A/N: GOOD LORD. Sorry this took forever! My computer did this cute thing where it decided not to boot anymore. Isn't that fun?
I'd like to once again thank Dakota (Perfectly Censored) for helping name things and for listening to me whine about my computer problems. She's the greatest!
Okay so have fun with this chapter my dears! Sorry again for the wait. :*
"Get up."
Brittany wakes to a boot nudging her thigh, feeling completely ill-rested despite having slept through the night- she thinks. It's impossible to tell what time it is in her current location belowdecks. For all she knows, it could very well still be dark outside. She may have slept for hours or minutes, she can't be sure. She suspects her tied-up position helped contribute to her state of weariness, as well; it's been challenging for her to get comfortable since her capture days prior.
As she blearily opens her eyes, she's greeted with the sight of the female pirate, standing over her in all her glory, looking better than Brittany remembers. Brittany barely contains a soft moan at the sight of her in her tight outfit, the lights of the nearby lamp flicking shadows over her dark features. She hadn't been able to stop picturing her since she'd left the previous night, and waking up to her is a pleasant surprise, though Brittany's unsure as to why she's happy to see her. The woman is a ruthless pirate, and Brittany has no reason to believe otherwise- but as she scans her eyes down the pirate's lean form, taking in the tense, defined muscles in her bare stomach and the way her breeches ride low on her hips, Brittany finds that she, surprisingly, doesn't feel fear. In fact, she feels warm, and something else, something unfamiliar to her-
"Give us trouble, and I'll slit your throat," the female pirate says calmly. "But you're not gonna give us any trouble- are you?" Her voice ends almost in a purr, and Brittany swallows and nods slowly, a little mesmerized by the way the woman's lips move, by the way they form words.
Pegasus steps forward, and Brittany's suddenly aware of his presence in the room, though it's still a struggle to tear her eyes away from staring at the lady pirate before her. She reluctantly averts her gaze to her lap, feeling pink sprouting across her cheeks as Pegasus unties her hands from the post and then helps her into a standing position. Brittany wobbles slightly, having not used her legs for the past few days for any reason except to relieve herself- which had been awkward enough with Pegasus in the room, even though his back had been turned.
She stands, enjoying the stretch of her muscles after being cramped up, and once she feels steady on her legs, she looks at Pegasus.
"Climb," he says sternly, inclining his head towards the ladder leading to deck above them. "Don't get any ideas."
Silently, Brittany obeys his instructions, moving to the slender ladder and carefully fitting her feet to the rungs. She climbs gingerly, very aware of the two sets of eyes watching her, and once she pulls herself up to the next deck, she waits for her two captors. Pegasus reaches her side quickly and gestures to another ladder. "Keep climbing."
Brittany nods and climbs the next ladder, and the next, surprised by two things- first, that she had been stored so far below the main deck, and second, that The Tide Ripper was big enough to house so many decks. It hadn't looked larger than the Courage when she had spied it during the attack.
When she reaches the deck just below the main one, which is evident by the lack of ladder (in its place is a staircase) and the beams of morning sunlight pouring in, Pegasus tells her to stop. Brittany pauses, waiting for instructions from Pegasus, who instead looks expectantly at the female pirate; "Dia?" he offers, and the woman, who'd been standing a few paces behind her, nods in response, then reaches up and tugs the red bandana from around her head. She steps forward, and Brittany sucks in a breath as the pirate moves to stand closely behind her and secures the fabric around her eyes, obscuring her vision. The woman's fingers are warm where they touch her skin, and Brittany is hyper-aware of all the places they brush against her; she's assaulted by the pirate's scent, which is a mixture of cannon smoke and a strong spice Brittany doesn't know the name of, but she knows she's smelled before. She can feel body heat emanating from the woman, and Brittany's first instinct is to move closer, but she resists.
Soft, strong fingers grab at her sore wrists, and Brittany bites her lip at the conflicting sting of pressure against her burns and the soothing sparks of the woman's hands on her skin as she fastens Brittany's bonds once more. The ropes are tighter than they have been for days, and Brittany withholds her sound of pain as the ache in her shoulders reminds her of its existence. She tries to ignore it, focusing instead on the presence behind her and not on the rawness of her wrists.
When the pirate finally pulls away, her scent lingers; Brittany can smell it on the scrap of cloth tied around her eyes. She stands, trying to find her bearings now that her vision is gone, inhaling the scent of the pirate woman. She doesn't get long to revel in it or adjust to her new state of being before she feels Pegasus- whose hands touch her entirely differently- grab her by her elbow and guide her, not unkindly, up the stairs. He murmurs warnings to her about the steps, helping her climb them, and as she emerges from the dank darkness of the lower deck, getting her first breath of fresh air in days, she can't help but sigh. She can feel the heat of the rising sun on her face, tempered by the cool of the breeze from the sea, and all of her aching pains disappear to the background of her mind. She's truly happy to be alive, and-
"Don't stand there struck," the lady pirate snaps, "keep walking."
And there went her good mood. She's still a captive. She follows Pegasus's instructions to walk forward and eventually she's being jostled along and guided into sitting down. She hears people shouting- the surface beneath her feet shifts- and then, the hard plank she's sitting on rocks and the entire seat is being lifted into the air. She panics slightly- aren't boats supposed to be lowered to the water before sailors load into them?- but tries to reassure herself that if it wasn't safe, Pegasus wouldn't put her in it- she hopes-
The boat lowers gradually, jerkily, making Brittany grit her teeth as her body sways, and then it hits the water with a splash, the impact jarring her and sending her almost sprawling face-first from her seat. She still can't see, and her arms are still tied tightly behind her back, so she spreads her feet wide to steady herself. More shouts surround her, and then the boat rocks as pirates climb down from the ship and settle around her. She feels a hand on her thigh, and Pegasus whispers, "It's okay. We're heading to shore, now; we just can't allow you to know the location of our top-secret lair." His joke makes Brittany feel a little better, soothed by his comforting words.
After a few minutes of traveling over the choppy waves, the small boat slows, and Pegasus helps her to her feet, then escorts her out of it. Her boots splash in water as she steps over the side of the vessel, but she doesn't have time to worry about the invading liquid as three steps later she's trudging through loose, shifty sand. Brittany wonders what it looks like- what color it is, and what kind of foliage surrounds her on what is surely a beach- but she sadly resigns herself to never knowing as Pegasus leads her for what seems like forever up the dunes, her feet sinking slightly into the ground with each step.
As she walks, she can feel various leaves and small branches brushing her arms, so she assumes she's moving through some type of jungle or forest, or at least something with trees. Eventually, Pegasus warns her lowly to watch herself, and the sand beneath her feet gives way to stone steps- she can hear her boots scuff on them as she walks. Several more steps in and she senses the absence of sunlight, and combined with the way the air turns suddenly still and humid clues her in to the fact that she must be indoors. The walk further, deeper into the humid, stale darkness.
Pegasus leaves her side for a moment, and she stands nervously, unsure of what's happening or even where she is. Her ears perk as she hears a loud squeaking, like a rusted gate being opened, and her stomach sinks. She ponders her new destination as her pirate escort guides her a few more steps, and after a moment, her bonds are tugged loose.
When her hands are free, she reaches up to remove her blindfold and she's met with the sight of bars. Thick, rusty, metal bars. She sighs.
She's in a cage.
The clinking of the gate closing prompts her to look, and Pegasus offers her a soft, regretful smile as he turns a key in the lock, creating a soft clank which echoes in the room.
"You'll remain here until we get word of the exchange, so make yourself comfortable," he says. "I'll be bringing your evening meal 'round later." Brittany nods to show she's heard him, and he leaves, exiting through an open archway on the right.
Completely alone, Brittany takes a moment to survey her surroundings. Her cage is rather roomy, and she tries to think positive. Being able to walk and move around is infinitely better than being tied to a post. There's a sconce on the wall outside her cage which gives a dim light, so at least she's not in total darkness. It's damp, and the walls are made out of stone, giving the impression that she's encaged in a cave or, more dramatically, a dungeon. It's humid and she's already sweating, even having only been imprisoned for less than five minutes. The heavy coat she's wearing does nothing to aid in cooling herself, but she dares not take it off. She can't risk being discovered, and the coat helps hide her figure. She'll just have to sweat it out for a few days. At least she's alive.
She glances around her cage to see what amenities are afforded to her, and is not impressed. There's a small, decrepit cot shoved into the corner that doesn't look comfortable by any stretch of the imagination, but it's still more appealing than her previous sleeping arrangements. A rusty, dingy and dented bucket rests in another corner.
Sighing, she walks slowly to the cot and sits down. It squeaks and wobbles, but she doesn't care. Her body is so very tired. She hopes Sugar has been better provided for than her.
Brittany brushes some hair from her face, grateful for the use of her hands. For the first time she's able to inspect the bruise on her temple, and she hisses at the sharp sting of pain from even the slightest touch upon it. A tentative inspection of her neck reveals trickles of dried blood, which flakes off as her fingers brush over the cut at her throat. It doesn't hurt, but she hopes she will get the opportunity to clean herself up soon. She feels filthy, and she hates it.
Brittany looks up, snapping out of her thoughts as she hears the sound of boots tapping lightly on stone, signifying that someone's entering the room. Her eyes dart to the broad archway and widen in surprise when they find Dia, wearing a different outfit than the last time Brittany saw her. She's still wearing similar breeches- tight black ones that show off the shape of her thighs- but her shirt is a loose, white, long-sleeved poet shirt. The neckline plummets between her ample breasts, and the laces dangle freely against her chest. Brittany's mesmerized by smooth-looking, tan skin, but she snaps out of her funk as she hears the door to her cage being unlocked.
She scrambles to her feet, listening to the sound of the key clanking in the lock, and then the door opens, creaking as it goes. Brittany opens her mouth to say something- to greet the lady pirate, to question her of her presence, maybe- but before any words can escape her mouth, Dia lunges, lightning quick, slamming her against the wall. Her back hits hard, unforgiving stone and before she can blink, she feels cold metal against her neck for the second time in under a week.
Dia's eyes are molten and burning, her right hand grabbing a fistful of Brittany's borrowed uniform's collar, and Brittany swallows. She can't help but be assaulted by the woman's scent again. Her smell is different- less smoky, more clean-
"Will you not even defend yourself?" Dia hisses, pressing harder into Brittany's body. "You are masquerading as a Captain. At least make an attempt to fulfill your disguise, for fuck's sake."
Brittany freezes; her thoughts race, and she panics. How does Dia know the truth? Brittany searches her mind, wondering if she'd slipped, if she should confess- but no. She has to protect Sugar. There's no way the woman pirate knows the truth- at least, not for sure; her best bet is to bluff. "What are you talking about?" She says gruffly, but her voice wavers. If she fails-
"Cut the shit," Dia snaps. "You're a woman. Now tell me who you are or I swear to you-" she drops her voice to a deadly growl, "I'll gut you where you stand."
Brittany tries to process Dia's words, but she's overwhelmed by the way the pirate's entire body is pressed fully against her, so firmly she can feel her chest move with her breaths. Her clean smell, her warmth, her softness-
"I- my name is Britton, Captain of the Lycan Royal Guard," she stutters, scared- but she can't tell if she's more scared of dying, or having her secret discovered. Which fate is worse? Death, or-
In response to Brittany's words, Dia adjusts her hold, her right hand releasing the collar of Brittany's coat and slipping down, down- Brittany shivers, realizing she must be reaching for her sword, or some other weapon to give her a swift end-
She gasps in surprise when Dia's hand pushes down and forward between her legs, roughly grabbing the loose fabric of her breeches. She tugs it harshly, yanking Brittany's hips forward by the crotch of her pants, as if to prove she has nothing there.
Brittany bites her lip, partly because she knows she's been caught, and partly because never in her life has she had someone else's hand that close to her intimate place. Dia's not touching her sex, but her hand is so close it makes Brittany's heart pound. The lady pirate expertly presses the flat of her knife further into her skin, angling it just so as to not draw blood but still increase the pressure. Brittany swallows thickly.
"Do you think me some kind of fool?" Dia seethes. "I could easily disrobe you myself and discover the truth. Do not force me." The pirate glares at her, brown eyes burning into Brittany's blue ones for another moment before releasing her hold completely.
Lowering her knife but keeping it pointed in Brittany's direction, she steps back, shoving Brittany one last time as she does.
"Now- once more, before I completely lose my patience. Who are you?"
Brittany swallows again, trying to force away her fear. She's bombarded by a myriad of emotions that are battling within her and she's not sure she can find her voice. So, with shaking fingers, she does the only thing she can think of in her stressed state of mind to prove she is, in fact, a woman- she unbuttons Sam's coat, trying not to notice the way darkened brown eyes watch her intently.
Once she's unfastened it, she slips the heavy garment from her shoulders, letting it drop heavily at her feet and leaving her standing in Sam's loose button-up shirt. Dia openly stares at her chest as if looking upon her favorite meal, and it makes Brittany feel as if she's eaten a cup of sand. Or perhaps more hardtack.
Averting her eyes to her trembling hands as she reaches for the buttons on her shirt, her breathing picks up at the idea that she is about to expose herself to someone for the first time, and it's not at all how she'd imagined it to be-
Warm, tan hands still her hands' movements, and she looks up, surprised to find Dia staring darkly at her, an unreadable expression on her face. It sends a hard throb of unfamiliar excitement straight between her legs, and her stomach flutters. She's not sure if she wants to throw up or faint. She feels a blush rising up her neck, and she clears her throat uneasily.
"I am a woman," she says, using her own soft voice. "My name is Brittany."
"Why are you dressed as a man?" Dia demands, her voice sounding rougher, and it sends another small tingle down Brittany's spine.
"My Captain-" Brittany starts, feeling a sharp pang of sadness for Sam's fate, "-feared for my safety, and ordered me to disguise myself." She pauses, unsure if she should tell more, but she still fears for Sugar's life, so she decides withholding her title and importance is probably best. Better they think she is a peasant.
Dia still looks skeptical, but thankfully doesn't push further. She shakes her head disgustedly. "You did a lousy job," she mutters as she turns away.
"What is your name?" Brittany asks, because surely it can't be Dia. She waits, hopeful and expectant, as the pirate pauses in her departure. She turns to give Brittany one last disdainful look over her shoulder, ignoring her question, before she strides out, leaving Brittany standing awkwardly in her cell, wondering what caused Dia's abrupt exit and trying not to feel hurt at her refusal to submit her name.
It takes a second for her to realize her cage door is wide open, but before she can react, Pegasus comes in swiftly and locks the gate, giving her an apologetic look. She freezes in fear, very aware that her coat is still off and her shirt does little to hide her feminine figure. She suddenly worries that he could hurt her now that he knows her form, that his decency could be an act- after all, he is with a band of ruthless pirates, isn't he? Their eyes meet- his are kind- and they reach a silent understanding as he offers her a soft smile, relaxing her. Then he turns and leaves silently, and Brittany's left standing, even more confused and terrified about what's going to happen to her than before. She sinks back down onto her cot, but she knows her tumultuous thoughts will afford her no better rest than her time aboard The Tide Ripper.
She might as well be tied to a post.
Santana's furious.
She doesn't even know why she's so angry- after all, she was proven right: the boy is actually a girl in disguise, and doing a piss-poor job of it. Perhaps that's why she's angry- that the girl made such a godawful effort to conceal her appearance, discrediting all girls in disguise, everywhere. Santana shakes her head at how ridiculous it sounds even in her head, as if she cares about the credibility of girls in disguise. But still- she can't deny that the girl's cover was clearly poorly executed.
Perhaps that's why she's mad- at herself, for not recognizing immediately that she was a girl, for playing the guessing game for days and not knowing for certain. She should have. She's too smart, too experienced not to have known.
She thinks back to innocent blue eyes and clenches her jaw. Brittany should have been more careful. Had she been caught by a ship other than The Tide Ripper, she certainly would have endured a fate far worse than the one she's currently facing- and maybe that's what's making her angry. That she could have been seriously hurt- and Santana actually cares.
She cares about a silly girl she's barely met with universe eyes and lips she wants to suck-
She slams her fist against the rough stone wall as she storms through the tunnel leading to the exit of their prison, regretting it immediately as the side of her palm stings with pain. She rubs it for a moment before she takes in her surroundings, noticing that the sun has gone down. It bleeds orange into the sky, and Santana quickens her pace, eager to get back to her room and enjoy the rest of her night- on land. She loves the sea, and the hammock in her cabin is as comfortable as money can buy, woven with the softest, finest threads, but there's something to be said about security and stability- and a bed she can stretch out in.
She doesn't make it ten paces from the dungeon entrance when Matt approaches her, and already she can tell she's not going to be happy with what he has to say.
He nods respectfully at her. "Master Santana," he says, and Santana can't help but roll her eyes. He's always addressed her formally, even though they've known each other for years.
"Let me guess- Captain Idiot sent you," she says, crossing her arms.
Matt nods again. "Puck requests your presence, ma'am. Seems he's eager to set sail again." Santana's stomach sinks at the thought of shipping out again so soon. They'd just gotten home this morning. And Puck wants to leave again, the dolt.
"Whereabouts?" She asks as they walk quickly down the path, circling around to the front entrance to their top-secret lair. Santana wants to get her discussion with Puck the hell over with as soon as possible. Maybe, depending on the destination, she might convince him to go without her.
Slim chance, but-
"Perdic," Matt answers, and Santana releases her breath in a huff. Of course Puck wants to go to the island of Perdic. It's crawling with merchants, and they just lifted a tiny fortune in spices. It's not a long trip, perhaps a mere day and a half's sailing time each way, but it's still more time away from her home- and her comfy, comfy bed.
She enters the main doors of their fortress, which more closely resembles an old, small castle. They'd found the structure while exploring the uncharted island, and quickly claimed it as their base of operations. It's sturdy and impossible to sneak up on- not that they were worried about a possible attack. They were usually far too clever and thorough to leave themselves open for retaliation.
Once inside, she strides into the main hall, her blazing eyes immediately searching for her target. She finds Puck talking to Jake, The Tide Ripper's swabby who also happens to be Puck's younger, half-brother, and when he spots her, he smiles and waves the kid away.
"Ah, Santana- just who I wanted to-"
"Can we not waste time? What do you want?" She snaps.
"Jeez, someone's in a bad mood," he mumbles. Santana looks at him impatiently, and he continues, "We are to sail to Perdic. I'm eager to exchange the stuff we hauled, if only to get a decent estimate of how much we still need to acquire to fund our trip to Lao."
Santana nods. "Excellent. Have a safe trip, if you do not return in-"
"Hold fast, Santana, don't get ahead of yourself. You are to accompany me."
"I appreciate the request, Puck, but I am actually rather busy."
"Doing what? Ogling our captive girl?" He wiggles his eyebrows and Santana freezes at his accusation. How does Puck know Brittany is a female? And how does he know Santana's been ogling her? She thought she'd been so careful- "I admit she is attractive, but with that mouth of hers, she is nearly intolerable to be around. Perhaps you can shut her up," he jokes suggestively, and Santana glares, internally relieved that he's not referring to Brittany, but instead her obnoxious companion, which means both of their secrets are still safe.
"You are an imbecile," she says dryly, shaking her head in amazement.
Puck smirks. "Get changed and prepare for departure. We leave at nightfall aboard the Sea Guillotine." He waves her off and wanders away to make more preparations. Santana sighs angrily.
So much for her peaceful night.
Brittany had just lulled herself into half-sleep when Pegasus enters, smiling knowingly at her. She sits up as he approaches, blinking groggily. She has no idea what time it is but she knows she hasn't slept, and that her stomach is rumbling- which means it must be dinner time.
"So... Brittany," Pegasus says slyly, and Brittany blushes in response, ducking her head and reaching up to tuck some loose strands of blonde hair behind her ear.
"Yes," she mutters, feeling sheepish.
"I've brought your meal," Pegasus explains, holding up a small package wrapped in brown cloth. Brittany nods, curious as to what her ration for the night is. She stands, moving to the bars to graciously accept her food as Pegasus continues speaking.
"We are still awaiting our messenger's return. It'll probably be another few days at least before we hear word," he says, handing her the package through the bars. Her stomach grumbles at the thought of food, and she nods at the pirate's words, and what they mean; another few days of being a captive. She wonders about Sugar, considering she has heard no news of her, nor caught a single glimpse to determine whether she lives, but she's unsure if she is allowed to ask questions. She's worried she might give her true identity away if she speaks too much- she's never been good with her words.
"I'll return in the morning to check on you," Pegasus says, interrupting her thoughts, and he leaves without any preamble.
Brittany watches him go before focusing her attention on the small package still clutched in her hands. She settles on the cool stone floor and carefully unwraps it from the cloth, a little surprised when she finds several slices of warm bread, a hunk of white cheese, and a cluster of red grapes.
She can't believe her eyes for a moment, and she wastes no time in quickly consuming her meal, impressed at the flavor in the bread and the smooth creaminess of the cheese. The grapes are surprisingly sweet and she revels in her first taste of fruit in over a week.
When she's finished, she realizes that not only is she ravenously thirsty, but she has absolutely nothing to do. She wishes she hadn't eaten so quickly.
She crawls back onto her cot and curls up on her side, ignoring the way part of the frame stabs her ribs. She closes her eyes. She's in better condition than she was, but still nowhere near the treatment she's used to. She swallows, her mouth feeling dry. She hopes Pegasus brings her some water in the morning. She hopes the pirates' messenger returns soon. The one good thing that will come from her exchange will be the return to having companionship again.
All her solitude is really, really boring.
She's awake when Pegasus finally returns in the morning, but as he approaches carrying a large wooden bowl, she's surprised; normally she doesn't get a morning meal.
"I get breakfast today?" She asks incredulously.
He nods, shooting her an encouraging smile as he shoves the bowl carefully through the bars, tilting it but keeping his hand atop it so as not to spill its contents. Brittany takes the bowl and glances down at the items inside, her stomach growling in anticipation. Some oval-shaped, exotic fruit sits in the bowl, along with more bread, this time with a fried egg on it. The egg is cold, but Brittany doesn't care. She can't remember the last time she's eaten an egg.
"Rations are limited on a ship," Pegasus tells her. "But not here." Brittany pauses, unsure how to go about eating her breakfast without utensils, but then she decides she doesn't care as she lifts the bread to her mouth and takes a large bite.
She chews slowly, grateful once again for the variety of flavors after eating nothing but bland crackers and salted meat for days.
Pegasus slips a large flask through the bars and at her questioning eyebrow, he laughs. "It's water," he assures her.
She smiles and untwists the cap, swallowing in large gulps. She can't remember water ever tasting so good. Pegasus stands silently, watching her eat, and she feels awkward from the silence that settles over them. She decides to risk speaking.
"May I ask you something?" She starts hesitantly, tearing at a piece of crust on her bread.
"You may," Pegasus answers with a nod.
Brittany swallows. "My companion- is she well?"
"Weller than you," The pirate chuckles. "Though still raising hell."
Brittany smiles, relieved at the knowledge that Sugar is alive and unharmed. She continues to eat silently, content and unwilling to press her luck by asking more questions.
Pegasus watches her for a moment more before he takes his leave, promising to come back soon to collect her bowl and flask, and Brittany sits in utter boredom once he leaves, waiting for any news.
Brittany spends another day in solitude, her only company when Pegasus visits her for her meals. She's curious as to what Dia is doing, and the lady pirate has drifted in and out of Brittany's thoughts since the last time she'd seen her. Brittany still has the woman's bandana, and sometimes when she feels lonely she pulls out the scrap of cloth and the smell of it comforts her somehow.
She hasn't quite reached the level of boredom that would warrant her talking to it yet; but sometimes she gets so bored she half-wishes she was back on The Tide Ripper, because at least she'd have Lord to converse with.
Pegasus is really the only person keeping her from going insane with boredom. He's patient and kind to her, and he genuinely listens to her when she tells him things. It makes her wonder how he ever got to where he is; she's come up with all sorts of backstories for him, but she's curious to know his story, and the next morning, she can't hold in her curiosity any longer.
"Why are you so nice?" Brittany blurts as Pegasus hands her breakfast.
"What do you mean?" He asks, cocking an eyebrow.
"You're a pirate," Brittany starts slowly, as if explaining.
"I'm also human," he says quietly, with an understanding smile. "And so are they. We aren't as savage as you think."
"Perhaps; but you're the only one who's treated me with any shred of decency."
Pegasus laughs. "I'm also the only one you've spent any considerable time with."
Brittany nods. "Of your own will."
"You speak truth," He agrees with a shrug.
"How did you fall in with them?" Brittany asks. "Were you captured? Forced into servitude?"
Pegasus laughs. "Those are all enthralling theories, but I promise you my story is not so exciting."
Brittany waits patiently, taking a bite of her bread. Pegasus smiles at her innocent intrigue. "I suppose it can't hurt for me to keep you company for a while, though I fear my storytelling may just put you to sleep."
"Then you'll be released from telling me the story," Brittany points out. "Please, do share it with me."
"Very well," Pegasus sighs, though Brittany knows from his tone and the barest smile tugging at the corner of his mouth that he's secretly pleased to talk about himself to her.
"My father was a pirate, long ago," he starts, and Brittany can already tell he's a gifted story-teller. "There was a woman he visited often in port, whom he loved- though she was poor, and believed my father to be a sailor. When she became pregnant with me, my father planned to marry her, and rescue her from her life of poverty. However, when she discovered my father was actually a pirate soon after I was born, she never wanted to see him again; she left me with him and disappeared."
Brittany frowns. For someone with such a pleasant disposition, his history is rather sad. Brittany wonders how he maintained his gentle demeanor with such a devastating childhood. Then again, her own upbringing wasn't wonderful, either, and she likes to think herself a pleasant person. She looks at Pegasus thoughtfully. They are not so different. Perhaps Pegasus is right about his companions and himself not being savages.
"My father was determined, however," he continues, "he immediately went to enlist in the royal fleet, and straighten himself out to win her back. However, when he finally tracked down her whereabouts, he found out that she had died."
Brittany gasps at his words, covering her mouth. Sadness grips her heart and she sympathizes how awful it is to not know one's mother, to not even have the opportunity to. She and the pirate before her do share that bit of history. Pegasus smiles at her, reassuring her that he's not upset in the least as he finishes his story.
"Naturally, my father was distraught- he returned to his life of piracy, and I grew up with him on the ship. It's all I've ever known."
"Wow," Brittany murmurs. Then, a thought occurs to her: "Where is your father now? Is he still sailing with you?"
"He has retired," Pegasus says with a slight shake of his head. "He discovered a new love, and once I was old enough to handle myself, he didn't feel so guilty about leaving to forge a new life on land."
"Do you still see him?"
"Yes, frequently. He is our contact at port, and runs us all of our supplies for repairs, should we need them."
Brittany nods in understanding. "So you've been with this crew your entire life?"
"Not entirely; before our Captain took over, many of us- including him and our QuarterMaster, whom you've met- were crew of another ship. When it fell, we formed the crew of The Tide Ripper."
Brittany smiles at his obvious respect and affection for his ship and comrades. His loyalty doesn't go unnoticed, either. "You care a lot for them," she observes.
"I do. They have taken care of me for as long as I can remember."
"Just as you've taken care of me."
"It is my secondary duty." Pegasus shrugs. "To watch after our prisoners."
"What is your first, if I may ask?"
"I am the cook; it's my responsibility to prepare meals."
Brittany looks down at the bread in her lap, suddenly feeling a lot more appreciative of it. "You're an excellent chef, Pegasus."
He pauses, then says, "It's Kurt."
"Your real name?" Brittany asks, surprised.
"Yes. I trust you won't use it against me?"
Brittany shakes her head, feeling honored that Kurt trusts her with his real identity- it's only fair, after all. She trusts him with hers. She smiles.
"Thank you for telling me, and for keeping me company today."
"It's truly my pleasure, Brittany. I'm sure you must be bored. Company helps pass the time." At Brittany's nod, he stands.
"However, I must exit now; I have to begin preparations for dinner. I shall return later."
Brittany's expression falls.
"Hey," he says softly. "I'm sure we will hear word of your exchange soon. It will be all right."
Brittany smiles. "Thank you, Kurt."
He nods, and as he leaves, Brittany can't help wondering about Dia's back story, or what her real name is. How does a woman become a pirate?
Two more days pass. Two more days spent in boredom, with only Kurt for company, though Brittany would never complain. He's shared with her stories of his adventures, describing places he's been in great detail. But even Kurt can't spend all day with her, and Brittany spends the majority of her two days waiting, bored and anxious. Waiting for word of her father's acceptance. Waiting to be sent back to a life she had just escaped from, only this time without her friends to help her. She still does not know Sam's fate.
Kurt has reassured her that Sugar is well, and even passes along messages for her. But still the time drags on. The only excitement she has is in her conversations with Kurt.
"Have you been to Argo?" She wonders one morning, munching on slices of the exotic fruit she's come to enjoy. Kurt sits in a chair on the other side of her cage.
"Yes."
"Is it nice?"
Kurt pauses, weighing his words. Finally, he settles on, "It's... The nicest."
Brittany's heart sinks at the bittersweet news, especially when Kurt begins to describe it, and his words only confirm that Argo is more than she'd ever hoped it could be. The beaches, the people, the freedom... She feels as if she could cry. Her chest feels tight, and she's reminded of Sam, and the entire crew of the Courage- dead or lost, all because they were escorting her to Argo.
It would be one thing to discover Argo is nothing like she'd been told- then she could return to her father, without hope. She could mourn the loss of such a paradise and the passing of her crew, and move on with her life.
But to know that it was worth it? To know that it exists, that it's everything she'd dreamed? Her crew will never make it to Argo, because they were all killed. By pirates. The same pirates who now hold her captive. She tries to swallow the bitter taste in her mouth and ignore the twisting in her stomach. She has no idea which is worse, but she knows that she will never stop trying to make it to Argo.
But her crew-
"What's wrong?" Kurt asks gently, and his words make her realize that she's crying.
She gingerly touches her cheeks, finding them damp, and she draws a deep, shuddering breath.
"My ship and I... We were heading to Argo when..."
Kurt makes a noise of sympathy. "I'm sorry, Brittany," he says.
Brittany nods. She believes him.
Later that night, Brittany lies on her uncomfortable cot- which has a mattress so thin it makes her shoulders and lower back ache. But she stands by her original assumption that it's leagues better than being tied to a post, so she won't complain. Soon enough, she'll be back in her own bed. Her stomach twists at the thought. Will she be better or worse?
She stares up at the rough stone ceiling, her mind racing, but not about her impending exchange.
She can't stop thinking about Dia.
The pirate's red bandana rests next to Brittany on her flat pillow, tantalizing her with its scent, and Brittany sighs.
She can't stop remembering the way Dia looked, or how warm her skin was. It's been days since she's seen her, and she has so many other things to think about, but Dia consumes her thoughts on this night, and Brittany can't understand why.
She closes her eyes and remembers the way the pirate woman felt with her firm body pressed fully against her, and her pulse quickens, her breath catching in her chest. She's never felt this way before; she's had crushes in the past, stolen secret kisses with boys- sons of diplomats come to visit her father- a few times. But never did they evoke the kind of feelings she feels just thinking of the dark-haired pirate. She's never wanted someone. She's never felt like her blood was on fire, like her heart might explode from beating so hard, never felt such a strong, insistent pull towards someone, never been punched with such strong arousal-
Groaning, she squeezes her eyes shut; she's touched herself before- more out of curiosity than anything else- but not as a response to the aching, throbbing need that now resides between her legs.
She chews her lip. She's already had dinner, and usually she's left alone for the rest of the night. She takes a deep breath, and can only feel an unbearable burning that simmers beneath her skin. Would it be so bad to relieve it?
She slides her right hand across her taught, flat stomach, made flatter from weeks without the usual extravagant meals she'd been accustomed to her whole life. Her appetite's been satisfied lately, but not her hunger- she imagines passionate brown eyes and creeps her hand lower.
"Brittany," Kurt calls softly into the dimly-lit room, and Brittany sits up, her heartbeat accelerating completely as adrenaline surges into her system. (She could've been caught!) She looks over expectantly at Kurt, trying her best to seem as if she'd been sleeping. His fine, soft features illuminated by the low lighting make him seem fiercer as he steps into view. If Kurt notices her flushed state, he says nothing as he unlocks her cage.
"What is it?" She wonders.
"Word has finally arrived," he tells her, turning the key in the lock, and Brittany's stomach twists again as the reality of her situation- and her two undesirable outcomes- hits her full force.
"It is almost nightfall," he tells her gently, swinging the door to her cage open. "We are to set sail to meet your lord's ship for the exchange."
Nodding, Brittany climbs to her feet. She pauses as Kurt continues, "But first, we'd like to give you the opportunity to clean yourself up. You look-" he winces. "Well. If you are to continue with disguising yourself, you should probably use this chance."
"You'd allow me to continue my masquerade?" Brittany asks, her heart giving a small pang of affection for the man in front of her and his consideration.
Kurt shrugs nonchalantly. "It is no concern of mine how you live your life, so long as I receive my cut of our payment."
Brittany nods, surprised at his generosity and bluntness, and allows him to lead her out of the room and down a series of dark, dimly-lit passageways. Again she is impressed with the size of the space she's been kept in as she follows him around a corner.
He stops at the entrance to a room, gesturing for her to enter, and once she does, she's greeted with the sight of a wash basin, a bathtub, and bathing supplies.
"I'll be outside if you need anything," he reassures. "You have two hours."
Kurt closes the door gently and Brittany takes a deep breath. She creates a mental list of things she needs to do; first priority- her clothes need to be washed.
She fills the metal bucket with hot water and then strips, awkwardly dumping her clothes and what she hopes is soap in next.
She rubs the fabric vigorously with her hands, unsure exactly how to even clean her clothes, since she's never had to do it before. She tries to scrub the blood out of the collar of Sam's white shirt, but has very little luck, and she's never missed Sugar more, or realized how very sheltered she's been. She gives up after a while in frustration and moves on to her pants and undergarments. Once she's finished, she lays them out as best she can to dry, and moves on to her next task.
She fills the bathtub, sighing with relief as she sinks into the hot water. Immediately she feels her sore muscles relaxing, her tension draining. She rubs at the muscles in her shoulders, letting the water loosen them and ease the ache. After soaking for a while, she begins the slow, thorough process of scrubbing the dirt, sweat, and dried blood from her skin. Her temple is still slightly tender as she prods it gingerly with her fingertip, but the scratch on her throat has at least scabbed over.
Once clean and feeling worlds better, she redresses quickly, frowning at the fact that her clothes are still damp. She regrets not having a change of clothes- a new problem for her- and comforts herself with the fact that she will never have to deal with such a problem again.
She's feeling a little more confident about returning to her father with Sugar. She will survive, and perhaps she can escape again once she marries Prince Rory. After all, it's just marriage, and leaving him would be just as easy as leaving her father; she could prepare herself far better the second time around. If Argo really is so great, nothing shall stop her. She'd wanted an adventure- a story- and now she has one. Someday, she will tell her children of The Tide Ripper, and of Kurt, and Dia-
There's a brief knock before the door opens slowly, and Kurt smiles at her.
"Are you ready for departure?"
Brittany sets her jaw with determination and nods sternly.
She's ready. Her father won't be happy- and she's not looking forward to facing him.
But the sooner she escapes the pirates, the sooner she can try again.
AND THERE YOU HAVE IT.
See you soon, pals! :D