Azura's whip set the tempo for his favorite dance. Ray was clumsy for all Noir's reputed grace, but eventually he learned the proper movements. It was a pity about all that blood.
Azura's mood improved considerably as he watched Florian lick the wounds clean. The blond did have his uses. If only he didn't cry so easily - tears always bored Azura.
Ray's reaction to the blond's ministrations was promising. Watching the two of them together might prove diverting. Besides, what else was there to do on a long sea voyage?
Azura shoved Florian out of bed and started making plans.
XXXXX
The distance between them was greater than the scant inches afforded by the narrow bed. Florian was on his side, his back towards the man he once trusted.
Ray was no coward, but he couldn't bring himself to reach out to Florian. The man had suffered so much because of him. Instead, Ray kept himself as far away as he could in the small space and waited for the dawn.
Leaning against the open doorway, Azura studied the two men, savoring their misery as much as the vision of their partially uncovered forms. Perhaps tomorrow he'd deny them the blanket.
XXXXX
They clung together, bloodied, minds and bodies badly wounded. Azura's corpse sprawled at their feet, the knife Florian had found among the treasure glinted red-gold among masses of silver hair.
The only entrance was sealed and Azura's men waited beyond. Water streamed through bullet holes in the rock walls of the secret chamber. Azura'd had terrible aim.
Florian grabbed a plain gold cup and used it to pour sea water over Ray's wounds, desperate to wash away the blood. Ray groaned and knocked the cup away, splashing them both. They shared a first kiss as the water continued to rise.