Thread by @IDtsuKei

#krtsk #kurotsuki pirate au. TW for pirate au typical murder and blood, maybe nsfw who’s to say.

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The scent of the sea, salty but refreshing to Tsukishima after years aboard Karasuno, was tinged with blood. Tsukishima would admit that Johzenji had fought valiantly, but even

Before he had started pulling his swings, they had no chance of coming out of this ambush on top.

Once Tsukishima had realized this he had switched his fighting style from trying to take out as many of invading crew as possible to a casual defense, trying to take in the details

To plan for possible escape routes. They had wanted to bring Johzenji down completely, he supposes a massacre would suffice. Better, even, taking away any blame from his actual crew. From what he could see as he parried the blows of an enthusiastic but unskilled man, it looks

Like the invading crew was Nekoma. He grimaced as he held back, allowing the silver haired man to believe he had the upper hand. This was going to be tough. Nekoma wasn’t especially known for taking survivors. He was contemplating how to convince them to either take him hostage

Without revealing his true allegiance, or how to slip away from the fight to stow away on their ship when he hears the cheers from the upper deck. A quick glance revealed that the captain of Nekoma, a feline looking man with the messiest hair Tsukishima had ever seen, had

Defeated Terushima, the captain of Johzenji.

‘Finish him off already, Lev,’ a short man who had been watching Tsukishima’s fight yelled, exasperated at how long their fight had been going on.

‘I’m trying, Yaku-san,’ the man whined, actually whined, turning his attention to

Focus on the short man. Tsukishima internally rolled his eyes at this man’s mistake, using the distraction to strike. He realized he was one of few men still standing who was wearing Johzenji colors, and knew if he struck to kill the rest of the blood thirsty Nekoma members would

Gang up on him, so he sliced close enough to draw blood on Lev’s face.

‘You shouldn’t look away from the man trying to kill you,’ Tsukishima deadpanned, ignoring the howls of laughter from the short man.

‘Fuck!’ Lev hissed, hand coming up to press against the wound. ‘You’ve

Been looking away this whole fight!’

Tsukishima simply cocked his eyebrow, tipping his sword towards Lev’s complete lack of defensive stance.

‘I don’t know what you mean, but I can guarantee you I didn’t look like /that/.’

‘He has a point, Lev. Every time he looked away from

You he still managed to deflect you. Either he’s better than he’s letting on or you’re worse than we all thought.’ Tsukishima cursed internally. The words were spoken by the captain, who was resting nonchalantly on the overlook, sword still dripping with Terushima’s blood. He

Didn’t need the captains attention on him when he still hadn’t thought of a plan.

‘He’s worse-‘ Tsukishima starts to reply at the same time Lev shouts the opposite.

‘No way! You’re like a secret spy or something!’ Lev pouted, honestly pouted at the implication that Lev was

Worse.

‘Hmm let’s see. Yaku, you try and take him down.’ The captain ordered. The crowd around them started to grow, as more of Johzenji‘s crew either fell or were captured.

Curse the gods, could they not give him a break? He made a show of looking around at the crowd, not

Looking directly behind him where he knew the edge of the boat dropped off to the sea. No one was behind him yet, but as the crowd pushed in he was sure it wouldn’t last long. Plan set, he resumed his stance as the man called Yaku grumbled, stepping in front of him.

‘What’s the

Point of daily sword lessons if you still have to finish the job?’ He seemed to ask himself before he struck. He was fast, miles better than Lev was, and it took everything in Tsukishima to not engage in a real sword fight with him. Instead, he allowed his blows to be knocked

Away, letting Yaku push him further back with each swing. He willed his face to stay even as he grew closer and closer to his freedom. Another minute of swings and he should be close enough to fall over the edge, and it couldn’t have came at a better time. The crowd was jeering

As the believed their man was seconds away from spilling Tsukishima’s guts on the deck. Almost there, he thought as he blocked a particularly vicious blow. He could practically feel the saltwater on his face when his escape path was cut off, the black haired captain’s chin

Hooking over his shoulder as he stood directly behind him, sword pressed against Tsukishima’s throat. He startled a bit, not sure how he missed the captains movements.

‘Kuroo what the fuck, this is my fight.’ Yaku stomped his foot, mad at being cut off from what they all

Assumed was a guaranteed victory.

‘That’s no way to talk to your captain, especially not when he’s stopped your opponent from diving over the edge. That was your plan, right blondie?’ Kuroo’s breath was hot against Tsukishima’s skin, which had grown cold at being cornered.

‘My only plan was to not be stabbed,’ he lied quickly. Yaku cursed as he realized what Kuroo said was true.

‘My crew might believe your lies, sweetheart, but not me. What’s your name?’ He angles the blade, pressing into Tsukishima’s neck so he has no choice but to tilt his head

To make eye contact with the captain.

‘Akiteru,’ he says with hesitation. ‘No last name.’

‘Well Akiteru no last name, you’re wearing the colors of Johzenji but you don’t speak like one of them, or fight like one of them. Where are you really from?’ Tsukishima had to suppress

The shiver that tried to roll through him as Kuroo spoke directly into his ear.

‘I’m a new recruit.’

‘And a man of a few words.’ Kuroo teased, smirk evident in his voice. ‘Not trying to be a complete creep, though you are exquisite to look at, blondie, but is that a tattoo

I see?’

Years of practice kept Tsukishima from flinching, but he mentally cursed out his fellow crew mate Hinata for insisting their group get their crows on their chest. He had managed to hide it from Johzenji this entire time but a few minutes with Nekoma and their captain

Had seen it.

‘No,’ he continued to lie. ‘It’s a bruise from one of your brutes probably.’

‘Oh you do sound lovely when you lie. Did Johzenji know they had a little birdie aboard their ship? Probably not, hm?’

It was entirely unfair that Kuroo sounded so alluring when he

Held Tsukishima’s life in his hands. How was he supposed to think of anything when he was basically being embraced by this man? If it weren’t for the sword pressing into his neck, he’s half convinced he wouldn’t be able to string together a sentence at all.

‘A bird?’ Lev asked,

Interrupting the staring contest Tsukishima was having with the captain over his shoulder.

‘A crow to be exact,’ Kuroo announced, causing Yaku to start cursing. Tsukishima remained silent, knowing he had been found out.

‘You know, blondie, Nekoma isn’t known for taking

Survivors. The rest of the Johzenji crew will die before sundown.’ Tsukishima tried to ignore the way his stomach curdled at Kuroo’s words, even though he knew they were true. ‘But a hostage? A hostage might do. Think his boys will pay a pretty penny for him?’

The Nekoma crew

Started yelling, cheering at the idea. The only one who looked wary was Yaku, who was frowning at Kuroo.

‘I don’t know if we should bring him aboard, aren’t Karasuno members cursed?’ Yaku asked as he waved off Lev.

‘He doesn’t look cursed to me?’ Kuroo glanced up and down

The part of Tsukishima he could see, not relinquishing his hold. A hostage situation, that Tsukishima could deal with. He could bide his time in whatever cells they had until they made port somewhere he had allies and sneak out then. He kept his mouth shut as they tied up his

Hands, willing himself to not glance towards the captain.

Yaku was tasked with delivering him back to Nekoma’s brigs, but they stayed to watch the remaining members of Johzenji meet their end at the end of Kuroo’s sword. Despite sailing with them for weeks, Tsukishima felt

Nothing at their deaths. It was inevitable anyways, their death warrants were signed the second they crossed one of Karasuno’s own, Kiyoko.

He allowed himself to be dragged back, before being deposited into a tiny cell.

‘Shame, I would’ve loved to fight you for real.’ That

Was the only thing Yaku had said to him as he locked the doors, leaving Tsukishima alone. He shimmied out of the ropes on his hands, twisting in place to crack the bones in his back. Taking in the sight of the too small bed, he sighed, resigned to a cramped few weeks. He only

Hoped Nekoma’s captain was kind enough to not starve their hostage. He hated having to let himself wither away, only stealing enough to keep his strength up so his so called captors wouldn’t notice he wasn’t dwindling down as fast as he should be.

He had just settled down on

The bed, ready for a long night, when someone shuffled into the corridor. Tsukishima glanced up to see Lev shuffling in with what looked to be a hunk of bread and some water.

‘Here!’ He said, handing it through the bars. ‘It’s not much, most of the crew are spending the night

Partying so the cooks didn’t make much.’

Tsukishima took the offered food, murmuring his thanks. Lev just smiled, as if Tsukishima hadn’t bested him in front of most of the crew, and left the way he came in. The bread was surprisingly soft as he bit a chunk off. He finished the

Bread and took a sip of water, laying down for the night. He fell asleep wishing for a window to see the stars with, and dreamt of feeling the sun on his face.

He awoke the next morning to a shooting pain in his back from trying to squeeze into the tiny bed. He groaned,

Stretching his arms above his head to relieve some tension. He noticed an apple placed on the floor of his cell and assumed that was to be his breakfast. He picked it up, inspecting it for bruises, before chomping into it. At least it looked like they planned to feed him.

He

Spent the next few hours doing some sit ups and push ups to keep his blood flowing, and relaxing as he was still a bit sore from the fights the day before. The cells were held in a lower section of the boat and without any windows he had no way of telling how long he had been

Down here. His best guess placed it close to sundown when he finally saw another person. This time the Nekoma member walking up towards his cell was not someone he had seen before.

The person was small, not quite as short at Yaku from the day before, but more slender. They

Didn’t look like they would last long in a sword fight. Their hair was half bleached, roots grown in enough that more than half of their head was back to the original color and half pulled back from their face. Their eyes though were just as feline as the captains. They stared at

Tsukishima for a few moments in silence before Tsukishima raised his eyebrows.

‘Can I help you?’

‘Kuro wants you to come to dinner with him in his quarters.’ The unnamed person said, scrunching their nose slightly.

‘Am I to be trusted to behave or would that include tying

Me up again?’

‘He said to tie you up. I said that was stupid since we’re in the middle of the sea but he was insistent.’ They rolled their eyes.

‘Hm. You can tell your captain I’m flattered by the request, but I have a much better offer for the night.’ Tsukishima could use

The chance to scout the boat, but he had no desire to be tied up and weaponless and thrown into the captain’s personal quarters. The man had seemed decent enough - for a pirate - and Tsukishima could slip out of most bindings, but he wasn’t desperate enough to risk it yet. Maybe

After he snuck out of his cell and had a better grasp of the layout of the boat, then he would take the captain up on it if he offered it again.

‘Suit yourself,’ the person shrugged, walking away. Moments later, almost as if he had been waiting just outside the corridor where

The cells were held, Kuroo strolled in with the stranger.

‘Blondie, honestly you wound me! What better offer?’ He questioned, grinning.

‘You see I could spend my evening listening to you prattle on, likely about yourself, as I struggled to eat with my hands tied, or I could

Sit in the peaceful silence of my lovely room.’

‘I wouldn’t have talked about myself that much! And besides, if you were struggling to eat I could always hand feed you,’ the captain winked as his crew mate once again wrinkled their nose.

‘Disgusting.’

‘Kenma, ouch. I’m

Already being wounded by blondie here, you don’t need to join in.’

‘Stop being so easy to insult,’ Kenma shot back.

‘You do seem to make it rather easy,’ Tsukishima mused.

‘Is it cause I said you had to be tied up? You are a prisoner, I can’t exactly give you free reign

Of the ship, love. I promise it will be gentle.’ Kuroo grinned again, and Tsukishima was once again trying to ignore the heat coursing through him from the captains tone.

‘Maybe I prefer to be tied up in the bedroom, not in the dining room.’ He pushed his luck, if he was to

Spend a few weeks on this ship a little light flirting never hurt anyone. He let out a grin of his own when the captain faltered for a second, eyes widening.

‘Oh, blondie. That could be arranged.’ His voice had dropped even deeper, much to Tsukishima’s delight.

‘Absolutely

Not, I’m not listening to this,’ Kenma interjected, starting to walk away. Kuroo broke eye contact with Tsukishima to follow their movements, before glancing back at the cell, sighing.

‘Excuse me for one moment, darling.’ He said to Tsukishima, following after Kenma. Tsukishima

Just shook his head, curling back up on the bed. Minutes later his thoughts were interrupted again by a scraping noise. He looked out of the cell to see Kuroo was back, dragging with him a chair and what looked like a platter of food.

‘Tada! I know you’ve grown accustomed to

Your tiny room here, so I brought dinner to you.’

‘Was dinner not going to be brought to me anyways?’

‘Yes, but now you get the added bonus of spending it with me.’ He winked, setting the food down on his chair as he looked for a make shift table. He set some crates up near

The bars of Tsukishima’s cell so he could reach through and grab the food from the platter before sitting down himself and tearing into it. ‘So, blondie, tell me about yourself.’

Tsukishima raised his eyebrows incredulously.

‘What is this? An interrogation or a date?’ His

Words make Kuroo laugh, and he reaches through the bars tentatively to grab something for himself.

‘I’d say the latter before the former.’ Another wink. ‘I’ve never had a famed Karasuno member on board, it would be nice to learn something about you.’

‘Why would I tell you

Anything when you can’t even get my name right? I don’t recall telling you it was blondie.’ Tsukishima ate slowly, despite the food being some of the best he had had in months. How their cook made it taste like this in the middle of the sea was beyond him.

‘No, but your name

Is clearly not Akiteru. I told you, you can fool the idiots at Johzenji but not me.’ Kuroo sounded so confident it almost made Tsukishima falter.

‘What are you, some kind of psychic?’

‘No, just good at knowing people. And listen, we’ve all heard the tales of the little giant

And his second hand man Akiteru, and so kudos to your reference but it’s not your name.’ Tsukishima scowled at the mention of his brother, who was currently enjoying life with his partner Udai on some unknown island somewhere, either unaware or uncaring about the fact the two of

Them had become something of a tall tale among the new generation of pirates.

‘Oh ho ho, is that a reaction I see? Mad at being found out?’

‘Mad at having to look at the birds nest on your head while enjoying this lovely meal. And who’s to say I’m not the man of the legend

Himself?’ He shoots back, ignoring the sparkle in Kuroo’s eyes.

‘Nah, you’re too young. If the tales are true he’d have to be what 10, 15 years older than you?’

‘Well it’s the only name you’re getting.’ Tsukishima set down his half eaten food, not wanting to bog himself down

By stuffing himself full. He wanted to see part of the ship tonight.

‘Shame. You don’t want me to call you your real name as I tie you to my bed?’ Kuroo leans forward, resting his arms on his legs, eyes burning a hole straight through Tsukishima.

‘After listening to your

Voice this entire meal, I much prefer you didn’t talk at all.’ Tsukishima lied, turning away from the captain to face the wall. He let out a short laugh, standing and scooting the chair against the far wall.

‘Such a pretty liar. Someone will come for the food eventually, help

Yourself until they do. I guess I’ll just have to write the ransom note like ‘karasuno - we have one of your birds. He’s a liar and won’t tell us his name but he’s tall, blonde, a snarky bitch, legs to die for, and currently the starring role in our captains dreams.’ They’ll know

Who I mean, I’m sure.’ Kuroo waves as he leaves. Tsukishima lets out a huff of a breath, flopping back on the bed. If only he had met Kuroo in some unknown tavern, they could’ve had some actual fun together. He didn’t think they’d have the opportunity to do more than tease with

Him being a so called hostage after all. The food sat untouched until Lev came by to pick it up. He didn’t stop to chat for long but made sure to express his disinterest in cleaning up when he already had the worst job of them all as a punishment for losing, night watch.

‘It’s

So cold and lonely up in that little thing. And half the time I feel like I’m going to fall asleep, who’s going to attack us at night anyways?’ He bemoaned, begrudgingly picking up the platter.

‘You’d be surprised,’ Tsukishima replied, grateful for the information. He knew

Tonight was the night to slip out, get some fresh air. He relied on his internal clock to try and mark when it was late enough the crew had retired to their own beds, and slipped the pins he had sewn into the back of his shirt out, sending a silent thanks that Yaku’s search

Didn’t reveal these. He reached through the bars, jimmying the lock open, opening the doors wide enough for him to slip through and took off.

His steps were quiet as he kept to the shadows. He passed where the rest of the crew must be sleeping, the snores ringing out made him

Glad he was far enough away he couldn’t hear them. He paused as he crept on deck, taking in a deep breath of the fresh air. A glance to the lookout proved what Lev said was true, he was curled up in the box, head hanging over the edge, snoring.

Tsukishima laughed quietly to

Himself, and once he had cleared the rest of the deck, he sprawled out on the bow, letting the peace from the current pulling the boat along wash over him.

On his way back, he tried to look for maps or anything pointing to where they were going but came up empty handed. As he

Locked himself back in the cell, he thought of ways to talk the next port out of either Lev or Kuroo. Lev was more likely to blab, not knowing why Tsukishima was asking, but it would be much more satisfying to drag the answer out of Kuroo. He could already imagine the look on

His face when he realized what Tsukishima had tricked him into revealing. Decisions, decisions.

The next few days follow a pattern: Tsukishima wakes up with breakfast near his cell, spends a majority of the day in his own company, dinner with Kuroo and sometimes Kenma between

The cell bars, and he sneaks out at night for fresh air. So far he hasn’t been able to glean where they’re headed, but had learned that Kuroo and Kenma had grown up together. That Kenma was their strategist but tended to stay out of the fights.

He revealed nothing more about

Himself, even after days of Kuroo prodding for a name. He kept the idea of asking Lev where they were going in his back pocket, wanting to wait a few more days. He was determined to crack Kuroo.

On their fifth dinner together, Kenma didn’t join them and it was just the two of

Them. Better to get the information out of Kuroo, Kenma always stopped him when he started to talk to much.

‘You know, half of the crew still think you’re cursed. It probably doesn’t help that Lev has leaned into it. I think he tells anyone who will listen that he only lost

Because you used magic to distract him.’ Kuroo says as he chews.

‘Is that why you keep feeding me such fancy meals? Hoping to win my favor so I don’t sink your ship? Didn’t take you for the superstitious type.’

‘Nah, love, it’s purely to have a bit of eye candy while I eat.

Besides, those of us with the power of thinking know Karasuno is only considered cursed because if a crow’s on your ship, it’s coming down because of their planning, not cause of magic.’

‘Oh, so that’s why I get this lovely room without a view and not free reign? Clearly you

Can’t think I’m going to escape when we’re no where near land?’ Tsukishima shoots back.

‘Was that not your plan against Yaku?’

‘My plan against Yaku was to get away from his sword before he killed me, that’s all.’

‘One day, me and you will fight and I’ll prove you a liar.’

Kuroo swears, eyes gleaming with the challenge.

‘Hmm. How is the attempts to ransom me going, by the way? Has Karasuno replied saying you’ve lost your mind yet?’ He changes the topic.

‘Nothing yet, they don’t know what they’re missing. I plan to send another messenger when

We dock in Seijoh in a few days.’

Any glee at finding out where they were docking is overlooked by the dread of Seijoh. Definitely not friendly territory. Last he knew, he still had a price on his head there worth maybe more than the rest of Karasuno combined, save Hinata who

Had been there with him that awful night. Had been the cause of it really, how the red-headed chibi had read their plans of bringing down the power couple poised to take over, and interpreted it as ‘sleep with Oikawa so Ushijima wouldn’t marry him’ Tsukishima didn’t know, but he

Wouldn’t soon forget him and Hinata hightailing it out of there as Oikawa’s personal guard Iwaizumi chased them down. He must have let his feelings on the matter show on his face because Kuroo started his awful cackle again.

‘What’s wrong, blondie? Not a fan of Seijoh? I know

You were probably hoping we would be docking somewhere you could get help, hmm? That’s why you kept trying to get it out of me?’ Kuroo grinned.

‘I don’t know what you mean. I’m just appalled at the thought of being near that horrid place.’ Of course Kuroo knew what he was up

To. He could only hope Kuroo wasn’t yet privy to his late night strolls. It had been a long time since Tsukishima had to work to outwit someone, he needed to get it together. He thought back over the conversation, trying to figure out the weird anxiety setting in his bones. Kuroo

Had said Karasuno hadn’t responded to their first messages, could he mean to offer Tsukishima up to Seijoh? That would be a nice reward for Nekoma, even though Tsukishima knew Oikawa would wiggle out of paying it as he always did. His blood began to run cold as he did his best to

Hide the worry from his features.

‘You know,’ Kuroo prompted, voice sly but more cautious than before. ‘There are a couple posters floating around Seijoh about someone called Hotaru, they’re offering a nice sum for his head, attached or not.’

‘Sounds bad for this Hotaru

Fellow,’ Tsukishima replied but he could feel himself shutting Kuroo out, eyes growing cold. Shit, he should’ve known better than to trust the word of a pirate captain. Kuroo, who was way too accustomed to Tsukishima’s actions after not that much time together, shrugged before

Leaning back in his chair, legs spread.

‘Too bad we don’t have a Hotaru on board, right blondie? We’re just going for a switch out of some lower crew members. New blood to swab the decks and all of the shit jobs.’

Tsukishima knows he must have blinked in surprise because the

Grin was back on Kuroo’s face, softer than before.

‘That’s a shame, indeed.’ Tsukishima replied slowly, eyes searching Kuroo’s face for any sign of a lie.

‘Can you at least tell me if Hotaru is your real name?’ Kuroo asked, pressing another roll into Tsukishima’s hands

Through the bars. He had stopped eating, appetite dying at the thought of being sold to his executioner.

‘It’s not.’ He grabbed the bread, pausing momentarily when their fingers brushed together, eyes darting up to hold Kuroo’s stare. He didn’t look away until he had taken a

Bite of the bread, cutting off contact before he could do something stupid like beg to be brought to Kuroo’s bed.

‘One day, love. One day you’ll tell me.’ Kuroo’s voice was deep, and he seemed to have to shake himself out of it. He waved as he left, leaving the plate for

Tsukishima to pick at as he had every other night.

The conversation between them the next few days was light, as if they were both trying to forget the heated atmosphere from the other night. The day they docked in Seijoh, Kuroo came down to tell him that he would not be

Joining him for dinner, but that Yaku would be staying behind to ensure no one snuck on to rummage through their treasure, winking at Tsukishima. He knew he meant that Yaku would be watching the brigs to make sure no one discovered the wanted man on board, but still found himself

Wanting when dinner rolled around and Kuroo wasn’t there to spend it with him. He scoffed at himself for the feeling, forcing himself to work out as best as he could in the tiny cell until he couldn’t keep his eyes open if he wanted to. When he awoke again, he could feel the

Motion of the boat. They must be sailing away from Seijoh.

He stretched as much as he could on the two sizes too small bed, before sitting up and blearily rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

‘You know there’s much more room in my bed,’ Kuroo offered from his spot against the

Wall.

‘Fuck!’ Tsukishima jumped, not knowing Kuroo was sitting there, clutching his chest. ‘Do you often sit and watch me sleep you absolute creep?’

‘Now there’s a reaction. If I say yes, will you keep yelling at me?’ Kuroo was smiling from ear to ear.

‘No, I’ll gouge

Your eyes out.’ Tsukishima hissed.

‘My, someone is very grumpy. And when I come bearing good news!’

‘Good for me or good for you?’

‘Both. Your head crow is willing to meet, to get you back. Now we just have to decide neutral grounds and what we’re going to ask for.’

Tsukishima frowned. Karasuno didn’t negotiate for their fellow crows, there’s no way this wasn’t a trap. He found himself wanting to warn Kuroo, so he didn’t end up hurt in the attempts to free Tsukishima, but pushed it down. He decided to just double his efforts and ditch them

At the next port, where ever it was.

‘Joy. Tell them you want them to pay to have your cells redesigned so the next man doesn’t end up with a broken back.’

‘I’ll put it at the top of my list. Well, now that you’re awake and your sour attitude is ruining my day dreams of us

Eloping and living out our days in infamy together somewhere nice, I suppose I should get back to work. A captain never rests.’

Kenma brought Tsukishima’s dinner down, explaining that Kuroo had to play nice with the new recruits. Tsukishima ate in silence, ignoring the

Disappointment swirling through his guts. When Lev came to collect the tray, Tsukishima asked if he was replaced on lookout duty yet. He swore, saying that he had at least another week until Kuroo would consider putting someone new out there. Tsukishima nodded, glad that he

Would be able to stretch his legs again tonight.

It was a beautiful night, stars shining and the moon was almost full, no clouds in sight. They were far enough from the shore now that all you could see when you looked out was the sky reflected in the dark waves. Tsukishima

Takes up his regular spot on the bow of the deck, shivering slightly as the chill of the air bites into his skin. Lev was knocked out in the lookout, and from the sounds of it as he snuck past the rest of the crew, they were too. He closed his eyes and tilted his head to the sky.

While he couldn’t feel the warmth of the sun on his face, he rejoiced in the moonlight spilling over his features. He had always been more partial to the night anyways.

A startled ‘oh’ from behind him shook him out of his reverie, and he cocked his head to the side to see

Kuroo standing behind him, eyes wide.

‘Oops.’ Tsukishima shrugged, turning back around. Kuroo was without his normal captain garb, dressed in just his billowy red shirt and a pair of trousers that cut off at his knees, and Tsukishima wasn’t just averting his eyes at being

Caught, but to hide the blush he could feel creeping up.

‘This is not your room,’ he began warily, creeping forward slowly.

‘It’s not? I could’ve sworn it was.’ Tsukishima willed his body to stay relaxed, silently hoping that whatever was going on between him and the captain

Would allow him this freedom.

‘You’re not basking in the starlight before you come and slit my throat, are you?’ Kuroo questions, posing it as a joke but sitting down far enough away that Tsukishima can see the worry behind the statement. He can feel himself being offended

Before he forces it down.

‘If I was planning on doing that, it would’ve been on my first night of sneaking out here.’

‘Which was?’

‘My second night here.’ He opens his eyes again to see Kuroo staring at him. ‘Your night watch is as bad at this as he is sword fighting.’

‘Yaku is going to be livid.’ Kuroo chuckles quietly. ‘I’m beginning to regret my choice of nickname for you.’

‘Oh?’ Tsukishima furrows his brows, unsure where Kuroo is going with this.

‘I should’ve been calling you moonshine from the beginning. You look…’ he trails off, eyes

Roving over the few bits of Tsukishima’s skin that are reflecting the moonlight. Tsukishima can feel his pulse quicken from the look and scans his brain for a way to get off of this topic. Mild flirting was fine when he was sure he was just going to ditch them, now with Karasuno

Actively engaging with them, he knew this thing between them could only end with at best a bitter feud, at worst, bloodshed.

‘Filthy? I’ve been wearing the same clothes for who knows how long.’ He keeps his voice light and breaks the eye contact.

‘I was leaning more towards

Ethereal.’

Tsukishima can’t stop his eyes from darting back to look at Kuroo, looking for the normal teasing look on his face, but is met with a completely serious stare. He also can’t stop the way his breath catches, cheeks flushing enough he’s sure Kuroo can see it even from

How far away he’s sitting.

‘Clearly you’re delusional at this time of the night,’ he clears his throat. ‘I’m not convinced you’re not sleepwalking.’

‘If I was asleep, you’d be wearing a lot less.’

‘Do you hit on all of your hostages like this?’

‘Just you,’ Kuroo admits.

‘Will you tell me your real name now, or can I continue with moonshine?’

‘Is none of the above an option?’ He looks out to the horizon, seeing the moon continue her path across the sky. ‘Anyways, I should be heading back.’

‘Come to my quarters.’ Kuroo presses.

‘I’m not in

The habit of bedding my captors.’ Tsukishima crinkled his nose, though he would very much like to do so.

‘Are you really captured?’ Kuroo gestured around them. ‘And besides, I didn’t mean it like that. Well I did, but I understand why you’re not interested. I meant you can use

My quarters to wash up, and I can loan you some clothes.’

Tsukishima pauses where he was starting to stand up.

‘That’s all?’ He questions.

‘Scouts honor.’

‘That means nothing coming from a pirate captain. Lead the way.’ He follows Kuroo to his part of the ship, and tries

To ignore the pang in his heart as Kuroo pulls out some clothes for him, and goes to stand outside of the room until he’s done. A cunning, smart, gentleman of a captain, Tsukishima scoffed to himself. He changes quickly, grabbing the tattered clothes he had borrowed from Johzenji

And rolling them in a ball to toss over the edge of the boat on his way back to his cell. Kuroo said nothing but accompanied him on the way back. It wasn’t until Tsukishima had stepped back in and reached to pull the bars shut behind him that he intervened, stepping in the way.

‘You really could come stay in my room, moonshine, I promise to keep my hands to myself. I can think of something to tell the crew.’ He offers, hand coming up to grasp the loose fabric around Tsukishima’s arm in his fingertips.

‘Thank you for the offer, truly. I’m fine here.’

‘If you insist. Sleep well. I’ll see you for dinner.’ He shuts the door gently, backing away slowly as if he didn’t want to break eye contact from Tsukishima. Tsukishima watches him go, and blames the rolling of his stomach on a suddenly burst of sea sickness. He really needed to

Figure out where they planned to dock next so he could spare Nekoma from anything his crew mates had planned. He laid down on the bed, ignoring how his skin lit on fire when he thought about how he was wearing Kuroo’s clothes.

When he woke up the next morning, he ate his

Breakfast in silence, and spent most of the morning staring at the wall, replaying the previous night in his head. Around lunchtime, Lev came skulking in with two meals.

‘Can I eat here with you?’ He sounded so dejected Tsukishima couldn’t reject him. He nodded, pointing

Towards Kuroo’s chair and reaching his arm out to grab his portion of the food.

‘Rough day?’ He asked, wincing when Lev started to tear up.

‘Captain Kuroo found me sleeping on the job last night apparently, and he let Yaku know and now he’s so mad at me. I told them I didn’t

want to be the watchman!’ Lev wailed, not even bothering to pick apart his food. Tsukishima sighed to himself, though he was relieved Kuroo didn’t rat him out as being the reason Lev was caught.

‘Lev, why do you even want to be a pirate?’ Tsukishima questioned.

‘Because! I

Had no other option, my older sister and me were on the streets when Yaku found us, but his family could only take in my sister. So I joined Nekoma so she wouldn’t have to worry about me.’ He sniffled as he talked, wiping away the tears. ‘Now Yaku probably hates me and Kuroo will

Let him kick me out.’

‘Yaku doesn’t hate you,’ Tsukishima consoled him. ‘I don’t think he gets mad at you for not knowing how to do things, I think it’s when you don’t put in the effort. Just because something is boring doesn’t mean it’s not worth learning.’

‘You think he’ll

Forgive me?’

‘I mean, you know him more than I do? Maybe try going out of your way to learn something or help out, I don’t know?’ Tsukishima suggests.

‘Okay. Thanks for listening. Maybe I’ll try to sneak you some dessert or something tonight.’ Lev nods, grabbing his untouched

Meal and heading out. Tsukishima shakes his head at his theatrics, going back to staring at the wall. His thoughts continue to drift to Kuroo, this time veering towards the sight of his bare chest below his shirt, the way the pants tightened across his thighs. He was ripped from

His horny thoughts by a loud voice he would recognize anywhere.

‘There you are! I was beginning to think they were really bluffing!’ Standing in front of Tsukishima’s bars was the ever energetic Hinata. He scrambled to his feet, eyes wide.

‘Keep your voice down idiot. What

are you doing here?’ He hissed.

‘I’m rescuing you, duh? That’s no way to talk to someone who’s literally saving you, meanieshima.’ Hinata said, quieter than before but still far too loud for Tsukishima’s taste.

‘Who said I needed rescuing? When have I not had a plan?’

Before Hinata could reply, the door opened and Tsukishima glanced up to see Kenma walking in, eyes drawn to a parchment, and he caught the glint of silver from beside him.

‘Don’t!’ He had no choice but to shout, stopping Hinata just before he threw a dagger that would have hit

It’s mark in Kenma’s head. Kenma startled, not suspecting someone else to be here. Their eyes widened, taking in the knife in Hinata’s hand, but making no move to call for help.

‘Drop it, I mean it. God, you ruin everything. Now what?’ He hissed at Hinata.

‘How did I ruin

Anything? I was going to take care of the problem!’ Hinata squawked at him, whipping around to point at Tsukishima with the knife.

‘Yes, because killing the captains second would have solved everything.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘What was the next step genius?’

‘Kill everyone

Else on board?’ Hinata replied, completely serious. Anyone else and Tsukishima would have doubted them, but after years of working with the orange haired man, he knew he wasn’t kidding and probably could’ve pulled it off.

‘That’s not an option. Oh gods, you’re going to have to

Let them tie you up and put you in here with me. On second thought can you just kill me?’ Tsukishima cursed.

‘That’s mean! Rude! Hey, he’s a jerk, why haven’t you lot killed him already?’ Hinata turned to ask Kenma who was still rooted by the door, eyes drawn to Hinata.

‘Don’t answer that,’ Tsukishima said to Kenma. ‘How did you even get on board, we’re in the middle of the sea?’

‘Oh easy, I came on as a temp hire with the last lot of them.’

‘From Seijoh?? Please tell me you were not there,’ Tsukishima groaned. ‘They have your stupid face

Plastered all over, how did you not get caught?’

‘I’m sneaky?’ Was Hinata’s only reply, as he used the hilt of the dagger to scratch part of his head.

‘I take it he’s another member of Karasuno?’ Kenma finally spoke up.

‘Unfortunately.’ Tsukishima admitted, watching as

Kenma inched closer to them.

‘Hi! I’m Hinata! Sorry I almost killed you, accidents happen you know!’ Hinata greeted Kenma like he wasn’t a stowaway on their ship.

‘Hello,’ they greeted him cautiously.

‘Now what! You want me to stay in here with you?’ Hinata turned back to

Tsukishima.

‘I’d prefer it if you hadn’t came at all! I doubt Kenma is going to let you just mosey your way back into the crew after you just threatened to kill everyone!’

‘Oh. Kenma!’ Hinata jumped back to face Kenma. ‘What if I pinky promise that I won’t touch anyone and

I’ll leave at the next stop?’

Kenma narrowed their eyes as they considered but before they could hear his decision the door swung open again.

‘Moonshine! I brought your favorite!’ Kuroo walked in carrying their dinner, pausing when he saw everyone standing there. Luckily

Hinata had enough sense to hide his dagger, and was smiling disarmingly.

‘Hi captain!’

‘Uh who are you and what are you doing down here?’

‘He got lost. I was just about to show him the way back to the crews quarters,’ Kenma interjected. Kuroo’s eyes flickered between the

Three of them, lingering the longest on Tsukishima who had schooled his face back into indifference the best he could.

‘Oookay. Are you coming back to eat?’

‘No, I’ll grab something on the way. C’mon,’ Kenma grabbed Hinata’s arm, urging him away.

‘Okay! Bye captain! Hey

Kenma, has anyone ever told you you’re like so pretty! Seriously one look at you and my heart was like kablam! How do you get your hair so blonde?’ Their voices faded away as the door shut and Tsukishima sent a silent prayer that Kenma wouldn’t change their mind after hearing

Hinata babble on for hours.

‘He didn’t say anything weird to you, right?’ Kuroo asked as he settled into his chair.

‘Weird like what?’

‘He didn’t tell you you made his heart go, what was it kabloeey?’ Kuroo asked, half joking half serious.

‘Why, would you be jealous?’

Tsukishima teased.

‘I’d only be jealous if you returned the compliment. You make my heart kablast every day,’ he said, holding his hand to his chest.

‘Shut up,’ Tsukishima rolled his eyes, pulse betraying him and starting to pick up. ‘He didn’t say much before Kenma walked

In.’

‘Hm, if you say so.’

‘I do, now eat your dinner so you can leave me alone.’ Tsukishima and him were quiet as they started to eat, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence.

‘Say, moonshine. You planning a 1 am rendezvous tonight?’

‘Depends on who your new nightwatch is.

I had it down to a science and now I’ll have to find a new routine I suppose.’ Tsukishima sighed.

‘I know a shortcut from here. Let me show you.’

Tsukishima chewed his lip while he debated. While he did like his solitude on his nightly strolls, he also enjoyed Kuroo’s

Company. But he was also getting too attached to Kuroo, he knew his his initial interest was turning into real feelings, and with their line of business that was impossible. He made the mistake of looking at Kuroo and one glance at his earnest face had Tsukishima caving.

‘Fine,

But don’t be late. I’d hate to have to knock out your lookout.’ He sniffed, turning back away before Kuroo’s answering smile could blind him. Kuroo said his goodbyes, promising to be there as soon as he could.

When Lev came to collect the tray, he brought a slice of strawberry

Cake that had Tsukishima’s mouth watering.

‘Lucky you, Fukunaga had to use the last of the strawberries before they went bad so he just made this cake today. I snuck a piece out for you!’ Lev said brandishing the tray.

‘Oh. Thank you,’ Tsukishima said as he took the plate.

He ate it slowly, savoring the sweetness from the strawberries. He left the plate out on the table, popping his door open to stretch his legs in the hallway before Kuroo showed back up.

Earlier than expected, Kuroo came to get him. He was smiling so Tsukishima had to assume

That Hinata had managed to convince Kenma to keep his secret.

‘Hi.’ Kuroo said, stopping in front of him. ‘One day you’ll have to show me how you get out.’

‘Magic.’ Tsukishima deadpanned, turning away from Kuroo’s face-splitting grin. ‘Will you show me your secret shortcut or

Not?’

‘Follow me.’ Kuroo moved towards the back of the room, pushing a loose board aside, revealing a hole just big enough for them to duck through. ‘We use this mainly during attacks. Kenma has a hell of a brain on them but they can’t fight so sometimes I force them to run

Their plans from back there. This way, though, leads you right to your favorite spot.’

They climbed a few sets of stairs and emerged through another hidden door, directly on the bow where Tsukishima sat. He paused, blinking at the deck. A blanket was laid out, various food

Sprinkled over it.

‘Hope you like sweets. I had to bribe Fukunaga to make all of this for me.’

‘What if I said no?’ Tsukishima questioned, looking at the spread.

‘Uh. Well. I would wake him up and beg him to make whatever you liked?’ Kuroo faltered before Tsukishima put him

Out of his misery.

‘Let’s give Fukunaga his beauty rest, I do like sweets.’ He plopped on a corner of the blanket, waiting to see where Kuroo would sit. Kuroo didn’t hesitate before sitting down right next to Tsukishima, close enough he could feel the heat radiating from his

Arm.

‘Well, moonshine, take your pick.’ He swept his arm out, motioning for Tsukishima to grab something. He reached for another slice of the cake Lev had snuck him, content to eat the whole thing if Kuroo didn’t want any. The two of them spent the night like that, only getting

Close enough their arms would brush, laughing as they ate the snacks. Before either of them knew it, the sun was starting to rise on the horizon.

‘Well, that’s my sign to leave.’ Tsukishima said. He looked at Kuroo who was starting at Tsukishima’s lips. His heart jumped, he

Knew he shouldn’t kiss Kuroo, but also knew he wanted to more than he had ever wanted anything in maybe his entire life. Instead of leaning in for the kill, Kuroo raised his hand, hesitating long enough to give Tsukishima time to protest. When he made no move to pull away,

Kuroo’s thumb brushed against his face, just on the corner of his mouth. It took a lot for Tsukishima to not reveal his desire by opening his mouth and allowing Kuroo to slide the thumb inside, to brush it along his tongue.

‘You had some crumbs,’ Kuroo said, eyes still drawn to

Tsukishima’s lips. At the sound of movement on the lower deck, Tsukishima glanced away, breaking the moment. He stood up, unable to stop the small smile on his face as he told Kuroo goodnight and headed back to the secret passage. He took a few more seconds to collect himself

Before sliding back through the hidden entrance to reclaim his spot in his cell. He had just crawled through when Hinata shrieked.

‘Gods warn a man would you! I thought you were gone and then suddenly you’re popping out of walls!’ Hinata wailed, clutching a wide-eyed Kenma’s

Arm.

‘Can you please for once stop ruining all of my secrets,’ Tsukishima groaned, pushing past Hinata and pulling the doors shut behind him.

‘How’d you know about the spot in the wall?’ Kenma asked, somehow ignoring Hinata’s high speed babble while he clung to their arm.

‘If I told you Kuroo showed me, would you be mad at him?’ Tsukishima said carefully.

‘Not really. I knew he was gone for you,’ Kenma rolled their eyes, ignoring the blush starting to stain Tsukishima’s face.

‘Can I ask why you’re here?’ He cuts off Hinata who was now on the

Topic of friends he’s made in the crew even though neither of them were listening to him.

‘Oh! We were just checking on you. Well I was checking, Kenma was supervising. They’re not gunna tell anyone who I am yet!’

‘Woo hoo.’ Tsukishima said, in a unenthused voice.

‘You

Letting yourself out or does the captain let you out?’ Hinata asks.

‘I let myself out, Kuroo knows though. At least he’s known for a few nights. Kenma, you have to know that Karasuno isn’t going to pay anything for me.’

‘I know. Kuro seems to think otherwise. I’m assuming

You have a plan?’ Kenma sighs.

‘I was going to ditch at the next port. I was waiting for it to be a friendly one but I can’t give you time to set up a meeting with Karasuno.’

Kenma nods, agreeing with the plan.

‘Does he know you’re planning on escaping?’

Tsukishima

Fights down the curl of dread in his stomach at Kenma’s question.

‘Not that I know of.’

‘He’s going to be upset, you know.’ Kenma frowns, and Tsukishima is hit with a new wave of guilt.

‘I know. I can send you the ransom money myself when I get back, if that helps.’

‘That’s not the problem.’

‘What is the problem then?’ Hinata finally joins in.

‘That’s none of your concern. Just be ready whenever we dock next, and blend in for god’s sake.’ They split and Tsukishima lays down, the good mood from the impromptu picnic with Kuroo ruined.

If Kuroo notices Tsukishima’s mood at dinner, he doesn’t mention it outright. He takes the silence for what it is, giving Tsukishima time to think.

‘You going out tonight?’ He asks after Tsukishima hadn’t touched his food in over ten minutes. Tsukishima hesitated before

Replying.

‘No. I couldn’t fall back asleep when I made it back, I’ll probably sleep all night.’ It’s only a partial lie, he hadn’t slept during the day at all, but he didn’t know how he would sleep that night.

‘Okay. If you change your mind, or get lonely, you know where to

Find me.’ Kuroo says softly, watching Tsukishima for a few more minutes before leaving.

Tsukishima sleeps in patches, jolting awake every few hours, overcome with dread. Kenma had confirmed they were less than a week away from the next port, and Tsukishima felt like there was

A giant clock ticking in the back of his mind. He finally fell into a deeper sleep, and when he awoke next it was to Lev showing up with lunches for both of them. He picked apart his food, only half listening to Lev’s gossip about the ship. He did hear one thing about how a new

Member, some short redhead, had seemed to have caught their second’s eye, which was very unusual for Kenma, but he had started rambling about something Yaku said before Tsukishima could press for more information. He waved goodbye to Lev and got comfortable, hoping to get a small

Nap before Kuroo came for dinner, if he came for dinner. He let the movement of the boat rock him into a lull, and he had no idea how much time had passed since Lev left when a commotion by the door jolted him up.

Kenma came rushing in, keys to Tsukishima’s cell in their hands.

He could hear shouting from the deck as Kenma made to unlock the door.

‘What’s going on?’ He asked as what seemed to be a cannon shot rang through the air.

‘We’re under attack. Daishou’s stupid gang of snakes. Kuro told me to grab you and go through the passage.’ Kenma

Finally got his door open, but Tsukishima could tell by the pinched look on his face that he was worried about the outcome of the attack.

‘Does this Daishou have a lot of men?’ He asked as Kenma moved to the hole in the wall.

‘No, but he fights dirty. And he hates Kuro, so

It’s going to be a nasty fight.’ They walked inside and at the split Tsukishima hesitated.

‘You don’t have a weapon.’ Kenma reminded him.

‘I can find one. I’m going up, I’ll send Hinata for you if things get bad.’ Kenma nods, and watches Tsukishima start up the steps.

He makes it to the top of the steps and pauses, listening for any sounds outside of the exit. Hearing none, he slides it open enough to check that it’s clear, not wanting to give anyone a path straight to Kenma. It’s clear and he steps out, moving the door back in place seconds

Before someone comes barreling around the corner. He brandishes his sword and Tsukishima just dodges the swing in time, swiping his foot off to knock him off balance. As the man begins to fall, Tsukishima snatches the sword from his grasp and takes a swing of his own, winning the

Fight in seconds.

He’s determined to make it to Kuroo, dread growing with each skirmish he breaks up. When he makes it to the main part of the deck, a few Nekoma members do a double take, unsure of which side he’s fighting for until Yaku yells ‘oh thank god, finally someone

Else who can fight.’

Tsukishima grins at him, before rounding on the enemy. Finally able to unleash his true prowess, him and Yaku make quick work of the men in the area.

‘Where’s Kuroo?’ Tsukishima shouts, delivering a kick to his opponent’s chest that sends him barreling

Into the man Lev was fighting, sending them both over the side of the ship.

‘He’s over there!’ Yaku points with his sword and Tsukishima takes off in that direction. From what he can see as he runs up, Kuroo is surrounded, single-handedly fighting almost a dozen men. His heart

Leaps into his throat, and he quickly scales one of the ropes in the area, pushing off the pole it’s connected to until he drops directly behind Kuroo, facing the startled men who were about to attack him from behind.

‘Miss me?’ He quips, reassuring Kuroo who had landed behind

Him so he didn’t have to look back to confirm it.

‘Tsukki!!!’ He hears Hinata shout in the distance, as he takes on his own handful of men.

‘No, actually, I’m pretty sure I told you to be elsewhere right now!’ Kuroo shouts, as the men who had been eyeing Tsukishima up

Made their first move. He countered them easily, spinning and dodging. The fight was a blur, Kuroo and him working in perfect tandem despite never having sparred, slashing apart any man who tried to take them on.

‘Which one of these is that Daishou man Kenma mentioned?‘

Tsukishima asked.

‘None,’ Kuroo scoffed. ‘He’s definitely hiding in the shadows waiting til he thinks I’ve tired myself out.’

‘Pathetic,’ Tsukishima replied as he dodged a punch.

‘You’re pathetic,’ a voice came from the shadows. A man walked out, holding two swords. ‘Who’s

This? Your new boyfriend.’

‘He wishes.’

‘I wish.’

Tsukishima and Kuroo replied at the same time, making the man scowl.

‘Daishou. Nice of you to hand deliver yourself to me.’ Kuroo smirked.

‘Two swords? Hey Kuroo. You know who uses two swords?’ Tsukishima asked, cocking

His head.

‘Who, moonshine?’

‘Someone incredibly skilled,’ Daishou interrupted.

‘Nah, someone who can’t get the job done with one.’ Tsukishima smirked as Kuroo broke into his hideous cackle laugh.

‘Love, that’s so dumb but so true.’

‘Fuck both of you, I’ll kill Kuroo

And then take out your pretty boy next.’

‘Be my guest,’ Tsukishima said, moving to perch on the side of the rail to watch the fight. Despite Kuroo’s earlier fights wearing him down, he fought like he was born to do this. Tsukishima’s fingers itched to spar with him. The fight

Was short but brutal, Daishou managing to land a blow nicking near Kuroo’s temple before Kuroo delivered his own fatal strike.

The rest of Nekoma cheered as Kuroo finished Daishou off, a few of them nursing minor injuries of their own, but overall okay. Looking around, it

Appeared that Daishou had sent a majority of his men directly to Kuroo, more concerned with taking him out than conquering the ship. Kuroo brushed off a chattering Lev who was trying to look at the cut on his face and started a path directly to Tsukishima. Tsukishima stood,

Expecting either a lecture for not listening or a fake show of capture as he was supposed to be their hostage, but as Kuroo reached him, he simply reached out to grasp the sides of Tsukishima’s face before smashing their lips together.

Tsukishima responded eagerly, pushing off

The rail and digging his own hands into Kuroo’s hair. He vaguely recognized the cheers from Kuroo’s crew mates, and the muted ‘get it Tsukki’ that had to be Hinata as Kuroo’s tongue licked against his lips, slipping in his mouth as soon as he parted them. Kuroo was practically

Licking between Tsukishima’s teeth, caught up in the slow build to this moment. Tsukishima felt more than heard himself whimper, pulling back with a gasp. He wasn’t doing this in front of an audience.

‘Take me to your bed, Captain.’ He said as they made eye contact.

‘I

Thought you’d never ask.’ Kuroo was breathing heavy, eyes roving over Tsukishima’s face. ‘I should get Kenma first, let them know it’s done.’

‘Hinata!’ Tsukishima shouted, still making eye contact with Kuroo who furrowed his brows. Tsukishima had waited long enough.

‘Yes

Bossyshima?’ Hinata popped up next to them, startling Kuroo.

‘Go get Kenma, catch them up to date. And figure out a way to send word to Daichi to back off, Nekoma isn’t to be touched.’

‘Got it!’ Hinata skipped away, uncaring of the few members of Nekoma who were staring at

Him, connecting the dots between the Karasuno hostage and the red haired menace.

‘He one of yours?’ Kuroo asked, raising one of his brows.

‘What can I say, crows flock together. I won’t ask a third time. Take me to your bed, now.’ At his subtle threat, Kuroo jumped into

Action. He gripped Tsukishima around his thighs, letting the slightly taller blond wrap his legs around his waist as he carried them down towards his quarters. Nekoma was split between people cheering, people shaking their heads, and Yaku who was cursing Kuroo out for leaving

The cleanup to them.

Kuroo ignored him, choosing to seal his lips back together with Tsukishima as he walked down the hallway. When they reached the doors to his quarters, he slammed Tsukishima’s back into it, using the wall to press his growing bulge into Tsukishima’s own.

He broke apart from the kiss as they both gasped, trying desperately to catch their breaths and continue. Tsukishima fumbled for the doorknob behind them and nearly went sprawling as it burst open and Kuroo stumbled.

‘Bed. Bed, now.’ He demanded, fingers finally detangling

Themselves from Kuroo’s hair to yank his shirt untucked from his pants. Kuroo tossed him backwards onto the bed, pausing long enough to shed his coat and boots, as Tsukishima propped himself up on his elbows, spreading his legs to allow Kuroo to crawl between them.

They met in

The middle, mouths parting for the other one immediately. Tsukishima resumes his task of ridding Kuroo of his shirt while Kuroo moves to mouth at Tsukishima’s neck. Once he finally rids Kuroo of his shirt, he pushes him back, taking in Kuroo’s broad chest, tracing his hands

Across the skin, going from scar to scar, muscle to muscle, tattoo to tattoo. Kuroo lets him look his fill, reaching to tug at the bottom of Tsukishima’s shirt as well. Tsukishima swears to himself that soon he will give Kuroo’s chest the full attention it deserves, that he’ll

Mark it up until anyone who sees him will know Tsukishima has staked his claim, but allows Kuroo to pull off his shirt and push him back down to the bed.

Kuroo takes a moment to do the same, drinking in Tsukishima’s pale skin, marred only by the ink black crow on his chest.

‘God, moonshine, you’re gorgeous. I’ve wanted this since I first saw you fight on Johzenji’s ship,’ Kuroo admits, emotion and desire stripping his voice until it’s coming out raw.

‘Kei.’

‘Kay? Like okay?’ Kuroo pauses, confused. Tsukishima snorts out a laugh, throwing his

Head back as Kuroo glances fondly at him despite the confusion.

‘No, moron. K-e-i, Kei. That’s my real name.’

‘Oh! Oh. That’s not what the redhead man called you?’ Kuroo asks.

‘No, those were nicknames. Kei’s my first name, no one but family calls me that.’

Kuroo pauses

At that before he’s surging back in, pressing a shocked Tsukishima into the mattress. Their bare chests press together for the first time and Tsukishima can’t hold back the moan that comes from the skin to skin contact, Kuroo’s chest a warm weight against his own. As he allows

Kuroo to suck marks into his neck and collarbones, he lets his hands roam over the broad expanse of Kuroo’s back. He feels the muscles from their life as a pirate rippling as he moves, and feels his cock throb in his pants as Kuroo scrapes his teeth along Tsukishima’s skin.

‘Pants, take off your pants.’ He commands, slipping his fingers below Kuroo’s waistline. Kuroo chuckles, pulling back to rid himself of his final pieces of clothing, staring as Tsukishima does the same.

They’re laid bare before the other, both momentarily distracted by taking

In the other’s body, comparing it to their fantasies over the last week.

Kuroo is sporting a sizable cock, solid and flushed, already starting to leak where the tip brushes against his own stomach. Tsukishima is overcome with the urge to get him down his throat, that is only

Overpowered by the urge to have him inside of him thirty minutes ago.

‘Kuroo, I need you to fuck me.’ He admits, spreading his legs and hooking the back of his ankles into Kuroo’s thighs, pulling him forward. The movement startles Kuroo out of his stare, bringing his eyes to

Make contact with Tsukishima’s.

‘If I’m to call you Kei, you call me Tetsurou.’ He swallows and Tsukishima watches the bob of his Adam’s apple.

‘Okay, Tetsurou. Fuck me.’ Tsukishima breathes out, gasping as Kuroo hovers over him, their erections brushing slightly.

‘Yeah.

Yeah, Kei, I will.’ He moves to grab some lube, warming it up in his hand before sliding a random pillow under Tsukishima’s back and slowly, slowly pressing a finger inside of him. It’s been a while so the stretch is enough to have Tsukishima whimpering, arching his back under

Kuroo.

‘Soon,’ Kuroo continues talking as he works his fingers in and out of Tsukishima, never breaking eye contact. ‘Soon, I am going to spend all day worshipping your entire body. I would write sonnets about your legs if I was a writer and not a pirate, love. I’ll split you

Open with my tongue, make you come while I get you ready for my cock.’

Tsukishima is shaking below him, panting as Kuroo works the third finger in. He barely manages to maintain the eye contact, breaking it completely when Kuroo finally brushes a finger against his prostate.

‘Soon,’ he gasps out. ‘Not today, please Tetsurou, please. I need you.’

Kuroo responds with a groan, moving his other hand off of Tsukishima’s leg to coat his cock with more lube, shushing Tsukishima as he pulls his fingers out.

‘Shh, love. Moonshine. My Kei. You’ve got me,’

He reassures as he slowly slides inside. Tsukishima drags him down into a kiss, panting directly into his mouth as he feeds his cock into him bit by bit. They both groan when he’s buried to the hilt, taking a second to get used to the stimulation.

Kuroo kisses him, soft and

Sweet until Tsukishima whines, begging him to move. They lose themselves in the rhythm, Kuroo setting a slow but deep pace, both of them licking and biting whatever piece of the others skin they can reach.

‘More,’ Tsukishima demands, trying to arch his back to meet Kuroo’s

Thrusts.

‘Not yet, let me enjoy you,’ Kuroo argues.

‘Enjoy me next time, fuck me now,’ Tsukishima basically snarls, not wanting to wait any longer.

‘Don’t be mean,’ Kuroo pouts. He keeps his pace the same, ignoring Tsukishima’s request until Tsukishima has had enough and

Waits for the perfect moment, when Kuroo’s balance would be most off center, and strikes.

He wraps his legs around Kuroo’s waist, using his own core body strength to flip them completely, a shocked Kuroo now looking up at him as he sits in his lap, smirking.

‘Rookie,’

Tsukishima taunts, wasting no time, reaching back to align themselves before slamming himself down. He gets a choked moan from Kuroo, who can’t stop his own grin from spreading.

‘I knew you would be the death of me,’ he groans out as Tsukishima sets his own brutal pace. He

Watches for a bit, enchanted by the way Tsukishima looked bouncing on his cock, cheeks flush from exertion, his own pretty, leaking cock bobbing with the movements.

Tsukishima’s hands which were bracing themselves on his chest start to wander. One reaches down to tweak his

Nipple, getting a gasp and then a laugh from Kuroo, and the other slowly made its way to Kuroo’s neck, not pressing in, just resting, one finger on his pulse point as if to reassure himself that Kuroo was okay after the fight.

‘Fuck me, Tetsurou. Please.’ He begs one last time,

And how can Kuroo deny that? He plants his feet into the mattress, thrusting his own hips up to match Tsukishima’s downwards motion. One of Kuroo’s hand slides to his hips, digging in as they slam together, as the other mimics Tsukishima’s, resting gently on his throat. It

Doesn’t take long for them after that, Tsukishima moving his hands to drop his forehead against Kuroo’s gasping as he comes, shooting his release over Kuroo’s chest. His body clenches around Kuroo, who follows suit, spilling into Tsukishima as they lazily grind together.

Tsukishima allows Kuroo to clean them up and bury them under his blankets, pulling him into his chest. They kiss a few more times until exhaustion takes hold, and they fall asleep in each others arms.

Sometime shortly before nightfall, someone knocks on Kuroo’s door, waking

Them up. Kuroo mumbles out a what, not moving from where his face is buried in Tsukishima’s chest. The door is thrown open and much to Tsukishima’s dismay, Hinata is in the doorway.

‘Slutishima! Captain! Kenma sent me to see if you two were going to come to dinner or join the

Celebration!’

‘Fuck off,’ Tsukishima groans. ‘And don’t call me a slut, how are one of your 7 boyfriends?’

‘Who cares! I’m totally in love with Kenma, I’m prepared to abandon all of them!’ He shrugs, ignoring the way Kuroo gaped at him. ‘I’ll tell them you’re preoccupied

Fucking.’

He leaves and Tsukishima has to convince Kuroo to not go question him about Kenma.

‘That’s a problem for tomorrow, Tetsurou. He’s a lot, and never ever tell him I said this, but Hinata’s a good guy. Leave them alone for the night.’

Kuroo relents, and after round

Two, puts on enough clothes to grab them food for dinner. Tsukishima raids his clothes, sliding on one of his button up shirts and a pair of underwear. They eat and when Kuroo goes to put the scraps back in the kitchen, Tsukishima curls back up under his blankets. Kuroo comes

Back, immediately crawling in next to him.

‘Boo clothes,’ he frowns, spooning behind Tsukishima.

‘Removing the temptation. I don’t think I have a round three in me.’

Kuroo chuckles at this, and before long they doze back off. Tsukishima knows they need to discuss logically

What this development means, but for now, he’s content to bask in the shared body heat.

Not nearly long enough after they fall asleep, the door is burst open again, startling them both awake. It’s Lev this time, pale, like he had seen a ghost.

‘Captain. Captain a ship is

Coming up fast.’ Kuroo curses, rolling out of bed and starting to pull on pants.

‘What flags are they flying?’ He asks as Tsukishima stands, scouring the floor for his pants.

‘That’s the thing. It’s flying the Little Giant flags. I swear, I had Yaku double check. He’s getting

The crew up now.’ Lev looks like he might barf but Tsukishima abandons his search for his pants.

‘You’ve got to be kidding me,’ he deadpans, storming out of the room still only in Kuroo’s shirt and underwear. Kuroo curses and attempts to follow after him, getting tangled in

His half on pants.

By the time Kuroo slips on his pants he runs on deck without his shoes, only stopping to grab his sword. He pauses for a second, overwhelmed by the legend of a ship almost on top of them by this point, before searching frantically for Tsukishima.

Yaku

Directs him to the highest deck where Tsukishima is yelling into the wind, facing the ship. Kuroo scrambles up there, completely alarmed.

‘You moron! You absolute idiot! If you blow this ship apart I swear to the gods I’m telling mom!’

‘Kei what the fuck are you doing?’ He

Hisses, trying to pull the blonde man back, but he slips out of his grip and continues his tirade, the ship pulling even with them now. The cannons are out and Kuroo feels his heart seize with fear, he cannot finally get Tsukishima to admit his feelings for him and then lose him

In the same day. The rest of Nekoma is torn between gaping in awe at the Little Giant’s ship, and watching Tsukishima climb onto the railing.

‘I know you can hear me asshole!’ He shouts, when suddenly a head pops into view on the other ship.

He’s blonde, and from the garb

Kuroo can only assume he’s the Akiteru from the legends. He’s also eerily similar to the blonde on his own ship, just older.

‘What are you going to tell mom! That I came to rescue you?’ The man shouts loud enough the entirety of Nekoma hears, turning to stare at Tsukishima.

‘I don’t need you to rescue me,’ he snarls. ‘Do I look like I need to be rescued?’

‘Well what am I supposed to do when Daichi sends word my baby brother was kidnapped?’

‘I’m in my 20s, stop calling me a baby! And you’re supposed to do nothing, I don’t need your stupid help.’

‘Where are your pants?’ The other man shouts back, pointing a finger at Tsukishima. Kuroo finally spurs into action, darting to Tsukishima and grabbing him by the back of the shirt to steady him as he sways on the railing, glaring furiously at the other ship.

‘Um what the fuck

Is going on?’ Kuroo shouts, sick of being left out of the conversation.

‘Hey! Don’t touch my baby brother!’ The man across the way shouts back, and Tsukishima is snarling, looking around as if he means to find a way to jump across the ship to get his hands on this man.

Another man’s head pops up on the other side of the ship.

‘Hello, Kei!’ He shouts, unfazed by Tsukishima’s curses. His hair is darker, longer, and Kuroo could only guess that it’s the actual little giant, Udai Tenma. ‘I told him he was overreacting but he insisted.’

‘I insist

You both leave.’ Tsukishima counters.

‘Aki-nii! Udai!!’ Hinata joins in, finally making his way to the top of the boat and waving from the rails.

‘Kuroo, what the fuck have you brought on board,’ Yaku wheezes, trying to hold in his laughs.

‘Tsukishima. He calls you tsukki

And -ishima, you’re Kei Tsukishima. Akiteru Tsukishima is your brother?’ Kuroo finally connects the dots.

‘Congrats, you figured it out. Do you want a reward?’ Tsukishima snaps, and Kuroo would be offended if he didn’t see the wariness in his eyes.

‘No,’ he starts slowly.

‘But I would like to know your brother isn’t going to blow up my ship.’

Tsukishima glances at him, reading his face, before nodding.

‘Oi! I’m not done talking to you!’ He shouts across, interrupting Hinata’s conversation with Akiteru. ‘Back off, Aki I mean it. Kuroo is mine

And Nekoma is off limits!’

At his words, Akiteru turns his gaze to Kuroo, furrowing his brows. He looks ready to argue when Udai cuts in.

‘Noted, Kei! Uh we’re so sorry everyone,’ he turns to face the rest of Nekoma, all still open mouthed besides Kenma, who had probably

Been filled in by Hinata. The two best friends exchanged a quick glance, Kuroo pointing at Hinata and then at a dark mark on Kenma’s neck, causing them to scowl and turn away.

‘No harm, no foul?’ Kuroo shouts, questioning.

‘Yes harm! You gotta at least let me give him the

Big brother talk,’ he shouts at Tsukishima, pointing at Kuroo.

‘I think bringing your massive ship here counts for that,’ Tsukishima argues back.

‘Fine! We’ll go home. I’ll tell mom you said hi, and call off Daichi but only if you promise to visit soon!’ His brother yells.

‘Whatever! Piss off, I was sleeping.’

‘Sleeping,’ Hinata and Yaku mutter at the same time, laughing.

‘Love you too! Bye!’ Akiteru shouts back, disappearing from view. Udai waves, and the ship begins to pull away.

The silence on Nekoma is palpable, until surprisingly Kenma

Is the one to cut it.

‘What are you all doing, we need to sail out in the morning.’

They jump into action at their words, and Kenma sends Kuroo and Tsukishima a small smile before allowing Hinata to drag them away. Kuroo turns to Tsukishima who has climbed off the rail but

Isn’t making eye contact.

‘So.’ Kuroo starts.

‘So.’ Tsukishima replies.

‘Kei Tsukishima, finally a full name.’ He prompts.

‘I was going to tell you. When I told you my first name, but I didn’t want you to think I was lying to you, not then.’ Tsukishima scrambles for words.

‘I might have, and I’m sorry I made you feel like I wouldn’t have believed you.’ Kuroo steps closer, reaching out to link their fingers together.

‘It’s my own fault for lying about my name the entire time.’

‘That’s just the business we’re in,’ Kuroo shrugs. ‘I don’t care,

You know. I’m more interested in how you declared me yours for the world to know.’

He smiles as Tsukishima flushes.

‘Shut up. I don’t have the energy to talk about this now.’

‘In the morning then. Maybe after we make sure your head crow isn’t coming for me, I don’t know

If I can take anymore surprises.’ He leans down to press a soft kiss to Tsukishima’s lips.

‘In the morning. Is the offer to sleep in your bed still on the table?’

‘Always, moonshine. Always.’

End!!!