Hi there! I'm so glad to post this chapter! It's a transition chapter, but I think it's cool! By the way, the argument of the second part of the chapter kind of reminds me of a song by Sia: Dressed in black, you should check it out if you haven't, it's amazing!

Anyway, here we go for the thirty-sixth chapter (it goes so fast)!

Stockholm Syndrome

Chapter 36:

Vaas and Emilie quickly arrived to the opened area that the pirates used as a canteen. Since the night had fallen, it was pitch dark. But some sort of fire barrels and lanterns were put here and there and provided enough light for the whole place. Purple, blue, and green neon tubes were lit as well, creating a festive atmosphere.

As the cook was serving dinner, pirates were gathered in a long line, waiting for their ration, like they had been earlier in the day, for lunch. Emilie looked at the several tables that were scattered in the area. She especially spotted a round one at which were sat three pirates she already knew; Juan, Bob, and Ray.

Vaas led her to that table. The three men were playing poker. There were six chairs around the table. Three of them were occupied by the men. Juan was sitting to Bob's left and Ray sat to his right. Juan was looking at his cards with a thoughtful face. Ray was waiting, apparently, he had folded. Bob was balancing on his chair, feet on the table, looking at the cards he had in hand. When Vaas and Emilie approached, Bob noticed them in the corner of his eye.

-Hi, Vaas. He said friendly, before throwing his cards on the table. Fold.

-Yo guys, what's up? Vaas responded, talking to all three of them.

As Juan gathered his earnings, Ray stood up to shake hands with Vaas, greeting him. He then turned to Emilie and hugged her friendly. The gesture surprised her a little but she replied with a smile. Juan nodded to Vaas as a greeting and then nodded to Emilie as well, which surprised her again, knowing that he completely ignored her this afternoon, when she had tried to greet him.

When all the greeting was done, Vaas put a hand on the small of her back and pushed her forward gently, gesturing to her to sit down. She looked at him with a slightly questioning look as she took a seat at Ray's right.

-I am gonna fetch our meal, stay there, I'll be right back. He said before turning around and walking away.

The three pirates started another round. Emilie looked at them as Juan gave the cards out. They remained completely silent until Ray talked to her.

-So, what's up, Princess? He asked, looking briefly at her.

For a moment, she wondered if he had talked to her. Of course, he did, he said "Princess", you're the only girl here, you dumbass… She told herself. Wait, did he just say "Princess"? This nickname disturbed her slightly, even though she knew that it didn't express any hidden intention. Instead she heard, in this name, a friendly fondness, protective even.

-Uh, well, nothing special… She answered shyly, wriggling slightly in her chair.

She already knew the three men and she would lie if she said she didn't like them. But she still felt a bit uncomfortable. She didn't really know what to say, actually. Fortunately, Ray seemed to have things to talk about. He spoke again, putting more chips into the pot:

-I heard Vaas wants to train you… He said. He wants to make you one of us, is that true? He asked, looking at her.

She nodded, crossing her arms on the table.

-Yeah, actually… She answered. He wants me to work for him. She continued.

She didn't really know how they would react to that new. She didn't think the pirates liked women, except for sex, of course… And she didn't know how they could react if a women was to actually work with them. She was waiting.

-That's cool. Ray finally said. We never had a girl working with us…

-Well, Vaas must see quite a potential in you, darlin'... Bob said, not lifting his eyes from his cards.

-Of course she has the potential! Ray interrupted, dropping his cards on the table. Didn't you see this morning when she slaughtered that bitch! It was fucking glorious! He exclaimed, laughing slightly.

The fact that he talked about what happened that morning, with Rose, surprised her a little, but it didn't disturbed her… Which is good, right? And apparently, they seemed rather pleased by the new, rather than bothered… Which is even better…

Emilie was dragged out of her thoughts when Vaas came back. He put the two plates he had in hand on the table, two forks and two bottles of beer. Emilie took one plate to put it in front of her. She wanted something to drink too but she didn't really like beer, actually. She searched for something that resembled water on the table, in vain. But Vaas seemed to notice her as he sat next to her.

-Jonnah's coming with a bottle of water if you prefer… He said quietly, pointing to the young man behind him. I couldn't carry everything… He explained.

Emilie nodded. She appreciated his concern, she was even surprised that he took such good care of her. He held her hand, he fetched her food, he thought about bringing her water, he talked to her nicely… And honestly, she didn't mind at all…

-Thanks, Vaas. She replied with a sweet smile.

But he suddenly froze, starring at her as if she did something bad. She frowned.

-What's wrong…? She asked calmly, not wanting to anger him.

But then… he smiled. And she was relieved.

-I'm sorry, Querida, it's just that I love when you say my name… He said, then leaned towards her to whisper in her ear. Though, I prefer when you moan it… He said, biting her ear lobe lightly.

She couldn't suppress the shiver than ran down her spine and to her core when she heard his words. Damn, she loved when he did that, she loved the feeling of his teeth sinking lightly into her flesh. She would gladly give in to his teasing. However, she remembered they were in public. She blushed at the thought. And she started to wonder… What if they did it in front of everyone? The thought was oddly tempting. She didn't know why, but the idea of… Hell no! What was she thinking! Damn her and her overactive imagination!

Gladly, her train of thought was broken when Jonnah sat at the table. He handed her a small bottle of water. He greeted her and she thanked him. She then quickly opened the bottle to take a big swig. It's hot right now, isn't it?

All three of them started to eat their meal as the three others continued their game. Emilie tried to gather her spirits as she took big bites of her meat and rice.

After a short moment of silence, Vaas started the conversation:

-So, what were you talking about before I arrived? He asked.

-About your decision to train your girl. Ray answered, taking a swig of his own bottle of beer.

-Ah, yeah! Vaas exclaimed. I'm gonna make her perfect, he said, fire weapons, fighting, negotiating… I can't wait to see her in action! He said, smiling at her.

He looked like a child, so excited and impatient, as though he was about to get his favorite treat. She smiled to him, although she couldn't help being a little afraid. Will she really become a pirate…?

-By the way, I'm gonna need your help, guys. He stated. Especially you, Juan. He continued, pointing a finger toward the man.

For the first time since Emilie sat at the table, he lifted his head. He glanced at Vaas with a questioning look.

-Before we start the practical part, I'll need her to get a theoretical training, to know what weapon is which, what it is used for and all that stuff… He explained. I intended to teach her myself, though I cannot take the time for that with all the work I have to do…

Vaas went silent and took another bite of his food. Emilie looked at Juan, doubtfully. Last time she checked, he didn't really like her –and it's an understatement. And now he had to take care of her training, which meant talk to her and stay with her for hours… She wouldn't be surprised if he refused…

-Okay, I can take care of it, no problem… He said simply, nodding his head.

Okay, then! She doesn't understand anything! Well, more seriously, working with him didn't bother her, and she was actually glad that he accepted. Maybe he actually liked her… a little…

-Perfect, thanks hermano. Vaas said, smiling again.

He then turned to Jonnah who was eating his food quickly, bent over his dish, in quite an inelegant manner. When he saw Vaas looking at him, he froze and gulped loudly to swallow the bite he had in mouth. He then calmly sat upright and put his fork down. Emilie could see the fear and the respect in his eyes.

-You're gonna be with her, during her training. Vaas said to Jonnah who looked surprised. Well, at least the fire-weapon part, I want you to know how to fire a gun properly… He said as the young man simply nodded. Alright, now that it is all decided, let's get down to serious things! He then exclaimed. So guys, who is winning? He asked to the three men who were still playing poker.

The conversation started from there. When everyone had finished their food, the plates were tossed aside and everyone joined the game. More beers were opened and emptied. Insults were thrown. The placed was filled by laughs and shouts. Everyone had a good time, as though they were a bunch of good old friends.

-Damn! You're actually good at playing poker, Querida! Vaas exclaimed as he draped his arm around her shoulders to bring her closer as they made their way back to the shack.

Vaas had drunk a lot of beer, and a little bit of whiskey too… He was a little hilarious and uninhibited, but not actually drunk. Emilie smiled at his comment. She had won the last game, and she was rather proud of herself… But Vaas was even prouder.

-That's my girl! He said, poking her chest with a finger and leaning toward her to kiss her.

She accepted his kiss, tasting the alcohol on his tongue and breathing in his masculine scent. They parted when he almost tripped. He tried to regain his balance as she laughed out loud.

-Don't laugh at me! He threatened as she did her best to stop her uncontrollable laughs.

-I'm sorry… She said, wiping a tear off her eye and helping him stand up.

She then took his hand in hers and led him forward.

-Come on, let's go back home… She said softly.

A few seconds passed before she realized what she had just said. Did she say "home"? She did… However, the word didn't sound weird. No matter how many time she repeated it in her head, she was convinced that it was the right word to use to call the little house. It was her home… with all her stuff, with the bed she slept in and the man she lived with… It was their home…

As they arrived there, Emilie opened the door and led Vaas inside. He immediately flopped down on the couch. As for Emilie, she instead decided to get ready to go to bed. She took off her shoes and socks, then her pants and her tank top. She went to the bathroom to untie and brush her hair. She brushed her teeth as well and returned in the bedroom.

As she walked through the door, she noticed Vaas who was still sitting on the couch. He looked half asleep, his head was tilted forward and in chin was pressed against his chest as if he couldn't hold his head anymore. She let out a light laugh at the sight and stepped forward to approach him. When she was right in front of him, she held out a hand to stroke his Mohawk gently.

-Come on, Vaas, let's go to bed… She said softly.

He didn't reply though. She sighed, apparently he was already asleep… Emilie crouched to remove his boots. If he couldn't undress to go to bed, she would do it herself… She removed his socks as well, then his tank top (which she had to struggle with). When she finally managed to make him stand up, she removed his pants.

She let him walk towards the bed as she took off her bra and her panties so that she would be more comfortable to sleep. She glanced at him briefly, he took off his underwear as well. She remembered he hated sleeping with clothes on. When her eyes landed on his face, she was immediately able to see the look of sadness in his eyes. She didn't know if it was the alcohol or if he was really sad, but she quickly joined him under the sheets to hold him.

She sat against the headboard, putting a pillow in her back and gestured to him to sit between her legs. He was reluctant at first, but after she insisted softly, he complied, lying with his back against her chest, without a word.

She pulled the sheets to his waist. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers. It was so comforting… He let his head rest on her soft breasts as she started to stroke his hair gently with one hand and his chest and shoulders with the other. When she looked at him, she saw his eyes close. His body relaxed completely.

Her hand continued its stroking as she looked at his head. The sides of his scalp were neatly shaved, his Mohawk stood proud in the middle. Even though it was an uncommon hair style, she loved it… Her eyes then landed on the great scar that ran across the left side of his scalp. It could have repelled her, but she was actually fascinated by it. How could someone survive such an impressive injury…?

Vaas was still silent. She thought he had fallen asleep. But when she gently traced her index along the scar, he shifted a little and spoke.

-My sister did this to me... He said with a husky voice, Emilie could hear the hatred in his tone. My own fucking sister did this to me… He repeated, then turned his head slightly to look at her. Do you realize? He asked, though this question wasn't meant to be answered.

He turned his head again and Emilie gently stroked the right side of his scalp, kissing lightly the scar on the other side.

-You cannot trust anyone… He continued, still motionless. You can't even trust your loved ones, they're the worst… They stab you in the fucking back every time… He said through greeted teeth.

-You can trust me. She replied quietly.

He started to shake his head lightly. She kept on caressing his chest with her left hand and his hair with the right one, trying to sooth him.

-I will never betray you, Vaas… She insisted, though still speaking with a gentle tone to keep him calm. I love you… She said, kissing his scar again.

He suddenly took her left hand to pull it away from him. That's what Citra had said… right before she tried to kill him.

-Love is a mistake. He stated, sitting up to rub his face with his hands. You shouldn't love me, you shouldn't trust me… He said, looking at her over his shoulder.

She sighed quietly. She sat up and started to rub his back gently.

-You can't live like that, Vaas… She said. You need someone to count on…

He lifted his head from his hand and turned to her slightly.

-You can't count on anyone, otherwise you'll eventually be betrayed… He replied. You're all alone on this earth, you can count on yourself, and only yourself.

She shook her head in turn. She leaned forward to take him in her arms, he buried his face in the crook of her neck. She stroked the back of his neck slowly.

-I know what you went through, Vaas. I know that you're scared… But you can count on me Vaas, you know it… She said. I will never leave you, you know that- I promised you that.

She tightened her grip around him when she felt something wet touch the skin of her shoulder. He was crying. She rarely saw him cry -well, she never saw him cry, but he broke in front of her. However, it didn't bother her right now. He needed to let go, he was so broken… She just wanted to help him, she needed to make him understand that he wasn't alone, not anymore…

-I'm so scared… He admitted with a light sob.

-Shhh… She tried to sooth him, still stroking the back of his neck. I know, Vaas, I know. I'll always be here to help you, Vaas, I love you. She whispered. You know that right…? She asked, looking down at him.

She felt him nod slightly. Good, he was accepting it. He was accepting her help. She knew it scared him, since this event, he never trusted not loved anyone because he was too scared of being betrayed.

-Do you remember this feeling you told me about a long time ago, the one you wanted to get rid of…? She asked quietly.

-It scared me. I knew it would have hurt me… He said, trying to justify himself.

He was talking like a frightened child. It softened her and made her want to help him even more.

-This is love, Vaas… She explained, like you would explain it to a child. You feared it because you feared the fact that someone could betray you again, you didn't want to be hurt again. She said, he nodded. She put her hand under his jaw to lift his head, his eyes were slightly red from the tears. I understand that, but I will never betray you, Vaas… You can trust me, you can count on me. Don't be afraid, okay? She said, taking his hand to entwine their fingers. I love you… She repeated, smiling sweetly to him.

Another tear flowed from his right eye as he wrapped his arms around her waist to bring her close. Her naked breasts were pressed against his warm chest. They could feel each other's heartbeat. It was incredibly soothing. He leaned in slowly to kiss her. It was just a simple kiss, a little peck on the lips, a kiss of pure love.

-Let go, Vaas… Don't be afraid. She whispered, her lips brushing lightly over his. I love you.

He buried his face in her neck again and she felt him smile lightly. She warped her arms around his neck as he whispered.

-I love you too, Querida.

Don't blame me, I love seeing Vaas like that! Though, I promise you less blah-blah and more action for the next chapters! Anyway, if you have something to say, don't hesitate to put it in the reviews, I'd love to know your opinion. Bye bye!

Badi-otaku.