JRWI tings :P

No. 75

"Let's wash your hair, hm?"

Washing Jay's hair wasn't as difficult as Jay had feared it would be. Especially with Gillion's ability to shape water, he was able to get any areas that Jay probably would've failed to find. The feeling was relaxing, Gillion massaging the water through the roots of her hair, somehow expertly not getting water in her eyes - she put this down, again, to Gillion using Shape Water. Jay was positioned to sit on her knees over the bathtub that Gillion had rinsed out. Gillion stood to the side of Jay, leaning over to better grab a hold of her hair and was better able to wash it for her. When they had finished, Gillion used his Shape Water to rid the majority of the water from Jay's hair, leaving it a comfortable dampness that would better dry over time.

Standing up, with Gillion's assistance, Jay gave another thankful look to the triton. "Thank you... It does feel a lot better to have my hair washed and dealt with..."

"I'm glad... And just think how much better you'll feel after a relaxing bath! I'll run it right now, you can go back to your bed if you'd like, or join everyone else up on the top deck..? It's up to you."

Jay considered going up, seeing Chip and the rest of their crew. Though the more she considered it, the less energy she found for the tolerance of others. Jay loved her crew. They were family! But despite the kindness of Gillion, she still wasn't able to get enough motivation for multiple people at a time. Thankfully, Gillion seemed to guess as much.

"Why don't you go back to bed for a few minutes, hm? I can tell Chip how you're feeling, and maybe not expect you up outside as much today... Would that be a better alternative?"

Jay audibly sighed, relief washing over her. Gillion's plan worked for two major reasons, one being obvious in that Chip was no longer being left oblivious to Jay's feelings, but the other being saving Jay from feeling shitty for staying away from everyone all day.

Gillion Tidestrider, hero of The Albatross.

"That's a great alternative... Thank you, Gillion. You really didn't have to put so much effort into this for me, I would've been fine."

"I know. And truly, it is no bother. I want to do my best to make your day a little better! Besides, I have had many times in the past where I have felt similar, and I was forced to push through those days. It'd leave me overwhelmed and exhausted. So if I am able to do something that prevents you from that, then of course I'll do it in a heartbeat." There was a softness to Gillion's tone that Jay had rarely heard before, and she was surprised to find herself flustered at the sound. Seemingly oblivious to her current state, Gillion continued, "Why don't you pick out some comfortable clothes while I head up and speak with Chip? After that, I'll start your bath for you."

Gillion didn't need a response from Jay, both of them knowing that if Jay hadn't ended up choosing some new clothes for herself after the bath, Gillion would do it. He left to head up to the main deck, leaving Jay to head back to her bed, as well as start sorting through her collection of clothes, in hopes of picking out something comfortable.

"Chip! Just who I needed to speak with! Can I have a quick sidebar with you?"

Chip looked at the triton, who seemed to have just appeared from nowhere after disappearing for the last few hours. Turning to Ollie, who he had been telling some exaggerated anecdote of an adventure, he gave the small boy a small wink, which Ollie tried to return, but ultimately just aggressively blinked up at the brunette before running off.

"What's up, man? Where've you been? I thought you went to find Jay?"

Gillion nodded, making sure that their conversation was solely between them. He figured Jay didn't need the entire crew to find out about how she was feeling.