Passing Fascination (Eustass Kid x Reader)

Chapter 1: That Night, This Morning

You balanced the large tray on the edge of the table, passing out drinks as the masked first-mate stood up and helped you pass them around. "Your starting round of ale, gentlemen." You say with a smirk. The captain rolls his golden eyes and groans while the other crew members laugh.

"That's gonna stick, huh?" Eustass Kid grumbles. "I told you sweetheart, we ain't gentle."

You tuck the tray under your arm and give him a crooked smile. "Could've fooled me, Red." You say with a wink. "Whatcha boys having tonight?"

Kid leans forward, he's a little irritated by the nickname, but he hasn't explicitly told you to stop using it. "You on the menu tonight?"

"I'm only on the menu the day before." You answer smoothly, giving him a sly smile.

"The day before what?" Wire asks, walking into your trap.

"The day before someone asks." You answer. It only takes a second before the table bursts out laughing. You get the crew's orders as the ruckus dies down, even getting a begrudging order from Eustass Kid.

You wake up slowly. You had fallen asleep so hard that it was almost hard to get yourself moving, but you had to get to work so you needed to get up. Hard as you slept, you must not have overslept, because your room was dark, and the shaky place you called home wasn't light-proof.

Something pinged in the back of your mind as you pushed yourself upright, but you couldn't sort out what it was in your morning haze. Your clothes were –

Wait.

Clothes?

You grab at your shirt as you sit up fully. You rarely went to bed in anything, it was too hot on the island even at night, and you couldn't afford a fan to stay cool. But you were still in your clothes from your date with Kid.

The evening continues on without anything else of note happening. Once you're done entirely and heading home – thank the seas you weren't stuck closing – you step out into the night air and see Eustass Kid waiting for you.

None of his other crew was around, and he wasn't hiding in the shadows. He was a massive guy, and far more than just a little intimidating, but he seemed to be doing everything he could to appear less so. Something about the effort alone makes you relax.

"What's got you waiting out here, captain?" You inquire, looking up and down the street before stepping closer.

He gives you a look that pointedly answers your question and you can't stop the nervous chuckle that escapes you.

"What time is it?" He questions, cracking his neck as he stretches a little.

"Mm, it was about 11:40pm when I walked out. Can't be much later than that."

"Perfect." He says with a grin, coming over to you and stopping just far enough away you didn't have to crane your neck to see his face. "I can put my order in for you for tomorrow then."

"You – can... you..." You stammer a few times, feeling the heat rush up into your face. "I – I'm... flattered." You take a step back, and clear your throat. "But... I don't want to be anyone's port-whore or port-girl or whatever. I... I have a very strict no-sailors rule." You insist, waving a hand in front of yourself.

"... Just for a meal then." Eustass concedes, giving you a look and a grin that makes your heart flutter in your chest. "Let me treat you. Is there a fancy place you like in that middle island?"

"I, yes, but I mean..." You stammer. "I – I won't budge, Mr. Eustass. I don't want you to think I'm u-using you."

"Using me?" Kid looks amused.