Tides that Bind

Chapter 4

Jamie grabbed Killian's coat and ran over, throwing it over the other boys head. He knew that Killian was glaring at him from under the fabric but they would deal with that later. "Captain?" The boy said confused. "When did the ship depart?" Killian asked turning around and meeting Jamie's concerned look with his own glare. "Maybe an hour." Ryder spoke. "Maybe?" Killian spat out throwing his hands up and walking over to the window.

"Amara gather everyone and gather as much supplies as you can. We leave with the tide." Killian spoke through gritted teeth. Amara jumped into action without question while the other boy looked shocked "You're gonna chase them?" Ryder asked his eyes huge. "You don't chase an army without an army of your own." Killian said walking over to the closet "I'm going to get an army." It was Jamie's turn to look shocked

"Let's go boy." Amara said taking the boys arm and pulling him down the hallway. Jamie turned his head to look at Killian. "Damien isn't going to like this." Jamie said in a low voice. "Dam owes me. It's time to cash in." Killian said rummaging through the closet.

When he finally found a hat that would cover his eyes, he stepped out of the closet and turned to face Jamie. "Are you doubting me?" Killian asked hardening his gaze. Jamie was taken back by the accusation but refused to stand down "I know my brother." Jamie shot back before turning towards the door "Don't question my loyalty, again." Jamie's voice was cold as he slammed the door shut behind him. Leaving Killian standing in the room trying to calm himself down.

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Killian woke up in his captains cabin. The blankets were thrown across the floor and he noticed once again the spot beside him was warm. He rolled his eyes to himself while reaching for his hat on the desk. The papers underneath fell down on him causing another loud groan to be released.

The cabin was cold. Killian reached over and pulled the blanket around him. Honestly he was tired of being cold. Jamie was always a heater when he slept even on the coldest nights he would be sweating. Killian loved it about him. Jamie still came into the cabin to sleep but he would wait till Killian was long asleep and wake before him, only allowing the younger boy to enjoy his warm for a few hours.

After a while of warming himself up, Killian got reached over and pulled his boots on. He had fallen asleep in his pants and shirt so he only had to throw his hat and coat on. Actually he fell asleep at his desk so Jamie must have moved him to the carpet. Once he was dressed Killian made his way up to the helm. He wanted to check the course with Amara.

The wind was blowing and storm clouds were hanging gravely above them. Hopefully the could make it past the storm and not have to deal with it. Killian was in no mood to be caught in a storm, he could also tell that one sail was on its last leg. "Amara. Get someone up there to patch that sail before we lose it." Killian said as he approached her. "Right away, captain." She said without looking at him.

It had been this way the whole trip. Everyone seemed to be afraid of him, the didn't joke around or treat him as an equal. Jamie wasn't talking to him at all and couldn't seem to even be in the same room. Amara only discussed the journey. If he wasn't so stressed about meeting Damian, he would be hurt by their actions. No one had treated him like this since he was a child left alone in the palace.

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Jamie was below deck helping, he tended to be helping everyone since they left. Hell he even scrubbed the deck, he hadn't done that since he was a prisoner. He needed to keep himself distracted, thankfully Ryder was new to sea life and he could use it as an excuse.

Killian had still not spoke to him, he hadn't even been called upon for any reason. Thinking about it hurt more than Jamie cared to admit so he busied his mind. Unfortunately when all the work was done for the day Jamie was left to his own thoughts. Every night he would curl up in one of the cots below deck but eventually he always ended up sneaking into the captains cabin, curling up next to Killian. Jamie would wake up with the first bell signaling watch change and hurry out.

"Over heard Amara tell the captain we will be on land in two suns." Jamie overheard the crew members gossiping around. In two suns he would see his family again. He hadn't seen them in two years, not since Killian and Damian took down the Torian Navy threat. Jamie had to admit he was excited to see his mom and brother but he wasn't excited to see his brothers reaction to Killian's plan. Damian would want something in return and Jamie wasn't ready to give what his brother really wanted.

The rest of the day was the same as the others. Jamie ran around helping on all aspects of the ship while trying to keep his temper from spilling over when it came to Ryder, the boy just wasn't getting it. When the moon came up and the work was finished Jamie found himself sitting on the railing watching the horizon. He wasn't sure what he was looking for but the sea never led him wrong before.

"You gonna ignore him forever?" He heard Amaras voice say from behind. Jamie looked at her questionably before returning his gaze to the horizon. "I don't have anything to say." He said without emotion. "In the last five years that I have been on this ship, I have never seen you separated for more than a half day and now you're both avoiding each other." She remarked leaning on the railing beside him. Her words made his chest tight but he refused to have this conversation with her. "Killian and I are fine." Jamie said unwavering.

An hour later, Jamie made his way to the captain's quarters. It was well past time he and Killian spoke about what the plan was. Jamie had hoped that Killian would be the one approaching him but it seemed that he was angrier than Jamie had expected him to be. When he walked into the cabin he seen Killian sitting at his desk writing. The captain didn't look up enough to allow his eyes to be seen but Jamie could tell the moment he realized who was standing in the door way by how he went rigid.

"Jamie?" Killian asked low as if by saying his name out loud the other boy would disappear. "Damn, thought I might catch you with your hands down your pants but alas shirtless will have to do." Jamie said trying to maintain some normality. "Seriously?" Killian scoffed setting the pencil down. Jamie let out a sigh and pushed off the doorframe, he made sure to close the door before walking over and sitting down in the armchair in front of Killian's desk. The captain made no attempt to meet his eyes but he seemed to relax slightly which brought Jamie some comfort.

"I miss you." Jamie said in a low voice that shocked even himself. That made the captain look up and Jamie didn't miss the half smile that lasted only a moment. "You have a piss pour way of showing it." Killian scoffed leaning back in his chair. Jamie was taken back a moment before he noticed the mischievous look in the captains eyes, this was a game now and Jamie was more than willing to play. "Do I?" The older boy said lowly "And how should I show you, your highness?" Killian let a look of uninterested take over his face but his eyes were fully interested.

"For one you should never sit unless invited." This was no longer Captain Killian speaking, this was Prince Kieran and the switch definitely shouldn't have made Jamie shiver with even more desire than it did. "Did they not teach you etiquette in Akana?" Kieran purred. "I was too busy learning how to kill Sorians, your highness." Jamie chirped back with a smirk. "Are you going to kill me then?" Kieran asked thoughtfully. "You? Oh no. For someone of your pedigree, I'll make you beg." Jamie said having enough of this power dynamic.

Jamie watched the Princes eyes for a moment and caught the moment it switched and he was neither captain or prince, just K. The boy stood up and came around the desk, placing himself on top of the older boy. His knees were on either side of the others hips while he placed his hands on either shoulder. "I missed you too." He whispered before leaning down and lightly kissing Jamie.

Jamie allowed himself to smile before he deepened the the kiss. Killian moaned lightly against his mouth when Jamie tugged on the matted strands. "Your hands going to get stuck there." Killian laughed against Jamie's lips. "We wouldn't want that." Jamie said in a low voice before pulling his hand out of the tangled mess. Killian connected their lips again before there was a knock at the door.