Rory wasn't an especially patient man. He had to run the ship and managed the crew. His trusted friend Levi was overly rigorous in maintaining time and the ships cleanliness. Although Levi had no problem harping on Rory, it was common knowledge amongst the ship that Levi was the easier one approach. In contrast Levi utilized ruthlessness when absolutely needed but in his opinion most things weren't of high importance.
Rory was the opposite he wasn't afraid to jump the gun so to speak. His temper often ran rampant and he said what he felt when he felt it. On his other softer side he was just as loving and doting. When he was in love it was an all in matter.
This annoyed Levi to no end. Rory would love someone from some far away land and then when the inevitable dumping occurred he would spend his weeks in a drunken stupor pining over his latest loss.
Levi loved Rory like a brother but in no way did he appreciate the constant emotional whiplash. He had tried to explain to Rory to let the women go and never get involved. This was to no avail. Rory was always quick to find love with someone aboard the ship.
Rory had yet again set his attention in on the beautiful Aspen. This did not go unnoticed by Levi. All of Rory's normal patterns were there. Strewn across the shipway was Rory's antics of love. It wouldn't take long till Rory set his sights on Aspen and tried to woo her through a well rehearsed pattern. When news of the dinner date reached Levi's ears he knew he had no choice but to try to bribe Rory once again to abandon his current pursuits and focus on cabin and crew. Not that Rory couldn't do both. Levi was just tired of seeing him hurt.
Rory could see Levi coming towards him with malice intent. The inevitable talk of 'you don't know what you're doing' caused him to flee in the opposite direction. "You can't avoid me for forever...." this caused Rory to halt his steps.
"No but I can certainly try." Rory mumbled to himself.
"A dinner?"
"What of it?"
"Haven't you learned by now that this will bring you nothing but pain and misery!" Levi erupted
"My dear Levi a woman to warm my bed makes me a very happy man."
"That front may work on other people Rory but not me." an exasperated Levi slumped against a wall. "I want you to settle down as much as you truly want to settle down in your heart. But wooing an endless parade of women is no way to go about it." Rory shot Levi a devilish grin "The girl will come to you when the time is right."
"Actually, she asked me out." Rory replied a smirk of satisfaction on his face. This brought Levi short. He couldn't help but feel the joy in hopes that for once his friend may have a pursuer worth his while. Nonetheless, Levi kept a straight face and merely hmmm a reply.
"That doesn't mean anything many women have found you attractive and wanted you from the time of capture." (not that any came to mind immediately) Levi let out a breathe of exhaustion "Try your best to practice some.... how shall I say? Restraint." he finished resolutely. Rory's face straightened momentarily and nodded as if taking the advice to heart. Levi sighed and walked away. Warnings were for fools in love and Rory was definitely a fool for love.
Meanwhile, Aspen took a shower in her little prisoner cell and contemplated her evening. She knew Rory was interested but most men she knew were hesitant. Most men preferred fair ladies and thin bodies with little to no curve. She had no idea how to address a man who openly accepted her request for a date immediately.
The warm water ran down her back and she pushed the water that run down her hair out of her face. She was incredibly nervous. Aspen was not one to date men. She had gone out on quite a few dates mainly as a double date for Xochitl and a few on her own. With each passing date Aspen began to convince herself that her purpose in life was to solely help others. Most dates where appropriate at most and almost all dates ended with a polite kiss goodnight but no return call the next day. She was incredibly nervous to accept a man who looked like a God,
Still she knew her time with with him would probably be short. She had to seek the opportunity to accomplish her task as soon as possible. There was no chance that he would hold an interest in her she thought, after all, what could they possibly have in common. They were quite literally worlds apart. She shut off the water resolutely and wrapped a towel around her body. No matter what the case she would accomplish what Bill needed. She needed to get Xochitl and her home. She would not fall prey to his wild charms she thought to herself. Come hell or high water she was going to get him to give her what she wanted, Xochitl sat on the other side of the bathroom and eagerly called to her.
"Come quickly and let me do your makeup and hair." Xochi said patting the bed next to her. Aspen sat obligingly. "We are going to make that man want you more than he thinks he wants you." she said excitedly. Aspen hummed a response to lost in thought and let Xochitl get to work and do her magic.
"What's wrong?" asked Xochi
"Nothing" replied Aspen staring at a random spot in the room.
"I know when something is wrong."
"Xochi, this is your area of expertise. I told Bill I knew that Rory was interested, but the truth is I really had no clue. I just had a suspicion. I have no clue what I'm doing here and I need you." said Aspen
"Aspen, you are beautiful inside and out. No man has recognized this until now. I promise you, he will fall in love with you the moment he sees you." Xochitl said as hugged Aspen
"I hope so." was the only reply Aspen could whisper out.