Chapter Text
Vespucci's POV:
It was a stormy night in the late 1400's.
Waves crash soundly against the shore, moonlight illuminating the sand. Swiftly, footsteps sunk into the grainy sand, making their way closer to me. When I looked up, I was meeting toe to toe with none other than Christopher Columbus.
I gasped, my breath hitching in my throat. My eyes searched his, his eyes were pools of shimmering blue. Sharp, and intimidating. Those damn bedroom eyes… “Vespucci…” he would say softly. His voice barely a whisper, inaudible- even. A raspy quality to his tone, one that sent shivers down my spine. I gulped.
“H-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-how do you k-k-know who I a-a-am?”
I managed to ask. My voice weak and frail, just like my petite frame. “Heh… I have my ways. And when handsome fella's like you catch my attention? I never look away.” Replied Christopher. “The moment I laid my eyes on you- I knew I had to approach you. You don't happen to sail, now do you?”
His eyes sparkled with a gleam of curiosity, and determination. But underneath those shimmering pools… was a hint of something dangerous. Something even I, the daring Amerigo Vespucci, wouldn't and couldn't dare to take on.
“Uhm… no. Your an explorer, right? I-i-i'm not…”
I say, almost embarrassed. I gasped yet again when he took his rough, sea-worned, calloused hands and lifted my chin up.
His thumb grazed my cheek, gently caressing my cold skin, then tracing my bottom lip. He seemed to realize what he was doing and pulled away, clearing his throat.
“You seem to be a man of wealth and high-standing. That, I can respect. I've spent years seafaring, battling the open seas. For even the wrath of mother nature could not dwindle my curiosity for what lies beyond,”
He spoke. My eyes widened in awe, as he kept talking.
“You see… there is much more to be desired. Your little life on land cannot compare to the promises that lie beyond these shores… I know you understand that. You're a man who should be standing at the bow of the ship- not waiting around for your life to begin, while absentmindedly staring off at this here bay.”
He leaned closer, his voice felt oddly intimate. Like words that were reserved especially for me- I took a deep breath before speaking again.
“What… what are you getting at?” I rasped out. He was so close, that I could see every pore on his face. The detailed, unique shape of his nose… The mischievous glint in his eyes that never wavered- and a defiant grin threatening to spread across his lips.
“I want you… to sail with me. We shall venture out- to find a better trade route across the ocean. To find a new world! I cannot do this alone…”
Gently, he took my hands in his own. His passion did not die out, but his expression softened. His eyes tracing my delicate, soft features. A very bold contrast to his much sharper, mature features.
“You want me to go on a voyage with you? Absurd! What about my life here? I work for the Medici family, I come from a notary, sir. I…”
My voice trailed out, my own desires conflicting against my desire for him.
“You're scared.”
He finished for me. His hands were still holding my own, and he raised them up to his chest. He rubbed lazy circles on my hands with his thumbs, gazing longingly into my eyes.
“I was scared too. Once you see what's at sea, you'll never want to go back. Just consider it for me… this is an offer you can't refuse, dear.”
His voice was sweet, almost too sweet. The man was incredibly charming, I could feel my knees threatening to buckle.
“O-ok.” I nodded, “I'll consider it.” I said, and a smile traced his lip, “very good… well, I expect a letter from you. Ill be leaving in a few days, so you have until Wednesday.” He would say, before releasing my hands and beginning to walk away.
“Wait!” I called out, my hand outstretched. As if trying to reach for the comfort of his worn, warm touch. He halted his steps, glancing back at me from over his shoulder.
The words died on my lips, I opened my mouth but to no avail. I swallowed nervously, bringing saliva to wetten my once dry lips.
“I… I'll write to you soon!” I yelled. And even from right there, I would see Christopher's smug smirk return to his lips. As if he was anticipating this response. He gave an (almost) inaudible chuckle, amused by my antics. By my desperation.
“Yeah, I'm sure you will.” He said, and I could hear that damn smirk in his voice.
“I’ll be waiting on that letter, darling”.
He teased, his voice promising and seductive as he uttered that pet name.
I felt my shoulders tense, my eyes go wide, and a warm flush spread to my cheeks. I couldn't respond and I heard him laugh.
“Goodbye, Vespucci.” He told me- right before he vanished off into the cold, dark abyss of the night.