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The wind and sea were fair as the small slender ship stayed to its course and made its way to the terrifying realm of Chaos. Once the crew had learned that this was their destination there had been some murmurs and outright complaints against the captain. Still…as any good crew they remained loyal and followed their orders. After all this was not the first wild adventure that Sinbad had chosen to lead them on. It was by far the most dangerous, there was no point arguing that. However their faith held firm; and so remained jolly as they tried to ignore their misgivings about the venture.
Miguel couldn't be happier he went about his duties on the ship cheerfully and eagerly. He was willing to learn what he didn't know and constantly strove to improve. He was the ideal crewmate and soon became very popular amongst his fellows.
Tulio was not fairing as well, however since Miguel was never far from his side he managed to enjoy himself even if he didn't appreciate the tasks that he was given. He couldn't understand why Miguel thrilled on moping the deck or how he could stand spending hours tending to the ropes that made the ship work. Still, he learned to bear with it. Seeing Miguel's smiling face reminded him why he went on this crazy adventure to begin with. He just hoped that it wouldn't cost him his life.
Miguel laughed as he ran to the port side and saw dolphins playing in the wake of the boat. He had never seen the creatures before but he felt an instant connection to them. They way their sleek bodies would dive in and out of the water playfully calling to each other. It was a magical moment and Miguel gave a small sigh as he watched them.
Tulio had looked over at the creatures but saw little interest in them. He took over Miguel's task so that his friend could enjoy himself. He hoped that once they were done they would be able to end their work for the day. He saw the captain watching and decided to go back to his task; he really didn't want to attract too much attention. Of course when he looked over at Miguel he knew that would be impossible.
Sinbad was looking over his crew, still not sure why he had settled with going along with this. It was hard to admit that the thought of leaving his friend to die didn't sit right with him. Deciding that he needed distraction from these revealing thoughts he paid closer attention to his men.
It seemed as if everybody was going diligently about their tasks, which was good. He supposed with the threat of a Goddess going against them made everyone perform their best. He gave a smirk of amusement when he spotted one of their newer members. He was leaning over the rail to see the dolphins that had decided to play with them for awhile. He was one of the hardest working members of the crew and so didn't object to him enjoying the journey. He only wished he could summon that much enthusiasm.
He cast a sly look to Kale and noted that his faithful second in command was also watching the new man. Though his gaze was far different than the one he had been casting. He and Kale had been together almost as long as Sinbad had sailed the seas. They knew each other well, something that both took pride in. He smirked as he slipped up behind Kale, deciding to have a little fun. "He's just your type isn't he?"
Kale was startled from his observations when he heard Sinbad's playful tone. He shook his head and gave a grin back "Exactly my type, but you know that I don't prey upon the crew." He left out that there had never been any on the crew that had ever tempted him before.
Sinbad only rose a brow in response before shrugging "Of course of course…you're far to honorable for that…shame, it looks like it'll be a long voyage…and one we might not return from at that."
Kale turned to face Sinbad fully, intrigued to see where exactly his captain was taking this "What? You want me to mess with the crew like that? I'm sure it would go over well." His dry tone revealed the sarcasm that went with that comment. As second in command it was his job to keep the crew in order while the Captain made his plans. To sleep with a member of the crew, no matter how subtle it was kept, would affect the crew as a whole. That was one of the last things they needed right now
Giving a sigh Sinbad nodded "I suppose, though I never thought of our crew as being the prying kind, as long as you do your job and he does his...where's the problem?" He gave another playful smirk as he made a shooing motion with his hands "Maybe you should go reprimand him for slacking…"
He flittered of to his cabin before Kale could respond; but made sure to get to his peek whole so that he could see what was going to happen next. The crew may not pry but he certainly did.
Kale cleared his throat as he shook his head and made his way down to the deck and stood behind Miguel. He smiled softly as he watched the obvious delight on the blonde's face. It made him wonder if he had ever seen a dolphin before. If he hadn't spent much time on the sea then it was possible that this was his first time. "Beautiful aren't they?" He murmured, though he was certain he meant to say something else.
Miguel almost jumped over the rail when the deep voice spoke from behind him. He gave a shaky laugh as he turned and gave a charming smile "I've never had the chance to watch them before…ah but all the ropes are tended and the deck is washed…"
Kale couldn't help but notice how much like a child Miguel sounded at that moment. A cute child who had gotten caught doing something that they shouldn't have…but it was endearing. He merely smiled down at Miguel. It wasn't his fault if he couldn't keep the predatory look completely out of his eyes. "So you have…I was merely commenting how beautiful they were."
The blush that infused Miguel's cheeks told him that he knew a line when he heard one. He obviously wasn't used to getting them directed at him. He seemed nervous as he folded his arms and tried to seem relaxed as he leaned against the rail "Of course…"
Tulio had been watching the whole exchange and didn't know which was worse. The corny lines that Kale was using or the virgin like reaction that Miguel was giving. He shook his head but couldn't help but smile softly when he saw the light of interest in Miguel's eyes. They had both been alone since El Dorado…perhaps this journey wasn't so useless after all.
Miguel had looked over to Tulio for some way to escape, even if he wasn't so sure that he wanted to escape. He couldn't help the blush that came up his cheeks at Kale's nearness. That only increased when he saw Tulio's knowing smile as he turned his back. He knew that if really wanted it to stop he could call out to him and Tulio wouldn't hesitate…but once again he held himself back.
Leaning in closer Kale had been tempted to push further. He could see the hesitation and indecision in Miguel's eyes. He was certain enough however that his skills would quickly quell those fears. It was when he felt Miguel tremble against him that he knew he was taking things too far. That wasn't a shiver of pleasure or anticipation; it had been a tremble of fear. He sighed and pulled away but not before gently caressing Miguel's cheek and murmured into his ear "Meet me tonight?"
Still trying to decide if he was relieved or disappointed Miguel did the only thing he could do in that situation and nodded his head. How could anyone resist such an invitation? He couldn't. He nodded his head with a small soft smile on his lips as he said "Alright."
He wished that he could be as casual as Kale seemed to be about the meeting. Still he knew that he was giving the impression of a man with very few sexual experiences. Despite all his claims to the contrary…it was true.
Kale had already known that Miguel was his type. He was waiflike and playful, a combination that he always enjoyed. Still he hadn't thought that he would be this perfect. He was playful, impish, and almost intoxicatingly shy. It was something that made him burn with anticipation for tonight, even if all they did was talk.
He nodded at Miguel and then returned to his duties. He was afraid that if he stayed any longer in Miguel's presence he might not wait for tonight to take up their activities. He strode away and wondered if Spike was using his 'room' at the moment he needed some privacy to relieve the burden in his pants.
Miguel watched him stride across the deck and wondered how he had caught the second's eye. He flushed when he realized that the entire crew had probably been watching the exchange. However much to his relief when he looked around he saw that they were all busy either doing their tasks or involved in debates or stories with each other. He sighed and decided that since his tasks were done he'd take a nap in the afternoon sun. He'd need the energy for later.
Tulio had smiled as he peeked around the wooden pole he had slipped behind. He hadn't left his friend to fend for himself. After all while the tall handsome second had caught his friend's eye he wouldn't leave him alone right away. For all his personality Miguel could be very innocent and Tulio didn't feel right about leaving him alone until he was certain that he was alright.
His fears of course were now put to rest. Seeing that soft smile on Miguel's lips took him back to when they had been together. It had been a brief time, but Tulio would always treasure it. Even if it would have never worked. They had too much history, too much binding them already. It would have become suffocating if they not only shared their lives but their beds as well.
He sighed wistfully and carefully brushed aside the thoughts of 'what might have been'. Seeing that smile on Miguel's confirmed that it was only lust for now, but had potential to be so much more. Of course if he left everything up to Miguel he would wreck the whole thing, Tulio would make sure that it worked. He owed Miguel that much.
Below deck Sinbad had been taking his own rest in his cabin when the door was unceremoniously opened. He sighed and rolled over on his side. There was only one person he could think of who would burst in on him. Sure enough, Kale stood in the door way after securely closing the door and had a wide grin on his face. "What?" Sinbad groaned, dragging out the word in a petulant fashion. He didn't what to hear about what Kale would be getting or had been getting while he himself had been wallowing in his celebrate state. It was also very clear that Kale had just 'relieved' himself.
Kale chuckled already knowing what Sinbad was thinking and cheerfully informed his captain "He agreed to meet me tonight." He wasn't exactly sure why he was so pleased. It was common enough for him to get people he desired, he assumed it was just because it'd been so long since he'd had his preferred type.
"Wonderful." Sinbad growled irritably as he rolled his back towards Kale "Please spare me the details will you?"
Kale chuckled and came to sit on the bed. They were close, but not that close. Still he knew his Captain better than anyone he could name. Even Sinbad's childhood friend didn't know him as well. Although ten years could make anyone strangers. "Yes it is wonderful…what's even better was I happened to get a better look at his friend…he's not my type but I could think of someone who would be interested."
Sinbad was determined not to dignify that with an answer. However, it had been long enough that he was willing to lower his dignity to find out more…it was just harmless curiosity. "Oh really? What type is he?"
Kale knew that the captain wouldn't be able to lay his curiosity to rest and said "Well he's definitely clever, protective, very sly…and he loves money…well money, gold, and jewels. He's almost as bad as you."
Sinbad looked over his shoulder sharply "Top or bottom?"
Kale shrugged his shoulders "I dunno…I would almost be positive to say that he's a switch."
Sinbad had promised himself that he was just asking for information. However even though Kale had a hard time finding sweet waiflike boys around hardy crew members, his preferred type was even more of a devil to get. Kale liked to have 'pets' sweethearts he could take care of. Sinbad preferred a partner, someone who wouldn't blink an eye at out devious he could be and lend a hand instead.
He mulled it over for a moment and said "I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk to him…after all you're probably wrong."
That sounded like a challenge to Kale's ears and he was more than willing to face it. "Alright, ten silvers he's just your type … and you keep him around for awhile." He was going to go out on a limb and say 'forever' he was almost certain they were a perfect match. He just didn't want to scare Sinbad away with the thought of commitment. He did know him well after all.
Sinbad smirked and held out his hand to shake Kale's. If the man was as Kale described he'd happily pay ten silvers to Kale for pointing him out. "Deal."
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