The Pirate & The Stubborn Prince

First attempt

Arthit looked around before hoisting himself into one of the lifeboats. He almost made it.

"Hey Cutie", the safeboat rocked beneath the weight of the newcomer, "Where are we going?"

He froze, then turned around slowly. Behind him the Captain-nuisance, was sitting on the safeboat bench smiling curiously at him.

Fuck

Abruptly he turned his back on him and tried to cut the ropes that held the boat. Then everything happened really fast. The abrupt movement caused the boat to rock, his arms shot out, trying to regain his balance, but he could not and he was about to flee out of the boat.

"Watch out!"

Singto promptly lunged out with both hands grabbing him firmly around his waist and securing him against his body. Without anything to hold on to the pirate lost his balance, and they both fell heavily on the ground, Arthit on top of the pirate.

Cautiously, he opened his eyes. Above him the moon showed bright and clear in a starry sky.

"Wow" you couldn't see so many stars in the city, he thought gaping in awe.

"Kitty, you know that I'd love to spend the night hugged with you, but will you do me the favour to take your elbow out of my stomach?"

Startled by the voice behind him he realized he was sprawled on its owner body. Thick arms loosened, and he scrambled up and away.

He picked up the knife dropped during the fall and pointed it at the man. He looked between the blade in his hand and the pirate on the floorboard. He stared at him undecided on what to do but then let out a long sigh and lowered his weapon.

Singto smiled widely at him "Oh, Cutie, I'm moved."

"Shut up, or I might change my mind and take you down."

Arthit hobbled carefully out of the boat. Singto followed him shortly after, his hand found his waist again, holding him up.

"You really should be more careful with your ankle."

"How did you know I was trying to escape?"

"I spotted you."

"I thought you were in a meeting."

"I didn't want to risk losing your escape attempt." He shut the door of his cabin behind him.

"How?"

"How did I know? I've watched you all day... and you watched the boat all day."

"You're creepy". The other only smiled softly at him and help him sitting on the bed then he sat on the chair in front of him.

"May I have the Catlin?" the pirate outstretched his right hand with his palm up and open.

"The... what?"

"The knife in your hand. It's for amputation, Knot may need it in the future" he explained patiently.

"Oh" he handed him the utensil, "Please, apologize to Knot on my behalf."

"Mmmh." He just answered absentedly.

Arthit gulped as he watched the Captain turning the knife over and over in his hand. He didn't know how to act. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know what to do.

When he was on the other ship he knew what they wanted and knew that every action had consequences, which were mostly painful. But the strange man in front of him? He had just tried to escape but the pirate looked completely unfazed. Moreover, with him he was always nice, and paradoxically this was even scarier. Everyone knew that the nicest people are also the scariest, and he saw the look in his men gaze. There was respect, but when their Captain smile drained and his gaze hardened everyone seemed afraid.