fornassau

[fornassau]

Charles continued working on his leg, surprisingly gentle as he tried to mend up the injury. He rolled his eyes. “ Well, I thought that might’ve been the case, but I.. I still wasn’t sure. “ He sighed softly, looking up apologetically. “ And I was tired.. am tired, and hungry. My mind is just all over the place with this. … if you couldn’t tell. “ He gestures around the room at all the different little exhibits, all the charts and calculations, all the little chemic tables.

“ Ned’s had some .. extreme ideas over the years but I didn’t think he was really capable of carrying them out. Or.. maybe I didn’t want to accept it. He was always good to me. He helped me when I had my own struggles, and he was my professor and advisor. I.. “ He frowned, stopping his hands. “ When I was burned I went to him and that’s how I found out he was involved. “ He finished bandaging his leg then, the kettle going off.

He said nothing about the ribs but stood with a sigh in order to go fetch it. “ I was on a mission and I started observing government agents were making back deals with Russian criminals. They were for supplies.. medical, chemical. I ended up cornering one of them and they sang like a canary. I came back home, started doing my own investigation. Never really believed in government conspiracy theories until I found the lab. “ He pulled down some mugs and put the tea in their respective ones, pouring the hot water over it.

He returned to the living room with them. “ I can show you all the evidence I found. What I found. I managed to steal some of the Chimera data before I was caught. They knew I knew about the virus, about their plan to use it as a weapon. I went to Lowe and he.. he told me everything. Asked me to join him in his magnum opus. His great work. “ He rolled his eyes and passed him a mug. “ Fucking lunatic. “

Charles heard the clicking of magazines as she on as his men entered, and he looked exhaustingly to Flint and to them. “ He’s good. “ Two words and all the men backed off. Frightening to have that kind of power and Charles knew it.

Although now he reached over and tugged up Flint’s trouser leg with a wince. “ Let’s get back to my safe house. I’ll bandage that up. You don’t have any trackers on you at all, do you? “ He looked him up and down, slowly pushing himself to his feet and offered his hand. “ It’s chilly and you’re not dressed for the cold. “ Strange, how supposedly a man that wanted to destroy most of the world was so kind.

So he helped him downstairs to an awaiting vehicle. It was a short ride back to the place he was staying; a townhouse that had clearly been converted. Schematics and calculations lay everywhere, displayed even on the walls. There was a makeshift sort of lab too amidst the small place. Seemed he was working on something. He gestured for Flint to make himself comfortable on one of the couches. “ Want some tea? I can put the kettle on. “ Hell, now they spoke calmly like neighbors, as if the whole gunfight hadn’t taken place.

[fornassau]

Immediately Flint frowned, sitting up a bit so he could look him in his eyes. “ Hey.. you know that’s not what I meant. “ Or maybe he didn’t. He tilted his head into his hand, reaching up and holding gently onto his wrist. “ I just mean, seeing both her and I happy, another man in the house.. it’s similar. And yet completely different. “

He kissed the tips of his fingers. “ I wouldn’t ever try to replace him or use you for that. You’re both two completely different people. It’s just.. nice to feel warm and content again. “ James smiled ever so softly, looking up at him through his fingers. “ I’m going to take care of you until you’re back on your feet, Killian. And I plan to remain by your side. “ He smirked. “ If you don’t get sick of me. “

Killian was more affectionate of a man than he’s ever expected, and it was good. The hardened Flint needed that sweetness in order to make him some semblance of human again. He’d saved his life, shown him exactly how much he loved him in that moment.. and now all James wanted to do was to repay that gesture in kind.

“ Oh she most definitely will. “ He chuckled, letting his fingers softly draw designs on his chest, hand resting there happily, fingers toying with any tufts of hair. Christ, it was like he was on a honeymoon instead of helping him recover from what happened. “ She makes delicious scones and cream. “ he laughed softly. “ And she loves you, Killian. You’ve made me happy again. That’s something even she wasn’t able to do. “ Flint was glad she wasn’t jealous. That was the kind of woman she was, and he loved her for that. “ You know.. it almost feels like how it was with Thomas. “ He smiled warmly. “ She’s kind and warm again, because of you. “

[fornassau]

Charles’s eyes grew soft and almost nervous at those questions. Was that a bad thing? Kink was one thing, but.. he ended up smiling softly, looking down and softly touching his stomach. “ I think being a parent is the most important job in the world. If.. I could carry our children, I absolutely would. “

He did laugh when he said he’d like to be a great white. Watching his grin reminded him of one. So he lifted his hands to cup that toothy grin. “ You definitely have the look down. “ And when he continued to say they’d meet, he affectionately bumped his forehead against him. “ That mean you’d protect me from all the predators? Be my shark hero?”

“If you could be any animal, what would you be? I think I’d like to be a seahorse, so I could carry my children. “ from Charles

“Really? You’d be a seahorse just for that reason?” His tone wasn’t judgmental in the slightest, just genuinely curious. Out of all the animals in this world, Charles would choose a seahorse just so he could carry his own children. It showed how much he loved their children, how much he loved children in general, so Flint wasn’t all that surprised at his answer. “And you’d really want to carry a child?” It’s something they’ve briefly talked about before, and made a kink of when it came to coming undone inside of the other and breeding, but he wondered if Charles really did want to be pregnant. But now it was his turn to answer the question.

“Mm, I’d have to say a shark.” He grins. “A great white. Large, fearsome beasts. No one fucks with them.” His grin widens, chuckling. Most people, and other sea animals, left those beasts alone and that’s how Flint preferred it. Or used to, rather. “The biggest reason, though, is the ocean. I’d get to live in it. Go as far and as deep as I want. See it all for myself.” God, if only. He’d love to dive deep down and truly see the beauty of the ocean. The beach was Flint’s happy place after all. The ocean was so of course he’d choose an animal that lived within. “We’d also meet.” Which was another plus. “And I’d do my best not to eat you or the children.” He chuckles, giving him a smile. @fornassau

[fornassau]

His laughter continued as James stuck his own booty out a bit. This silly man. This was the grumpy yet loveable redhead he was desperately in love with. He stopped chopping vegetables as he complimented, running his tongue on the inside of his cheek. He pointed his knife at him. “ You keep talking like that and we’ll never eat. “ He smirked confidently. “ You’ve been bragging about your ribs and I am going to suck the meat right off the bone. “ Charles tried to say that without laughing again.

You put the “ass” in casserole.

Charles burst into a beautiful fit of laughter as he worked diligently in their kitchen. They were grilling tonight, but Charles was making another dish to go with their meal, and Flint would work the grill. He snorted softly, even wiggled his bubbly butt at him. “ You’re as smooth as butter tonight, babe. “

@avastyetwats

[fornassau]

My full piece of Anne, Jack and Charles for @blacksailszine! (and closeups :D)

it was really really fun to draw them in such a lighthearted scene - the full zine features a gorgeous selection of fic, comics, art and meta about the entire show, and its free to download!! u can find it here

[Image Descriptions: Image 1: A digital illustration of Anne, Jack and Charles standing close together inside a tavern. They are framed by large palm leaves and monstera leaves on either side. Anne has a small smile on her face and is leaning forward to reach around Jack and grab a dark glass bottle from his raised hand. She holds a metal tankard close to her body in her other hand, with a drop of ale splashing over the rim. Behind her, Charles and Jack are kissing each other on the lips. Charles is firmly holding Jack’s face in one hand, squishing his cheek. Charles’ other arm is wrapped loosely around Jack’s shoulders to pull him closer, with his hand bumping the brim of Anne’s hat. Jack has a hand resting on top of Charles’ head, and he is raising his other hand to reach for Charles. A single candle burns brightly on a small table in front of them, casting strong shadows and washing the image in a warm, pink-orange glow. An empty tankard sits beside the candle. All of their jewellery shines in the candlelight.

Image 2: A closeup of Jack and Charles kissing.

Image 3: A closeup of Anne’s smiling face. /End ID]

[fornassau]

You put the “ass” in casserole.

Charles burst into a beautiful fit of laughter as he worked diligently in their kitchen. They were grilling tonight, but Charles was making another dish to go with their meal, and Flint would work the grill. He snorted softly, even wiggled his bubbly butt at him. “ You’re as smooth as butter tonight, babe. “

@avastyetwats

[fornassau]

Charles rolled his eyes at the vague attempt to rule him up. “ You mean, do I plan to tell my dad about how embarrassed and bright red you were? I mean you were next to a sweaty, bare chested me. “ He tossed his hair to show he was exaggerating. Of course he didn’t think THAT highly of himself. He did put himself up on a pedestal though.

His nose wrinkled a bit at the thought it was like Full House. “ It’s all fun and games until you have two sisters fighting over their right to the bathroom when you gotta take a shit. “ He snickered. In the small house he’d grown up in, it had been very crowded. His parents just wouldn’t stop reproducing.

“ What! “ That was where he put his foot down. But of course this was Vane, so he slithered close to him and slid his hands down the back of Flint’s rear pockets. “ You don’t think it’s be kinda sexy fucking in my father’s house? “ Because clearly he thought it was, but he was the child. He grinned, giving his ass a squeeze. “ You can’t expect me to not fuck you for a week. Have you looked at you? Mnh. “

Thanksgiving.

Continued from here. @fornassau

“ Because he probably will. “

Oh, great. That made him feel a lot better. Now he was feeling nervous like a frat boy being interrogated by his date's partner. Though when Charles called him a good decision, he smiled. "Aw, shucks. I'm glad you think so." He chuckled, giving him a quick kiss. "But will your dad think so? Cause now you have me a little worried about him. He's probably going to think I stopped you from going home." What with Charles deciding to stay after the two of them met the night of the concert and got together not long after. "Out of curiosity," He clears his throat. "Did you tell him exactly how we met?" How they literally bumped into each other outside of that bar. How Flint cussed him out, and nearly knocked him out, and how Charles spilled his drink all over him and called him a gingercunt. If not, then it would make for quite the story dinner. Fuck.

"Thanksgiving week, I'm assuming." Which was 2 weeks away so that would give Flint enough time to get things ready. There were plenty of people working at the Rehabilitation center and they were closed Thanksgiving and the day after, anyway. Same for the repair shop. It would work out just fine. It wasn't like they were getting much business at the shop anyway, due to it being colder now, but that was to be expected. "I'm looking forward to seeing where you grew up," He smiled, arms wrapping around his middle. "And meeting your family. Is, uh, your dad looking forward to having us there?"

[fornassau]

“ I told him we met in a bar. “ Charles clocked his teeth and gestured with his head. “ Now as to the gritty details of that encounter? Nah, I hadn’t told him. Yet. “ He smirked at that. Better to threaten Flint that he might possibly tell him than not.

Sometimes James could get a practical giggle out of him by the way he swooped in and held him sometimes. He simply swooped in and clutched onto him like he was a damsel in distress and well? He liked that. Flint had never been afraid to manhandle him and after his previous relationship with Eleanor, he craved some manhandling.

He softly patted his chest in an effort to reassure him. “ First thing I did when I got the money? I bought my parents a really nice house. Practically a mansion, but they deserved it for raising a hellian like me along with my brothers and sisters. “ He chuckled, reaching up to softly hold his face. “ Ma and dad love it when the kids come home, especially if they’re bringing little kids with. We’ll have our own bedroom and bath upstairs. “ He leaned forward, giving him a peck. “ So don’t you worry. “

Thanksgiving.

Continued from here. @fornassau

“ Because he probably will. “

Oh, great. That made him feel a lot better. Now he was feeling nervous like a frat boy being interrogated by his date's partner. Though when Charles called him a good decision, he smiled. "Aw, shucks. I'm glad you think so." He chuckled, giving him a quick kiss. "But will your dad think so? Cause now you have me a little worried about him. He's probably going to think I stopped you from going home." What with Charles deciding to stay after the two of them met the night of the concert and got together not long after. "Out of curiosity," He clears his throat. "Did you tell him exactly how we met?" How they literally bumped into each other outside of that bar. How Flint cussed him out, and nearly knocked him out, and how Charles spilled his drink all over him and called him a gingercunt. If not, then it would make for quite the story dinner. Fuck.

"Thanksgiving week, I'm assuming." Which was 2 weeks away so that would give Flint enough time to get things ready. There were plenty of people working at the Rehabilitation center and they were closed Thanksgiving and the day after, anyway. Same for the repair shop. It would work out just fine. It wasn't like they were getting much business at the shop anyway, due to it being colder now, but that was to be expected. "I'm looking forward to seeing where you grew up," He smiled, arms wrapping around his middle. "And meeting your family. Is, uh, your dad looking forward to having us there?"

[fornassau]

“ Because he probably will. “ Charles smirked to himself. “ Look, I might’ve been the family fuck up since I went to prison, but I turned it around. Think I’ve made a decent life for myself. And made some good decisions. “ On those words he gave the arm around his body a squeeze, making it clear that Flint was one of those good decisions.

He snickered against his ear and neck as he said he wouldn’t leave marks. “ Mm.. you’ll just have to bite me where they can’t see then. “ Charles nipped his neck, then pulled back to look up at him. “ Well, we both make our own hours. Dad’s expecting us to come in Monday or Tuesday, then we’ll be there into the weekend. “ He smiled brightly. “ I can show you where I grew up, take you up into the mountains.. it’s gonna be great. “

“Let me tell you a story about a vampire named Dracula…”

“ Halloween is over, James. “ Charles rolled his eyes, but the amusement on his face was clearly still present. “ And you’ve gotta get ready to deal with my family when we go for Thanksgiving. “ He patted his back as he passed. He knew his family was.. well, a lot.

@avastyetwats

[fornassau]

Charles chuckled at that. He went into the adjoining kitchen and put some water in the kettle and turned on the stove. Then he heard Flint’s question, and he looked over his shoulder with a shrug. “ Suppose that’s as good a question as any. “ Charles turned completely around and walked past the room Flint was in and disappeared down the hall. He returned shortly after, a makeshift first aid kit in tow.

“ Let me get a look at your leg. “ He knelt before him as if subservient, slowly rolling up his trouser leg with a wince. Even for a graze it had gotten into his tissues. He knew he was definitely in pain then, and quickly grabbed the iodine so he could clean it. “ This is gonna hurt. “ The cotton ball was put right on that wound, and he tried his damndest to clean it quickly.

“ And I suppose you’ve now discovered what I have. MI6 has been corrupted. “ Blue eyes raised and stared into him with a sort of sadness at that. “ It’s deep and internal, and I didn’t know who to trust. “

Charles heard the clicking of magazines as she on as his men entered, and he looked exhaustingly to Flint and to them. “ He’s good. “ Two words and all the men backed off. Frightening to have that kind of power and Charles knew it.

Although now he reached over and tugged up Flint’s trouser leg with a wince. “ Let’s get back to my safe house. I’ll bandage that up. You don’t have any trackers on you at all, do you? “ He looked him up and down, slowly pushing himself to his feet and offered his hand. “ It’s chilly and you’re not dressed for the cold. “ Strange, how supposedly a man that wanted to destroy most of the world was so kind.

So he helped him downstairs to an awaiting vehicle. It was a short ride back to the place he was staying; a townhouse that had clearly been converted. Schematics and calculations lay everywhere, displayed even on the walls. There was a makeshift sort of lab too amidst the small place. Seemed he was working on something. He gestured for Flint to make himself comfortable on one of the couches. “ Want some tea? I can put the kettle on. “ Hell, now they spoke calmly like neighbors, as if the whole gunfight hadn’t taken place.

[fornassau]

This face he knew, but a uniformed soldier he did not. Thomas looked so frightened. This was no place for such a gentle soul. The seas could be very unkind, the men even moreso. Suddenly the thought of other men harassing his lover made his blood boil. So much happened at sea. He couldn’t imagine how hard these past years must have been.

At the same time, there was no one, not even Gates, that knew the full truth of James McGraw. McGras had died in England as far as he was concerned, but one look into those blue eyes brought the sparkle of the other back into being. Everything around them had simply stopped for James. The only thing that mattered was the injured lord.. well, former lord before him. Oh Singleton would die for this. Drawing his blood —-fuck, so many thoughts were flooding his mind at once.

“ You’re alive.. “ He said with utter disbelief, his mouth having formed a smile as he still processed that his greatest love was just within arm’s reach. “ You’re really here.. “ He said with tears as he reached out to grab hold of him. He needed to hold him, to feel him, and he hadn’t even thought of the injury. He just held tight onto him, tears now weeping freely down his freckled cheeks. “ I thought I’d lost you forever.. “

Oh fuck. What about his father? Fuck fuck fuck. “ They told me they threw you in Bedlam.. “ He sniffed. “ And that would be certain death for you.. “ Another tight squeeze, he pushed his fingers up into the hair at the back of his head, cradling him in his arms. Meanwhile the crew? The crew didn’t know what to think.

Closed starter for @fornassau

—————————

"Prepare to be boarded!"

Those words struck fear within Thomas's heart, his grip on the rifle tightening as he looked over at his Captain, then around at all the other soldiers still standing. Some injured, some unharmed and some of them standing next to lifeless bodies. Those men had fallen victim to the attack by the pirates, some quite literally torn apart by the canon fire, and somehow Thomas was still standing. Though, he wasn't sure he would be for long once the pirates boarded and finished off what remained of their crew. He wasn't even sure if it was worth trying to fight given his severe lack of experience in battle, even with the training he'd been put through for the last several months. Training he'd been forced into, because none of this was Thomas's choice. Being here wasn't his choice. It was meant to be penance for the sins he committed, but really, it was punishment.

A life sentence. The only way he'd get out of it was either by running away, something that he found to be impossible, or death. And it appeared the ladder was just minutes away. Not to say he wouldn't fight, because he would, because even though there was no end in sight to this punishment, he hoped to someday, somehow, see the face of the man he so dearly loved. The man he'd been ripped away from, the man he suspected was alive and closer than ever. The man that was likely on opposing sides, if his suspicions were true, and given that Thomas was now part of the Royal Navy, there was a chance he'd find out for himself. It's what kept him going for this long, after all. Hope. To see him again. To be reunited with the man he loved more than anything, with the man he'd happily risk everything for again.

But somehow, someway, he had to survive what was about to happen.

He's survived for this long, though he's been fortunate enough to avoid battles and bloodshed... until now. He wasn't a man that wanted to bring harm to anyone, he wasn't someone that wanted to take a life, but in this new life he was forced into, he didn’t exactly have a choice. Especially when it came to the enemy — to pirates. And he’d likely be faced with that difficult choice in just a few minutes when they’d be boarded by said pirates. The ship came closer and some soldiers waited on deck while others, including Thomas, waited inside in hopes to take them by surprise but pirates weren’t stupid. They’d no doubt search the ship with their guards up and not let anyone get the jump on them.

Minutes later, he could hear the chaos outside. Yelling from both sides as gunfire went off followed by the sounds of feet hitting the deck as the pirates boarded. Then came the flashing of swords and more gunfire, this time from the pistols and rifles rather than cannons and he felt his nerves worsen. His heart was racing, beating so hard it felt like it was going to explode form his chest at any moment. He didn’t want to die here. He didn’t want to kill either, but his want to stay alive was far greater. He backed away from the door a little, and some other soldiers did the same, preparing themselves. Seconds later the door burst open and in came the pirates, swords drawn and immediately clashing with their enemy. Some of the pirates fell, but so did some of the soldiers.

It was a bloodbath. A truly horrifying sight for Thomas. His hands that held his rifle were shaking, finding it difficult to aim and pull the trigger. Though when one of the pirates turned in his direction. He had no choice. Shakily, he raised his arms, aimed and pulled the trigger. The bullet hit the pirate in the chest, causing him to hit the ground and Thomas immediately went to reload. Another came at him, grabbed the rifle and jammed the butt of it into his stomach, making him double over. He then pulled the rifle from his grasp and threw a punch right at his face which sent Thomas back into the wall, blood falling from nose and mouth as he slid to the floor, holding his stomach. The pirate gave him a menacing grin and stalked towards him with his sword in his hand, tossing the rifle aside. “Givin’ up already, are ya? Won’t be as fun to kill ya, but I’ll just have ta make it fun.” He reached down and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him to his feet, then he pressed the blade against his side and slowly pushed it forward, just barely slicing his skin, his teeth bared in that meaning grin.

James, my love… I’m sorry.

[fornassau]

Charles heard the clicking of magazines as she on as his men entered, and he looked exhaustingly to Flint and to them. “ He’s good. “ Two words and all the men backed off. Frightening to have that kind of power and Charles knew it.

Although now he reached over and tugged up Flint’s trouser leg with a wince. “ Let’s get back to my safe house. I’ll bandage that up. You don’t have any trackers on you at all, do you? “ He looked him up and down, slowly pushing himself to his feet and offered his hand. “ It’s chilly and you’re not dressed for the cold. “ Strange, how supposedly a man that wanted to destroy most of the world was so kind.

So he helped him downstairs to an awaiting vehicle. It was a short ride back to the place he was staying; a townhouse that had clearly been converted. Schematics and calculations lay everywhere, displayed even on the walls. There was a makeshift sort of lab too amidst the small place. Seemed he was working on something. He gestured for Flint to make himself comfortable on one of the couches. “ Want some tea? I can put the kettle on. “ Hell, now they spoke calmly like neighbors, as if the whole gunfight hadn’t taken place.

Charles had started to run, but heading the gunshot and the cursing behind him made him stop. He could hear glass crunching a bit behind him, but when he saw the window, Flint was hanging from the ledge, desperately trying to find something to grab on. It looked like he was slipping the more he struggled.

He didn’t hesitate. Even though he was cut up a bit from the glass, he’d turned back and continued running his way, which was a good thing since Flint was slipping more out the back. If he didn’t get him he could be shot again or fall. “ I’ve got you!! “ Charles shouted as he reached out to grab onto his arm, offering his hand. “ Take my hand! “

As soon as Flint took it, he pulled him up and through the rest of the window. But the strength he had to use to bring him up made him fall back on his backside, Flint toppling atop him. He was panting, a sweaty and bloody mess now as he looked up into those eyes. Oh, they were stunning this close. “ You okay? “

[fornassau]

Flint hated taking lives unless absolutely necessary. Normally, ships would simply surrender at sign of the black. Black meant they were only there for cargo. A red flag, or one with red in it, means that they would kill every man aboard but one. One had to live to tell the tale.

James hadn’t even liked killing in the Royal Navy, but it had been a necessity. You killed, or you died. It was as simple as that. And he was on a warpath against anything associated with the fucking king. He’d made a name for himself these past long years as the vicious, red bearded Captain Flint. He’d taken an alias, and changed from the gentle man he once was. He was simply a vengeful man now. It wasn’t even for himself, or even for Miranda. It was for Thomas. His sweet Thomas, who most likely died in the asylum.

— “ Captain on deck! “ Gates shouted.

Flint had crossed the threshold of the ship, the fighting finally seeming to wind down. The ship had surrendered. He was looking over the carnage. “ Mr. Gates! Secure the hold. Bring back everything to Mr. Dufresne for inventory. Billy! “ He waved the tall blonde over. “ I need you to keep an eye on Mr. —-“

“ SINGLETON!!! “ Flint shouted loudly, just as the man was pushing his blade into the cowering soldier. The redhead was on him in an instant, snatching his wrist as if he was a child. His eyes narrowed, ferocity on his tone. He was making it very clear that he was still captain. “ Their captain is dead. The men have surrendered. No more harm is to come to the men. “

Singleton sneered. This isn’t how it was on Vane’s ship. Vane had always been about brutality, killing every men without abandon. He knew what his mission was here, to spark mutiny among the men and draw a vote, but he wanted to enjoy himself and bathe in some blood too. But he knew when to surrender and back down, so he withdrew his sword and stalked off.

Flint sighed. That man was getting on his last fucking nerve. But right now, he wanted to see if this man was all right. He offered his hand to him, and that’s when he got his first real look at his face. His blood ran cold. .. it.. it couldn’t be. Thomas was gone, Thomas was dead.. but the face he was looking at, though pained and changed, was none other than that of his former lover, Lord Hamilton. He was in shock, frozen to the spit of it, his heart pounding a mile a minute. “ … Th-.. Thomas? “

Closed starter for @fornassau

—————————

"Prepare to be boarded!"

Those words struck fear within Thomas's heart, his grip on the rifle tightening as he looked over at his Captain, then around at all the other soldiers still standing. Some injured, some unharmed and some of them standing next to lifeless bodies. Those men had fallen victim to the attack by the pirates, some quite literally torn apart by the canon fire, and somehow Thomas was still standing. Though, he wasn't sure he would be for long once the pirates boarded and finished off what remained of their crew. He wasn't even sure if it was worth trying to fight given his severe lack of experience in battle, even with the training he'd been put through for the last several months. Training he'd been forced into, because none of this was Thomas's choice. Being here wasn't his choice. It was meant to be penance for the sins he committed, but really, it was punishment.

A life sentence. The only way he'd get out of it was either by running away, something that he found to be impossible, or death. And it appeared the ladder was just minutes away. Not to say he wouldn't fight, because he would, because even though there was no end in sight to this punishment, he hoped to someday, somehow, see the face of the man he so dearly loved. The man he'd been ripped away from, the man he suspected was alive and closer than ever. The man that was likely on opposing sides, if his suspicions were true, and given that Thomas was now part of the Royal Navy, there was a chance he'd find out for himself. It's what kept him going for this long, after all. Hope. To see him again. To be reunited with the man he loved more than anything, with the man he'd happily risk everything for again.

But somehow, someway, he had to survive what was about to happen.

He's survived for this long, though he's been fortunate enough to avoid battles and bloodshed... until now. He wasn't a man that wanted to bring harm to anyone, he wasn't someone that wanted to take a life, but in this new life he was forced into, he didn’t exactly have a choice. Especially when it came to the enemy — to pirates. And he’d likely be faced with that difficult choice in just a few minutes when they’d be boarded by said pirates. The ship came closer and some soldiers waited on deck while others, including Thomas, waited inside in hopes to take them by surprise but pirates weren’t stupid. They’d no doubt search the ship with their guards up and not let anyone get the jump on them.

Minutes later, he could hear the chaos outside. Yelling from both sides as gunfire went off followed by the sounds of feet hitting the deck as the pirates boarded. Then came the flashing of swords and more gunfire, this time from the pistols and rifles rather than cannons and he felt his nerves worsen. His heart was racing, beating so hard it felt like it was going to explode form his chest at any moment. He didn’t want to die here. He didn’t want to kill either, but his want to stay alive was far greater. He backed away from the door a little, and some other soldiers did the same, preparing themselves. Seconds later the door burst open and in came the pirates, swords drawn and immediately clashing with their enemy. Some of the pirates fell, but so did some of the soldiers.

It was a bloodbath. A truly horrifying sight for Thomas. His hands that held his rifle were shaking, finding it difficult to aim and pull the trigger. Though when one of the pirates turned in his direction. He had no choice. Shakily, he raised his arms, aimed and pulled the trigger. The bullet hit the pirate in the chest, causing him to hit the ground and Thomas immediately went to reload. Another came at him, grabbed the rifle and jammed the butt of it into his stomach, making him double over. He then pulled the rifle from his grasp and threw a punch right at his face which sent Thomas back into the wall, blood falling from nose and mouth as he slid to the floor, holding his stomach. The pirate gave him a menacing grin and stalked towards him with his sword in his hand, tossing the rifle aside. “Givin’ up already, are ya? Won’t be as fun to kill ya, but I’ll just have ta make it fun.” He reached down and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him to his feet, then he pressed the blade against his side and slowly pushed it forward, just barely slicing his skin, his teeth bared in that meaning grin.

James, my love… I’m sorry.

[fornassau]

Charles tried his damndest not to laugh at the horrible evil laugh, but he cracked and ended up bursting into laughter. “ I love Halloween as much as you, but I look forward to Thanksgiving the most it’s the time I get to go home and be with my whole family. “ He pouted softly, turning into him and playing with the collar of his shirt coyly. “ I know they love you. It’s just.. I’ll be introducing you to my father, my other siblings and their kids. It’s the one time of year their “big shot” relative is able to hang out. “ He chuckled softly.

“ Well James, you know id love that. “ He moved in slyly, nuzzled at his cheek. “ I’d love your little love nips on my neck.. “

“Let me tell you a story about a vampire named Dracula…”

“ Halloween is over, James. “ Charles rolled his eyes, but the amusement on his face was clearly still present. “ And you’ve gotta get ready to deal with my family when we go for Thanksgiving. “ He patted his back as he passed. He knew his family was.. well, a lot.

@avastyetwats

[fornassau]

“ I’VE GOTCHU!! “ Charles shouted down to him almost in disbelief as he strained, hanging like a damn monkey from the balcony, one hand grabbing the rail, the other holding onto Flint’s. He was panting as he stared into those beautiful eyes and said with relief. “ ..I’ve got you.. “ He winced and grunted as he strained, pulling the entirety of the redhead up so he could grab onto something and climb over. Again, he looked at the ground, but back to him when he was offered his hand, taking it, pulling himself up and rolling onto his back.

He laid there, looking over at him, laughing with exasperation, chest rising and falling as he just wanted to breathe. He continued to lay there, licking his lips. “ Yeah.. yeah I think I’m done running for now.. “ With a groan he pushed himself to sit, looking over at the rising dust of the now demolished building. How the fuck they managed to escape that was beyond him. “ I sure do.. “ He said with an arrogant grin, staring right at Flint as he said it.

Charles had started to run, but heading the gunshot and the cursing behind him made him stop. He could hear glass crunching a bit behind him, but when he saw the window, Flint was hanging from the ledge, desperately trying to find something to grab on. It looked like he was slipping the more he struggled.

He didn’t hesitate. Even though he was cut up a bit from the glass, he’d turned back and continued running his way, which was a good thing since Flint was slipping more out the back. If he didn’t get him he could be shot again or fall. “ I’ve got you!! “ Charles shouted as he reached out to grab onto his arm, offering his hand. “ Take my hand! “

As soon as Flint took it, he pulled him up and through the rest of the window. But the strength he had to use to bring him up made him fall back on his backside, Flint toppling atop him. He was panting, a sweaty and bloody mess now as he looked up into those eyes. Oh, they were stunning this close. “ You okay? “

[fornassau]

“ IT WAS MY ONLY OPTION, OKAY!?! “ Charles shouted as he ran, trying to dodge any debris that came their way.. and there was a lot. He briefly looked over his shoulder to catch glimpse of the floor falling beneath their feet. The building was folding in like an accordion.

He kept going, but when he felt the rough push, he flew forward and landed right there on his face. Another look back. Flint had just saved him from certain death as that ceiling had caved in. Guess they were in a contest now, but there was no opportunity to savor the moment. He pulled him to his feet and they started to run, but Flint had fallen behind.

There was no time to think as that ledge approached. They had to have the running start or they’d never make it. So Charles, since he was ahead, jumped first and grabbed onto the first thing he could, which was a small balcony. He had just enough time to look back and see Flint jump.. but he wasn’t going to make it. It was quick decision time. He let go of the balcony just as Flint jumped in the air, catching him mid air as they fell to the next floor, where Charles expertly latched on to the balcony there. He had one hand holding them both up, but thank fuck he was strong. He looked to the far drop below them and winced, trying to aid the other into climbing up and over him.

Charles had started to run, but heading the gunshot and the cursing behind him made him stop. He could hear glass crunching a bit behind him, but when he saw the window, Flint was hanging from the ledge, desperately trying to find something to grab on. It looked like he was slipping the more he struggled.

He didn’t hesitate. Even though he was cut up a bit from the glass, he’d turned back and continued running his way, which was a good thing since Flint was slipping more out the back. If he didn’t get him he could be shot again or fall. “ I’ve got you!! “ Charles shouted as he reached out to grab onto his arm, offering his hand. “ Take my hand! “

As soon as Flint took it, he pulled him up and through the rest of the window. But the strength he had to use to bring him up made him fall back on his backside, Flint toppling atop him. He was panting, a sweaty and bloody mess now as he looked up into those eyes. Oh, they were stunning this close. “ You okay? “

[fornassau]

“Let me tell you a story about a vampire named Dracula…”

“ Halloween is over, James. “ Charles rolled his eyes, but the amusement on his face was clearly still present. “ And you’ve gotta get ready to deal with my family when we go for Thanksgiving. “ He patted his back as he passed. He knew his family was.. well, a lot.

@avastyetwats