Pirate AU
Chris woke up to find Ezra propped up on his elbow, looking down at him. Staring out the windows, he realized he hadn't slept more than a couple of hours. It would be some time before the crew returned."Been awake long?" He asked.
Ezra shrugged slightly. "A while."
"What have you been doing?"
The other man smiled. "Watching you sleep, pondering about life."
And with that, Ezra leaned down and captured his lips in a startling tender kiss, lips gliding over Chris', moving them in an excruciatingly slow caress, the tip of his tongue sweeping gently over Chris' upper lip, begging to be let in.
Chris parted his lips, letting his tongue entwine with Ezra's, feeling the other man pressing himself more deeply into his embrace. He could feel Ezra's erection brushing against his own, and he couldn't stop from moaning into the sweet mouth ravishing his. Finally coming to his senses, he pulled back reluctantly.
"Ezra..." He gasped. "We shouldn't... Oh, Lord!" He groaned, as Ezra moved against him, hips shifting slightly and further enflaming the physical evidence of their desire.
He regarded Ezra's flushed face; the wide, dilated eyes, the kiss-swollen lips, the movement of his chest as he panted for breath, and suddenly knew what he desperately needed from the other man.
"Ezra... Love me," He whispered softly, allowing Ezra's eyes to meet his own, to see the need and arousal lurking within him. Reaching for a jar containing an oily substance he had found just for that purpose, he handed it to the other man. "Please," he breathed.
Ezra licked his bottom lip, looking down at the small jar. "I... Tell me what to do," he pleaded softly.
Chris smiled, nodding his understanding. "You need it to stretch me, so it won't hurt," he explained.
Ezra raised his head at that. "Hurt?"
Chris chuckled. "It won't hurt, Ezra. That's why we use that substance."
"Oh." Then, "Stretching?"
"With your fingers." Chris replied gently. "You put some inside me and loosen the muscle with your fingers. Then you put some on yourself, too."
Nodding slowly, Ezra placed his hands on Chris' chest, touching him tenderly with his fingers, making lazy circles on the hard pectoral muscles above his nipples. He licked one nipple, then the other, blowing over them softly. Chris closed his eyes, moaning deeply and pressing himself into the touch, wanting more, needing more than the light, teasing touches he was receiving.
He felt Ezra run his hands along his sides, lingering over his waist and letting his thumbs stroke the stomach muscles. He groaned helplessly as the touch vanished, only to return a heartbeat later at his groin. Ezra handled him slowly, carefully, obviously getting use to touching him. Chris bit his lip hard, forcing himself not to thrust, letting the other man explore to his heart's content.
Never taking his hand away, Ezra attacked his shoulder, nibbling his way up toward his left ear. Caught between the double assault, Chris tilted his head back submissively, moaning softly as Ezra bit him gently on the neck, then sucked harder, alternating between nibbling and lapping at his flesh until he was whimpering his need for the other man.
"Ezra, please!" He cried out.
His reply was a breathless chuckle. "Patience, my pirate. Patience."
He watched dazedly as Ezra moved to lie between his legs, reaching for the jar. The other man coated his fingers with the oily substance, then reached down to Chris' tight ring of muscle, a first finger brushing softly over the puckered portal.
Chris laid his head back, holding the sheets in a white-knuckled grip, feeling the finger swirling in tiny circles over his opening. He moaned as the slick digit entered him, stretching his entrance and sinking slowly deeper. A second finger soon joined the first, then a third, and Chris pushed back against the invaders, writhing and crying out as they brushed repeatedly against his pleasure nub.
Finally Ezra removed his digits, coating his cock with the oil and moving forward slightly, holding himself with one hand. Poised at Chris' entrance, he hesitated as if waiting for something.
Chris smiled, staring into Ezra's eyes. "I'm ready," he whispered.
He moaned as he felt Ezra guiding himself into his body, applying a tiny bit of pressure with his hips until he was past the ring of muscle and sliding smoothly into his depths. His breath caught in his throat. It had been so long since he had felt so complete, so thoroughly possessed. He opened his eyes, gazing up at the man blanketing him, and realized Ezra was staring down at him, looking entranced.
"I never thought..." Ezra breathed softly.
Chris nodded. "Feels amazing, doesn't it? Now move."
Eyes never leaving Chris', Ezra obeyed, pulling out slightly and pushing forward experimentally. Then grinning wickedly, he did it again, and again, moving with a slow and steady grace that had Chris moaning for more. With every thrust, Ezra's cock massaged him inside, making him groan and push back against his lover deliriously.
Ezra wrapped a hand around Chris' cock, pumping it in time with his now frantic thrusts, both of them lost in the loving, letting it consume them, encompass them, destroying all awareness of time and place.
Chris' pleasure grew, and grew, and grew, until he finally cried out, his seed bathing Ezra's hand and both their bodies. He heard Ezra whimper his name, then the other man was coming deeply inside of him, his whole body trembling as he surrendered his life-force to Chris.
Ezra collapsed against him, panting hard, pinning him willingly to the bed. When he found the strength to move again, and very gently, he rolled Ezra off, using a corner of the sheets to clean their bodies. That accomplished, Chris pulled his lover back into his arms, stroking the silken hair tenderly.
Ezra sighed contentedly and burrowed into his chest. "Unimaginable," he whispered, nuzzling Chris' chest softly.
"Yes, it was." Chris agreed with a smile. "Ezra, I need you to know something. Just because we did this now... I don't want you to feel obliged... to make love just because I was prepared to do it. I don't want you to feel like I'm forcing you. It will be in your own time, when you feel it's right. Understand?"
Ezra nodded against his chest. "Yes. Thank you."
Chris kissed the top of his head tenderly. "Rest. The others will be back soon. Everything will be fine."
He stayed awake long after Ezra surrendered to his exhaustion and fell asleep. His body was sated, but his mind was fully alert, thinking. He'd had a hard life, everything he had possessed had been fiercely fought for, every person he had ever loved he had lost. He suddenly wondered if the peaceful contentment he was experiencing was not the quiet before the storm. And he prayed he would be able to survive it.
=-=-=-=VA=-=-=-=
The sun was already setting when the other five returned, most of the crew still remaining behind. Chris was on the bridge, watching the slow harbor movement, while Ezra was sitting on the stairs leading to the bridge, staring at the beautiful shading skies.
"We have to talk." Vin announced, as soon as he jumped on board.
"Yeah. You won't believe what we heard back in town!" JD gushed out excitedly.
Chris nodded. "Let's go back to my cabin." Once the seven men were all there, he asked, "So, what happened?"
"We went to the tavern and everyone was discussing the same thing." Josiah explained. "There's a new governor in Jamaica."
"What?" Ezra exclaimed, his eyes growing wide at the information.
Vin nodded. "It's true. Your uncle is not the governor anymore. Last week a representative from the Queen arrived at Port Royal and made the official announcement."
"And you'll never guess who the new governor is!" Buck chuckled.
"We know him?" Chris asked curiously. "Who?"
"Captain Perry!" Buck boomed. "Apparently he and Her Majesty are close friends and when the reports started pouring in about Standish's conduct, the Queen decided to do something about it. And since she knew Perry and he was already here..."
"And my uncle? What happened to him?" Ezra queried softly.
"Didn't hear anything on that." Nathan said. "But he must be imprisoned, after all he has done..."
"And that's not all." JD grinned. "We've been pardoned."
"What?" Chris startled. "Why?"
"Well, we spoke with a few people and you know how word of mouth goes, but I think he was given permission to set everything right. You know, to undo Standish's wrong doings. The only reason we got into this business was to fight Rupert Standish. So Governor Perry pardoned us, all of us. Crew included." Josiah said evenly.
Chris frowned. "You don't think this could be a trap for us? If we are being pardoned, we will have to go to Port Royal to speak with the governor. Standish may have spread the rumors so he can catch us."
Nathan shook his head. "There was a group of men in the tavern who were at Port Royal at the time and witnessed everything. It's not a lie, Perry really is the new governor of Jamaica."
Chris sat back on his chair. "This is somewhat unexpected, to say the least. Ezra, you know Perry better than we do. Can we trust him?"
Ezra nodded. "Yes. He's a good man. If he claims he has pardoned us, I believe him. What will we do?"
Chris looked at the six hopeful faces surrounding him and chuckled. "Very well. We sail for Port Royal in three days time. Ezra still needs his rest and we have some last minute repairs to see to. This has better be true, or we are all going to regret it."
=-=-=-=VA=-=-=-=
They arrived at Port Royal without incident, although Chris could feel the tension building in the crew. It was so thick you could cut it with a knife. He couldn't really blame them. Most of the men had had some sort of sentence set upon them unjustly by the ex-governor, while the others simply related with their fight against Standish. Now, they had a chance to be free from those charges, and yet they feared it was all a hoax. It would be a trying day.
No one tried to stop the seven men as they went ashore. Although he looked around constantly, Chris could see no suspicious individuals hiding in the shadows, nothing out of place that would lead him to believe they were indeed falling into a trap.
As they drew closer to the governor's palace, he stopped and looked at the others. "We're here. There will be no turning back after we go through those gates. This is our last chance."
"I still say we should go." JD spoke up.
"I agree." Buck grinned.
The rest of the men nodded and Chris exhaled softly. "In that case, let's go." They walked over to the gates, stopping before the royal guards. "We wish to see the governor." Chris stated to the two men.
"Is he expecting you?" One of them asked, watching the seven men curiously.
"In a way." Vin replied with a chuckle. "Tell him Chris Larabee and his men are here to see him."
The two guards exchanged a look, then the one who had spoken earlier nodded. "Wait here."
Chris watched him go inside, disappearing into the impressive two-story building, only to return a few minutes later and wave at the guard still at the gate.
"Seems you are in luck," he said as he opened the gates. "Go with Hill." He gestured towards the other guard. "He'll take you to Governor Perry."
They approached Hill, who led them into the house, past several opulent corridors until they finally stopped before a closed door. The guard opened it, motioning them inside.
"This is the chamber of power," Hill informed them seriously. "The governor will be with you shortly."
He closed the door behind him, leaving the seven men alone in the wide room. Chris realized immediately why it was called the chamber of power; the walls and ceiling were ornamental displays of weaponry, an obvious reflection of the governor's power. It was not a room for comfort, but for show, and he wondered why Perry would send them to wait there.
Before he could deepen the thought, the door opened and the former Captain Perry walked in, a wide smile grazing his wrinkled face.
"Gentlemen," he drawled. "I see you have heard the news. Welcome to Port Royal."
"Thank you, Governor." Chris replied as he watched the man sit down. "There are several pieces of information spreading throughout the islands. One of them in particular interests us."
Perry chuckled. "Yes. I can guess which piece of information it is. And I can assure you that it is true, you have all been pardoned. The seven of you and your entire crew as well."
"Why?" Chris asked, not yet ready to give up.
Perry sighed. "I began listening to the rumors about the rebellious pirate Larabee long before we ever met. A man who attacked the governor's troops and ships carrying cargo from or for the aforementioned governor, who had sworn to bring Rupert Standish down mercilessly. Captain Larabee, I like to think of myself as a good judge of character. Since I met first Ezra, and then yourself and your crew, I knew everything to be true. I had also been aware of Standish's doings for some time, reason why I warned Her Majesty."
"So?"
"So, I am a great believer in justice. You fought for what you thought was right and I am aware of the circumstances surrounding your wife and son's deaths. I am also aware it is said Standish had something to do with it. In the face of those facts and your actions, I have seen fit to arrange for the pardons. I also have a proposition for you."
"Proposition?" Chris repeated suspiciously.
Perry grinned. "Quite. I want you in my fleet. Things are going to change around here, Captain. Although I can understand what you did and why you did it, I will not tolerate piracy. I already have a man who will handle all the navigation affairs, but I also need good, loyal men to commandeer the ships and fight pirates such as Captain Death."
Chris' eyes narrowed dangerously. "That's one pirate you won't have to worry about ever again."
"Oh?"
"He's dead." Buck supplied helpfully. "Who's the man you were speaking of? The one responsible for navigation affairs?"
"Orrin Travis. He's a good friend and a good man. What he doesn't know about the sea has yet to be discovered. Should you accept my proposal, you will be under his command only. You will answer to no one but him."
"Can I have a word with my men before giving you my answer?" Chris asked.
"Of course." Perry replied, rising from his chair. "I have some business to see to, I shall return in a few minutes. Gentlemen."
Once they were alone, Chris turned to the other men. "Well? This involves us all. What do you think? Should we accept?" He asked, knowing that whatever the answer, their lives would never be the same again.
CHAPTER XIV - Kidnapped
The door opened and three servants walked in carrying a few chairs, Perry right after them. The chairs were placed around a large, mahogany table situated in the center of the room. Once that was accomplished the servants left, and the governor motioned them towards the seats."I thought it would be better if all of us were to sit down. We have a lot to discuss." He explained as they took their seats. "So, have you decided how to proceed regarding my proposal yet?"
"Yes." Chris answered. "We accept. But we would like to be given some time before meeting Travis and sailing off."
"Of course, of course! Excellent! Welcome aboard, gentlemen," he said. "So to speak."
Ezra cleared his throat. "Governor, may I ask, what has become of my uncle?"
Perry scowled. "Unfortunately, he escaped before we could place him behind bars. Somehow he knew about his deposition before the official announcement. He vanished. Obviously, he knew what would happen should he stay at Port Royal. I have men looking for him, but they have yet to find him. I do have some good news."
"Good news?" Buck echoed.
"Yes. Mr. Thompson, who I believe was the foreman at the Standish plantation, was captured four days ago and charged with murder. Apparently after what happened at the plantation, Standish blamed him for not being able to control the slaves and fired him. He moved to Port Royal and unable to find work, was forced to resort to thieving to survive. One of his victims fought him and he ended up beating the unfortunate man to death. He had quite a lot to say about his association with Rupert Standish and their... business deals together. I believe this is yours, Mr. Standish," Perry said, handing Ezra a piece of yellowed paper.
Chris saw Ezra examine the document before looking up at Perry with a frown. "I don't understand," he said.
"It's quite simple, Mr. Standish. Thompson told me how you were forced to sign the deed of the plantation over to your uncle. He stated he and his men held you at gunpoint until the deal was completed. Well, I'm handing the deed back to its rightful owner. I'm certain that between you and your mother, you will decide what to do about the property."
Ezra nodded. "Thank you."
"There's more. When I moved to this house, the first thing I did was clear my... predecessor's office of all his possessions. Imagine my surprise when I discovered this," he remarked, showing a large stack of papers resting on the table.
"What is that?" Josiah asked curiously.
"Ownership documents belonging to all the slaves. It seems your uncle didn't believe them to be safe back at the plantation. Once again, these are yours, Mr. Standish."
Ezra exhaled softly. "Would you be willing to help me with those, Governor?"
Perry raised his eyebrows quizzically. "Of course. What do you wish me to do?"
"I want to see to their emancipation. I believe they will need some documentation to make it official, but I have no idea what is necessary."
The governor nodded. "I can have the documents drawn for you, all you will have to do is sign them. But... I mean no disrespect to Mr. Jackson, but are you certain, Mr. Standish? If you do decide to rebuild the plantation, you will need workers."
Ezra grinned. "That's my point exactly, Governor. I would like to have them back as workers, not slaves. I believe I can afford to pay them a small salary, at least until the accounts are balanced."
Perry shook his head. "You truly are an amazing motley crew, gentlemen. Very well, I will see to the documents. But you still need to find the slaves. They disappeared after the plantation burned down."
Chris cleared his throat. "We might have a lead on where to find them," he stated, remembering Joseph. "As soon as you have the documents ready, we will look for them."
"They should be done by tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime," Perry leaned back in the chair with a smile. "I want to know exactly, how did Captain Death die? I seem to have missed the last round of rumors regarding you gentlemen. Most lacking on my part. So, tell me everything. I want to be able to imagine the battle as if I had been there. It will cure some of my sorrow. It will be some time before I will be able to sail the Caribbean Sea."
Chris nodded, and between the seven, they managed to embellish their adventure, starting from the last time they had seen Perry. They did leave some things out, like the fact they had a fortune hidden in their ship's hold.
=-=-=-=VA=-=-=-=
"Where to now?" JD asked as they went through the governor's palace's gates.
"We should go back to the ship, tell the crew everything's all right." Josiah suggested.
"I want something to drink first. I think we're all entitled to a little celebrating." Buck said. "There should be a tavern around here somewhere."
Chris nodded. "Tavern it is, then." He turned to Ezra. "What are you going to do about the plantation?"
Ezra shrugged slightly. "I would like to find Mother first, before I decide on how to proceed. If I can't, I guess I should rebuild it. I can use my part of the treasure. And the workers can help." He stated with a grin.
"I like the idea of paying them a salary." Nathan chimed in. "And about freeing us... I... uh..." He stammered, embarrassed.
Ezra chuckled gently. "It's quite all right, Nathan. It was the right thing to do. As for the salaries, it's a good business venture. They know the work and they will do it better knowing they are free. It will be my gain."
Buck scowled. "That makes it sound so ruthless. That's not why you did it."
"No," Ezra replied seriously. "But this is the way I was taught, Mr. Wilmington. I always see the practical side of every action."
They found a tavern and walked in, ordering ales all around. For the first time in a long time they let themselves go. They were free to come and go as they pleased, no troops to hide from, no patrol ships to elude, no gallows to fear. It was the start of a new beginning for the seven men.
=-=-=-=VA=-=-=-=
The next day Chris and the others returned to Port Royal to once again see Governor Perry. As they strolled through the crowded streets, they were greeted as heroes, the news about Death's demise having spread throughout the town. Despite Death's connection with the former governor, it was obvious the populace was happy to be rid of the pirate. Or maybe it was because of it, Chris thought ruefully. Governor Standish hadn't exactly been a model of kindness.
They were allowed in the palace immediately and taken to see the governor, who rose from his chair with a grin as they walked in the room.
He shook their hands eagerly. "Gentlemen. How are you faring? Mr. Standish, I have those documents ready for you. As soon as you sign them, they will become official. All you will need to do is give each of the former slaves their document and they will be free."
Ezra nodded. "Thank you." He said softly, already signing the first document.
Chris turned to the governor. "I have spoken to my crew. They are understandably exhilarated about having been pardoned and working for the right side for once," he quipped with a grin. "We have a ship and a full crew. I'm sure that will save you some time and bureaucracy."
"Indeed. Most of the men I chose to command my fleet are without ships or crews. It will take some time before everything is prepared. But should some major problem occur, I can always count on you." Perry replied. "Mr. Standish, have you any news of your mother?"
"Not yet. I have written letters to a few of her friends in Europe; I sent them today. It will take months before I hear anything." Ezra answered, signing the last paper. "There. All done."
Perry nodded. "Good. You can take them with you then, and good luck finding those men. In the meantime, I got word that Orrin Travis will be arriving in Port Royal in exactly a week from today. I expect you all to be here. Until then, the time is yours to do as you please. Enjoy."
"Thank you, Governor. See you next week." Chris replied, following the others out of the room.
"Back to the tavern again?" Buck asked pleadingly once they were back out in the streets.
Chris chuckled. "Why not? We have nothing better to do for the next few days. You can drink to your heart's content."
"I'll be along shortly," Nathan said. "There's a gypsy who lives around here who sells some of the herbs I use to heal some of our ailments. I'm almost out, so I need to get more."
"Can I accompany you?" Ezra asked. "I'm in no hurry to remain for hours on end surrounded by a drunken, noisy crowd." He remarked ruefully. Nathan nodded. "Sure."
"Excellent! Mr. Sanchez, will you keep these documents safe for me?" Ezra asked, handing the other man the slaves' emancipation papers. "Wouldn't want them to get lost, they are far too valuable. Nathan, I believe this one is yours." He stated, giving the healer his document. "You are officially a free man. Gentlemen, we'll join you soon." He added to the others.
Chris watched the two men walking away, wishing he could have asked Ezra to stay behind. He had never been the possessive type with Sarah, but for some reason he hated to be parted from Ezra. Maybe because the other man was so prone to finding trouble.
=-=-=-=VA=-=-=-=
They had just left the gypsy woman's establishment when Ezra heard something off to his right. He stopped moving, eyes searching their surroundings quickly.
Nothing.
As he turned back around, he had enough time to hear Nathan groan from beside him, and the world exploded into stars.
=-=-=-=VA=-=-=-=
He woke up some time later, his temples throbbing painfully from the blow to his head. His hands were tied behind his back, and so were his ankles, and he was gagged.
Opening his eyes he saw Nathan lying down beside him, also tied up and gagged, his eyes still closed. A trickle of blood ran down his neck, and Ezra realized they must have hit the healer on the back of the head as well.
They were being taken someplace. He could hear the horses' hoofs as they moved forward, and he felt nauseated each time the wheels of what appeared to be a cart, hit a hole in the road. The two of them were hidden in the back, covered by a rough cloth, obviously to avoid being seen by anyone.
He could tell they were no longer in Port Royal; it was too quiet for that. He could not hear the usual buzz of the lively town, the frantic noises coming from the harbor, or even the constant cry of the seagulls. From the silence surrounding them, he would guess they were heading inland, and by the bumps on the path, traveling through a scantily used road.
Dragging himself closer to Nathan, he bumped his body gently against the other man, until he heard him groaning pitifully. He waited patiently for Nathan's eyes to open, wincing sympathetically as the healer flinched at the sudden light. Finally, Nathan's eyes reopened, looking around until they settled on Ezra, who raised his eyebrows and shrugged helplessly. They were in trouble again.
They remained close together for the remainder of the journey, giving each other whatever meager comfort they could manage, until they finally reached their destination. The cart came to a halt with a shouted command from a harsh male voice.
"Finally!" Someone exclaimed and Ezra gasped at the familiar voice. "I was starting to believe you would never get here! Were you successful?"
"Yes. But we were forced to bring one of the others as well. He was never alone."
"Doesn't matter. Let me see him."
The cover was thrown back and for the first time Ezra saw his captors, two of the plantation's former guards. And beside them stood a smug looking Rupert Standish.
"Well, well, well! Nephew, we meet again! It's been such a long time, has it not? Aren't you going to greet your uncle?" Then he chuckled. "Oh, of course. Silly me. You can't speak with that rag in your mouth, can you?" He reached for the gag and, none too gently, pushed it from Ezra's lips. "What about now? Anything to say?"
"What do you want?" Ezra snapped angrily.
"What is rightfully mine." Rupert replied, all humor gone from his face. "I couldn't believe when my men returned from town yesterday and told me not only that Death had been killed at Larabee's hands, but that you were back and were going to be working for that old bastard Perry! I also noticed there was no mention of a certain loot belonging to Mckenzie, which makes me believe you have appropriated it for yourselves. Well, I want it." He snapped. "Larabee had better be able to trade the loot for you, or he will be a member short in his crew."
"He will tear you to pieces," Ezra growled. "You still owe him for his wife and son. If you do this, there isn't a rock big enough on Earth for you crawl under."
"We shall see, nephew. We shall see. Take him to the slave quarters; he can stay among the ruins for all I care. But I want one of you watching him at all times." He ordered.
Ezra was dragged from the cart and for the first time realized they were back at the plantation. His uncle had been hiding in plain sight all of that time, while Perry's soldiers had been looking for him far away from the Port Royal area.
"What about the Negro?" One of the guards asked his uncle.
Ezra felt a shudder ran through his body at the hateful look his uncle threw Nathan's way. "I don't care. Do with him as you will. He's yours."
The men grinned. "Thank you, Mr. Standish. We can sell him tomorrow at the slave auction, he will make us a good profit."
"Did you provide for the note to be sent to Larabee?"
"Yes, sir. We offered a gold coin to a street urchin to give the note to Larabee at the tavern they were staying."
"Good. Now, take my nephew to his new accommodations and get rid of the slave. I have some thinking to do."
"Yes, sir."
The men reached for Ezra again. He did try to fight their hold, but tied up hand and foot he was no match for the guards. He managed to steal a glance at Nathan, taking in the frightened light in the usually warmth-filled brown eyes, and wondered if he would ever see the other man again. He knew his uncle wasn't planning on letting him live, and even if Chris and the others managed to rescue him, they would probably be too late to save Nathan from being sold in the auction.
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