Heartstopper Inktober 2K24

29 - Navigator (OurFlagMeansDeath!AU)

"Are you seriously not going to throw him overboard?!"

Tao's voice rang through the captain's quarters as Charles "Blackbeard" Spring sat at his cartographer desk, looking over maps to find the one he'd put down earlier that morning as his first mate stormed up to him and slammed his hands down to get his attention.

"That rich coloniser is going to get us killed, either by attention or worse, his idiocy."

"You said that about every person we've ever had on board who is male at some point." Charles replied dryly as he scanned over the papers in front of him. He knew Tao's feelings on the subject well. "Besides, he's different, we can actually ransom him if needed. I'm sure given his dress sense that his family has the money."

"He's not the worst on the eyes, I'll give him that." Tao pulled up a stool and sat down, eyes like slits. "Ever since Ben and Harry, I am allowed to suspect everyone we pick up like stray dogs is a threat. They almost killed us all in that mutiny they tried to pull. You nearly died, remember?"

"I'm aware." Charles grit out, glare firmly set on the man in front of him. "You weren't the one held up in a mosquito filled brothel in the islands for 5 weeks and unable to go anywhere from the place crawling with navel sailors and the lot."

"I was so! I was looking after the ship!" Tao protested, eyebrows furrowed. "You try being a navigator with a slashed hand and a half dead captain."

"Fair point." Charles tapped his knuckle on the wood. "As far as we know, the rich bastard has nowhere to go. The Nelson's seem to be well off and haven't thrown him in an asylum, so for now, Nicholas stays. Plus, he wants to be a pirate, a gentleman's pirate of all things." There was a mischievous glint in Charles's eye. "I'm sure you can give him a warm pirate's welcome at the very least."

"You better believe I have plans for that." Tao's frown didn't get any lighter, but it softened some. "I'll have him begging to be fed to the sharks before the weeks out."

"Of course you will." Charles didn't understand why he felt secretly disappointed that they were going to give the newcomer a hard time, but if he wanted to prove he was worth something other than his money, this was the life he was coming into.

It's not all sunshine and hammocks and ocean views like people on land think. This was fighting, bloodsport and rewards one could only imagine at the end.

Oh yes, Nicholas had to prove he could be a pirate alright. A gentleman's pirate, however? Laughable.

Just laughable.