Colt felt her jolt, restraining herself after that nuzzle made her shiver. Part of him felt bad for it, and part of him wanted to respond but wouldn’t. Not out of a lack of desire, but because he didn’t want to rush what they were, he hoped, slowly building.
A’right. Rose Isle it is then, and just so you keep it, I’ll add this, he nodded, hand reaching into a pocket to pull out a stained, but clean handkerchief. Lemme do it pulling it across her eyes and quickly tying it. He wanted to see the wonder in her eyes as she took it all in. Needed it, with everything else so dark and twisted at times he feared it would swallow up his smile, replace it with a fake one.
Not for her though. Her childlike excitement brought a little of the kid-Colt back, back before he’d have to fight and defend every scrap of dignity he and his mother had. He wouldn’t pressure her for anything more than what she gave, what she’d let him see and share, responding with his own when right. She could just stay in his lap with that grin across her face and he’d be content.
His smile reflected her own and taking in a deep breath, Colt savoured the air. Yep, smells like adventure. Chuckling he’d steer them through rolling grasses that slowly gave out to sparser hills and a stretch of sand that followed the blue beyond. We gonna pull up soon though. You just sit, I’ll pluck you down after I find us a good spot. Not difficult when the whole coast was a jewel of hidden coves, sandy and pebble beaches and sheer crags of stone. Slipping off Bessie, he’d guide the horse onto the stretch of sand, chewing his lip for a minute as he searched for a good view point that showed the whole coastline further south.
Just take my hand and slide. I got you helping her off Bessie into his easy hold, Colt set her down on the first place not the Backwater. Okies, three big step to the left, yep, aaaand ok. My Lady, I present, Rose-Isle. I, uh, hope you like it.
Her hands rose up to help hold the handkerchief in place as Colt went to tie it behind her head, her smile growing wider by the moment. She didn't know why, but the added bit of not being able to see made the anticipation of seeing the sea for the first time start to really set it; an unconscious shiver of excitement working its way through her, the symbology behind it not lost on her. She couldn't give him the proverbial "first", but she could give to him every other first she had, where as much so was possible. He had told her the story of the stars first, took her the furthest from the Back Water she had ever been in her life first, and now, he was getting to have her reaction to the sea as another.
These were the gifts she could give to him, and to her, it was a more sacred sort of purity, the unadulterated, sheer joy of discovering something new -- these new places and things that he could show to her. But, Remind me about this later, this could be fun. She was still a whore and sometimes her mouth just shot off on its own accord.
Her hands pressed to her mouth as she giggled and then leaned her head back on his shoulder, eyes closed under the fabric. I trust you, Colt. You and ol'Bessie haven't wrong me yet and I don't suppose you ever will at this rate. She waited them, for the rest of the ride, basking in the sunlight that made her skin feel warm, the sounds of the sea loud in her ears now that her eyes were no longer a sense she could rely on, the sound of gulls, of wind, the gentle roll of waves up on the shore -- she could sleep to that sound, all the more rhythmic and soothing it was. And then he was helping her off the horse, sliding down onto ground that shifted under her thin shoes as she followed his command, her hands held onto Colt's forearms, to keep herself from falling.
You where you can see?She asked as she reached up and back behind her head, her fingers working the knot free as she squeezed her eyes closed, letting the fabric fall free. She kept her eyes closed a few moments longer, until the light of the sun wasn't as bright to her closed eyes, before she slowly opened them, her expression neutral at first as her sensitive eyes adjusted, as she took in the entirely of the sea there. At first, they just squinted, adjusting, before they opened wider, wider still as she took it all in, her lips curling upward into a smile that threatened to split her entire face, it was so shockingly brilliant. So too was the grip of her hands on him, shaking, the tremble of excitement that had started earlier resurgent forward until her entire body was engulfed with the tremor, her knees actually feeling weak, to her.
There was so much. The sky was so big here, the sea so much blueish green way past what her eyes could see. There was so much and she couldn't begin to even fathom how large the world truly was for her now. Before she had a small, little world that she knew all about, knew each corner and knook by heart. Colt you better catch me! The laugh was halting as she looked faster now, trying to take it all in, before her eyes finally came to rest back on him, her knees finally giving out as she laughed harder, the amazement in her eyes, the childish glee, too much to contain any longer.
Colt couldn't help but smile as he saw the giddy joy and anticipation spread on her face. The way she trembled with excitement made him feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. Grin full even if she couldn’t see it. He secured the handkerchief behind her head, making sure it was comfortable, and chuckled softly at her reaction, cheeks flushing.
I'm glad I get to share this with you, he braved to whisper, warm breath dancing across her ear. Every first is a treasure.
When they finally arrived, he carefully helped her off the horse, his hands steadying her as she found her footing on the shifting sands. He guided her hands to the knot of the handkerchief and waited, anticipation building in his own heart. Standing to her side-on he’d the perfect view.
Go ahead, Mina. Open your eyes, he encouraged softly.
As she let the fabric fall away and slowly opened her eyes, Colt watched her face transform from neutrality to sheer, unadulterated joy. Her smile grew wider and wider, and he could feel her excitement radiating from her. His own matched, enough to hurt. Her grip on his arms tightened, and he steadied her as her knees began to buckle.
I've got you, he assured her, his own laughter bubbling up as he saw her amazement. Always.
Seeing her so overwhelmed by the vastness of the sea, the endless sky, and the beauty of the world beyond what she had known, filled Colt with a sense of pride and satisfaction. Her laughter was infectious, and he joined in, holding her close as she took it all in.
It’s something else, aye? he asked, his voice full of wonder. The world's a lot bigger than you ever imagined, huh?
As she looked at him, Colt felt like the luckiest man alive. He wrapped his arms around her, supporting her as she laughed and took in the view. This moment, this gift she was giving him, was something he would cherish like every other before and after.
Her eyes went from the sea, to the sky, back to the tree line, and back to him, in rounds, trying to see it all at once, struggling, fighting, to comprehend it all as fast as possible. She felt.. so small, so tiny there, in that vastness. But he was there, and he helped to keep her to size, helped to ground her, to keep her steady as she felt like the entire world had been dumped into a jar and shook around -- her sense of everything was altered, changed, in those few moments.
And she was so thankful that he was there to catch her, because the staggering weight of new knowledge, of new knowing, had taken everything out of her, but as she watched his face, as she heard him talk to her, she nodded, feeling like her smile was going to split her face in half, nearly, she couldn't stop smiling -- that feeling was one that she had never felt before, never had the chance to know.
She wanted more of it.
So much bigger! I didn't imagine this much water could ever exist. Sure people say there's a lot of water, but the quiet bend of the river is as much water as I've ever seen before this. She rested her hands on the top of her head, still struggling to just comprehend, to view it all. It was beauty and fear all at once -- if asked to name the emotion, she had no way to describe it. Awe, but awe wasn't strong enough a word. She didn't have the language to begin. I - I..
She paused, letting her hands come back down from her head, before she placed a hand gently over his mouth, her other hand going to the short little hairs on the back of his neck, before she pressed her lips to the back of her hand -- a kiss, but not a kiss, she had enough clarity of thought to not spoil that, not yet, this was close, but not close enough yet.
And she lingered there, in that pseudo-kiss, eyes closed, body still trembling in his grasp, before she touched her forehead to his, eyes opening slowly to find his gaze as she slid her hand away. I love all of it. And she meant it. She wanted to say less, three words would have been the same, but, she wanted to be certain, before she said it. For now, Mina was sure, he knew the deeper meaning, the deeper restraint there.
There were few good things he could remember witnessing first hand, but this day was going to be at the forefront of any future ones. The way her face shone in awe, how her legs trembled under the vastness of how the world really was, Colt could feel the shivers running over her his own responding to rub along her arms in reassurance until she reached for her head. He’d ignore how his fingertips itched to continue, dropping them back to his sides.
Laughing, he nodded. Well, now you’ve seen it, maybe next time we get you out on it. See if you’re a wee pirate as well as a wee wench. The wide toothy grin that was firmly planted on his face showed no sign of letting up, letting her take what time she needed to adjust. Which was why when she reached for his mouth he was caught by surprise, grin already flashing wide even before she tiptoed her way up to kiss him, but not kiss him.
Colt tipped his head forward, helping shrink the distance for their foreheads to touch. His hands settled gently around her waist, holding her carefully but steady enough that a stiff wind couldn’t blow her over or her legs give out again. Her pinched eyes eventually opened to find his observing having never left hers, mapping every detail, freckle and hair and committing it to memory. Yet those words of hers helped feed the fire of hope in him that this unspoken thing between them was growing.
Colt couldn’t help the nervous giggle and fighting with himself for more than a painful second, gave her waist a small distracting squeeze. I’m glad, his voice low, shy again, before his face quickly snuck close. Lips brushed against her cheek this time, retreating just as swiftly and out of reach as he straightened, taking her up with him and onto his shoulder. A hand smoothed her dress down, keeping her decent and within a few strides he’d made it back to Bessie, tugging buckles to free his pack. Okay, now we go find a dune to sit and eat. You good hangin’ there, or you wanna walk?
On a boat? She asked excitedly, thinking about all the fun a boat would be, that is, if her inside would take the waves. She knew from enough people coming through the Back Water that not everyone had the stomach for boats. But that was for another day, another time out for them. For now, she was focused on his lips on her cheek and the small moan she tried to keep inside her chest.
His lips were soft on her skin, and she had half a mind to turn her head and try to capture those lips with her own. But she knew now wasn't the time, not yet. They could share like this a little while longer, and the idea of that wait, of him staying.. of not demanding. Oh it was.. perfection.
And then the world was upturning as she found herself over a shoulder and being carried across the dunes, back to Bessie, the laugh from her as she hung limply over that shoulder so she could reach down, down a bit further.. just a little bit more, and smack a hand on one cheek, and then her other hand on the other cheek, giggling the entire time that she did.
Oh this seems to be fine, Sir, I have a nice set of drums here to play for the walk! She did stop though, after the third smack, her toned abdominals contracting to lift herself back up fully so she could see what he was doing.
Mina offered a hand out to help carry something, after all, he was taking all the weight, the least she could do was offer a hand to help ferry something. "I'm starving, and I want all the energy for a swim here in a little bit, maybe a little game.. A snap too. I think we should curl up together and take a little nap after we swim. Dry off and be good and sharp for the ride back. Can't be riding home tired. I know Bessie knows the way to .. your home, but I think she'd by-pass the Back Water, wouldn't ya girl..[/q] She reached down and scratched behind an ear, in love with the horse. Such a good steady mare, probably too old to have any colts now, otherwise she would have loved to set her in a pen with some of the horses they kept at the bar.
Another time. I'm certainly fine up here, the view is so much clearer now that I'm nearly a foot and a half higher than I normally am!
Colt grinned as he listened to her growing excitement about the boat. Yeah, we'll have to see about that, darlin', he said, his voice low and teasing. But one date at a time, yeah?
The temptation to turn her head and press his lips to hers was strong, but he knew this moment was perfect just as it was—quiet, tender, no rush. He wanted her to feel that wait, that precious space between them, the anticipation building slowly. It was a kind of perfection he didn't want to spoil. The way she reached down to slap his backside, giggling like a child, made him chuckle, too. Colt couldn’t help but sway his hips a bit, making her giggle even more. Playin' the drums now, are ya? he teased, cheeks flushing up to his ears, feeling the light slap of her hands. Just don't get too carried away now.
She stopped after a few playful smacks, her muscles tightening as she lifted herself up to see his face. He looked down at her, the sun catching the glint in her eyes. You're somethin' else, you know that? he said, his voice full of affection.
When she offered a hand to help him carry the load, Colt shook his head, ever the gentleman. You rest easy up there, darlin'. I’ve got it. But I sure do appreciate the thought. He knew she was hungry, and the idea of a swim sounded perfect. The beach was quiet, the sun warm, and Bessie was a trusted mare who knew the way home. A swim sounds good. Maybe we can have a little game in the water, tire ourselves out before we head back. And while I like the sound of a nap, might not be wise. I don’t wanna be takin’ you home in the dark.
Colt watched as she scratched behind Bessie’s ear while the trio walked along the sands. She’s been good to us. And you’re right, she’d take us the long way home back to the C if we left her. But I reckon she knows the way to yours just fine, and she won’t be in no rush.
Mina’s comment about the view made him chuckle. Well, you do look mighty fine up there. Guess I should carry you around more often, he said, giving her a playful jostle before setting her gently down. Let’s get some food in ya and then we can take that swim. Sound good?
What if I want all the dates at once? She asked, the edge of teasing and seriousness blending some -- she really wasn't sure what made it a "date" other than it was activities done together, and then they had some time apart -- and each activity was different, and didn't have sex together at the end. She liked it -- and it was expanding her horizons in the process. All things that had her planning things like making him a nice vest, her hands walking up his back, and then across his shoulders, taking stealth measurements. I won't get carried away, no drum solos on this song, at least. Maybe one day, when I have you laid out in the bed, so that you can be at rest as I ravage your skin with my hands.
She loved the way he looked at her, it was... she'd never really seen that sort of look out of anyone before. Coop or Nate had to be the closest, like she was loved in a way that wasn't just because -- but because they could. She liked the feeling that caused in her chest, the warmth that spread and sort of wrapped it's arms around her like a comforting hug. You'll join me in the water right? I read in a book that someone left in the room that sometimes the tides get really strong. And she was short.
A riptide would take her, but the water at this point looked quiet, languid even, as the waves that were there lapped gently along the shore line -- soothing, she realized. So soothing that she didn't want to leave, or at least she was going to beg Coop to move the Backwater closer to the shoreline, more than the miles away it was currently. She wanted to fall asleep to that sound every night, to be lulled into sleep with the steadiness those waves brought. Sort of like the night she had fallen asleep in his arms, it was because of how steady his heart beat had been, a lullaby to her, over the sounds of the bar below. She had been able to truly sleep, and the waves were like that, the comfortable, soothing sound of a heart beat, more so that they reminded her of his.
Probably wouldn't win us any favors with Coop if we get back too late in the night. I know he's good for the evening and all, and it's a quick ride back, but you're right, if we linger enough for a good nap, then we won't get back before nightfall. But I will insist that you spend the night then. I can get us the big room tonight, but you'll like my little cubby under the stairs. I have a little place to sit to do my braids and store my dresses and things, and then the rest of the area is the bed. It's snug and we can curls up and sleep off the sun until morning. She trailed her fingers down the edge of his ear as she watched his expressions, longing eating at her to be able to truly kiss him, but she wanted it to be special, oh so special when they finally did.
You just like that you get a good grip of my ass with me slung over like this. I won't lie, I like that hand there too, it's a good place to grip. You can carry me around as much as you like. And she would be imagining what it would feel like, later, much later, to have those long dexterous fingers all over her, but for now, once her feet were back on the ground, she clapped her hands once and then went to get the blanket out of the pack to lay it out and start unpacking the food. Good idea, I knew I should have had more to eat this morning, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't late to the boundary stone, you know, I didn't want you to wait and think I might have changed my mind and all.
She knelt down on the blanket and rooted through the pack, getting items out, and she found what she was looking for, a large red apple, that she took to Bessie, and offered to the mare, She needs a snack too, before we let her graze on the sea grass, I don't think she'll get too much outta that, so we need something sweet as consolation, right girl? She rubbed along Bessie's head, before she went back to the blanket, offering out a small crock that had been placed in the basket and kept in place by loaves of bread and fruit. Here, take this, it should still be hot inside. We'll have to dip bread in, I forgot bowls... And sandwiches weren't enough to keep both of them fed, so she had made sure they had a crock of stew for themselves too.
Colt grinned at Mina's playful request for all the dates at once, his eyes glinting with that familiar mix of affection and amusement. Well, darlin', I reckon I can handle that, he said, letting his voice drawl a bit. But we gotta take 'em one at a time, else we’d have nothin’ left to look forward to. He felt her hands slide up his back, sneaking measurements, and he raised an eyebrow. You schemin’ somethin’, missy? he teased, knowing full well she was planning something, and it made his chest warm. When she spoke about ravaging him with her hands one day, he had to bite back a grin, trying to keep things light even as the idea of it sent a shiver down his spine. As much as he enjoyed teasing her, the truth was that keeping his hands respectful while they were in the water had been painful in the sweetest way. She was right there, so close, and all he could do was make sure she was safe, even if every nerve in him wanted to pull her closer.
Her talk about the waves and her fondness for the sound reminded him how much he liked seeing her at peace, seeing her take in new things with those wide, wonder-filled eyes. Colt found himself comparing it to the way he felt whenever she was around. Steady, sure, like something that just made sense. As she talked about getting back on time, he could hear the hint of reluctance, and it matched his own even knowing that their time was short. Well, I can’t pass up that way of invitation, can I?, not even trying to hide how much he liked the idea. The way she described her little cubby under the stairs, he could picture it, all snug and cozy. Though I gotta say, Mina, I’m a tall fella. I might not fit all that well, he laughed softly. We can give it a try, or I’ll pay for the big room tonight. ‘Course, if space is real tight, we could always head up to the hayloft above the barn.
~*~
The ride back was slower, a deliberate kind of pace that let him soak in every last bit of the day they’d shared. With Mina settled against him, the rhythm of Bessie's trot steady beneath them, Colt couldn’t help but think about how easy it all felt. Today was more than just a date - it was a memory, one he’d turn over in his head whenever he found himself missing her. The way she smiled when the waves touched her feet, her laugh when he’d swung her over his shoulder, even the simple way she’d been so intent on setting out the food, all of it felt like pieces of something bigger, something he was more than willing to build with her.
As they neared the Back Water, Colt gave Bessie a gentle pat, already thinking about how to make good on his promise. I’ll look into that boat thing, you know, he said, a hint of mischief in his voice. Maybe not the ocean just yet. We’ll start small, see how your stomach does. But I’m game if you still are. He paused, glancing down at her with a smile. And if that works out, we’ll plan for bigger waters. It was a simple thing, a promise of more days, more moments like this one, but it felt right. He knew they couldn’t have all their dates at once, but that just meant he’d have more time to savor every single one of them.
You know if there's no one in it already, I'm not making you pay for that room, right? I'll just tell Coop I want to sleep in the big bed tonight. She had already been thinking about her small room, and if she really was going to turn over a new leaf, to be serious about all this change, to put aside the last 13 years of the only work she really knew how to do, then she wanted to make sure that it was honest, all of it. Which also meant maybe turning her under the stairs room into something more comfortable for a woman her age. A real bed, vanity, and hooks for the real dresses she was making. Maybe she could talk to Coop about changing the small storage room to under the stairs, so she could have a room with a window.
Yes, she liked that, but, We'll fit in there though, the bed is more than long enough to fit even lanky you, and the space is the perfect side for holding one another while we sleep, all snug like. The rest of the day went by in a blur.
~*~
The sun set over the water that was growing further and further in the distance was like magic for her. She had seen sunsets before, and knew how lovely they could be, but this was something different, something deeper within her soul, reaching in deep and evoking stronger emotions than she knew she could feel. She was happy for the steady sway of Bessie and the hard wall of muscle that was Colt keeping her safe and sound for the ride back -- she would have cried otherwise at the loss of that feeling. What ever magic that much water carried, it had reached into her and taken hold, and she knew she'd be begging to come back soon, oh so soon. Perhaps she'd even get back on one of the horses on her own and come down just to stare at it, to smell it in the air, to feel the water lap at her and invite her further in.
Call of the void, she thought, the same call come got over wide precipices. Primal, deeper than even she cared to admit. Something in it was calling to her to wade in and stay. On the lake, or river maybe, somewhere not quite as violent for my first time on a boat! A lazy float down the river near by, yes I like that idea. No sense in going on a big boat and sailing until we know if my stomach even can handle it. I might be fated to always just stare on with longing. She chuckled as she turned her face up and pressed a sweet kiss to the bottom of his jaw line like before, something of a habit that was starting to form. Maybe tonight they'd share a chaste kiss, a real one, no on the cheek, no along the jaw, or hand covering lips. Today had been the sort of day that would be perfectly capped by such a thing, but as she thought about the way his lips would feel, slotted against hers, she knew she wouldn't be able to stop at just one kiss, wouldn't want to stop at just kisses.
No, not yet. Tonight she would be content with just being held, to be lulled to sleep by a steady heart beat that had hers racing in anticipation of the day that would come for them. I think.. one of our next dates should be an overnight date. Not the city, or the beach, or on a boat. Let's pick a direction and ride until nearly nightfall, and then sleep under the stars. With it getting closer to winter soon, the night sky will be clearer than ever for star gazing. Maybe near a stream, so we can wade into frigid waters to clean up and then hold one another close under blankets to warm back up. We can bank a fire underground, so that it won't stop us from admiring all the stars.
That had been their first, and she liked to revisit how he had been so careful with her, letting her know his no wasn't to her, but to too soon. That he didn't not desire her, just, he wanted to build an appropriate life together first. That he wanted her for more than just a quick fuck and some half-hearted kisses. That first night had been what had set her on the idea that she could be, could have more than just what was. All toasty warm snuggled up together, I'll even bring one of my books and read to you.
