Jim was well aware that at every first contact they had with new races in outer space there was a good chance that the translators could make a mistake or two, not able to fathom the nuance of some word or even sentence. It was a known possibility, since translating a language would have took a bigger exposure to it than it was possible at that very first approach.
Many times it led to funny anecdotes that Jim would later recount to hosts and guests during social occasions, other times they led to difficult situations that weren’t nice stories material.
More often than not, it all simply led to ridiculous misunderstanding though, as Jim was pretty sure it had happened upon their arrival to Paracacia when the automatic translator had more than one problem in translating their words, sometimes leaving whole sentences in the original alien language.
Jim frowned slightly, tempted to shake the translator, but he knew it was no use; instead, he tried to ask the ambassador to repeat one more time what they had said.
The alien had stopped in their track, the tentacles on their chin trembling softly as they tried with different words.
"We are a very united people. We welcome such a unite people as you are." The translator relayed that time, and Jim was ninety percent sure that it had missed something. He had started to develop a sixth sense about that kind of situations.
A quick glance to his side revealed a pointedly arched eyebrow on Spock's face and Jim felt his suspicions confirmed.
"We are glad you welcome us." He smiled at the alien nonetheless. "We hope that we will soon be able to talk with your head of state and inform them of how the Federation would welcome you if you would decide to unite to us."
The tentacles trembled more animatedly and Jim had the clear impression that the alien was quite happy to hear that. Once again the ambassador started walking, leading them to what they had been assured would have been a suitable sistemation for them until their royalty was free to meet them.
"It is sad that the rest of your team is not as united as you two are." The ambassador commented, and Jim frowned slightly because at no point he and his team had showed any divergence.
"I can assure you they are of the same opinion as us, we all share the same desire to see peace spread on the universe."
"That is admirable." The ambassador had told them, his tentacles much more subsided.
"How valuable is the fact of being united for your people?" Spock had wondered, clearly finding the matter fascinating.
Jim could almost hear the word go around in the other's brain.
"Very much. That is how the head of state are chosen. How all the head are chosen."
"Fascinating." Spock commented right as Jim had expected him to.
They nodded their heads respectfully when the ambassador left them in front of a door and informed them that they would have met in three hours for dinner.

Jim stopped barely two steps inside the room, his gaze fixed on the huge bed in the center of it. A queen sized bed that clearly meant their hosts had thought he and Spock were "united" in a very different way compared to what the translator had made them think they meant.
"Uh." He said very intelligently.
"Indeed." Spock murmured beside him, eyes fixed on the only bed in the room.
"Guess they thought... we were united in another way than being Captain and First Officer." Jim considered slowly, tilting his head without really wanting to walk closer to the bed.
"Apparently. It could be what the ambassador meant when they said that their head of state were chosen between the united ones."
"Ah." Jim nodded, putting his hands on his hips. "So, they chose between bonded couples. And they thought we were... united, because we are at the head of the Enterprise." He surmised.
"Probably correct." Spock nodded his head, back straight and hands behind his back.
Jim nodded slowly and finally moved away from the door, letting his bag drop on what looked like a chair.
"So, which side do you prefer?" He asked Spock, wondering if that little tic at one tilted eyebrow was just in his imagination.

"Captain, I have reached a conclusion based on the facts that we had gathered up until now." Spock had informed him, primly seated at the end of the bed, his tricorder between his hands.
"And that is?"
Spock inhaled slowly, bringing his gaze on the human. "It could be in our interest to not let the indigenous species of this planet know that we are in fact not bonded to each other. If they value such a detail so much that they see fit for power only those who have a partner, then it stands that they would not allow any audience or even consider our words if they were to find out that our relationship was merely-"
"A friendship?" Jim interrupted him with a soft smile.
Spock seemed to falter for a second, probably having been about to say "professional", but in the end he gave a curt nod of his head, a little smile tugging at his lips.
"Exactly, Jim."
"So do you suggest pretending to be a couple for what is left of our stay here?" Jim approached him slowly, looking Spock straighten his back even more.
"Precisely."
"It's a good plan." Jim nodded, and for a moment he wondered if once more his imagination was playing him tricks or if the warmth in Spock's eyes had really been there for the quickest moment.

Their suppositions were soon considered more than valid by Uhura and Shya, the communications ensign that had followed them planet side.
When they followed their guide to the state dinner Spock made sure to stay closer to his Captain, attempting to show that way how close they were. Jim smiled warmly at the vulcan, just as he would have if they were to really share a romantic relationship. In a show of good manner, or at least what he hoped the paracacians would see as such, he moved the chair for Spock, helping him sit down at the table before taking his place by his side.
It was with a thrill of pride that he noticed the tendrils on their hosts chins tremble in approval.

"And hear, Captain, how did the two of you meet?" A paracacian asked curiously, their gaze moving from Jim to Spock who was currently assessing if their food was fit for consumption by both humans and vulcans.
Jim gave the alien a brilliant smile. "Starfleet paired us years ago. I am most fortunate to have found such a brilliant First Officer to serve by my side." He chuckled softly, throwing a glance at Spock and finding with pleasure that - even though the vulcan kept his gaze on his tricorder - his cheeks were flushed a darker green than usual, clearly having heard his words. "Honestly, it could have been all kind of bad if I hadn't found that I could trust the person closer to me with my whole life." He admitted, a little part of him wondering how much Spock could have blushed if he was to keep telling others what he really thought of him.
"Captain..." Spock called him softly.
"Yes, Spock?" Jim turned with a smile, looking at the almost uncomfortable vulcan nod to their plates without taking his eyes off the tricorder yet.
"The food is fit for consumption." He cleared his throat, even his ears flushed a bright green by then.
"Thanks, Spock." Jim smiled, reaching out with one hand to gently brush Spock's forearm, taking care to not let his touch go where the fabric of the uniform didn't protect the vulcan.
Spock moved his gaze to his hand and gave a curt nod, seemingly relaxing at that. Even though Jim could have sworn that Spock seemed to stay tense at his side for the rest of the evening.
It was a matter he endeavoured to rectify as soon as the door of their assigned room slid close behind them.

"I hope I haven't put you in an embarrassing position during dinner, Spock." He started.
Spock though shook his head once, his back rimrod straight, but his shoulders more relaxed.
"On the contrary, Captain. I have to admit that hearing your compliments directed at my persona during dinner helped me."
"Really?" Jim couldn't help but ask, a little smile tugging at his lips.
"Confidence." Spock only answered, his eyes on Jim's almost searching for something. After a moment he moved his hands from behind his back, showing Jim the first two fingers of his right hand.
"If I can, Captain, this is the ozh’esta. The only permitted show of affection in public for vulcans couples."
And then it was Jim's turn to blush hard at the proof right in front of him that Spock was not only granting him to touch his bare skin, but he was proposing him to practically present themselves in public as a couple even for vulcan's standards.
"I-" He stuttered, not really wanting to see too much in it but unable to do so either way. "Are you sure, Spock?" He murmured.
"If you are not interested-" Spock started, lowering his arm, but Jim hurried to step closer to him, shaking his head with a smile.
"No, no, it's just- You usually don't like much people touching you." He chuckled, mirroring the way Spock kept his fingers.
And then he noticed the warmth and note of amusement in Spock's so human eyes.
"Since it is you, and in deference of the respect you always showed to my culture, I see nothing wrong with teaching you this, or using this gesture to further our image of bonded couple at the eyes of the paracacians."
"Sure. They will love it." Jim chuckled with butterflies in his stomach as he gently tried pressing his fingers against Spock's.
For the briefest moment Jim could have sworn that the vulcan’s eyelashes had fluttered at that contact, a little spark igniting between them and travelling from their fingers up their arms.
It seemed to surprise both of them, if the quirking of the slanted eyebrow was a sign, but instead of moving back or letting his hand drop Spock stood where he was. There was a beat of stillness between them before Spock actually used his fingers to hook Jim's, gently pulling them closer to himself, pressing better against them. Even though Jim couldn't surely feel what Spock did in that moment he found himself furiously blushing at being at the center of the vulcan's attention.
"Spock..." He called softly the First Officer, and that was enough to shake Spock out of his reverie.
Soon he had let go of his fingers and nodded his head, covering the tremble on his fingers by bringing both of them once more behind his back.
"Very well, Captain."
"For god's sake, Spock..." Jim chuckled, instinctively drawing circles on the tips of his fingers with his thumb. "It kinda seems like we almost made out, and you're still calling me Captain even though we're alone."
The flush on Spock cheeks came back full force, giving Jim pause.
After a beat the vulcan tilted his head of a fraction.
"The ozh’esta could be assimilated to the show of affection done by humans kissing their partner chastely on the lips." He admitted.
Jim was left gaping at that, looking shocked at his friend.
"I- was that inappropriate of me?" He managed, slowly rubbing his hands one against the other.
"It was not." Spock reassured him, even if he appeared distracted by what Jim was currently absently minded doing, studying Jim's hands instead of looking him in the eyes. "I would have not proposed it if I were not ready to exchange it with you. Jim." He added almost as an afterthought, briefly raising his gaze on him to study his reaction.
Jim was left staring at him, trying to decide what that could mean for them, if the peaceful end of the accords after all was not the only thing in his mind in that moment.

***

Jim was perfectly aware that as sleep eluded him it was clear the same was happening to the other occupant of the bed.In the darkness he could perfectly follow the regular pattern of Spock's breath, but considering how many times they had slept in shared quarters during missions - sometimes even in sickbay - he was fairly sure that it should have been even slower if Spock was really asleep.As for what regarded him, Jim wasn't kept awake by the thought of the encounter with the head of state the next morning, but by the memory of what had previously emerged between him and Spock.He couldn't help but think back at the warmth in Spock's gaze as he had proposed Jim to follow the vulcan tradition, his fingers so soft and warm at the touch. Jim couldn't help but wonder if the rest of his hand would have felt the same, soft skin and strength hiding under it. He let a sigh escape his lips at the memory of how Spock had tugged his fingers closer to him, how his eyelashes had fluttered in what Jim hoped was pleasure.He licked his lips, well aware that he was maybe seeing too much in what Spock considered barely the equivalent of a peck on the lips, and turned to try and throw a look at his First Officer.In the darkness he could barely make out the silhouette of the other's head on the pillow, and feeling so very stupid Jim turned once more, moving until he was laying on his side, his back to Spock, and he grabbed the pillow in the futile hope that smashing his head into it would have helped him get asleep.He stopped every movement though when he heard a rustle of covers behind him, the proof that Spock was in fact awake even though he had not said a word the whole time. Jim stared at the darkness in front of him, trying to gauge what Spock was doing, and felt a shiver run down his back when suddenly a puff of hot breath hit the nape of his neck.Spock had slowly moved on his side himself, but instead of giving his Captain his back he had moved towards the human.

Jim swallowed in silence, feeling his body tense as he noticed he was able to actually feel the heat emanating from the other, so close to him that Spock must have had left his side of the bed in his movements. Jim closed his eyes shut, trying to focus on the warmth he could feel against his back and legs.
Spock laid still for long seconds in which they didn't share a word, not even when Spock finally moved once more, closing the distance between the two of them.
A deep sigh escaped Jim's lips when the vulcan pressed himself against him, sending shivers of pleasure down his body. Spock felt like a safe presence against him, his chest so terribly hot pressed flush against his back, his knees pressing against the back of Jim's until he was making the human move them toward his chest. Jim had no protest to make at that, actually elated to finally have the chance to feel Spock on him that way, and instead pressed back against the other, tucking himself more closely in Spock's embrace.
Soon Spock sneaked one hand under his arm, letting his fingers slide from Jim's side toward the left side of his body, wrapping him in a hug that Jim had no hurry to escape.
Instead Jim found himself smiling in the darkness, the tension dissipating from his body. Slowly he covered the vulcan's hand, slowly stroking his fingers until Spock parted them enough to let Jim entwine them.
Spock sighed softly at that and tilted his head forward, pressing his forehead against the nape of Jim's neck.
But still he didn't seem intentioned to take his hand away, or to talk for that matter, to explain what he was doing. Not that Jim wanted to talk much in that moment, preferring instead to bask in the pleasure of that contact for as long as he could.
They laid there in silence, enjoying their closeness until Jim let the warm puff of breath against his bare skin lull him to sleep.

Jim sighed softly upon waking up. The heat in the bed was stifling, Spock acting as a heater against his body, and for a moment Jim thought that was what had woken him up. Pretty soon though he noticed how Spock's breath was way more erratic than how he had ever heard it, faster than the night before, almost akin to when they were running from some enemy. The cause of it though was clear by the way Spock kept slowly rocking his hips, grinding his hard erection against Jim's ass.
Jim suffocated a moan at understanding that Spock was having a wet dream and was trying to take care of it using him. Well, Jim was more than on board with letting Spock have his wicked way with him, but would have preferred if the vulcan was actually awake for it.
That didn't stop him though from pressing himself better against his First Officer, his own penis quickly growing harder at every passing second. He had some difficulty suppressing a moan when Spock managed to push his cock against the crack of his ass through the fabric of their pajamas.
Jim was tempted to spread his legs in the hope to be able to feel it better. He closed his eyes in pleasure when Spock's movements became stronger, almost making him wish to just wake the other up and ask him to keep going but without any clothes on.
Suddenly though Spock's breath faltered and Jim stilled completely, trying to force himself to slow down his own breath after the minutes in which it had quickened as he let the lust take a hold of him.
Suddenly his mind was filled by the dread that Spock would understand what had happened and take away everything.
Not only the hold of his arms, but the heat and comfort of his body.
Even worse, the friendship they had slowly built and the trust Jim had sweated on to make it last.
After a moment though Spock simply leaned in and pressed his lips behind Jim's ear.
"Your fears are too loud." He complained softly with a voice full of sleep.
"Sorry." Jim murmured without thinking.
"I should be the one saying so." Spock pointed out in a low murmur, not giving any hint of wanting to back off him, or even take away the arm he still had around Jim.
Jim sighed softly, shaking his head once. "No need for it, Spock." He murmured.

But that close to each other there was no way for him to hide the fears that still had a hold on his heart, neither the relief at sensing that still Spock wasn't about to leave him like a boiling potato even though he was now awake and well aware of their position.
Not to mention the vulcan's erection still there and the desire that still run through Jim.
Slowly, tentatively, he tried pressing back against Spock once more, hoping his closeness was sign that he was still interested as much as the boner still poking against his ass would have made him presume.
Instead of choosing that moment to pull back Spock moaned softly and soon he started grinding against him once more.
Abruptly Spock moved the covers away from them, surprising Jim for a moment as he lifted himself on an elbow enough to be able to watch the human lying against him.
A quick glance revealed to Jim the heated gaze in those too human’s eyes and he couldn’t help a shiver at that sight.
Slowly the vulcan went back to caressing his abdomen, taking a hold of his shirt before slowly hiking it up to expose Jim to his gaze.
Jim sighed excited and kicked the covers away, licking his lips and cracking a smile.
"Like what you see?" He murmured teasingly, even though he could easily guess the answer by the way Spock was staring at him with hunger in his eyes.
Slowly Spock went back to caressing him, his fingers spread as he slowly touched the golden skin of the man, tips of fingers brushing a nipple, stopping a moment to play with it. Jim bit his lip, almost holding his breath as he wished to just be able to remember all of that when it was going to be done.
Spock though didn't look too eager to stop any time soon, slowly playing with his nipple enough to see if Jim liked it or not before letting his touch slide more south, over the abs and to the trail of golden hair that started from Jim's navel to disappear under the waistband of the pajama pants.

There Spock stopped, clearly unsure if his touch would have been welcomed over that point.
Jim though took the doubt away from him by moving one leg up and over Spock's, pressing back his hips against Spock's boner to remind the vulcan that he was more than willing to all of that.
Spock moaned hoarsely at the added pressure, his fingers trembling for a second, and instead of sneaking his hand inside the pants Spock moved it over the erection that tented the fabric, making Jim moan as he cupped his hard penis. Jim threw his head back on the pillow as Spock slowly started groping him, making him even more excited and eager for what they could have had.
The vulcan was so close to his ear that Jim was perfectly able to hear the moment Spock swallowed, clearly barely able to still control his body.
"Please, Captain..."
The pray came with a surprising hoarse voice, not more louder than a whisper, and Jim let out a soft noise.
"Jim." He murmured, closing his eyes for a moment. "Heavens sake, call me Jim." He didn't bother feeling ashamed for the soft whine in his voice, too strung up to be able to stand Spock calling him by rank in that moment, so close to actually having sex with him.
If they were to do it Jim wanted to make sure Spock knew it wasn't happening as Captain and First Officer.
"Jim." Spock called him softly, a syllable whispered like a prayer in the hope that Jim would let him.
And Jim nodded his head without even asking the other what was that he wanted. After all he was pretty sure he would have given the vulcan whatever he could have asked for.
"Please..."
"Yes." Jim sighed when it was clear that Spock needed to hear it from his lips, not just see his nod. "Yes, Spock."
A hoarse noise escaped the vulcan and Spock stopped holding back, taking his hand away from Jim's cock only to pull down the human's pajama and expose to the light incoming from the window the naked body of his Captain.

But then Spock’s hips faltered when Jim attempted reaching back, clearly with all the intention to return the favor and pull down the standard pajama Spock wore.
The vulcan’s hand stopped completely when Spock spoke, insecurity leached in his tone. “Jim… it would probably better if you didn’t.”
“You don’t want me to?” Jim frowned in surprise, his hand still over Spock’s hip.
Jim was pretty sure to not have been wrong, at least judging from the way Spock was still completely hard against him, his cock lodged between Jim’s asscheeks and the fabric the only thing stopping him from pushing in.
Spock hesitated, for once at loss for words, and he cleared his throat after a couple seconds.
“Vulcans are physically different from humans.” He murmured, even if something in his tone made Jim suspicious.
Moreover it was known that vulcans and humans were sexually compatible, ence Spock’s birth in primis.
"It's okay, Spock..." Jim tried to reassure him, cracking a smile. "I'm not really in this because I have a kink for vulcans or something like that." He tried to joke.
But Spock seemed at a loss for words and still reluctant.
He was in fact torn between his desire for the man and his shame at the mere thought of letting Jim see what very few had. He pressed his face against Jim's shoulder, moving his hand away from the human's cock to go back to holding him tightly against his chest.
"Jim..."
It was clear that something was wrong and Jim tried to turn in his arms, finding himself instead stopped by the strong arm around him.
"Spock..." He called softly, gently caressing the side of his friend. "Spock, talk to me..." He almost begged, trying his best to project his affection through their touch, pretty sure Spock could feel him with all that exposed skin against skin between them.
That seemed to help the vulcan relax a fraction and Spock sighed softly, nuzzling the hair on the nape of Jim's neck.
"My hybrid status separates me from what is considered normal for vulcans. But also from what is considered normal for humans." He murmured softly, his cheeks so flushed in shame that even Jim could sense the warmth of them.
Jim tried looking back at him, but once more he had to yield his attempts since from his position he couldn't really see anything, the incriminating part securely pressed against him. But the most pressing problem for Jim was actually to reassure the vulcan that nothing would have changed between them.
Jim sighed and took the hand away from Spock's side but only to cover the vulcan’s hand once more, slowly and ever so gently letting his pads travel over the smooth back of it, over the mounds and between his fingers.
Spock's breath hitched at that and suddenly his shields seemed to shatter and Jim was engulfed in waves of love and desire, emotions so intense that they were almost scorching against his mind.

Jim closed his eyes, breathing erratically, and with a soft moan tried pressing himself better against the hot body behind himself.
"Spock- darling." He murmured, cracking a smile when Spock's emotions seemed to be rippled by something different that felt a lot like longing and hope. "I don't care if you're different from others. You are unique, Spock. I've always known that." He murmured, slowly moving his fingers between Spock's, up until he was almost covering his hand and down again to press the tips against the tender skin between those long fingers. "I've always known you were unique, even before knowing of your hybrid status. And I wouldn't want you any different from how you are."
Spock trembled behind him, his fingers pressing against Jim's chest almost as if he feared he would soon change his mind and try getting away from him.
"I do not want to lose you because I tried having more than what I could."
"You can have everything, Spock. God knows I want everything from you." Jim smiled, slowly prying Spock's hand from his chest to bring it to his mouth.
Ever so gently he pressed his lips against the vulcan't pads. The hitching in the breath behind him made his cock throb in desire, but Jim kept his focus on what he was doing. He parted his lips to let his tongue flick over the tip of Spock's index finger, against the short and perfectly trimmed nail, before grazing it with his teeth.
Spock let a soft whine escape from his lips, his hips starting to move of their own volition against the human.
"Jim-" The strangled sound seemed to take even Spock by surprise, and he tried wrapping himself better around the human, lifting himself on one elbow to reach with his lips the corner of Jim's mouth, stealing his attention from his fingers to press a kiss over his lips. One kiss was followed by one more and another after that, until Jim parted his lips and Spock was able to plunge his tongue in his mouth for a passionate kiss.
"I want everything you want to give me..." Jim murmured between kisses, noticing he had moved his hand in Spock's hair only when he found himself tugging those black strands to keep Spock close.
Spock was breathless by then, but his brown eyes managed to convey all the longing and love that he wouldn't permit himself to voice yet.
He hesitated for barely a second before giving a curt nod of his head, stealing a chaste kiss from Jim's lips as if he needed it to gather his strength. Then, even if it seemed to be a hardship taking his hand away from Jim's hold, Spock nonetheless did so to slowly push his pants down.
There was a sharp intake of breath from both of them when finally they were able to feel each other skin on skin.
Spock seemed to melt against him with a long moan and he went back to brushing his lips against Jim's neck as he once more pressed himself against the human's asscheeks.
Jim moaned softly and pressed back against him with his eyes closed.
He licked his lips, about to tell Spock that he didn't feel anything strange in that, when suddenly an unexpected movement made him open his eyes in surprise.
Spock heard the sudden intake of breath from Jim and wrapped his arm around the man once more, almost as if trying to remind Jim of his promise to not run for the hills.
The fear mingled to the desire and longing Spock was exuding managed to ground Jim and he didn't even try to turn and take a peek at him, trusting that Spock would have never hurt him in the first place.

Still Jim was unable to suppress a gasp when what felt extremely like a lithe lubed tendril pressed against his opening, slowly pushing inside of him.
Not big enough to hurt in its movements, not too thin to not be felt.
If Jim had any doubt on if that was Spock's organ or not, the soft moan that came from behind him was all the answer he needed.
He tried to relax, his curiosity and interest piqued, and tried squeezing his muscles around the intrusion.
That managed to get a louder moan out of Spock and Jim cracked a grin, wondering how it was possible that "that" managed to move on its own without Spock moving his hips of an inch. But his question flew out of his mind as soon as the tendril managed to find its way to his prostate, insistently pressing against it and making him cross his eyes in pleasure.
"Oh!" The loud groan that escaped his lips seemed to give Spock more confidence and suddenly Jim felt another lithe tendril press against his opening, followed close by another.
Soon Jim wasn't able to keep his voice down anymore, not with three tendrils moving inside of him at different tempos, driving him crazy and slowly but surely opening him up.
Spock moaned at feeling Jim's desire and pleasure spike up and he seemed unable to stop himself from caressing him with his hand well open, touching every inch of the human's skin he could reach.
"Jim..."
Jim whined softly, nodding his head. He had no idea what more Spock could ask of him, but whatever that was he was more than ready to let Spock just take it, to let him do whatever he wanted to his body and mind.
He was so out of his mind for the new experience and the pleasure that Spock was managing to give him that it took him a fourth, slightly bigger, tendril pushing inside of him to finally realize that maybe vulcans might have had some kind of tentacled reproductive organ. That could have actually explained a good chunk of their secrecy around their sexual encounters, since they seemed ashamed already just at the thought of telling outworlders that their freaking hands were an erogenous zone.
"Ashal-veh..."
Jim sighed deeply at that, his cheeks flushing a deep red at recognizing the endearment, and couldn't help the rush of affection he felt for Spock.
He nodded his head, rolling his hips to try and coax Spock into giving him more.
And Spock delivered, parting his lips to actually bite his neck where Jim's pulse was more perceptible, sucking at the tender skin.
Jim was left gasping, surprised that Spock would really do that, go there for a hickey with the chance of everybody seeing the mark on him in just a couple hours. But Spock didn't seem to think too much of it, for once not overthinking his every move and letting instead his instinct speak up.
Slowly Jim found himself filled by more of Spock's, his thighs trembling for the pleasure of it.
Spock let go of his skin only to lap at the purple mark he had just left on his Captain. He swallowed, close enough to Jim's ear that the man heard it clearly, and sneaked one hand back on Jim's cock. He wrapped his fingers around it, smiling softly at the groan that escaped the human's lips, at seeing Jim throw his head back in pleasure, and slowly started to pump it.
Jim understood Spock was trying to keep him distracted with that only when one tendril way thicker than the previous ones slowly started pushing inside of him, leaving him breathless and with eyes wide open.
Spock moaned obscenely behind him, clearly too lost in pleasure at finally being completely in him, and finally he started moving his hips.
Jim went cross eyed with a loud moan when Spock's erection started sliding out of him only for the vulcan to thrust once more in him, pressing all those tendrils deep inside of him together, the slickest ones still moving around the thicker one, the one that was actually making Jim feel almost as if he was losing his virginity once more.

Jim bit the pillow in a futile attempt to suffocate a scream of pleasure when Spock managed to have part of himself still brush instistently against Jim's prostate while he kept thrusting in and out of him.
It was maddening and at the same time the best sex Jim had ever had. He surrendered himself to Spock, moaning at every movement of the vulcan, loving the way he took him fast and hard, the sounds of their love making so loud in the little room he almost expected their guests to just know how "united" the two of them were.
"Jim- Jim..." Spock whispered, voice strained against his ear, unable to still keep his shields up and letting Jim feel exactly how incredulous and grateful he was that Jim still wanted him, accepted him for how he was even though no one had ever wanted him so before.
Suddenly Jim noticed how he had grabbed Spock’s arm in an attempt to hold on against the onslaught of those powerful snaps of Spock's hips. It took a bit of effort but he let it go, letting instead his hand slide along the vulcan's forearm, wrapping his fingers for a couple seconds around his wrist before he changed his mind, ultimately covering the hand Spock had around his cock.
Spock let out a surprised moan and Jim grinned, wrapping his fingers better over the other’s, holding tighter to have Spock not only tighten the hold around him but to have him experience the full attack of his emotions and pleasure.
Spock hid his face against Jim's shoulder, his motions becoming frantic as he approached the edge.
"Jim..."
The pitiful way he called his name was enough for Jim to know exactly how close Spock was and he nodded his head, leading the vulcan into stroking his cock faster, to rotating the wrist exactly like he liked, thrusting his hips into the other's hold until he was cumming in hot waves all over the bedsheets and Spock's fingers. The way he suddenly tensed, squeezing his muscles around Spock's erection, managed to be enough to strip the vulcan of any means to still hold back and suddenly he was dragged over the edge by Jim.
A hoarse moan escaped him and Spock gave one last thrust, pressing himself flush against Jim in an attempt to not leave a single inch of space between them as he slowly poured his semen in him.
Jim relaxed in his embrace, trying to catch his breath with a grin plastered on his face, almost unbelieving that he had just been fucked raw by his First Officer.
Spock was probably too tired and out of it to even think about putting up his shields, because he seemed able to read Jim's mind. He hummed softly at his thoughts, brushing his lips slowly behind Jim's ear.
The human couldn't help but smile wider with pride at knowing that he was the sole responsible for rendering Spock speechless.
If he didn't know any better, he would have sworn that actually elicited a snort out of Spock.
Slowly he pried open Spock's fingers to move his hand over his own chest and have the vulcan press the palm over his beating heart.
Spock held his breath for a moment at that, but a second after he moved one leg over Jim's, trying to wrap himself better around the human.
"Mine." He murmured on Jim's ear.
"You better claim me as yours." Jim tried going for a joke, and was awarded with a little kiss on the line of his jaw.
"I will, ashayam." Spock murmured with what was a real smile on his lips, his joy so strong that even Jim was able to sense it through the contact of their skin.

They laid in bed side by side looking at each other, the light of day slowly brightening the room more and more, but still Jim was reluctant to get up. As he told the vulcan, they had at least three more hours till they were to get out of there for the meeting.
Spock offered no protest at that, no logical reason to get out of bed, and instead merely nodded his head on the pillow and pushed one leg between Jim's, looking for a comfortable way to still reiterate that he wasn't letting the man go away from him any time soon.
Jim couldn't help but smile at that sight, a warm and fuzzy feeling swarming in his chest, and reached out to move back Spock’s black hair from his forehead. The brown eyes of his lover shone with love, following his every move, softening even more when Jim inched closer to press his lips gently against his.
They had ended up stripping completely of their clothes, preferring to just cover themselves with the bedsheets while they kept touching and caressing each other.
Jim took the chance to lift the sheets and finally peek at whatever was that Spock had used to drive him crazy not half an hour before. He grinned openly at seeing Spock blush under his inspection, the green spreading from his face and neck to his chest. But he didn't stop Jim from observing him, even if he still didn't look too comfortable.
Jim inched closer to him, caressing one naked hip and licking his lips, trying to project reassuring feelings for him to latch on.
At a casual look it seemed a mostly normal cock, but upon closer inspection Jim noticed that it was in fact made of little tendrils that would keep close to one another, the thin ones surrounding a larger one that didn't look too different from a human cock. When he lifted his gaze it was to see the vulnerability raw in the other's gaze, and Jim moved his hand to Spock's cheek, slowly drawing circles over his cheekbone with his thumb.
"Hey, it's alright, darling." He murmured, leaning in to press a kiss on his lips. "I like it."
Spock didn't look too sure though, and so Jim repeated himself with a grin.
"I like it, Spock. Didn't you noticed how much earlier?"
Spock gave a curt nod after a moment, still unable to relax completely.
Jim pressed another kiss on his lips, letting his fingers move until he was caressing the nape of Spock's neck, digits slowly scratching the sensitive skin.
"Talk to me." He whispered.
Spock reopened the eyes that he had instinctively closed when Jim had started to gently scratch him, and Jim saw his adam apple bob up and down as he looked for words.
"I have been told I am too unusual." He murmured after mulling it over for a couple seconds.
Through his quiet voice Jim was perfectly able to hear the hurt that that had brought to his friend during the years.
"I believe it was one of the reasons my father was afraid I would not be able to find a bondmate." He admitted, unable to look Jim in the eyes.
Jim felt compelled to press himself against Spock at that, his lips pressed in a thin line.
"Well, don't know if you noticed, but I'm quite enthusiast of it. Of all of you, really." He huffed a smile, leaning in for another kiss and another one after that, pressing Spock back until he was laying on his back.
Jim moved over him, covering his face in kisses until the vulnerability in his gaze disappeared, leaving space for a lustful look.
At that Jim grinned openly, calling it a victory.
"Let me show you how much I love every part of you." He almost purred, leaning down to kiss Spock on the lips before slowly starting to move down his body leaving a trail of kisses and little bites that had Spock moaning and gasping, brown eyes fixed on his human lover.
Even if Jim had just reassured him he didn't mind the differences between the two of them Spock couldn't help but tense when he saw the man getting closer and closer to his cock, fearing that upon closer inspection he would decide that no, it wasn't for him.
But Jim was exuding only affection and desire and Spock desperately latched on those feelings in hope that Jim could be really different from anyone else he had ever met.
Jim stopped only when he found himself eye level with the tangle of tendrils that constituted Spock's cock and couldn't help but grin anew at seeing them twitch as his hot breath hit them.
Gently, sparing one glance at the worried face of his lover, he wrapped three fingers around them.
Spock held his breath quite loudly at that, surprised, but he finally started relaxing when Jim slowly pumped them as he would have done with a human cock. Another glance up revealed Spock's eyelids flutter and the way he had parted his lips in pleasure.
It was enough to send Jim leaning in to lap at the bulbous head of the central tendril, the thickest one, and Spock let out a yelp, grabbing the sheets in his fists.
"Jim!" He called the human, almost scandalized.
Jim chuckled softly at that reaction, grinning up at him. "Oh, darling, don't tell me I'm the first to do this..." He smiled, but his eyebrows shot up when the flush on Spock's cheeks became more pronounced, confirming so. "Really?" He murmured after a moment, surprised, a couple moments before a new and unexpected wave of possessiveness overcame him.
Spock looked suddenly puzzled at him, unable to understand the surge of the new emotion.
Jim groaned, starting to pump the tendrils a bit faster. "Oh, darling, there is so much I have to teach you now..." He murmured, voice thick with desire.

Spock opened his mouth to probably ask the reason for it but Jim chose that moment to part his lips and stick out his tongue, starting to lick at him, and that had Spock letting out a surprised moan that only grew in volume as Jim made sure to take care of all of his tendrils, leaving not even one uncared for.
Soon Jim found out that Spock seemed to know exactly how to move them when he wanted so, and grinned at the flushed vulcan when the more thin ones moved away from the thickest to let Jim free to lavish at it.
"Do you like it?" He murmured, just licking the head of it while he kept his First Officer under control, waiting to see him nod his head frantically before opening his mouth more to finally push it past his lips and start to suck him.
Suddenly Spock threw his head back with a scream of pleasure, arching on the mattress and pushing himself deeper into Jim's mouth.
Jim moaned and started growing hard himself pretty fast at that sight, but instead of taking care of himself he relaxed his throat and went down on that cock even more.
Spock stopped breathing for a moment, shocked by the pleasure that sent running through him.
Jim hoped Spock's shields were still down as he drew lazy circles with his hands on his lover's hips, trying desperately to project to the vulcan that he was free to relax or simply fuck his throat, whatever he preferred more. His plan seemed to succeed since Spock's breath loudly itched in his throat, a moment before he brought his hands on Jim's head and tentatively started moving his hips.
Jim closed his eyes, enjoying it immensely, and tried opening his mouth more when the other tendrils started poking at his lips, trying to find a way inside of his mouth with the thickest one. Jim was more than happy to wrap his lips around them all, sucking Spock as he had dreamed of for years. Jim let him take command of it and simply tried to give him as much pleasure he could, enjoying the grunts and moans that fell from Spock's lips until he was tensing up and slowly filling his mouth of his semen with a drawn out moan.
He waited to let it go until Spock let himself fall back on the mattress, short of breath and undone, and only then Jim crawled over his lover with a big grin, chastely kissing his lips.
Spock merely looked at him from under his half closed eyelids, sighing with satisfaction.
"Do you believe me now?" Jim murmured, stroking one green cheek with the back of his fingers.
"Yes, ashayam." Spock whispered with a little smile that had Jim's heart racing once more.

***

There wasn’t really any way for Jim to suppress his smile even after they had left the bedroom picked for them by their hosts, but the glances he kept throwing at his First Officer and the way Spock made sure to walk closer to him than the previous day, only managed to put their hosts in a good mood.Soon they were granted audience by the heads of state and Jim’s smile grew even bigger when Spock lifted his hand, two fingers ready for Jim to press into.


It was a damn good thing he wasn’t afraid of heights. But then again, a fear of heights was a luxury no sailor could afford. From climbing the rigging to patching the sails to keeping watch high in the crow’s nest; many of their duties consisted of hanging by the knees twenty feet off the deck. Every movement of the ship was magnified in the crow’s nest. The slightest rocking of the hull translated into a swinging motion by the long mast that support the look-out. In the beginning, the swaying had made Akihito horribly sick. His first time keeping watch, he had ended up barfing over the side of the crow’s nest, showering the crew below with remnants of his breakfast; hardtack biscuits and black bean mash. Most had thought it was terribly funny and loved to rib Akihito about it. Unfortunately the majority of it had landed on Captain Kuroda, ruining his fancy new captain’s hat and staining his blue uniform with the brass buttons.

He was still holding a bit of a grudge.

Which is why keeping watch soon became Akihito’s favorite duty. Even if it was a little boring and nauseating. It was the one time he was able to get away from the watchful eye of the captain. And the worst of the duties he always got stuck with. Cleaning the chamber pots, scrubbing the deck, washing the pots, taking care of the sick. If it was a messy job and smelled bad, Akihito could always be sure that Captain Kuroda would come looking for him. He had really hoped to become a ship’s carpenter. He was the son of a blacksmith and very good with his hands. But that position was already filled on all the ships at port, so he had signed up for deckhand on the first decent boat he could find.

He had really gotten very lucky. The Dracaena really was a beautiful ship. It had to be. Her primary purpose was as a passenger vessel. Taking English passengers to and from the colonies in the Caribbean . Because of that, they weren’t much of a target for pirates. In fact, that had encountered a pirate ship or two already as they entered Caribbean waters, but they were not interested in passenger ships. It was the merchant ships they aimed for. They were on their way to the Barbados with a cargo hold full of Protestants. Akihito shivered. They were a prim, prissy lot. Full of vinegar and hellfire and eager to convert the raucous sailors into good Christians. Whatever that meant. God help anyone who got cornered by the preacher.

But there was one passenger that Akihito didn’t mind quite so much.

Akihito sighed and looked down over the people on deck. The one he was looking for wasn’t there. She would have been easy to spot, as the only other blond on board besides him. She was beautiful. And funny and sweet. And she had taken a bit of a shine to him. She even let him called her Momo, instead of Lady Momohara Ai, as the rest of the crew was expected to address her. Akihito knew it was absurd to have a crush on a fine English lady like that. Especially one that was already engaged to the governor of the colony they were taking her to.

But that couldn’t stop him from dreaming…. Akihito’s beautiful blue eyes clouded over with his daydreams as he relaxed high in the crow’s nest. His eyes matched the clear sky above and the brilliant sea below. The wind was high and they were making excellent speed. His golden hair flew back out of his eyes, sparkling in the sun. What Akihito didn’t realize was that he was in fact, far more beautiful than Lady Ai. He had the kind of beauty that was legendary. If he had not been born a male, it would have been his ticket into any palace in the world. But Akihito didn’t know that. In fact, he had hardly ever seen his own reflection. A blacksmith’s son was not the type of person who spent much time lounging in front of mirrors. Even less after his father had died and the English government had taken their home as payment for back taxes. All that was left for Akihito was the military or taking a job as a sailor. He had always wanted to sail.

It was everything he had ever imagined it to be. He loved it. Vindictive captain, seasickness and all. He was so happy, his blue eyes sparkling, his full lips parted in a smile as he daydreamed. He didn’t even notice the other ship that came into view of the port side until it was far closer than it should have been. As soon as he noticed it, he hollered down to the rest of the crew to alert them and fumbled for the spyglass, holding the long telescope up to his eye as he tried to assess whether the other ship was a threat or not. She flew no flags. That immediately made him suspicious. He looked carefully over the crew. They were clean and well-kept. As was the boat. The other pirates ships he had seen were filthy, crew included. There wasn’t a eye patch or a parrot in sight… Aki drew a sigh of relief. It probably wasn’t a pirate ship. And even if it was, the ship wasn’t changing course to attack them. In fact, they were headed diagonally in the other direction and showed no sign of changing their path.

Akihito continued to survey the other ship curiously. It was big, but long. A sleek hull made for speed and painted black with pitch to reduce drag and make her even more water tight. Obviously a wealthier ship. Akihito wondered what it was for. He moved the spyglass down the deck until he reached the bridge and stopped in surprise. An enormous man stood at the helm, clothed all in black, his muscular legs braced wide apart as he looked back at Akihito through a similar spyglass. Aki jumped when he realized the man was probably looking right at him. He laughed, dropped the spyglass down on his hip and waved cheerfully. No sense in not being friendly to a fellow sailor.

He put the spyglass back up to his eye. The other man had dropped his. He stared intently at Akihito’s ship. He had the blackest hair and the most handsome face Akihito had ever seen. Broad shoulders and enormous arms. And golden eyes! Akihito gasped as he noticed them through the telescope. He had golden eyes…. To Akihito’s surprise, the dark haired man grinned wide. He strode to the helm. He began shouting orders and the men scurried about him.

Huh. Must be the captain. Akihito continued to watch, wondering what they were doing. To his horror, he noticed they were changing course, turning on a dime and giving chase to the Dracaena. His heart froze in his chest as he saw a black flag with a red crest rise to the top of the tallest mast.

The Black Dragon.

The most feared and infamous pirate in all of the Caribbean. His feats were legendary. And no one, no one had ever outrun his ship, the Sion. Yes, even a novice sailor like Akihito knew the name of THAT ship.

He shouted down to the captain who in turn gave the call to arms and the crew on deck below nearly broke into a panic. He descended from the crow’s nest as quick as his nimble feet were able. No sooner had his feet touched the deck than the boom of a cannon rang in his ears, the deck under his feet trembling. The cannon ball careened across the bow and splashed in the water a few feet to starboard. Had they missed? Akihito looked around in confusion. The crew had been preparing the ship to run, drawing the sails and prepping for speed. They had very limited ability to fight back. It was their only chance if they didn’t want to be boarded by the pirates.

Akihito could see the indecision on Captain Kuroda’s face and he realized that the captain didn't know what to do. He wanted to fight, but they were hopelessly outmatched. And the galleon was much too slow to be able to outrun what was well known to be the fastest ship in the Caribbean.

A moment later, the pirates fired a second broadside, this one was loaded with grapeshot and fired into the rigging. This time, the entire crew recognized it for what it was. Grapeshot would do no real damage to the sails, but it would be devastating if fired along the deck, slicing through skin and flesh like nothing. That shot wasn't meant to do damage, it was meant as a warning.

Normally, the captain would have risked it. He would have run. They were not far from English waters and possible colonial protection. But this wasn't a normal voyage. He had the Arch Duke's daughter aboard. The fiancee of the governor of the Barbados. Broadsides of grapeshot could kill the young woman, even if she wasn't really a target. It could kill a lot of the passengers. So, with a heavy heart, the captain ordered his flag down and surrendered his ship.

The Sion turned silently toward the English galleon and closed the distance fast. Grappling hooks hit the side of the vessel before Akihito was even ready and pirates were running nimbly over several narrow makeshift bridges. Even the largest among them climbed like monkeys across the narrow planks of wood as it moved with the ups and downs of the waves. They swarmed over the decks subduing the feeble resistance of the English crew. They were damned efficient and Aki could tell they had done this many times before. There was no sense in fighting. The battle had been lost the moment the Sion had given chase.

Akihito stood in the shadows, half hidden between the passenger quarters and the pirates. His keen mind was racing. There was no reason a pirate ship should beset a passenger ship. They carried nothing but the most basic of sustenance. Most of the passengers were very poor, moving to the colonies to find work as indentured servants. There was only one passenger that had any value. Only one passenger that could fetch her weight in golden ransom; Lady Ai.

Akihito felt his blood boil. He would not let these filthy dogs lay one hand on her. He slipped quietly in the shadows, sliding to place where Captain Kuroda had hung his coat. He had seen him do it from the crow’s nest. It had been a particularly warm day and he had taken that off as well as his swordbelt. A razor sharp rapier hung in its sheath and Akihito slid it out silently. He may have been a blacksmith’s son. But that blacksmith had made some of the finest swords in all of England. His secret was that he had been an expert swordsman himself and therefore had far more expertise and insight into the design of a blade than a blacksmith who only knew how to pound metal flat. He had taught his son well.

Akihito palmed the hilt of the sword and held it. Waiting to see if the pirates would make a move on the passenger cabins. Poor Lady Ai was probably terrified. Akihito gritted his teeth in determination. He would save her or die trying he thought dramatically.

Men swarmed over the deck, seemingly directed by their captain. Akihito’s eyes were drawn to his broad shoulders as he shouted out orders commandingly. He was tall, and his thick, jet black hair was tied back brushing the collar of a white linen shirt. Black breeches clung to his muscular thighs disappearing into knee-high polished black leather boots. His hand rested on the jeweled hilt of a sword in a silver scabbard. The darkhaired man was walking back and forth impatiently on the deck of the ship. His eyes passed over the English crew as if he was looking for someone. He stopped in front of the kneeling captain and spoke. The wind was high and it was impossible for Akihito to tell exactly what he had said. All he heard was the word ‘where’ and ‘blond’.

Other than him, Lady Ai was the only other on board with golden locks. He gripped the hilt of the sword hard in terrified determination as heavy bootsteps brought the enormous raven haired pirate closer to where Aki stood protectively in front of the passenger quarters. His eyes pierced the dark shadows and fell on the tiny, young blond. Akihito felt sure he knew why they called him the Black Dragon now. Those glowing golden eyes traveled the entire length of his body coming to rest on his face. Akihito was startled by the lust and appreciation that was written on his handsome features. It threw him off a bit… wasn’t he looking for Lady Ai?

He stopped a yard away with a smirk. Akihito tried to quell the cold knot of fear in his stomach. The pirate was even bigger up closer. He towered over him. Akihito was sorely outmatched on height and muscle. His voice was deep and flowed over him seductively when he finally spoke.

“Hello little one.”

Akihito glared at him, bristling in anger at the mocking tone and raised the sword in challenge, “If you want to get to them, you have to go through me.”

The pirate’s tone was incredulous, “While the rest of your crew surrenders like the pathetic cowards they are, you alone would fight to protect the ship and its passengers? Against me and all my men?” He gestured behind him where the captain of the Dracaena and the rest of the crew kneeled submissively, despite outnumbering the pirates nearly three to one. Captain Kuroda at least had the decency to blush as he overheard the pirate mocking him. Akihito decided not to dignify that with an answer. He inclined his head slightly, his blue eyes blazing with fire and assumed the perfect fencing stance with one arm slightly back and his hand and fingers arched. The pirate took in the sight before him and raised one black eyebrow in question before assuming the stance himself, drawing his own sword.

The duel began.

Akihito could tell the Black Dragon was taking it easy on him. Holding back. He knew better than to think the man had conquered the Caribbean with these paltry skills. Akihito held back a bit too. Trying to figure out exactly what the hell his own plan WAS. Because even if he won the duel, there were still over twenty pirates behind him. The pirate seemed to read his mind. Between sword thrusts he spoke again, irritatingly calm, “What’s your plan, little one?”

Akihito scowled at him for calling him out, batting his sword down as he sidestepped, “I’m working on it!”

They fought on. Akihito was unaware that both crews were watching with interest; focused entirely on the duel. The English crew was astounded by the extraordinary skill exhibited by the tiny cabin boy. Captain Kuroda’s mouth was hanging open, just a little. As their swords crossed and they fought to hold one another off, their faces mere inches apart; the pirate gave him a seductive smile and asked, "May I make a suggestion?"

Akihito snarled up at the much larger man before throwing him back off balance with a strong shove, “What?”

“I’ll make a deal with you.”

They were circling each other now. Each one breathing a little heavy. Spirited blue eyes fixed on intense golden ones.

“A wager. The fate of this ship, resting on the outcome of this duel.”

Akihito tilted his head in interest, “I’m listening.”

The pirates eyes took on a predatory glint. “If you win this duel, we will retreat. My crew and I shall return to our ship and never bother you again. You will have safe passage assured, in and out of the Caribbean, forevermore.”

Akihito’s full lips curved in an ironic smile, “And if I lose?”

“You will come with me and serve me for the rest of your natural life.”

Aki’s eyes widened. That was basically slavery! And there had to be a catch, surely the Black Dragon had no intention of taking ONLY him….

“What’s the catch, Dragon? What about the rest of the passengers? And why would you want me?”

There was a twinkle in those eyes that Akihito didn’t trust. The pirate drawled his reply, slowly circling closer as Akihito backed away, “No catch. I’ll leave the rest of the passengers alone and take only you. As it happens, I find myself sorely in need of a cabin boy.”

It was fishy. Why would the pirates risk boarding an English galleon so close to the colonies only to walk away with one worthless cabin boy? But he also didn’t see that he had much of a choice. If there was a chance he could save the Duke’s daughter from falling into the hands of these ruffians, he was going to take it.

He nodded curtly, “Deal!”

Akihito became the aggressor, immediately putting the other man on the defense and adding strength and speed to his thrusts. However, the pirate also stepped up the pace and met each of his sword thrusts with an equally as skillful parry. Aki had been trained by the best, but he couldn’t help but be impressed by the other man’s skill and elegant finesse. He was certainly not a typical pirate. It was almost as if he had a nobleman’s training. They fought on, each one enjoying the duel and appreciative of the other’s skill, but both determined to win.

As much as it irritated him. Akihito couldn’t help but notice the way the Dragon’s enormous muscles flexed as he moved with an almost feline grace across the deck of the ship as Aki pursued him with his sword. The way his shirt lay open, his bare muscular chest glistening with sweat. He was extremely handsome, with his jet-black hair and strong jaw, chiseled cheekbones. Although, Akihito found it utterly infuriating the way he arched one dark eyebrow at him each time his sword passed millimeters from the pirate’s skin. It almost seemed like genuine surprise, but then again; it was also possible he was mocking him.

Despite the pirate’s much longer reach and much greater strength, it was obvious that Akihito was actually the better swordsman. Much quicker, skillful and more nimble. The two opponents were equally matched and both were beginning to show signs of fatigue. As they crossed swords and stood face to face, almost nose to nose, the Dragon’s eyes flashed and he whispered tauntingly, "To the victor go the spoils”

Akihito retorted with a toss of his golden head, "It matters not to you, for you will not be the victor."

The Dragon laughed a full-bodied laugh at Akihito’s confidence.

"Ah, my beautiful one, you are a trifle overconfident. If you concede your loss now, I will go much easier on you."

Akihito’s eyes widened in surprise at the endearment, before narrowing in anger. He sputtered in contempt, "Easier? I hate to disappoint you, but it is you who should admit defeat now and save yourself the embarrassment of losing in front of your crew."

That dark eyebrow arched again and Akihito took advantage of his inattention. Swiping the blade quickly under the other man’s sword, catching the fabric of his shirt and tearing it open, exposing his rippling abdomen and scratching his stomach lightly. The shock on his face was worth it and it was Aki’s turn to raise a sarcastic eyebrow and smirk. The pirates were hooting and hollering in the background. It actually looked like they had started wagering….

The Dragon dropped his head back and laughed. It boomed across the deck and Akihito was momentarily distracted by the oddness of it. And his gorgeous white teeth. His amazing smile….

The pirate took advantage of Akihito’s distraction to reach around and smack the side of his ass with the flat of his own blade, grinning lecherously. Akihito jumped. His blue eyes going wide with shock. He hadn’t been touched by another blade since he was thirteen. What the hell? He narrowed his eyes and returned to the fight with renewed vigor. He had not lost a fencing match since he was a child. The Dragon might not be taking him seriously. but that would be to his own detriment.

He ducked, thrusted and parried, his silver blade slashing almost too fast to be seen. The pirate was barely keeping up, blocking his passes. But his reach…. it was a bitch to deal with. In order to get a hit, Akihito had to get well within striking distance of the Dragon’s blade. But he was too quick and his blocks too good for the Dragon to even come close to catching him. They moved back and forth across the deck, steel on steel, clashing and clanging. Akihito wanted to laugh as he saw the other man’s brow actually beginning to bead with sweat. Well, until his own sweat began to run into his eyes.

Neither made any progress. They were both breathing hard, panting for breath. Suddenly the pirate’s foot lashed forward in an advance lunge, taking Akihito off guard. It was a dirty move but not illegal in fencing. He stumbled forward, recovering quickly and thrusting his sword up, stopping just short of the pirate’s throat. He was obviously not expected Akihito to recover so quickly. The darkhaired man froze, the tip of a razor sharp rapier resting on his Adam’s apple as Akihito advanced, pushing him backwards.

Akihito’s blue eyes glowed with triumph. He smirked, questioning quietly, “Surrender?”

What he saw in those golden eyes was not defeat. Not fear. He saw intense lust and desire… almost rapturous. It completely threw him off and he pulled back a bit. The Dragon moved forward and Akihito relented, not truly wishing to slit his throat. He kept moving forward, coming into Aki’s space. Towering over him.

“Stop!” He cried, pushing the blade back against his throat. A single drop of red blood red down his neck, trailing over his chest and disappearing into his black shirt. Akihito watched its path and the Dragon moved forward again. Akihito’s innocent, frightened eyes met his.

“You’re a fighter, but you are not a killer little one.”

Aki frowned in confusion, “How do you know?”

 "Because of this," he murmured huskily. He dropped his sword, dipping his head to cover Akihito’s mouth with his own. He moved forward into the blade and Akihito pulled it back immediately as it began to penetrate his skin. He would have run himself through if Aki had not yielded. He had gambled, but he was right. Akihito couldn’t kill him, even though he was a pirate, even if it meant surrendering. A strong hand grabbed the hand that held the hilt of the sword, while another reached around and grabbed his ass, squeezing it hard. The sword was ripped from his grasp and dropped onto the deck to join the Dragon’s. He moaned in protest against his mouth as it moved firmly over his, his tiny fists beating at the pirate’s broad shoulders. He kissed him soundly, thoroughly, stealing all the breath from Akihito’s lungs before pulling back with a smirk. Looking down at the beautiful boy's dazed and confused expression. He laughed.

“I win.”

The other pirates were laughing their own asses off at the horrified expressions on the English sailors faces. The Dragon called over to them, “Back to the ship!” He looked down at Akihito and smirked, “I got what I came for.”

With a muffled scream of protest, he was scooped up against the solid warmth of his chest, his tanned arm anchoring Akihito’s hips to him as he walked across the plank to the pirate's ship. Too terrified of falling to fight back, his eyes widened as they gazed down at the water so far below, dark and shadowy between the heaving ships. Unconsciously, his hands clung to the man’s strong shoulders, wrapping fearfully around his neck and the pirate’s strong arms crushed the boy to his chest. He jumped from the plank and landed on his feet like a large jungle cat, and slowly lowered Akihito’s feet to the deck of the Sion. Rubbing his body against the Dragon's own much larger, harder one. A blush warmed his cheeks and he was unable to meet the golden eyes laughing down at him.

He bit his lip as he watched the grappling hooks removed from the Dracaena, the remaining pirates swinging back on board the ship. His eyes met Captain Kuroda’s and he was startled when he realized the Captain had his hat off. He and the rest of the crew were bowing to the pirate ship. Bowing to HIM, he realized. Before he could even register the significance of what that meant, his upper arm was caught in a firm grip, and his eyes swung up to meet his captor's.

"Lock him in my cabin," he ordered to someone over Akihito’s shoulder, never taking his eyes from Aki’s. His lips parted on a soundless gasp as an enormous blond pirate wrapped a rope around his wrists. He began to struggle as the man pulled him toward the steps that led below. A solemn looking man in glasses who had not been with the raiding party walked up to the Dragon and looked over at Akihito who was raising hell on the deck as the blond mountain tried to drag him to the captain’s quarters. He looked more like a scholar than a pirate.

He asked his captain incredulously, “That’s what we boarded the British galleon for? Risking our necks in colonial waters? Just for that... kid?”

The Dragon’s eyes were glowing with hot fire as he watched the blond hellcat who had bewitched him through the spyglass make mincemeat of his strongest pirate. He smirked and replied to his first mate, “Not all treasure is gold Kirishima. Not all treasure is gold.”

-

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Izuku would say he had a fine memory. He remembered the first picture he drew out of crayons and hung it on the fridge by a magnet; the first football he received; the first action figure he got; the first friend he made; the first time his friend hit him; the first time his friend left a burn mark on him, the first time his friend turned into his tormentor, the first time he understood that life wasn't just what he'd see on television; the first time he figured out that some people had it better than others; the first time he set a goal for his dreams, the first time his dreams were mocked; the first time he didn't cry over a wound, and the first time he felt truly alone in this world.

He had a road; he just didn't know where to go. He had the door of opportunity; he just didn't have the key. He had to keep trying, but that got harder and harder with each passing day. Sometimes, he wondered what life was all about. Yes, he'd keep living, but then what? Where should he go?

And that thought – that thought he kept pushing down to keep his sanity was tattooed in the back of his mind: Everyone dies eventually. He's going to die. He was going to stop existing, just like those who had passed away before him. He was dying, with each passing day, the hours, minutes, seconds eating away at his lifespan.

Life was a merry-go-round, spinning in an endless, repetitive loop without actually going anywhere.

He wasn't sure when everything started to blur. Time meant nothing anymore, and while walking to class, people started to blend into the background, turning into nothing but smudged up colors and buzzing noises his brain couldn't understand. The only things his could hear were his footsteps.

He recognized the empty hole in his chest. He'd had it before. It hurt. He tried to ignore it, scribbling into his notebook. He hadn't felt like this since… since he had been Quirkless… he'd been so alone…. But… but he had his friends now! Real friends! So why did the angry snake in his gut keep returning? Why? Why couldn't it just leave him be?

"Midoriya."

Izuku looked up.

"Come up here and solve this," the teacher told him.

"Ah – yes, sir."

He had to hold on, just until classes were over. This was such bad timing. He'd been feeling sluggish all morning. The last time this had happened, he had a full on mental breakdown in his room. He couldn't let it happen here. Keep calm, stay still, no one will notice.

…

He wasn't sure why it came and went. He wasn't that Quirkless loser who couldn't do anything. He was a student, a UA student, at that. So why now…?

Izuku slammed his dorm room shut loudly before leaning against it, slowly sliding down and to the ground. The angry snake curled and uncurled in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to throw up – he wanted to beat his own abdomen because that feeling in his gut was driving him insane.

He hugged his middle, a tiny wail squeezed out of his throat. He hadn't changed out of his grey school uniform. He didn't feel like it. His body told him 'I don't want to move' so he just stayed like that on the floor. Half of the lights in his room weren't turned on. Good. He needed to calm down.

Why was he panicking? Nothing – absolutely nothing worth panicking over was happening. Calm down, you wimp. But it was hard. It was hard, when he felt many invisible chains swarm his body. He felt them, crawling up his ankles and shoulders and around his neck, suffocating him.

"You're Quirkless – what do you think you can do?"

They tightened.

"You? A Hero? You've got to be kidding–"

They tightened. Izuku squeezed his eyes shut.

"Useless Deku–"

Stop. It hurt.

"–give up already."

Stop it. Please…

"Good for nothing loser. Can't do anything–"

I'm trying. I'm really trying! I swear –

No, you useless shit. You aren't. You are nothing. All Might made a mistake when he decided to give you One For All. He made a mistake, because you are a mistake. You'd die, and no one would notice. You'd die, and no one would give a damn. You'd die, and the world would keep spinning.

"Stop…" Izuku whimpered and hugged himself. The tension in his gut was eating him alive. Fat tears stung his eyes and ran down his cheeks. He rubbed at them with his arm.

The snake never left him alone, no matter where he went. It was with him, always, hiding in a tight ball in his stomach, waiting for him to lower his guard. It would try to crawl up his just and throat. Izuku's hands trembled as he clutched at his clothes, his knuckles going white.

The snake was eating him – eating him from the inside. It wanted to nibble its way out. Each bite hurt because Deku was a weak shit who couldn't even save himself.

"Get it through your thick skull already, nerd – you can't be a hero!"

He chocked. Vomit. He needed to vomit. The snake was already at his throat. He heard panting, and it took him a few minutes to realize it was coming from him. Breathe, he told himself. Breathe. Just calm down. His heart rammed at his chest. Even his own heart wanted to kill itself.

He felt a pluck and noticed his grey uniform slacken. Oh, he had popped off one of the uniform buttons due to his uncontrolled grip. Sweat began to gather around his neck and over his back.

The knock on his door almost gave him a heart attack.

"Gah!" He yelped and grabbed over his heart. He already felt like dying. He didn't need any jump scares.

"Mi… Midoriya?" Iida called from behind the door. "Midoriya, is everything alright? You seemed unwell in class today." He sounded worried.

Answer him. Answer him – oh god, he's still standing right behind you just stop being useless and answer him already!

"I'm…" His voice came out as a squeak. He swallowed it down and tried again, still clutching over his heart. "I'm fine. I'm fine." It didn't sound any better.

Iida didn't say anything for a while, until… "I see… May I come in, then?"

No. No, you may not. But he couldn't tell Iida that. He couldn't. He just couldn't. Just because Izuku was a mess didn't mean he had to throw his mess at his friend as well.

"No, no. I'm…" Izuku sighed, willing the pain to go away. "I'm fine. Really!" He tried to chuckle, but it sounded so fake. He doubted Iida would fall for it.

"…Do you need any assistance, Midoriya?" Iida asked carefully, his tune low but clear. "Do you remember what you told me before? If you ever need someone to talk to, you can talk to us. We are your friends. So please, whatever you're dealing with, know you don't have to go through it alone."

Iida figured it out.

Izuku wasn't himself.

Izuku wasn't being Izuku.

Izuku panicked even more. His classmates knew he wasn't mentally well. They knew everything. They'd gone through his memories. They'd seen his past. They'd seen him break and crumble and shrink and shrivel away. They'd seen the useless Deku, and knew the useless Deku was still part of him, and would always be part of him.

"I'm okay…" Izuku whispered. He wasn't sure if he was talking to Iida, or to himself. "I'm… I'm… I'll be fine. Thanks, Iida. I'm sorry for worrying you. It's nothing." No, it's not.

He heard a few more footsteps behind the door, then a few whispers. Izuku wanted to throw up. He slapped a hand over his mouth. Was he actually about to vomit, or was that just a feeling and nothing more?

"Hey, Midoriya?" Kirishima. That was Kirishima. "You okay in there, bro?" He asked, knocking on the door.

Great. First Iida, now Kirishima. Who's next?

"He's still there," Jiro whispered. "I hear him. He's breathing really hard."

"I'm… I'm fine!" Izuku blurted out. It was hard to breathe. The snake ate at his insides. It made sure he was feeling every bit of pain he deserved. He heard more whispering, someone mentioning Aizawa, and a few more footsteps. They were trapping him in. they were gathering at his door.

The knocked and called him a few more times, but their voices didn't make sense anymore. What did their words mean again? He forgot how to understand human speech. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Then again. Then again. Still bent over with his back against the door, he reached for it with shaky fingers.

(6) Unread Messages

Kaminari: You ok man

Kaminari: ?

Kaminari: Iida s worried man he called me

Kaminari: srsly everything ok?

Kaminari: Im coming over with Sero

Kaminari: hold on buddy

A fat tear landed on the screen. Izuku sniffed, and he swore he heard the voices behind the door panic. It wasn't a big deal. Why were they making a big deal out of it? They didn't know what was wrong with him. Even he didn't know what was wrong with him.

"He's crying," Jiro informed the others. She was still hearing him.

"Midoriya, can you let one of us in, please?" Iida asked, and before Izuku could decide what to say or do, he felt the door handle move. He had locked it behind him.

"No good. He locked it," Kirishima told them.

"Guys!" Kaminari's panted.

"What's going on? What happened?" Sero sounded just as tired. They must've ran all the way over.

Why couldn't they just leave him alone? Why were they smothering him? They'd never done that before. He'd never had anyone whenever the Snake grabbed at him. So why now? Was it because they had seen his true, weak self? Useless Deku suddenly mattered?

"….You don't think he's gonna hurt himself, do ya?"

Kaminari's words slowly sunk in.

"Midoriya," Yaoyorozu called gently. "You don't need to tell us what's wrong, but it's alright to lean on your friends." She tried.

Izuku wiped his wet nose with his sleeve. "I…" his voice died. A sob rolled out of his wet throat. They most likely heard it.

"Deku!" He heard Ochaco's high-pitched voice join the others. "Is – Is he okay?" She was panicking. It sounded like she was close to crying. "He was so quiet today – I should've told to him earlier…"

No. It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself, please…

"I'm to blame as well," Iida added. "He seemed down today. I wanted to talk to him, but I was too late. I should've spoken with him earlier."

"Hey, now, it's not your fault," Kirishima said.

"No one could've predicted it'd get worse this fast," Yaoyorozu explained. It. She must've meant his depression.

His phone buzzed. They were trying to reach him through his phone.

(5) Unread Messages

Uraraka: Deku?

Uraraka: Are you ok?

Uraraka: Are you sad?

Uraraka: Its ok to be sad

Uraraka: Do you need a hug?

(3) Unread Messages

Todoroki: Midoriya

Todoroki: We will walk away from your room

Todoroki: Iida and Uraraka will stay by your door if you need anything

Oh… they must've realized gathering by his room would only scare him even more; but they still didn't feel comfortable enough to leave him by himself in such a state, so they left two of his friends close by.

They were obviously worried about him. He didn't deserve such kind friends. He wanted to let them know he was alright, but even he wasn't sure why he felt like getting torn from the inside out. He couldn't keep hiding. He couldn't keep pretending nothing was wrong. They were offering to help him anyway they could, but was he worth their time?

Grabbing his phone weakly, he looked at the texts sent to him, then clicked on Uraraka's name. He looked up at her questions. Was he okay? Was he sad? Did he need a hug? He sent the only thing he felt: Not sure.

He heard her phone ding from behind his door. She was right there, and most likely, so was Iida. They hadn't spoken in a while. His phone buzzed again.

(2) Unread Messages

Uraraka: im sorry if we bothered you Deku

Uraraka: we crowded you we re sorry

Izuku wiped his wet eyes with his sleeve. They wanted to help, but didn't know what to do. He couldn't blame them. Even he didn't know what to do.

You: its ok

You: I'm sorry I worried everyone

He wanted to add 'thanks for caring about me' but that would only make him sound selfish. Was he selfish for wanting their attention? He'd never been one to seek attention. All his life, he'd tried to hide from people and kept himself under the radar, because how else would he hide from bullies and pointing fingers and words that sounded more like bullets?

(1) Unread Messages

Uraraka: do you need time ?

Did he? What did he need? He wasn't sure. He was so confused and felt like spewing his guts out. He wanted nothing more than to feel his mom's hug. It was so childish. Whenever the snake attacked him like this, he'd usually crawl under the covers of his bed, or put on his headphones and turn on music he wouldn't remember later on. He didn't know what was happening to him, or why, but he wanted his mom. He wanted someone safe.

Someone safe…

He looked down at his phone and scrolled through his contacts list. They'd gathered at his door, not because he was injured, not because he was dying, but because they understood he wouldn't ask for help even if he needed it. They understood he was used to being alone, and wanted to let him know he didn't have to be alone anymore.

You: are you and Iida still there?

(2) Unread Messages

Uraraka: yes

Uraraka: do you need anything Deku?

It took every ounce of his strength to reach up and unlock the door and scoot away.

"Deku…?"

"Midoriya?"

They'd heard the lock click. He needed to get off the floor and talk to them properly. He needed to be respectful. He just didn't have the energy to do so. He was weak… pathetic…

"Can we come in, Deku?" Ochaco asked nervously. The door wasn't locked anymore, but they didn't want to barge in without his permission.

"Yeah…" that was all he could whisper out before the door slowly cracked open.

The two snuck in carefully, and before he knew it, Ochaco dropped to her knees and hugged him. He felt the hard edges of her pink phone in her palm as she squeezed him. Iida made sure to quietly close the door behind him as he knelt to their level.

He must've looked like a mess, on the floor and face wet and eyes red-rimmed. His room was mostly dark, which only added to the depressing mood. Izuku slowly melted into Ochaco's embrace. His arms slowly unwrapped from his midsection and dropped them around her.

Iida hugged the both of them firmly. "I'm sorry we didn't notice sooner."

Izuku shook his head no, sniffing lightly. The snake that had been crawling up his throat had slowed down its wriggling. "I'm… I'm sorry I w-worried you guys…"

Ochaco tightened her grip. "Deku… Don't be sad, Deku..." was she crying, too? He couldn't believe how his own emotional breakdown was affecting his friends.

"You're not alone anymore, Midoriya," Iida reminded him calmly.

Izuku felt Ochaco give a nod in agreement, rubbing her cheek against his. He felt their heartbeats, gentle yet strong; surreal yet so real. He swallowed, and it was much easier now that the snake had crawled back down. He could breathe without feeling nauseous now.

Relief. It felt too good – their hold on him was too perfect. Tears rolled down his face freely. He couldn't hold it in anymore. Grabbing fistfuls of Iida and Uraraka's clothes, he ducked his face in between them and cried. They held on to him as he cracked and broke apart from the inside.

His chest hurt, but he could breathe. His head throbbed, but his thoughts were clearing. His heart rammed against his chest, but he felt alive – something he hadn't felt in a while. He didn't know how long the three of them stayed like that. His crying slowed to silent tears.

"…Thanks guys…" he whispered. His throat hurt, but he felt lighter.

He felt Iida pat him on the shoulder. "Would you like me to inform the others?"

Izuku thought about it. They were probably still worried out there. He had people waiting for him, not just Uraraka and Iida. "If… if it's not much trouble…" he decided.

Iida gave him one last pat on the shoulder before moving away. Uraraka drew away, but then leaned against Izuku's shoulder. Iida gave him an encouraging nod before leaving, closing the door as he left.

Izuku sighed and wiped the wetness from his eyes. It was only then did he notice Uraraka's hand in his. A tiny blush brushed his cheeks. How had he not noticed that earlier?

"Are… Are you feeling better, Deku?" She asked him quietly, leaning against him.

The snake had quietly retreated. Izuku swallowed thickly. "Yeah… Yeah. I am. Thanks…"

She squeezed his hand. I'm glad you're better.

His phone started buzzing. Izuku dried his cheeks before reaching for his phone, keeping his other hand in Ochaco's.

(24) Unread Messages

Kirishima: my bro! :D Youre ok! give me a hug

Asui: glad you're feeling better

Asui: text us if you need anything

Kaminari: DUDE you freaked me out!

Kaminari: don't scare me like that again man

Kaminari: MY CINNAMON ROLL BUDDY!

Jiro: Kaminari was crying

Jiro: by the way

Jiro: Sato left you cupcakes by your door

Ashido: Midori!

Ashido: you better? :3

Ashido: cause Bakugo was ready to break your door lol

Ashido: ps Kaminari was crying XD

Todoroki: Iida told us. I'm glad you're feeling better

Yaoyorozu: Take as much time as you need

Hagakure: You better! ❤❤❤❤

Hagakure: Im so happyyy

Sero: hey don't be shy to ask for hugs next time

Sero: oh and Kaminari cried for ya lol

Ojiro: good to hear you're doing alright

Kacchan: DEKU what the fuck did you do?!

Kacchan: shitty electro dolt was sniveling

Kacchan: I don't care if you're being a crybaby

Kacchan: Do that again and I'm breaking that door down

Izuku hadn't noticed the small smile spreading across his face. It was weak and wobbly, but a smile none the less. He felt Ochaco's stare. He turned just in time to see her own smile as she threw herself at him for another hug.

"I'm so h-happy. You're… you're happy again…" she said, her voice muffled through his shoulder. "We all love you."

That was all he needed to hear.

He had people who loved him – who never wanted to let him go. And while the snake slept on, he knew he was prepared for it next time. The arms around his neck and the buzzing of his phone were enough to let him know that he had armor to fight the monster.


“Do you really have to leave now?” Joon asked.

Jimin gave him a small smile. He couldn’t ask more from his saviors. They already fed him and his pride wouldn’t let him stay with them any longer.

“Yes, I have to meet up with a friend.” Jimin lied and this was seen through immediately. He was such a shitty liar.

“This late? It is already past dawn.”

“Uh… it’s not a friend.. It’s…” Jimin bit his lips. “My.. my brother-“

“You said that you have no family.”

Shit.

“If you have nowhere to go, you can stay for the night.” Joon offered. Jin on the other hand didn’t even try to hide his horror.

“I really can’t take your offer.” Jimin said, feeling guilty. He didn’t want to take advantage of them.

“Why not? It is not like we would mind, right?” He asked and Jin shook his head, even though one could see the dismay on his face. “You do not want to stay the night on the streets. What if these men come after you?”

Joon had a point... he stayed in the end. But only for tonight!

When he woke up, Jin and Joon were already awake. Jin in the kitchen to make breakfast and Joon sitting on a pad, reading something.

“Good mornin’…” Jimin mumbled sleepy, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“Did you have a good rest?” Joon asked with a warm smile.

“The best.” Jimin smiled back and Joon nodded, misunderstanding what Jimin meant. He thought that Jimin always had to sleep on the streets and never got a warm and save place. But the actual thing was that Jimin was never greeted this warmly since he got here. It was a nice change of surroundings. “What are you reading?” Jimin asked, looking curious at the paper in Joon’s hand.

“This? This is for my education.”

“Education? For what?”

“I want to change the country.” Joon said after a short pause, considering if Jimin would even understand him.

“Why?” Guess he didn’t.

“Can you not see the things around here? It is just wrong… how the noble treats the folk.” Joon explained even though it would be for nothing. He wanted to talk about his thoughts with someone other than Jin for once.

“I know what you mean.” Jimin agreed. “I didn’t get to see much of this city or the world but what I saw yesterday… wasn’t pleasant.” When he walked into this city yesterday, he was greeted with the wrong side – the slums.

Joon raised an eyebrow at Jimin’s statement but he continued when he saw the serious look on his face. “Yes, because people in heaven have no reason to think about people in hell.”

“But how can you change something by educating yourself?”

“Can the dark never win the light? Can the wrong never win the right? Someday I will have enough power to change things.” Joon mumbled. “But first, I need to educate myself.”

“Where would you get that power? You can only be born with it… This period is only about the nobles. Nobody even thinks of the people… I mean, who if not them decide and carry our future?”

Joon became silent. He was surprised that Jimin could keep up with him. That’s why he carelessly let his thoughts flow out.

“Yes, exactly that is my thought! My plan is to give everyone a chance for education. Not only the ones who can afford it. I know that peasants and workers have more ideas for innovation. Who else if not them, know what is best for labor? I want to give them hope for a better life. I want everyone to achieve their own dreams, with their own power, not how they are born. What should peasants tell their children? That they have no chance for a better life? Someday they will be adults too and understand. But what is the point? Tell me… Is it me who is stupid? Is it me who is insane? Or is it them?”

“I do know what you mean. We could have so many educated people who could lead us into the next period. Instead of waring for more land, we could educate the children and work together for an innovative world. Get more good brains and let them decide their future for themselves.” Jimin agreed because Joon is talking about the world he originally came from. This man is thinking of the future. He wants everyone to have the same rights that is not determined by blood.

“I wish that I could change this but they hold me back.” He sighed. “I got no faith in this system.” He continued. “I hope for better days but hope is not enough. I need to do something… that is why I left my country. I had heard that the recent king of this land is doing great things… so I wanted to see for myself. I have to agree that his way is pretty good but he cannot achieve much if he stays in his palace…”

“I agree… how can he know what’s best for his people if he is never here to see what’s wrong? I mean I saw the slums. How blind must he be to not see that? It can only progress when he knows what his countrymen are doing or how they are living. If he would be near them he could tell what they really need.”

“You are the first one to understand my statement. I would not have thought that someone shares my opinion.” Joon said in surprise. He was heavily impressed. Especially since the boy came from the streets and wasn’t as educated as him - apparently.

“If you want to continue your conversation, do it another time.” Jin said coming out from the kitchen with the pot.

After eating, Jimin offered them to wash the dishes since Jin cooked – and was still injured. Joon had objected because he wanted to continue his talk but Jin gave him a look that made him shut up. When Jimin entered the kitchen to wash the dishes, Jin and Joon left the main room and walked out onto the already busy streets. Their conversation was held in a very low tone to prevent someone to overhear them.

“You should not reveal too much, master.” Jin warned.

“He is different I want him to come with us.” Joon said without blinking an eye. Jin however was not pleased one bit.

“He cannot come with us.” Jin protested. “He would be a burden.”

“What burden? Did you not see how he knocked the other guy out yesterday? His physique is so small yet he could handle the other with ease! Plus he is so much more open-minded than everyone we had met. Maybe even more than I am.”

“We cannot trust him.” Jin said, still not agreeing.

“I want him to come with me. That is my wish…” He said, but seeing Jin’s reaction he had to add: “and an order.” His voice was heavy with dominance. He never wanted to use his authority because he saw Jin more like a friend but the truth was that Jin was his attendant and before, Jin was a slave brought with the money of his parents since he wanted to save the pretty boy.

“As you wish.” Jin complied. He couldn’t talk back when his master talked like this.

“There you are!” Jimin said, when he found the two men who suddenly disappeared. “What are you doing outside?”

“We just had a short talk. Nothing important.” Joon smiled and went inside again, followed by Jin. “I have a proposal to make.” Jimin looked at him with curious eyes. “You can decline if you want but would you like to come with us?”

“What?” Jimin was surprised because he would have never thought that they would ask him something like that.

“I thought that you would like to come with us since you have no place to stay but if you do not want to, it is-“

“I mean I would gladly, yes!” Jimin said happy. Joon smiled pleased.

“We should get going. It is not save to stay too long in one place.” Jin butted in, not happy at all.

Jimin was confused. Why would it not be save for them to stay in one place? Because it was surely for him dangerous to stay so close to the palace but no one could recognize him now with his new appearance. So there should be no danger, right?

Joon didn’t object and they packed their few belongings.

“What about the house? Is it not yours?” Jimin asked.

Jin shook his head. “It is rented.” That was the only thing Jin said. Jimin could hear disapproval in Jin’s voice. He wasn’t stupid. He understood that Jin didn’t want him to join them. But he needed to get away from here and he didn’t know how and where to go to. Therefore this is the best opportunity for him… and he took a liking to Joon… the man was something different.

Before they could leave the city, they went to the marked to get some provisions for their journey. When they arrived at the center, noise was emitting from a big crowd. Jimin, Jin and Joon went over to see what was so interesting for the people of the city – mainly because Joon was interested and Jin couldn’t disobey orders.

They pushed their way through, because Jimin was too small to see anything. When they reached the front, they could see many soldiers standing there.

Everyone watched with awe.

“What are soldiers from the palace doing here?” Someone whispered curious and Jimin’s face darkened. He should leave. Now. But before he could even talk to Joon and Jin, one soldier announced something.

“Kneel before the king!”

Loud commotion. Jimin froze.

This can’t be happening.

‘The king?’

‘What is he doing here?’

‘Did something happen?’

But when the soldiers parted to let the king through, everyone fell quiet and kneeled down, lowering their head. Someone suddenly pulled Jimin down to his knees. It was Jin and he put a hand on his head to lower it but instead of lowering his head he looked up with wide eyes.

Why was he here? Wasn’t the prince useless? Why come and get him back? Why imprison him again? Why should Jeon even care? Wouldn’t it benefit him when Jimin was gone?

As he continued to stare at the path the soldiers made, he could see a figure nearing the center. It was none other than Jeon himself on a black horse. When he stopped in the middle, he looked through the crowd. Jimin lowered his head instantly to hide his face.

“My people, do not kneel before me. It is not I, who you should kneel before. I, too, am a mere servant of his highness.” Jeon waited until everyone stood up before he continued talking. Joon and Jin were on their feet swiftly, but Jimin got up slowly, trying not to attract attention. His head was still lowered and he kind of started to hide behind Joon, watching the king talk to the crowed. “You might be asking why I choose to be here in the first place. It is because I am in need of your help.” Whispers everywhere. “There is a certain someone his majesty wants to find.” He started and everyone fell silent to hear their king out. “This person is most likely close by. He is dear to his royal majesty. So do not use any kind of violence if you spot him.”

Before he continued talking one of the soldiers walked in front of Jeon and unrolled a scroll. On the piece of paper one could see a face, Jimin’s face. The resemblance was terrifying. They even drew him short hair – well cut short hair. Jimin ducked his head, afraid of someone recognizing him. He moved away from Joon who looked scandalized because he recognized that the person on the paper was Jimin. If he understood right, Jimin was someone close to the prince of this country. He turned around to look at Jimin, but the boy already disappeared. He then turned to Jin but the brown haired male was also out of sight.

“Here is a picture of the boy we are searching for.” Jeon said. “If you find him, please-“ Before he could finish his sentence someone interrupted the king.

“The boy is here.” The crowed made a path for the man, who spoke up. He held Jimin’s arm in a firm grip, because the boy was struggling to get away.

“Let go! I don’t want to! Please, Jin! Let go of me!” Jimin begged, trying to pull his arm out of Jin’s grip. But it was already too late. Jeon dismounted his horse and walked to Jimin. When he stopped in front of them, Jeon raised Jimin’s face to get a better look. Jimin could swear that he saw a glimpse of anger in Jeons face. He gulped.

“You are to be rewarded.” Jeon said after a few seconds to Jin, not taking his eyes away from Jimin.

“Your presence is reward enough, your highness.” Jin said bowing slightly.

Jeon nodded to one of the soldiers who held onto some kind of reward. The solider walked to them and offered it to Jin. Jin took it with another bow, better not anger the king. He let go of Jimin’s arm and stepped back. Jeon took Jimin’s wrist and pulled him to some carriage.

“Fuck you, traitor!” Jimin shouted before Jeon forced him into the carriage.