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sailxrmxrs · 2 years

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around a week ago i posted these infinite blue au one shots and decided that as a submission for the fanworks contest i'd take the pirate milo one shot and extend it into a full fic! it got a little longer than expected but it was fun to go back and satiate the slight cliffhanger that it left on before hehe. The first 1.2k~ words are essentially the same as before just with an extra 2.7k words thrown in after it so do enjoy and good luck to anyone submitting for the infinite blue fanworks contest!! i'm excited to see other people's submissions!

The sun was reaching its peak in the sky as the ship docked into the port during the late Tuesday morning. Lights reflected off the water’s surface, sparkling like a thousand tiny gems were floating atop the gentle tide. After weeks at sea with no sign of civilisation in sight, seeing the city stretch before your eyes was a welcome comfort. Being the captain of a fleet was certainly no boring lifestyle and you enjoyed life at sea far more than an existence any city could offer, but there was no denying the bursts of excitement that permeated your being whenever you reached a city—old or new. The current plan was to stay in the city for a week to stock up on any supplies that were needed while allowing the crew to expend themselves however they wish. As captain you’d given out the orders for retrieval of supplies and ran through the usual protocol. By this point you knew your crew well enough and trusted them not to wreak havoc in the city, but there was no telling what the younger crewmates would try to get up to if given free rein in a new place, especially one with a perchance for debauchery and splendour. Your own companion for the following week was to be your first mate on the ship, Milo. He’d been one of the first to put himself forward for the role after you’d been anointed captain and had proven himself a loyal and trustworthy member of the fleet—even if he was chronically displeased. Where you liked to treat life as an enjoyable endeavour, not worrying yourself over trivial matters, Milo was uptight and serious; he liked order and not to stray too far from plans. The two of you were like fire and ice, polar opposites who somehow managed to find a pleasant balance between chaos and order.

Such balance, however, could only be found when you addressed the fleet or made deals with other pirate fleets and city officials. When the two of you were alone there were an abundance of debates to be had. And if you weren’t going back and forth over proposed plans of action, Milo was counting his lucky stars that you hadn’t gotten yourself injured doing something you really should not have. He still liked to bring up the one occasion you’d almost fallen off the bow of the ship because you got so excited to see a particularly rare species of bird flying nearby the ship. Though as much as he liked to poke fun at your energy and antics, Milo couldn’t imagine himself being part of a different crew, nor could he imagine a better captain. Not that he would tell you that, of course. And when you’d told him the two of you had business together in the city, he’d groaned and complained about being forced to stay by your side on land as well as on sea.

“Why am I the one that has to be stuck with you?” You were the last two on the ship, the rest of the crew having disembarked to make their way about the city. Port workers were ready and waiting to tend to the ship as per your request so you and Milo were collecting any necessities before heading off and into the bustling streets.

“Because you’re my first mate and second-in-command. You chose this, remember?” You teased, striding past Milo as he swept his hair out of his face. He usually tied his hair back thanks to the sea salt infused ocean air blowing its steady assault but since arriving he’d let it fall in loose waves atop his shoulders. Milo shrugged on his dark maroon coat, falling to just above his knees, over the wine-red tunic and black corset he wore. His choices in clothing differed from your own light beige tunic and emerald corset. The two of you walked side-by-side onto the docks, nodding in greeting to the port workers as they went about their tasks.

“I don’t remember choosing to be joined at the hip for every waking hour,” Milo complained, though he remained close by with a watchful eye of anyone who sought to take advantage of the agreeable and exuberant fleet captain; his sour disposition proved an excellent deterrent from unsavoury characters looking to target the newcomers to the city.

“That’s on you for thinking I’d be so kind,” you chimed, skipping ahead as Milo watched with an unamused look. “Oh cheer up, Milo. We’re in a new city asking to be explored! And you get to do it with me by your side what more could you want?”

“Peace. Quiet. Freedom.”

“All overrated if you ask me. Now, if you’re done sulking there’s a merchant in the marketplace we have business with.”

Hours passed with ease, flitting from market stall to market stall as you examined the city’s layout. You’d been able to attend to business with ease, finding no obstacles or unexpected turns steering you off path. Milo had eventually loosened up and stopped sulking quite so much, especially when you offered to pay for the meal you shared at a cosy tavern situated in a quieter corner of the city. Cobblestone streets were decorated with old buildings, worn with age and some abandoned with dust-caked windows and rusted metal signage. After dining and strolling through the quiet city streets, you and Milo happened upon a comfortable looking inn. It wasn’t sat near the bustling high streets and so offered a higher chance of having spare rooms at such short notice. To make matters easier, the both of you were to share a room. After all, sleeping aboard the ship meant the crew were accustomed to being in close quarters with one another—the cabins weren’t particularly large either and many had to share the cramped spaces anyway. What the two of you didn’t expect, however, was for there to be only one bed sitting in the middle of the room. Milo hadn’t spoken a word and his expression remained as calm as ever, giving away neither a sign of comfort nor discomfort. Curse him for being so unreadable, especially compared to your frantically darting eyes.

“I should go back down to ask for another room. We can't—”

“No need. You said yourself earlier we’re used to living in the same confined space so what’s a shared bed for a few nights? Don’t tell me you’re nervous.” At your silence and cornered expression, Milo continued. “Oh? Never been so close to a man before?” Milo’s tone had turned taunting, taking a few steps closer as his fingers cupped your jaw. Rising annoyance took hold of your actions, your hand rising to push his off.

“Whether I have or not is none of your concern. And if you are so adamant that this is an appropriate arrangement for a captain and their first mate then fine. We’ll share.” You summoned as much stoicism to your voice as possible, marching to deposit what few items you still carried atop an old wooden desk beneath the windowsill.

By the time you were ready to retire for the night, heart pounding as you watched Milo climb into his side of the bed wearing only a pair of loose brown trousers and a white blouse so sheer there was barely a need to be wearing it. He still remained unaffected about the whole situation, barely uttering a word of discontent despite his complaints earlier in the day. But as you took your spot beside him, reaching to extinguish the sole candle providing light for the room, Milo’s breath hitched. It was a small sound, so easily missed between the shuffling of bedsheets. But you heard it. And as you bid Milo a goodnight, sparing one last glance at him in the darkened room, you could have sworn he was blushing.

Morning came all too quickly, the hazy sunrise rays filtering through the too-thin curtains that were covering the window frame. Quiet footsteps sounded across the wooden floor, the only audible proof that Milo had already awoken. Sleep still addling your eyes, you blink to keep yourself from drifting asleep again. Despite a busy life at sea, there was no denying that sleep’s gentle caress was an enticing pleasure to bask in for as long as your body deemed necessary. But alas, duties called and you had no choice but to abide by the chains of responsibility. The day ahead was to be spent travelling through the city gathering further information. While your fleet did not actively seek out rumours and speculations of other ships and their crews, sometimes it became a matter of precaution. As captain it would be irresponsible to ignore the possibilities of ambush. For as many good pirates that were out there exploring for the sake of mere adventure, there were just as many with villainous intentions seeking power above all else. And there was no way to know for certain who these unsavoury characters might be without a little underhanded investigating from a covert captain and their first mate.

“Are you planning on getting up anytime soon or are you just going to stay there all day?” Milo asked, his voice sounding entirely unamused and almost annoyed by your lack of any substantial activity. He, of course, was already dressed and itching to leave into the early morning air. Milo was never one to wait around or allow himself the pleasures of a day off. But by that same token, his disciplined behaviour extended to you. After all, how could a captain allow their first mate to be more proactive than them? Out in public, at least. Behind closed doors you were more than welcome to remain under the warmth of the covers, until Milo forcibly removed you, that is.

“Five more minutes,” you groggily replied, still burdened with the luring pull of sleep caressing your skin. Before you could sink even further beneath the covers, a sharp gust of cold air pierced your warm cocoon as Milo tore back the warmth with an unforgiving tug.

“Hey! What was that for?” You shouted, sitting up to glare at him and your now cold legs momentarily forgotten. Milo stood with a single raised eyebrow, the covers still in his grasp as he smirked at you.

“Can’t handle a little cold, captain?” Milo held your gaze, perfectly content to stare you down until you moved from your spot on the bed. If there was anything he’d learned during his time as your second-in-command, it was how to get you to attend to the less appealing responsibilities. Knowing he was far too stubborn to relent, you let out a sign of resignation, throwing your legs over the side of the bed to finally get up. As you moved, the too-long blouse that came to your mid-thigh rose ever so slightly, the softness of your skin drawing Milo’s eyes. He cleared his throat, declaring he would leave to allow you some privacy but that he expected you at the inn’s entrance within ten minutes and if you were even the slightest bit late he’d be up to drag you down himself. For all his threats and treatments of tough love, you knew deep down Milo would never act on half of them; he just enjoyed playing the part of your cold and unforgiving companion.

However, to Milo, more than anything else he needed to leave purely for his own sake. If he said that he’d rested well he would have been lying. All night he could barely settle his racing mind simply because you were so unbearably close. At one point you’d even moved closer in your sleep, arms subconsciously reaching to hold onto his. Milo hadn’t wanted to wake up so allowed it to happen, sneaking the odd glance or two at your peaceful expression while you slept. He never liked to admit these things to himself—always hated confronting his own emotions whenever they spun in a direction he didn’t account for. But he was powerless against all that he felt in that room in the dead of night, with no one but himself to blame for falling so hard for his captain, the singular person he believed he should not cross that line with despite the irony of sharing a bed together. As far as Milo was concerned, this was just another burden he would bear until it was no longer an issue. He couldn’t afford to dwell on maybes and what ifs, not when there were far more pressing matters to be concerned with. So he would continue living with this slight pain in his chest that would twist with each unfiltered smile or teasing remark you threw his way, if only to prevent a cataclysmic fallout should you not take too kindly to his affections.

Milo couldn’t dwell further on the matter; the day ahead held greater importance. When the two of you reunited, both prepared to go about the city once more, your usual dynamic sank in fairly fast. There wasn’t much chance to notice any minute alteration to Milo’s mood either, given the city was so alive even at the earlier time of day. From the elevated parts of the city, the towering masts of docked ships could be seen along with the distant stretches of the horizon that knitted the sky and sea together. A myriad of buildings old and new built up the city, roofs of wood and stone making up the majority of the city’s expanse with only some of the eldest residences still housing thatched roofs. Dividing the city was a river that meandered from its highest point down to the shores by the docks. Glistening views of sparkling water could be seen from multiple vantage points throughout the city, with bridges built to allow easy access no matter where you needed to go. It was a city built by and for its citizens, a place one could easily envision a life of peace and quiet. But as tempting as the quiet life may sound, it could never compare to life at sea. These excursions onto shore and into civilisation were nice, but suffocating—a reminder of a past existence stuck in the same four walls with no promise of adventure save for the mystical stories in your books and the occasional glance through a window at the ships on the horizon. And, while you would likely never admit it, there wasn’t another you’d rather have by your side to live this life of freedom than Milo.

“You done daydreaming over there? Or did you forget we have things to do?” Milo sounded bored as he called out to you, more than a few paces ahead before he realised you’d stopped. His arms were folded and he looked as unamused as his voice had been. When you didn’t respond, Milo’s arms fell to his sides as he strode over. Before you could stop him, a gentle poke prodded at your forehead.

“Hey, you good? Not like you to think. Ever.”

Offering Milo a pointed look, you retort, “Hilarious. But yes, I’m fine. Just thinking.”

“Do I get a hint as to what you’re thinking about?”

Contemplating your options, you opted to keep your thoughts to yourself, smiling sweetly at Milo. “Nope. As you so dutifully reminded, we have things to do.” You stepped closer, looking Milo square in the face before swiftly moving past him without waiting to see if he followed. Of course, Milo was soon by your side and looking about ready to complain.

“I swear one day you’ll–” Milo’s words stopped short as the both of you approached a corner, one that just on the other side stood a group of covert pirates. There weren’t any voices that you recognised, but the fleet about which they spoke was more than familiar. So familiar, in fact, that it was yours.

“Didn’t you hear? Their captain’s as incompetent as anything. Even if they do walk around with that guard dog first mate of theirs, he’s too busy falling at their feet or warming their bed to see anything coming.”

Rage ignited in every inch of your body, a burning inferno of fury scorching as it climbed your throat, threatening to spill in a blind mass of fire-tipped words at whoever had insulted you and Milo. You could barely feel anything but that anger rushing through you, your legs carrying you without any thought as to a strategy or plan. The only thing that doused the fire was Milo’s hand on your wrist, his grip firm as he held you back. You spun back to glare at him, eyes still lit with icy hot rage as the conspirators’ words continued to infect your ears.

Milo kept his voice low, a rough tone of urgency accompanying his intense need to remain undetected. Even if the both of you were highly skilled and trained pirates, you were also outnumbered. And considering how tense your emotions were running, it left you more prone to impulsively throwing yourself in. Usually you were highly attuned to your surroundings, able to employ your hard-earned abilities in the rare encounters you needed them, but whenever someone’s emotions ran high and it was left unchecked, blind spots manifested; where blind spots appeared, so did risk. As much as Milo wanted to watch as you held a knife to each of their throats, the threatening and lethal captain you could so easily be, he also did not want to risk either one of you coming out of this wounded—or worse.

“Look, I get that you want to deal with them, but we’re not prepared for this. There’s only two of us—”

“Two of us who have dealt with just as many of them before. Milo you’re overreacting here,” you retorted, rooting your feet so that he couldn’t pull you away.

Milo’s eyebrows knitted in frustration, an exasperated sigh leaving his lips as he continued. “Please. Just…listen to me. Just this once. We regroup with the rest of the crew and deal with this with an actual plan.” As soon as the hushed words left his lips, Milo sensed your refusal in the slow blink as you folded your arms across your chest. Knowing his limited options, Milo moved as quickly as his body allowed him, lifting you into his arms. You tried to voice your annoyance and anger, but the words died in your throat as you remembered the exact situation Milo was trying to avoid. As much as you may have wanted to charge knife first into an encounter, it would be far less effective from Milo’s arms if your shouts alerted them to your presence. Once the two of you were a safe distance away, Milo placed you back down, barely even flinching when you shoved him away from you.

“What the hell was that? I realise you didn’t think we could handle ourselves, but really? Why? Do you not trust me after all these years?”

“You know I trust you. Just that we were caught unawares and both our emotions are running high. Surely you agree it’s better to be prepared than rushing in?” Milo stood firmly in place as you paced about the stone bridge over the river.

“Sometimes, yes, but don’t you also agree that sometimes instinct serves us well?”

“And my instinct said that rushing in was a bad idea,” Milo quipped, eyes closing at the unamused groan that left your throat. He took a few deep breaths before he continued. “I realise you’re angry with me. And rightly so. But please trust me when I say this was the best course of action for the time being.”

You paused your pacing, looking at Milo with a mix of dissipating frustration and confusion etched upon your face. “Fine. Then at least tell me why you’re being so—I don’t know. You’re being overly cautious. It’s not like you.”

“Have you considered that maybe it’s because I care about you? That I don’t want to see you get hurt when I could have prevented it? Hearing what they said about you…I needed to get myself out of there before I got us into worse trouble.” Milo strode past you, moving his hands to lean against the bridge, eyes closed as his head hung low. The events of the last few moments had struck him deeper than you’d realised and it sent a tinge of guilt strumming through your veins.

“Milo, I’m not exactly sure what you mean by that but even if I am your captain was that so necessary?”

A quiet whisper came from Milo, so softly spoken that you wouldn’t have known he’d said anything if it weren’t for the slight movement in his lips. When you asked him to repeat himself, Milo’s voice sounded pained, as though it was going against everything he’d told himself to be so open. “Do you really think I only care about you because you’re my captain?”

“What does that even mean?”

“It means that you’re headstrong and capable and do all kinds of incredible things that amaze me day by day. It means I admire you in every definition of the word. It means I have come to care for you far more than I ever promised myself I would. It means I want to protect you with my life, should you ever need it, although you can protect yourself well enough I know. And it also means that I love you.”

Shock and surprise stunned you, rendering you unable to speak. Never had you expected such an admission of emotion from Milo. The man usually kept his feelings locked away so tight you’d started to believe even he couldn’t unlock them at times. And yet, there he stood, raw emotion filtering his features as he stared down at his hands. Whether he was waiting for a response or not you weren’t certain, nor could you have really given one. At least, not verbally. Nerves wracking your every move, you slowly stepped closer to Milo and reach a hand to softly lift his chin so that he was facing you.

Milo sighed. “I’m fine. Just forget I ever said anything.”

“But what if I don’t want to forget?” You whispered, leaning in closer so that the tips of your noses were now touching, waiting for Milo to close that impossibly small distance. And he did. His touch was hesitant, yet explorative. As though he wanted to etch every last moment into his skin’s memory in case this were all some cruel dream. You were his lifeline and Milo was gasping for air, suddenly questioning how he had survived so long without your touch. How he had ever reprimanded himself in the dead of night, utterly convinced such a connection could never come to be. All of Milo’s thoughts centred around you. Around the gentle hand that rested on his jaw; around the softness of your lips against his; around the earnest way you poured every unspoken confession of devotion into your actions. This was a sliver of heaven-sent euphoria shared only for the two of you under the clear summer sky, standing atop a bridge that offered the perfect backdrop of the city and sea beyond it. While the moment was sure to come to an end shortly, the memory would forever remain imprinted upon Milo’s thoughts, serving as the cause of his elation and contentment for days, weeks, months to come. He could survive on this one moment alone, and yet, the anticipation sitting in his stomach told him that, perhaps, there were endless moments of divine ecstasy awaiting him in the future. His future, that he would share with you for as long as the fates allowed it.

#infinite blue #infinitebluefanworks #infinite blue fanfic #infinite blue x reader #infinite blue milo #infinite blue milo fanfic #infinite blue milo x reader #so much pirate au so many words i cannot do more #but this was fun to extend for the fanworks contest hehe #anna writes

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