#the last voyage of the demeter wojchek

[blueberrypancakesworld]

Connection for eternity

Vampire Wojchek x fem!reader

warning : blood, romantic, kisses, implied murder, body worship

Summary : Had it been days, weeks months, years or even decades since the boat had come ashore since he had bitten them both. They hardly knew it anymore, but what they did know was that their love remained as it was that night and for all eternity.

Info : Wow another work for our dear sailor I had this idea and wanted to realize it because I think he can be a pretty romantic guy…if he wants to ;) So have fun reading

gif by me (I started trying to make my covers myself it's something)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Broken wood, fog and a dark night with a bloody full moon. The howling of wolves, rats prowling around and bats following you around, looking at you with their dark blood-hungry eyes. It was a night in 1893 in London, one of the cities in the world where the devil set foot on land and would spill death and blood in the coming nights…together or rather with his descendants.

He had driven his fangs into the necks and veins of the crew, killing and tearing them all apart, mixing the blood with the rain and recoloring the wood. It was a night when Dracula went off the ship and in the fog of the night, unnoticed by the onlookers and policemen, the first mate and a female passenger went off the ship.

In the reports they were "lost" on board but what had happened…what had happened over the years? Too much it seemed because when her eyes opened again she understood what had happened, she understood what was true and she also understood that in this nightmare of infinity the new century had opened, decades seemed to have passed.

He had called it ,,The century of the first world war" and she could still feel his warm hand on hers where he had touched her after they met.

But now, as her milky white eyes turned to the full moon, she felt the bite on her neck again where he had bitten her decades ago. ,,It seems he's not the only one back," she remarked as she heard the footsteps, the flapping of the mists and the howling of the wolves.

There were two monsters out that night, one who had been preying on the population, longing for the new world since his time was long gone.

But the other "vampire" he was here had come to the present had finally come back to her had returned to his heart to his only warm spot in this cold world.

The mighty wooden door opened and she only had to turn around to see her darling already standing in the doorway, a soft smile on his pale lips under which his fangs were hidden.

The pale skin, the veins and arteries and above all the wings hidden under the aristocratic clothing that now looked old and no longer modern.

,,You're back, my love," she stated the obvious firmly, suppressed the quick movement and walked towards him normally, trying to show him in "everyday life" that they were still mortal, that they still had a chance for forgiveness…even if they were already in the middle of hell. Wojchek nodded and put the basket on the table where she had already placed the tea service.

White old porcelain, considered valuable only by the old ones, was a beautiful reminder for the two of them of the day they had breakfast together on the Demeter on a reasonably sunny morning as a secret without the crew knowing.

,,Was it nice outside? Easy to get?" she asked, moving to the wooden chair, which was suddenly pulled back slightly as the black-haired man eased her into her seat, for which she gave him a stern look.

Her pale eyes met his once dark and vivid ones before he pulled several bottles, vials and jugs from the basket made of glass containing the dark viscous liquid she could feel the warmth behind the glass. As if the animal, the human and the poor half-volunteers were still alive and here.

Dark only the moon it's easy…but there seems to be caution in the air" he replied after a moment of wondering if he should give his love the care as he reached for the jug and took her cup pouring the blood slowly into it and his wife swallowed involuntarily as her throat felt raw, dry and hungry.

The need flashed in her eyes and she wanted to sink her fangs into a piece of meat before she suddenly felt his warm hand on hers. ,,Together as always, my heart," he reminded her, a hint of a smile on his usually full face, which she waved away with an embarrassed smile and nervously yet dnakably placed the cup on the plate, waiting for him to pour himself a cup before lifting it.

,,Enjoy it, my hunter," she teased him and heard the amused grin before the cups clinked lightly together and they both took a sip each.

The warm blood first stained her lips, then her tongue and finally her throat warm, full of life and better, tastier than anything they had ever tasted in their dead existence.

A moment of pleasure in which they closed their eyes, a light color returned to their skin, their lips no longer bloodless, their cheeks no longer pale and slightly sunken.

They both became the image of life again. ,,You've never looked more beautiful," he commented suddenly, setting his cup down before placing his hand on her cheek, she nestled against him, putting her own cup down and they both enjoyed the moment that had opened up for them.

,,And you've never hunted better," she winked slightly and now heard the laughter as he told her all the things he'd seen at night and when he'd met, the moon accompanying him even if it was her he was thinking of, the one who accompanied him as a field mouse from time to time and her warm embrace, her warm body was the reward he needed for the infinite time when he came back.

After a moment of looking at him, she rose to the great feast and went out to look at the moon, the sleepy city, the feeling of him and the past. A blink later she felt him behind her, warm hands on her like his lips kissing her fingers one by one she knew he needed it she needed it as a point that he hadn't completely died yet.

,,My beauty, my wondrous woman of infinity," he murmured between kisses as he kissed his way up her arms, playing with the strands of her hair gently, almost reverently, over the bite mark, her trembling disappearing with kisses and gestures before her own hands came to rest on his body.

Warm hands running over his body the bite wound that seemed so much more gruesome than hers, "Such a brave man" she commented feeling him relax as she remembered her letting go of him and he relaxed she placed her hands on his cheeks and pulled him into a grateful kiss.

A kiss drenched in blood and love under the moon that shone on her through the window, Wojchek pulled her closer holding her close in this resilient and yet fragile body….unaware that the beastly old bat had never let them both out of his sight, that the rapier was just waiting to strike at the right moment and extinguish the love he was never meant to have.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

@deliri-yum22 , @oceansrose2002 , @thecrossbowkillerr , @minilev , @mask-knife-is-buggys-girl

[sweeetestcurse]

David Dastmalchian as Wojchek in The Last Voyage of the Demeter 05/?

[jackdelroys]

[villain-preacher]

Just my three very tired weed smoking first mates.

[how-serene]

Needing Something Sweet

Scenario - What it would be like to kiss/make out with Jack Delroy, Murdoc and Wojchek.

Warnings - kind of nsfw??

A/N - Might do this for the others.

JACK DELROY - I want to believe he's a bit of a romantic (when he has the time.) Enjoys the slow, more intimate moments, where he can take his time and unravel you. The bitter taste of nicotine that coat his tongue would somehow be addicting. On days he's more busy, his kisses quickly become heated as he tries to enjoy every bit of you before he has to leave. Can be quite handsy, trailing his hand up your thigh if you two are seated. If he has you pressed against a desk he likes the feel of your legs securely wrapped around him. He has to be on constantly, for the cameras and interviews which can be tiring, so would maybe let you take the reins during moments like these (sometimes).

MURDOC - Intense, Heated, Passionate. Loves to bite at your bottom lip, mainly just to hear you hiss against him. Gloved hands are constantly running up and down your body, trying to pull you closer. When you tug at his hair, hard enough for him to wince, he won't admit he enjoys the sensation. Wouldn't mind having a bit of a push and pull with you, constantly fighting for control and dominance during. Will leave your lips feeling bruised and your head dizzy.

WOJCHEK - He's constantly away for weeks at sea, with only the memory of you to keep him content. When he's home, and with you again his kisses are feverish and almost desperate. Wojchek will kiss you till his lungs burn. You'll usually find him in control, rough hands keeping you pressed against him as his beard scratches at your skin. He'll smell of the sea, and tobacco after being gone for so long. Your lips and touch are what he's been daydreaming about for weeks, so he'll devote himself to satisfying those daydreams when he's finally home.

[minilev]

[hangonsnoopy19]

Sorry, I had to

[notsorichboy]

quality is questionable.. but here are some first mate pics i haven't seen circulating on here 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[jessicafangirl]

Let me be clear. When I say Last Voyage of the Demeter has a lot of Hammer in it I mean the ghost of Christopher Lee possessed David Dastmalchian. Thanks @minilev for ruining me for the day with those amazing gifs. <3 <3

[blueberrypancakesworld]

~ A look, a ship and a sin ~

warning : implied blood, kiss, sexism (I means it's the late 18th century), kinda smutish/flirting

Summary : The Demeter's last voyage had only a handful of crew members and a load of wooden crates. But when the housekeeper of the crates comes on board for the Lord, it's a look, the ship or a sin that comes up. Above all, the first mate can see through her the true nature of the pretty lady, or can he?

Info : So I watched the last voyage of the demeter a few weeks ago with my parents and I was so excited (because I read the Dracula and seeing the chapter ,,live" was just ahhh). Maybe some people on here want to read something for him I mean I do so here it is have fun reading ;)

gif from @minilev

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A crossing to London in the late 1880s was something she had never done before. Such a journey from transylvania to London a world city a city of modernity, a city that would soon be home to her. A city that would soon be doomed without anyone on the ship finding out. Because a ship without a crew could tell nothing.

But nobody could have known that when the sun was high in the sky that day. In the harbor of the city the Demeter was anchored and the captain was not only waiting for his crew but also for his special guest.

A single woman. A single woman who was to serve as housekeeper for the count who had commissioned the crates transportation, but that was all anyone seemed to know.

The footsteps of heeled boots could be heard on the stone floor of the harbor, the leather dragging up her ankles concealed by the white and red dress. The red velvet pattern pulled over the clean white dress that lay against her body, the corset pulled together at the back with laces and covered by fabric.

The sun shone down on the woman, emphasizing her cleanliness and beauty. The hat on her head released her hair but the wind made her strands bounce and the smile on her lips widened a little when she saw the large ship.

A sight of dark wood the great sail furled the figure at the bow of the ship a mermaid. Pretty and mysterious. ,,Ma'm, can I help you?" she heard an older voice than she could attribute to an older man. The thick white beard, the bluish cap and the white shirt that was no longer brand new.

Like something out of a book, she thought and gave him a friendly look. ,,Sir, could you tell me where I can find the captain of this wonderful ship?" she asked, pointing to the Demeter behind the man. She saw the slight smirk and amused look in the man's eyes. A simple game.

The man took off his cap and made a semblance of a bow, which she returned with a flattered curtsy. ,,Miss, you're standing in front of him... you're the housekeeper?" he asked, and suspicion flashed in her gaze, knowing she had taken a close look at his "guest list". Surprise and a grin also made the older man smile, ,,Pleased to meet you sir, I hope we have a good trip to London together...may I perhaps come aboard already?".

The conversation between the two was ignored by the crew as the men had something to do and the newest member of the temporary ship's doctor went to the rope to secure the cargo. All except one man, a man who had his dark eyes on the female. Watching his gaze, unsure about the new passenger and yet with no trust.

And so it was that the captain led his passenger to the ship, helped her up the gangplank and took her pack, ,,A lady shouldn't be overworked," he said with a smile and as a lesson to his grandson, who looked at the woman intently. ,,Men, we have our last passenger, a lady, I expect respect and decency!" the captain shouted to his crew, who turned their gazes to her, some more than others.

,,Wojchek, take the lady to her room and then come to me," the captain demanded, handing the suitcases to his first mate. The black-haired man's gaze was not pleased, not friendly and annoyed.

The short black hair, the beard more well than poorly groomed and dark, unblinking eyes looked at her. ,,A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wojchek, I am-" she wanted to introduce herself and was about to make a knciks when he simply interrupted her, not impressed by her look and smile, or was he?

,,A woman...on board the Demeter, that's something you have to handle with kid gloves, isn't it miss? Come on before you hurt yourself...a ship with men can be dangerous," he replied, letting his gaze wander over her, lingering for a moment on her lipstick-stained lips.

Blood was the same color before he walked past her and she hurriedly followed him so as not to remain alone in the open longer than necessary. And so it was that a few hours later the crew set sail from the harbor, heading out to the great open sea on their way to London months alone at sea.

Just the captain and his loyal crew plus the woman, the new heart of the ship. The heart of the ship who helped the crew where she could which was really nothing.

When she tried to clean the ship because Wojchek had given her a brush and water, saying ,,A woman should be able to do that" before he left, his dislike for her was still there after the captain told him to keep an eye on her so that none of the men would try. 

Even though he knew his crew, the first mate knew that one or the other wanted to do more than just talk, more than just look at those flowers, and when she had finished cleaning she was supposed to help in the kitchen, but the cook gave her the Bible and said she could read it so she wouldn't cut herself on the potato peel. ,,Such an Eve should not be harmed," said the religious man and gave her a smile before turning back to the ingredients.

She was sheltered by all and even helped the little boy to read and count for the captain's grandson, at least what she could do herself, which was what a woman needed to be accepted as a housekeeper. But no matter what, the first mate did not seem to fall for the heart of the ship.

Neither when he saw her at breakfast in the morning in her robe, which protected the thin dress underneath, did his gaze see the cold of the sea showing on her body.

She had tried to cover up the fact that her nipples were pressed against the fabric, her stockings were in her room and he had seen her delicate ankles and noticed her slightly wispy hair.

It was a view that burned into him, a view that wouldn't let him go. Not in the morning did he feel the tingling sensation in his stomach, knowing where his blood was being pumped.

Not at noon when he steered the ship and she kept her diary on deck, looking at him and stretching, her dress riding up slightly, her ankles visible again. Not even after dinner when he was getting ready to take care of his problem came over him.

But this had to end, the ship had to wake up, the Crew had to wake up and if it started with her, he wouldn't let his captain and the ship go down. Not because of this witch.

As he walked through the corridors of the ship, the modn in the sky made the deck and the entire ship seem dark, the sea endless and his thoughts sinful. The knocking on her door as he walked through the ship seemed to make his gaze briefly uncertain if anyone was awake.

But when a ,,Come in" sounded, he slipped into her room, a relatively large room that had room for a bed, a table and a small closet that had seen better days but didn't bother the young woman. ,,Mr.Wojchek, good evening... can I help you?" she asked, getting up from her chair and putting down the brush she had been brushing her hair with.

Her smile was full of innocence but her body was full of sin. ,,A proper lady would have dressed and not come to breakfast like a...whore a witch," he said, his dark eyes looking at her body under her nightgown. The curve of her breasts, her hips, her legs with her lovely ankles and a view of her center which was interrupted when she placed a hand on his chest.

He flinched back a hint of a smile showing he had been right. ,,Was it that recognizable?" she asked, running her fingers over the fabric of his shirt, leaving red streaks with her fingernails from the pressure.

He put his hand on her wrist firmly, warningly as he looked at her. ,,From the beginning," he snarled and she pulled away from his grip with a strength he hadn't given her credit for. She continued to walk around him, letting her hands roam over his tense body, so close that her breasts brushed his arm and back.

Her smirk turned to a giggle as she felt him, that sweet heartbeat, his fear, his anger, his lust, his desire. ,,Such a brave man from the start and yet, yet you almost seduced a woman with your gaze, with your thoughts...with your actions," she murmured to him and reached for his hand, knowing full well what he had done.

That he had desired her. He avoided her gaze as her hand came to rest on his cheek, a sensual touch, and she let out a surprised sound as he pressed her against the wall, his hand pressing against her neck but not completely depriving her of air.

,,I have nothing of the sort," he whispered to her, squeezing harder for a moment, a warning as he reached into his pocket with his other hand, the knife gleaming in the light of the oil lamp. But she just smiled, knowing exactly what he had done, hearing his groans and grunts as he imagined her. Only her for himself.

He was a sinner. Her hand that wasn't around his wrist went to his center, seeing the flash of lust and hate in his eyes as he gripped the knife tighter, his knuckles already white. Knowing that he would be fun to have him. ,,This ends now," he said and pulled out with the knife, ignoring his lust, the flash in his body, the arousal that craved her as she tore his hand from her neck and kissed him.

Her red lips stained his, the lipstick that was supposed to be sweet wasn't at all. The knife slid to the floor in his surprise, he didn't fight back against the lust that felt so good.

But something so good shouldn't taste metallic, shouldn't be freezing cold and shouldn't paralyze him. ,,Shhh don't want to wake the others, good boy... shall we start?" she whispered to him and bit gently into his ear, feeling him wince as he didn't understand what was happening.

As she kissed her way down to his neck before he felt the pain as she rammed her fangs into his neck. Her new pet that sucked his blood was getting another hug. Just as her master could keep several mistresses, she could also keep more.

Starting with the first mate of Demeter who would be hers forever. He almost managed to expose her, but this secret would perish on the endless crossing and never reach her new home in London.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

@jessicafangirl maybe you like to read it

@ebiemidnightlibrarian

@mask-knife-is-buggys-girl (liked your smut blurb)

[sweeetestcurse]

David Dastmalchian as Wojchek in The Last Voyage of the Demeter 04/?

[jackdelroys]

[sameheart-sameblood]

Turn of the Tide

pairing: wojchek x f!reader

summary: wojchek discovers you've disguised yourself as a man to work aboard the demeter and agrees to keep your secret. he begins treating you different than the other crewmates and you confront him about his unfair behavior

words: 2.8k

warnings: angst, mentions of reader's sad background, chest binding, fluff, me not knowing anything about ships and what happens on them

a/n: popping in to say i'm not dead, just depressed and busy lol. truly grateful to this character for pulling me out of my fic slump. im back to once again make a grumpy fictional man way softer than he was ever meant to be hahaha. also guess im obsessed with david dastmalchian now?? didn't have that on my 2023 bingo card tbh

read on ao3!

Sailors believe in many things. A red sunrise can send them into a panic, anticipating the swells and overbearing winds they’re so sure are to come. Red skies at night, however, can make even the most pessimistic crewmate believe there’s fair weather on the way. Captains refuse to set sail on Fridays, sailors place coins under the mast for good fortune and mariners daren’t whistle lest they summon a storm. Many vessels even have a cat aboard, the little creatures seen to bring luck (and sharp teeth to lessen the rat population). 

Sailors believe in many things but above all they can agree that a woman on board is bad luck. Which seems silly to you because here you are, a woman who’s been on board The Demeter for many months now. Your presence had not brought ill fortune to the vessel. In fact, the weather had remained pleasant, despite the late summer month’s usual downpours and hurricanes. 

Granted none of the crew knew you were a woman. You had disguised yourself as a man, hair cut short and chest bound tightly, but that didn’t change the fact of your sex. A life of adventure on the seas had always called to you but there was no possibility of you being granted work on a ship. The only woman allowed onboard was the carved wooden figurehead of a mermaid that decorated the bow of a vessel. There was no place for you at sea. 

Not one to take no for an answer, you found your own way to get work as a sailor. You had spent time aboard trading ships, learning the ways of the trade and earning the trust of the men you crewed alongside. Your last posting had gone so well that the captain of that ship had recommended you to a friend for your next job. 

That friend had turned out to be Captain Eliot of The Demeter. Captain Eliot and his First Mate, Wojchek, had asked you a few questions, all of which you answered confidently. The Captain was a kind man who remarked positively at your experience. The First Mate, however, was standoffish, challenging your every answer. Wojchek frowned slightly as the Captain offered you the posting and as they walked away you heard him mutter, “He’s too scrawny, Captain. He won’t be able to pull his weight.” 

Captain Eliot had only chuckled, “I thought the same thing when I hired you. Look how wrong I was. You must learn to give people chances, Mr. Wojchek.”

While you appreciated the Captain’s confidence, you made it your mission to show this Mr. Wojchek just how mistaken he was. And for a time, your life aboard the ship was simple. You performed your duties well, befriended the men, took initiative and came to be seen as one of the more ambitious members of the crew. Even Wojchek had to admit, although never to your face, that your were one of the better sailors who had worked under him. 

That good will you had earned was probably the only thing that kept the First Mate from throwing you overboard when he found out who you really were. Your secret was discovered when Wojchek had walked in on you unannounced and had discovered you securing your chest binding. After much fussing, he had threatened to toss you off at the next port. 

You had pleaded with him to show some kindness and let you stay. Eventually, Wojchek reluctantly agreed to let you remain aboard but warned that he couldn’t help you if the rest of the crew found the truth about you. You had promised him that if you were discovered, you would never let on that he had been any the wiser.

The two of you came to an uneasy agreement and work continued, albeit now with a strained air between you. The men would often remark how the first mate would give you the hardest tasks. You had to agree with them. It did feel like Wojchek was taking out his frustration on you. After one particularly grueling day where he had assigned you to a back to back deck watch, you knew you had no choice but to confront him. 

******

You find him in the tiny room assigned to the First Mate of the ship . It was one of the few luxuries he was given on the boat. Whereas you and the other sailors slept where they could in hammocks tied between posts and amongst the cargo, Wojchek had a tiny room all to himself. He even had a porthole, something he takes great pride in.  

You hear him groan as you continuously knock on the door, disrupting his peace. Footsteps approach and the door squeaks open. Wojchek grimaces down at you. 

“What is it, sailor?”

“I need to speak with you, sir.”

“I don’t have time. Neither do you. It’s nearly your watch.”

“I’m not due on deck for a good while yet.”

“We can talk later. Be on your way.”

He starts to close the door but you push against it, anger surging through you at his dismissal. You barge into his room, slamming the door behind you. Wojchek’s eyes widen for a moment, caught off guard by your boldness. But a moment later, he’s back to his usual gruff self. He glowers, backing away from you like you carry a disease he’s worried is catching. 

“This isn’t appropriate.”

“Why? Because I’m a woman?”

“Keep your voice down!”

“It’s not a dirty word.”

“It is when you are disguised as a man on a ship. I’ve kept your secret and I’ll continue to do so. If any of the others were to find out, though…”

“I’ve been sailing with these men for nearly a year. They’re my friends but they’re not the most observant. I think my secret is safe. Besides, if they found out…” you lead off, shrugging your shoulders. 

Wojchek’s face darkens at your blasé attitude. “You think these men are your friends? They would turn on you the second they found out the truth about you.”

“That’s not true,” you retort, “just because you hate me doesn’t mean they would.”

“When did I ever say I hate you?”

“You don’t have to. The way you treat me is proof enough. The others may not have realized I’m a woman but they have started to notice you seem to give me the worst tasks and the most watches.  They know you don’t like me. Sooner or later, they’ll really try and figure out why. You might be the one that reveals my secret to them without meaning to.”

“I don’t hate you, I…”

He looks at you. Really looks at you, something he tried not to do very often once he noticed how catching sight of you made his heart skip a beat. His shoulders tense as he stares into your bright, vulnerable eyes, so out of place in a sailor. 

“You have no idea what a life at sea does to you.” He anticipates the retort you have ready to throw at him and holds up a silencing hand, imploring you to let him finish. “You’ve been on The Demeter for almost a year. No small feat for anyone, man or woman. You’re a good sailor. One of my best. People like you all start out the same, hungry for adventure. They see a life sailing from place to place as an answer to all their problems. And for a time, they’re happy. But eventually, the work breaks you. It keeps you from your family, from your friends. People on land move on while you’re away for months, even years at a time. ” 

Wojchek pauses, all the fight leaving him. “When you come back to port, you look for those who promised they’d always be there for you but one day they don’t come back. The ship’s arrival to land no longer brings hope and the sea can no longer mend the hurt that’s inside you. ” He lowers his gaze, perhaps remembering those whom he’s lost over the years. 

“The light leaves the men’s eyes once they realize that their world has shrunk to the size of this ship. They have nowhere else they belong. It’s suffocating. They grow resentful. I don’t want that for you. I don’t want to see the light leave your eyes.”

The whiplash of it all makes your head spin. You’ve been so convinced these last few months that this man hates you. Now he’s speaking to you more than he has this whole year. Not only that, it seems the worry over your wellbeing has cost him sleep. More so than a First Mate is supposed to spend worrying about a subordinate… 

The light in your eyes? Honestly, you didn’t know that was something you possessed. Maybe a glint of steely determination but you would never have called it anything akin to hope. Your life had always been hard. Being born a woman made life a constant struggle. Being born a poor one made it near impossible. 

Wojchek hasn’t moved, still close enough that you can feel the heat coming off of him in the crisp autumn night air that seeps through the tiny cracks in the ship. His eyes, however, keep jumping between your face and the floor. What he’s said has finally sunk in and along with it, his shame of wearing his heart on his sleeve. 

You keep your voice low as not to scare him. Seeing the usual rock of a man so skittish makes you approach your next words with the same precision as someone handling explosives. “I was born  in squalor to a family that saw my existence as nothing more than a burden. I spent most of my days wondering where my next meal would come from and if I’d have somewhere to sleep. I learned to deal with my lack of means. The thing I never could get over was the fact that I had no one in my life who cared if I lived or died.”

This is nothing you haven’t thought before but something about saying it aloud takes your breath away. A pressure grows in your chest as you fight the emotion that comes with revealing your own secrets. Wojchek doesn’t make it any easier, his once darting gaze now fixed intently on you. It’s your turn to avoid his dark eyes, staring at your shoes as you continue. 

“I was never truly happy until I came on The Demeter. I have food, my own bed, purpose, adventure…friends,” the last word almost doesn’t make it past your throat, now tight with emotion. “I finally feel like I have a home.”

It’s only fair that you tell him the whole of your truth seeing how he’d kept your secret for the last few months. He deserves that much. The tension in the room swirls thick but you aren’t sure if it’s because the First Mate is preparing to send you away or not. You wouldn’t blame him if he did throw you off the ship. With you gone, everything could return to the way it was. It might be better for everyone. 

You become lost in your own dark thoughts. Wojchek reaches out a hand, brushing your hair, shorn short and shaggy as part of your disguise, off of your face. You close your eyes at the touch, savoring the feel of his calloused fingers skimming so gently across your skin. All too soon, he’s pulling his hand away, remembering himself. 

“The Demeter is also the only home I’ve ever known,” Wojchek admits, “It’s a good ship and she’s been strong and true to me. If you’re sure this is where you want to be then you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

You nod your thanks, tears threatening to spill again at the relief of knowing you don’t have to leave. When they begin to roll down your cheeks despite your efforts to keep them hidden, Wojchek tuts softly, “Everything will be alright, kotku.”

You may not know the meaning of the word but you can understand from the tenderness in his eyes that it’s a term of endearment in his native tongue. The realization makes you bold. 

“It’s not just the ship or the crew that make The Demeter my home. It’s you.” You force yourself to maintain eye contact with Wojchek, fighting the instinct to look away. The though that he may not return the strength of your feelings sends a shiver of fear through you but you need him to understand how you feel. 

Wojchek searches your face for some deceit but finds only raw truth. He takes a step forward mere inches between you now. His hands twitch to reach for you again but he holds himself back. Above all else, Wojchek is a professional. Just because he thinks you want him doesn’t mean he’ll take the risk of abusing the power imbalance between you. 

Instead, you take the initiative. “May I kiss you, Mr. Wojchek?” It comes out as nothing more than a whisper but he nods. You lean in, teetering on your toes, never realizing how tall he actually was until now. A particularly strong wave hits the ship and you lose your balance. Before you can lose your footing, he has you in his arms. 

Wojchek hikes you up, bringing your face level to his. Years of working the ship have made him strong as an ox and he thanks the gods that he finally has good use for the muscles that hide beneath his tunic.

You press your lips to his and it takes you a few moments to remember to breathe. The kiss is trepidatious and sweet but leaves your stomach swirling with butterflies. Wojchek’s grip tightens on you, scared he’ll find that you’ve been some sprite in his dream that the morning sun will chase away. It feels good to be pressed together like this, limbs intertwined so you’re not sure where you end and he begins.

All too soon, he breaks away, gasping slightly. It seems you weren’t the only one who forgot how breathing works. The sight of the usually stern man so undone by a chaste kiss makes you chuckle.  Your hand grazes his cheek, running over his stubble. It’s strange to remember that just an hour ago you were convinced Wojchek wanted nothing more than to throw you overboard. Now he’s holding you like he’ll never let you go. How quickly life can change for the better. 

The tranquility is broken by the banging of Olgaren resonating through the wood of the ship. Your watch will soon begin and if you aren’t there to take your post, someone will come looking for you. The ship won’t sail itself and you sigh, realizing you can’t put off your responsibilities in favor of staying with Wojchek all night. 

The First Mate groans, “Stay a little longer.”

“I’m late as it is!” You smile at his pout. It’s a new expression you’ve never seen from his before and you push him down onto his tiny bed, kissing him once again. Another bang resounds through the ship and you whine, getting back to your feet. 

“I’ll make Abrams cover your watch.” Wojchek offers, staring up at you with comically pleading eyes. 

“You’ll have a mutiny on your hands if you come between that man and his sleep. Besides, it’s only four hours. You can even come visit me on deck if you like. It’s single watch so there won’t be anyone around to wonder why we’re together.”

“Four hours?” he grumbles.

“You’re the one who assigned me double watch!” 

Wojchek leans back, watching you button your jacket, trying your best to look presentable. He can’t help but smile at the commitment to your work ethic. “I’ll be up as soon as you relieve Olgaren.”

You nod, trying to remove the smile plastered on your face but failing miserably. Hopefully Olgaren is too tired to ask questions when he sees you. “See you soon.”

You’re about to open the door when you remember something. “What does kotku mean?”

Wojchek smiles, “Little cat.”

Once again you’re struck by the sweetness of a man so eager to have the world call him unfeeling. The nickname makes sense. You yourself believe that your presence seems to bring fair weather and good luck to the boat. The Demeter might not have a four legged feline to bring fair fortune but you’re the next best thing; positive, tenacious and willing to do anything for the good of the ship and crew. 

You grin at Wojchek, who now lounges happily on his tiny bed, looking somewhat feline himself. “Are you sure you want to call me that? A ship can never be without a cat. It’s bad luck. You’ll never be rid of me.”

Wojchek smiles contentedly, blinking slowly, sleep seemingly not far off. The chances of him joining you on deck for the evening appear to be dwindling. You’d be devastated if he didn’t look so adorable. He nods, beckoning you for one last kiss goodbye. “Good. I’ll keep calling you kotku so we never have to be apart.”

******

[how-serene]

it's nearly one a.m. and im thinking about vampire!wojchek biting and gnawing at his own skin, tearing through the layers of flesh in order temporarily quench his own hunger. he can't bring himself to hurt someone, no matter how painful the hunger pangs get. if you were somehow involved in his life, this would fuel his personal disgust with himself, and encourage him to stay away.

but no matter how much he cycles through his own blood, he's never satisfied. i imagine one night he breaks, he succumbs to his desires. the tears falling from his cheek and the trembling of his hands when he tantalizingly bites into your warm flesh. his tongue sweeping over the open wound, lapping at the scarlet pooling from your neck.

for one blissful moment, he falls away. deeper and deeper, until all he knows is the taste of you filling his belly.

he doesn't notice the fact you've become eerily quiet, and gone still. misses the slack jawed, wide eyed expression as your grip on his arm loosens.

you fill his senses, as his drinks your remaining memories.

[minilev]

[hangonsnoopy19]

The Season of the Witch

(Sequel to The Hour of the Wolf)

Surprise, bitch! Bet you thought you’d seen the last of me!

Wojchek and his new mate defeat the vampire and return to The Demeter. But is the threat safely behind them?

Ao3 Link