Chronicles of a Pirate and a Stubborn Prince | ✓

Back to the ship pt.2

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For the second time Arthit woke up with aches and pains.

How long had he slept? Last time he woke up it was still dark while now the sun was high in the sky. Thinking back to his latest awakening he felt deeply embarrassed. First, he had vomited emitting very disgusting sounds and then he had also made a scene. In his defense he could say that he was still under the influence of alcohol. He didn't even know why he felt so triggered. Except for that Sam. He had used Singto's real name, he remembered it damn well.

Finally he mustered enough strength to sit up in bed. On the nightstand a glass of water and a couple of slices of bread were waiting for him. Now that he thought about it, he didn't remember going back to bed. To be honest, he didn't even remember wearing this red shirt.

Kongpob.

And now he felt guilty.

A bath and a prep-talk later he felt ready to face the day. Well, more or less.
As he wandered around the ship searching for the Captain, he felt the crewmen's eyes focus on him. Some of the men were whispering something among them, while others whistle in his direction.

He was steadily becoming more embarrassed with every step, but luckily Rome, one of the boatswains, brought them back to order.

After recalling everyone who was not yet working, he softened his tone. "How are you? Yesterday you didn't look well".

Arthit looked at him in surprise. "Did we meet yesterday?"

"Uhm, yes?" Rome returned an equally astonished gaze. "But it doesn't matter. The important thing is that you are well" he added quickly.

They stared at each other awhile, and then the shorter boy suddenly smiled. "Anyway, if you are looking for the Captain is at the helm"

"Oh, uhm, thank you"

The smaller nod smiling and then he turned around and started giving orders again.

Wait, why is Bright with the deckhands?

He shook his head, that wasn't important at the moment.

Once he arrived on the Quarter Deck, he found Kongpop exactly where Rome had told him. With sun-kissed tanned skin, the wind blowing his hair and a slight smile directed at him. He was more beautiful than ever.

"Sunshine! You finally woke up. Are you feeling better now?"

Isn't he angry?

He nodded slightly, and the other smiled again at him.

"Good" his gaze back on the horizon.

"Singto?"

"Hmm?" he distractedly replied.

"I'm..." sorry "grateful"

Seeing the latter's questioning gaze, he added quickly "for... yesterday... I mean, thank you for, you know, yesterday".

"Don't mention it" and he gave him another one of his breathtaking smiles.

TADUM.

Arthit forced a fake cough to try to cover up his embarrass and diverted his gaze to look at the scenery in front of them.

A comfortable silence passed while a cool breeze caressed them but then he remembered an annoying detail.

Trying not to get seen he observed the captain's profile and with extreme annoyance he noticed that the marks were still there, in all their glory. Even worse they were as visible as ever.