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Tsukishima Kei wouldn’t say that he hates his life. Has it gotten a little monotonous lately? Sure. Does he miss fresh fruit and vegetables? Also yes. Is he currently so sunburned it hurts to exist? Unfortunately, also yes. But does he have a good view from where he stands at the helm of his ship? Most definitely. The Black Crow has been at sea for almost three weeks, as they plunder any unfortunate ship they happen to come across while searching for the shipwreck ruins of one of Zheng Yi Sao’s treasure runners. It’s said to have run a foul to a small chain of islands in the East China Sea. While the pirate Queen may have retired twenty years ago, many are still in search of her missing treasure- including Tsukishima Kei. This search is what’s led to Kei’s current level of boredom. While the search had been exciting at first- it had quickly turned monotonous as week after week their steady and persistent search has yielded no results. Kei could feel the crew’s restlessness in the air. Hinata and Kageyama have turned any and everything into a competition- and while that wasn’t anything new for the annoying duo, it had gotten increasingly petty and dangerous as they came up with new ways to challenge each other. Some of the other crew members had also taken to joining in or, in Kenma Kozume’s case, starting a betting ring on their shenanigans. Kei was pretty sure the man was betting against his boyfriend too. Typically Kei would tolerate this, as it kept the crew occupied but he was pretty positive someone would be maimed or dead by the end of the week if he didn’t find a different way to entertain the more rambunctious members of the crew. A deep sigh escapes him as he steers the ship toward their new destination. Tomorrow. Tomorrow they’ll make landfall and the crew will be able to indulge in some of their baser instincts while Kei restocks their supplies and does a little more sleuthing on the coordinates of where the missing boat may have disappeared to.
The pirate port of Mamoru is tucked away on a small chain of islands to the south of Japan. Every pirate who respects the service the island provides knows to follow its three rules: All grudges are left on your ship, no killing or taking of another ship's crew, and no talking about the island's whereabouts. Pirates are welcome to come eat, drink, fuck and restock regardless of any petty rivalry or pirate politics happening outside of the island. The code is upheld by those that live and work at the port full time. Kei doesn’t envy their jobs. While the sea can be tough, and wrangling his crew sometimes feels like herding toddlers- he couldn’t imagine having to do that with every pirate crew this side of China. All while not being able to pick up and leave as you saw fit. Definitely not something Kei would enjoy. The Island quickly comes into view as they sail and the mood of the boat changes. Even Suna and Sakusa- the moody brothers, look visibly excited. They’re probably hoping their boyfriends will also be stopping at the port. The port is secluded within a hidden cove, tall cliffs rise out of the water to form a near impenetrable wall. Only those that have been to Mamoru know how to enter safely. As they swing into view Kei sees that they’re not the only ones who decided to stop for a visit. Five other ships sit docked and gently bobbing in time with the waves. It looks like both Sakusa and Suna are in luck as Kei spies the flags of the Jackals and Milk Bread (Kei doesn’t understand why it's named that). The Emerald Serpent also stands out next to the others, along with SouthPaw and Ironside. It looks like a full on reunion is happening. Kei wonders briefly if there was a meeting of the pirate captains he had forgotten about, but shoves the thought aside. If it's important he’ll find out about it one way or another. The crew makes quick work of mooring the ship, they're all eager to get off and enjoy themselves. “Oi, Captain!” Hinata yells from the dock. “You’re coming right?” “I’ve got business to attend to. Go and don’t cause too much trouble for Yamaguchi to clean up.” Next to him, his first mate sighs as he takes his cue and follows behind. Someone needs to keep a leash on Hinata or he’s likely to get lost in the crowd. A job Kei refuses to ever do. Kei revels in the quiet of his ship as the troublemakers leave. A quiet that doesn’t last as a grating noise assaults his ears. “Hey, hey, hey! Tsukki!” Bokuto Kotarou yells as he approaches. He’s one of the pirates that splits his time between the ocean and the land. Officially he crews the Jackal, but since he started dating Akaashi Keji- one of the unfortunate souls that run the port- he’s spends more and more time on land. “Look who finally shows up.” “Was there a meeting I’m supposed to be aware of?” Kei’s skeptical that Bokuto would know about a secret meeting before him. “No, but a huge treasure haul was found. Everyone’s either celebrating the find or lamenting their loss. I figured you’d finally come to join them.”He better not be talking about the Queen’s treasure, or else the last three weeks will have been for nothing. “I came to restock and get away from the freaks for a bit.” “Oh, well I’m sure Atsumu will rub his find in your face either way.” Kei cringes internally, of course it was Atsumu’s crew that found it. The guy was dumber than rocks about most things, but he was blessed by lady luck. Whatever ill befell him seemed to always work out for the best. Kei is honestly surprised Sakusa hadn’t jumped ship to take up with his boyfriend but apparently the ship's hygiene practices weren’t up to his snuff. Kei says nothing and follows Bokuto back towards the small port town. There are plenty of bars that line the street, but the pair make a beeline for the only place worth visiting in Kei’s opinion- Neko. The sleazy dive bar is owned by the self appointed mayor of the town. He’s the only guy that can keep all the pirates from fighting or stealing from each other without having to throw a punch. He’s also the person on the island that can get under Kei’s skin like a grain of sand. The only reason he goes is because the spirits are good and the pirates take at least slightly more care to not cause a fuss. Compared to the debauchery and rough housing that Kei’s seen at the other bars, Neko is almost civilian. Almost. Bokuto continues to talk Kei’s ear off as they approach Neko as he recounts what he’s been up to since he last saw them, and about all the new gossip that he’s either overheard or learned from Akaashi. Kei’s sure that he’s not supposed to be hearing half of this but he doesn’t stop the energetic owl from oversharing. He’s sure he can use some of the info for fodder against other ships. “Well, well, well, looks like the wind blew in a murder of crows.” A familiar and annoying voice calls out to his right. Of course Kuroo wouldn’t let him get a drink in before accosting him. “Came to see if your head is still over bloated with self importance. Looks like it is so we’ll be getting on our way-” An arm is slung around his shoulder and Kei hates the slight blush he can feel spread across his cheeks. “Awww Tsukki Tsukki! Don’t be like that. Stay, enjoy, and have a drink first. On me!” Kei straightens up and smirks at the annoying man next to him. “Hear that crows? First rounds on Kuroo-san!” Kei shouts out to the bar. A chorus of cheers goes up as his crew cheers each other. He’s sure a few of them are already on their second or third rounds despite the fact that he was only a few minutes behind them. Kei knows better than to get between a pirate and their beer and it looks like Kuroo does too as he smiles through the pain. Kei and Bokuto follow Kuroo to the bar where Akaashi already has four beers waiting for them. “So Akaashi, whose treasure did Atsumu end up stumbling upon?” Kei tries to keep histone neutral. He doesn’t need anyone else finding out about his search for the pirate queen's lost treasure. “Heard it was hidden away by some pirate lord that spent too much time in the sun and went off the deep end a little. He stashed the loot out on some island and then killed his whole crew before lighting his boat on fire and stranding himself on the island.” Akaashi shrugs, “That’s what Atsumu said at least.”Kei shutters, it feels like his sun burn aches a little more after Akaashi’s description. But at least it wasn’t the queens. “Speaking of which, Kei, it looks like you’ve been spending a little too much time out in the sun. You better be careful or you’ll end up like that Captain.” Kuroo remarks as he looks him over. Kei suddenly feels exposed under his discerning gaze. Kuroo’s brown eyes can be memorizing if Kei lets himself stare into them for too long. “It'll take a lot more than the sun to make me lose my mind, although some of your stories certainly get me close.” Kei quips. “Ohhh saltyshima is out.” Hinata says with a hiccup as he passes them. “I’ll pick up some aloe for the burn” Kuroo responds smoothly as he slides behind the bar. Kei downs his beer and then reaches over to grab Kuroo’s before downing that one too. He can go sleuthing tomorrow. The night proceeds to pass at a blur. With so many pirates gathered everyone is busy drinking, catching up and well fucking. Kei watches as familiar pairs slink off for hostel rooms, dark alleys or their own ship’s quarters if they’re lucky enough to have their own berth. Kei saw Sakusa and Atsumu slip out almost as soon as the festivities went into full swing. They were shortly followed by Suna and Kunimi- both snickering about something someone had done- presumably Hinata. “Jealous?” Kuroo suddenly appears within his field of vision. He’s also obviously been partaking in the festivities. “Of who?” Kei asks as he takes a sip. He needs to slow down if he’s gonna stay alert enough to keep an eye on any trouble brewing. “Of all the couples sneaking away to get laid.” “I’m just keeping an eye out for trouble.” Kei deflects. He eyes the man across from him skeptically. “Why are you paying that much attention to me?”“It's my job to keep an eye on my patron, predict what their needs are.” “And you think what? That I need to get laid?” Kei blurts out. “By who?” “I’m sure only someone that’s up to your standards would be deserving of sharing your bed.” Kei gawks at the man. He’s not sure if the beer has completely addled him or if Kuroo is just pulling his chain but it sounds like Kuroo wants to fuck him. He quickly wipes his face of emotion and smiles sweetly at the man. “Well you’re right about one thing.” Before Kuroo can continue their game of cat and Crow, Akaashi interrupts them. “Kuroo, I think we’ve got trouble coming.” Kei watches as the slightly intoxicated and flirtatious man that had been sitting in front of him transforms. His demeanor changes as he focuses on his job. “What happened?” “Did you notice that most of the snakes have left the bar?” Kei and Kuroo look around. While the bar had started out with a healthy mix of all crew members, there’s now only a smattering of the snakes around. “They can’t all be off fucking.” Kuroo comments. “They’re not, Bokuto overheard one of them, I guess they're planning a heist on one of the ships tonight. Something about some lost treasure.” Kei blanches. “Atsumu’s haul?” Kuroo asks. “They’re gonna have a hell of a time if they interrupt Atsumu and Sakusa’s special time together.” “I don’t think that’s what they’re after.” Kei pipes in. At Kuroo and Akaashi’s questioning looks, Kei elaborates. “My crew and I have spent the last three weeks searching for a lost ship of the Pirate Queen’s that’s said to have been laden with treasure.” “But you haven’t found it yet?” Kuroo asks.“Obviously, but I keep extensive records of where we’ve already searched and where I think we’ll most likely find it next.” “So they won’t have to go through weeks of searching if they get your notes.” Kuroo says as realization dawns on his face. The three men bolt it out of the bar and leave it in the care of Yaku and Lev, a sure fire way to make sure there’s another crisis to attend to once they get back. The night air, along with all the adrenaline pumping through Kei’s body work to sober him up and he hopes it's the same for the others. When they reach the ship there’s no sign of anyone aboard. If they’re here, they’re keeping their presence well concealed. Kuroo pulls a sword and dagger from his belt while Kei follows suit with his own short sword. Akaashi pulls up the rear with a pistol in hand. Kei hates to admit it, but Kuroo looks pretty hot holding a sword. A flash of light catches his eye through the window of his captain’s quarters. Shit. “We better move fast, I don’t want them messing up my organizational system.” “You have an organizational system?” Kuroo asks. Instead of answering, Kei sneaks over towards the small ramp the snakes had made to board the ship. Lucky for them, they didn’t bother to leave anyone standing guard- probably so as to not arouse suspicion from anyone passing by. The top deck is clear as they make their way aboard the ship and Kei leads them towards the entrance to the ship's quarters. He stops to lean next to the door. Kuroo and Akaashi flank to the other side of the entrance. Kei’s not sure what their next move should be. Do they enter and try to surprise them? Lure one out? They don’t know how many are inside the ship or where they’re all at. Kei is suddenly regretting not grabbing the rest of his crew to attack. In the panic to get here fast they failed to analyze all of their options. They should have- Kei’s train of thought is stopped as Kuroo darts away and starts, with a mock drunken lilt to his voice, to sing and dance loudly on the deck.
What is this idiot thinking?
Three men dart out of the ship’s quarters, two make it past Kei as he stands startled. Akaashi quickly takes out the third by quickly putting him into a choke hold. After thirty seconds the man falls to the ground unconscious. Kei watches in fascination as Kuroo makes quick work of the other two men. The first one is easily disarmed and knocked unconscious by a blow to the back of the head. The other is clearly a more experienced fighter- but Kuroo manages to knock him out shortly after. They wait to see if anyone else will come darting out, but after a minute of silence Kuroo slowly leads the way inside. Kei curses himself silently for not helping out at all. He’d been so distracted by his own thought process that he failed to react in time. Now he was stuck between Kuroo and Akaashi, unable to take the lead and not in a position to watch either of their backs for traps. Like most ships, Kei’s cabin was located at the back. There are only a couple of rooms between them and his quarters. Kuroo begins to systematically check each storage room and small quarters as they go. If Kei was a guessing man he’d say the Snakes wouldn’t bother to post a guard in any of the rooms to set a trap for what is presumably a stealth mission. But Kei’s not a guessing man, and neither is Kuroo. He only believes what he can see with his eyes. So even though it may cost them a few minutes they still clear every room. Kuroo and Akaashi flank to the left side of the door while Kei steels himself in front of it. Once he opens this door he’ll only have seconds to read the room and respond to whoever is still inside. Kei grabs the handle and makes eye contact with Kuroo- silently asking if he’s ready. He doesn’t need to nod as Kei reads the answer in his hazel eyes and opens the door. Kuroo slides in first- sword ready- followed by Kei with Akaashi taking the rear to provide whatever cover they may need. Inside they find Daishou sitting smugly at Kei’s desk while five of his goons stand around the room, swords drawn. The nine men stand in the cramped space staring at each other. Kei’s books and maps have been strewn about the room with no care for their well being or his system. It’s going to take him days to get everything put back how it should be. “I figured we were found out when we heard that god awful singing on deck- but I didn’t imagine that it’d only be you three to come and try to stop us.” Daishou’s smile doesn’t waver. Looking into his eyes Kei is overcome by the feeling of being someone else's prey. The snake before him is far too poised for his liking. Kei smiles, his free hand moving to rub the back of his head in fake innocence. “Sorry for the disappointment, I didn’t think this little incident was worthy of bothering the rest of my crew when they’re finally getting a night off.” Kei’s impressed by Daishous lack of acknowledgement at his dig, but he still sees the tightening of his facial muscles ever so slightly. “It’s no trouble- I’ve already got what I came for.” Daishou holds up the rolls of maps that Kei has meticulously been documenting on. “So we’ll just be on our way now.” “Daishou, you know the code for cove- and this is explicitly not allowed.” Kuroo’s grip tightens around the hilt of his blades. As upsetting as this is for Kei, he can’t fully understand what Kuroo must be feeling right now. He’s the one in charge of the island and everyone’s cooperation, his words have weight but if someone refuses to listen then its on him to make them. He can’t show any mercy for fear of looking weak, and if Daisho gets past them then others may soon follow his lead. Kei may have treasure on the line, but that’s nothing compared to what Kuroo has at stake. They’re not letting them get away with this. “I think you’ll find that your silly little code doesn’t matter here.” Daisho says as he stands. He’s yet to draw his weapon. Kei takes a step towards him. “I think you’ll find yourself sorely mistaken after we beat your ass.” Kuroo stays by his side.“I don’t think you’ll be doing any such thing, but please- go ahead and try.” Daishou doesn’t move from where he stands as his crew members start to move in on them. The space is too cramped to fight properly with their swords- if he swings too widely he might hit Kuroo or Akaashi. The other two seem to have recognized that as well as Kuroo moves closer to Kei so that they are standing back to back and Akaashi leads two of them out of the room. Kei doesn’t have time to worry about him as one of the snakes strikes at him. Kei parries and twirls away from Kuroo as they engage each other. A second snake attempts to slide in behind him, and Kei watches out of the corner of his eye as Kuroo quickly stabs him through the left side of his abdomen and then turns to face the other two men. A slash across his form arm pulls his attention back towards the man in front of him. While some of his other crew members are more adept at attacks, Kei’s typical fighting method is to play defense until his enemy is worn down before striking hard and fast against them. Kei watches as the man before him starts to tire, as he sees his foot work slipping Kei steps in to close the distance. He catches the man across the face with his sword, disarms him and knocks him out. A grunt of pain catches his attention, Kuroo stands holding a gash at his side. The offender in front of him looks smugly at him as his sword drips blood. Kuroo’s blood. Kei can’t help but feel fury wash over him as he looks at Kuroo in pain, but he can’t be worried over that write now. There’s still Daishou to contend with. “Go! He slipped out the door- I’ll be fine.” Kuroo smiles at him and Kei chooses to believe him as he sprints out the door. Which is his first mistake. A hard blow to his stomach doubles Kei over as he steps out into the hallway. He barely has time to doge a second blow coming down for his head. Kei drops to the ground and rolls out of the way of the sword. Daishou stands before him with his sword ready and the maps tucked into his cloth belt. He can hear shouting outside followed by a gunshot. Kei hopes Akaashi is okay, Bokuto would kill all of them if something ever happened to him. “Sounds like my boys outside are getting a little target practice in, but I can’t let them have all the fun.”Kei watches in slow motion as Daishou reaches for the gun at his belt and pulls it up to take aim. Kei dives into the storage room across from him as three bullets fly by where he had just been kneeling. Daishou dashes past the door and heads for the open deck. “Kei!” The shout from the other side of the captain's door is muffled by the wood but he can hear the worry in Kuroo’s voice. They meet in the hallway. Kuroo’s hands hold him as he checks him over, making sure no bullets hit him. He frowns at the gash on his arm but appears relieved that there are no worse injuries. “Where’s Daishou?” “Out on the deck.” They silently run out on the deck, but Kei needn’t have worried. As they burst through the door, the sight of the crew of the black crow greets them. Even Sakusa seems to have found his way on board in time. Daishou lays at their feet, knocked out with the other members of his crew next to him. Hinata walks over and hands him the rolls of maps. “I believe these are your Captain.” “You always did have good timing Hinata.” “Well you can thank bokuto-san for that. He got us sobered up enough to get here in time.”
Kei stares around at his destroyed room. He sits alone amongst the mess of his things, the rest of his crew had all gone back to land after dropping off Daishou and his crew back on his boat and setting it a drift in the cove. They wouldn’t be welcome back to the island anytime soon. His crew had tried to convince him to go back drinking with them, but after everything Kei didn’t feel much like drinking. His quarters were a mess and he couldn’t get the feeling of failure out of his mouth. They might have stopped Daishou and his crew, but Kei felt he had done little for their success. Kuroo had taken out most of his men by himself, and was injured in the process. It was just a flesh wound, but Kei still felt responsible. A soft knock startles him. “Are you really going to sit in here and pout?” Kuroo asks as he walks in. Kuroo’s shirt is unbuttoned and open, and there’s a bandage around his torso, along with a small cut on his face. At least his hair is in its typical form of dishevelment. “You know it’s impolite to just barge into someone’s room.” “I knocked.” Kuroo smiles down at where he sits on the floor. Kei hates being looked down on but he can’t deny that he doesn’t mind this view. “You could have waited for a response.” “I could have, but where’s the fun in that?” Kuroo lowers himself down to sit across from him. “Besides, I think after tonight you own me one.” “You think so?” “I mean I did save your life and your maps.” “As I recall, I think it was Bokuto and my crew that retrieved the maps.” Kei smirks at the man across from him. This isn’t anything new for them. They argue, tease and occasionally flirt with each other just to get on the other’s nerves, yet this time feels different. Kei’s not sure if it’s because they’re in his chambers, or because Kuroo was willing to put his life on the line for him tonight, or maybe it was the way he yelled his name when he thought he’d been shot- but this feels more intimate. It feels real. Kei has the urge to lean in instead of backing away and the thought scares him far more than Daishou did. Kei reaches for his side and gently touches the bandages. He can hear Kuroo suck in his breath and quickly pulls his hand back. “How’s your side? It’s nothing serious right?” “Nothing Shirabu couldn’t patch up. That goons sword has nothing on my rock hard abs.” Kuroo chuckles but the smile doesn’t reach his eyes. Kei doesn’t laugh at his joke. “I’m sorry.” He can’t meet his eyes when he says it. A hand slowly comes into view and lifts Kei’s chin up. Kuroo’s eyes look into him and Kei’s breath stops. “It wasn’t your fault. I need you to know that it wasn’t your fault.” Instead of answering, Kei leans in and kisses Kuroo. His breath is hot and his lips are soft against his. After a moment Kuroo kisses him back more ferociously and passionately. Kei follows his lead as his arms go to wrap around him. He moves so that his long legs wrap around Kuroo. Kuroo shifts to a kneeling position, as his strong arms wrap around him he stands, holding up Kei like he weighs nothing. Kei finds himself sitting on his desk with Kuroo pressing hot kisses along his jaw and down the side of his neck. Kei’s hands ruffle his hair even more as Kuroo presses his leg against his cock. His hands explore down his chest as he starts to unbutton Kei’s shirt. “Are you sure about this?” Kuroo asks as he fumbles with the second button. “Absolutely.” Kei isn't one to take someone to bed lightly. His mind is constantly thinking, analyzing every choice before him and their possibly consequences, and occasionally their potential rewards, but this decision is easy. For once his brain isn't thinking about the future, its sole focus is right here, in the present. Heat coils in his gut as Kuroo pulls his shirt off. Kei doesn't miss the slight wince he gives as his bandages pull."I'm ok." He reassures Kei's worried look, cupping his face with a strong hand.It doesn't take long before their both naked in Kei's disheveled bed. He wish he could say that was Daishou's doing but he's pretty sure it looked the same when he left the ship this morning.Kei revels in Kuroo's touch as his hands explore his body. Lighting tingles as he finds where he's most sensitive, leaving a trail of kisses along the way. Kei lets Kuroo take charge, allowing himself the simple pleasure to just be present. His cock is aching Kuroo takes his time working his way down his body. A moan escapes him as Kuroo finally touches him there, his hand pumping languidly. It's quickly swallowed up with a hungry kiss.There's a pause and then Kuroo's fingers prod at his hole, entering him and Kei's body feels on fire as he rubs at his prostrate. One finger is slowly followed by another and another until Kei can feel that he's ready and is practically begging Kuroo put his cock in him as words fail him. A need to feel full overwhelms him. Thankfully, Kuroo reads his mind and slides in. Kei's mind goes blank as his whole body is filled with pleasure."That's it, relax." Kuroo whispers in his ear.There's a stillness as Kuroo slows down his pace. Kei is torn between wanting him to go faster and needing to drag this moment out for as long as possible. They've wasted so many years teasing and dancing around each other, trying to tell themselves it was dislike for the other and not this burning attraction. Just as Kei starts to think he can't take it any more, Kuroo picks up his pace. His hand wraps around Kei's cock. There's an intensity and sheer joy in Kuroo’s face as he gazes down at him. "I'm close," Kei mutters over and over until the heat in his belly finally explodes and he spills over the edge into Kuroo’s hand. Kuroo follows shortly after, and the two lay they're panting, breathing in each other's breath before Kuroo gets up to find a cloth and clean them both. Kei sleeps peacefully tangled up in a mess of sheets and Kuroo. "Do you have to leave so soon firefly?" Kei looks over where Kuroo stands at the edge of the dock. The black Crow has been fully cleaned, organized and restocked- the last of their cargo currently being hauled on. "I've got treasure to find," Kei says with a smile and leans down to kiss him. "But don't worry, we'll be back soon."