nervous! His hands kept fidgeting and tugging at his fitted blue waistcoat as he stepped off the lift. Just ahead of him was the open door that invitingly led into Vincent’s office. What would Vincent think? Would he approve of him? Aiden peeked into the room and took a cursory glance around to see who was all here. His eyes appreciatively settled on the slender yet curvy shape standing by one of the bookshelves beside the tea station.
It was Vincent, of course! He hadn’t realized he had company yet. He was standing in front of a small mirror up on one of the bookshelves and was actually humming softly to himself. Intent upon his task, he deftly pinned the last strands of hair into his updo. It was a more effeminate style than Aiden had ever seen on him. It wasn’t just his hair but also the way he was dressed that gave him such an androgynous appearance. He was a little more dressed up and the way his corset and trousers flattered and hugged his figure? There was just something different about him today. Whatever it was, Aiden found it attractive.
Just as Vincent finished with his hair and gave a satisfied smile at his appearance there was a soft knock at the door. Ah, that had to be Aiden. He was right on time! As he turned to greet Aiden, he saw Aiden’s smile which bemused him. And while he’d never admit it aloud it made him feel shy. His mind tried to reason why Aiden would be smiling at him as if…as if he were the loveliest creature in the world.
No, his mind reasoned, that couldn’t be right! And as if to prove him right, Aiden suddenly began to grin. That’s right…he must be amused by his appearance! However he was completely unaware that, in truth, Aiden was actually grinning at the sight of Vincent’s deepening blush that had blossomed across his cheeks at the sight of his friend staring at him…
But now Vincent was feeling awkward and second-guessing his decision to dress up. He nibbled his lower lip and glanced off to the side. As he reached up with one hand and toyed with his bangs, he said just loud enough for Aiden to hear, “I know, I know. I look silly.”
“What? No, you don’t!” Aiden chuckled as he stepped into the room. “I think the whole look is very flattering on you.”
“You really think so? It’s not too much?”
“I really think so. You look great!”
Vincent saw that sweet, reassuring smile and suddenly he felt much better as he found himself suddenly smiling as well. Once upon a time he would have not believed it so quickly; if at all. But Aiden had a way about him that made him feel safe to be himself. And it seemed that was turning into confidence that was taking hold more firmly in Vincent’s life. And though Vincent didn’t realize it, he was finally starting to come into himself and blossom; something those closest to him ‘had’ started to notice.
As it turned out Abigail had come down with a small cold and wouldn’t be joining them today…but Vincent didn’t want to cancel Aiden’s lesson. After all, Vincent knew how to be led in a dance just as well as he could lead! So when he offered himself as Aiden’s dance partner, he was pleased with Aiden’s enthusiastic response.
Once Vincent turned the phonograph on, he turned to face his friend and saw Aiden offering out his hand towards him with a grin. It was much like he’d done the night he’d asked Vincent to join him on their moonlit flight. Vincent grinned back and placed his hand in Aiden’s before allowing himself to be guided to the middle of the room.
Aiden slid his hand around Vincent’s waist and stepped close, his gaze shifting down to gaze into Vincent’s as Vincent’s hand came to sit upon his upper arm and gently took his hand. Then after what felt like several quiet, wonderful minutes of suspended time (but was really only a couple of breaths), Aiden began to lead on the next beat of melody that was playing for them.
Aiden had proven by now that he had a pretty good handle on the waltz. So after a couple of dances together Vincent decided how to show him the first steps of another type of dance he’d demonstrated the first day: the quadrille!
A couple of hours had passed and Aiden was finally ready to give leading a real try! So after a quick break, the men got back to it! It was about halfway through the first dance when Aiden first accidentally treaded on Vincent’s toes and bumped into him. At first Aiden was apologetic but Vincent laughed it off.
And as they continued to dance, he told Aiden about a few collisions on the dance floor that he’d witnessed. Vincent was no longer keeping an eye on Aiden’s dance moves because he was too preoccupied talking and laughing all while still dancing! As natural as can be, Aiden still led Vincent around the small space while listening and tossing in his own laughter and commentary. They were no longer dancing the quadrille, exactly, but instead just dancing for fun while they interacted. In fact they were so engrossed with each other, their dance, and the music that they were unaware that they were no longer alone.
As seconds turned to nearly a minute Damien’s composure was starting to crack. So this was why Vincent couldn’t spend time with him earlier today! Of course it was because of fucking Aiden! What the bloody Hell was going on? Finally deciding to just get their attention before he completely lost himself Damien forced another smile upon his face and knocked loudly on the door.
“Damien! Is it three o’clock already?!” Vincent exclaimed before quickly glancing towards the clock. With a small chuckle he added, “Oh, you’re early!” He gently detached himself from Aiden’s embrace so he could go turn off the music. And as he moved, he glanced out the window and was made aware that it was suddenly getting dark outside as if it were going to pour any moment. And indeed, there was the gentle sound of thunder in the distance.
“Well you said to just come in when I got here so here I am!”
“I meant at three, but its fine. It looks like its going to rain anyways.”
It wasn’t fine, Vincent felt, but he moved onto the next topic as he joined Aiden and Damien in the center of the room. Vincent realized how nicely Damien was dressed and he complimented him, “Well don’t you look extra sharp today? What’s the occasion?”
Damien beamed as Vincent praised his outfit. He’d dressed up just for him for this very reason! He’d even let his hair grow out which he thought gave him a more roguish appearance. He felt handsome and confident; especially now that he knew Vincent approved (just as he already knew he would)!
“Well, thank you! I think I appear rather dashing.”
Vincent gave a nod of approval then smiled and gestured over at Aiden. “Aiden’s gotten a new outfit too. Well, two. He’s been practicing his dancing for the ball! Didn’t you see? He’s doing great! He’s only just stared learning a couple of weeks ago!”
At Vincent’s proud grin and praise, Aiden felt himself blush deeply and smile bashfully. He glanced towards Vincent who stood beside him and nudged Aiden’s arm with a chuckle. But across the way, Damien wasn’t as pleased.
“Wait, wait, wait. The ball?” Damien wondered aloud condescendingly. “Since when is Aiden coming to the ball?”
“Since I invited him!” Vincent retorted more defensively than he’d intended. Damien blinked in surprise and even Aiden felt a little surprised…though also a bit pleased. Mysteriously a shade of red appeared on Vincent’s cheeks as he cleared his throat. He’d invited Aiden there so that he’d not dread the event so much. And…and he wanted him there. Aiden always made things better when he was there!
Unaware that he was still blushing, he quickly glanced up at Aiden then looked back at Damien before explaining a little timidly, “I just thought it would be fun, you know? I wanted to have my best friends with me.” And suddenly there was a weight on Vincent’s shoulders as Aiden daringly slid his arm over them and leaned towards him with a handsome smile.
“And its going to be absolutely fantastic. I’m looking forward to it. And…thanks again for teaching me how to dance. These past couple weeks have been…wonderful. You’re wonderful.”
“Well gosh! I’ve been enjoying your company too. Practice is just a good excuse to see you! It…it HAS been wonderful.”
And as Vincent and Aiden teased the boundaries of flirting, the realization of how good they looked side by side was more obvious than ever! Damien suddenly realized that they were even dressed to match in similar colors! It made them look even more like a couple! And with how had Vincent turned to look up at Aiden and seemed to lean into his touch? It took everything in Damien not to punch Aiden in his cocky, smiling face!
‘…These past couple of weeks…’ Aiden had said. What else had happened during this past month while he was gone?! Maybe he should have come home sooner after all.
“So tell us about your trip!” Vincent exclaimed as he was suddenly approaching Damien and tugged him further into the room towards the armchairs. “Would you like some tea? I was just thinking about making some! Aiden?” With both his friends acknowledging his offer, Vincent left Damien to sit and started up the kettle. Meanwhile, Aiden went to lean against the desk as he watched and listened silently.
Damien took his seat and groaned softly as he settled in. His eyes remained focused on Vincent (ignoring Aiden’s existence as much as possible) and responded enthusiastically, “It was a lot of fun! I saw lots of family and some old friends…”
Damien began to elaborate on his visit to which Aiden found a bit dull. However Vincent seemed to know who Damien was talking about and was much more invested in this conversation. Even as Vincent finished serving their teas, Damien was still talking. It was as Damien’s tea finally cooled enough for him to drink some that Aiden finally had a chance to speak.
“After this cup, I think I am going to let you two finish catching up and head out, myself,” Aiden informed them. “When you decide when you want to take Leon’s Claw up in the air let me know.”
“Mm, that’s right. You and I need to decide on that!” Damien replied with a pleased grin to which Vincent smiled and nodded before sipping contently at his tea. Good, Damien thought to himself. Aiden was leaving! As soon as Aiden was gone, he’d get to the bottom of all this.
Aiden finished his tea fairly quickly, and it didn’t take long before he reluctantly bid Vincent and Damien farewell. He’d be seeing Vincent the day after tomorrow for sure but that already felt like too far away. And there was something in the way Vincent hesitantly gave Aiden an umbrella to borrow and how he looked at him with a touch of longing that convinced Aiden that Vincent may, in fact, be feeling the exact same way.
Damien watched silently from where he leaned against the desk, arms rising and folding across his chest as the door finally closed behind Aiden. He watched as Vincent turned to face him with a smile. However Vincent’s smile immediately faded as he caught sight of Damien’s slight frown and how his brows creased with irritation.
“What’s-?” Vincent started but was cut off by Damien’s abrupt, “What the fuck is going on?” Vincent drew in a deep breath and defensively responded, “What are you talking about exactly?”
“You know what I mean, Vincent!”
Vincent’s lips parted but no words came out. He was flabbergasted! Where was all this coming from?! He really had no idea what Damien was so upset over so quickly! Yet as seconds passed and Vincent couldn’t come up with an answer, Damien finally huffed and took a step away and ran his fingers through his hair frustratedly. Though a moment later he took a deep breath and glanced over his shoulders. He let out another sigh and asked Vincent, “I’m your best friend right?”
“Of course you are!”
“You know you can tell me anything.”
“I know that.”
“So then what has he done to you?”
“What are you talking about?!”
“Aiden!” Damien placed his hands on Vincent’s shoulders and squeezed tightly. Vincent winced and felt a headache take immediate siege on as Aiden was being blamed yet again. “Come on, Vincent! This isn’t you! I told you: you look silly when you dress like this. What’s with the hair?”
Vincent felt his confidence start to sink as he glanced off to the side towards his mirror. Earlier he’d felt pride in his appearance. He found he liked dressing more androgynously sometimes for personal reasons. Secretly, honestly… Vincent liked pretty things and had always wanted to dress more like this. It wasn’t that he wanted to do it all the time but just on those rare occasions…but thanks to Damien he was starting to question himself again and already wanted to unpin his hair. But then he remembered how Aiden had told him that it was flattering on him and that he looked great!
Remembering that, Vincent shifted his gaze up to look at Damien and placed his hands atop of his and pulled them off before stating a little sharply, “I’m trying something new. It’s MY decision, Damien. No one makes that for me. No. One.”
Drawing his hands back as if struck, Damien’s brow furrowed as if hurt as Vincent walked past him with a sigh. Vincent placed his hands on his prized orrery and stared down at the planets as they rotated around. It was a moment later when Damien’s voice appeared right behind him in his ear in a way that sent uncomfortable shivers down his spine.
“You’re not the same anymore,” Damien murmured. “Its like you’re becoming a different person. I just miss my best friend. Is that such a bad thing?”
“No. It’s-”
Vincent had turned around and found himself practically sandwiched between the orrery and Damien who was standing very, very close. Vincent wet his lips nervously and glanced off to the side uncomfortably.
“It’s not a bad thing. I get it,” Vincent relented as he maneuvered away towards his desk. Now feeling much less confident about himself, Vincent folded his arms over his abdomen and hunched slightly. This whole conversation had knocked the wind out of his sails.
Sensing Vincent’s drop in mood, Damien reached out to touch his shoulder and explained, “It’s just…not you. That’s all. But I suppose I can get used to it. I just like good old Vincent, you know? I like how things used to be when its just us…like now! It’s okay though. So…” And with that, Damien walked past Vincent towards the chair and went to plop down and folded his arms across his chest as he demanded, “…so, what’s been going on with you this past month? What brought you to giving ‘dancing’ lessons?”
Vincent took a deep breath and then let it out and forced a smile on his face. He may as well try to keep the mood light. However he decided to tread a little more carefully as he shrugged and went to the mirror across the way. He began to unpin the pins in his hair as he explained, “It’s not just me. Abby’s been helping as his dance partner but she’s got a cold so I just stepped in for today.”
“Oh! Well why didn’t you say SHE was his dance partner?”
And though Vincent’s back was turned and he couldn’t see it, he could hear and feel Damien’s demeanor easing down and becoming less tense. Thank God! He replied, “Because I didn’t think it mattered? Anyway, I invited him to come to the ball because I thought it would be fun to have him there. Besides there will be people he knows and its a good opportunity. Besides, I was bored! You took TWO extra weeks to come back!”
“Yeah but it was worth it. At least I had fun! I’m back now. That’s what matters and things can go back to as they should be! Tell you what, why don’t I come help out with Aiden’s lessons? It would be fun! It would be easier to practice with another couple and you and I can dance together! How’s that sound? We can practice for the ball!”
Vincent unwound his hair and let it fall across his shoulders; his hair falling forward across his brow and he stared at himself unhappily. And as he did, Damien suddenly appeared behind him; blocking his light and placed his hands around Vincent’s upper arms. Vincent glanced off to the side though he felt Damien looming over him and pressing right up against his back and making him shrink and feel very small. Damien’s eyes pierced the side of his head and his fingers dug in just the tiniest bit into his arms as he asked, “Don’t you think that’s a grand idea?”
“I do!” Vincent quickly lied as he plastered a smile on his face and glanced up at him up over his shoulder. Though honestly he wanted to crawl and hide for a while. While Damien was right that Aiden could practice better with another couple present for the quadrille he didn’t want to put them together right now. It seemed 4 weeks apart hadn’t helped matters at all. “But he’s already gotten so good that he won’t need much more practice, I think. But if we do, I’ll definitely be letting you know first.”
Quickly, Vincent turned in place and pushed his long hair over his shoulder, “I’m tired of all this ball-talk! Let’s decide when we want to go flying!” He hoped Damien would allow himself to be distracted with plans and leave the rest of it alone. He just wanted to enjoy the rest of the day. And thankfully it seemed he was in luck!
Damien grinned and went to take his seat again all while going on a tangent about how eager he was for that. For now it was best to let Damien enjoy that while he, Vincent, came down from whatever the fuck that argument had been about.
Vincent still wasn’t sure what the core of Damien’s actual problem was. It always felt like he was running in circles and never directly clarifying what upset him so much. Sometimes Vincent wondered if even Damien knew. But it was as they parted ways much later in the evening; hours after the whole incident had even happened…that Damien finally started to hint what was really wrong.
“Tell me that you’re not going to fall for Aiden.”
“That’s preposterous! Ha! What in the Hell has you thinking I’m going to fall for Aiden?!”
Vincent actually laughed at the idea! He shook his head as he leaned against the door jamb and folded his arms over his chest. And if Damien was being honest with himself Vincent sure did look surprised by this idea. Damien was standing before him in the hallway, peering back at Vincent with slightly narrowed eyes. He didn’t want to go until he got that promise.
“Just….promise me you won’t!”
“Pfft. Now you’re just being ridiculous! Aiden? And ‘me?’ We’re just friends! And crewmates…like you and me. Nothing’s going to change, okay? Besides, I am absolutely sure Aiden doesn’t see me anything like that! Don’t be a worry-wart! You’ll see! As soon as this damned masquerade is over with and we’re back in the air, everything will be back to normal as it should be!”
Vincent smirked and pushed on Damien’s shoulder to nudge him to go home. The sooner Damien was gone the sooner he could lock up and depart, himself. Thankfully they were heading in opposite directions so he could finally get some peace and quiet!
It took a long moment but Damien finally gave a satisfied nod and chuckle before responding, “I’m not a worry-wart! Just call me a concerned best friend. I care about you. You know that.”
“I do know. Be off with you! Get some rest! I’ll see you in two days! Five o’clock at Leon’s Claw! I’ll make sure to get everything arranged ahead of time.”
“See you then!”
And as soon as Damien’s back was turned, Vincent ducked back into his office and slumped back against the door. Why the Hell was Damien so worried? Sure, Damien was never a person who enjoyed change but who ever truly did? Usually the two worked very well together and got on well enough! They just needed to work through these few rough patches!
And besides, he was certain that whatever had Damien paranoid would soon pass because sooner or later he’d see that there was only friendship between Aiden and Vincent. It was absurd to think otherwise!
Absolutely…absurd.
—
NEXT PART: (Soon to come!)
To select another chapter (or even start from the beginning), here’s the album link:
www.flickr.com/photos/153660805@N05/albums/72157717075565127
***Please note this is a BOY LOVE (LGBTQ+) series. It is a slow burn and is rated YOUNG ADULT!***
Special thank you to my husband Vin (Be My Mannequin? Pose Store) for collaborating with me on this series and co-starring as The Captain!
DISCORD SERVER: That’s right! The Captain and the Engineer has a Discord Server! If you would like to join and chat with other crewmates and see what’s new and happening before it gets posted to Flickr, click the link!
discord.gg/qBa769TAC4
***NEW!!!!***
The Captain and the Engineer now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come Like, Follow, and join the crew! Thank you so much for all your support!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
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