Cavendish - One Shot

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The music from the festival swirled around you like a soft breeze, blending laughter and melody with the gentle rustle of lantern lit trees

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The music from the festival swirled around you like a soft breeze, blending laughter and melody with the gentle rustle of lantern lit trees. The grand square of the island's capital brimmed with life, and yet, you felt oddly out of place amidst the jubilant crowd. Your recent travels had brought you here in search of rest, not revelry. Still, the sight of the glowing lanterns and the smell of spiced sweets lured you in.

You found yourself wandering through the crowd of dancers, weaving between swaying couples and vendors shouting their goods. It was there, beside a flower stall, that you saw him.

He was impossible to miss. His blonde hair gleamed under the lantern light, flowing like spun silk over his shoulders. The pristine white of his shirt was unbuttoned just enough to be roguishly enticing, and the tilt of his wide brimmed hat added a touch of mystery to his already striking features.

He was leaning nonchalantly against the flower cart, his eyes half lidded with an air of disinterest, but something in his posture suggested he knew exactly how much attention he commanded.

Your gaze lingered longer than you intended, and his icy blue eyes snapped to yours, catching you in the act. A small, amused smile curved his lips, and before you could look away, he stepped forward, closing the distance between you.

"Caught admiring beauty?" His voice was smooth and lilting, like a practiced melody. "No need to be shy. I'm used to it".

Heat flooded your cheeks, but you refused to be cowed. "I was admiring the flowers" you replied, lifting your chin in mock indignation.

His smirk widened, his teeth flashing. "Oh? But here I am, standing before you, the fairest of them all".

You scoffed but couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corners of your mouth. "You must be Cavendish" you now recognised him now as the infamous pirate who'd been the talk of the festival. "I've heard about your... reputation".

He bowed deeply, sweeping his hat off in an overly dramatic gesture. "Indeed, I am Cavendish of the White Horse, darling. And you are...?"

You hesitated. It was dangerous to give your name to a pirate, but something about his playful demeanor softened your wariness. So you offered it. "Y/n".

"A lovely name for a lovely face" he mused, placing his hat back atop his head. "Now, tell me, are you always so captivating, or is it the festival bringing out your charm?"

"You're awfully quick with flattery" you remarked, crossing your arms. "Does that usually work for you?".

"Always" he replied with a wink. "But tonight, I'd much rather test my luck on the dance floor. May I have the honor?".

You glanced at the lively square, the music weaving an inviting rhythm through the air. It wasn't what you had planned for the evening, but something about the way Cavendish held out his hand, so confident and sure, made your heart skip a beat.

"Okay.. but just for a little while" you agreed, sliding your hand into his. His fingers were warm and firm, curling around yours with a gentle but possessive grip.

He led you to the center of the square, where couples twirled and spun in an intricate waltz. As the music continued, Cavendish placed a hand lightly on your waist, his other still holding yours. His movements were fluid, practiced, and elegant, guiding you effortlessly through the steps.

"You've done this before" you noted, trying to ignore the way your heart fluttered every time his piercing eyes met yours. "Many times" he admitted. "But never with someone quite like you".

"And what am I like?" you asked, curious despite it all. "Quite unpredictable" he replied, a genuine smile softening his features. "I can tell you're not one to be swept off your feet easily, yet you're here with me".

"Maybe I just like dancing" you teased, twirling under his arm as he spun you effortlessly. "Or maybe" he murmured, pulling you closer than before, "you're curious about the man who dared to ask".

The closeness made your breath catch. You could see every detail of his face now, the sharp angle of his jaw, the delicate lashes framing his eyes, the faint smirk that seemed permanently etched on his lips. It was infuriatingly charming.

"I don't make a habit of dancing with pirates" you jabbed, your voice quieter now "And I don't make a habit of being enchanted by strangers" he replied, his tone soft.

The world seemed to blur around you, the music dimming into a faint hum. All you could focus on was the steady rhythm of his movements and the way his gaze never wavered from yours. For a moment, you forgot the festival, the crowd, and even the fact that he was a notorious pirate.

"Will you stay" he asked suddenly, his voice low and sincere. "A little longer. Dance with me until the moon hides behind the clouds". His words sent a shiver down your spine, and against your better judgment, you found yourself nodding.

The two of you danced until the music faded and the square began to empty. Even then, he didn't release you. Instead, he led you to a quieter part of the square, where the lanterns cast a warm glow on the cobblestone streets.

"Tell me something" he started, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. "Why did you say yes?". You hesitated, unsure how to answer. Finally, you said, "Because you looked like you could use a dance".

Cavendish's eyes widened slightly before a rare, genuine laugh escaped him. "And here I thought I was the one doing the charming". "Maybe you were" you admitted, your cheeks warming. "A little".

His expression softened, the teasing edge gone. Slowly, he leaned closer, his fingers brushing your cheek. "Well" he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "You made for a wonderful evening".

Your cheeks heated up, and he leant closer, enough so that his lips met your cheek, a kiss that was both tender and respectful. The world seemed to stand still as he pulled back and his hand cradled your face, his touch warm and reassuring. His gaze lingered on yours, a flicker of something vulnerable passing through his eyes.

"Thank you" he murmured, his usual bravado tempered by a quiet sincerity. "For the dance, and for proving that not all beautiful things are fleeting". You smiled, feeling your heart swell. "A pleasure Cavendish".

He nodded, tipping his hat as he stood up. "I must take my leave, I hope you'll stay safe". Those were the words he left you with. The night ended, but you were left to wonder if your paths would cross again.

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