A/N: Hey everyone! A new chapter for you all and I think you won't be disappointed with this one :D I hope you guys enjoy this latest update and continue to read, review and support this fiction! It makes me writer faster apparently! (*cough* and Captain Morgan's spiced rum apparently...)
WARNING: A case of untranslated German, and one big surprise. Well... two. Haha!
Morning had been greeted with a great amount of bustling in the entry hall, Cloud watching Leon throwing out orders to pirates who were smartly dressed. It seemed that one of his expected guests would be arriving and judging by the choice of apparel it was the hated Commodore. Cloud had to wonder what sort of person this 'Commodore Almasy' was. Maybe he had a reputation as a pirate killer that stretched quite long and storied, but somehow he had the impression that Leon looked down on him imperiously.
Suppose Leon's allowed to though, being related to the Empress. He had to wonder though… how on earth was Leon going to convince the Commodore that he and his siblings were just mere houseguests and not kidnapped captives of the king of pirates?
Leon's eyes had turned up to him and they shared a very silent gaze of understanding. They had come up with a plan of sorts that morning, though Cloud was dubious that it would work. Leon would profess that he had found Cloud and his siblings half drowned in the sea, and that until he felt the time was right he'd return them to wherever they wished to go. Other than that, the small family of brothers and sister had not told him much else of their pasts.
Cloud just thought the entire cock-and-bull story reeked of suspicion but Leon had assured him that Commodore Almasy was -in his words- an 'uncouth lout who can't see the wood for the trees'. He moved from his spot and made his way down the stairs. He felt Leon's eyes upon him.
"I think you should move us back to the Ragnarok," Cloud stated, deciding just to voice his concerns rather than hide them.
"Second thoughts?"
"I'd rather take my chances with Highwind than be recognised by one of your empire's naval officers," Cloud replied. "Unless you can think of something better?"
"Short of dressing you up as some painted harlot that doesn't speak a word of Gardenian, I can tell you that we have limited options." Leon suddenly looked startled with himself, his eyes looking at Cloud apologetically.
…but Cloud wasn't upset. "Dress up as a woman?"
"Forget what I said Cloud. It's a stupid idea that just came out."
"But it might help us, won't it?"
"Well there is a slim chance, but seriously, Cloud, forget it. There's no way it could work." Leon sighed heavily, "Just stick with what we agreed to. It'll be easier in the long run."
"How long until your Commodore arrives?"
"Well could be as early as tomorrow morning," Leon replied absently, turning his attention to a groomsman and ordering him to a new task. "There would just not be enough time to even-" Leon turned but Cloud had already disappeared from his sight. "Cloud!"
Cloud had barely just heard Leon's voice; those vultures wanted a woman? Well they were going to get one after all if this meant he was going to protect his brothers and sister. He just hoped they would understand that this was all for their sake.
Leon had stared up at the first floor hall helplessly, wondering what on earth had foxed the blond into acting like that stupid idea he had was worth a jot. He just said it on the spur of the moment, probably with the thought of last night still vivid in his memory.
Let's not forget that rather telling dream you had of a certain Lord Cloud Stratus Strife, his mind reminded him. Leon grimaced at the memory; this morning had not been a pleasant wake up. He hadn't had time to mull over the deeper meaning of it though. With Almasy and Highwind appearing any day now, he had to be prepared. He had to make sure that everyone was ready.
Zexion had gone with the crew on the Ragnarok's relief to tell Axel that he was entrusted with making sure the crew and captain of the Shera were taken care of and entertained, also meaning that Roxas would be better off staying with him. That also meant that he only had three captives to keep tabs on at the manor, with only one of them (Cloud) potentially posing a problem.
…what on earth was he doing now?!
"Your Excellency? Should we go prepare the old lighthouse for Captain Highwind's visit?"
Leon flinched and turned to face a pair of groomsmen and three stocky maids, awaiting for his confirmation. "Ah…yes… quite," Leon managed to say. "Please go ahead, though don't bother making beds; I've no doubt that Highwind won't want to stray far from the Shera." Cloud isn't seriously considering… no, I've got to persuade him not to do it! "Do what you think necessary. Luxord! You're in charge!" He suddenly dashed up the stairs, two steps at a time, ignoring the startled cry of his majordomo. "Cloud Strife! I swear to you if you even dare ignore me I'll tan your hide!"
Luxord down below shared a look with some of the house staff. "They already act like a married couple, don't they?"
Cloud was in his room, looking at his reflection in the mirror as he tried to figure out just how he was going to conceal his gender. Did Leon hoard dresses, wigs, shoes, stockings and other lady's apparel as part of his treasures? How was he going to create a reasonable looking bosom that could fool even an infant? Maybe he could convince Naminé to help him with this venture if he explained it to her that this was all in the name of her protection.
He jumped when his door slammed open, an irate looking pirate king glaring at him with flashing silver eyes. "Did you not hear me?" Leon gritted out. "You are not going ahead with this hare-brained and half-baked idea!"
"Any idea how to fool men into thinking that I'm not what I was born?" Cloud asked, ignoring Leon completely.
"Cloud!"
"I could do with a dress. Preferably one that's for a slightly larger lady though maybe we could get the maids to help tailor it? Oh, and I've got no idea what to do about hair. A wig if you have one?"
"Cloud!"
"What?" Cloud turned and looked at Leon with a flat stare. "Is there a problem?"
"There is a huge problem!" Leon bellowed. "Being told that you should have been born a woman and actually disguising yourself as one are two totally different things! What if you just look like some… some… urgh! I don't even know how to describe it!"
"Well we won't know unless we try," Cloud sniffed. "Besides, what's a more believable story than you discovered a Bastionite courtesan, took her and her brother and sister in, and she's your live-in mistress? Certainly more believable than the 'found them half drowned' story."
"And you're okay with that?!"
"I already told you that I would do anything to keep my siblings safe, even if it means sacrificing my freedom." Cloud gave Leon a pointed look. "If it makes you feel any better, you can order the maids and make out like you're forcing me to do it."
"Cloud… this is a mistake…"
"No Leon. It's a plan." Even stupid plans might just work.
Leon threw his hands up in despair. "Fine. I'll let you continue this folly but only to see you fall straight on your pampered ass when Almasy doesn't buy it!" He turned on his heel. "I will not be made a fool in front of that man! Du bist so ein verdammt ärgerlich!"
Cloud did his best to suppress a laugh that was threatening to bubble up. If he didn't know any better, it sounded like Leon had something of a rivalry with this Almasy. So it was tempting to purposely fail at this task just to humiliate the pirate king, but Cloud had decided it would be best to be kind to Leon. He was having enough stress as it was. He turned back to his reflection just as Leon slammed the door shut.
Maybe he was given these damned effeminate looks for this very purpose. "This is not to help him… I'm only doing this for the triplets." Surely Leon would understand that I'd do anything for them… just like he'd do anything for his precious cousin. He honestly had no leg to stand on.
Cloud had to be doing this on purpose. Leon could only come up with that answer following giving the embarrassing orders to a group of maids he knew were trustworthy their new task. It didn't make any sense to him! Cloud, who had unintentionally revealed his aversion to any contact that could be taken as ardent and his anger towards those who had forced themselves upon him, going ahead with such a stupid scheme was just absurd! And that dream…
The dream itself was just nonsense. He dreamed of Cloud, but not a Cloud that he knew. This one was more sensuous, teasing, inviting the pirate king to merge with him as one body. It had been a very rude awakening that morning when the effect of it had become all too apparent and all too painful. Hyne… he hadn't had that kind of reaction to any person –let alone a man!– since his rejection at the hands of Lady Rinoa Heartily three years ago.
Correction: Lady Rinoa Almasy.
He sighed a little bit. He was not looking forward to this meeting with Seifer Almasy, and knowing that Cloud was going to attempt a disguise with barely any clue of how to be convincing was stressing him out. What on earth was Almasy going to think if it was so painfully obvious that his so-called 'Bastionite courtesan' was male? What on earth was he going to say to the rest of Gardenian Society? Oh lord… I won't be allowed into Esthar Town let alone the Radiant City!
How on earth was he going to be able to get Ellone back if he couldn't even get in?! Oh but that stubborn mule upstairs… Infuriating cock. If this venture worked, he'd eat his boots!
He glared at a couple of groomsmen that were looking at him with strange expressions. "What are you looking at?! If you have time to stare you have time to WORK!" he barked angrily, sending the men scattering off to different parts of the house. "Bloody hell…" Leon whispered in irritation. "That man is going to be the death of me…"
It had quickly dawned on Riku that his current mistress had some severe absences in her education. The most telling had been Naminé's tentativeness towards horse riding, particularly riding sidesaddle. No doubt that she could sit pretty on a horse; however her skill had left much to be desired. It made him wonder what sort of barbarian would disallow one of their womenfolk to ride.
On the other hand, Riku did now know that Naminé's oldest brother seemed determined to keep her confined, away from prying eyes. Giving the girl a horse to ride around would give her independence that he might not be able to control. It made Riku feel uneasy at the thought of it, coming from a society where women could become equally as powerful and influential as their male counterparts.
"That's it my lady. Stay steady," he encouraged softly, trying not to chuckle at the rather comical appearance of an elegant young girl riding a ridiculously fat pony that was more used to carting goods back and forth between port and manor. Naminé still looked a bit unsteady on her seat, but she seemed to be enjoying herself riding on the back of Carbuncle. "That's it. Just relax. Carbuncle isn't going to bolt." The pony wouldn't be able to; he had the gelding on a lunge lead. If things took a turn for the worst he could hold it steady in its place.
Naminé hadn't said a word to him since she was concentrating on keeping her balance, so it left Riku to think back on the previous night. It was no secret that Terra held a deep set grudge against Riku's 'people', so him being here as a servant to Her Imperial Highness had caused Terra to treat him with suspicion. He didn't blame him. He wouldn't trust himself if his family had been the ones to call for a mass excommunication of the Eraqunites. Though… excommunication wasn't the word to describe it. Extermination was. Riku had only been eleven years old at the time; too young to really understand why it was happening. He pursed his lips as he looked at Naminé. She would have been only a child of nine years, not even aware of the horrors happening in his home country.
Even so, the thought the Terra blamed himself for not being stronger or searched for retribution when he needn't have made Riku feel irritated. Why should he feel that way when it was his own family who had caused untold suffering to thousands? If anyone should seek redemption… it was him. Why else had he thrown away his birth rights, exiled himself into an enemy country and by sheer luck end up serving its heiress? He pulled himself away quickly from his thoughts. He didn't want Naminé to fret over him.
He didn't want anyone to fret over him.
"Would you like to try a trot?" Riku asked, thinking that Naminé was looking a little more stable and confident. "I've been told Carbuncle's like a rocking horse when he trots."
"Is that a good thing?" Naminé asked, looking at Riku with some reserve.
"It's better than a horse that seems to want to perform ballets," he smiled, clicking his tongue in his mouth and lightly tapping the pony's hindquarters with his elongated whip to encourage Carbuncle into a trot. The pony obediently did so.
Very much like a rocking horse, Riku conceded. Naminé seemed a bit wobbly at first but she soon went along with the pony's rhythm and started to laugh a little in self-pride. Riku felt some strange warmth swell in his chest and cheeks. She looks adorable…
"So how are the lessons going?"
Riku looked up, seeing Kairi was sitting on the fence watching them, blatantly disobeying the Rex Pirata's orders that all sailors and townspeople were to be in 'civilised attire'. In other words, a dress for Kairi. She was still wearing her breeches. "Going well," Naminé chirped. Only an idiot wouldn't be able to see that one Lady Naminé Strife was as pleased as a cat in a creamery. Kairi grinned in response.
"Oh dear, Riku you're creating a monster," the pirate teased. This only caused Riku to roll his eyes. "She'll be galloping around the island on a white horse giving everyone a headache!"
"I would not!" Naminé protested.
"I don't think I'd mind that too much," Riku said. "If it makes her happy." As soon as those words tumbled out of his mouth he immediately wished he could take them back. Naminé was blushing so profusely he feared that she might combust from embarrassment and Kairi was looking at him, her lavender eyes smirking in a tell-tale way that said, Oh ho, what's this?
"Well in that case maybe you should teach her how to sit on a horse's withers instead so that you can go with her," Kairi ribbed. "Riding on the same horse of course!"
"Kairi!" Naminé cried out in embarrassment. Riku only just managed to compose himself before he could give out a startled yelp. It looked like he had just fallen into Kairi's hands… now it was a matter of seeing what she would do with this information.
He feared for his sanity.
Sora was a bit annoyed with his new mission given to him, especially since he was certain that this was the Rex Pirata's way of punishing him for his little breaking-and-entering stunt a few nights ago. How was he to know that he was keeping a violent guest?! Damn… he could throw a good swing though… He rubbed the back of his head ruefully, watching the horizon for the H.I.M. Crusader, the galleon captained by one Commodore Baron Seifer Almasy.
He heard someone climbing up the lookout, supposing it was someone bringing victuals to munch upon while he waited. When he turned to see the face that had bonked him hard on the head, he shied away, looking at the boy with mistrust. The blond pursed his lips a bit and stated in broken Gardenian, "I didn't hit you. Twin did."
Sora still looked at him with mistrust, but he allowed the boy to come close with his bag. He took it from him and started to inspect the fair. Bread, cheese, water kept in a buckskin, a couple of ship's biscuits and a bit of ham. Meagre rations. The boy sat a bit apart from him. "Good appetite," he said with a weak smile. "Can I stay for a while?"
Sora grunted, taking the bread bun out and tearing at it ferociously. The blond came to sit a bit closer. "I am Ven."
"…Sora…"
"Oh, you Departurian?"
"Yeah, but I was born here." Sora still kept his gaze firmly on the horizon. He supposed he ought to keep his answers simple; he didn't know any Bastionite after all. He'd probably feel lost if Ven spoke his first language to him. "You've got a twin?"
"Yes. He's Roxas," Ven explained. "He's… more aggressive."
"I know." Sora could still feel his bump pulsate even now. "You seem sad."
Ven paused, keeping his gaze to the horizon. "…I had a fight with Terra."
"Why?"
"We said bad things to each other."
"Why you here then?"
"Luxord came with me. Wanted to feed you."
"Oh." Silence.
"Wanted to say sorry too."
"For Roxas?"
"Yes." Another pause. "He just scared too. Would never intentionally hurt someone."
"I don't blame him," Sora sighed, leaning back on his arms. "Guess I just feel a bit annoyed with myself." The quizzical look that Ven was giving him seemed to suggest he had gotten lost in translation. "Never mind. No harm done." Even more painful silence.
"…what you looking for?"
"The Crusader," Sora answered. "Big Gardenian ship."
"Oh. Guest?"
"Yeah. The Commodore." Ven nodded his head in understanding. Sora began to think that this communication business wasn't so hard after all. "It's unlikely he'll be here today, but you know what Rex Pirata is like. Never leaves anything to chance." Sora smiled a bit, letting his legs stretch out in front of him. "I really want to be a part of his crew, you know…" he murmured. "He's my idol… I want to be like him."
Ven seemed to only catch a few words, but he nodded in understanding. Sora smiled, feeling encouraged. Well, even if Ven didn't understand what he was saying, he could at least talk without worrying if it would reflect badly on him. "I mean, I know I can never become Rex Pirata one day, but I want to be like him. Making a mark on the world, having adventures, doing the right thing even if it's really scary or really hard." He then blushed a bit. "Most of all though… I want to get closer to Kairi…" He scratched his neck a little bashfully; not even Riku knew about this. "Not that she'd be interested in me though… I mean, she rose to the rank of third mate and she's only sixteen! How on earth can I even impress her when I'm just a simple thief?"
He hadn't expect Ven to understand very much of his rambling, so he just continued saying everything that was on his mind. Mostly praising Kairi and how he wished he was just a damn bit more useful to her, especially since after her mother died and she was being strong for Axel as well. When he was finished, he smiled a bit at Ven. The Bastionite was smiling back, but Sora could tell that he had barely understood a word. "Ven… you have anyone you like?" he asked.
Ven blushed; now he had understood exactly what Sora had asked. He looked down bashfully… and then murmured, "Terra."
"Huh? You swing that way?" Sora asked in surprise. He then laughed; on this island, especially considering it was a pirate haven, sexuality never really was an issue so long as you didn't force it upon someone else. Hell, Tifa back at the Seventh Heaven pretty much behaved like any man would, but had it not been for the pride she took in her ample bosom anyone might mistake her for a man. Not to mention that Tifa would murder anyone who even looked at her lover Aerith the wrong way. Axel was notorious for his dalliances with both men and women too, and there were rumours about the close relationship that Demyx and Zexion had. So no, he wasn't that shocked at all when he thought about it.
As for Ven, he seemed a bit embarrassed by all this. Maybe he had just discovered the truth of his feelings. "I like him… but I hurt him… I think…?"
"Huh…" That sounded more like Terra had gone into one of his mood swings and Ven retaliated in a way that floored the doctor. Now that didn't happen very often. "You two will be fine. Terra just finds it hard to open up to people." Sora smiled a little. "Just keep trying. Terra will appreciate it." God only knows that Terra appreciated hard workers. How else had Riku and Terra managed to tolerate each other at best so far? While he was a bit in the dark as to why they didn't get along, he gathered that it must have been to do with his parents' home country. "Heh, you're not bad company, y'know," Sora grinned. This caused Ven to smile. Sora held his hand out to him. "Friends?" he asked.
Ven took Sora's hand without a second thought. "Friends!"
Luck appeared to be on his side today, for there was no word of the Crusader or the Shera appearing on the horizon from either of his lookouts posted on the island. More worryingly though, he hadn't heard from Cloud or any of the maids he had assigned to his mad scheme all day either. Luxord seemed to have also gotten involved too, which made Leon feel more anxious. If Luxord thought that plan was good, then only Hyne knew what would be in store for them all. His majordomo was a first class schemer, matched only by his navigator.
At least tonight he might actually get a chance to convince Cloud not to go ahead with it, he had thought. Though that was promptly becoming unlikely given the very obvious absence of the oldest of the Strife siblings from the dinner table that night. Only Naminé and Ven were there, both having bemused expressions when they were told that their dear brother had requested that he ate alone in his room tonight. Kairi with them said that it was something about 'making sure the ladybird was ready for its debut', though she didn't understand what that meant.
Leon had to wonder if he had blanched at that because he certainly knew what it meant. He really is going ahead with this… Fortunately the candlelight must have hid it for no one had asked if everything was alright. He was almost deaf to the youngsters' chatting to each other, not even hearing their plans to go visit Sora who was still on lookout duty until the Crusader arrived the next day.
He skipped having brandy that evening, murmuring an excuse that he didn't want to deplete his supplies just yet and headed upstairs, taking two steps at a time. His destination was not his study or his room. As he approached it, two maids came out, curtsied and whispered 'Your Excellency' to him and then walked off, giggling between themselves like they had some huge secret. Leon felt something akin to dread tie his stomach into a knot. He almost didn't want to know what he was going to find in there. He knocked on the door. "Cloud? It's me."
"Intrude," Cloud's voice called to him. Leon opened the door, and immediately regretted it. He held back a low curse he had wanted to whisper.
Cloud was shirtless, his back to him as he looked upon items that seemed so strange and alien to the pirate king. He was murmuring to himself, obviously going over some form of instruction. However, Leon's gaze was on Cloud's back.
Or more to the point, the welts on Cloud's back. He approached Cloud cautiously, feeling like there was something Cloud had yet to mention to him… or maybe to anyone else. Did any of his siblings know about those marks? "So… are you really going ahead with this?"
"I'm not changing my mind, so don't even tell me what you think," Cloud replied, scratching his nape lightly. "Just get used to the idea that you'll have a mistress while that charming guest of yours is here."
"…I see, so nothing I say will convince you otherwise?"
"Correct."
"Not even a mention of the 'oversexed vultures' that you hate so much?"
This got the expected stiffening. Leon took a deep breath, wondering how he was going to proceed with this; if he misjudged this, Cloud could withdraw from him completely. "You're not an 'oversexed vulture' Leon," was the unexpected response. "If the Rex Pirata was anyone else, I wouldn't be willing to do this of my own violation." Cloud looked over his shoulder. "I'm doing this to protect my siblings. They haven't been introduced to Society; I have. I therefore could be more recognisable. I won't allow myself to be the one to put them in danger."
"Even if it's a risk to yourself?"
"Wouldn't you for your cousin?"
"I'm already under threat of hanging in the vast majority of countries. I think I can do anything for my cousin without increasing the risk," Leon replied. His hand found Cloud's arm and turned him around so that they were face-to-face. "You don't have to though. You don't have to put yourself in danger."
"I'm already in danger Leon," he said softly, looking at him straight in the eyes. "The moment I stepped on the Ifrit, I was already at risk. I just didn't know that you would be the one who I might end up fighting tooth and claw against." He turned back to the items on the desk. "Please don't try to make this harder for me. I'm not entirely happy to give up my masculinity."
"No one forced you to."
"No one but myself," Cloud whispered. He took a deep breath. "Anyway… tomorrow you should try to act natural. Like we've been together intimately for a while."
"Act natural you say…" Leon dared to put his hand on Cloud's back, feeling the welts under his rough palm. Cloud flinched, looking over his shoulder with mistrust in his eyes. "That means that in the space of a night you have to be comfortable with me touching you. Not just that either." He took a deep breath and came closer, daring to let his hand drag down Cloud's spine. "I have to do it without fearing for my own balls."
"Can you?"
"At the moment I wouldn't even dare put an arm around your shoulder let alone your waist." Finally… I'm getting through to him. "I said you could trust me, but you don't have to-"
Leon felt himself go backwards when Cloud turned around suddenly, his arms going around his neck and their bodies pressed against each other. He ended up staring into Cloud's eyes, seeing a fire burning in the sapphire hues that he had only witnessed glimpses of when the other was seething. Or determined like now. I don't think I like where this is going… He wondered if this was revenge for that day in the bay.
"You know that I find it hard to trust others. So doing this… I'm giving that trust to you." Cloud's face was hard and determined. Leon tried not to gulp. "This is serious for me and for you. Are you going to grasp what I'm giving you or should I never have bothered trusting you at all?"
For the first time in a very long while, Leon felt his mouth go dry. Well… it looks like our Lord Strife has decided to turn the tables on me. "If you're trying to convince me that this will work, you'll have to do better than this."
"What's better than this?" Cloud asked, raising a brow. Maybe he thought this would be enough, but Leon knew for a fact that just because Cloud was willing to drape himself all over him didn't mean they could pretend to be lovers. Seifer might be just some idiotic status-grubbing baron but he was no fool.
"You figure it out," Leon smirked, raising his hands up to grasp Cloud's wrists to pull them away from him. Far too dangerous… if Cloud kept this up then who knows what I would… He stopped when he noticed there was something in the blond's eyes. Something he had not taken into account.
Leon's eyes went wide when he felt two lips against his own. Oh… oh…
Cloud pulled away very slowly, a triumphant look on his face. "Convinced now?" he asked.
"Oh… bloody…" Leon groaned in defeat, his arms around Cloud's middle and pulling him in, finally letting his inner pirate take over. Cloud froze in his arms; Leon was certain he would have punched him across the face, and ergo prove to Leon that this plan was doomed.
He did not expect Cloud's hands to grip the collar of his white shirt and pull him closer. Leon's sense was yelling at him to pull away and get out of there before he did something he would regret. On the other hand, his deepest, primal parts of his body were screaming for more, that it had been far too long. That this was more than good enough a time to finally break the monastic attitude to carnal pleasures. Besides, the aristocrat was willing! No… no!
Leon forced them to break the kiss; their chests were heaving, offbeat with each other. Cloud was looking dazed, and a little bemused by this turn of events. "R-Right," Leon managed to stammer, putting a sizeable distance between them. "I'm convinced. Um… goodnight."
He sharply turned and left, brushing past some of the house staff that were making nightly rounds and going to his room. The slam of his door reverberated in the entire manor.
Oh…Hyne… Leon grimaced as he slid down the wooden door, trying to ignore the effect Cloud had had on his crotch. That… was far too dangerous…
That man was surely going to be the death of him.
Luxord was chuckling to himself as he poured out the coffee for the two ladies, as if amused by something. Kairi knew Luxord was probably up to no good again. She wondered if it had something to do with how secretive some of the maids had become all of a sudden. "Something funny Luxord?" she asked.
"Oh nothing, Miss Brandt," Luxord smiled knowingly, handing her cup to her. "Just had a moment's remembrance of my younger years." He bowed at the hip. "Would you and her ladyship require anything else?"
"Oh, no thank you," Naminé replied, holding her cup in both hands. "Where is Riku? He disappeared before dinner."
"He went to check on the Ragnarok on His Excellency's behalf," Luxord replied. "He should be back later this evening, so please do not worry unduly." He bowed again. "If you require anything, please do not hesitate to call upon us. Have a pleasant night." He then turned and left the drawing room, leaving Kairi and Naminé alone. Ven had already retired for the night, though Kairi was certain it was so he could continue his studies rather than sleep. Not that it mattered. Something much more interesting was afoot.
And she might be no Grande Dame, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to champion what appeared to be a little sprouting romance between Riku and Naminé. Maybe it would be wrong of her considering the trade, but then again maybe Leon had some sort of plot to outsmart Governor La Coeur. It certainly sounded like he did. "So," Kairi drawled, looking at Naminé with a wicked smile. "Riku only wants you to be happy."
Naminé blushed hotly at this. "W-Well wouldn't he? He is a servant after all… he would want the best for his mistress, wouldn't he?"
"Not many servants are like that Nami," Kairi said, impertinently refusing to use Naminé's title. "And Riku certainly would never voice such a wish if this were his previous mistress."
"What do you mean?" Naminé asked warily. Her cheeks were still red.
"Well… first of all, let me ask you one thing before I continue," Kairi started, her expression becoming serious. "If you had a chance to be free, would you continue your engagement in Agrabah?"
Kairi tried not to laugh at how expressive the young noblewoman was, for Naminé had suddenly blanched. "I can't think of anything worse!" she exclaimed. "Not after what you and Aqua told me about Agrabahian men!"
Perfect, Kairi nearly purred. Oh her mother would be so proud of her. "Then that would mean that you would be giving up your nobility, wouldn't it? You'd be a free woman to do whatever the hell you pleased! Hell, you could have an affair with a servant or a pirate if you wanted to!"
"What are you suggesting Kairi?" Naminé asked, shifting a little bit.
"Well… don't you think Riku handsome?" Kairi questioned.
"…I…do…"
"And he clearly cares about you so… what's to stop you?" Kairi grinned devilishly, watching as Naminé fidgeted in her seat. "Say if the Rex Pirata actually freed you and made you able to do whatever you wanted, you could choose to stay by Riku's side. You could have a life with him. Wouldn't that be good?"
Naminé shook her head quickly. "Don't be daft Kairi," she whispered. "Riku only feels affection for me because he… he pities me." Kairi did not buy that excuse for a second. "I'm only a temporary measure. As soon as his real mistress returns, he will abandon me and go back to her! It's how it should be!"
And yet you're clutching at your chest and looking like you're going to break your cup, Kairi thought. Looks like this matchmaking lark was going to be more difficult than she thought. "I don't think he pities you Nami," Kairi whispered, leaning forward to her. "And I think you need to stop putting yourself down. I'm not telling you to throw yourself at him. I'm telling you that I think… nay, I'm certain he fancies you!"
Naminé looked at her in alarm, as if her pirate friend were the eighth wonder of the world. "But… why would he?"
"Why wouldn't he?! What's not to like or love about you?!" Kairi exclaimed. Damn sight more than me… Naminé is only a title short of being a princess. "Honestly Naminé, I bet the only reason you were kept locked up for as long as you were was because your big brother was terrified of you being carried off like some damsel in distress!"
"I think you would be giving Vanitas too much credit there," Naminé said, but a blush had returned to her cheeks. Kairi was starting to believe that she might just be nurturing that little seedling with her encouragement. Now she'd just need a moment to speak to Riku.
"He's a good man," Kairi said with a smile, "and he cares about you, maybe more deeply than you might think. I think he would make you happy."
Naminé looked at Kairi and opened her mouth as if to say something, but then she closed it. She looked at her coffee cup as if something more interesting was inside, but Kairi could see the bashful, hopeful smile spreading across her face. Mission accomplished for tonight. Tomorrow, I bother Riku. She reached up to touch her necklace, a small silver bead hanging from a leather cord that her mother had left as a token. Apparently it had belonged to her father… though Kairi had never met him. Hey… Ma, Dad if you're up there, help me out a bit with this, okay?
When morning dawned, Leon was alerted to the news he had most dreaded to hear. The H.I.M Crusader was on the horizon, and it was sailing fast into port. With a heavy heart –and with a mind that was still swirling around the dizzying event of last night– he greeted Luxord wearily when the majordomo came inside. With the absence of his "official" valet (Axel was the one to play this role) currently tending to the awaited arrival of the Shera, Luxord was happy to extend his normal household duties to making sure his employer was in good appearance.
"You seem a bit distant this morning, Your Excellency. Penny for your thoughts?" Luxord asked as he tied the cravat. Mail coach knot seemed to be more appropriate given his master's dislike for fripperies.
"…Luxord, be honest with me," Leon started, looking straight at his majordomo. "Did you help Cloud yesterday?"
"He seemed so enthusiastic that I couldn't say no to him," Luxord responded, a wry smile on his face. "Besides, he was fascinated to know that I was treading the boards before coming into your service."
I knew it. The bloody traitor… "Just… please tell me that he at least looks convincing. I'll shoot myself if Almasy asks me what kind of lunatic I'm keeping here."
"That won't be necessary Your Excellency," Luxord said calmly. "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised." He touched up the cravat and patted down the dark jacket. "There. Less of a pirate and more of a duke."
Leon nodded; thank goodness that in his own country he was more known for wearing simple tailoring than anything garish like the dandies preferred. He didn't like formal clothes as it was. He took one of the ribbons that Luxord had hanging off his shoulder -black- and pulled his hair back into a loose queue, scowling at his reflection in the mirror. He didn't like the fact that Cloud had suddenly gotten out of his control. Not one bit. He pulled his thoughts together as he put the signet ring on his ring finger; it still felt as new as the day he had received it, even though the damn thing was probably older than he was. He was going to need to keep his head on and just pray that Cloud's mad scheme was going to work.
"Should I move 'Her Ladyship' into the lady's chamber?" Luxord inquired, his wry smile not leaving his features.
"Don't bother," Leon muttered, looking at the door that joined the master bedroom to the lady's chamber. It had been some time since that room was ever used since its last occupier washed her hands of her wayward son and husband and opted to live a quiet life on the mainland as the Dowager Duchess of Destiny Islands. "With any hope we won't be putting up Almasy." He swivelled in his knee-high polished boots and made for the door. "Make sure he doesn't suspect a thing Luxord."
"Of course Your Excellency," Luxord replied, clearly undaunted by the task ahead.
Cloud had been up long before the seagulls had started to cry, sitting at the window and watching the town below slowly bustle into life, the bell ringing to warn the townspeople of the incoming Crusader. His mind, however, had wandered back to last night.
He had kissed Leon to make a point, but Leon had kissed him in return with a more ardent fire. Furthermore, he himself had not pushed Leon away, but pulled him closer. But why? He's a pirate… a man… it's not natural… yet… He pressed his fingers against his lips. He felt his heartbeat quicken a little. How could he feel like this? About his own captor? He felt his stomach flutter at this… This could be a very bad thing. But he was already in deep… he couldn't back away now.
He turned his attention to the door as Luxord and the hoard of maids came inside, armed with items that had been slaved over during the night to help him. Luxord smiled at him. "Ready to create 'Her Ladyship' my lord?" he asked.
Cloud pushed himself from his seat and nodded his head. "I'm ready." He'd dwell over the strange events of last night later. He had work to do. Though just as he was about to get ready, the door opened again and Naminé and Ven stepped inside.
"Cloud? What's going on?" Naminé asked. "Why are all these…" Both brother and sister noticed Cloud's outfit for the day. The maids and Luxord stopped in their tracks.
"Cloud…?" Ven started tentatively.
Cloud moved quickly, wrapping his arms over their shoulders and forcing them both to lean in. "Listen you two, we'll tell Roxas when he gets back, but this is what I'm going to do…"
The sleek black carriage with the Leonhart coat-of-arms emblazoned on its door stood proudly on the street, waiting for its master to return as he stood firmly on the dock, looking hard at the galleon anchored nearby. He wished it to just go away, or for it to be naught but a nightmare. No though… life wasn't that kind.
He took a deep breath as he caught sight of blond hair and the swirl of a white military greatcoat. Commodore Baron Seifer Almasy had finally arrived.
"Well well well!" Leon grimaced inwardly as he heard Almasy's cocksure voice. "The high and mighty Duke Leonhart deigns me worthy enough to grace his presence!"
Just you wait… I'll shove a bayonet down your throat. "Commodore. I'm glad you seem to be in fine spirits."
"Could be better," Seifer retorted, standing right in front of Leon. The two stared at each other with steely looks, neither one giving an inch. Had it not been for the fact that Seifer would have been leading the naval charge to try and find Radiant Garden's heiress, Leon would have told him to never set foot on this island. He wasn't welcome here.
Especially not by the local townspeople when many of them had lost precious friends and family to his gibbets. "So what did you wish to speak to me about?" Leon asked, wondering if maybe it would be possible to get rid of the commodore quickly.
"We'll talk about it up at the manor," Seifer said lowly. Leon held back a sigh; looks like he wasn't going to be so lucky after all that.
"Fine then. We'll use my carriage then."
"You didn't ride Griever down?"
"I didn't think it was necessary for me to." Also it makes murdering you all the more easier if you say one wrong word.
Ven paced outside in the hallway, clearly anxious about the plan Cloud had just outlaid to them. Naminé herself felt like she could do with a stiff drink after hearing his idea. She just… she just couldn't imagine it would work. Riku had more chance of wooing her than Cloud had of making a convincing woman!
"Ven… what are we going to do if it doesn't work?"
"Tell him the truth and make him realise he's being an idiot," Ven said tersely, facing his little sister. "He keeps going overboard trying to protect us but sometimes I wonder if he's the one that really needs protecting."
"What if he doesn't listen to us though?"
"Then we'll make him listen." Ven was determined. They both were. They didn't want to see their brother make a fool of himself. "Besides… I'm starting to believe that the capture has finally gotten to his head…"
"I don't think Cloud's gone mad." Naminé pursed her lips tightly. "I think he's… he's done a Roxas and not thought it through."
"If that's the case, then what is he going to do if he gets found out?"
The pair grimaced at the possibilities; being found out that they were the missing Bastionite aristocrats could possibly be a very bad, very real situation if Cloud failed and actually put them all at risk. To Naminé it just didn't make sense for Cloud to take such a reckless gamble. That was more Roxas' forte!
The door opened at that very moment, causing Naminé and Ven to stand up straighter, both ready to state their cases against Cloud's plan.
Except nothing came out of their mouths. Nothing but a synchronised, "Oh."
Leon's mind had wandered off into its own worries during the trip up to the manor, blocking out the barrage of bragging and self-important twaddle Seifer was spouting out. Would Cloud be in his disguise now? What should he do when he saw 'her'? Would the entire household be aware of Cloud's dramatic change from man to woman? How would they react to it? More to point, would Seifer fall for it or see right through the ruse? There were just too many things not within his control and Leon was finding it harder and harder to accept. He was not a man who liked to leave things in the hands of fate.
"Rinoa is pregnant."
Leon almost fell flat on his face when Seifer suddenly announced that, turning back into the carriage with an expression that he tried to beat down into cool indifference. "Oh… is she… Congratulations…"
Seifer looked far too smug. Never in his life had Leon wanted to force something very sharp down someone's throat. "I'll tell her you send your compliments. I'm sure she'll be very pleased to hear from you again. It's been, what, almost three years now since you and her last spoke to each other?"
"I had other business to take care of, and she was getting used to married life with you." No, that wasn't all the truth. It was more like Leon couldn't even stand to face her because it hurt knowing that accepting Seifer's marriage proposal had been her declaration of giving up on him. The blow had been terrible… much too terrible.
"Other business such as what, Leonhart?"
Pirating. "Trade ventures."
"Such as?"
Making sure your merchant ships don't get ransacked by some amateur pirates. "Pearls, spices, medicines mostly. You may have noticed that your Lady Almasy actually wears pearl necklaces made on this very island."
"For three years without returning to Society?"
Society is a stupid show of unnecessary ceremony and endless avoiding of Grande Dames trying to marry off their vapid daughters to me. "There's nothing wrong with missing three years of it. I'm twenty-five, not forty-five."
"Well, I'm so glad that you were just being the better man and letting Rinoa get used to her new life with me then," Seifer said.
"It was the best thing to do." It was the only thing to do after what she did. They now stepped into the entry hall; the door was closed behind them.
"I worried that Rinoa might change her mind, you know. You two pretty much broke one of the biggest Society rules by exchanging letters to each other personally when there was no obvious betrothal on the cards."
"Leonharts don't exactly bend to the rules."
"Maybe that's what put Rinoa off from joining you then," Seifer remarked; Leon almost winced at how sharp that was. He was about to say something -change the subject in fact because the emotional wound Rinoa had left behind was still a bit sore- but his eyes went up the stairs and he blinked in surprise. He forced himself not to vocalise an 'Oh'.
"Leon? Won't you introduce me to your friend?" asked the soft, husky Bastionite purr that definitely passed off for female. Seifer turned around; his jaw went slack.
"Oh," Seifer breathed.
Footsteps down the stairs, followed the swishing of muslin and satin. "Won't you Leon?"
…Cook is going to have a very interesting recipe to follow tonight, Leon thought faintly.
