Halloween Happiness

Posted on Tue Nov 18th, 2025 @ 3:09pm by Juliet Parrish & Cassandra Lennox

3,601 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Safe Harbour
Location: Pub, Thistledrift

Juliet had walked away from Lola and Duncan. She couldn't explain it, but the guy gave her the creeps. He had been to Thistledrift only a handful of times since joining the Europa's crew. He had always seemed to be giving the few young women in Thistledrift a great deal of attention lately, especially Lola. She'd never witnessed him ever do anything to hurt anyone, but he had this obsessive stalker guy vibe.

Juliet approached Cassandra, Nathan (Europa's First Officer) and Travis Stewart (Thistledrift's Stable Master) as they all sat at the bar. "Hey, what's up with you folks? Enjoying the Halloween party?"

Cassandra smiled as she looked up from her herbal tea at the woman and smiled. "Nothing major is going on, just enjoying a parent free night so I am enjoying the atmosphere." Cassandra laughed, wishing her mother well with all the children in the village with the sleepover at the church. Cassandra loved living with her mum; in all honesty, she had all the freedom she wanted, as well as the comfort if she needed it. She did not want to live alone ever again after travelling alone to Thistledrift.

The pickup band started to play a lively tune. Juliet smiled as she bobbed her head to the beat. "Oh, I love this song. It's one of my favorites."

Travis looked up from his drink and met Juliet's eyes. He seemed unsure for a moment before extending a hand towards her and nodded his head at the space cleared of table for a small dance space. "Um, would you care to dances then."

Juliet's smile grew as she took his hand. "I would love to dance with you Travis." 'Dance and a whole lot more,' she thought. She gave a gentle tug on his hand and led them to the dance floor.

Nathan had been quietly sipping his glass of water as he reviewed the list of things Cassandra had requested the Europa be on the lookout for during the upcoming voyage. He glanced up at Cassandra as he tapped the notepad, "Sam wants us to collect any scrap metal we can, Father James a new cross for church. The tough one is going to be finding parts for an MRI machine. I don't like sending shore parties to hospitals on the Continent. Too risky except for quick in and out searches for pharmaceutical supplies. I'll try, but I can't promise anything. Anything else you can think of that you want brought back?"

“An MRI machine?” Cassandra said nearly choking on her tea as she looked at the man incredulously. Who in the hell has requested that from him?

Nathan shrugged. "Juliet thinks it would be invaluable. Anyway. Is there anything in particular you might like us to bring back,"

“What about a shore side hospital like in Palma? You can’t have cleaned them all out when this ship left there.” She wondered thinking they needed to solve that problem before she even considered anything else that she could possibly need.

"Finding one isn't the problem." He kept tapping hus notepad. "It's getting back to an loading on the ship. One wrong move and it becomes a giant paperweight."

“I do not believe there is anything we need other than supplies to get us through winter and some communication equipment that Lola mentioned earlier.” She commented as she leaned back in the chair thoughtfully before looking up. “Fine. Okay I do that a list at home in my office.” She admitted. Cassandra was trying to not use whatever the friends with benefit situation between them was for personal gain.

Nathan closed his notebook and glanced from Cassandra to the dance floor and back to Cassandra again. "Get a list to the shore detail by morning and I'll see what I can do." He gestured to the dance floor. "Mean time. You up for a dance or three?"

Cassandra put her tea mug down and stood up. “At least three Commander.” She grinned waiting for him to following her to the area of the pub that now was the area that people danced in.

Nathan stepped onto the dance floor with Cassandra, both having fun and laughing for several songs before a slow number started playing. He looked at Cassandra for a moment to see if she was in the mood or not. He didn't want to presume she had a desire for anything more intimate at the moment.

“What? You suddenly lost your nerve Nath?” She questioned looking up at him teasing just a little. She was enjoying the back and forth on the evening, it was something unfamiliar between them being so much more out in the open.

Nathan gave Cassandra a light smile as he shook his head and chuckled. He put his hands on her waist and held her at three-quarter arms length. "No. I haven't lost my nerve there Lord Mayor. Just didn't want to tarnish her Ladyships image being seen consorting with a common sailor." Truth be told he simply enjoyed Cassandra's company. She was an outstanding leader of her community and a good friend. Their friends with benefits relationship had started a few port calls prior at the start of summer. While he did find Cassandra to be an extraordinarily beautiful woman with an exceptional mind and an ability to get the most out of her people. She was a person of the land and he would always be a man of the sea. The sea had always been his first and only love.

“Lord Mayor? Ladyship? Common Sailor? Commander Nathan Crawford there is nothing common about you.” She laughed as she wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him just a little closer she could actually talk and dance.

Juliet glanced at Cassandra dancing with Nathan. A smile played across her lips and she gave her friend a wink. Her friend spent way too much time looking out for everyone else. It was nice to see here taking a little time for herself for a change. She turned back to Travis.

Cassandra rolled her eyes at Juliet’s wink. They gave hints of what was going on between them but never quite aa open together and looked back up at the man who was dancing with her. “What are you doing Nath?” She asked quietly.

Nathan looked into Cassandra's eyes. "I'm just trying to do what you're doing. Make a better life for my people and maybe regain something of what we lost when the world went to shite. It's just hard sometimes, what with the way things are." Nathan smiled softly. "Being able to work with you is one of life's pleasures though."

“I meant right now but glad to know that working with me is pleasant.” She laughed a little and bit her lip as she looked around as the music stopped but they did not stop dancing as it was just too nice. She stepped closer as she noticed Lola waving to her and offered a wave back even as she frowned at who she left with.

Nathan took a deep breath and pulled Cassandra into a close embrace. He danced cheek to cheek with her as the other patrons began departing and the staff started their clean up. He thought about her question as they continued to dance to nonexistent music. He spoke softly in her ear. "Right now I am just enjoying this moment with you. We both have to get back to the the responsibility of leadership soon. I'm just happy to have this moment to relax with you."

The woman yelped softly as her thoughts on Lola and the sailor she left with were abandoned as she was pulled close to the man. His uniform shirt chafed a little but she said nothing as they were left alone as the pubs landlord cleaned around them knowing that bother could be trusted to lock up if needs be.

“Haven’t you got until 08:00?” She teased surprised that she was had been pulled so close when he normally kept her at arms length.

Nathan sighed before pulling his head back to look into Cassandra's eyes. "07:30 actually. Captain wants the officers, chiefs and division LPOs (Lead Petty Officers) back to go over the underway preparations checklists." He raised a hand and glanced at his watch. "A little less than 11 hours from now." He looked back into Cassandra's eyes, unsure of what was going to happen next.

That was a logical moved especially with the connections to the village that needed to be disconnected. It would be cold and almost lonely without the power that the Europa provided when they were in port. It at least meant it was warm tonight. “Could come home with me?” She offered gently as she moved her arms from around his neck to step back.

Nathan rubbed his chin as if he was actually mulling over her invitation. The town did have power and during his last port call he had given Cassandra an automatic drip coffee maker with timer. He glanced briefly at the proprietor heading up the stairs to the family flat on the second floor. He looked back at Cassandra. "I would love to."

“Do not take too long to think about it.” She laughed softly as she stepped back and turned to where her coat was. She picked it up and put it on before chucking his own coat to him and his head covering. “Glad I am a better offer than going back to your cabin.” She downed the rest of her alcoholic drink that she been given and saved.

Nathan put on his jacket and cover (officer's cap) and then retrieved his sidearm from the small supply cabinet by the door. He released the magazine and pushed the barrel forward to inspect the empty chamber. Satisfied the chamber was clear, he inserted the magazine again. "Sorry. Captain insists all officers carry at least a sidearm when going ashore." He then exited the building with Cassandra to find Juliet standing alone on the porch looking down the street towards the church. "Everything alright Doctor Parrish."

Juliet jumped at Nathan's voice. "Oh yes. Travis went to the church to check with Father James and Maureen to make sure the kids are okay." She looked cautiously hopeful. "I think he wants me to spend the night.

Cassandra shook her head. One day the Captain would come and talk to her properly about things but at least Nathan was easy going. Cassandra looked worried at her friend before she smirked knowing that Travis was not going there to check on Father James and her mother but he needed a moment to psych himself up instead of chickening out this time like he had at the barn dance. “And are you going to say yes?” She wondered.

Juliet looked at Cassandra as a wistful smile lit up her face and she let out a girlish giggle. "I am going to say yes of course. Beats the cot and thin mattress I have in my tiny apartment above the clinic."

Cassandra shook her head. “And I have told you many times that we can get you a much better bed.” She reminded softly. There were many empty houses with things in that could make things better. “You do not need to be a martyr. Would you like us to wait till he comes back or leave you to it?”

Juliet began shooing Nathan and Cassandra off the porch. "God no! He's going to be back in a minute or two. He'll definitely chicken out if you two are here. He almost bolted when Lola nd that Duncan left a few minutes ago. Neither one of you is going to ruin my first chance to get laid in almost two and a half years. Now go!"

Nathan let out a hearty laugh as Juliet all but shoved them both off the porch. "Message received Doctor."

It seemed that Juliet had the same idea about Duncan but as long as he treated Lola well she would not be protective of her. “Come on Commander.” Cassandra encouraged as she looped her arm through the man’s and led him through the village to where her home was. She stopped and turned when she heard a shout but when it did not continue she opened the door and let herself in. She turned on the hallway light and smiled to herself at the fact the light instantly buzzed to life.

Nathan hung his jacket and cap on a hook by the front door and set out for the kitchen. He was just finishing getting the coffee maker setup for in the morning when Cassandra stepped into the kitchen with two rock glasses filled with what he assumed was more of the hard cider the town produced from the nearby apple orchard. He smiled at Cassandra and nodded. "That for me?"

“If you want it or it’s all for me.” She laughed as she noticed he was sorting out the coffee maker. “We lose power about 07:00 so will have to be up before then to enjoy some decent coffee before you go.” She set it down by him and held out the piece of paper she had grabbed from her office as she had taken off her jacket.

Nathan took the piece of paper and glanced at the short list of additional things the town needed. He tucked the paper into his tunic's breast pocket and then took the glass and held it aloft. "To joy and happiness." He tapped his glass to hers before drinking the modest amount of hard cider in the glass.

“To joy and happiness,” She agreed drinking her own drink before stepping up to him. “And safe seas.” She added gently as she put her mug down. She would never stop him from doing anything that was not either of them to say the least. They had their own things to deal with but every now and then they came together.

Nathan smiled as he leaned in to kiss Cassandra, his arms slipping around her waist and pulling her close. She was a formidable person, but it was pleasant to know she could still be a woman. He felt their mutual desire grow as the kiss deepened.

“You better come back.” She whispered as she pulled back breathless as the kiss had been intense after building up for the last hour. She looked up at him and stroke her thumb over his cheek.

Nathan felt just as breathless as Cassandra. His fingers lightly brushed her flanks. "Keep a light on for me and I will find my way back." His fingers interlaced hers and he slowly kissed her knuckles. He kissed her knuckles, then kissed her lips once again. His lips brushed her cheek and descended to her neck. His free hand caressed up her side and gently caressed her bosom over the fabric of her tunic, eliciting a pleasant vocal response. "Would you prefer we take this somewhere more private?"

“Best I got is candles when you leave.” She grinned a little up at him. Nights always ended like this and in the morning then returned to their friendship like nothing had happened between them.” Where ever you want to go. I have the house to myself.” She grinned up at him.

Nathan glanced at the stairs to the upstairs bedrooms and then the short hallway to the living room. Maureen was going to be gone all night and the living room couch was closer. He looked back at Cassandra's wicked grin. He kissed her again...and began kissing more and more of her as clothing were pulled of their bodies, leaving a trail from the kitchen to the living room. They both were only wearing one article of clothing by the time they reached the couch. His fingers hooked her panties and slowly pulled down as he kissed down her body.

Hours later he looked at her expression of euphoria as his hands kept her steady, her fingers gripping his shoulder and moans of pure pleasure filling the air. He pulled her into a kiss as they finished together and she finally came to a rest. He broke the kiss and looked up into her face. His breathing came in gasps for a minute before he could voice a single word. "That was...." Cassandra finished his statement for him.

“Passionate.” The woman breathed falling forward a little onto his chest. “You do this everytime before you leave.” She realised, it was always like this before he left just normally in his cabin not on her living room floor in front of the fire.

Nathan was still trying to catch his breath from the the last three hours. He wrapped his arms around Cassandra and held her close. His chest still heaving against hers. Their hearts still pounding in sinc with one another. "I was just trying to keep up with you love. Got to admit. It's a great cardio workout and much more enjoyable than the gymnasium."

“You are more fit than most men Nath,” She laughed softly. “And I am glad to hear than I am better than a gym.” She added as he brought her down to him and she settled to lay her head on his chest. She sighed softly as she could hear his heart beating under her cheek as she watched the fire.

Nathan held her close. A part of him wished he wasn't going back out to sea on the morrow for the moment it felt comfortable to hold Cassandra in his arms. She was the one person he would miss the most during the Europa's next journey. He had to admit, he thought about her a lot when the Europa left Thistledrift. He admired Cassandra's strength and his respect for the woman was immense. She had saved this community almost single handedly after the Fall. It made him wonder about what they had and what it could become if they really wanted it to be more. He gazed into the roaring fire with her. "I'm going to miss you, but we'll be back in five or six weeks. The Captain is wanting for us to tour around the Mediterranean Sea."

“Ah so you get some sunshine whilst we get rain and wind.” She teased a little knowing the Europa and extension him had no choice but to go where they were sent. Cassandra turned her gaze from the fire to look at him and smiled as her hair got in her eyes. “I will miss you too.” She assured quietly.

Nathan brushed Cassandra's wayward hair back from her face and gave her brief kiss. He glanced at her beautiful body and released a pleasant sigh before gazing back into her eyes. "You could come with us. I would definitely not mind seeing you sunbathe in a lounge chair or on a sunny beach." He knew she wouldn't. At least not without a constant supply of dramamine for motion sickness. Still. It was nice to imagine her in a bikini.

“You know I can’t.” She reminded him. “Plus I do not think I could just be your cabin woman.” She teased softly trying to keep things light. He would never disrespect her just making her that. Other officers were not so respectful which was why it worked for them. “Also who would make sure you have a port to come back to? You’d have to go up to Peterhead.”

Nathan smiled affectionately. "You know I would never do that. I do think you'd be an asset in the in navigation, what with your talent for graphic design you could create very detailed maps and charts. You could even be offered a direct commission."

“You have told me this from the moment you met me when I nearly put an arrow in your ass.” She reminded trailing her fingers down his arm until she could not any longer. “I do not need a commission or anything I like being your safe harbour.” She breathed kissing his chest before she settled back down.

Nathan used a finger to tilt Cassandra's face so he could look into her eyes as he shifted her to lay on the thick bearskin rug. He smiled as his hand gently caressed her body. "You're more than a safe harbour. You're the light that guides me through the dark times. The anchor that keeps me grounded...the inspiration that reminds me to help others when we set sail." He looked down at her and gave her a long deep kiss as he caressed her body. It was approaching midnight, but he wanted one more time with her. His fingers found the spot that always filled her with that same desire for one more time as he kissed her upper torso and neck.

“You are a poetic and you don’t know it.” The woman whispered surprised by the look in his eyes and the deepness of the kiss. What were they doing?

Both of them were cautious about using the L word with one another, especially during their intimate times, he had come up with a different turn of phrase. His mouth found hers for a minute. Then he kissed her cheek before whispering. "May I make port one more time?"

“Only if you swear on something. You never use that phrase ever again.” She said laughing a little as she turned her face to kiss him hard. Some night it had turned out to be.

 

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