Clown Shuuichi Central

They are barely able to take two steps on the port when they are already surrounded by two rows of guards, all of them pointing sables and firearms in their direction. It’s not the worst welcome Shuuichi has ever received, but in this parts of the Caribbean it’s unexpected. They used to frequent these shores and most people here still pay respects to their family, both metaphorically and literally. This might be a problem.

He glances at their guests. Chihaya watches the guards with a frown, one hand on her own sable hanging from her waist. He sees Jodie check on her and has to hide a smile. She is likely going to ask her out today, should they gain entrance to the settlement.

Shuuichi hopes they will. He has his own plans after all.

The subject of those plans is clearly annoyed with the delay. Rei stands next to Chihaya with crossed arms and glares at everyone who is stupid enough to look at his direction.

“What is this?” he asks cold enough that several guards look at each other uncomfortably. Shuuichi wishes he stood close enough touch him, but Rei would probably throw him into the waves if he tried.

The blond has a beautiful temper. If only he could see more of it in private.

Patience, he reminds himself. Rei isn’t someone who is easily swayed. He has to be careful if he doesn’t want to loose what little trust he has gained already.

There is suddenly a commotion with the guards as they make way for a young woman. Light hair, a beautiful, expensive dress and the proud demeanor of high society. The governor’s daughter herself lowers herself to greet them in person? Interesting.

He watches as Masumi opens her arms wide with a bright smile and approaches her. “Momiji-chan! How gracious of you to bless us with your beauty!”

Before she can reach her, Momiji’s dark haired bodyguard shoves himself between the two women and glares at Masumi. Meanwhile, Momiji places her hands on her hips and regards them with contempt. “You are bold to set foot on here again, Captain Sera.”

Masumi pauses in confusion. “Is this about the other women?” she then asks seriously and lets her arms sink. “You were the one who insisted to keep our relationship casual.”

“I don’t care about your insignificant swings,” Momiji scoffs. “You and your crew won’t get entrance to the island until you hand over the money you owe me.”

Shuuichi sighs. Of course. He should have known.

“You owe her money?” Rei hisses.

“Every port has a version of me that owes someone money,” Masumi tells him with a grin. “It's fine.” she turns back to Momiji. “Remind me please, how much do I owe you again?”

“Iori!”

“Yes, young lady,” her bodyguard answers and produces a notebook from his cloak. “We kept track of Captain Sera’s spendings the last time she visited,” he addressed Rei of all people. “Because she expected to gain immense fortune in the future and promised my lady to pay her back tenfold. Here is the full list.” He passes the book to Rei who studies it with a frown that is only getting deeper as he browses the pages.

“Ten barrels of rum?” he reads and allows Jodie to step next to him and study the notebook over his shoulder. “A full new garderobe? A monkey?”

“Masumi.”

Shuuichi doesn’t know how Jodie manages to put her disappointment into that one word, but he’s certainly impressed.

His sister not so much obviously. “It was high time for me to get new clothes,” she defends herself. “And Jeffrey would have been killed if I didn’t save him.”

“And where is Jeffrey now?” Rei asks.

Fair question. There has been no monkey on their ship, at least none Shuuichi can remember.

“He lives in the establishment Captain Sera purchased,” Iori explains politely. “You can find the invoice on page ten.” Shuuichi watches how Jodie pales as soon as she sees the numbers while Rei only seems to be baffled. “We took the liberty to take a certain amount of the monthly income as a down payment. It has already covered most of the debt.”

“Great,” Masumi pulls out her money pouch. “How much is left?”

“1.387 gold pieces,” Momiji declares. “But for old times sake I grant you a discount. 1.380 gold pieces will suffice.”

“I admire your generosity, but I am woman of honor,” Masumi declares. “I planned to pay you back tenfold and I fully intend to keep that promise.” She opens her pouch and grabs a handful of the gems they gathered during their last treasure hunt. “I think that should about cover it,” she says lightly and offers them to Momiji who accepts them graciously.

“My jeweler needs to check them first,” she says.

“Of course.”

“You will accompany me until their authenticity is confirmed.”

“With pleasure,” Masumi agrees. “And my crew?”

Momiji spares a quick glance for the rest of them. “They may enter. But if you trick me…”

“Momiji-chan,” Masumi interrupts her and uses the moment Rei returns the notebook to Iori to pull her into her arms. “What makes you think that I would use the little time we have to trick you when there are so much more pleasurable ways to spend it?”

Although she tries to remain unimpressed, there is a slight blush on Momiji’s cheeks, confirming the nature of their relationship to Shuuichi. His sister has been busy again.

“Let’s just go,” the woman orders. “Iori!”

“Yes, young lady,” the man says and then they are already on their way.

Jodie joins her with two other crew members and most of the others rush to the settlement as well once Shuuichi dismisses them with a nod. It leaves him with a confused looking Camel, a bemused Chihaya and Rei who watches the crowd leave with a frown.

“What are you thinking?” Shuuichi asks, remembering Jodie’s advice to express his interest in his inner world to present himself as attentive. He’s rewarded with his full attention and the view of his beautiful eyes.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen such a sum and all of you acted as if it was nothing.”

“Every member of our crew can spend their money however they like,” Shuuichi explains. “Especially our captain. As long as she can pay her debts, I don’t care.”

Rei is still frowning. “That seems like a very simplified view on life.”

“No,” he argues. “It’s freedom.”

A freedom he wants him to see and gain as well. This man is not meant to serve others or be restricted by the rules of society. He’s supposed to be on a ship; happy, untamed and free. Preferably at Shuuichi’s side if he has any say about it. But Rei is so very stubborn.

He’ll just have to show him what else this life has to offer. Masumi has provided him the perfect opportunity.

“What kind of establishment did my sister purchase?” he asks.

“A tavern, I think,” Rei answers. “It’s called The Blushing Mermaid.”

Chihaya laughs. “Of course it would be. Are we going to check it out?” she asks Shuuichi.