ARDEN STONE ll INTRO ll CONNECTIONS ll ALEJANDRO CORTEZ ll INTRO ll CONNECTIONS ll ROSALIE EVERLEIGH ll INTRO ll CONNECTIONS ll
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YOU ARE THE REASON

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@crsdseas
ARDEN STONE ll INTRO ll CONNECTIONS ll ALEJANDRO CORTEZ ll INTRO ll CONNECTIONS ll ROSALIE EVERLEIGH ll INTRO ll CONNECTIONS ll

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vidar closed his eyes and huffed in amusement, letting his head drop down as if he wanted to hide his face from alejandro. any other time he would've been his stoic self, a persona that felt a part of him, like breathing. but with alejandro trying to express himself felt weird and special even though he was hardly used to it. it just showed vidar how different the other man was than anybody else and how vidar wanted to keep him by his side. he opened his mouth but genuinely didn't know what to say, he knew that he had so much and yet nothing at all. an odd feeling to say the least. alejandro apparently brought it all of the strange feelings out of him.
as alejandro stepped closer, vidar raised his head slowly and opened his eyes. he didn't dare to move as the other leaned in, the slight energy of nearly touching made vidar hold his breath as his hands tightened into a fist. he was also fighting the urge to touch alejandro, it felt as if they were still walking on a thin line around each other and with good reason, given what happened the first time they kissed. vidar could steal hear that voice in his head that told him that he should stop and push the other man away but it was getting quieter and quieter and all that was left was the nerves of simply being in the same air as the prettiest person he has ever seen in his entire life, even more than the legends pirates love to tell.
he trusted everybody in the harbinger, if he didn't they wouldn't have been on the ship in the first place, because vidar needed people that shared his vision and would follow him, but next to his seer; he has known alejandro the longest and trusted him with his eyes closed, always. as their foreheads once again pressed against one another, vidar gave a firm nod, his own hands no longer clutching but rather hovering over the other's hip; in his mind he grabbed them and pulled alejandro onto his lap, but instead vidar moved one hand to press the one alejandro had on his chest deeper so he could feel how his heart was going to jump out of his chest at any given moment.
vidar wanted everything, so much so that he didn't quite know where to start, but then alejandro described it perfectly. drowning in each other was the exact word he was looking for. after months of avoiding, of stealing looks when the other won't notice, of imagining what it would be like to have their lips meet once again, maybe drowning in each other is exactly what they both needed, maybe out of desperation and the need to let go the tension that has been building for months. vidar didn't look away from alejandro even when the other sat down, but already missing his touch. there were a few moments of comfortable silence as vidar tried to find his voice "to drown." he then finally said with that rough voice and cupped the back of alejandro's neck to pull him into a deeper, rough kiss.
it did come to him as a surprise, ryker always felt they had a great connection and flow between the two of them, but they saw each other so very few times. he wondered if it was because arden was so busy with fighting or maybe he found pleasures from somebody else, people always do. but now that they were sitting so close to one another, the outside seemed so far away and mattered little. ryker laughed. "you're giving me mixed signals here, arden. do you want clothes off or on? or we could do both." ryker tilted his head. "and let everyone get a show? i didn't know you had it in you." his tone was clearly teasing, ryker personally liked doing his business behind closed doors but it was always fun to tease. at the promise, ryker nodded; all he can do is wait and find out for himself.
"you think you can take on the crown with a single punch? i can honestly see it." ryker was then surprised to learn about the way arden grew up, it seems they had something in common. "really, would you tell me about it?" he asked, not even nothing how close he was getting to arden, mostly because it just felt natural to him and he didn't mind basically pressing himself to the other man if he could. "i can't wait," he put his hand on arden's chest just to rest it there. maybe this moment would change things, maybe this time arden would come around more often so they can have fun. ryker bit his lower lip, barely fighting the smirk that appeared. "sure, we'll see if you can keep your clothes on." he grabbed arden by the hand and lead him towards his room for some privacy. the blockade made everything so... depressing, so what if he could've taken in a client that might have had something more useful but ryker told himself that arden brought food so that must count for something and besides, he wanted to spend some time with the other man.
ARDEN LAUGHED AGAIN and shrugged his shoulders at the question. โjust keeping you on your toes, darling.โ he wanted both, of course, it was difficult for arden to not gravitate towards ryker in every sense of the word. the two seemed to have a connection that could go beyond heated moments in the dark, if only arden did not shy away so much. the pit fighter kept trying to figure out the confusing puzzle in his head that was ryker and the feelings the man could stir within him. maybe it wasnโt as complicated as his mind was trying to make it seem, maybe they really just had a good connection, and arden should stop trying to pull away from that. โi am a pit fighter, putting on a good show for a crowd is my specialty.โ arden replied, voice teasing and playful, his lips pulling at the corners into a playful smirk. teasing was fun, it was something arden could naturally do, but like ryker, he was also a private guy when it came to intimate moments. from the sound of rykerโs tone it was clear to arden that the man also mightโve shared that same sentiment.
THE CLOSER RYKER got to him, the harder it became for arden to think properly. he was just so intoxicating to the pit fighter, all he wanted was ryker closer by the second. โit might bore you a bit,โ arden chuckled, โbut if it is what you want, of course i will tell you about it.โ his free hand reached out to gently grip rykerโs waist, pulling him in even closer if possible, once more getting lost. was this part of the siren song that ryker sang so beautifully? arden did not really know, but he was okay with it if it was. โi canโt wait either,โ he murmured, fighting the urge to kiss him right then and there. the distraction of them walking to rykerโs room came at the perfect time, stopping him from pulling closer to the siren. โi wonโt deny itโll be a challenge, but weโll see.โ arden chuckled, following alongside ryker. he told himself that he would have to come back to give ryker more food and supplies. he told himself this was to help ryker out and it was just business, even if there was a big part of him that knew he simply wanted to spend more time with the other man.
ARDEN LET HIMSELF be pulled along, a playful glint in his eyes as he matched rykerโs stride. the weight of the blockade hung in the air, but arden shoved it aside, focusing on the warmth of rykerโs hand in his. the moment they were alone in rykerโs room arden did not bother to waste a second. his hands slid to rykerโs waist, pulling him close with a rough yet caring edge, their bodies pressing together once more. โi missed you,โ he said, voice low and sincere, his thumbs brushing gently against rykerโs sides. he lingered there, lips close but not touching, a faint smile tugging at his mouth. he wouldnโt dare ask if the man had missed him for he did not feel he had a right to be missed by ryker. not after he was the one who always tried to avoid bumping into the siren, when now he canโt think of a single reason to part from him again. โjust a kiss, right?โ
THE MUSKETEERS (2014 - 2016)
CLOSED STARTER for @crsdseas
Before Alejandro could get up or think to escape the blankets that lay covered the both of them, Krish reached out, hands on his hips and pulling him back against him. Their naked skin warm where they touched, Krishโs lips on Alejandroโs shoulder. โI do not need to fight you to make you stay, no?โ He grinned as his hands snaked around his chest and waist. โCan I tell you a story? Just long enough for your energy to replenish. Or do you have better things to do?โ
ALEJANDRO HAD SHIFTED just a bit before he felt the familiar warmth of krishโs hands pulling him back down, their bodies pressing against each other once more. he let his eyes flutter shut at the tender kiss on his shoulder, the question curling a soft smile on his lips. โthe fighting is part of our fun, querido enemigo.โ he let himself get pulled further down, accepting that krish had won this time around. โa story?โ the rest went unheard, now entirely focused on what this story could be about. โgo onโฆโ he curled himself closer to krish, โ..tell me a story.โ

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where: the mouth of an alley when: night with: open (0/4)
Dutch emerges from one of the many dark alleys that spider away from the Shambles, wiping roughly at his mouth with the back of his hand. The knees of his trousers are dirty, his hair in disarray, but it doesnโt matter - he got what he came for, and the contents of the woven bag tucked safely beneath his arm are heavy enough to last, at least for a little while. There are plenty of ways to get what you want, if you arenโt afraid how they might stain you.
The smuggler heโd been entertaining pushes past him, still stuffing his shirt tails back into his trousers, but any complaint Dutch may have made does on his lips when he realises that somebody else is watching him. โYou havenโt come to moralise to me, I hope,โ he says sardonically, โBecause I really donโt want to hear it.โ
ROSALIE LOOKED IN dutch's direction, hearing his voice before fully seeing him. she was surprised to see him out here, though one quick glance told her everything she needed to know. "moralize? oh, dutch, you know that's not my way," she said, her voice warm and teasing, a soft smile touching her lips. morales had been something taken from her a very long time ago. her gaze drops to the woven bag tucked beneath his arm, trailing up to meet his gaze, nodding to a tucked bag under her own arm. medical supplies for the nest, enough to help them in case a couple of sirens fell ill.
"IT WOULD SEEM we are out here for the same purpose." she hoped he would ignore the bruising on her arm, marks of a smuggler who had gotten a little too rough. for a moment she considered walking away, leaving dutch to continue his night, but deep down, she did not feel right leaving another siren behind. "are you headed back to the nest?" she curiously inquired. "i was heading in that direction."
Closed starter for Alejandro @crsdseas Where: outside the Dead Man's Bluff, after closing.
The Bluff had gone mostly quiet. Cards were cleared, coins were pocketed, and most of the blood was mopped. At least enough to keep the floors from sticking. Jin stepped out into the night air with a long exhale, his coat slung over one shoulder. It was late. Or early, he guessed. Depending on how you looked at it. He paused just outside the door, letting his eyes adjust to the dark, letting the silence settle.ย
โHey,โ he said, the moment he saw the shadow peel from the alley wall near the entrance. As the shadow came closer, he could vaguely make out Alejandroโs features in the dim lights. โYou know, you are allowed to come inside, right? As far as I know, youโre not banned from gambling.โ He said, his voice light and teasing.ย
ALEJANDRO STEPPED INTO the faint glow of the moonlit street, a sly grin tugging at his lips. โoh, i know i could come inside, but whereโs the fun in that? skulking in alleys is more my style, keeps people guessing.โ his tone matched the teasing from jin. "besides, i'm not here for cards." therefore he did not see the need to venture into the den and tempt himself to gamble away items he had no right to gamble. what he had to spare was for the harbinger, perhaps a couple of drinks at the tavern. he couldn't see himself gambling food or supplies when he knew how much they all needed it right now and he was also certain if vidar caught him then the man would finally throw him overboard.
"I CAME FOR you." alejandro admitted, stepping closer to the card dealer. "i've searched every alley in tortuga and yet...you seem to be hiding from me. i'm starting to think you've grown bored of me and discovered someone else to spend time in alley ways with." his voice light, teasing and playful. "how was the den tonight?"
@crsdseas โ dorian & rosalie, the siren's nest
dorian looked like sin incarnate, sprawled across his velvet chair as though the weight of the world rested somewhere behind him, and not in his chest where it truly burned. one leg slung over the armest, the other stretched out long, fingers cradling a glass of something strong and sharp that he hadn't touched in minutes. his gaze, however, remained fixed. heavy-lidded, hooded with something unspoken, he watched her from across the room like a parched man witnessing a mirage.
she moved with effortless grace, like she had undone men far stronger than dorian with far less than what she gave him. it made him hot, made his blood thick and his veins thrum, with just the way she settled into a room. "rosalie." he uttered, voice low and smooth. it wasn't a question or a plea, but simply a command for something he so tenderly owned. he beckoned her with two fingers, slow and deliberate, and leaned back like he had all the time in the world. like he wasn't fraying at the edges, grasping out for anything that could ground him.
"come here." his legs shifted to make room, to make a suitable throne for her, and he stroked his hand over his thigh as invitation. "siรฉntate, por favor. i've had the kind of day that begs to be forgotten, and you, darling..." his eyes dragged over her like flint striking stone. "you're very good at helping me forget." the words were silken, but the way he looked at her was anything but soft. desperate maybe. hungry. worshipful in that careless, selfish way only dorian could be.
ROSALIE MOVED THROUGH the room like a melody made flesh, each step a note that lingered in the air, commanding every eye without ever demanding it. her walk was a study in effortless elegance, hips swaying with a rhythm that seemed to just naturally flow through her. her dress clung to her curves, catching the light that traced her form, every line deliberate, every motion an invitation wrapped in mystery. she could feel dorianโs gaze following her every movement, the way her hand gently glided across the cushions potential clients lounged on, when she laughed at their jokes that werenโt even funny, slowly making her way closer to him without ever looking in his direction.
SHE ONLY TURNED when he spoke her name, lips curved into a slow, knowing smile, her eyes glinting with a quiet fire as they locked onto dorianโs. rosalie made her way over to him, each step a deliberate dance, her dress whispering against her skin with an unspoken promise meant just for him. she paused just before him, close enough for him to catch the faint lavender of her scent, but not yet granting him the relief of her touch. it was only for a second, not daring to tease the man too much right now, soon she settled onto his lap.
ONE ARM DRAPED loosely around his shoulders, her fingers brushing the nape of his neck, a touch both possessive and fleeting. โdorian,โ she purred, her voice a velvet caress, laced with light teasing. her fingertips slipped into his hair, gently combing through the back of it. she pulled him in a little, leaning in to playful nip at his ear, โshall i draw you a special bath? i could wash away the burdens of your day, relax your tired bones, and help rewrite this day for you.โ she leaned back a little, gaze locked with his, a warm but playful smile on her lips. โunless you have something in mind, darling.โ
when vidar first woke up in tortuga with no memories of his past, he never thought he would end up here. with his former captain he saw himself as a monster, doing things that others might deem immoral because he acted upon the command of a far more evil creature, a creature that needed to be stopped, which is why vidar killed him and went into hiding, blissful time for vidar the voiceless. becoming captain, meeting alejandro and forming this connection he never imagined he would have with another person was both frightening and new. all vidar could hope that when tomorrow comes they won't be back to how they were before, with him avoiding alejandro like the plague.
truth to be told, the walk to his quarters felt like forever. as if he was in a nightmare of a never ending corridor, which was most likely out of nerves and the beat of his heart that was so strong it could more likely than not jump out of his chest and run away or better yet, lodge itself into alejandro and never let go. despite the quiet between them, vidar didn't feel that way. every sound became a little too loud, every step they took made the walk longer but instead of letting himself drown in it, he took a deep breath; it didn't quite calm him down but at least things didn't seem as loud as they were before.
the captain's quarters wasn't anything to gasp about. vidar didn't have a sense making things pretty, but rather very practical. his desk and chair were mostly empty except for a few books and notes he had written down for the ship, which probably included the inventory for the crates but maybe alejandro won't notice that. his bed was big enough for two people but the rest of the room didn't have any fancy decorations other than a few trinkets here and there that vidar liked because most if not all of what they get at sea was shared between the crew members, the only thing vidar really needed was his tobacco and a way to keep his weapons sharp so they can be ready for anything.
but despite all of that, being truly alone in the room with alejandro, vidar realized he really didn't know what to do with himself. were they ever alone like this? no, it was always in the open or apparently near crates. he sighed, taking another sip of wine in the hopes it'll ease some of the nerves before handing it to alejandro, though the urge to kiss him again was far stronger than simply handing him the bloody wine. "comfortable?" he found himself asking quietly and sat down at the edge of the bed, looking carefully at the other man's eyes to see exactly how he was feeling at the moment. was he just as nervous as vidar is? did he feel comfortable being alone with him?
ALEJANDRO WATCHED VIDAR'S movements, as if watching the man close enough would give him all the answers he needed. he reached for the wine bottle when it was offered, truthfully wanting to taste the wine on vidar's lips more than the one in the bottle. alejandro takes a swig as vidar asks the question that he would've asked once the red liquid settled in his belly. he licked his bottom lip like before, breathlessly chuckling, "a bit nervous," he softly replies, "not in a bad way." alejandro is quick to add, not wanting vidar to think he was making him uncomfortable. a coy smile curls on his lips, "the kind of nerves a schoolboy gets when he's around the pretty girl, except itโs a handsome man in my case."
HE STEPPED CLOSER, his boots thudding softly against the floor, each step narrowing the distance with deliberate grace, he stops just inches from the other man. alejandro's eyes locked with vidar's, searching, a mix of nerves and desire swirling in his gaze. the wine bottle is place on the ground for the time being, next to vidar's feet. he leaned in, one hand bracing against the bedpost, the other hovering near vidar's jaw, his touch trembling slightly with restraint. the urge to kiss him again pulsed in his veins, electric and undeniable, and alejandro's smile softened into something rawer, more vulnerable.
"I'D BE MORE comfortable if i weren't fighting the urge to pull you close right now," he admitted, his breath warm against vidar's skin. he pressed his forehead against vidar's, the hand on the bedpost tightening its grip a bit, unable to help how he leaned more into him. his hand lowered to vidar's chest, gently placing itself over his heart, feeling vidarโs heartbeat against his palm. "i got you,โ alejandro gently reassured, "if you want more, we can do more. if you want less, we can do less. we can drown in the rest of the wine and call it a night if that's what you want to do."
THEY DID NOT have to do anything at all, alejandro had already gotten more than he deserved. to ask for more would be selfish, but there was also a part of him that wanted to be selfish with vidar. a part of him that wanted to release all that tension that had built up inside of him since that night months ago and he wanted to help vidar release it too somehow. "or we can drown in each other." alejandro leaned back a little, moving to sit next to the other pirate. he kept his gaze focused with vidar's, trying to ignore the way his heart was thumping loudly in his ears, โwhat do you want to do, cariรฑo? these are your quarters, after all."
closed: iseult ( @holdfasts )
TORTUGA'S STREETS WERE buzzing with the chatter of the usual drunken locals mixed with pirates at this hour of the evening. rosalie moved with the practiced grace of a woman who'd seen too much yet retained an air of quiet resilience. her crimson dress, though worn, clung to her lithe frame with an elegance that drew the attention of anyone she walked by, but none brave enough to touch her outside the nest. most people understood the cost of placing a hand on her when she was not on the job, even then it was best to walk on eggshells than assume. this safety was one of the many things that came with her life as one of dorian's sirens.
SHE WAS ABOUT to enter the nest from a night of dancing freely at the tavern when the sound of some sort of commotion catches her attention. stepping to the side of the building, her brows knit together in confusion, probably a foolish move but, rosalie cautiously steps towards the noise. she can hear noises, a person? the further she stepped the more it was clear that whoever it was needed help of sorts. quickly she followed the sound that led her behind a couple of stacked barrels with the sight of an injured person behind them and they seemed to be going in and out of consciousness. she doesn't even speak before she's already reaching to help them out.
BLOOD TRICKLED FROM their wound to her already crimson dress, but it did not matter to her. "i need you to stand with me. you can lean on me; you will not die here tonight. i promise." she moves one of his shoulders to drape around her while her free hand wraps around their waist to help hold them up. "you're my drunk client for the evening, we ran into each other at the tavern, and you're going to reward me handsomely." she explained the story she was going to go with should anyone, really dorian, run into them while she's trying to make it to her room. "we need to get you to my room, where i have supplies that can help you. do you think you can make it?"

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[ย nathalie emmanuel, cis woman, thirty-six, she/herย ] is that tortugaโs very ownย ROSALIE EVERLEIGHย ? theย SIREN atย THE SIREN'S NEST has been around the island forย ONE YEAR, and they remind us ofย A SMILE AS SOFT AS A ROSE WITH A TONGUE AS SHARP AS A BLADE, A FLOWER BLOSSOMING FROM DEAD DIRTY, A GLOWING HEART. people say theyโreย DEDICATED AND KINDHEARTEDย but weโve heard they can beย UNFORGIVING AND SECRETIVE too. rumour would have it that they have aย NEUTRALย view on pirates, but one thingโs for sureโtheyโd better get used to them. //ย
closed: etienne ( @bovndlcss )
FOUR DAYS AND as promised, alejandro shows up to etienne's door on the fourth night. for four days he was running around tortuga trying to gather every piece to his puzzle in order to complete by tonight. despite a couple of bumps along the way, everything seemed to fall into place for this evening. alejandro was a man that enjoyed giving to those who meant a lot to him. so rarely did he find someone who cold slip through the cracks, but when he did, he made sure to show them how deeply he treasured them every second he got. he hadn't expected to walk out of etienne's room discovering how much the other meant to him, nor filled with an undeniable desire to do something special for him, but it is what occurred. unplanned, unpredicted, and yet it all felt so natural at the same time.
"BUENAS NOCHES, AMIGO. i am here to collect." he flashed a playful side smile, nodding for the other to follow. "it is but a short distance away, but i hope you enjoy the end result." with a lantern in hand, alejandro begins to lead them further from the ship. "the last time we spoke, i asked for you to come to the theatre with me." alejandro began, "and you agreed, remember? well, since it is nearly impossible for us to actually go to one, and not just because we are stuck here at the moment, i decided to bring the theatre to us. a form of it, if you will." they reach the spot that alejandro was leading them to; a makeshift stage, crated from weathered planks and stretched canvas, stands at the center of the beach, its edges adorned with seashells and bits of driftwood scavenged from some wreckage.
HE TURNED TO face etienne, "take a seat." he ushered them over to the sheet, hoping to make them comfortable. he goes behind the stage to set the lantern down, casting a soft glow across the canvas that displayed his silhouette as he got things ready. he comes back around with a small sack to place next to etienne, nodding to it, "some dry bread, water, and a bit of dry meat." he takes half of the bread, "this is for our little helpers, as promise." then two kids come running to them, carrying various cut outs tied to sticks in their hands. they give a little wave to etienne before running behind the canvas to begin their performance. "now, i need to be honest," ale chuckled, sitting next to etienne, "i have no idea what they will be preforming. i let them make up a story for tonight's affairs. i simply helped with the puppets and stage set up." he looked to the other man, "was it worth the wait?"
closed: esme (@seasxltkisses )
ALEJANDRO STEPPED INTO the lively tavern, the scent of whiskey mixed with the salty sea fill the room. he nodded towards a couple of familiar faces as he approached the bar to order an ale for the evening, not feeling too much for a drunken night, just something to help take the edge off. it had been a scorching day, filled with tasks that needed tending to on the ship, and he had also done a bit of trading with his favored smuggler. the harbinger would have some supplies for a little longer which he was relieved about, and that relief allowed him a night of relaxation.
HE TURNED FROM the barkeeper to look around the crowd a bit more, eyes falling on a face that was all too familiar for him. instantly his lips curled into a genuine smile, filled of happiness and a tint of sadness. esmeralda was still a bit of a sore spot for alejandro, despite always knowing he was going to support her no matter where sh chose to go in life. it didn't change how he missed her presence on the ship and the comfort she brought him. after taking his ale in his hand, alejandro makes his way over to her table. he took a sip of his drink and pushed back at sad thoughts but instead replacing them with the happiness he always displayed to the public.
"ESTRELLA MIA, it is so good to see you again." he comes up beside her, taking the empty spot in front of her. "it has been far too long since i have seen your pretty face," he pauses, "and you've gotten more beautiful since we last spoke. how is that possible? you must share with me your secret." ale chuckled, taking another sip of his beverage, settling more into the seat. "i hope you are not here with someone. i do not think i will be able to keep away from you now that i have seen you. you could say, te he extraรฑado."
This time Etienne smiles properly, a hard-won expression betraying his fondness for the man in front of him. In this, Alejandro is without pride, always open to a new experience, to a new avenue of thought, echoing Etienne's own thoughts regarding the thrill of having your perspective challenged and subsequently altered. Different as they are, it astounds him just how kindred their spirits seem and, more than that... it delights him too. "I hope you will forgive me my assumptions, then - for they were based on my experiences, rather than your behaviour," he explains, "You are unlike most people I have met."
He waits while Alejandro says his piece, his gaze fixed unerringly on the other manโs face as he listens to his reasoning. It is a surprise to hear his own words reflected back at him. โThat is because you are not a fool,โ he says, โAnd your curiosity is nothing less than a virtue, in my eyesโฆ I like that you ask me questions. I enjoy conversing with you.โ And it feels strangely natural to do so. Comfortable, in a way he has rarely experienced.
It is beyond belief that a man such as Alejandro, with his pleasant demeanour and handsome face, should ever have occasion to feel lonely, but Etienne does not doubt the truth of his words. What he sees in Alejandro is a loneliness that comes not from being physically solitary, but from feeling that nobody really knows you. It is a sensation that Etienne is intimately familiar with himself, though they must experience it in different ways: Alejandro keeping people at a distance with his mask of levity, and Etienne with his inability to wear a mask at all. โThe defenses you speak of, the armour that you wearโฆโ He begins slowly, carefully, โIf they make you weary, and you are able, you may set them down at my door. Eres vale conocerlo, Ale.โ
No te besarรฉ. The words are accompanied by a flicker of something that Etienne can only term as disappointment, dulled at the edges like a stone tossed by the sea. He sits with it for a moment, turns it over in his mind, tests the weight of it, and then decides to put it away. It is the sensible choice, and, therefore, it must be the correct one. He is not meant to be kissed. โLa รบltima vez?" He asks instinctively, before thinking better of it and shaking his head, "Perdรณname, no importa. No tienes que decรญrmelo."
When Alejandro expresses what Etienne means to him, he nods, reciprocation coming easily and without exaggeration or artifice. He truly cherishes this man, his friendship, all the parts of himself he has seen fit to share, and would not trade them on a whim. They are worth too much. โY tu tambien,โ Etienne replies softly, reaching to take Alejandroโs hand in his for just a moment before adding in his own language, โMon cher ami.โ
ALEJANDRO'S EYES CRINKLED at the corners as etienne's smile broke through, a rare and genuine warmth that mirrored the fondness growing between them. their shared curiosity of perspectives clashing and reshaping lit a spark in him, one he hadn't felt in some time. finding this connection with etienne was like finding a hidden treasure in uncharted waters, and in a way, their friendship was exactly like uncharted waters. it moved one way, then another, and alejandro did not know which way it would go next. he had walked in here expecting to be told about maybe one or two trinkets then sent on his way and somewhere along the way it felt things shifted to more than just trinkets. "igualmente."
AS HE LOOKS at etienne, listening to him, alejandro can feel every single wall slowly being chipped away. a soft sigh slips through slightly parted lips, touched by the words that have just been spoken to him. "then, consider it off." his voice was softer than usual, still light. then came two things he wasn't expecting; the flicker in etienne's eyes that he couldn't describe and interest to know what happened the last time he kissed someone he was connected to. alejandro let out a soft sigh, "there is no need to forgive curiosity, is that not what brought us together?" and perhaps what has kept the two of them still friends. the curiosity to learn from one another and to know each other on deeper level than what is on the surface.
ALEJANDRO WALKED ACROSS the room to come up in front of etienne, his lips curling into a gentle, but sad, smile. "you see, the last time i let my armor down with someone and shared a kiss with them....i felt like a regret after. i'm sure i have been a regret before to others but this one hurt because...i thought it was a bit more, you know? and it's not so much the regret part of it that hurt me, it's the lack of communication that followed afterwards that cut me like a blade. admittedly, i'm terrified to be a regret to someone so close to me again."
HIS OWN WORDS played over in his head, acting as a gentle reminder to himself of what he had just said he wouldn't do. still he reached out to gently cup the bottom of etienne's chin, "sin embargo, al mismo tiempo, no quiero vivir en un mundo de 'quรฉ pasarรญa si' contigo." he dropped his hand, letting those words hang in the air for a moment. the silence wasn't uncomfortable, just a bit heavy with unspoken words. he looks to the side to focus on something other than etienne's gaze, afraid he might risk everything if he looked at him too long.
HE ONLY TURNED to look at etienne again when he felt their hands touch. hearing him speak his own language made something in alejandro spark and he felt as it shot through his veins. whatever it was, it filled him with a new sense of life. then, his eyes lit up, an idea formed. "four days," he blurts, catching etienne's gaze, "i need you to give me four days. i have just gotten an idea, but i need a bit of time to bring it to life. on the night of the fourth day, be ready for me, i will come for you." he brought etienne's hand up to press a gentle kiss against his soft skin as if he were sealing a promise. "i have to go. you have given me much to think about and much inspiration." it's been so long since he's gotten the chance to plan something special for someone, he prayed to the gods he could pull it off. "hasta la prรณxima vez, mi querido amigo."
RUNE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF THEMSELF HIGHLY, BUT THAT MEANT SOMETIMES THEY CONVINCED THEMSELF THAT THEY COULD DO THINGS THEY REALISTICALLY COULDN'T DO. Fighting in the pit had been a long standing goal of theirs, but unfortunately, they were too scrawny and untalented to achieve their goal. It was evident every time they tried to step into the fighting ring and was swiftly denied by either the bouncers or the participants themselves.
Arden, though, had took pity on them and offered to teach them how to fight. They were grateful for the way he saw potential in them, but Rune couldn't deny that his training was a lot more intensive than they thought. They were sore and aching for a bit of rest when Arden yelled at them to get up, pouting a bit before they did as their instructor asked. Their eyes widened a bit when he announced that he'd be coming into the pit, not prepared to take on the burly fighter in their tired state. "You're coming in? Wha--" They paused their questioning when he took his shirt off, cheeks flushing at the sight of him. Those abs are made of steel, how am I supposed to hit that? They wondered, attention shifting back over to Arden at his question. "... Let's do weapons. I feel like I'll punch you one time and break my hand."
ARDEN CAUGHT THEIR flustered gaze and raised an eyebrow, a warm chuckle rumbling from his chest. "you'll have to learn to throw hits at men with bigger builds than me, if you want to make it out of here. we'll do weapons, but next time? i'm going to have you throw punches. after all, in the end, what if your weapon breaks? you need to know how to use your hands, and feet, without damaging them too much." he leads them over to the weapon selection, "but you also have to be comfortable with breaking something. no one leaves here untouched, not even me." he gestured to some old scars, scars he proudly wears, chuckling a bit.
HE LET RUNE reach for their weapon first and then he chose a weapon similar to that style. "a couple of rounds and then we'll call it for today. i ain't trying to run you to the ground either." he was an intense but fair trainer, unlike the person who had trained him. arden can still recall days in the scorching tortuga sun that were so brutal he could see black spots in his vision, yet they pushed him to fight without break. he had no intentions of being so cruel to rune, until after they won their first fight in the pit and then they could intensify to the training he had. "now you have your weapon, you have to become one with it."
HE STEPPED CLOSER, demonstrating the stance of knees bent, weight balanced, and the weapon held at an angle. " feel the weight of it, it's not just your weapon, it's an extension of you as well. swing wide, and you're as good as dead, keep it tight, controlled." arden's movements were fluid, a dance of precision, the sign of someone who has been doing this for far too long. "looks enough, right? try it a couple of times until you can no longer feel that weight and become one with it instead. then, we'll have our go."

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A soft hum escaped Rueโs throat as she gave Arden a once-over, her gaze trailing from the bruises blooming along his ribs to the faint sheen of sweat still glistening at his temple. It still struck her as a curious thing,how the hulking man who struck fear into his opponents in the pit could turn almost shy when she taunted him. Then again, this was her dance: the infinite game of pull and release. She made a quiet tsk, tilting her head just so, a faint smile tugging at her lips, equal parts amusement and affection. โCleaner?โ she echoed. โNow what kind of show would that be? Just because I like clean cuts doesnโt mean you should. No, I think the mess suits you just fineโฆ bruises and all.โ
She stepped a little closer then, brushing invisible dust from the shoulder of his tattered shirt with deliberate care. Her fingers lingered for half a breath longer than necessary before catching his eyes drawn to the flash of silver in her hand. โIโm happy to hear it, soldier,โ she hummed quietly, contentedly, before flashing him a sharp look and turning on her heel, leaving the turmoil of the pit behind. The heavy footfalls behind her signaled that the fighter followed, with cheers and praises from the crowd echoing in his wake.
She fell in step beside him again once theyโd left the thick of the crowd behind. โI appreciate your enthusiasm and dedication, but I donโt speak business with half-starved men fresh from the ring,โ she said, her voice dipping into something silkier, more coaxing. โI think its best if youโll wash first, eat a bite, and only when youโve settled yourself nicely on a soft surface will I tell you what I want from you.โ A pause. The kind that let her words settle like smoke in the space between them. Her dark eyes sparkled with something unreadable. Mischief, perhaps, or something deeper beneath it all. โBut I do hope youโll be content with only me singing your praises once the job is done though. Itโll need to be a bit more discreet than your grandiose pit fights.โ
Her steps instinctively carrying her toward the fighterโs quarters. The whisper of silks played in time with her light-footed grace, as she beckoned him forward with a curl of her fingers. โCome on, darling. Letโs get you fed before I ask you to raise hell.โ
"THERE IS ALWAYS room for improvement. if you like clean cuts, i can bring you cleaner cuts. saving the mess for the grand finale and make an even bigger spectacle of it all." the fight began to play in his mind as if it was trying to map out every instance that he could've been cleaner with his movements and he found that there were a lot of them. the pit fighter did make a small note to train with one of the tougher competitors in the upcoming days so as to sharpen his skills, and then he would personally ask rue to come watch him fight. "but it is nice to know that you don't mind my messes." he did sometimes worry that she'd lose interest in his abilities and seek out another comeptitor of his.
ARDEN MATCHED HER stride, the tension in his body easing as the clamor of the crowd faded behind them. the bruises from the ring were starting to ache, but her words laced with coaxing and layered with that teasing pause stirred something warmer beneath the grime of the pit that clung to him. "you spoil me too much." it all sounded perfect and just like what arden's body currently yearned for. "fair enough, m'lady. iโll scrub the pit off me, fill my belly, and settle on something soft for comfort. though if you ask me, your company is the true prize of the evening.โ he never knew if they flirted or if it was all just banter, but he enjoyed it nonetheless with rue.
HE LISTENED TO her as they walked, intrigued by the second over what her request could be. he noted how this particular job would require more stealth than what he is used to. "i can do that." he looked at himself, "course i'm kind of hard to keep hidden if that's something you require." a playful glance shot in her direction briefly and then his attention moved to look forward as they walked. "if we must keep the job a secret for the time being, will you at least let me know where we are heading? both places i can think to wash up at are my home or the pit. both of which..." he pointed behind them, " we left back there."
instead of focusing on the confusion in his heart, vidar decided to shift his thoughts to what he knew for sure; the way he cared and saw alejandro was different than the others, that if beautiful could be described in a single word it would be the man that vidar had his arms around at this very moment. there were still a lot of unknowns and maybe one day he'll find the voice to ask those questions but for now, knowing and seeing alejnadro no longer sad was worth it. because as much as vidar thought that running away and ignoring whatever the hell was going on between them was a good idea, he knew that it was hurting. the look they gave each other since that kiss was a clear indication, and it was only thanks to years of knowing each other that they were still able to be a proper crew.
truth to be told, vidar had no idea what the future held. he knew he was a complicated person for many, many reasons. it made him question what alejndaro saw in him that made their connection possible in the first place. but at least for tonight, vidar was done with the unknowns and focused on the man in front of him and nothing else. the sigh of relief vidar felt internally when alejndaro accepted his forgiveness still had a mix of guilt for causing their heartache but as the other said, it was worth it to get to that moment, they can enjoy today and deal with tomorrow when it comes.
when they kissed that night, vidar felt that it was caused by a rope pulling him onto alejndaro; like a magneto searching for a connection. this time when their lips met, vidar felt all the tension leave him and he hasn't felt that since... he can't even recall since when. it made him realize how much he truly missed alejndaro, when before he didn't know why he felt so connected to the other man. kissing alejndaro felt like all the answers in the world were there, like there was nothing else he needed to worry about but focus on here and now; this lips meeting, his hand moving to cup the back of alejndaro's neck to pull him a little bit closer, to make their kiss deeper. it felt so different to their first one and yet familiar all the same, and if it were up to him, vidar would kiss alejndaro forever and not care for another breath in his lungs ever again.
as soon as they broke, vidar once again rested his forehead against alejndaro's, closing his eyes and let it sink in that despite fighting it for months, it seems like he couldn't deny himself the other any longer. he only opened his eyes when he heard the man speak, vidar understood here and there whenever alejndaro spoke spanish, maybe he would ask the other man to start teaching him again after he'll find his voice once more. vidar wasn't in any hurry to answer alejndaro's question, too busy staring into his hypnotizing eyes to even register what he was asking. then, slowly, they sank in and vidar shook his head because as much as he would rather stay here, there was no knowing if one of the crewmembers will need anything and the last thing vidar wanted is to be interrupted right now. he planted a kiss to alejndaro's forehead and stepped aside to pick up the half empty wine, a silent reminder to ask the smugglers or the cask for a restock. vidar gestured with his head to leave the lonely crates so they can go to his private quarters for true privacy and comfort.
THERE WAS ONE point of time in alejandro's life that he had been focused on creating a certain future, back when he had gotten involved with the person who lived in tortuga, but he learned very quickly that a planned future was not one for him. life was ever changing, and he loved that about living. the only thing he knew for certain was that his future would be filled with people who lived a similar lifestyle that he did, anything extra was a blessing. maybe things would work out with vidar, maybe they would steal private moments more often from here on out or maybe they wouldn't. he was going to enjoy every second that life allowed them to be like this. no matter what, they would always be a crew in the end.
WHEN VIDAR CLOSED his eyes, alejandro took a second to look over the features of his face. the faint lines etched into vidar's face, the way his brows softened in this rare moment of vulnerability, the quite strength that radiated even in stillness. it somehow made his heart ache more for the man. when their gazes met again it felt like vidar was opening the window into his soul with the way he looked at him. alejandro can't remember the last time someone looked at him the way vidar was looking at him, as if he was the world's most precious treasure, as if he was someone to protect. for a man that typically had words for any situation his own voice seemed to be caught in his throat, especially when he felt the soft kiss pressed against his forehead. it was tender and yet it sent a small shiver up his spine all the same.
HIS LIPS CURLED into a faint smile when vidar gave the signal for them to leave. alejandro nodded, following behind him as they left the crates behind for another day. throughout the walk to vidar's quarters there was a part of him that felt like maybe the other man would change his mind about everything that had just happened, each step filled with uncertainty and curiosity. the only sounds that could be heard were the creaking of the ship, muffled noises from the outside world, and the light clinking noise of his sword. somehow they managed to get there without being interrupted or seen by the crew and alejandro was very grateful for that.
AS THEY STEPPED into vidar's private quarters, alejandro suddenly felt his heart speed up. he stepped further into the room, trying to ignore the nerves that suddenly felt the need to creep up on him. his hand moved to remove his sword from his body, setting it aside against a nearby chair with a soft clink of steel. alejandroโs dark eyes flicked toward vidar, faintly smiling in his direction. he once more found that he couldn't find his voice. if it were up to him, he would be pressed against vidar again with their lips lost with one another like they were just moments ago. except being in vidar's private quarters he didn't want to do anything that might make the make him uncomfortable in the slightest. he looked to the bottle of wine in vidar's hand, then back to meet vidar's gaze, cautious yet curious.