The Unwilling Queen of Pirates

Close Call

It's been three days since their last encounter with the savages. It seems that they stopped chasing after them which was a relief to the Pirate and Hero. As they traveled, the sun shined more clearly on them as the trees decreased in number and the grass under their feet turned to sand.

Sparrow would have appreciated a warning from Reaver that they would be traveling through a desert. Maybe then they would have brought more water.

The last water they found was two days back and they were both feeling the effects of the lack of water. The only words they exchanged were when to stop and keep walking.

They had decided to travel during the cool nights and rest during the scorching sun-filled days.

Reaver knew that they were getting close to the village, but he wasn't sure how much longer they could go without water. He was getting worried about Sparrow. It's been a while since she's eaten anything and he could tell she was exhausted. In fact, he was exhausted. Hopefully, his friend won't turn him away like the last time he had been there. They had a... disagreement about one of the ladies there.

The Pirate noticed Sparrow wasn't by his side anymore so he stopped and turned around. She was standing still taking in deep breathes.

"I can't..." she muttered quietly.

Reaver took a step towards his arms outstretched in case she collapsed. "You have to keep going," he instructed, his voice rough from a dry throat.

She shook her head in denial before her shaky legs gave out on her. The little bird fell into the Pirate's arms which proved too much for him at the moment. He fell back onto his arse holding her close.

Maybe they could just take a quick rest, he thought as his head lagged and eyes grew heavy.

It felt like it had only been seconds when he reopened his eyes. Their surroundings have changed. Instead of being in the blinding sun they were in a building, which Reaver vaguely recognized.

He sat up and was greeted by a glass of water being shoved in his face. He glanced up at the person before chugging it down.

"I was wondering if you'd wake," his friend Jael said, as the Pirate finished with his water. "The woman we found you with hasn't woken yet."

Reaver handed his empty glass back to Jael and noticed his little bird laying in the bed next to him. Her delicate skin was very sunburned and she muttered things in discontent.

He stood carefully, ignoring the quivering in his legs to stand next to Sparrow. Slowly, the Pirate reached for her hand as if she would fade away if he touched her. Her hand tightened around his in response bringing Reaver a sigh of relief.

"I was quite surprised to hear that my men found you passed out in the sands. Normally you come by ship," Jael pointed out.

"Don't remind me," Reaver muttered in irritation.

"I was also shocked to see you were holding such a stunning woman in your arms."

Reaver turned to glare at the man who watched him with an even stare with only one eyebrow raised.

"I didn't expect you to fall for anyone," Jael frowned slightly.

"I haven't-"

Sparrow groaned, gaining the Pirate's full attention. Her eyes slid open and glanced around the room with slight panic until their eyes met.

Her depressed emerald eyes glued to his emotionless blue ones. Neither of them could look away until a throat was cleared by the other man in the room.

The little bird quickly glared at him while Reaver felt his mood turn sour.

"Where are we?" She coughed, throat still dry.

Jael held out a glass of water for her, but she only watched him with suspicion. It wasn't until Reaver gave her the go-ahead that she drank the refreshing liquid as quickly as possible.

"What were you doing out there with this... pirate?" Jael asks Sparrow.

"I don't entirely know," she answered truthfully, giving Reaver a look.

"You're welcome to stay here if you so choose," the tan man offered.

"...We'll see," she mutters looking away from his bright green eyes.

The pirate could feel his face get red with anger, but he said nothing.

"I'm sure you'd like time to rest. I had rooms prepared for you both," Jael explains, gesturing for them to follow.

Sparrow let go of Reaver's hand which she just noticed she was holding and carefully stood from the bed. When her legs started to wobble she fully expected to face plant on the marble floor, but instead was caught yet again by the Pirate. He wrapped an arm around her waist, giving her the support she needed, but was embarrassed to have.

The little bird could feel her face getting red and hoped neither of the men would notice.

Jael led them to their rooms, which were across from each other. She thanked Jael while Reaver just nodded and they went to their separate rooms.

Sparrow found pajamas on the bed that she gratefully changed into. Her clothes were filthy from being the only pair she wore since getting kidnapped by Reaver.

The Pirate... Since they had been marooned they had slept close by one another. Her nightmares had decreased during the time. She wasn't sure if she could handle sleeping alone.

The little bird snuck to Reaver's door, unsure of the customs they kept here and quietly knocked. She was about to knock again when the Pirate finally called out.

"What is it?" He asked, annoyed with the disturbance.

"It's me."

He sighed. "Come in."

She pushed the door open to witness a half-naked Reaver sitting on the bed. His shirt was left in the corner of the room while he wore pajama pants.

"I- don't think I can sleep alone," she admitted, trying not to stare at his exposed chest.

"It's alright to stare," he chuckled.

Her face grew red as she backed up to leave.

"Sparrow, wait!" His face softened as he patted on the bed.

She went over and sat on the other side. He took her hand and gave it a tight squeeze.

"I must confess, I sleep better when you're close by," he admitted, eyes looking to the far wall.

Sparrow's face grew red again, but his words brought a smile to her face. It gives her hope that the Pirate might feel the same thing she does.

They got in the bed, his chest to her back with his arms wrapped around her. They quickly drifted off into a peaceful sleep.