To Sail the High Seas: Pirate England x Reader #Wattys2017

Chapter Ten

“Yer unbeatable. Where’ve ye been hidin’ all this talent ye little minx.” The Scot sat back, utterly defeated, and there was a stunned silence from the other players in the game. Your triumphant smile was illuminated by the moonlight, as you beamed at the men around you.
Arthur and half the crew had left for the tavern hours ago, leaving you and the rest of the crew to guard the ship. Allistor had explained that every time they made port there would be a rotor to ensure that no harm could come to the ship, but all the crew could still enjoy themselves fully. Tonight it was Arthur's turn to terrify the citizens of this little port-town, but tomorrow the other half would have their chance. Deciding that you’d be bored left on your own for so long, Allistor took it upon himself to invite you to join himself and several other crew members in a game of cards.
Before being allowed to leave the cabin however, Allistor had demanded you exchange your torn garment for a pair of loose-fitting black trousers and a white cotton shirt which slipped off your shoulders slightly, insisting that if you left the cabin with your previous appearance you’d be “devoured by the beasts on board ”, a statement which had been less than comforting. Securing the excess fabric which hung around your waist - as it was a man’s shirt – with a thick leather belt, and slipping on a spare pair of boots you’d found strewn underneath the captain’s bed, you felt at ease.
Initially you hadn’t intended on playing cards, happy only to observe and being too wary of the other men on the ship, however the longer you sat and watched the game the less intimidating they seemed. Each man seemed to have some form of respect for you as you were “the captain’s woman ” (a title you denied fervently, but to no avail), and although you still caught the occasional lecherous glance and lewd comment, no one had made a move to touch you. It wasn’t long before you were returning their comments with teasing ones of your own, and soon you found yourself with a contented sense of acceptance.
Just as the cards were being dealt for another round, a panicked call from the dock caught your attention, but Allistor simply rolled his eyes.
“I was thinkin’ it was about time.”
“About time for what?” Your question was met with several sniggers and pitiful glances from the other men which only furthered your confusion.
“D’ya wan’ tae see somethin’ interesti’ lass?” After seeing the amused twinkle in the Scotsman’s eye, it was impossible to say no.

You’d said a short farewell to your new acquaintances before following Allistor into the twisting alleyways of the town which he appeared to know his way around fairly well despite the fact that they were a rabbit-warren of stone buildings to you. Finally the pair of you arrived outside an old tavern which sounded as if hell had been unleashed upon it and the devils were now celebrating with their own musical number – which could well have been true.
A pale faced man stumbled out of the door, and you couldn’t decide whether he was drunk or terrified. The probability, you quickly realised, was that both of these statements were true. Catching sight of you, he attempted to approach only to stumble over his own feet. Groaning from the floor where neither you nor Allistor had attempted to help him up from, one from disgust and the other from pure indifference, he tried to speak, being hindered somewhat by his slurred tongue.
“Yo shud run ladyyyy… dat pirate’s gonna mess up everythin!”
“Then this is exactly where we’re meant to be.” Stepping over his now unconscious body, you and Allistor entered the tavern only to be met with another chorus of whatever it was the crew were trying to sing.
“Righ’, now if ya look righ’ intae the centre of trouble ye can usually find- Ah, there ‘e is.”
“You are kidding me.”
“Naw why would I do tha’ lassie?”
“But that’s…”
“Aye. He’s a terrible drunk; I have tae come collect ‘im every damn time.”

You imagined the bargirl had thanked her lucky stars when the blond pirate captain had chosen to flirt with her; she’d probably returned his attentions in full force as she served him a drink, and shot glances at her co-workers to ensure they were sufficiently jealous. You took a guess that the provocative woman had practically thrown herself into the handsome captain’s arms, only to end up looking like she wanted to be anywhere but. Trying not to make the poor girl’s situation any worse by laughing at her as she attempted to struggle out of the arms of her captor, who currently seemed intent on pouring his life story out to her, you approached the two of them carefully.
“I just don’t bloody know anymore! Are they hedgehogs, or are they dolphins?” He then broke down in sobs and his grip appeared to tighten.
“I’ll let ye deal with ‘im.”
“Why should I?”
“Because I wan’ tae see how he reacts tae seein’ ye when he’s in this state jus’ as much as ye dae.” You rolled your eyes at Allistor, only to concede to the fact that his words were true. Noticing your approach, the girl’s eyes glimmered with hope, while several others across the bar shook their heads in warning; clearly no one had made any attempt to help her for fear of becoming the next victim of the emotional wreck.
“You’re completely wasted, Kirkland.” Your lips twisted into an entertained smile as the captain fell silent at the sound of your voice. The barmaid seemed shocked that you’d speak to the captain on such familiar terms, but no less grateful for the distraction you served. Bleary eyes looked up at you through blond locks and there was a sudden spark of recognition.
“(y/n), what the bloody hell are you doing here?” He frowned, as if something important had just occurred to him. “I told you to stay on the ship, why aren’t you on the ship.”
“I wanted to see what the infamous captain Kirkland was like when drunk, and I have to say I am not disappointed.”
“You’re trying to escape again aren’t you.” He nodded solemnly, clearly not having heard you through the haze that was his alcohol befuddled mind.
“I really wasn’t.”
“She bloody hates me you know.” He looked up at the woman who was still trying to pry his arms from around her waist.
“Kirkland.”
“She likes my brother more than me… and he’s twelve.”
“I like Allistor more than you too.” This was met with a cheer from the doorway, indicating the Scot was clearly listening.
“She’s such a horrible woman.” He nodded again, this time wisely, as if his comment had resolved some great conflict.
“You need to go back to the ship.”
“THAT’S MY BLOODY LINE. YOU CAN GO BACK TO THE BLOODY SHIP AND SPEND ALL YOUR BLOODY TIME WITH THAT LITTLE TWAT OF A BROTHER.” Arthur was suddenly on his feet, and the woman managed to scamper away from him. This abrupt outburst had caused silence to fall over the tavern, and out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Allistor had tensed, ready to apprehend his brother at a moment’s notice.
“For God’s sake Kirkland will you just go back to the ship.” His sword was at your throat in an instant, and a scowl upon his features.
“Pu’ the blade down Artie. Yer nae gonna hur’ the lass.”
“Oh yes I bloody will.”
“Oh no you bloody won’t.”
“Lass, I really wouldnae provoke 'im…”
“You,” You spun around to face the red-head, completely ignoring the blade still poised at your neck, “shut up. I’ve had plenty of practice dealing with drunkards.”
“Yeah you bloody git! Shut up!” You pinched the bridge of your nose as you turned back around to face the captain who had dropped his sword with a clatter, and was now congratulating himself on insulting Allistor.
“Ship. Now.”
“Don’t want to.”
“Kirkland.” You growled, but this was just met with laughter.
“Nope~”
“Fine, stay here then.” When Allistor opened his mouth to tell you that leaving the captain here was a terrible idea, you shot him a warning glance. Turning your attention back to Arthur, you watched his expression as he attempted to process your words.
“I can stay here?”
“Yep. You can stay.” Bushy eyebrows knitted together in a concentrated stare. Gracing the captain with a coy smile, you took one quick step towards him and grabbed the golden trim of his jacket, bringing his face down to yours. “You can stay, and I’ll go back to the ship with Allistor. We were having so much fun without you anyway.”
“W-wait what do you mean by-”
“Let’s go Allistor.” You pushed the blond lightly, which still caused him to stagger back a couple of steps. His expression was akin to that of a kicked puppy, but you wasted no time in spinning on your heel and dragging the Scotsman by the arm as you re-exited the tavern. Strolling down the cobblestone alley with Allistor at your heel, you made sure to take it slow so that you were still in full view of the tavern door.
“I dunea know what ye said tae him but we canea leave him there.”
“Give it a moment.” You smiled up at your companion victoriously as a multitude of curses accompanied the hurried footsteps which were fast approaching. At the last moment you sidestepped the drunk and watched him collapse into a swearing heap.
“Well would ye look a’ tha’.”