My Precious Cargo ⚔ Volume 2 (An AtsuKage ff) ✔

V

They continued sailing for a few days with no plan in mind. They didn't stray too far from any coastlines in case Tobio became ill after the witches' use of magic, but each day he grew more lively and energetic until he was back to his usual self: strong, sarcastic, and willing to help where needed.

The days consisted of him mainly working in the kitchen, where either Kita or Osamu could keep an eye on him. And no matter how often he insisted that he was fine they didn't relent until he got the Captain to tell them to be less suffocating. Not like he himself was much better.

But the days passed and the crew were graced with good weather. Clear and cloudless skies greeted them each morning, the calm ocean waves lulling their ship along in a peaceful rhythm that got all of them in high spirits. These spirits grew even more as the days passed, as if they were anticipating something, so Tobio asked Atsumu about it one night. 

"It's Suna's birthday three days time."

"It is? Nobody told me it was so soon. I haven't gotten him anything."

"Good thing we spent a little more than normal at the last port stop." Atsumu assured.

"What sort of things does he like?" asked Kageyama, going through Suna's likes and dislikes in his head.

"Suna's a simple guy. Swords, guns, expensive diamonds. Pirate through and through." 

 Tobio chuckled before asking what the Captain had gotten his friend. Atsumu headed over to his desk and pulled open the bottom drawer, taking out a black case and opening it to reveal a gleaming 8inch dagger with snake-skin leather on the hilt. 

"He will most certainly like that. Will there be a celebration, or do pirates not do that sort of thing?" 

It would be the first birthday he would experience since joining the crew, and so he was yet to learn about pirate customs when it came to birthdays. He hadn't celebrated his birthday in many years, so to him it was a day just like any other, but knowing how much Inarizaki liked to party he assumed there would be some amusements to behold.

"Aye, extra meat and extra rum and a lot of drunken singing." Atsumu stated with a grin, before adding: "I know alcohol makes yer uncomfortable love, so we'll tone it down a little."

Feeling warm from the thoughtfulness, he smiled a little and nodded his head. The same warmth filled his chest now as he was on lookout in the crow's nest. Leaning back against the mast, he glanced up at the skies and saw a small flock of birds soaring in the heavens above, spiralling and diving in looped cursive as they felt the rush of wind between their feathers...

Suna's birthday arrived quickly and he was, much to his delight, able to sleep in as late as he wished. So, at the bright and early time of 2pm, he finally emerged with a grin on his face everyone else continued their daily chores. The twins tackled him in a headlock whilst rowdily singing a disjointed version of a birthday song, then Kita wished him a happy birthday too. The crew made their rounds, Tobio sitting on the stairs and waiting until last. 

Suna jumped onto the stair behind him before slumping down and announcing:

"This is where we met Tobs! On this wee step right here!"

"I remember you sneaking up from behind and giving me a fright." Tobio teased.

"Aye! Those were the days, eh?" 

Tobio shook his head and laughed.

"Happy birthday Suna."

Gathered in the kitchen for their evening meal, everyone took turns giving Suna his presents. Atsumu was right, everything was either a weapon or jewellery, apart from Kita who varied things up and gave him a book on sword fighting. Overall there was a very happy Suna and a large meal to feast on, so Kageyama helped himself to a large serving of beef and vegetables, taking a slice of bread and butter from the loaf too.

With his traditional glass of milk and the rest of the crew indulging in gin, beer and rum, plus some run-down instruments and foot stomping, they all messed around dancing and singing different sea shanties. The sunset cast a warm orange glow upon their laughing faces, slowly turning into a purple haze as they moon made her appearance and the tipsy limbs scattered across the deck.

Tobio was content in just watching them dance, used to the waltz over whatever the boys in front of him were doing. He was curious about one specific dance they did, often in small groups and with lots of kicking and crossing each other. Kita and Osamu were getting new drinks before returning and starting a new song, their deeper voices harmonising and gaining cheers from the rest of the crew.

"There once was a ship that put to sea. The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea. The winds blew up, her bow dipped down, oh blow, my bully boys, blow."

Everyone dragged themselves up and started making random formations, kicking legs here and there as they joined in with the singing. Tobio observed with curiosity from his seat, raising a brow as the pirates sometimes toppled over each other; even the usually co-ordinated Kita was a little tipsy. It was funny to see them all act like the young men they were, dancing and singing in celebration.

And the excited atmosphere was infectious, as Atsumu left the group to hold out his hand to his love, as if asking for a formal dance at a ball. Bowing low, the blond gave Tobio a strong grin.

"May I have this dance with his Highness?"

"Hm..." the Prince put a hand to his chin, pretending to consider the offer, "only if you teach me that funny dance of yours."

"Deal. Yer gonna be dancin' the finest shanty before yer know it!"

Tobio put down his glass and joined the Captain on deck, stifling a laugh at Osamu and Suna who almost fell overboard as they clinked their tankards together. He followed Atsumu's movements carefully, stepping left and right and back before turning past each other. A few kicks and another longer turn, the dance repeated itself as they crew continued to sing. 

"Soon may the Wellerman come. To bring us sugar and tea and rum. One day, when the tonguing is done. We'll take our leave and go."

The singing sped up and so did the dancing, and soon Inarizaki were turning in and out of each other, kicking and swinging all over the place, tangling and untangling as they covered the deck with scratch marks and alcohol. It was until everyone began to fall over, shout, cheer and scream from their drunken glee that the song drew to a close, and with that the part came to a close. 

Sobering up beneath the starry sky and draining their supplies of meat and alcohol, everyone sand a happy birthday to Suna once more before they slumped to their hammocks for the night. Or, in Kageyama's case, convincing his boyfriend that his boots were not man-eating crocodiles whilst trying to get him into bed. Doing his best to stifle a laugh, they had to hide his boots outside on the deck before they fell asleep...