Author: Merula
Pairing: 1x2
Rating: R
Warnings: Yaoi, AU, pirates
Disclaimer: I don't own GW.
A Pirate's Life for Me Part 1
Duo looked at his crew, then back at the prisoner tied to the mast. "What exactly did you do?" He asked them.
"Kidnapped the gov'ner's daughter!" One of them crowed.
Duo shook his head. "And why did you kidnap her?"
"Uh... we can hold her for ransom?" Another one offered.
"We just ransacked the town. I sincerely doubt they have money left to ransom her." He frowned at the girl, her blue eyes wide and frightened over her gag. "Damn, and we just can't take her back... I'll bet the navy's there now."
"Slit 'er throat and toss 'er overboard?" Someone suggested.
Tears started to form in those big blue eyes. Damn it, Duo thought, he knew he should've supervised the loading himself, but he'd been injured and so he'd trusted it to his second-in-command. He sighed heavily.
"Oh yeah, that's not going to make the navy mad at us or anything." He pushed his hat back off his forehead and frowned at the girl. "Maybe we can put her ashore somewhere..."
"Cap'tn!" A shout from the crow's nest. "Ship portside!"
Double damn. The navy had come for her already. Duo moved to the side, pulling out his glass and taking a look, sure that there would be more than one ship. Sure that they would be those big heavy gunners of the navy...
It was only one. Small, light, built for speed, and with only a few cannons. What the hell was this?
"She's coming up fast!" Duo yelled at his crew. "Get ready!" He studied the ship. They could take it on easily unless there was more to this ship than he could see- which it would be safe to assume there was. No one would go hunting pirates in something that looked like that.
Course, the ship might not be after them at all... could be some people out for a... pleasure cruise or something... Yeah, his luck was never that good.
He examined the ship again. He could see one... two people.... Only two? Nah, there had to be more than that.
"What d'ye see cap'tn?" His second-in-command had joined him and was squinting over the rail.
"She's not built for fighting- but she'd outrun us easily. I think we're going to have to fight."
"Sorry cap'tn. I didn't think the lass would be that much trouble."
"They'd be chasing us anyway." The ship was getting closer, coming up alongside, and still Duo could only see two people. What madness was this?
He closed the glass, and went to the lady tied to the mast. "Forgive the personal question, m'dear. Just nod. Do you have a sweetheart?"
She nodded once.
Figures. "Is he the type to rush off into something without thinking it through?"
She nodded vigorously.
"Ah, then this would be him then, come to rescue you." Duo looked at the other ship, and sighed. "Would he be disappointed if we just kinda handed you over? Or do you think he's wanting to fight us?" He looked back at the girl and waved his hand. "I know, I know... don't answer that."
"Captain! They're coming aboard!"
Sure enough the two people Duo had seen on the deck swung over and landed on his. Duo really hoped there were other people on board their ship- otherwise it was either going to ram his, or sail off without them and he'd have three unwanted prisoners instead of two.
He made a small hand gesture to his second in command, who nodded and slipped away. Better to be safe than sorry.
The two young men stood on his deck, glaring at the pirates that surrounded them, swords out and drawn.
Did they honestly think they stood a chance?
"Relena!" One of them shouted. "What have you done to her, you blackguards!"
"Relax," Duo replied, leaning against the mast, beside the girl. "She's right here."
The pirates moved to the side so the two young men could see the girl and their captain. Most were grinning, Duo noted.
Well, they always did like a good show.
"Let her go!" The shorter of the two demanded. His eyes were also blue, Duo noted, and though his hair looked like he'd been running in a windstorm he was really quite attractive. Pity.
"Why?" Duo asked, just for the sheer fun of it.
"Or we will kill every last man of you!" The other young man snapped. His dark eyes narrowed when that statement made Duo's crew laugh uproariously.
"And do you think, that in the time it would take you to fight your way over here, that I wouldn't have time to cut this young lady's throat?" Duo pulled his sword out and laid it across the young woman's neck. "I'm afraid you'll have to do better than that."
That stumped them.
Good. He could give the chit to them in a nice gesture, send them home, and that would be that.
"I'll fight you for her." The dark-eyed one offered. "Single combat!"
Duo lifted an eyebrow. "Sorry, just ransacked the town, got injured myself, don't really feel up to it."
"I'll trade you for her." The other one offered. "Myself for her freedom." His friend gave him a shocked look, and the young lady beside him sighed through her gag.
Oh... now there was an interesting proposition. Duo squashed his first response, and said instead: "And why would we want you over her?"
The dark-eyed man cursed in Chinese. Duo thought it was something along the lines of 'lustful animals!' but he wasn't sure.
"Aren't women bad luck on a ship?" The blue-eyed man retorted.
That sent Duo's crew off on another wave of laughter. "Lad," Duo said kindly. "You'd best look at my crew again."
The two men blinked at him, but did as he asked.
He saw their eyes widen in shock.
"They're all women!" The dark-eyed one sounded as if he was choking. "You have a floating harem and you're trying to add Relena to it?!"
Duo's crew growled.
"I can assure you," Duo said in a level tone, "I am a perfect gentleman. These ladies are in my employ as my crew, and nothing more."
Duo's second in command leaned over his shoulder.
"No one else on their ship, captain. We've got her steady."
"Thanks Hilde," he murmured to her. So, these two idiots really had rushed off alone. He wondered which was her sweetheart. They probably both were.
"I say, captain," she said, raising her voice. "Take the lad's offer. You could use a cabin boy." She nudged him in the ribs. "We get tired of cleaning up after you, and Cook could use a hand."
He saw a flush rise in the man's face.
Very tempting. Still... he hated to see sweethearts parted...
Before he could speak, the blue eyed man handed his sword to his friend and walked across the deck to stand in front of Duo.
Up close he was even more striking.
"If you will set her free, then I will act as your cabin boy aboard this ship."
"And what if your friends then decide to come and rescue you?" Duo retorted.
The young man looked towards his friend. "Wufei will swear that they won't come after me."
"Heero!"
"Swear it Wufei!"
They glared at each other for a moment.
"Wufei- it's for Relena. Better this than dead."
"Very well. I swear that no one from my town,"
"Or the navy," Duo added.
"Or the navy," Wufei repeated.
"Or an outsider that you hire," Hilde added.
Wufei glared at her. "Or an outsider that we hire will come after you. I will take Relena and return home with her."
Well, this was too good a deal to pass up.
"I accept your terms." He looked at Hilde. "Put him someplace safe."
She nodded and grabbed one of Heero's arms, a few crew members stepping forth to help her. He went willingly after them, casting a last look over his shoulder at the girl and his friend.
Duo lifted his sword away from Relena's throat and slashed through the ropes, freeing her.
She brushed them away and pulled her gag off. "What did you make him do that for?" She demanded. "You didn't even want me in the first place!"
Duo shrugged. "I know- but that was too good an offer to pass up. I do need a cabin boy." He pushed her towards Wufei. "Go home."
He was a bit relieved to see the way the two of them embraced. Maybe they were the sweethearts? Course no man would give up his freedom for his friend's sweetheart... unless he was in love with her too? Removing himself from the picture so to speak? Well, maybe he had done the man a favor after all.
The two of them reboarded their ship and he watched as they sailed off.
"What a fun day it's been." The ship's surgeon had joined him at the rail.
"You always think it's a fun day when you get to stitch us up Sal," he grinned at her.
"True. How's the shoulder?"
"Well enough. Where'd they put our new crew member?"
"In your cabin I think," Sally grinned back. "To be fair, I didn't hear him screeching, so he went quietly enough."
"Unless he's ransacked my cabin by now."
She laughed. "I doubt it. He seems to be the man of his word type." She looked over the rail at the ship fast fading into the distance. "Pity we couldn't have kept them both. That one was pretty too."
He lifted an eyebrow at her. "Does Lucrezia know you're pining after a pretty face?"
She rolled her eyes. "I didn't say I would touch- just look, you know?" Her grin widened. "More than you'll be doing with that cabin boy."
"Sally," he shook his head at her. "I am a gentleman remember?"
"Captain," she smiled back. "It's been a long time since you've... had company..."
Before he could reply, Hilde joined them. "No other ships are in sight, open seas," she said and looked pointedly at his bandaged shoulder. "You should go get some rest captain."
He was tempted to argue with her, just for forms sake, but his shoulder was aching.
"Thank you, I think I will. Rouse me immediately if a ship is sighted."
"Aye aye captain." Hilde saluted.
Duo headed towards his cabin. No doubt his new cabin boy would be in there sulking or fuming or something... he'd send the man down to Cook and have him help her. A few hours peeling potatoes should tame his temper.
He opened the door to his cabin and stepped inside. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim light.
Then it took a moment for him to realize what he was seeing.
"HILDE!" He bellowed.
She poked her head in the cabin. "Yes captain?"
"What... Why...?" Duo sputtered, pointing at his new 'cabin boy'.
The young man was bound over the arm of his sofa; face down, legs spread, hands tied behind his back. Duo wasn't sure if he should be thankful that they'd left his clothes on.
Duo couldn't see his face from this angle, but he could imagine the expression...
"Oh, I didn't think you'd be wanting to wrestle with him." Hilde replied. "You're injured after all."
"Hilde!"
She gave him a cheeky grin and made a quick exit, closing the door behind her.
~*~
Duo thought about calling Hilde back, but he was too tired to argue with her. Instead he went to the sofa, squashing the thought that it would be a shame to put all their hard work to waste, and reached for the ropes that bound Heero's hands.
"Sorry about this," he said as he undid the ropes and pulled Heero into a standing position. "The ladies get odd ideas sometimes."
"They said it was a 'hazing ritual'," his new cabin boy frowned. "Whatever the hell that means."
"Ah, just a little joke to panic the new crewmember." Duo patted him on the shoulder and headed for the bed. "Might want to be careful for a few days- the ladies will no doubt be testing your temper."
Heero rubbed his wrists. "You're the captain, can't you control them?"
Duo sat down on his bed and burst into laughter. "On something like this? Good Lord, no. Don't you know anything about women?"
"Not as much as you must, sailing with a harem."
Duo frowned. "I meant what I said. The ladies are in my employ as sailors and nothing more. I don't..." he paused, looking for a suitable phrase. "I don't ask them to serve me in that way." He met Heero's eyes. "Nor will I make you serve me that way either."
Heero snorted. "Make me?"
Duo lifted an eyebrow. "My dear sir- you were in a very compromising position when I entered the room. Do you really think you could've fought me off?"
He watched Heero turn a variety of interesting colors with hidden amusement.
"Now, if you please, I want you to go help Cook. Anytime she asks, you are to help her- understood?"
Heero nodded. "Understood."
Duo waved him towards the door and then bent down to pull off his boots. Before he realized it, Heero was beside him on the floor, his hand on Duo's ankle.
"What are you doing?"
"It looked like you needed help, sir, and that is my main job, is it not?"
Duo thought about arguing, decided against it, and let Heero help him pull his boots off.
"Anything else sir?"
"No, thank you." Duo took his hat off and tossed it near the door. "Go help Cook."
Heero headed towards the door. Duo put his head down on the pillows and closed his eyes.
A moment later, a heavy weight pressed him to the bed, forcing his hands above his head. Surprised, he opened his eyes to find his new cabin boy pinning him to the bed. "What the hell...?"
"Just showing you, sir, that if you ever decide to have your ladies put me in a compromising position, then you had best be ready to have me return the favor," Heero hissed.
Duo had to laugh. "Point taken. Now please go away and let me rest? I'm an injured man, remember?"
"Of course sir. Rest well." And his newest crewmember vanished out the door.
Duo closed his eyes again. Well, that one was going to be an interesting addition to the crew.
~*~
An hour or so later, Duo woke up with the discomforting feeling that someone was watching him.
He opened his eyes to find a bright blue pair above him.
"AAH!" His body tried to spring back, forgetting he was on the bed, and so he nearly fell out of it. "What are you doing?! Trying to kill me?!"
"No sir," Heero shook his head. "Cook sent me in here with your meal."
"And you couldn't have just woken me up?"
"Isn't that what I did?" Innocent tone.
So, that was how he was going to play it?
Duo rolled his eyes. "By nearly scaring the life out of me?" He pushed himself up from the bed and looked at the table with its tray of food. "I suppose you've spat in it?"
Heero's eyes widened. "Why would I do that sir?"
Duo strode to the door and opened it. "Lucrezia!"
A woman strode across the deck. "Captain?"
"I want you to take the cabin boy down to the hold and find a corner for him to sleep in. He's to help Cook primarily and after that anyone who needs help. Keep an eye on him- he might try and damage the ship while he's working or do something to the food. Once we get to San Miguel, we're dumping him ashore."
Lucrezia looked at Heero. "What did he do sir? Is he not keeping to his bargain with you?"
"The letter of it yes. Which should be expected." Duo snorted. "I don't like him having access to my cabin, and I don't trust him. Keep him away from me."
"Come on then," Lu gestured to Heero. "There's work to be done."
Heero joined her, lips pressed tightly closed.
"And please ask Cook to send me another meal? This one can be used for bait." Duo added. Heero shot him an angry look but didn't say a word.
"Yes Captain."
He closed the door behind them and rubbed at his temples. He should've just left the damn man tied to the sofa; it would've been a lot easier.
~*~
Heero followed Lucrezia across the deck, fuming angrily. God damn suspicious fucking bastard. All he had done was lean across the bed to wake the Captain- it wasn't his fault that he paused for a moment to try and remember which shoulder the Captain had injured so he didn't poke the wrong one.
Maybe he just should've stood across the room and shouted at him?
Heero was going to keep his half of the god damn bargain- in letter and spirit, so help him, and make that suspicious bastard eat his words.
"It's no good to try and cross the Captain," Lucrezia said. "You've not done yourself a favor- there's not a person on this boat that wouldn't die for him- and if he asked us to spit and cook you we would. Do you understand me?"
"I didn't think pirates were loyal." Heero snapped.
Lucrezia smiled. "We aren't. We're mad dogs- but he's the one holding the leash. If it weren't for him most of us would be worse than slaves- or dead."
"Why?"
Lu turned her head to meet his eyes. "You said it yourself- women are bad luck on a ship- and yet he's taken in every single one of us. That's all you need to know." She led him down into the hold. "He's a true gentleman and don't you ever forget it."
"He's a pirate."
"He wasn't born one." Lu pointed to a hammock in the corner that contained a sleeping pirate. "That's yours- from midnight to eight. Otherwise it belongs to other people, so don't try to sleep in it any other time."
"You sleep in shifts?"
"You have to on a ship," Lu looked amused. "It's three hours til midnight, so let's see how well you can climb the rigging. The ladies in the Crow's Nest will be wanting a snack."
~*~
Heero was tired. He'd found his hammock comfortable enough, but there had been so much more noise than he was used to- a ship was never a quiet place apparently- and the pirates who bunked in the other hammocks around his had a tendency to snore. Loudly.
He'd been tipped out of the hammock at eight by the pirate who used it on the day shift. It was the most unpleasant way to wake up that he'd experienced.
Then he'd gone to help Cook peel potatoes until he thought his fingers would fall off- and once he'd finished, Lucrezia had told him to polish the cannons.
Despite his tiredness, he concentrated on doing a good job. He would keep his word, even if it was to a baseborn scoundrel of a pirate who hadn't even appeared on deck yet! What did he do? Lie around in his cabin all day?
Well, he did have that really big comfortable looking bed...
Heero stifled a yawn and moved on to the next cannon.
Two pirates walked past him, talking in low voices.
"Sally says he's running a terrible fever..."
"How could that wound get infected? Sally's always so careful!"
"She can't plan for everything..."
Heero frowned. There was only one other 'he' on this ship... Was the captain ill? Was that why he hadn't come out of his cabin?
"Working hard I see!" Heero looked up to find the second-in-command standing beside him.
"It's my job," he answered quietly and she smiled.
"You've been doing very well. Lu says you climbed the rigging like a natural and Cook is very pleased- you're the first of her assistants she hasn't driven off."
"Thank you." Heero bit down on what he wanted to add- at least someone noticed that he was keeping to his half of the agreement.
Hilde's eyes twinkled. "You mustn't be mad at the Captain for getting tetchy with you. He tends to get a temper when he's not feeling well."
"Is he ill?"
She nodded. "His wound's gone bad." He saw the worry in her eyes.
"I'm sure he'll be fine."
"I..." Before she could finish her sentence there was a cry from the crow's nest. Heero couldn't understand what the hell they were yelling, but Hilde did. She rushed to the portside and shaded her eyes.
"Damn!" She cursed. "I can't see what they're flying... Irea! Call all hands on deck! We might have company!"
Heero blinked as the ship became a swarm of activity. Pirates clambered onto the deck, climbed the rigging- all eyes on that sail in the distance.
"What is going on?" A familiar voice cut through all the noise. The Captain stood outside his cabin, barefoot, clad only in a loose shirt and breeches. Heero could see that the man was swaying on his feet- he was flushed and looked ill. What was he doing?
"Ship was sighted sir- portside- getting closer." Hilde reported.
"What is she flying?"
"Can't tell yet."
The Captain joined her at the railing. "I need my spyglass..."
"Aye!" One of the pirates rushed into the cabin and retrieved it. She was followed by an angry-looking female- the one that had been pointed out to Heero as the ship's surgeon.
"Duo Maxwell! What the hell are you doing!" She snapped.
Heero's chest tightened at the sound of the Captain's name.
Duo Maxwell?
No, it couldn't be. He'd misheard... or there were two... No, he must have misheard... there couldn't be a lot of 'Duo's' out there...
The Captain ignored her, snatching his spyglass out of the pirate's hands.
Heero forced himself to take a breath. It couldn't be...
But... now that he looked... the coloring was the same... same hair, same build... and the eye color....
And Lucrezia had said he was a gentleman...
Damn it. If it was him, then...
"It's the Navy!" The Captain snapped the spyglass closed. "We'll have to try and outrun them." He rattled off orders and the crew moved fast to obey. Heero didn't know what to do- anywhere he went he'd be in the way.
Sally spotted him. "You! Take the Captain back to his cabin!"
"I am not going to my cabin!"
"Captain- with all due respect- the Navy ship is a distance away. We have the wind on our side. What we don't have is a Captain in good health. We can deal with this. If they get closer, we'll fetch you, but in the meantime you need to lie down before you do yourself serious damage!"
"I agree Captain," Hilde nodded. "You're ready to fall over."
"Mutiny," the Captain muttered. Heero moved closer, reaching out for the Captain's wrist. The skin felt hot under his hand.
This was Not Good.
"Please sir," he said, "let me take you to your cabin. I promise to stand by the door and tell you everything that's going on."
The Captain grumbled under his breath, but when Hilde pointed out that the Navy ship was already falling further back, he agreed to return to his cabin. Heero managed to get him back inside and down on the bed. He was reaching for the basin beside the bed that was filled with cool water, but the Captain waved him towards the door.
"You said... you'd watch..."
Heero nodded and went to stand beside the door.
~*~
Duo squeezed his eyes closed. The lids felt like they were burning, his eyes ached.
"What do you see?"
"It looks like the ship is falling further behind- half the crew is going back down below decks- but there are a bunch up in the rigging..."
Duo sighed in relief. Maybe they really would get away okay...
Something wonderfully cool touched his forehead. He blinked his eyes open. The cabin boy- Heero- had placed a cool cloth on his forehead.
"The ship?"
"I'll check in a moment. You're burning with fever."
"Better fever than fire..." Duo closed his eyes. "That's why Hell is an inferno you know- nothing worse than fire..."
The coolness vanished for a moment, then returned, cooler than before. "Sounds like you know it personally."
"Nearly burned to death once... m'family's holdings..."
"Accidental fire?" There was an odd tone in the other's voice.
Duo snorted. "Hardly... set on purpose to get rid of us... like rats..." He opened his eyes to see his new cabin boy regarding him with an odd expression. "The ship?" He asked.
"I'll go check," Heero got up from the bed, but before he got to the door, Sally entered.
"We lost them." She said as she bent over Duo's bed. "So close your eyes and get some rest- do you understand me Duo Maxwell?"
"Too hot," he protested, and the cloth on his forehead was once again renewed.
"Do you mind watching him for a bit?" He heard Sally ask. "I have to go check the other ones who were injured- it won't take long."
"It is my duty to serve him." There was that odd tone again. "I will keep watch."
"I'll be back soon." Sally's cool fingers touched Duo's cheek. "Try to sleep."
Much to his surprise, Duo did.
~*~
Heero watched the captain sleep, occasionally taking the cloth off his forehead and re-soaking it. The captain's fever was high... it would be a terrible thing if after finally finding Duo Maxwell the man died of infection...
He could hear his father's voice in his ear."Promise me Heero- on the honor of our family..."
What would his father say about this? That Duo, heir of the Maxwells... was a pirate? Not just a pirate- a pirate captain.... of a ship full of female pirates?
Heero shook his head. He knew what his father would say. "Loyalty unto death... and after if needed..."
Crap. The bastard had better not die.
He replaced the cloth again, wishing that Sally would come back soon. He was running out of water... maybe he should go get some. The captain was sleeping- it should be safe to go get more.
Getting up as quietly as he could he took the pan and headed for the door, casting one last look over his shoulder at the unconscious captain.
The sun was setting, the cool air felt good after the close confines of the cabin. Heero looked up and found Lucrezia studying him from the deck above.
"More water," he said in explanation.
She nodded. "Need someone to spell you for a bit? Sally's having trouble with one of the others, but I could send in someone else."
Heero shook his head. "I'm fine. The captain is sleeping. I'll get the water and go back."
She nodded and he hurried towards the galley.
This time of day Cook should be alone finishing the washing up- it should be easy to get some water, Heero thought.
Heero opened the door to the galley quietly and froze.
Cook was leaning next to one of the tiny portholes, cooling down. It was something he'd seen often during his times in the kitchen.
But this time Cook's shirt was open... and she seemed to be... well...
Cook looked towards the door and swore, her... no his hands closing the shirt rapidly.
"What are you doing here?"
"I need some more cool water for the captain..." Heero managed. "I...uh... didn't mean to disturb you..."
Cook's shoulders slumped. "Guess you'll tell the captain now?"
Heero closed the door to the galley behind him. "I can't tell the captain anything- he's unconscious and I doubt he'd understand it anyway."
Cook's expression changed slightly. "So... you won't tell on me?"
"Is there some nefarious reason that you're disguised on this ship? Do you mean the crew harm?"
Cook shook his head. "Oh hell no- I'm related to half of them." He tugged on a strand of his blond hair. "My sisters and I had to... well, we had to leave where we were rather quickly. We're all good sailors and we didn't want to be split up- but Captain Maxwell doesn't hire men."
Heero nodded. "Got it. I won't tell on you..."
"Quatre."
"Quatre." Heero offered his free hand and Quatre shook it. "So- can I have the water now?"
"Oh- of course." Quatre took the pan and refilled it. "Send down here if he wakes up and is hungry."
"Thank you." Heero took the pan back and carefully made his way back to the captain's cabin.
He opened the door and had to dodge a boot that suddenly seemed hell-bent on denting his skull.
"Captain!"
Duo was on his feet, swaying. "The Navy... is it still there?"
"No," Heero put the pan down carefully by the door. "No, we outran them." He moved to the Captain's side, tried to grab his arm. "We're safe, everything is under control. You need to rest."
"Can't... I'm responsible..."
"Captain... please... you aren't well." Heero hid his dismay at how hot Duo's skin was under his fingers.
Duo followed along obediently for a step or two, then he stopped, his expression darkening.
"Didn't I throw you out? Why are you back here? Tryin' to hurt the ship?" He pulled against Heero's grip.
"No," Heero shook his head. "I wouldn't do that. I can't do that."
Duo frowned. "But..."
"Would a Yuy try to hurt a Maxwell?"
"Never..." Duo blinked. "Loyal to death..."
"Exactly," Heero took advantage of the Captain's uncertainty and tugged him to the bed. "Loyal to death, and so I will be." He pushed Duo down on the bed. "So, please Captain, rest?"
Duo exhaled, his body relaxing. "You're on guard?"
"Always."
TBC...
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