Chapter Text
April 5, 1716 - Prince Harrington
Steve walked swiftly to Nancy’s cabin below deck excited to sit and talk to her alone. It’s been so long since he’s been properly alone with Nancy. He’s missed their time together, usually sitting in comfortable silence together.
He knocks on her cabin door and waits for her to answer, “come in.” but it never comes.
“Nancy?” Steve opens the door to an empty room. He’s confused. He knew she used this cabin, he’s been here before. He moves to shut the door when the cabin next door opens while he latches Nancy’s door.
“Steve?”
Steve moves to look and sees Nancy in her night clothes in Robin’s room.
“I was given leave, so I can sit and chat.” He smiles at her while she pushes the cabin door open to beckon him inside.
The cabin is cozy and well lived in. There’s candles near the head of the bed and a book lying open over the white sheets. Nancy was always a reader. She would demolish books to the point he had to buy her a library to keep up. Steve didn’t mind books, he liked the ones about militia men mostly. The textbooks he was shoved by his tutors bored him. Nancy always loved everything she could get her hands on. It was admirable, her love for knowledge.
He sits at the chair pushed under a cluttered desk, while Nancy settles back on the bed.
“How has working been?” Steve asks.
Nancy smiles and sighs, “Actually good. My arms hurt from constantly climbing but I’m getting muscles.” Nancy flexes a bit and it causes a laugh to come out of Steve. “How is cabin boy duty?”
Steve sighs, “Good. It’s nice actually having a purpose.”
That makes Nancy get a little furrow in her brow, “You’ve always had a purpose Steve.”
His shoulders meet his ears, “Waiting for my dad to die isn’t a purpose Nance. I sat doing nothing my whole life, I actually am doing something here. Working for someone who needs me.”
Nancy nods at him to show she understands. She pulls her legs up to hug them close. “Do you like it here?”
“Yes. I like it. Do you?”
“I love it.”
Nancy’s jaw is tight at that. She looks troubled and only ever gets that look when she’s been struggling with something she can’t solve.
“What’s troubling you?”
Nancy untucks herself from her own grasp and takes a deep breath. She’s always been level headed and only acts once properly thinking the situation out. More envy fills Steve, he’s only been impulsive.
“I think I love Robin.”
Steve’s eyes widened at her confession. Nancy would barely tell Steve she loved him when they were together. Her being able to confess this and so soon means she stewed on it for a while.
“Why is that wrong?”
She lets out a loud uncharacteristic of her groan. She’s drenched in frustration. “You’ve heard it. The captain has made it perfectly clear we won’t be able to stay. He’s adamant on it.”
Steve doesn’t like to think about it. How soon Nancy's family will pay and Steve will face this without any form of old world comfort. He knows his family won’t pay but hers will. They love her too much not to.
“What if Robin came with you? Who said you have to stay?”
Nancy shakes her head, “How do I explain her? This is my friend from the ship that kidnapped me?”
Steve shrugged, “Don’t need to explain, just live in our castle, you’ll be alone.”
She sighs and lays back again the pillows, hair splayed out. She rubs her eyes roughly. “I don’t think that’s the life I am supposed to have, Steve.”
He knows that. He knows this life seems blissful but it’s not the one he was granted. Living the life where Eddie needs him, where people actually like to spend time with him.
“I think I like Eddie.” Steve whispers. He hasn’t given himself the luxury of saying it out loud.
Nancy turns in the bed to face him, “platonically or romantically?”
“Romance.”
Nancy smiles at him softly, “Kidnapped two weeks ago and now we’re falling for pirates.”
It makes Steve laugh. They both agreed to move on from one another but never really got to that point. “He ignores me though. I try to be appealing but he doesn’t like me.”
“You’re charming Steve but I’ve heard enough talk around the ship to know he has a form of feelings for you.” She sits up and points, “even if it’s just sexual maybe move on it.”
“Get laid? That’s your advice?”
She lays back down, “Yeah. I didn’t know my feelings for Robin weren’t more till we slept together.”
Sleep with Eddie. The thought makes his face heat up. He wishes he could just have mindless sex with Eddie, but he’s built up to much with him for it to be mindless. If Eddie made it clear he wanted to have sex his first night as a cabin boy he would’ve, but now any form of affection would drive him mad.
“You’ll get there Steve.”
“I love you Nance.”
“I love you Steve.”
Maybe Steve could be brave like Nancy and take charge with Eddie. Take what he wants and maybe get more in return. He’s heard the same rumors as Nancy about him and Eddie. How the captain is soft on him despite the times they fight. Despite how much it frustrates Steve when Eddie pushes him away. Steve hopes if he makes a move, Eddie won’t be angry or tell him he was wrong about their relationship.
April 6, 1716 - Lord Wheeler
Mike’s been spending a lot of time in the crow’s nest with Nancy and Robin. He missed his sister even though he wouldn’t outwardly admit to it. She’s different now. She changed from moving to Castle Harrington and then to now. A double shift.
Him and Nancy usually chat while Robin sits and actually does her job. It’s why she’s higher up on the totem pole that is the Hellfire crew. Also because she’s one of the only crew members over the age 17.
“Tell me about your friends.” Nancy asks, looking off into the blue horizon. They’ve been sailing aimlessly since they kidnapped Steve and Nancy.
“What about them? We just hang out, tell stupid stories, and work.”
Nancy nods, “What about Will?”
“He’s cool. Crazy talented with a quill! He acts so humble about it too. I wanna grab him and tell him to own it! He’s just shy. He’s different when it’s just him, Lucas, Dustin, and me.”
“Yeah he’s quiet.” Nancy leans over to lock eyes with Robin. Robin does a little head nod at Nancy. Girls are telepathic like that. Max and El are the same way. Sharing looks and nods. Speaking without speaking. Even Lucas can’t understand them and he spends a stupid amount of time with the two girls.
“If Mom and Dad pay, will you go home?”
Nancy sighs lightly beside him. The air from her mouth ruffles his hair from the close proximity. “I’m not sure Mike, me and Steve have duties to our kingdom.”
Mike nods to show he’s listening. Duties to a kingdom that hasn’t served them anything. “It’s a lot of money for mom and dad too. I can’t just not come home. Steve and me we-”
“I don’t care about Steve, Nance. I asked what you will do.”
“You care about Steve.” Nancy points to Mike.
Mike smirks at his sister, “I do but I’m not asking him right now. I’m asking you.”
The same calming deep breath his mom taught him to do when he was stressed comes from Nancy. It makes Mike smile. “I’d want to stay. I wish we had more say but-” Nancy runs her hands in her hair, pushing it out of her face. “I know Eddie doesn’t want us to stay. But if it was up to me I’d stay.” Nancy pushes her hand back to grip Robin’s ankle.
Hm.
HM.
Mike’s focusing so hard at the hand on the ankle that Nancy’s words aren’t making it to Mike’s brain.
“ey’d not understand! Steve gave me some good advice but he lives in his own little world sometimes. Do you think mom and dad would understand bringing Robin?”
“Why would you bring Robin?”
Robin chuckles from where he’s pressed against the mast, “Ouch.”
Mike shrugs and leans back to look at both Robin and Nancy. They have spent everyday together and worked and ate together. He also heard from Vickie they’re sharing quarters.
“Mike, me and Robin are dating.”
Mike knows his eyes are wide. He didn’t mean to act like he’s never heard of anything like this before in his life but he never expected his sister to fall in love with a pirate, but as he said, she’s different now.
“Michael.” Her gaze is angry in a questioning way. As if Mike doesn’t spend time with Jonathan and Argyle who live in each other’s minds and El, Max, and Lucas who created something so unique Mike didn’t even know you could love like that.
“I’m fine! I’m thinking!”
Nancy sits patiently watching Mike’s face.
He thinks she can tell he’s deep in thought. How to solve his sisters problem. She could bring Robin home. His mom loves when Nancy makes new friends. Dad hasn’t cared about anything besides watching polo for years. They would never question them. Hell they could go to Steve’s it’ll be empty. Unless his parents already went back after the news.
“Would Castle Harrington be empty?”
“You and Steve should hang out more, you think the same.”
Mike frowns at her which makes her laugh more.
“It’s okay Mike. I’ll figure it out. If I have to, I'll return home.” She shrugs defeatedly. Her smile is soft and resigned. He hopes she gets what she wants the way he did. It’s not fair if she wants to stay and Eddie tells her no.
“Now tell me about amazingly talented Will again.” Nancy smirks over to Mike.
He feels bamboozled in a way. Does he like Will? Yes he does, who doesn’t like him? He’s great at listening, he’s passionate about everyone’s hobbies and his own, and he’s funny. Funny is a way most people aren’t. In a way Mike’s not sure other people understand as funny, but Mike gets it. Mike always gets him.
“I like him. What more do you want?”
“How do you like him?”
Mike furrows his brows at Nancy. She’s trying to get him to talk about something. Is this what they do now? Talk about their crushes?
“I-I don’t know he’s different. I categorize him differently in my head.”
Nancy gets off her hands and leans over the edge of the nest, a breeze blowing the hair she tucked behind her ears out of its neat place. “You should tell him.”
“I think you’re different? I should say that?”
Nancy rolls her eyes so hard Mike can almost hear it while Robin scoffs in the background, “Tell him you like him!”
“I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”
“You won’t. Just tell him.”
“Ok.”
Mike gets up and gets back to his job. He had to check the fastening around the sails.
Tell Will he likes him. He never even really thought about telling him. Anytime his feelings became too much he would push Will away. Will wouldn’t like him back; he doesn't treat him the way someone who likes you should.
He knows Nancy is just trying to help him by telling him to confess but what does she know? Mike spends so much time with Will that if he had feelings for him, Mike would know.
If Nancy has to go back, and won’t or can’t bring Robin, then Mike would go back with her. Two Wheelers for the piece of one. It could be nice to see his parents again. He misses his mom a lot. The comforts of home. The comfort of not having to work everyday.
If it comes to that he might just go back with Nancy. Not to avoid his feelings for Will, no, for other reasons. Wouldn’t be fair to Nancy if he stayed when she wanted to and couldn’t.
That’s why, in the name of fairness he’d return home.
April 10, 1716 - Captain Munson
Eddie thought he’s heard the last of bullshit for a while but clearly it’s not the case. The Prince was on a new type of high now that he’s been allowed to sleep in his bed. They finished dinner and Steve brought back tea with him to enjoy after his daily meetings with Robin, Argyle, and Jonathan.
Steve started subtle. Talking about where they’re heading next. If he heard anything from the Wheelers. Then he asks, “Anything from my parents?”
“If I did you would’ve been the first to know.”
Steve nods and purses his lips. “Do you think I’m worth a million?”
Eddie sips the dregs of his tea and frowns down at Steve. “Maybe even more King Steve.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“Your parents will pay.”
Steve sighs and slams his tea cup down, annoyed. “I don’t even want them to at this point, and I know they won't! We’re just wasting time!”
Eddie stands up and starts pacing immidtiately, “Stop this.”
“No! I’m right! I know my parents.”
Eddie moves to open his cabin door but he knows Steve will follow. He’s trapped.
“You’re not. You’re foolish and acting like a child. They will pay and ye will return home.”
“Don’t call me a fool.”
“I’m saying you’re foolish for not thinking ye are important Princess.”
Steve follows Eddie’s paces moving closer and closer. He has an angry pull in his brow but it doesn’t make him look any less handsome. It makes Eddie even more resentful.
“I’m not important to them. Only you.” Steve’s closer to Eddie than he’s ever been awake. Yeah sometimes when they sleep Eddie will wake up and they're smooshed together, but this view is even better.
The Prince is pushed so close into Eddie’s space now he can smell the bitter sweetness of their shared tea on his breath. His mouth must taste the same.
The problem with focusing on his mouth was that Eddie didn’t even notice when Steve started pushing in. When his nose bumped into his on purpose rather than on accident mid-argument.
Steve’s mouth was hot and delicious. Sweet with the sugar Eddie stole. Eddie stole everything for himself but having Steve enjoy it so much made him feel like he was only preparing for him.
His lips were plush and unblemished despite the constant exposure to salty sea air. Eddie doesn’t know how Steve doesn’t push him away after their lips meet. His lips must be revolting for a man with such softness.
Steve pulls him closer holding him to his chest. Eddie’s brain finally picks back to what’s happening. That he’s actually kissing someone, not just thinking about it.
Eddie fights back for some form of dominance which Steve relinquished right away. Eddie walks Steve back till his butt hits the desk and he sits down. Eddie’s rough with pushing him into the wood, the desk groaning at the weight of both of them.
Eddie hooks his tongue deep into Steve’s mouth, he didn’t wait for an invite. Steve still opens up beautifully under the wet intrusion, a little groan escaping his mouth. Eddie holds his jaw tightly, maneuvering Steve how he wants him. They clink teeth and scrape noses.
Steve isn’t fighting but Eddie wishes he would. Wishes he would push him away and call him foolish. An ugly brute who doesn’t deserve fine things. The push never comes. If anything Steve grips him harder and pulls him deeper. Eddie practically licking Steve’s lips in what could only be described as marking his territory. Making his mouth so wet with his own saliva, his own spit smell, that no one could ever kiss this man again. Not without knowing Eddie’s lips were already there.
Steve takes anything he gives him. Smirking into small kisses and opening his mouth so wide for Eddie to shove his thumb into it from where his hand was perched on his chin. Steve’s tongue shyly licks at his thumb which makes Eddie pull back like he’s been burnt.
Steve’s eyes are heavy in lust Eddie’s not seen in months, maybe even a year. Eddie pulls away fully, hand still holding the prince’s chin, to look at him. Hair askew, collar of his white blouse ruffled, and his face wet with kisses.
“What do you want, Princess?”
“Anything you’ll give me, Captain.” There is no hesitation in his voice.
It’s obedient in a way Eddie didn’t expect. Steve isn’t doing this because he thinks Eddie wants it. He wants it just as much as he does and took the role happily.
Eddie can’t be patient enough to prep him. Doesn’t want to waste the heat on the pleasure of fingers.
He grabs Steve by his shoulders, nails biting into the skin there. Ripping him off his desk just to turn him and shove him back against it. Steve sighs dreamily when his chest hits the desk.
With him laying down on the desk his plump ass is sticking out. Eddie appreciates the Prince’s physique from when he first noticed it. He’s broad and strong. Has a healthy thickness to his hips and a slimness to his waist that calls to Eddie’s hands. His legs are toned and his arms are riddled with visible muscles of a well cared for man. Eddie wants to bite everything inch of him.
Eddie shimmies his own trousers down and moves to the Prince’s. He pulls a little and looks to check if Steve looks upset or unwanting. Steve’s eyes are shut dreamily and he’s biting his swollen lips so fiercely Eddie’s afraid he’s going to break the skin. He pulls Steve’s pants down past his butt to his knees, exposing what he wants.
“Spit into my hand.” Eddie offers his hand out to Steve. He opens his eyes, shining like stars, and sits up a little to spit heavy into Eddie’s hand. Eddie swipes the little string that still connects to Steve’s mouth and brings his soaked hands to between Steve’s thighs. Steve gasps a little at the sudden wetness and his back arches a bit. Eddie rubs his dry hand down his back to calm him and after Eddie rubs the spit into his thighs enough to slick it up.
He spits into his own hand to rub his dick with the wetness. He wishes he had fancy oils or something to help with the friction, but they’ll just have to spit again if this lasts long. Eddie moves closer draping his body over Steve’s sniffing into his hair a bit.
Eddie then lines himself with the slick thighs he created for himself and slides back and forth. Steve’s thighs are thick and muscled. Every pull out he squeezes them together a bit to help Eddie along. Steve being a loving partner even when he’s getting virtually nothing out of this is making Eddie’s heart do flips it shouldn’t.
He tried to make this the least intimate thing he could and it still feels fucking intimate. He’s stupid if he thought he could avoid it. He doesn’t stop though. Fucking himself into Steve’s thighs. They’re so warm and soft. Like everything you could dream of in one beautiful form. His forehead is pressed into the back of Steve’s neck.
Steve’s moaning into the wood of the desk. Something must be happening for him to moan. Eddie doesn’t know but it’s good sounds that are speeding up his release. The squish of the thighs every time he pulls his hips away from the warmth of the body pressed below him is making his eyes roll back. He’s so close to spilling all over Steve.
As a good lover he’d warn them. Say something like ‘I’m gonna finish where do ye want it?’ maybe something sexier, who knows. But Eddie’s still trying to sabotage. Trying to make this so unappealing to Steve that this is a one time deal and he slaps Eddie next time he tries to kiss him, because Eddie knows he’ll want to kiss him again.
Whatever it is that connects the two of them keeps playing with Eddie’s heart. Or maybe Steve is very observant and can tell by Eddie’s stuttering hips and heavy breaths that he’s about to cum.
Either way Steve pushes himself up a bit and turns his head over his shoulder. His eyes are so dark, his lips are so swollen and bitten, and his cheek is red from moving along the desk. Steve moans a bit pushing backwards into the trust of Eddie’s hips. “You can cum on my thighs, Captain. I want you to.”
Eddie feels his throat swallow a scream and his chin hits his chest while he spills in the hot heat of Steve’s thighs. His eyes rolled so hard he almost passed out. He pulled away once he came back and assessed the situation.
The cum drips a little off Steve while Steve looks so happy for a guy who had nothing done to him. Eddie feels absolutely struck. Steve wanted to take care of Eddie. Enjoyed this enough to look like he just ate a good meal and needed a nap. Eddie hated this because he wanted this forever. Not just once, not just for two more weeks, for fucking ever.
Eddie pulls his pants up and moves in autopilot. Moves swiftly to shove himself out of the quarters despite the confused look on Steve’s face and the then very upset look while he slammed the door shut.
He walked all the way to his comfort room. Pushing in without knocking again. The door slammed against the wall and Eddie muttered out a quick sorry.
“Jesus Eddie please- what’s wrong.” Jonathan sits up in bed quickly.
“I-” Eddie sighs out, “I just had sex with Steve.”
“Sweet E. Why’re you here?” Argyle smiles at Eddie from where he was laying on the bed.
“I left.” Eddie’s eyes are wide. He looks almost manic.
“Wait. What?” Argyle pushes himself up to look at Eddie. “You left him alone right after?”
Eddie nods swiftly, no sound leaving his mouth.
“Oh god Eddie! Go back to him!”
Eddie deflates a bit. He’s so stupid why did he run. Again.
“I can’t now! He'll definitely not want to see me now.”
Jonathan sighs and rubs his eyes a bit, “Go apologize and tell him why you’re scared. Just be fucking honest. And stop coming in here without knocking over you being an idiot.”
Eddie squints at Jonathan, “I can fire ye.”
“I’ll take Argyle.”
“Touché.”
Eddie takes a deep breath and looks at Argyle.
“Johnny’s right E. Go apologize and explain everything. It’ll be ok.”
They always have to be right. He hates when other people are right about things he was wrong about. He bids them farewell and walks, slowly, back to his quarters.
Now all his sabotaging might’ve actually worked. Now that he doesn’t want his sabotage to work. Everything he did up to the moment he left did nothing to deter Steve, but he left anyway out of his own fear.
He walked into his day quarters and the office was empty. No signs of anything besides the forgotten tea on the desk. Eddie hopes Steve at least went back into Eddie’s room. Their room, but why would anyone stay after that. After being left cold and used.
Eddie moved into the room to find Steve moving around swiftly. The neglected bunk on the floor has a blanket and pillow back on it. Eddie’s bed has his night clothes folded neatly on the sheets. Steve turns to look at Eddie but keeps moving without even acknowledging Eddie.
“Steve.” Eddie spoke softly
Steve looked up from where he was moving clothes into its drawer and pulling pieces out for tomorrow, “I’m almost finished, Captain.”
“Steve.” Eddie spoke a little louder.
“I can leave if you’d prefer I just need to finish this, please.”
“Don’t-” Eddie’s voice was a little loud and Eddie flinched, “don’t go.” His voice was quiet again and broken.
Steve’s face looks confused. Eddie can’t blame him because this is the signal he gave him. That he’d rather not spend any time with him. Only when he needed him to do something.
“Steve, I'm so sorry I left. I know ye don’t want to hear my groveling. I don’t really deserve your acceptance, but I’m sorry. The way I feel for you doesn’t compare to anything and I got scared and left. I left ye when ye needed at least an explanation, but that’s my fault. I’m sorry for any harm I caused but please don’t leave.”
Steve’s face looks handsome in the moonlight that filters into the room by the single lone window. The warm oranges of the candlelight mix with the blue of the moon. He takes a deep breath and moves to sit on the bed and pats the seat next to him. Eddie listens and sits next to him.
“Don’t leave me again. If you do, I will leave.”
“You’d want that again? What we did.” Eddie can’t look at Steve and focuses on fiddling his thumbs. Eddie feels Steve’s fingers mold against his chin and pull him in his direction.
“Sex? Yeah I’d like that again Ed- Captain.” Steve flushes a bit and smiles at Eddie. Eddie nods and smiles back. At least they finally spoke about something .
“Steve, I just know that if we continue this I’ll fall in love with ye.” Eddie watches Steve’s eyes widen. They look like they have stars in them. So shiny and beautiful.
“Then we should continue.”
It shocks a little laugh out of Eddie and makes him smile big. Teeth and all shining at Steve.
Eddie puts a hand on the side of Steve’s face to lean in to kiss, but he pulls back to look at Steve again. He needs the confirmation he wants this. Steve nods and closes his eyes and Eddie pushes in the rest of the way.
He kisses him as softly as he can. As soft as Steve deserves.
April 11, 1716 - Crewmate El
The birds would not stop chirping all night. She feels bad when she’s angry with them but the constant tweeting back and forth causes her to not be able to settle down. It’s not fair to her if they can’t keep themselves entertained while she’s supposed to sleep.
They squawk all morning too. To the point that multiple crewmates beg her to ask them to stop, but they won’t listen. They’re worried about something.
That should’ve been El’s first guess something was up. Those things were going to be different today. She felt the mysterious presence before she saw them. A cute little pigeon. She knew they had a message when her leg was held closer to her body than the other. She swooped down to El quickly and landed on the railing.
“Hello you.” El said and held her hands up to show she was kind. The bird only ruffled their tail feathers and El realized she was a serious bird. All business. It made El giggle. She pulled the message out and saw the small twine is stuck together with a wax seal. El holds it in her hand and looks. The seal is a crest but she can’t read or see anything distinct.
It’s later in the evening so she walks to go find someone to help her. One her way to the captain's quarters she intercepts Steve bringing the Captain his late night tea.
“Hello Ellie! how are you?”
“Steve, can you help me with this message? It came in just now.”
Steve nods and then nods his head towards the captain’s door. El knocks and hears Eddie’s voice grant entry and opens it for Steve.
“Eddie, El is here with a message.”
Eddie sits and waves El in close so she walks to his side on the desk and hands him the message. Eddie looks at her and then signals Steve in too.
“Would you mind Stevie?”
They had a conversation about their feelings. El can tell. She can also tell because Steve called Captain ‘Eddie’ and Eddie didn’t even flinch. El is so happy for them. Finally.
Steve holds the note and focuses on the seal and swallows loudly, “This is the Wheeler’s crest. The message is from them.”
Eddie sits up straight and El focuses in on Steve opening the note carefully. He unravels it and holds it open to show Eddie and then pulls it close to start reading.
“‘ We, Theodore and Karen Wheeler, agree to your terms and conditions for the return of our daughter Nancy. The sum of One million shall be given with the safe return of our daughter and only then. Please meet at port Loch Nora by April 20th for further instructions and payment. ’” Steve huffs out a breath and places the note down. “One million.”
“I’ll tell Argyle to change course now. Good work El.” Eddie gets up and walks briskly out of the cabin.
Steve looks a little sad. El doesn’t know why but can tell he won’t want to share. She just walks over and hugs him which makes me hug her back close to his chest.
April 11, 1716 - Prince Harrington
When Steve heard the news that they were changing course to Loch Nora because Nancy’s family answered their ransom his heart hurt a bit. This means they got the message and answered it as soon as possible. That they wanted their daughter back.
Steve knows his parents got the message because El told him they did. That her birds were trustworthy in message delivery and that anything past that point was up to his parents. Everything was up to his parents who he hasn’t seen in almost a year. Who never wrote to him even when he wrote them. They didn’t even answer him when he told them to push Nancy and his wedding.
To Steve it was clear. They didn’t want him to come back. They never cared for him. He was just a pawn in their chess game to keep people off their backs. His parents got lucky their first kid was a son. That they didn’t need to try again after him. His father hasn’t ruled in years his advisors have done his job. Why would they care if Steve was present or even ok when they don’t even care about the damn kingdom.
Steve wanted to stay. Wanted to stay with the Captain. No, stay with Eddie .
Despite the fact they’ve moved past an appropriate work relationship (if that’s even what he can call their relationship) he doesn’t know if he can call him Eddie.
He’d like to. Steve loves when the name slips from his lips and the captain just lets him have it. Feels like a sweet gift that only Eddie can bestow upon him.
Steve always feels like waxing poetic whenever he thinks of Eddie now. Was their first time less romantic and magical. Yeah the Captain threw him against his desk and made love to his thighs and then promptly ran away.
But Eddie came back. Apologized and explained himself.
“Steve,” again another gift Eddie grants Steve, calling him by his real name. “I just know that if we continue this I’ll fall in love with ye.”
It took Steve’s breath away. Oh to be loved and love in return. Steve didn’t care if Eddie thinks he’s leaving in two weeks because he wasn’t. Steve just nodded softly and took Eddie’s hands into his. “Then we should continue.” It made a cheeky smile spread across the Captain’s face. Eddie kissed him differently than he did earlier that night. Less biting and rough and more like a butterfly. Soft and sweet like cake.
Sleeping in the same bed went from being as far away from one another to soft and warm pressed against each other. Rutting against one another in the morning before Steve has to start his duties.
Steve started feeling less like a Cabin boy and more like a doting partner. How one partner stays home and cooks and cleans while the other goes to work to bring back money. Steve liked it. Liked waiting on Eddie, it made him feel wanted.
Steve felt bad for Nancy and Robin because despite everything Eddie still insisted Nancy had to leave. That they couldn’t let her stay any longer than necessary. Nancy told Steve she loved Robin and forcing them apart isn’t something Steve wants to think about.
He doesn’t want to ask Eddie to let her stay because he doesn’t want Eddie mad at him. Doesn’t want Eddie to think he used their relationship to try and get an advantage over him.
Steve just hopes it can be resolved civilly.
Steve walked up to a recognizable redhead and started chatting right away.
“What if my family pays!”
“Cabin Boy. Why would that be a big deal?”
Steve scoffs at her, “Because Eddie wouldn’t let me stay!”
Max sighs and drops the rope she was holding to turn fully to Steve, hands on her hips. “He told you he’d fall in love with you?”
Steve nods tersely.
“So if you told him you wanted to stay, why wouldn’t he let you?”
Steve pulls his hand up to his chin in thought. “Well he’s made it clear we’re not allowed to stay.” Steve points at Max.
“You’re so blind it hurts.” Max leans back against the railing.
“What? Why?”
Max shakes her head causing her two red braids to shake with her, “He would let you stay if you asked because he loves you. He pushed you away because he thought you’d be gone! If you decide to stay, that means you love him and want to stay. It’ll be romantic and shit.”
Steve’s eyes go wide. Oh. Why is a 15 year old so mature? Why is he so romantically stunted? Well he knows why, but still it’s embarrassing having a kid tell you what to do.
“So just ask?”
“So just communicate! I can’t point everything out for you.” She points a finger into Steve’s chest.
Steve just nods.
Okay. So he’ll have a conversation with Eddie about staying for good. Maybe post coitus because the guy is very loving post sex.
This will be good and Steve will have the family he always wanted in the crew.
It’s why he wants to stay. Watching everyone interact caused a jealous spike in Steve. Everyone cared for one another and Steve wanted that. When people on the crew actively started caring for Steve it cemented in him that he wanted to stay. Hopefully the Captain will let him stay.
April 12, 1716 - Crewmate Henderson
“They’re giving the million?” Dustin and Eddie were under the deck looking at their storage of weapons while they sailed toward the port. They can’t be too safe and also Dustin hasn’t been alone with the captain in what feels like weeks.
“That’s what they claimed. She’s not hurt so I’m assuming they’re giving us full compensation.” Eddie opens crates tossing wooden boxes around. “Imagine what we could do with a million huh.” Eddie raises his eyebrows up and down.
“Imagine with two once the King and Queen pay up.” Dustin prys open gunpowder and slams the top back down. Dustin watches as Eddie visibly stiffens at that.
“What’s wrong?” Dustin walks over to Eddie bent over another crate of cannon balls.
“Nothing. You’re right. We could retire to Isle Corine like all the rich do.”
Dustin stares down at Eddie before he finally stops his busy work to look up at Dustin. “What?”
“You’re a hypocrite.”
Eddie jumps a little at the shock of what Dustin said. Dustin was never afraid of Eddie. When it comes to calling him on shit he does. This is one of them.
“Why am I a hypocrite?”
“You were so upset about us asking Mike to stay and you want Steve to stay!”
“Oh so he’s Steve to everyone?”
Dustin laughs at that, “Yeah he told us all to just call him Steve.”
Eddie shakes his head at that. “I don’t want him to stay.”
“Why not?”
Eddie stands up at that to use his height against Dustin, which still never works. “Why? Because we need the money!”
“We’re getting money! From Nancy!”
Eddie wags his finger, “No we need both families to pay up.”
“Did you ever think maybe Steve would pay and stay here! Giving up his Princely duties?” Dustin shuffles to follow Eddie around. Captain always paces when his brain is working over time.
“Why would he give all that up?”
“Maybe he likes you? Likes all of us?”
Eddie tsks Dustin away. Dustin knows Steve likes Eddie because he heard from El who heard from Boris, the bird. Dustin also knows unsavory details because the other night he and Mike were sneaking through the food storage that’s under the captains quarters and heard various things they probably weren’t allowed to hear.
“He likes you enough, Eddie. Trust me.”
Eddie squints at him, eyebrows furrowing. “What do ye mean?”
Dustin tightens his mouth and starts walking away swiftly and Eddie runs after him. His hand gripped into his shoulder. “Henderson.” Eddie's eyes widen looking into Dustin’s.
“Uh well. The other night you know the other night.”
“I’m aware of it.”
“Me and Mike. You know him.”
Eddie’s head tilts to the side at Dustin’s stalling. He makes a hand movement to say ‘spit it out.’
“Well we were snooping under the deck looking for a snack. Something not salty. I know you like jam biscuits so I thought maybe we had a secret stash.”
“We do not and if we did it would be in my room you cockroach.”
“Ow.” Dustin holds and hand to his chest to mock the blow he took at the nick name. Eddie just chucked and pulled his hand away.
“Spit it out!”
“Me and Mike heard you and Steve, ya know, bumping uglies.”
Eddie pushed Dustin away and started waking off towards the upper deck.
“Eddie, it was our fault we snooped! We don’t care. Once we realized what was happening we ran off!”
“That’s private matters between me and the Prince. Ye boys know better than to snoop too!”
Dustin feels bad but he knew he needed to tell Eddie about it otherwise he’d only grow weirder about hearing it. “Sorry Captain.”
Eddie looks back and pats Dustin on the head. “Go fetch Mike and bring him to my quarters please.”
Shit. If it was Dustin alone he probably would’ve just been flicked on the forehead for snooping for sweets but because Mike was involved this wasn’t going to be as simple. Eddie loves to test Mike and Dustin is just collateral.
Dustin weaves around the upper deck looking for Mike.
“Will! Have you seen Mike?” Will was bent over a map with Argyle.
“He’s up top with Birdie and Nancy.” Argyle points up without even moving his head.
Dustin looks toward the crow’s nest and sees Mike's dark hair come into focus.
The typical procedure is to climb up and fetch the Crewmate, but Dustin doesn’t feel like climbing and he knows he’s loud enough. Dustin screams up to Mike to come down and he watches him move swiftly down the ropes.
“Don’t yell like that anymore Dustin. Scare the bejebus out of me.” Argyle laughs while Mike settles himself down on the deck.
“Dude! You almost made me fall!”
“Shut up Eddie knows we snooped, he wants us in the quarters.”
Oooohhh’s ring out behind Dustin and Mike from Argyle and Will. Mike makes a wide eyed face at Dustin.
“Which part of the snoop?”
“All of the snoop.”
Mike scoffs and flails his arms, “You told him!”
“I couldn’t look him in the eye with the knowledge I had!”
Mike just shakes his head and starts to walk towards Eddie’s quarters. He starts laughing a bit before they enter because it is arguably a very stupid situation that only they could get stuck in.
Mike knocks and opens without even waiting for Eddie to respond. When Dustin walks in both Eddie and Steve are behind his desk. Steve’s standing leaning against Eddie’s chair where Eddie is lounged back. His face is quiet and harsh like it is when he wants to look tough. The man should know that face does nothing for him and Mike but he’ll let him have it.
“Sit.”
Dustin and Mike make their way to the torn leather seats on the opposite side in the desk. Steve’s face looks mortified which means he was told what happened.
“Tell the Prince what you told me.”
“You did tell him!” Mike hisses out to Dustin.
“I already told you I did!”
“Michael Wheeler tell your future brother-in-law what you did.”
Mike grimaces and Steve shakes his head at that. Steve starts to say something but Eddie waves him off to signal to stop talking.
“We heard you guys having sex.”
Steve coughs at the bluntness of Mike’s words. “I don’t like this Captain, it’s fine.” Steve shifts on his feet.
“This is supposed to embarrass them, not you!” Eddie points to Steve.
Oh yeah, Dustin can tell the guys soft on the Prince. The way he speaks and looks at him is indication enough.
“Well, I am embarrassed. It’s fine guys just don’t do that again.” Steve points to Dustin and Mike.
“Don’t tell my crew what’s fine and not.”
Steve slams his arms down and shakes his head, “Ok!”
“Apologize to him and get to swabbing. And next port I’m buying jam biscuits to eat in front of you both.”
“All of this was about cookies?” Steve furrowed his brow down at Mike and Dustin who swiftly shook their heads ‘yes’.
Steve laughs out at that which causes Eddie to again look up at him softly. Dustin is going to yell at him later that he is in fact in love with this man.
Nothing gets past Dustin.
Him and Mike run out of the quarters after apologizing to Steve for invading his privacy and quickly get to swabbing duty. Mike huffs about Dustin needing to learn to keep secrets.
“I hate secrets! Secrets don’t keep friends!”
“Yeah well it’s keeping us swabbing for a week Dusty!”
It just makes Dustin laugh more.