Some sort of Something-4-

We don't even use the barking engine room anymore. What could she have possibly left in there? Her skirt swished maddeningly as Deryn clomped down the passage way. She supposed you could dress her as a girl, but months of formed habits would be hard to break...and she didn't feel like letting them go anytime soon.
She pushed the door open and froze.
"Mr. Sharp," Bovril jumped from his perch and ran to her.
"Aye beastie." She grinned and gathered the creature into her arms, hugging it's small furry body for a moment before setting it down. The beastie ran to Alek, settling onto the boys shoulder as he stood and wiped dust from the floor on his jacket, leaving dirty gray streaks on it. Deryn suddenly wondered if she should curtsy, but then decided against it; no point in making this even more awkward.
"Im guessing Barlow told you there was something she needed in here too?"
Deryn let out a breath. "Aye, but as you've prolly guessed by now, that was just some clever ruse."
"Hmm. Nice dress."
"I'm wearing pants underneath."
Alek laughed, which made the mood seem to lighten slightly and got Deryn to smile.
"Why?" Alek asked and sat on the edge of the remaining egg box. He moved over to make room for Deryns behind.
"You know already," she replied as she sat. "I wanted to fly."
"Not that, dummkopf. I mean, why the dress?"
Oh "The lady boffin say's I've got to dress the part if I'm to stay in her service. And it's a skirt, actually."
"A little better."
"Aye. I suppose."
"It looks good."
"Thank you."
They sat for a while, not saying or doing anything besides breathing, enjoying each others company after what seemed forever apart.
"I've missed you Deryn," Alek said suddenly. She bit her lip.
"Aye. Me too, Alek."
"None of the boys are half as fun as you to be around."
"I'll bet."
"One called me a faerie. What's that supposed to mean?"
When Deryn could breath again, she told him not to worry about it, that it didn't matter. Alek looked confused but didn't press on, only shrugged."
"So you get to stay on the ship, at least." he said, continuing the conversation.
Deryn nodded and pushed her sandy hair back, causing it to stick up at all angles. It brought a look of amusement to Aleks face.
"I'm glad you get to stay on."
"Aye,"
Alek suddenly stood and offered her his hand with a flourish. She took it and allowed him to pull her to her feet, slightly flabbergasted as he kissed the top of her hand.
"Miss Sharp, it is an absolute pleasure to meet you." He raised his eyebrows and smiled crookedly. "I look forward to getting to know you better."
Now she curtsied. "A pleasure, your Arch-dukliness."
"Mr. Sharp," Bovril corrected from the crate and giggled. Alek and Deryn joined in and soon were in each others arms for support as their laughter echoed throughout the giant airship.