5037/Adrift

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Adrift
Date of Scene: 28 July 2018
Location: Unknown
Synopsis: Jessica and Warren head out into uncharted seas.
Cast of Characters: Archangel, Spider-Woman (Drew), Jubilee




Archangel has posed:
When Jessica woke in the morning, she was alone in the suite at the Four Seasons. Summer sunlight was peeking around the edges of the curtains, promising another hot day. On the pillow beside her was a single long stem rose and a small card. On the front of the card in tidy cursive letters was written 'Gone Flying...'. Inside the card was written an address on Staten Island, the name 'Connecticut Dream', and '2 pm'.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica awakes and stretches, tousled, her hand brushing against something cool and soft as she does. Truly, it didn't surprise her in the least to find Warren gone, when she awoke. She'd have been more surprised to find him there.

Sitting up, however she sees that her hand brushed the petals of the long stem rose. She takes the card and reads it, drawing up the sheets around her. Then, as she reads, a slow smile spreads across her lips. She sets down the card and falls back into the most luxurious pillow in the world with a sound /whoof/ and stretches again.

Fifteen till two would find her in a flared black sundress adorned with windswept sunflowers. Curiously, she looks for, then finds, the address.

Archangel has posed:
The Atlantis Yacht Club and Marina in Staten Island is nestled between Seaside Wildlife Nature Park and Great Kills Park, on Great Kills Harbor. A gentle breeze wafts in from the East, bringing with it the scent of the ocean and the tar that lines the pilings driven into the water to anchor the docks. The parking lot is full and there are people sitting out on the patio at the club's restaurant. There are a few key controlled gates to the ramps that lead down to the docks. The southern most one leads to long slips, some of which are empty, for some of the larger boats.

Warren is easy to spot, the wings giving him away, bright white in the sunlight. He is in tanned shorts and brown boat shoes with a blue and polo shirt, talking to a woman in an Atlantis shirt, khaki pants and white shoes. They are standing by a sailboat, a good 75' in length, with a deep blue hull and white decks.

If Jessica walks toward the southern most gate, she arrives there at the same time as an older gentleman coming up the ramp, who opens the gate and holds it for her with a smile.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
arriving as the man opens the gate for her, Jessica smiles and thanks him kindly. She sees Warren beyond and smiles even more brightly. With a hastened step in clacking black flats adorned with gold buckles, she makes her way down toward the sailboat, calling put as she gets closer. "Warren!" She waves and continues toward him and the woman he is speaking to, fairly skipping every third step with enthusiasm.

Archangel has posed:
Warren's wings tweak slightly at the sound of Jessica's voice. He looks over, beams and waves. Warren says something to the woman he is talking with, and she nods and heads over toward the bow of the boat. Warren walks past her and up the dock a few steps to meet Jessica. He gathers her up into a huge embrace then leans down to kiss her.

"You came!" he says brightly.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica returns the kiss and holds Warren tightly for a moment, just inhaling his scent in the warmth of sunshine. "Of course I came. I wouldn't have missed it for the world!" She looks up into his face, beaming with a new glimmer in her deep green eyes. "You look amazing out here, all boaty, and..." What was the word she was looking for? Definitely not 'boaty.' "So casual, and comfortable." Boaty...Good God...

Archangel has posed:
"Not half as good as you," Warren says, with a laugh, twirling Jessica around once. "You will put my poor ship to shame! Come on."

The docks are new and steady, concrete with low wood rails for tying up, with only a light breeze to stir the water in the harbor. Warren leads Jessica by the hand toward the stern. Above the water line, "Connecticut Dream" is painted in silver script along the side of the ship. More gallant than condescending, Warren steps onto the low rail and holds Jessica's hand as she steps up onto the Dream.

In the seating area at the stern, the decking is wood planks, neatly varnished, giving up that smell of cared for wood in the sunshine. There is a large white wheel at stern, with cushioned bench seating lining the sides of the seating area. White fiberglass decking stretches along the sides and all the way to the bow. Neat rope mesh forms a railing along the sides, and everything is in its place, ropes neatly tied down and anchored to cleats or spring-loaded clips.

"Welcome to the Connecticut Dream," Warren says as he climbs aboard. "My mother was from Connecticut... Dad named all his boats for her. Want to look around?"

He leads the way down the short set of stairs almost mid-ship. The lounge is at the bottom of the steps with tables that fold out to form a larger dining table with bench seating on the port side. on the starboard is a desk with navigation equipment and a galley kitchen, complete with stove and fridge. Forward of that, Warren shows Jessica the three guest cabins and water closet. Aft of the lounge is the master cabin with a queen size bed, its own little seating area and bathroom. Books line the railed shelves above the seating area, Heart of Darkness, the Cossacks, and a few other recognizable names catch the eye.

Warren fetches a bottle of white wine from the fridge and latches it closed, then pulls open the cupboards and takes out two wine glasses.

"For when we're underway," he says with a smile and nods back up the staircase. "What do you think?"

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica looks astonished. She touches things here and there: railings, ropes, tables. A book. Moving nothing, but adding tactile sensations to her memory. "It's amazing. Beautiful!" She turns back to him with a smile alighting her eyes. "It suits you, of course. I can't imagine anything that suits you more..."

Archangel has posed:
"Thank you," Warren says brightly. "My father bought a few, but this was always my favourite. We had some great times on it together."

Warren flips open a panel by the seats and there is a wine chiller and slots to securely hold the glasses inside. He tucks everything away and gestures to the benches. "Have a seat, I'll get us out into the harbor."

The engine comes to life under the deck with a push of a button, its exhaust murmuring quietly into the water out of the stern. Warren hops back off the boat to untie the mid-ship and stern lines, then climbs back aboard. He waves to the woman he had been talk with earlier, who was standing ready at the bow. She unties the line there and tosses it up on to the deck. She waves back and Warren puts the boat into gear. The Dream glides smoothly backwards and turns, then when he pushes the lever forward, and spins the wheel, turns the other way and slips slowly past the other boats and empty berths. They turn to port at the end of the dock and then starboard out of the marina proper into the bay.

Warren gestures for Jessica to come join him. He puts her at the wheel and stands close behind her. Without thinking, he breathes in the scent of her hair and smiles. Warren reaches past Jessica to put his hands over hers on the wheel and guide her movements. "We'll putter out of the harbor then put the sails up," he says. "The winds are pretty light today, so it won't be too exciting.... Have you ever sailed before?"

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica tenses a little at the wheel, but relaxes when Warren's hands are over hers. She leans back into him and smiles with a deep sigh. "I haven't ever sailed, no. I've flown planes, though. Somehow...I think this is a little different." She breathes the air, as the breeze off the water cools and calms her. She'd doused herself in the perfume that counteracts her pheromones. But the sun warms her skin, and the slightest concern drifts into her mind. "So you've sailed all your life?"

Archangel has posed:
Warren smiles when Jessica settles into him, scanning the water ahead. He gently guides her hands to steer across the wake of a motor yacht going in the opposite direction and waves to the people on the other boat. It looks like a party is happening on that boat and a few people wave back.

His smile broadens when Jessica mentions flying. "We spent a lot of time on the water and at the club. I think my mom wished I enjoyed polo, but horses," he crinkles his nose. "This is much better. I didn't know you fly, though!" he says, excited. "Do you get up often? What do you fly?"

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Mostly small planes," Jessica says with a smile. "I don't get up as often as I'd like. I tended to fly more in years past." She waves as Warren does to the yacht, and laughs lightly when they wave back. "Looks like a fun party," she observes. "But I'd still rather be here with you."

Archangel has posed:
Warren kisses Jessica on the cheek in reply. "We should go flying, it would be fun! We can both keep our hours up."

The Dream rises and falls just slightly passing over the motor yacht's wake.

"Just turn back to starboard a bit, we'll stay on the right side going out of the harbor," Warren says. He pushes the throttle further forward and they pick up a bit of speed. Before long they pass out of the harbor. The water is calm with only a very light swell, making the boat roll back and forth gently like a rocking chair.

"Just keep us going straight," Warren says.

Everything on the Dream is rigged to be managed single-handed if needed. Warren kills the engine and loosens the boom, giving it play to swing to port ahead of them. He pulls on a running line and the main sail rises above them. There is the sound of flapping canvas until the sail catches the wind and pulls the boom taught against its lines. Next is the self-furling jib which unfurls from the bow rigging smoothly and fills out. The Dream leans only slightly in the light breeze and pushes forward. With the engine dead, there is only the sound of the breeze, water lapping against the hull and the faint creaking of lines as they settle under full sails.

"Do you mind pouring the wine?" Warren asks, taking over at the helm. He glances at the rigging then watches Jessica move. If she catches him he smiles broadly and winks, and looks back up ahead of them.

"So I did some Googling," he admits with a grin. "The press loves you. Looks like people are excited about Spider-Woman being seen with the Avengers."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Watching Warren with the utmost admiration as he seamlessly sets them asail, Jessica can't help smiling. She pulls the glasses and wine from the chiller and sets them up, pouring them each a glass.

The gentle rocking of the boat is intoxicating, as the sounds of civilization disappear behind them. "Oh, did you? Well I guess that's only fair," she confesses, blushing. "I did a little googling myself, and realized I was wrong about you. I always thought you were very photogenic, because you always looked so handsome in your phootgraphs. But no...no, the pictures do you no justice, as it turns out."

Archangel has posed:
Warren laughs. "Flattery will get you everywhere!"

He reaches over to accept a glass from Jessica, keeping the other hand on the wheel. He clinks her glass and moves back behind the wheel as he takes a sip. He scans ahead of them and looks up at the sails. The wind teases at his feathers, making them ripple lightly. He sighs contentedly, as he sneaks another glance at Jessica.

"What made you go public?" he asks curiously. "From what I saw, you weren't always that way."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"You're right," admits Jessica, taking a sip of wine that tastes more expensive than anything she's ever tasted. "But the Avengers...they don't have secret identities. It lends them a sense of honour, purpose...accountability." She shakes her head slowly. "If Spider-Woman has no public identity, then there is always some question about who she is, and what she does when she isn't behind the mask. So...I went public with my identity. I still wear the mask. It's a matter of identity, and maybe even intimidation if necessary."

Archangel has posed:
Warren nods thoughtfully, adjusting course slightly. The lines creak gently again as the load on the sails shifts.

"There's a lot to be said for it," he agrees. "But it changes things, you're always in the spotlight now. Do you ever worry it will come back on your family or friends?"

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
A hint of concern creases Jessica's brow. She pulls a clip from her purse on the deck and pulls up her dark curls, clipping her hair neatly, and letting a few curls trail down at the nape of her neck, as she considers his question.

"I suppose that's possible. I never really gave it much thought. I don't exactly have family or loved ones to worry about, except for those who are in the Avengers. Until now." She casts a wary glance toward Warren.

Archangel has posed:
Warren turns the wheel to port and the Dream swings over slowly, tacking across the wind. The boat levels out when she is nose into the wind and the main sail flaps idly. Warren pulls the starboard line for the jib and it joins the main sail. Then the Dream is across the wind. The boom swings to port and is brought up short by its lines. The main sail fills again and Warren trims the jib until he is happy with it. There is a slight tilt to the opposite side now.

Warren catches Jessica's glance and raises an eyebrow. "What?" he asks, with a smile.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"I was...just thinking that if we get involved here, you could become a target, too, for something like that." She smiles and moves closer to Warren, pressing in against him and standing on tiptoe to steal a kiss. "You scared?" she whispers against his lips. "I should think I can protect you."

Archangel has posed:
"Not even a little," Warren answers with a grin and kisses Jessica again. "With Spider-Woman looking out for me? Safe as can be."

Warren turns and slips his glass into a holder behind him, then stands up and puts his free arm around Jessica. "I've been in the public eye as part of the X-Men for a few years though. It's not always easy, the risks are real," he says, and his eyes are far away for a moment. Then his smile returns. "Maybe I should be asking if you're scared," he teases.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica smiles and presses in close against his side. "Not even a little. If either of us were a normal civilian, it might be different. But as it stands...I think we're pretty well-matched. You /are/ stronger than I am. More powerful." She looks up at him with a little smile, then laughs lightly. "But I'm mad scrappy, and I pity anyone who'd mess with me. OR you."

Archangel has posed:
Warren chuckles and shakes his head. "Well, don't get mad scrappy with the gossip column reporters when they start pestering you. They see us together again and they will have all kinds of questions. And I think they'll figure out fast enough that Briana from the guest list is not who she said she was. If we get involved here," he adds with a wink.

Then he shakes his head and gives a wry smirk. "They always make a big deal out of it, and that's just with 'beautiful women with big endowments'. God help me when they figure out you're a superhero! I will absolutely hear about it from the team," he chuckles. "Have you ever met any of the other X-Men?"

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"I haven't, actually! You're the first I've met. I don't worry about what /my/ team has to say. If you can handle whatever yours throws your way." She smiles, some recognition seeming to dawn on her. There is a mixture of relief and elation in her expression as Warren echoes her words back to her. "We're...already involved, here...aren't we?"

Archangel has posed:
Warren catches the look on Jessica's faxe and his wings flutter slightly, faintly like a bird shaking itself out or momentarily startled. Jessica can feel tension in the arm around her waist and Warren seems to be looking out well beyond whatever the Dream might possible need to avoid.

"Can you take the helm for a moment?" he asks her. When she does, Warren climbs up on the deck and goes forward to the main mast. He checks a few of the lines running up the metal pole, but changes nothing. The wind pulls at his hair and his wings as he does. He looks out to sea again and then works his way back to the seating area, shooting Jessica an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I just had to..." he starts, the excuse coming easily to his tongue. But he catches himself and sighs with a shake if his head. "Sorry," he settles on. He eases back around to stand behind Jessica, coming back up against almost hesitantly.

Jubilee has posed:
"Well, you sort of look like I kicked your puppy," Jessica admit sheepishly. "I was just giving you a hard time, Warren. Don't freak out. Okay? I'm just me, and I'm awkward, and I say awkward things sometimes, but I didn't mean to make you so uncomfortable. I promise." Jessica is keeping her distance, making herself as small and unassuming as possible.

Archangel has posed:
"No, it's not... You..." he says looking for words. His brow creases, an unusual look for the man. He looks mildly frustrated. Warren reaches for his glass behind him and takes a healthy sip before putting it back.

"Well, maybe it is you," he says with a lopsided smile. "I just don't get involved... Not for a long time, anyway. I never wanted to," he says and worries his lower lip slightly.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"That's simple enough, then." Jessica smiles easily. "We don't get involved, here. Problem solved." She looks off toward the shore and points out a large boat, all lit up, even in daylight. Party lights adorn every square foot of the yacht. Sparkling lights can be seen occasionally from inside, as if there is a disco ball. "Looks like they have a better party going on than the first one."

Archangel has posed:
"Yeah," Warren says distractedly, waving at the passing boat out of habit. He then seems to catch up. He hesitates a moment, it would be that easy to let it slip by.

Warren shakes his head. "I mean no, that isn't what I meant."

He reaches out to touch Jessica's arm. "Jessica, look at me."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica pauses, and looks up at Warren as he touches her. She relaxes visibly, but still looks touched by his conflict. "Warren, there is no wrong answer. There's no reason to stress over this..."

Archangel has posed:
Warren glances ahead of the Dream, then presses a button on the console near the helm. The autopilot begins holding course, turning the wheel just slightly back and forth to keep their heading. He reaches down to take Jessica's hands in his.

"Oh, there is a wrong answer. I'd be a fool to let you just slip away," he says with a lop-sided smile, meeting Jessica's eyes. His wings flex just a bit and relax in time with his breathing. "What I meant was I never wanted to be involved until now. It's... Unexpected. Like everything about you."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Finally able to exhale, Jessica sighs, soul-deep. "I know exactly what you mean. I didn't expect...any of this. But I don't regret it for a moment." Jessica smiles and shakes her head. "There's nothing to stress over here. Just take it easy, do what comes naturally. Be you. I'll be me. And we'll take it a day at a time, as it comes. Deal?"

Archangel has posed:
"Deal," Warren says with a smile. He does what comes naturally to him then, and leans forward to give Jessica a long, lingering kiss. He gently presses his forehead to Jessica's, then straightens up and kisses her forehead.

"I'm a /lot/ better at getting out of these things than getting into them," he says with a wink. "I'm out of practice."

Warren clicks the autopilot button again and puts one hand back on the helm. "You're sure that you're Spider-Woman and not... Scarlet Witch or some other magic user, right?" he asks with a grin as he scans ahead of them again.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Nope!" Jessica grins, still dizzied by the kiss. "I'm just me. No magic. I don't even like /telepaths,/ because they make me feel compromised. And....so dirty." She shivers, but brightens resiliently to look back up at Warren again. "I'm bad at getting into these things, too. I'm glad we can do it together."