Chapter Text
“This belongs to you.”
It’s dry now, somewhat. No longer in that sorrowful state Two Time had found it in before.
Elliot doesn’t seem as enthralled as he should be at the recovery of his…past year worth of work? He’s too angry to properly face Two Time, keeping his eyes low as he tries to calm his nerves.
They’ve been together for far too long for the captain to not notice, but they’re still naive enough to believe he won’t say anything. So instead, they try to walk away before he can say a word.
The end of their coat gets tugged back, enough for them to feel a small tear in their already stretched out garments. It has endured quite a beating before their most recent incident, and the manhandling didn’t exactly make anything better.
“You can’t go back there on your own.” They sneer at his tone, feeling the same emotions once felt when their father tried taking control of their life. What an absurdity, their subordinate telling them off when he needs to be the one kept in place.
“Two Time, what are we going to do if he takes you away from us?”
“There should be no concern for that,” they tug their coat back, enough force to convey their message. “I highly doubt he’ll do such a thing.”
It’s just Elliot on the beach for now, always the one to wait for them no matter where they end up. Maybe that’s why Two Time feels guilty, because unlike the others, he wants to make sure they’re safe and shows it.
Well, Taph also does that. But last time she had tried to welcome them back on the boat it involved fireworks. They don’t know where she got them, she didn’t even inform them there were more in the bottom floors of the boat. Had to find out the hard way.
“Did he tell you that?”
“Ah.”
Did…he?
They can’t specifically remember everything he said, only the most important parts. But he’s so cute, everything he said was important! From his sleeping issues, to his time as a human, to his…uh…
Maybe they were too engrossed in getting to kiss him, they had completely forgotten a plethora of questions that should have been asking. Regardless of what they were mulling over, trying to get more information out of him was the most useful thing they were good at. Everything else they excelled in wasn’t…useful on the siren. So what they had to do was resort to words, no matter how stupid it may be.
The kiss was not planned, though not unwelcome either. Who in their right mind would ever pass on the opportunity to kiss such a beauty? Besides, he had initiated the entire thing first. Just because they wanted another one didn’t mean anything in their mind.
“What did you even go over there to do?” He prodded at them, voice raising as they stepped back. “Do you know how worried I was?”
Perhaps the wrong person was compared to their father. Maybe it was the person that stands before them now?
At times, they think they never really grew up. What’s the point in making these stupid comparisons to people who aren’t around anymore? All it does is make them unreasonably angry at those they shouldn’t be—just like him.
“I understand your worry, I really do.” Though Two Time can’t give him the reassurance he needs. “Yet I cannot let this opportunity go to waste when we have so little options.”
They had thought of this the second they realized he wasn’t going to go out of his way to hurt them—not while they don’t pose any threat. If they managed to befriend him, and show Azure they trusted him, perhaps a favor could be struck.
Their feelings weren’t important in comparison to their crew’s lives, but every human gets swept away by the tides of love. In their eyes, Azure was just another person—a bit too tall in height—who was lonely. As long as they stayed on his good side, they needn’t worry about any potential danger that may arise.
“You fell for it.”
It catches Two Time by surprise, the way his voice lowers as he finally gives up on convincing them. Their mind was made up already—and too soon at that. Every minute on this island only makes the navigator more and more aware of his demise. No way of escape, crew mates that are more focused on themselves than others, a captain who doesn’t properly communicate.
Elliot puts himself between his captain and their siren they’ve become enamored with. Heels digging into the sand as he makes sure they cannot leave.
“He’s calling to you, and you’re going back.”
“I see no issue as long as you’re all safe.” Even if he’s right, they aren’t all too opposed to their fate as long as what they care for isn’t harmed. “As of now, I’m making sure you’re all taken care of.”
“But you aren’t doing this for our safety.” A step forwards, pressing his chest to theirs as they smile at him annoyed, nose twitching in anger. “You’re doing this because you think you’re in control.”
“I do believe I am.”
What’s another bluff to ease their own nerves? Everyone does that, it’s in basic human nature to lie to oneself. And in a situation such as theirs? Who could possibly blame them for anything?
“Oh you can’t be serious.” A new voice joins their argument, someone neither of them want to be there. As always though, he loves to show up at the most inconvenient times to piss off anyone he can.
“iTrapped go back to bed.” Two Time can only cringe at how bossy they sound, always trying to keep a level of friendliness with their commands.
“What are you even getting out of doing this?” iTrapped has been pretty pushy, feeling better and immediately getting back to being annoying. Typical, but they should be glad he does so, means he’s not dying. “I know you get a thrill for putting your life on the line, but is there any point with him?”
Two Time thinks for a long while. Their relationship with Azure started purely because of their own stupidity mixed with the confusing aspects of how sirens work. They had been doomed from the start, their fate sealed by the time he knew of their name.
And yet, he never did anything to them. This included their crew.
With how easy it would be for him to just grab them in the night, forcing them deeper into the vast unknown forest area of the island. Making sure they never get the opportunity to even think of leaving could’ve been done at once. He could’ve patrolled the waters, pop up and scoop them away and devour them at any point…
They never did, staying on one side of the island and keeping to himself. On the night he did visit, he chose to stay away from them still. His presence—while terrifying—never caused them to believe he’d do actual harm.
He was tired, with deep eyebags that Two Time ignored until finally understanding why. To the misfortune of their crew, Two Time is more interested in keeping to themself rather than sharing it. For all they know—and they know a lot—one of their subordinates would go out of their way to try and quicken their plan. Ultimately, the captain knows how terrible and suspicious it would be to the siren to suddenly see such a switch in treatment.
“Of course there is.” They comment, ignoring the two pairs of eyes on them. “You should believe me when I say I have it under control.”
“Nobody believes that, last night was proof of—“
“He didn’t do anything.” The snap back, uncaring of who speaks to them anymore. “And my talk with him proves what I need to know.”
“And what of the rest of us?” Elliot staggers over to them, forcing them to look at him with all the intensity of the same eyes from last night. “You’re telling me you talk to this giant monster—“
“His name is Azure.”
“Who’s a giant sea creature that ate people, by the way.” iTrapped comments, on Elliot’s side for once. “And if you forgot, we’re all people.”
“Ok so Azure—ugh!” The captain had never seen their companion so stressed, and they know they’re to blame. “You’re telling me—no you’re telling us not to worry about it. And then you disappear randomly, right after he just stalked us! You disappear after he was practically hunting us down…!”
“You’re repeating yourself.”
Elliot turns to iTrapped, who jumps a bit as all the anger is redirected at him despite their earlier alliance.
“Oh, wait now—“
“Not a word from you! Because it was you who kept scamming people. Because it was you who got us in trouble. Because it was—“
“Two Time’s getting away.”
They shut their eyes and try walking a little faster, ignoring the heavy footsteps of someone running after them as they’re tackled to the sand. Landing face first and shutting their eyes, they lay on the beach as Elliot gets up, kicking sand everywhere—including onto them.
“Don’t run away!”
“I’m not!” They scream back uncharacteristically. They use both arms to lift themself up, coughing up all the things in their mouth. “I’m walking away from a situation I simply no longer wish to be part of!”
“That’s running away!” The shout from behind causes the navigator to snap back. Telling the other to screw off.
“Elliot, I have it all under control—“
“You don’t Two Time, you can’t control that thing despite what you think!”
Their fists clench into the soft sand, grinding their teeth together as Elliot shouts at them.
Azure is not a thing, they can say for certain he was never anything but a person.
That's what he is to them, a siren who longs to be with someone again. With anyone who’s willing to take that role. His appearance is nothing to be ashamed of, and Two Time will defend their Azure with all that they can.
Maybe it’s because they haven’t eaten, or drank any…proper clean water in a good while. That’s a good reason as to why they get so defensive of a person they hardly know. Each insult thrown at Azure while he hides away just drives them to be more enraged for him.
They’re a pirate, well known for being mischievous, rebellious, and criminal. People wouldn’t see it in their nature to defend a random siren from their own crew.
But Azure was too…kind.
It was most noticeable in those lovely brown eyes of his, the way he stares at them with such admiration and longing. Yet it wasn’t solely for them as another he was intrigued by, it was because Two Time was a human.
He’s jealous still, that what he is now will never allow him to be the same as he was once. Perhaps he finds solace in loving humans through loving Two Time.
Though that will never be enough for him.
And that makes their next words so much more merciless, proving that they really are no better than the insults thrown at them. Azure had made a mistake in being interested in Two Time, solely because they find themself to be worst through their own eyes.
“I’m…using him.”
They cough, really wishing they had some water right about now as sand falls into their mouth.
“You’re what?”
He can’t believe them, the sudden switch from an idiot in love with a beast to a cynical captain who wants to betray the very person they’ve been chasing.
“If I can get Azure to trust me, and realize that he can’t keep us—you here. I can persuade him to get us off this island and back to the mainland.”
The two don’t seem convinced enough. A plan so stupid and yet their only option was relying on a singular person to act it out? How idiotic, the faces both of them make speak volumes on their decision.
“I’ve already built a good relationship with him.” None of them need to know about the weird kiss that occurred between the two. And definitely don’t need to know how Two Time begged for a second one. “My main concern as your Captain is to make sure you all return safely.”
Being the self-sacrificing type was never their thing, but they could never allow for any of their crew to die out here amidst the waves. Not if they can take their spot.
This includes the annoying one staring at them.
“I am doing everything in my power to make sure you’re all well taken care of, even if that means I’ll be left behind with him.”
They don’t want to be, not in the sense of getting away from Azure, but because they can’t stay on this stupid island. If Azure could join them on the mainland…pier…anything but this damn island that keeps them away from civilization, Two Time would gladly try to persuade him to come.
There is no home for any of them, and as far as they’re aware, this is Azure’s home. To take him away from this island is hard enough, but if they can just get into his head that their crew deserve to leave, they will stay.
“Captain.” Arguably one of the few times iTrapped ever addresses them as such that didn’t feel diminishing. Sauntering over to them as they sit in the sand.
“Are you in love with the giant fish?”
“Ok now I’m mad.”
They get up, dusting their coat off as they stand and wobble around while their footing slips. Elliot is still too dumbfounded to speak, and the annoying one is more concerned about his captain’s love life.
“Oh Two Time…” He groans, banging his head against his notebook as they watch his agonizing display. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“Because no matter what I do Elliot, no matter what I say…”
They prod their finger to his chest.
“You.”
The blond looks up at them, a confused look.
“Always.”
The smirk on iTrapped’s face is apparent, slowly growing wider as the boring little goody two shoes finally gets scolded.
“Tell.”
When the navigator first joined, anyone with a brain could instantly guess why when he set foot on the ship.
“Chance.”
His cheeks darken as he covers his face with his notebook, being brought down a few pegs as his little crush is finally outed.
“And you tell him everything, which makes him talk about it. The last thing I want is for him to start going off about how much I’m manipulating Azure to get us off this stupid island. Because the second he opens his mouth…”
Two Time leans in a little close, watching the blond’s eyes widen as they place a hand on his shoulder.
“We are not getting out of here.”
Elliot stays silent, trying to grasp the situation as best he can for everyone’s sake. The plan sounds absurd, and if he knew what went on earlier he would instantly accuse them of lying.
They do like Azure.
Liking him isn’t the issue—for them. The reason they want out is because surviving in this dump just seems hellish. There’s no possible way any of them would survive for long even with their skills. At some point they’d just give up. Adapting to a life like this was easy in theory, but in practice?
Nobody was coming to save them, especially since Azure would certainly do something to make sure there was no saving. Relying on help from the outside world was absolutely pointless. The only way they are leaving is if Azure allows it.
And if that means Two Time stays, that is what they’ll agree to.
“I hope you understand,” they fall back, giving Elliot enough space to put everything into perspective. “That what I’m doing is for all of us.”
He nods his head, ignoring the previous outburst and hoping what they do now is good enough.
Because they’re right.
“I need you to promise me.” A plea not from a subordinate, but from a friend. “Promise me right now you won’t go back there. Not alone. Take one of us just to make sure you’re safe.”
Two Time looks between each person, tail twitching anxiously as all eyes fall on them. This wasn’t something to be avoided, but a situation they’d gladly never sign up to be in. It never mattered how long they were in charge, or how often they were put in the front to become the center of attention, their stomach flipped as their two crew members awaited an answer that would ease them.
“Fine.”
The pirate captain lets out a heavy sigh, the feeling of all their stares reminding them all too much about a familiar, yet eerie and cold feeling from many years ago.
“I won’t go back there alone.”
⊹ ࣪ ˖
“Azure, I’m back!” They walk down the shore by themselves, having finally gotten away from their crew in the early morning.
Their siren had not visited them in the night as the previous day, and Two Time was rather worried about him. Being alone was already enough for concern, but that version of him swimming about freely with no care of how it might make their crew feel was…less than ideal.
Keeping tabs on him was their best bet at figuring him out. At first it seemed unnecessary, but knowing as much as possible was their key to leaving.
Also, they missed him. They were given water and food, so the need to be with Azure was definitely not done out of starvation.
“Oh, Two Time?” He lifts his head up, tail wagging below the surface as he waits for them to approach. “So soon, you didn’t bring any of your friends?”
“Ah…the trip is too long. And they’re all so tired, I need to let them rest where they can. It’s too early, isn’t it?”
“I suppose,” he beckons for them to come closer, their little legs running up to him as he leans down. “But spending time alone with you is too good to pass up. Maybe it’s good your little friends didn’t come…”
Like they would ever come here if it weren’t for Elliot’s concern. Two Time knows how angry he'll be to see them missing once again, but that won’t make him rush down to this side of the island by himself.
“I’ll stay longer for you today, so we can talk more.”
Nice, for both reasons.
“Where do you go off to? You never do say.”
“That’s…hard to explain.” When their smile drops, he lets out a small laugh. “It’s not like that, I’m simply not used to being around people anymore.”
He lowers himself, resting his head on their arm as he tries to be on eye level with the human.
“It’s…difficult to start talking with someone again for so long. As lonely as I am, I needed some space.”
‘You say that and yet who kissed me first…’ Thoughts that could never be spoken aloud flood their mind. Normally there wouldn’t be an issue, but Azure is simply not someone they’re ok with speaking to without thinking. They must be wary of what they say.
“I hope you aren’t embarrassed by yesterday. You do know how much I enjoyed it.”
“Oh my, I don’t think I did.”
Two Time’s hand comes and rests gently on his cheek, feeling how his muscles move as Azure smiles at the contact. One would say they’re too close, but they’d be damned after yesterday. He wouldn’t do a thing unless they specifically pissed him off.
Which they’re still worried about doing accidentally. Horrible phrasing of any sentence they wish to say could come straight back at them. They hope if anything were to occur, Azure would at least kill them quickly.
“Though,” they can feel him start to blush, heating rising as they stare down at the pirate. “If you wish to kiss again I wouldn’t…mind.”
“You say that as if you didn’t start it.”
“If I hadn’t, would you?” He quips back, rolling his eyes.
“In the future? Absolutely. I’m not used to kissing so soon, they usually take time.”
“…Do they?”
“Yes, why?”
Azure quiets down, remembering a previous person who stayed by their side. Even with them, they never…did anything together besides stay together. That was all Azure thought he needed.
Until he met Two Time of course.
Now his mind feels fuzzier than usual, the tiny pirate eliciting strange feelings he barely remembers experiencing as a human. Kissing felt like the only thing he could do that wouldn’t end with them dead, so naturally he had gone for it when he could.
How lucky they felt the same.
But how horrible to discover they had done so previously.
Two Time said last time they were called “pretty” by people. According to them, that’s the more popular saying in comparison to how Azure called them “cute” and such. From his size that felt like the more appropriate description to use, but obviously there were many other words that could be said to depict their perfect little captain.
How many people had they been with previously? It makes him mad just thinking about it, too late to be the first one to kiss them.
Well, definitely the first giant monster to do so. At least he has that.
“What’s wrong?” They can see how irritated he looks. Fearful, they take their hand away to give him some space.
“If I were human, would you have fallen in love with me?”
Two Time lets out a small laugh, instantly shutting up once Azure glares at them.
“If you were one, I’d fall in love instantly.”
“So you don’t love me now?”
What?
“W-what? Pardon?”
“Would you love me if I was a human…you said if I was then yes.” The siren shakes his head in dismay. “And you said “instantly” to rub it in, how long did it take for you to fall in love with me now?”
Never once has someone done this before, remembering what they said and wondering how in the hell Azure came up with that conclusion from that.
“No…I meant that I just…love you?”
“Why are you questioning it?”
First of all they’re not even sure if this is real love. As much as it pains them to say it, and Azure being incredibly sweet to them…they think. Love is far too much for them to actively say. And with his current reaction, they’re not sure if that’s what he wants to hear from them.
Using it as a lie is also…dangerous.
“No Azure—I’m not doing that at all.”
“I know.”
“I do love you right now. Which is crazy to say because I barely know you. That’s not a bad thing though…I’ve never felt this way with another person before.”
“Really?”
“Right. Normally when I’m with someone it’s really short, and it never goes further than a few days. Being a pirate and going from place to place makes you very…unappealing? Apparently.”
“I would assume so.”
Two Time begins to pace back and forth before him, thinking back on all their past relationships. Falling for a siren seems stupid, but it’s pretty easy when said siren is Azure of all people. Ignoring the need to use him in order to get back to the mainland, spending time around him was honestly a breath of fresh air.
Like before, he’s their type. Much bigger than the preferred height, but that makes it all the more exciting. If their relationship is already well, it’ll surely be better in the future?
“I do like you—being with you is calming.” Not the full truth, they make them scared all the same. “I’m surprised myself how I fell in love so easily, but it isn’t too unclear as to why.”
“You think I’m easy?”
Azure likes to play around with them, knocking their dumb hat they still keep on for appearances’ sake. Using one finger to stroke their head, it feels like petting a small animal.
“Not at all—“
“Ah…I think I’m done. You don’t have to explain yourself anymore!”
Huh?
“Whatever do you mean?”
Still petting them, Azure smiles as he pokes at their cheek. Gently, his nails give them quite a scare still!
“I just wanted to hear you say you liked me, but I think I got more out of it than expected.”
“Well…I do like to talk.”
“Are you sure?” He raises a brow. “I’d have taken you for the quiet type.”
“I enjoy talking to people I like.”
“Such as me?”
“Such as you.”
“Mm…cute.”
That word again, but perhaps they can grow accustomed to it over time. Hopefully none of their crew overhear such a compliment, that’s the last thing they want to be teased about.
“You don’t look so well.” They hide a scowl, the answer being obvious. Yet the siren plays dumb. “How has the island been treating you?”
“Not…bad?” If their island experience could be chopped up to purely Azure, it’s was amazing. “I must say, I’d prefer a more…lively destination.”
“Unfortunately dear, this is all I had. No place outside ever welcomes me.” He sadly chuckles to himself. “I wonder why.”
Everyone who runs into him has deemed him a monster, just as Two Time did on that same night. Were they any better? Did falling for him justify how they originally felt, considering they had grown past it?
“Have you ever tried, recently at least?”
“Oh, I’m sure the reactions would be the same as your crew had.”
Yikes. But Azure would rightly remember the faces of people he spared. Them running into the forest and not being here still shows they’re scared. Probably the reason as to why he asked for them earlier.
“Besides, I fear what I’d do so close to towns at night. The last thing I want is to hurt people…that don’t deserve it.”
Trying to make up for the fact he definitely has already doesn’t help. His attempt is still greatly appreciated.
“Is that what you really fear, my love? Hurting people?”
“Hehe…your love?”
“Do you like that name?”
Azure narrows his eyes, smile apparent yet hidden once again.
“Very much.”
“Then I’ll keep calling you that.”
They can’t help but wag their tail, feeling his eyes on them the entirety of their time together. No longer does his gaze feel like they’re being hunted. More of a yearning, one that wishes to walk beside them normally than as they are now.
“What shall I call you?” He questions, tracking their every move with curiosity. “Surely “Captain” won’t do?”
“I’d prefer not to be called that by a lover. Feels a little weird, no?”
“I suppose.”
“Whatever you come up with—within reason—is fine by me.” Last thing they want is a humiliating nickname that Chance had once tried to gift them. That word isn’t allowed to be used on board, even when it fits the situation.
“A bit hard when I barely know you.”
“And yet you kissed me.”
“Cuteness aggression, like a puppy.”
Ignoring that comment, because they think of themself as a cat more than a dog, they try to dig into an unspoken topic.
“Where had you gone off to last night?”
While, truthfully, it’s not their business, knowing is good. Perhaps patrolling while unseen? Out hunting for food? Or maybe lazing around?
“I wanted to clear my head, so I swam around the island.”
“Never saw you.”
“Didn’t want to be seen.”
How scary, such a large creature being able to go unnoticed as they lay unaware. They hadn’t even felt a presence of being watched, only the cold annoying them as the fire dimmed down through the night.
“Did you at least eat?”
“I try not to do that when I can.”
“That isn’t good.” Regardless of what he ends up eating, everyone needs food. “Don’t you eat fish?”
“At some point you grow to hate it. Especially when you live for longer than most.”
Fish everyday sounds horrible, and that’ll be their life if they can’t make an escape soon.
“Are you hungry?”
Azure does not respond, closing his eyes and ignoring their questions with a blatantly obvious answer. What a fool they find themself to be.
What must it feel like to live without actually needing to sustain yourself? Had it truly been that long since Azure was human that he only acted on desires rather than need?
That must be the consequence of living for so long. Humans aren’t made to live forever, so the blur between morality and instinct eventually dies down till there’s nothing left for him to distinguish.
“Eventually, when I do die…you can eat me.”
Azure looks up, sending droplets of water flying everywhere as Two Time shields their face.
“Excuse me—what?” His hands collide on both sides, trapping Two Time in the middle as they shrink in on themself.
“You want me to do what?”
“Just a request for the inevitable future, Azure. I am more prepared than most people to lose my life early.”
“Two Time…”
He backs away from them, eyes downcast as they try to realize the meaning behind their words.
Because Two Time can die, whether it be tomorrow or years from now. Taking them away from everyone won’t solve that issue, not ever.
And Azure is a beast that’s known for killing people, the pirate knowing full well of this and yet still actively choosing to confront him.
They were always prepared to die.
“If you plan to keep me and my crew here, you must be aware that eventually we’ll die. You remember how fragile it is to be a human, you know what will happen to us.”
The siren doesn’t speak, contemplating in his head in silence as Two Time wonders if they made a mistake. Had they gone too far? Is this a concept he can handle?
“But to eat you…is that not too much?”
“If you are hungry then I don’t see an issue. Serving a purpose even in death makes me feel a bit relieved if anything.”
“That’s not something I want to do.”
“But it is something you can do.”
Pressing onward, Two Time gazes up at the siren who begins to panic. Finally having gotten someone to be with him, just for them to willingly allow themselves to die at their hands. It’s barbaric.
“I’m alright with you eating me, because I love you.”
“Stop it.”
Perhaps a line had been crossed, seeing his body tremble at their suggestion. Two Time only wished for themselves to be of use to him in the worst-case scenario. Otherwise, they’d just be another reminder as to what he could’ve had.
“If that’s what you think love is, I do not want it.”
They laugh, a mixture of disbelief and ease that courses through. Reassuring them that all is well.
“I won’t die anytime soon, I’ll make sure of that. Just for you.”
“That’s a big promise,” he moves forwards again, right above them as they crane their neck to look up. “You can keep it?”
“Sure can.”
“And your friend?”
Their what? Who? They have that?
“My—who’s there?”
“Here.” He lifts himself up, Two Time greeted with the sea falling right above them as Azure towers over their form. “You.”
They can’t see a thing with Azure obscuring their vision, massive body blocking the sky as they wait for whichever idiot decided to stumble down here to present themselves. A part of them knows despite their earlier warning, already agitated that they had decided to ruin not only their plan, but their alone time with the siren.
“You can’t seriously think you can hide, not with that bird on your head.”
The bird? Oh. The bird.
The bird…the really loud colorful bird…that’s always on…
Azure’s arm moves up, grabbing the person who doesn’t make a sound. The annoying squawking reaches their ears, the flapping of wings as it flies away from their siren obscenely loud.
Taph, because she would. Really, she always does. Silently following them and giving them a scare before handing them a random object or note. Then she disappears again.
She’s plopped down next to them, a little scared at having been grabbed so suddenly as Azure dives back into the water. He waits, she waits, Two Time…doesn’t.
“Hey…why are you…here…?” They ask, seeing her head move up in their direction, one hand behind her back and obscured by her person.
It’s impossible to tell with the hood on, but she shrugs her shoulders while visibly shaking.
Had they not told her to stay away, or had she stumbled across this area accidentally? Either way, Two Time finds it hard to have her around while Azure looms over them.
He doesn’t appear amused by her arrival, but isn’t angry either. Curious, he points to her, scaring them both.
“What is it that you have behind your back?” His tone still maintains that level of friendliness, but much more on edge than before. “It is not a weapon, correct?”
No, Taph doesn’t typically use anything that isn't explosive or flammable at the least. At most it’s probably a small knife given to her when going out—but she can’t be stupid enough to have thought…?
She hits Two Time with her free hand, as they bend over from the pain. What the hell, why was she so strong?
It’s hard with one hand to flip her sleeve up, motioning for them to get over it as a bundle of flowers is shoved into their arms.
‘A gift!’
“A what…?” They whisper, all too aware of how Azure stares down at them. The fear coursing through them—while unknowing if it’s from their siren or their crew member putting herself in danger—is all too prominent on their face. One look is all Azure needs to know that they’re still scared of him.
The shadows obscure Taph’s face, never knowing what she truly feels. Flowers, pretty and purple, wrapped up in vines that she had put together sit idly in their arms.
Waiting, Azure is waiting.
Two Time isn’t captain for their looks or their quick wit, they can put things together well. Even if it takes a few seconds too long.
“Oh Taph, you shouldn’t have—“
“Please don’t tell me those are for you…you’re not in love with each other, are you?”
His face says it all, disgusted by Two Time for not explaining they had a secret lover and hid the truth for them. He should kill them for that.
“What—no! No, never!” The captain ignored the slight hint of shock as Taph tensed up. Opting to ignore whatever transpires in Azure’s head, they try to explain themself.
“This is for you—!”
Azure stands before them, an unamused look on his face as he eyes travel from Two Time to Taph. Her bird lands on his head, too small to realize and therefore, making him look stupidly funny.
“For me.”
He doesn’t question it, still in disbelief as Two Time shoves the flowers up to him.
“You asked earlier where my crew was…I sent Taph out to get you a gift!”
“You did?”
“Why—why wouldn’t I, my dear Azure?” Taph turns her head slightly, just enough for Azure to not spot. “I’m a pirate, remember? So all my treasures go to the one I cherish the most!”
The siren doesn’t believe a word, nervously looking away from their terrible display as Two Time’s smile falters.
A gift is good, something they wish they had thought of before coming back to him empty handed. Would Azure still accept it if Taph had appeared? Is he embarrassed?
“Azure…please believe me when I say all this is for you.”
He nervously taps his fingers on the rocks, nails scrap against the surface as he ponders to himself.
“…Those flowers are…purple…”
“A very lovely purple, right? As beautiful as your eyes, aren’t they?”
“I…do not like that color.”
Fuck—this can be blamed on Taph though! So something that can save them at least, even if they have to throw her under the…ship?
Though if Azure moves in to kill her they’d actually have to step in. No way are they letting her die over some stupid flowers, even if the memories that follow are less than ideal.
“…They’re really for me though?”
“Yes, why else would I be giving them to you?”
“Not you.”
Azure shakes his head, turning his attention to Taph who’s frozen in fear. She didn’t appear to care too much earlier while being picked up, but the sudden aggression with her being at the center doesn’t bode well.
“It was you, right? You do not speak.”
“She can’t…”
Their companion is too scared to even motion what she feels, keeping her arms as close as possible while playing to play it off.
“Thank you for the flowers,” Azure comments. Though he does not take them. “I’ve never been given a gift before. Not after I…well…”
Noted, they’ll bring him more something befitting to give to him on their next outing. The visits won’t stop until they’re sure enough that he’ll help them and their crew.
Coming up with a gift when all they have is what this island allows though? Harsh. He might keep getting bundles of flowers until they’re gotten rid of them all.
Two Time places the makeshift bouquet before them, hoping that’s good enough for him as they back away.
Without making it incredibly obvious, they place themself in between their companion and the siren, hoping they look casual enough. Azure appears…emotional at the sudden gift. The captain will definitely have to come around to gifting him something.
“You’re alright, I presume?”
As much as they hate the formal tone they speak in, trying to maintain their reputation in front of the one person who likes to gather intel is their priority.
“Yes.”
Awkward, the only way they can describe their conundrum after Taph’s sudden appearance. Not to blame her—though they tried—but her presence obviously catches the siren off guard. Or maybe on guard, his arms crossed and a stern expression written across his face.
“I told you I’d stay longer, and I did.”
Azure doesn’t waste time in picking them back up, sending Taph jumping as her captain is plucked from the ground. He gives them time to adjust, waiting for them to begin before completely engulfing them once again.
Two Time hesitates for a few seconds, wondering if doing so in front of one of their crew was a good idea at all.
Not doing at all would be worse, having to explain to Azure why it was impossible to kiss with her watching them. His bored look grows with each passing second, debating on putting them down and leaving without a goodbye.
Two Time cannot let that happen.
So, uncaringly, they press another kiss to his lips. Azure laughs, feeling the vibrations as he softly pushes back. As much as he’d like to see them a total mess like before, he has to remember another person is there.
Though, shouldn’t that make him want to humiliate them more? Something like a kiss completely ruining the dignity of a leader…it makes Azure a little excited.
But his heart is ever so kind, pulling away and watching Two Time fall forward as he catches them. The tiny human stares up at them, breathing heavily as Azure scoffs.
“Next time, come here alone.”
They’re set back on the ground as Azure leaves, surprisingly quiet as the water becomes peaceful after such a gentle dive.
Utterly humiliated despite believing it wasn’t Azure’s intentions, they struggle to their feet before looking at Taph.
‘Captain, you’re gross.’