A Pirate's Tale [Larry Stylinson]

7 - Grapes

Louis leaned against the railing. His hands supporting his tired head as he mindlessly gazed over the water beneath him, watching as small waves broke by the board wall of the ship, creating newer but smaller, sparkly ripples on the surface of the sea. The water was so clear that it mirrored Louis' reflection, causing him to wonder about how he ended up looking so frail. But he paid less mind to his appearance and instead focused on his thoughts.
This was probably the first night in what felt like decades, since Louis had a restful night without nightmares. And that was good. To experience such a beautiful morning after such a good night was like a reward. To be able to enjoy the sun and the birds singing their songs brought back memories of the old, pirate days.
It was an almost magical moment.

,,How are ya not dead yet?" A sudden call pulled Louis out of his beautiful dwelling. It was this boy who he only knew as 'chicken', which actually suited him well. So no need to change that.
,,Good morning to you too."
,,Why are ya on deck? The crew ain't even up yet."
,,Felt like a good morning to get a bit of alone time in."
,,Sorry mate, but alone time is over." The chicken said and promptly leaned on the balustrade of the ship. He probably did it just to annoy Louis.

„So why are you up already?"
The lad grinned, before he answered, letting his unmindful fingers run over the railing, like he was expecting it to be dusty. „I saw you standing here, and I was actually wondering how you made it out of the captain's office without getting killed."
„I guess I was lucky."
„Oh c'mon. No one gets 'lucky' in the presence of Styles. I actually bet money on your death."
Louis couldn't help but smile at the stupid idea of betting on ones life.
„Who did you bet with?"
„My cousin, Niall."
So they were Cousins. That surprisingly made so much sense. Not only cause both had a noticeable, Irish accent, but also cause no one else would bet on something so stupid besides Niall. It made Louis smile, almost laugh.
„Anyways, would ya care to finally answer my question? Why ain't you dead?"
„Oh, It's a long story. To long to tell it."
„So are the two of you friends or somethin'?"
„Wouldn't call it that" Louis smiled, amused by the little guessing game playing out in front of him.
„Why do you even care?" he added.

„Cause maybe there could be a turn of events, and suddenly you end up dead, and then I wouldn't owe Niall two gold coins." The young boy leaned in a little, saying the last part a little more quiet. „I don't even have two gold coins."
Louis broke out in laughter. He couldn't contain himself. It was hilarious really. The guy was a bit of an airhead, and it was too amusing to ignore.
„But I'm certain I won't lose. I'll probably find a way to trick Niall into thinking that the bet never happened. I'm excellent at tricking people. The best, if you ask me."
,,I'm sure you are." Louis chuckled, enjoying the confidence of the young lad.

The sound of approaching footsteps drew all the attention to Styles.
,,What are you two doing here!" The voice echoed across the ship. It was way too familiar by now.
The younger boy immediately stiffened up in what seemed like nervousness, while Louis stayed calm, suppressing a smile at how weird the lad acted. Overly confident, but once a person of authority came along, he could barely make a sound.

,,Why are you out here?" The captain spoke up again.
,,Fresh air." Louis said, shrugging a little.
It didn't satisfy Styles' curiosity one bit and Louis noticed by how his brows furrowed while his lips tightened to thin lines.
,,Who allowed you to leave your room? Niall?"
,,I believe he's still asleep."

Harry didn't appreciate the overly casual attitude Louis showed towards him in front of another crew member, but he didn't want to cause a scene right in front of the boy, which is why he let it go for now.
,,And what are you doing here?" Harry asked the boy, who basically had angst written all over his face.
,,Just looking."
God, he sounded pathetic and Louis was living for it. It was so ridiculous.
,,Leave, Dean!" Styles commanded the boy, who immediately hurried away like a scared rabbit.
Dean. So that was his real name. Mhm. Chicken suited him better. Especially after this situation.