Of Princes, Pirates, and Curses

Chapter 24: Why Do I Hear Boss Music?

TW: blood, deep cuts, and more death

Roman was once again laying awake in his hammock. This time he had even more on his mind. Not only was he thinking of the crushing guilt he had from killing the witch, and everything else that had happened yesterday, but now his mind was stuck on what happened earlier that day.

It still came as a shock that Virgil willingly had a therapy session with Emile. Yeah according to Patton, he's done a better job about opening up, but whenever he talked to Emile about his problems it was usually because he was being pestered to do so.

He knew the only reason Virgil did it was to also get Roman to do it, and that also confused him. He knew the captain cared, but it was still so weird. Guess he really would do anything to protect his crew.

Then there were the compliments Virgil gave him. He called him strong, and more importantly he called him a hero. He didn't feel like a hero at all, but he knew Virgil wasn't lying.

Roman curled up on his side and hugged a pillow to his chest. He tried to push the butterflies away while also trying to stop thinking. Gods, his mind is his own worst enemy.

Instead of focusing on what Virgil told him, he tried to think of what Emile told him. He killed in self defense, and to protect Virgil. If he hadn't, then the captain would have died or worse!

Thinking about how scared and hurt Virgil was made Roman's stomach turned. It was far too close of a call than he was comfortable with, Virgil was almost cursed twice.

Part of him was glad the witch is dead, she hurt him and was hurting Virgil. Now she won't be able to hurt anyone else. But he was scared of that part, scared he'll want to kill everyone that has hurt his loved ones.

He knew that was bad, and that those weren't his battles, but now that he thought about it he really would like to punch Virgil's dad. King or not, he had hurt Virgil.

Roman had faint memories of the King of Deimos. He was not a happy man, always scowling. With his reputation of being a violent man, and what Virgil has told him, he was worried about why he stuck out to Virgil so much in his memories.

He wanted to ask of course, but Virgil had already opened up so much. He didn't want to push or stir up more bad memories. Virgil's already done so much for him.

Having enough with laying in bed and doing nothing, Roman sat up and started to head up above deck.

He found Elliot up there, it was their turn to keep watch. They had left port the night Virgil and Roman returned to the ship after their run in with the witch, but that still didn't mean they were safe. There were storms, rocks, and other things.

"What are you doing up?" Elliot asked. "My turn's not up yet, and as far as I'm aware you and the captain shouldn't be keeping watch."

"That's not very fair," Roman replied. "We'll be fine."

"I already sent Virgil back in, I will send you too."

"Wait, he came out here already?"

"Yup, he couldn't sleep. I'm guessing you can't either. Another great reason for you two to just rest. I told Thunder to keep him inside, so he won't be coming back out any time soon."

"I'm sure she's keeping him in bed. She acts like a puppy, but she's also very motherly."

"Now I'm just trying to figure out who would do that for you."

"Don't you dare!" Roman warned.

"Would your brother do it?"

"He would throw me off the boat."