QUOTE : There are new rules to follow… harsh rules, from what I understand.” The captain rounded the table and reached out to stroke Jon’s dark curls back. “Patience, Jon. All right?” Jon almost flinched at the touch, unable to forget the sly smile that had spread over Oren’s elfin face. Instead he forced himself to close his eyes and lean into the captain’s hand like he normally would. As if I didn’t know what you were up to, he thought bitterly. The previous day had been spent watching Oren as the young man made his way around the ship. Twice, the tall fisherman had approached the captain, both times his body language that of a fawning sycophant as he hung on Baltsaros’s every word. It was enough to make a man sick. When the captain had quickly sent the boy away with a few harsh words, Jon had been childishly pleased; perhaps he had been imagining things. However, as Oren made his way belowdecks, Jon had raised his eyes and seen the captain’s gaze following the willowy youth. When Baltsaros noticed Jon watching him, the older man’s face had gone still, wiped of expression, before the captain had turned and walked away. Jon opened his eyes and pulled away from Baltsaros’s hand. “Why are they still here?” he asked, looking up at the captain. He didn’t want to say the boy’s name. Baltsaros narrowed his eyes at Jon, and he felt sure that his suspicions were grounded in something; it galled him that the first mate was once again covering for the captain. They deserve each other, Jon thought, looking over at Tom. The big man’s brow was furrowed in concern, his sea-green eyes on Jon’s. “I asked Polas to join the crew this morning,” replied Baltsaros, dropping his hand. “He’s mulling it over and will give me his answer before long. Migri and Oren are staying on until they can find a replacement boat or some other suitable accommodation.” With a tilt of his head, he lifted his hand again, this time to Jon’s cheek. “Don’t worry, I want both of them off my ship,” he said softly. The words did nothing to appease Jon. They only showed that Baltsaros was aware that he had concerns, but Jon nodded anyway and bent his lips into a smile. The captain, satisfied with his response, smiled back and leaned in to kiss him quickly.