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(1/10)

Tavihe was a creature of the moment, and so the passage of time meant little to them; time was measured in trips to shore, in ships captured or boarded, in 'cargo' delivered from port to port. Beyond that, life was broken down into episodes of hard labor and work, and pleasureful moments of drink or companionship. Life wasn't stable enough on a ship like this to ever get bored of it, the work varied enough from day to day in its difficulty that by the time money hit their hands, they were eager to spend it for a moment away from it all.

Only Illapha's involvement kept Tavihe from spending it all; he never took their money, or told them what to do with it, but always got a crease in his brow that looked so WORRIED that Tavihe would give in and hide a portion away in a floor board in their cabin, just as an emergency fund.

Still. Tavihe liked to enjoy themselves, so when suddenly their drinking partners on the crew refused to pour for them, or even invite them to the gambling sessions that often led to them all sloshed and broke, they grew resentful and angry. Stomping to their room, they burst inside and flopped dramatically on the bed, complaining viciously to a bemused Illapha.

(2/10)

Oh? Tavihe's mouth snapped shut, pleased at the image of their lover crawling to them, eyes intense. When he put his hands on them, the Kawena sighed and flopped backwards, arms behind their head, intent on enjoying the attention. However, soon enough the touches stopped. They gave a displeased grunt. "Hey? I thought you were heading somewhere fun?"

(3/10)

Uhhhh…? Frowning, Tavihe propped themselves up on their elbows, peering down at their gut. "I don't think so? I don't feel any different." Maybe a surprise pregnancy should have been a scary thought, but Tavihe had never really been careful. It wouldn't even be their first scare - they were free with their body, at least before Illapha.

Amusement creased their eyes, and Tavihe nudged at Illy's leg with their foot. "Don't tell me you only just realized that could happen?"

(4/10)

"Oh. That… explains a lot. …Is that bad? If I can't stop it, I've heard the captain is more generous than most." Tavihe shrugged, but finally sat up, looking at Illapha with growing concern despite their usual lackadaisical attitude. "It wouldn't be the end of the world, Illy. They'd put me up on shore - I'd get to enjoy life without work for a while, and they'll even take care of the kid after it's all done. Aw… you'd miss me, huh?"

(5/10)

"Of course not." Tavihe shrugged a shoulder, playfully fluffing one of their earrings with a fingertip, eyes averted towards the uncovered porthole. "Pregnancy sucks, from what I've heard. Childbirth more so. I've heard enough mams screaming to not want anything to do with that if I can help it."

They didn't notice Illapha's discomfort, not until they finally looked at him again and saw the stoic, guarded look back on his face. Immediately they felt a swoop of guilt catching their breath in their chest. "… Oh. You'd want it."

(6/10)

That guilt only intensified, breaking through the cage they'd snapped their honest feelings into. Because yeah, it wasn't as if Tavihe really didn't mind the prospect of being imprisoned on shore until they popped, treated like a breedmare only to have the fruits of their literal labor torn away from their breast.

But what were they going to do otherwise? Look at them! They were too much of a mess to be a parent, they spent all their time robbing and murdering people, spending on their money on alcohol and pretty things. They grew up in a loving, but flawed household, and that was already enough to mess them up - how badly would things go if THEY were parents? "Ok. Then… we'd run." Tavihe didn't like the thought of breaking contract - dubious though their ship was, a broken contract was enough to get them blacklisted from most other assignments. It would mean life on these ports would become much more difficult, if not impossible.

"Or we break up for a while until our contracts are up, then meet up on shore and figure things out from there."

(7/10)

"I know I'm irresistable, but you'll survive big boy!" Tavihe teased, grinning. But as Illapha remained silent that smile fell, their expression sharpening. "… You're not going to leave when contract is up?" They asked, dubiously. At his continued lack of answer they grit their teeth together, incensed. "What? You hate this ship - don't lie, I can see it on your face! You hate the crew, you hate the work, and you're not callous enough to be doing it all just for the gold! Don't you want this? Don't you want me?" They slapped their hand to their chest in a 'look at me' motion, throat going tight with feeling.