April 11, 1912 

As they approach the library, Mckenna's excitement grows. She releases Jack's hand momentarily to push open the heavy wooden door, revealing rows upon rows of bookshelves filled with books of all kinds. The scent of old paper and leather fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. Jack watched with a fond smile as Mckenna looked around, practically bouncing with excitement. Her joy was contagious and he found himself smiling as well. It was good to see her like this, happy and carefree. They both entered the library, the door closing behind them with a loud thud. 

The sound echoed throughout the library, startling a few of the occupants. But they quickly returned to their reading, not bothering to pay them any attention. Mckenna looked around the room, taking in all the different books. The rows upon rows of shelves, filled with books of all shapes and sizes. Some were brand new, the pages crisp and unwrinkled, while others were old and worn, the pages yellowing and crumbling slightly. There was a wide range of genres too. Fiction, non-fiction, classics, biographies, science fiction, and romance. Whatever one was looking for, there was probably a book on it. The smell of old books was strong in the air, making McKenna feel warm and nostalgic.

There were two large windows on either side of the room, allowing sunlight to shine through and it had a great view of the ocean. A fireplace sat in the corner, unlit. Several armchairs and sofas were scattered about, allowing readers to relax and enjoy their books. There were tables scattered around as well, perfect for reading and studying. The ceiling was high, with wooden beams supporting it. The walls were covered with paintings and tapestries. Mckenna looked around the room in wonder, taking it all in. She had never seen a library quite like this before. It was like something out of a movie or a storybook.

"This place is amazing." She breathed, her voice full of awe. She turned to look at Jack, her eyes wide and sparkling. He couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

"Yeah, it is pretty impressive." He agreed, nodding his head. Jack followed behind her, his eyes scanning over the room. It was definitely larger than the one back in Chippewa Falls. He never seen one like this before. But his gaze went back to Mckenna, a soft smile on his face. She was better than any view, and he couldn't tear his eyes away from her. He could see how excited she was. It was cute, and it made his heart flutter. Wait, why did it flutter?

Mckenna grins at him. "Let's explore!" She exclaimed, grabbing his hand and dragging him off before he could even respond. Jack was a bit surprised by her enthusiasm but he couldn't deny that he enjoyed her touch. She had always been the spontaneous type, and he was grateful that hadn't changed. He let her pull him along, not bothering to argue.

They explore the library, taking their time as they browse the shelves. They laugh and talk as they make their way through the rows of books, enjoying each other's company. It felt so natural and comfortable to be around each other, as if no time had passed at all. As they walk past the romance section, Mckenna can't help but pause. Her eyes light up as she takes in the sight of all the books, her gaze lingering on the titles. Some are familiar to her, others are new. She can't help but be curious about them, wondering what secrets and adventures are contained within their pages. She reached out, her fingertips gently brushing the spine of one of the books. She can feel the leather and the paper beneath her skin, the scent of it filling her nostrils. It's a heady, intoxicating smell, and it makes her heart race.

"I've read this one a lot, but it's one of my favorites." She confessed, her cheeks turning red as she realized what she had just admitted.

Jack looks over, his eyes following her gaze to the book. His curiosity gets the better of him and he moves to stand behind her, looking over her shoulder to read the title. He was standing so close to her know, his chest brushed up against her back. Their proximity was sending his heart racing, but he tried his best to hide it. "The Scarlet Letter, huh?" He mused, raising an eyebrow.

Mckenna nods her head, a faint blush on her cheeks. His sudden closeness was making her a little flustered, but she tried not to let it show. "It's a classic. A true story about a woman who fell in love with a man, but the world shunned them. She had to go through so much pain and suffering, all because of the love she felt for him. It's really sad, but also beautiful." She explained, her voice soft. Jack listened intently, her words affecting him more than he expected. It was such a simple thing, but hearing her talk about a book like this was stirring something deep within him. He had always found her intelligence and curiosity charming and endearing. He couldn't help but be drawn to her even more as she spoke about the book.

"It sounds interesting." Jack commented, his voice soft and filled with sincerity.

Mckenna turns her head slightly, their eyes meeting. His face was so close to hers now, and her heart began to beat rapidly at seeing him so close all of a sudden. She could feel his breath on her lips, his scent invading her nostrils. It was intoxicating, and it was making her head spin. She had to fight the urge to close the distance and press her lips against his. She couldn't do that. They just got reunited, and she didn't want to ruin their friendship. Not yet. She needed to wait and see how things would progress. 

So, she did the only thing she could think of to distract herself. She reached up and grabbed the book off the shelf, pulling away from him in the process. Jack blinked a few times, his face burning. He had gotten so caught up in the moment, he had almost forgotten where they were. He mentally scolded himself for being so foolish, and tried to regain his composure as he stepped away from her, putting his hands in his pockets.

"You should read it sometime." She suggests, turning her attention back to the book in her hands. She runs her fingers over the cover, tracing the gold letters that spell out the title. "I'm sure you'll like it." She added, her voice filled with sincerity. She knew Jack didn't really read much, but he would read the books she suggested to him and he even liked them sometimes.

As Mckenna suggests that Jack should read "The Scarlet Letter" sometime, Jack nods, appreciating her recommendation. "Yeah, I'll give it a shot. Can't promise I'll love it like you do, but I trust your taste in books." He told her, his voice sincere and his eyes gentle. Mckenna felt her cheeks grow hot at his compliment. He was always so genuine and kind with her. It was one of the things she liked most about him.

"Thanks, I appreciate it." She smiled at him, her brown eyes sparkling. Jack's breath hitched as he stared at her, captivated by her beauty. Her eyes were mesmerizing, and he could feel himself getting lost in them.

The sun was shining through the window, casting a warm glow upon her, highlighting her features. Her skin was tan and smooth, her cheeks rosy, and her hair was a blonde waterfall cascading down her shoulders. Jack swallowed hard as he tried to fight the urge to reach out and touch her. He was failing miserably, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. He spotted a loose curl in front and used that as an excuse to touch her. He reached out, his fingertips gently brushing the strand away. McKenna tensed for a brief moment, surprised by his sudden touch, but she quickly relaxed and leaned into his touch as he tucked the strand behind her ear. His fingers lingered for a second, his thumb grazing her cheek. His touch sent a shiver down her spine, her heart racing.

"You're welcome." Jack murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Jack felt like time had stopped and the whole world had disappeared. It was only him and her. The sound of their breathing filled the air as they stood there, staring into each other's eyes, unable to look away. As they stood there in the library, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight, McKenna and Jack shared a moment of quiet intimacy. Despite the bustling activity of the ship around them, they felt as though they were the only two people in the world. There was an unspoken connection between them, a bond that had stood the test of time.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps interrupted their reverie, and they turned to see a librarian approaching them with a warm smile.

"Hello there," The librarian greets them, her voice soft and welcoming. "Is there anything I can help you find?"

Mckenna and Jack step away from each other, their faces turning red. They were thankful for the interruption as it saved them from the awkwardness of the situation. "Um, no thank you. We were just browsing." Mckenna answered, giving the librarian a polite smile.

"Very well. If you need anything, just let me know." The librarian replied, her tone friendly and helpful. Mckenna smiled softly as she nodded in response. The librarian then walked away, leaving the two best friends alone again.

Mckenna turns back to Jack, her heart fluttering with a mixture of emotions. "So, what do you want to do now?" She asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Jack shrugs, a playful glint in his eyes. "I'm up for anything, as long as it's with you." He answered honestly. Mckenna's face flushed and she bit her lip. Her mind was filled with all kinds of thoughts and possibilities, but she decided to focus on one.

"Let's go sit down." She suggested, motioning towards a nearby armchair. Jack grinned and nodded his head, following her lead.

****

Jack and Mckenna took a seat next to each other in an armchair, a copy of The Scarlet Letter in her hands. She began to read aloud, her voice soft and soothing. Jack listened intently, his eyes never leaving her. He couldn't believe his luck. He was finally here with her, spending time together, and he couldn't be happier. It felt like a dream, and he hoped it would never end. As Mckenna continued reading, the two of them grew closer and closer, their bodies pressed together. They were practically cuddling in the chair now, and Mckenna had to admit, it felt really nice. Their sides were pressed against each other and his arm was around her shoulders, his hand rested on her shoulder, his thumb gently stroking her skin. Mckenna felt her heart flutter, and her breath hitched. His touch was sending shivers down her spine, and she couldn't help but lean into his embrace.

As Mckenna read, Jack found himself falling asleep. The sound of her voice and her body pressed against his was lulling him to sleep. Mckenna noticed that he was nodding off and a mischievous grin spread across her face. She closed the book and set it aside. Then, she snuggled into his arms, her head resting against his chest.

"Sleepyhead." She teased, her voice soft.

"You're comfy." He mumbled, his voice heavy with sleep. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. Mckenna sighed happily as she laid her head against his chest, his heartbeat thrumming in her ear. It was a steady rhythm, soothing and comforting. She could feel her eyelids growing heavy as well.

"Don't fall asleep." She whispered, her eyes fluttering shut.

"Mm-hmm." Jack murmured, his own eyes drifting closed. The two of them fell asleep, wrapped in each other's arms. The librarian at the front desk had noticed this a few minutes later, but she didn't have the heart to wake them up.

"Oh, young love. So sweet." She mused, smiling fondly at the pair.

****

It was an hour later when Mckenna stirs awake, her eyes fluttering open. She felt a bit disorientated at first, but quickly regained her bearings. She could hear the sound of people turning pages of books, the quiet chatter, and the faint sound of the ship's engine. It was a comforting atmosphere, and she couldn't help but smile. Then she realized she was snuggled up against someone and that someone she saw was Jack. His face was inches from hers, and his eyes were closed. His arm was still wrapped around her, holding her close. Mckenna felt her heart race at the sight of him, her stomach doing somersaults. She was glad that he had fallen asleep too. This gave her a chance to study his features and memorize every detail.

He looked so peaceful and content. His face was relaxed and his lips were slightly parted, his chest rising and falling slowly. His hair was a mess, his bangs falling over his forehead, and his cheek was pressed against her shoulder. He looked so handsome, and it was hard for her to look away. She could feel her cheeks burning and she tried her best to calm her racing heart. But the longer she stared at him, the harder it was. She forced herself to look away and turned to her bag. She decided to do some drawing. 

She suddenly got some inspiration. She pulled out her sketchbook quietly and started drawing Jack's face. His nose, his lips, his chin, his jawline, everything. She tried her best to capture his likeness. Her hand moved swiftly across the page, the pencil moving with practiced ease. After a while, she paused and looked at her drawing, taking it all in. It was a pretty good rendition of him, if she did say so herself. She had managed to capture his handsome features and the softness of his expression. It was perfect. She had gotten better with her art skills over the years. Jack had been the one who taught her, she knows she won't get anywhere as good as he was, but she was proud of her efforts.

Mckenna looks back at Jack, startled and surprised to find his blue eyes staring down at her. Her cheeks flush, her breath hitches. How long had he been awake? Did he see her drawing him? She swallows hard, her mind racing. "How...How long have you been awake?" She stammered, her voice shaky.

"Long enough to know you were drawing me." He answered, his voice thick with amusement.

"You saw?" She squeaked, her cheeks turning even redder. She felt mortified. What must he think of her now? Was he creeped out by her actions?

"I did, and I gotta say, I'm flattered." Jack replied, a grin spreading across his face. Mckenna was relieved. He wasn't creeped out by her after all. In fact, he was pleased with the idea.

"Oh, um... Well, I'm glad." She mumbles, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "So, tell me, how did I do?" She questioned, handing the sketchbook to him.

Jack looks down at the drawing, his eyes widening. He was genuinely impressed by McKenna's talent. The drawing was incredible, capturing his features with remarkable accuracy. He couldn't help but admire her skill and creativity. While he used charcoal, she used color pencils. It was clear that she had a great eye for detail, and her technique was impressive. He couldn't stop smiling as he gazed at her artwork. "Wow, Mckenna, this is amazing." He compliments, his voice filled with awe. "You've gotten so much better. I'm proud of you."

Mckenna beams, her cheeks flushing. "Thank you, Jackie." She murmured, a little embarrassed by his praise. But she can't deny that she enjoys it. She felt a warm sense of pride knowing that Jack is proud of her. It means a lot to her to have his support and encouragement.

Jack hands back the sketchbook, his gaze meeting hers. "Seriously, Mckenna, you're really talented," He says earnestly. "You captured me perfectly."

Mckenna's heart flutters at his words, and she can't help but smile even wider. "Thanks, Jack," She replies softly, feeling a surge of happiness. "I'm glad you like it." Her gaze then fell to the sketchbook he had with him. He had been carrying it around with him and she just now had the time to ask him about it. "So, can I see some of your drawings? You've always drawn amazing things. I've missed your art." She admitted.

Jack hesitates, his cheeks burning. He wasn't sure how she would react to the kind of drawings he drew. They were very different from the kinds of drawings she drew. But her expression was sincere, her eyes shining with curiosity. He decided to trust her and nodded his head. "Sure," He agrees, a shy smile tugging at his lips. "But promise you won't judge me too harshly." He said playfully, winking at her.

"I promise." She replied with a small giggle. Jack then handed the sketchbook over to her and she eagerly opened it, her eyes scanning the pages. She was curious and eager to see his work. Jack had a knack for drawing and his art always had a unique style. It was very different from her own, but it was equally impressive and fascinating. Mckenna had to admit, she was shocked by the kind of drawings he had in his sketchbook. He drew naked women, but even then the drawings were still beautiful and tasteful. He didn't draw them in a way to make them look sexual or erotic. They were just naked women, but it was the way he drew them, the attention to detail, and the softness of the lines that made it so striking.

Mckenna could feel her face burn, her eyes widening. Jack had never really shown her his more "risqué" art before, and she was surprised by the amount of detail he put into them. "Wow, these are..." She stammered, her voice trailing off. She was at a loss for words. She couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious as she stared at his art. Here was this attractive guy she's had a crush on for so long, drawing beautiful, naked women, and she couldn't help but feel a hint of jealousy. Not only was he a great artist, but he was also incredibly handsome and charming. What girl wouldn't want him?

"I know, it's a little weird." Jack said sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. He had expected her to laugh or make fun of him, so far she wasn't so he was grateful for that. "But in my defense, they are tastefully done."

Mckenna nods, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Yes, they are." She agreed. Her fingers ran over the pages, admiring the detail and care he had put into his drawings. They were truly impressive and captivating.

"That's one of the good things about Paris. Lots of girls are willing to take their clothes off." Jack joked, his tone light and playful.

Mckenna giggles and rolls her eyes. "I'm sure you took advantage of that." She teased.

Jack grins and shrugs. "Well, it's hard to turn down such a generous offer." He replied.

Mckenna laughs softly and shakes her head. "You're unbelievable." She tells him, her voice full of amusement. "But Jack, they're really beautiful, actually. I didn't expect them to be so detailed. You're really talented." She added, smiling softly at him.

Jack is surprised by her reaction. He had expected her to be uncomfortable, but instead, she was complimenting him. It made him happy, and a part of him felt relieved. Maybe his feelings for her weren't one-sided after all. Maybe he could tell her how he felt. But would that ruin their friendship? He was conflicted, but he tried not to let it show.

"Thank you, Mckenna," He replies, his voice filled with gratitude. "That means a lot to me. Especially coming from you."

Mckenna's heart pounds at his words, her stomach fluttering with butterflies. She can't help but notice how sincere and genuine he sounded. His blue eyes locked onto hers, and she could see the affection and adoration in his gaze. It made her knees go weak, and she had to remind herself to breathe.

"Well, I'm glad you like my drawings, Mckenna." He grinned at her, his eyes twinkling. She nodded, closing his sketchbook and handing it back to him.

"I do." She said, giving him a small smile. "They're really good, Jackie. You're very talented."

Jack chuckles and shakes his head. "You're too kind, Kenna." He said, his tone teasing. "But thank you."

The two of them spent a few more hours in the library before deciding to leave. They explore the ship a bit more before they stumbled upon the bird's nest of the ship. Jack grins as he gets an idea and he starts climbing up there. Mckenna glances around nervously, hoping no one was seeing them. "Jackie, what are you doing? We could get in trouble! Are we even allowed up there?" She whisper-shouted.

Jack looks down at Mckenna from the bird's nest with a mischievous grin. "Relax, Kenna!" He offers his hand to her to help her up. "Do you trust me?" He asked.

"Always." Mckenna replied without hesitation, grabbing his hand. He smiled fondly at her, his heart skipping a beat. He loved how much she trusted him, and it made him feel special. He helped her up and the two of them sat down on the wooden floor. The view was breathtaking, and the ocean stretched out for miles, the sun glimmering on the water. The sky was a beautiful shade of blue, and the clouds were puffy and white. It was truly a sight to behold.

Mckenna gazes out at the ocean, her eyes wide and her heart racing. She couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips. The view was absolutely breathtaking. "It's beautiful." She murmured, her voice filled with awe. She felt like she was on top of the world, and she couldn't stop grinning. It was such an incredible feeling.

Jack smiled, his heart swelling with happiness as he watched Mckenna's reaction. He had always loved seeing her so full of wonder and joy. It reminded him of why he enjoyed spending time with her so much. He couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment, for this chance to be with her again.

"Yeah, it really is." Jack agrees, his eyes never leaving hers. He felt a sense of peace wash over him as he sat there next to Mckenna, the ocean breeze ruffling his hair. He leans in closer to her, their shoulders touching as they stood side by side in the bird's nest. "You know, Mckenna, I'm really glad we ran into each other today." He confesses, his voice soft and sincere. "I've missed you a lot."

Mckenna turns to him, her brown eyes meeting his blue ones. She felt her heart flutter at his words, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "I've missed you too, Jack." She admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "More than you know." She added, her gaze never leaving his. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have him back in her life. He was her best friend, and she had missed him dearly.

Jack smiles at her words, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt the same way. He had missed her so much, and he was happy to have her back in his life. He tosses an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head. Mckenna smiles and leans into his embrace, wrapping an arm around his waist and resting her head against his shoulder. It felt so right to be in his arms, and she couldn't help but sigh happily. They stay like that for a few moments, basking in each other's presence. It's comfortable and intimate, and they both enjoy it.

Eventually they decide to get down from the nest before someone could notice they were there and report them. Mckenna had almost gotten to the floor when she suddenly felt her foot slip. Her stomach dropped, her heart leapt to her throat. She tried her best to regain her balance, but she couldn't. Before she knew it, she was falling, her hands desperately reaching out to grab something, anything, to stop her from hitting the floor. But there was nothing. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest, and she squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the impact. Instead, she feels a pair of strong arms wrap around her, catching her before she could hit the ground.

"I got you, Kenna." Jack's voice was calm but filled with urgency as he held Mckenna tightly in his arms. He felt her body pressed against his, her heart pounding against his chest. He could feel her trembling, her breath coming out in short, shaky gasps. He held her close, trying to steady her and calm her nerves. She clung to him, her heart pounding in her chest as she realized how close she had come to falling. She opened her eyes to find herself inches away from the floor, her body pressed against Jack's chest. She could feel his heartbeat against her own, steady and reassuring.

"Thank you, Jackie," Mckenna breathes out, relief flooding through her. She felt shaky, but safe in his arms. She looks up at him, her eyes wide with gratitude. "You saved me."

Jack holds Mckenna tightly, relieved that he was able to catch her in time. He gazes down at her, his eyes soft with concern. "Of course, Kenna," He murmurs, his voice filled with warmth. "I'll always catch you when you fall." He gives her a gentle smile, his heart swelling with affection for her. He couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her, and he was grateful that he was there to prevent her from getting hurt.

Mckenna smiles back at him, her heart fluttering at his words. She feels a rush of gratitude and affection towards him, overwhelmed by how much he cared for her. "Thank you, Jack," She says softly, her voice filled with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you." She squeezed him tightly, her arms wrapped around his neck as she buried her face in the crook of his neck. She couldn't imagine her life without him by her side, and she was grateful to have him as her best friend.

Jack returned her hug, holding her close as he rests his chin on top of her head. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment as they stood there in each other's arms. He never wanted to let her go, never wanted to be apart from her again. He knew that no matter what happened, he would always be there for her, to catch her when she fell and to hold her when she needed him the most. He was determined to always be her rock, her constant source of support and love. 

After a few moments, they reluctantly pull away from each other, their cheeks flushed with warmth. Jack helped Mckenna to her feet, making sure she was steady before letting go of her. They exchanged a smile, their eyes shining with affection as they stood there together. They knew that no matter what challenges they faced, as long as they had each other, they could overcome anything. With that comforting thought in mind, they link arms and continue their exploration of the ship, eager to see what other adventures awaited them.

A/N ugh i love them so much, any ship names ideas??