[[ I do not own music or art
Please enjoy and let me know what you think — AE Dragon ]]
It was late at night, Alana guessed maybe sometime in the early morning when Kazumi told her to follow him to his room.
She had been lying awake pondering her options for the kingdom when he knocked.
It was the first she saw of him since that afternoon. Leven and Leopoldo had come to check on her a few hours after the incident when they were finished with the tasks Kazumi had given them.
She was worried that Kazumi was going to tell her that she had to leave the ship for recklessly endangering his crew or running like a madwoman through a town where he does his business.
She stared at his back as they walked, his black locks running down between his shoulder blades. Kazumi's bedroom was deck level, below the quarterdeck, so it was relatively far from hers and the other men's cabins.
They passed by the sleeping crew who all shared common sleep quarters, all too exhausted to care about the passing couple.
Alana felt odd walking through the ship with nothing on her feet but stockings, as Kazumi did not give her much time to slip her boots on.
Kazumi held his door open for to her walk-in before shutting and locking it behind them. She felt like a child about to reprimanded and was anxiously waiting to be scolded harshly by the stoic captain.
His room was much bigger than her own, the walls were decorated in maps, and much like Ivo, Kazumi had artifacts from his travels on the seas displayed in various spots.
Even his bed was larger and barely took up room in his space. At the back of the room, there was a large window, looking out over the ocean.
Alana watched the moonlight swaying with the ripples of the sea as Kazumi took off his red, gold, and black embroidered coat.
He slung it over his desk chair before turning to face Alana with his arms crossed. His brows furrowed by a fraction finally able to see a clear view of the large bandage that covered her left temple.
He was disappointed with himself, and that bandage reminded him of his failure.
"Come here," Kazumi said, his tone was low and serious.
Alana did as she was told, coming to stand in front of him. She could not bring herself to look up to him, ashamed of herself.
"Look at me," He commanded, and she reluctantly met his golden optics.
Kazumi was a fierce man, he had a warrior spirit and conquered seas, he is notorious for his cruel ways, and is feared by many. But with Alana, under her gaze, his heart failed him, and he melted at the sight of her honey eyes.
This girl who appeared out of thin air on his ship, who never stops smiling, the girl who does her best to work hard, he was ensnared by her so quickly.
He gently placed his palm on her cheek, he savored the feeling of her warmth. Alana was confused, as she was expecting a firm lecturing, and perhaps even being removed from the ship, not loving touch.
"I am the captain of this ship," Kazumi began, his thumb stroked her soft cheek. "Everything on this ship belongs to me one way or another, do you understand?"
Alana shrugged slightly, "I think I do."
She understood that he was in charge, and she understood his will was the way, but she did not understand what he was getting at.
"This ship is mine. The crews' loyalty is mine. Even any rats that find their way in are mine." He explained.
He is going to tell me I am the rat, and I weaseled my way onto his ship, I can feel it. I am nothing but a pest.
Alana's thoughts were already going into hyperdrive.
"You're a prisoner on my ship," Kazumi's eyes flickered down to her full lips. "That means you're mine."
What?
"You're not kicking me off the ship?" Alana blurted, disregarding his touch.
He cocked his head the side, his eyebrows pulling in with confusion. "Why would you think something like that?"
Alana's cheek heated.
"I caused a lot of trouble today, and it was my first time being out with you all. I caused a scene in a town where you do business. I was worried you wouldn't even want me as a prisoner after that." She confessed.
He was taken aback by her words but did not let his facial features express it.
He slipped the hand that held her cheek around to the back of her neck and gently pulled her into an embrace. Kazumi's actions surprised her; this was the second man today that hugged her so affectionately.
"I will never tell you to leave us," He said softly but assuring. Hearing those words was all Alana needed, she smiled into his chest and hugged him back.
"Thank you, Kazumi." She attempted to pull back from the hug, but he kept her in place.
He must be really happy too. She innocently thought as the man held her with all his mixed intentions swirling in his mind.
She thought I would ever let her leave? After she came and made me feel this wonderful pain in my chest? No, I am never letting this treasure go. Never. She will be with me forever. His hug tightened faintly.
Even her perfect body fits so beautifully in my arms, she was made for me to have and to hold. I am sure of that.
"Kazumi?" Her beautiful meek voice ripped him from his thoughts with a graceful tug.
He finally released the girl, not wanting to scare her.
"Because you are mine, never do something that reckless again, Alana. I won't allow you to ruin my belongings." His fingers ghosted over her bandage.
"Well," She laughed. "I don't know if I can promise that. Seeing someone being... treated like that. Wouldn't you want to be helped? I'd have to." She clasped her hands behind her back with a smile.
His primal side wanted to lock her up so she could not make good on her words, but he thought of them carefully.
"If something like that happens again, tell any of us four and we will take care of it." He negotiated and he was glad to her smile widen.
"Deal." She nodded.
Alana was content that Kazumi dissolved all her fears of being cast out.
"I want you to have this." He quickly said, turning to go a box sitting on his desk.
Alana watched carefully and curiously. Kazumi picked up the dark wooden box and walked it back to her.
"In case we cannot get to you in time like today." His voice grew cold to the thought.
He opened the box to reveal a sheathed dagger.
The hilt was bound in a dark black fabric, and at the end was a beautiful blue flower. The sheath was also midnight black, but the blue flowers branched all the way down to the tip as if frozen in the wind.
Though the small weapon was gorgeous, Alana hesitated.
"You'd want me to use this on someone, Kazumi?" She asked pointing to the box he held.
"Yes." He said flatly.
The girl felt uncomfortable all over again. She knew she could not use a weapon against someone, she has never thought of harming anyone before.
This does not look he had it laying around, he got it especially for me, no doubt because I caused all that trouble.
With no intention of ever using it, and after a long hesitance, Alana accepted the dangerous gift.
"Thank you," She smiled, Kazumi still had little to no expression, he merely nodded. Kazumi pulled the dagger from its case and handed it Alana who nervously took it. Even the weight of it the weapon in her hand, though fairly light, was making the knots in her stomach tighten.
"Then shall we sleep?" He asked simply, turning the go to his bed. Alana's face heated.
"Huh?" She almost dropped the dagger from shock.
Kazumi turned his head, he looked uninterested.
"You are here already, correct? Why not sleep with me for the night?" He sat on his bed and began to unlace his boots.
Alana let out a soft, nervous laugh. "Well, I don't want to be a bother, I will just head back down to my room." She attempted a turn to leave.
"Do you like him more than me?" He asked halting her in her tracks.
"Like him more?"
"Ivo... you easily slept with him." Kazumi leaned back on his hands watching her.
Geez, do not make it sound so lewd, Kazumi. Alana blushed harder. And you were the one that made that happen. She added in her head
"I do not like Ivo more than you," Alana defended. "I like you all very much." She could not help but feel bad she made Kazumi feel as if she liked him less than the others.
"Then what is the problem now?" Kazumi pondered aloud.
"Well," Alana started, "Nothing is wrong with my room, so there's no reason for me to bother you."
"It is not a bother, I am telling you I want you with me tonight."
He observed her flustered features then turned his head to look out the window of his room to hide any heat that might be raising to his cheeks.
Alana's mind was racing with scenarios and options.
I did sleep with Ivo, and nothing happened. And he is obviously very troubled by what happened today. I do not take Kazumi for a dishonest man who would take advantage of me. It would not hurt just to bring him this comfort... right?
"Okay, Kazumi." Alana finally nodded.
"Good," He did not look away from the window immediately, rather he let the ghost of a smile on his features pass before looking back to the girl.
"Come."
He held his hand out to her. Alana took a few steps forward, heart pounding in her chest, and took the demon pirate's hand in hers. Kazumi pulled her into bed holding her close to him.
"I promise," Kazumi whispered to the girl. "No harm will ever fall upon you again when I am with you."
He breathed in her scent; Alana remained quiet allowing the man to hold her. She was just happy that she would get to stay aboard the ship.
At that point, Alana could not see the web she tangled herself in as soon as she stepped foot on the Scorched Bones.