<div style="text-align: justify;">Elizabeth waited patiently for Hans to reply to her words. Liz had always been patient, but she was now even more so as years went by and she grew into a young woman, rather than a little girl. It was easy for her to learn patience and resilience in that life they lived. Long months in a ship on the sea, the breaks the battles gave them, then caring for the wounded ones. It was a routine, and Elizabeth was already used to it.<br/><br/>"Well. I don't fell like staying away from you because they may talk", the girl stated firmly. It was easier said than done, not giving the rest of the crew a reason to speak. The only way they would stop speaking would be for Hans and Elizabeth to stop spending time together. And that, Elizabeth was not willing to do, ever. So, they would have to live with the gossip and comments.<br/><br/>It was with that decision in mind that Elizabeth stole that kiss from her friend. It had felt like the right decision, but Hans' reaction - not during the kiss, but after it - made Elizabeth second guess herself. Had he hated the kiss? Had he corresponded just because he didn't want to hurt her feelings? If that was the case, Elizabeth would probably hide in shame in her cabin and never leave it again.<br/><br/>"We kissed, that's all", Elizabeth murmured, feeling her heart race. Biting her lip, the girl stared at one of the portholes for a moment. It was hard to think of something to say at this moment. "Did you not like it?", Liz finally dared to ask, bracing herself for the answer.</div>