BlackLynx17: Hi everyone. Thanks for reading my stories, thank you so much. I'm so grateful to be a writer. I love being able to create my own stories and actually have people who love them. It means a lot to me, thank you.
Title: Love At First Sight
Secret Title: Pirate Love
Summary: Wendy is a princess forced to be married at the age of 18. It wouldn't be a problem for her if she had fallen in love with her fiance, but alas fate is not too kind. Determined to runaway to chose her own love, she runs into a nice man who rescues her from her guards. Thinking this man is her one true love, she decides to escape with him. She had no idea that her true love was a no good pirate.
Chapter Six
Dawn Island
Mest groans as his eyes shoot open. His body is tense and he lays still for a minute, willing for his muscles to relax. He feels the boat swaying not as wildly as it did when he went to sleep. They must have made it to the island, or at least be close by it if the waters are no longer harsh. He leans up and runs his hand over his face, needing to wash up and get this foul taste out of his mouth. He wonders how Wendy slept last night, but knows better than to go check on her. Men weren't allowed in the girl's room unless it was an emergency, even if there was no one inside. That is a solid rule and unless any man wants to deal with Mirajane and Erza they should know better. He guesses he'll just see her at breakfast then.
Since they're at the island, or at least should arrive today, he'll finally be able to buy her some nice clothes of her own. Nothing befitting of a princess of course, but a pirate. Still, something cute, and maybe a little expensive. He has more than enough money to buy her whatever she wants; not as much as a king, but enough for her. Mest kicks his blankets off and stands up to get ready for the day, a smile on his face as he imagines how happy Wendy will be now that she'll finally be able to explore a place without guards, to be free and do whatever she wants...
…
…
Mest blinks as he stares down at the floor. He rubs his eyes a few times and looks back down.
…
…
Now for some reason his little princess was here... in his room... lying on the floor... the filthy floor... on the rug he's never washed once since he bought the damn thing and no! This won't do! Why is she even here? An anger overcomes Mest as he stomps towards her and-... pauses when he sees her sleeping face. He groans very loudly and leans down, picking her up from the floor and placing her on the bed. He can only assume that she came in the middle of the night; why she wouldn't join him by his side though and preferred to sleep on the floor, he did not know. He planned on just leaving her there while he freshened up, but as soon as her head hit the pillow she moaned and fluttered her eyes open.
"Mest?" She whispers softly.
Mest sighs and brushes her hair out of her face, "good morning little princess."
Wendy moans as she curls closer to his side, nuzzling against his hand. That's it, he knows she's still half asleep if she's doing something as adorable as this. He's reminded of a small kitten curling against his hand.
"I thought I wasn't a princess in this room?" She yawns.
His eyes soften and he nods, "you're right, good morning Wendy. As much as I would hate to ruin this lovely moment-"
"Then don't," she frowns.
He ignores her and continues. "I'm afraid that still leaves the question on what you were doing in my room, lying on the floor no less."
Wendy flinches and moves away now, burying her head underneath the blankets. He hears her mumble something and leans in closer to the bump.
"Huh? What was that?"
"I missed you."
Mest blinks and leans back up, tearing the blankets away from her. Her face is a soft red from her blush, her eyes squeezed closed as she accepts her fate. The yelling doesn't come though; she's almost too afraid to look, but curiosity gets the better of her and she slowly opens her eyes. Mest is staring at her with a blank expression on his face. She can't tell how mad he is, so she figures if she apologizes quickly he won't be too mad.
"I'm sorry."
He blinks, "for missing me?"
"No. I promised you I would give it a try, but I didn't really. I mean... I could have stayed there. It was a nice room and it had a nice bed. I talked with the girls for what seemed like all night, but I couldn't fall asleep. I was waiting for sleep to take me, but it never did and just... I gave in and returned here."
His eyebrows furrow together, "why were you on the floor though? Why not the bed?"
She shrinks a little, "I thought you would have gotten mad at me. You told me we weren't supposed to share a bed until our feelings were sure. I didn't need to sleep by you, I just wanted to feel your presence and know you were there. It's... scary sleeping in a new place. You're all I know, which sounds crazy because I've only known you for two days so compared to your crew it's nothing really, but I just feel like... I feel more comfortable with you. I actually fell asleep at your desk first; I don't remember how I got on the ground. I don't think I sleep walk, but then again how would I know if I was asleep?"
Mest didn't know what to think or what to say. It's crazy honestly, completely crazy. She joins a pirate out to sea, marries him without even knowing anything about him, and seeks comfort in him only after knowing him for two days. She left everything behind she's ever known because of her ridiculous obsession with love... and she's convinced herself that he's the one.
A chuckle escapes his lips. She sneaked into his room and slept on the floor because she was scared he would be mad if they shared the bed. He shakes his head and sighs; he can't win. He can never win. He reaches out and Wendy flinches slightly; no, she shouldn't do that. He would never harm her. She was truly scared that he would yell at her... again. He places his hand on her head gently and strokes her hair.
"You're welcome in here anytime Wendy." He says with a warmth in his voice.
Wendy widens her eyes and leans up, "really?"
"Yes. Please still try to get used to the girl's room, but if it's too much... you may stay. I'll just bring a cot in here or something so you won't be forced to sleep on the floor again. That is no place for a prin-... lady like yourself. Always come to my bed, just wake me before doing so."
So he can get the hell out of it before he tries anything in his sleep. Wendy smiles brightly at him and throws her arms around Mest's shoulders, pulling him close for a hug.
"Thank you Mest! Thank you! I promise I'll do my best and listen, maybe tonight will be different. I slept very peacefully though; the floor wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," She smiles pulling back.
"The longer I stay with you Wendy the more I question how your upbringing was," Mest tells her honestly.
Wendy tilts her head to the side, "what do you mean?"
"Normally women are raised not to fall asleep in bed with a man who is not her husband."
"Well you are my husband."
"Technically, you know what I mean. You ran away with a stranger and now you're in bed with one. Any other girl would know better, but you don't even question it. You don't question anything when it comes to me and carelessly throw your arms around me."
Wendy blinks a few times. "I trust you. From the moment I believed you were my love at first sight I trusted you Mest. Just because you weren't didn't mean that trust faded. Just because we've argued and cried doesn't mean my belief in you vanished. You care for me deeply; it may not be the way I would like for yet, but that doesn't make it any less meaningful. I know the duties of a wife and husband and I just... I don't know. I like being with you and I know you would never do anything to harm me, at least consciously you wouldn't. It has nothing to do with my upbringing. Even if I was a peasant girl I still would have been with you. I don't know how, but I would have tried."
Mest smiles lightly and pokes at her cheek, "you sure do talk a lot, you know that kid?"
"Well you asked the question, I was simply answering." Wendy huffs.
He wants to believe her. That if she wasn't a princess she still would have wanted him. That if she didn't believe in this love at first sight nonsense and if anyone else would have rescued her, she wouldn't be with them. It's hard to imagine though. He doesn't want to take advantage, he doesn't want her to regret down the line. She'll see, he knows she will. He just needs to be careful around her and make sure he doesn't taint her in anyway until... Mest swallows thickly, until her real prince charming shows up and steals her away.
"We have a long day of fun in the sun ahead of us Wendy, why don't you get ready?" Mest asks her.
Wendy hums and throws herself back down on the bed, curling around the blankets, "I think I'll sleep in just a little bit longer."
Mest rolls his eyes and throws a pillow at her head, smiling all the while.
"You know the rules guys; we may be spending the night here, but remember to relieve others of their duties so they can have their turn to play," Mest announces.
His crew all cheer and smile before they head towards the town, planning on shopping, getting drunk, and doing whatever else their heart desires. Erza walks to Mest and stops at his side, waving a parchment in front of his face.
"Got our contacts right here. I'll be sure to get the most we can make on these goods. You take care of her and make sure she stops looking like a slob." She winks.
"Just do your duties," Mest mumbles and ignores her, "and make sure they don't screw you over! Laxus has my full permission to go nuts."
"Hahaha! Like I actually need Laxus, you should know Mest that I'm much more terrifying than him," Erza smirks before following after the others.
Then there was only two of them standing on the shores, himself and Wendy. She looks over at the town with wide eyes, curling her fingers over and over again as she imagines what's there waiting for her. Mest looks down at her with a small frown,wishing she wasn't wearing that damn stupid hat Natsu gave her.
This was a neighboring island though and surely news of the missing princess would have hit their ears. He didn't even think about it until Erza mentioned something, telling him they needed to disguise her. Some wanted to cut of her hair, others had dyes they could use to change the color, and Mest was quick to draw his sword. No one was going to touch a single strand of her beautiful hair that captivated him, so the next best thing was to braid it all up and hide it under a hat. She needed to keep her features covered and he scowled not being able to give her true freedom. Surely as the years go by the search would slowly give up.
"We're going there?" Wendy asks, her bright eyes still shining as she stares into his.
"Yup, welcome to Dawn Island. Come on, we can explore and indulge in all it has to offer after we get what we need to do done first." Mest says leading the way.
Wendy is quick to keep his pace, her small legs running after him. "What time do we have to get back to the ship to switch?"
"The rules don't apply to the captain. We can spend the night at an inn here if you so desire, or return back to the ship."
Wendy hums, "we'll see what this town has to offer first."
As it turns out this place has a lot of things to offer. Wendy is amazed by the view she's never been able to experience until now. People hustling through the streets, stores as far as the eye can see, spices and exotic foods she's never seen or heard of before catching her eyes. Mest is the one who has to drag her away from it all. They will have time for looking later he keeps reminding her, but she can't help herself. She's able to roam this town without her guards breathing down her neck. She can do anything she wants now and no one will stop her...
… Well, no one after Mest finally buys her stupid new wardrobe.
"In here Wendy," Mest states holding a door open.
Wendy frowns as she enters the building, but it quickly leaves her face as she looks around. She's never been in a clothing store before; all her gowns were handmade and measured to fit her by the maids. There's so many styles and dresses here though, so many different colors she didn't even know existed. She leaves her (fake) husband's side to wander through the store. Mest looks around for the clerk and heads over to him, ringing the bell on the counter until he catches his attention.
"Hello there, I'm looking to buy a complete wardrobe for my little... wife over there," Mest mumbles looking back.
Wendy is shifting through the clothes, making a different expression for each article she sees.
"Practical stuff only, we do a lot of heavy lifting and traveling. A couple dresses will be fine, but we're mainly looking for things that will keep her warm."
"Understood sir, farmers?"
"Merchants, we just docked last night to sell our goods before we set off again tomorrow."
"Ah, I understand completely. We have a collection of clothes that is suitable for that type of work. I must admit though I'm surprised, isn't it awful bad luck to carry a woman into sea?"
"I'll have you know most of the workers on my ship are women and they work twice as hard as the men," Mest glares.
"Ah- my apologizes sir." The clerk bows his head down.
Mest rolls his eyes and leans off the counter, walking over to Wendy. The clerk snaps his fingers at his daughter and sends her over after explaining everything.
"Don't let them see your hair or reveal your name Princess Wendy," he whispers in her ear.
Wendy gives him a look, but she doesn't get to question him as she's dragged away by the clerk's daughter. Mest goes and makes himself comfortable in one of the chairs, picking up a newspaper that's lying on the table and reading through it. Even though the date says today, there doesn't seem to be any news about the missing princess of Fiore. Time passes and he feels himself dozing off. He snaps back to himself when he feels his leg getting shaken.
"Huh? What?" Mest asks looking up.
Wendy's standing in front of him with a slight frown on her face. Mest narrows his eyes slightly.
"What's wrong? What happened?"
Her eyes widen and she shakes her head, "ah- no, nothing is wrong. They just... she made me try on a lot of different clothes and I... don't really have the money for any of them."
"Well obviously I'm going to be paying for everything." Mest tells her getting up.
"But it's too much! I haven't earned my keep yet, you shouldn't have to pay for everything... it makes me feel bad." Wendy mutters looking at her feet.
"Hey, don't worry about it. Just let me take care of you," Mest smiles placing his hands on her shoulders.
"I've always been taken care of, that's the problem." She whispers, moving her shoulders out of his touch.
Mest scowls at her and sighs out loudly, "then I'm expecting payment back whenever you can. You're working for my crew now, everything we have is yours as well. We all get equal share, so on our next adventure I guess you'll be paying me back with what you get."
Wendy's face lights up, "okay! I promise! I'll even give you interest!"
Mest pats her cheek before heading towards the counter, pulling out his wallet.
"What's the damage boss?"
"Here's the receipt sir."
Mest doesn't bat an eye at the price as he pulls out the amount.
"We'll be returning tomorrow morning to pick up everything; have it wrapped and ready to go by then."
"Of course sir, thank you for your business."
Mest takes his receipt and nods his head in thanks before heading towards the doors, Wendy right on his tail. He opens up the door for her and she's grinning brightly as she stares at him.
"Can we explore now?"
"Yes kid, lead the way."
Wendy cheers and has to resist the urge to run away to her heart's content. She sticks by Mest's side and grabs his hand, tugging him with her.
"Were you able to get some good clothes?"
"I think so."
"You think so?"
"Well to be honest all I've ever wore were gowns and dresses. Wearing shirts like these and pants are a new experience for me. I definitely prefer pants over dresses; they're very comfortable and keep my legs warm. The ones she had me try on fit very nice and I really liked them a lot-"
"That's all that matters Wendy."
She squeezes his hand and smiles up at him, "then yes! I did get some good clothes! I can't wait to start wearing everything tomorrow! Thanks Mest!"
"I apologize that there wasn't any stores here specially made for princesses," he teases.
Wendy shakes her head, "don't be, I'm very happy that I'm able to stop being the princess of Fiore and start being me."
It passes right over her head, but she's completely genuine with him. Mest sighs and fixes the hat on her head, stroking the side of her ear pretending to put some hair away. He actually just wants to feel it against his fingertips.
"Go crazy kid, we got nothing but time while we're here. Let's see it all!"
Wendy stalks away from him the minute they enter the meet up pub. Her eyes scan for familiar faces and she walks her way over to them, completely leaving Mest behind. He sighs and goes over towards the bar, needing a couple of drinks in him. She stomps over to the table and squeezes between Natsu and Juvia, a pout on her lips as she crosses her arms.
"Wendy!" The crew cheers.
Natsu, Gajeel, Levy, Juvia, Erza, and Lucy are all sitting alongside her, some of them with wine stained cheeks on their faces. Wendy thinks it's a bit weird, but doesn't question them as she broods. She wants to be away from Mest right now. So far away.
"Wendy? Come on, why the small pout? Huh? Huh?" Natsu asks poking at her cheeks.
"Captain," she spits out with distaste.
Her friends groan and grab the drinks in front of them, each of them taking a long sip. Wendy raises an eyebrow and looks inside of the cup when Natsu slams it back down on the table.
"What are you drinking?"
"Ah- I don't think Mest would like it very much if you had some," Natsu says moving the mug away.
"Who cares what he likes, he doesn't care what I like at all," Wendy glares at him.
"Trouble in paradise princess?" Gajeel asks taking another sip.
Levy shoves his shoulder, making him curse as he spills his drink all over the table.
"What the hell Levy?!"
"Quiet you! Remember where we are right now!" She hisses back.
"There, there Wendy," Juvia sighs out pulling her into a hug. Wendy's face is shoved into her breast, "just tell Juvia everything and she'll make it all better."
"What happened Wendy? I thought Mest was taking you around town? You two looked happy when you got off the boat," Lucy asks with a hiccup.
"Everything was fine. We went shopping, I got to try all these sweets, I enjoyed every minute of it," Wendy smiles remembering it all; her expression turns sour and everyone leans in, "but then this- this- floozy! Forgive my language please, but I'm so mad! This woman throws herself at Mest and completely shoves me aside! Apparently Mest knew the woman and I know I shouldn't be mad because he's already told me I wasn't his first, but it still gets me- just so- argh! And she wasn't even the only woman who stopped us!"
The gang all look at each other and Natsu slides his drink back over towards Wendy.
"Maybe you actually do need this after all, try it kid."
Wendy glares at the mug and quickly chugs down whatever it is. Her throat starts to burn as a foul taste hits her tongue. She drops the mug, coughing loudly as she chokes down the bitter drink.
"What was that?" She groans.
"Beer, rum, wine? One of the three, we asked for a round of the strongest thing they sell in here." Natsu shrugs and waves over the waitress for another round.
"Ugh, I'm not supposed to consume alcohol. It numbs the mind and makes people do things they normally never would."
"It also takes away all those shitty feelings and makes you feel on top of the world, so drink up kid because by the looks of things you're going to need it." Gajeel chuckles giving her another.
"What?"
Levy slaps the back of his head and Wendy turns around, towards the direction they were both looking at. She doesn't spot Mest sitting at the bar counter, but actually following a woman she doesn't know up the stairs while she wears his hat. Wendy feels her throat tighten and tears threaten to spill out.
"I can't fucking believe- he's married! Natsu, go get him!" Lucy growls, slamming her hand on the table.
"No! Don't!" Wendy screams.
She believed in him, she trusted him. He said he would be faithful but... Wendy's face hardens as she reaches for the mug and stares right at Gajeel.
"This will take away the shitty feeling and make me have fun, right?" She asks.
Gajeel gives her a shit eating grin, "let's go party kid."
Wendy downs a second glass. Screw Mest, screw that bastard. He's hurt her one too many times; she's going to forget about him now and do what she's always wanted to do. Not listen to a single thing anyone else says and do whatever the hell she wants.
"Let's party!" She screams throwing her mug in the air.
"Aye!" The people in the pub scream out alongside her and the music begins to get louder it seems.
The drinks keep coming, the gang start partying, Natsu grabs Wendy's hand and brings her down to the dance floor, the two of them moving to the music with a drunken grace. Whenever she begins to feel bad she drinks another and another until the pain fades away. Soon the taste of the drink isn't bothering her anymore and she feels like she's on top of the world. The crowd cheers as she dances on top of a table, ripping her hat off and letting her hair flow freely as she throws it out towards the crowd. They all start singing a sailor song and Wendy just laughs along, spinning around with Levy and Lucy at her side.
She doesn't know how long she feels good, but suddenly it's snatched away from her quite literally. A hand grabs her shoulder and pulls her off of the table top. She stumbles to not fall on the ground and meets the most beautiful, fieriest, green eyes she's ever seen.
"What the hell is happening right now Wendy?! What are you doing?!" Mest yells at her.
"Mest," she smiles before she remembers she's mad at him and glares, "Mest."
"Natsu! I swear to God, did you get her drunk?! I'm going to-"
Wendy pushes him away from her and staggers back. Mest quickly turns his attention back to her and grabs her arm again before he loses her in the crowd.
"No, let me go! I hate you right now!" She screams.
"Wendy! Stop it, we're leaving this place right now!"
"No! You are, I'm not! It's not fair! I trusted you! You aren't the only one who is allowed to have fun! Why can't I have any while you remain unfaithful?! It's only fair that I get to be dragged away as well! Hey! Everyone! Listen up! Is there anyone who would like to spent a wonderful night with me?!" Wendy announces, waving her hand around in the air to call attention.
And attention she catches, of nearly every male in the bar staring at her with lust in their eyes. Something in Mest snaps and he's finally had enough of this. He leans down and picks Wendy up, throwing her over his shoulder as he heads for the exit.
"We're leaving," he hisses at her.
"Now wait a second there son, from the looks of things it seems that the sweet miss doesn't want to go home with you. Why not put her down and let her have the fun she wants?" Someone dares to stand in his way.
Without a second's hesitation Mest reaches for the gun in his holster and holds it right at the man's head, a expression of fury on his face. The bar quiets down in an instant and the music comes to an erupt stop.
"If she's something you're willing to die over then come at me. If not, I suggest you move aside," Mest growls, repositioning Wendy as she smacks against his back.
His crew are standing up, even through their drunk states, knowing that trouble is brewing. They reach for their swords and guns, waiting for the first sign. The man raises his hands up in the air and moves out of the way.
"I thought so," Mest snarls and keeps his gun leveled as he heads for the doors.
He only puts it away once he's out of the pub and walking down the streets, tightening his hold on his screaming and kicking princess as he heads for their inn. He's beyond pissed as he carries her to their room, finally letting her down to close the door after him.
"What the hell is your problem Mest?!" Wendy screams.
"Wendy, you're drunk. Go to bed this instant. I'm not playing around." Mest glares, pointing towards the bed.
"No! You don't get to order me around! I was having so much fun before you came and ruined it!"
"Really? Fun getting drunk and letting all that filth ogle you?!"
"At least they want me!"
"Don't I want you?! Isn't that why I saved you?!"
"Saved me?!" She scoffs, "you've done nothing but ruined my fun! I saw what you did! Don't play dumb! So you get to go have your grand adventures and do whatever the hell you want while I have to sit there and accept it all?! It's only fair that I get to go out with guys as well!"
"What are you talking about Wendy?!"
She screams in frustration and Mest covers his ears, shaking his head side to side.
"No, that's it! I'm done! Fine! You want to whore yourself around, well go ahead! I won't stop you anymore! Just don't coming running back to me in the morning and expect me to just be okay with everything! Well go on! Leave if that's what you want to do!"
"I will! Forget you Mest! I can't believe you!" Wendy screams stumbling to the door.
She claws it open and slams it behind her making the walls shake. Mest grunts and yells out loudly to himself, pulling at his hair. She's so infuriating! So stubborn! Fine! Let her go and do whatever the hell she wants! He's only trying to watch out for her and she's spitting in his face! Whatever! She'll come running back crying to him after the first guy forces himself on her and...
Mest catches his breath as he stares at nothing. She's going to go hurt. She's going to throw herself at someone who doesn't deserve her and he's just gone and let her go. He curses and runs towards the door, throwing it open to catch up with her. He doesn't care what she says, he doesn't care how loudly she screams or how mad she gets. He's not drunk enough to not care about her anymore; he doesn't think he'll ever be drunk enough for that. Mest swore to protect her and that's exactly what he's going to do, no matter how much she's ungrateful to him.
When the door swings open and slams against the wall, he pauses as he sees her... still there. She hasn't moved a single step away from the door. Even though he can't see her face, her back looks defeated. She turns around and looks at him; those brilliant brown eyes of her are clouded, her entire face a beet red as she frowns.
"I-" she starts to say. She looks down at her hand and stumbles a bit. Mest reaches out to catch her, but she catches herself by slamming her hand against the doorway. "No matter what you've done... I would never do that to you."
Mest narrows his eyes, "Wendy, what are you-"
"Mest?" She calls out his name.
Mest looks at her with concern as her face goes from red to green.
"I don't feel so good."
