Clarification: I don’t hate this book, I love it, it’s amazing. It’s just that taking a step back and looking it out of context is still really funny. Especially the line “We participated in a genocide, Barney.”
Bedrock is having a mayoral election. One of the candidates is a violent war mongering asshole that riles people up against the lizard people. This reminds Fred and Barney of their time in the army.
Back then the father of said violent candidate was riling people up against the “tree people”. Fred, Barney, and other soldiers fought what they believed to be a defensive measure against the tree people. Turns out, it was actually an invasion, in order to kill off the tree people and take over their forest to build Bedrock.
That’s what Fred means when he says he and Barney participated in a genocide. They literally did.
(Extra fun fact, Barney adopted a tree person baby after the war, and his son Bamm-Bamm is the last tree person.)
The other night husband and I were watching a documentary about the yeti where they were doing DNA analysis of samples of supposed yeti fur, and every one of them came back as bears.
Anyway, the next night we watched a thing about some pig man who is supposed to live in Vermont. People said it had claws and a pig nose but walked upright like a man. Now, I happen to know that sideshows used to shave bears and present them as pig men. So every piece of evidence they gave of this monster sounds to me like a bear with mange.
So now the running joke in our house is that everything is bears. Aliens? Bears. Loch Ness monster? Bear. Every cryptozoological mystery is just a very crafty bear.
Bears. They’re everywhere. Be wary. Anyone or anything could be a bear.
As the OP of this post, I’m going to threaten that if this gets to one million notes by the 10 year anniversary on 1 June 2026, one year from today, I will get a lower back tattoo of the loch ness bear monster.
✨️The ballad of the broken prince and the soft pirate✨️
Pairing: Pirate John Walker x Prince Bob Reynolds
Wordcount: 13K
Warnings: Typical Pirate Violence, Guns and Swords, Forced Proximity, Graphic Lovemaking, Past Trauma, Past SA, Fight scenes including blood, Mentions of past rape (not graphic), Suicide attempt, Age Gap (John's in his early forties at the beginning while Bob's in his mid-twenties sry not sry), Bob's Father, Lots of time skips and scene changes
Shoutout to @rmstitanics for the divider
Big Fat Shoutout to @buckywouldbeproud who beta read and edited the first third back in september of 2025 and inspired me to keep going despite all my anxieties telling me I should quit writing before I even started 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
The shrill screams and laughing calls of seagulls can be heard, land in sight, the warm afternoon sun dips low on the horizon.
John told them it was a bad idea. Kidnappings always end the same way: the captain demands ransom; the other person pretends to give in to their demands; and then the chaos begins– highly skilled soldiers fight against brutish pirates and the pirates only get out with a quarter of the treasure and half of the crew– and that's if they're lucky. John has seen it too often, being the oldest member on this ship, but they won't listen to him.
Now their course is set for the Kingdom where the grass is covered in water and the palms rank high in the sky, having one target: the king's sole heir, Prince Robert.
A Few Hours Later
As expected, the quest was a success. John decided for himself that he wouldn’t participate on land and would rather stay on the ship.
Late at night the prince is tied to the main mast with iron chains, the crew and the captain celebrating on the lower deck.
John, being the first mate and having a room on the upper level on the ship, can see the prince from the small window of his room.
The prisoner has brown hair with loose locks at the ends, delicate stature– a typical fairytale prince. And those eyes. Blue, like the dark rough ocean John has been in love with since he was a little boy.
Impulsively, without so much as a second thought, John grabs his oil lamp and makes his way down to the prince. He’s curious, wanting to take a closer look at the new prisoner.
Normally royal people taken hostage by pirates were terrified, crying, screaming for help, but this prince looks…bored. He stares far off into the distance over the railing of the ship, only noticing John when he comes to a stop right in front of him.
"Did they give you something to eat? Water?"
The brunet looks up at John, not giving him an answer, only staring at him nodding his head a little to the side. That's when John notices the bruise; a bright purple one, right above Prince Robert’s collarbone. A frown cuts its way across John's face.
"Those a gift from my men?"
The prince lets out a soft chuckle, his own eyes wandering to his wrists. Angry red marks circle both of them, but they look a few days old.
John, not in the mood for a mystery, decides to call it quits for tonight, turning on his heel back to his room.
With his back to his prisoner, John's ears prick up suddenly when a whisper slips through the air.
"They won’t come for me."
John raises an eyebrow. A few seconds pass, and the sentiment lands in the quiet: the prince really thinks his father will not come to his rescue.
John lets out a small laugh. "Sooner or later they all come to save their loved ones, Your Highness," he smirks, turning back only to send the young prince a sly wink, and then returns to his quarters for the night.
-------------
On the next day they were heading to Deathland Bay. In four weeks they should reach the destination for the trade.
The sun was particularly harsh that day, which gave some members of the crew the nasty idea to cool the prince down with water directly from the sea.
After the first bucket Prince Robert already starts to hiss in pain, red spots beginning to bloom harshly on his body. The crewmembers are amused. John, however, is not having it.
"Enough is enough, gentleman," he barks, his authoritative voice causing them to stand at attention. "I think it has slipped your mind that even pirates have moral codes. He is our prisoner, not our plaything."
"But he makes the cutest noises!" one of the crew members shouts out with a laugh, gleefully mocking him, and the rest of the crew joins in.
John makes his way to the main mast, taking off the chains. He grabs the prince rough by his neck, evoking another hiss from the tormented Prince Robert.
"He will spend the rest of the day in my room. Nobody will go near him," John orders, no room for argument in his tone.
-------------
Robert is beginning to panic. The last thing he wants is to be locked in a room completely at the mercy of a man– no, not again. But it was this or being on display for the whole crew, so he doesn’t even put up a fight.
The remaining pirates exchange glances while First Mate John drags Prince Robert across the ship and into his cabin.
Inside, John puts his thump under Prince Robert's chin making him look directly into John's eyes. The prince flinches because of the rough skin of John's finger and his already aching face.
"Listen Prince, you can sleep on that bed, you can read some of the books or navigation cards but you are not leaving this room, understood?" While speaking, John glances over Bob's face. The skin looks bad enough pinkish, some crust forming around the edges.
Prince Robert only nods not wanting to encourage the first mate's rage.
John goes back to his crew and leaves behind an overwhelmed prince. Never in his life showed someone this much care towards him… He looks around the small room, saving the exploration for later. He takes the blanket from the bed and lays down on the small rug right in front, falling asleep within seconds.
Meanwhile John has to deal with the captain of the ship.
"You took away their entertainment. Are you getting soft on your old days Johnny?"
He took it as an offense. Not the getting soft thing, the age part. Yes he was the oldest pirate on this ship but he was not that old.
"He is not entertainment, he is our leverage, nobles only pay for family members who are still alive" He practically spat right at the captain who in response only raised an eyebrow in amusement. "He will stay in my room, nobody else gets to touch him."
"Well then I hope you put your prince to good use since you're the only one who is allowed to lay a finger on him" The additional smirk on the captain's face made John go feral, but he quickly decided to let it show on the outside.
When the sun set behind the horizon John returned to his room to find a sleeping prince, right in front of his bed? It was a strange sight, the slender prince with his soft, round face laying on the hard floor like a domestic animal. Carefully he walks over to him and places the Prince into the more comfortable bed. Tucking him under the warm covers. John's eyes linger a little too long. His thoughts wandering off, the prince just looked so innocent.
John sits down at his desk and starts to write. After some time he hears a small, confused whimper.
"Seems like the prince of sleep is finally awake, you missed the whole day, it's already dark outside."
Robert only stared at him, right into John's eyes practically stealing the air out of his lunges.
"Prince Robert, why did you sleep on the ground? I offered you my bed, is it so disgusting to you that you would rather choose the cold hard floor." He couldn't resist mocking him a little.
Prince Robert seemed startled. John was sure he could see the faint sight of a pout beginning to form at the corner of the prince’s mouth.
John rises from his chair approaching the prince in a reserved manner. After the first few two steps Robert already flinches back.
"I didn't want to invade your personal space. Aside from that, to you I am Bob or you can address me with the former titles. You will not call me Robert." At the last part his voice hardens.
That answer left John surprised. ,,And why is that, my Prince?"
"Robert means I am in trouble." John holds his breath while the prince stares on the ground. With good intention he still comes closer to the prince holding out his hand palm open, an invitation.
"Well then, Bob, show me your face"
Hesitant Bob faces him, his eyes still fixated onto the floor not daring to meet the pirates gaze. John turns on his heel and pulls a jar from one of his shelves. A greenish gel reflected by one of the candles.
He puts some of it on his fingers and brings it towards the prince's face. Bob winces in response, his eyes fixed on John's fingers.
"I promise it will stop the pain and will make your skin heal faster, it will not hurt." John's voice soft as if he is trying to sooth a wounded animal.
The prince closes his eyes giving the pirate silent permission. The gel makes the pain go away in an instant, a small moan escapes Roberts mouth. The pirate smiled a little at the prince's reaction. After a few minutes John comes to a halt since he is finished with Bob's face.
"I thought it would heal itself throughout the day. Seems like you're a little sensitive."
Bob grabbed the pirate at his wrist with something close to urgency.
"I need it on my chest too, please." His voice is barely a whisper. Slowly Bob opens up the buttons of his white shirt. John tried to keep his composure, while adding the gel onto the Prince's marred skin.
Bob's body went limb, faltering under the tender movement.
John got himself up from the bed. He got rid of the remaining gel of his fingers then put the jar back on the shelf. He was a little hesitant, but he didn't want to sleep in his sweat through clothes, so the first layer landed on the ground. John just went to lay down on the carpet, where the Pprince slept earlier when Bob reaches his hand out he stops.
"Please"? his voice sounds so tired as if the sleep from the day did nothing to him. For a short second John thinks about staying in his spot. He should say no, should talk some sense into the prince but how could he? Anything close to intimacy was rare on sea and John was never the type to get a quick fix at some of the brothels on land so, how was he supposed to say no to such an offer?
He carefully moves Bob to the side of the bed with the small window facing outside. Just laying next to him, his arms straight at his sides. After a few minutes he feels Bob's soft hand on his. John's mind was racing. Was the prince already asleep? Is John supposed to do something? But before he can spiral any further Bob takes the pirates hand and lays his whole arm over himself, feeling John's rough skin, his warm breath and rapidly increasing heartbeat.
It left John confused. Maybe the prince is in a state of delusion, not aware of what situation he is currently in.
What he couldn't know was that this was Bob's way of getting something out of this situation for himself. Every time someone might take advantage of him, Bob would cling to something, a hug, a pat on the back of his head, a praise, with John it was the pirates warm embrace. Bob clung to it so he wouldn't lose his mind.
The next morning, John did leave earlier than usual. Making Bob sob a little when he woke up and realized that the pirate is no longer with him. The prince starts to stroll around the room. Looking at the Navigation charts spread on the desk, his eyes wandered to a leatherbound notebook. Bob picks it up, browsing through the pages, smiling at the small but detailed drawings which appear on every other page. Suddenly the door swings open, John storming in, placing a big Jug of water and a plate with bread, fruits and even a little cheese and meat on the desk.
"I haven't seen you drink anything since your arrival here, so drink up" It was the roughness in his voice that made it sound like a command. With the first drop of water on Bob's lips he becomes aware of how thirsty he actually is, emptying the jug within seconds.
"Why don't you read something nice?" He throws a disgusted look at the notebook Bob had dropped on the desk in exchange for the jug. John strolls over to his small shelf, targeting a specific book.
"Here this one’s from your kingdom, it's about creatures who hide in the rivers made of grass."
Bob's heart began to race. Melting at the kind gesture he took the book out of John's hand, and focused on the title, not realizing that he was holding the book upside down.
"Oh my- you can not read? What type of prince does not know how to read?" It sounded more concerned than scolding, nonetheless Bob started to sweat and a tint of red appeared at the tip of his ears.
"My father said there is no need for me to learn it." Bob's chest begins to tighten.
"But you are a future king! How will you rule over a kingdom when you're not able to read contracts, pamphlets or war declarations?"
"I told you they will not come after me." Bob's voice only being a whisper again his tone without a trace of strength, staring down at his own hands.
"You are their only child, the only right heir to the throne, who else would your father-" John's voice came to a stop. He didn't recognise it at first but now the sun is flooding the room with daylight, he sees them. The bruises, the cuts, the scars. The ribcage showing through the skin.
"To this day i still dont know what i did wrong. My father does not have a single bit of love for me. We never played together when I was a child, we never laughed together in the way it should go. There was only shouting and screaming. After I reached my 5th birth celebration he would beat me for my existence alone. And my Mother, how could any woman love a child that was forced upon her?" Bob's words hung heavy in the air.
John moved unconsciously, close to the prince who was staring at the floor again. The pirate carefully places his hand on the cheek of the Prince. Small tears leaving Bob's eyes while trying to look at John. Inside John there was a storm brewing, how could someone hurt his own son, how can anyone be so cruel to a Prince, to this Prince?
John started to gently stroke Bob's cheek. Wiping away his tears.
"I can teach you a little, you can not learn it completely in the time we remain together, but maybe we can start with the letters."
"I would like that." Bob felt a little sting in his heart but for the very first time in his life, it came from joy. "But how do you know how to-"
A loud knock on the door made the both of them jump, away from each other.
"They need me back, see you later" John heels out of his room, out of Bob's sight, he would have liked to just stay there with him and teach him everything he knew, but he had duties.
Bob stayed right where John left him, mind a thick and impervious fog. Letting his own hand glide over the spots where John did before. He was so kind to him without any reason it seemed. Bob was used to people trying to charm him in hopes of getting favors from the prince or even the king himself but on this ship Bob had nothing to offer, he is a prisoner.
There is nothing John could gain from him, with one exception. Bob didn't mind the thought, deciding that he will give John what he wants when he comes back later.
Later At Night The Same Day
John was exhausted, the thoughts about Bob's father haunted him and then the crew has been completely incompetent at handling a semi heavy storm. His limbs were sore, breath heavy, his clothes completely soaked from the rain.
All of the unpleasantries disappeared the second he opened the door seeing Bob sitting on his bed. Barefoot, his pants rolled up right up to his knees, his shirt undone to the point where his bellybutton is. John has seen a lot but it was the first time in a very long time that his face started to redden.
"What is going on here?"
The prince rose up from the bed, walking right up the Pirate. Bob's hands went right to the other man's chest, slowly taking off the soaked coat. Then slowly Bob's Hand wanders to the pirates shirt, he leans in to whisper in John's ear while fiddling with the first Button. "I want to express my sincere gratitude for saving me from these savages out there and for your kindness."
For a sweet second John thinks about it, he thinks about the prince having his way with him, about all the things John would love to do to the blue eyed prince, but no. Before Bob's hands could wander to the second button John took his wrists a little too rough maybe.
"No, I don't want this, not this way."
Bob's eye widened to an unnatural amount. John being the first man to reject such an offer from him. Now he braced himself for something else entirely, the consequences of his reckless behaviour but nothing like it would come.
"Now, sit down at the desk, I will teach you everything I know." Bob looked hurt, he was so sure he was doing the thing he was expected to do, but as usual he was wrong. With unsteady legs Bob makes his way over to the desk. John followed right behind him.
"I guess since you don't know how to read, you don't know how to write either?"
The prince shook his head from left to right. Shame crawling into his face. John tries to remember how he learned it, what practice was the most useful.
"Well then we start with the individual letters." He pulls out a quill and some parchment, writing a big A on the empty parchment.
"This is an A as in Apple or Anchor. Write it out, 20 times." John hands Bob the quill. Bob tries to imitate the writing but it ends up looking like a knotted rope. After a few minutes Bob starts to become nervous, his hand trembling. That's when John pulls Bob into his lap. Taking the hand which is leading the quill.
"Easy, start a little to the left, half circle, up down and horizontal bow. Good." After a few tries together, Bob can finally do it alone. His chest bloomed with pride for once. Bob turns his face around meeting the pirates eyes already lurking on him. And for a few seconds their faces are close, their noses short before brushing.
"You're doing great Bob, we should start with the next one." Johns presses out under his breath, suddenly realizing in which situation he put himself in. Bob only gave him a small, almost hypnotized nod.
That's how it went for the next couple of days. At day Bob would practise everything John taught him the previous night. John was always checking up on him, bringing the prince water, food and also new clothes. The crew was talking about the unlikely pair behind John's back, saying they actually felt pity for the prince.
John had a reputation of being anything but gentle in many ways. Some of them were even worried the prince wouldn't be alive at the time they arrived at Deathland bay. But that's it. There were nothing more than rumors. John's longing for the sea was a gift and a curse he was born with. He could swim before he could walk. Everyone wanted to learn how to ride a horse, John wanted to know how to sail a ship. The royal navy wasn't to his liking, to many pointless and hypocritical rules , so he became a Pirate. Building a reputation of being rough and brutal but in the background he always made sure nobody got hurt beyond an extent of no repair. Secretly e was tired of it, of this two faced life.
-------------
Lost in the motion of Bob's hands he didn't hear the question at first so he tilted his head hoping for Bob to repeat his question.
"You still haven't told me who taught you all that. We both know this goes beyond everything a pirate needs to know."
"Okay I am telling you but only if you promise to not look at me differently after."
"I promise."
"I was not born a pirate, the opposite actually. I come from a wealthy family, not a lord by any means and still wealthy." John takes a deep breath preparing himself to go on. "Shortly after I turned eleven our house burned down to its grounds, my brother, my sister, my mother and my father, they all died in the flames."
Again a deep breath is the only sound filling the room. "I only survived that day because my father sent me to sleep outside, in an empty barn nearby, when the stale smoke reached my nose, the flames were already too high."
Now he turned his gaze away from Bob all the way to the porthole.
"Some of our neighbors prepared the funeral. I knew if I attended, someone would grab me and send me to the next orphanage. So instead I went down to the docks and stole myself on a ship that was short before sailing. Nobody minded the free labour of course. That was a long time ago, I am not even sure if I can fully remember what they looked like."
Bob said nothing, just pulled him into his arms and even though John Walker would never admit it Bob was certainly sure that his shirt started to wet.
-------------
It happened one night that John was heavily asleep while Bob was restless. Tossing and turning in his spot. He didn't want to disobey John's commands but the cabin felt too small, suffocating, like a trap. So when the moon was nearly completely hidden he snug out. Out from John's arms, out the door of the cabin. He was cautious, looking left and right many times before closing the door behind him. He went all the way back to the stern of the ship, he told himself it was just a need for fresh air but soon enough he would find himself mindlessly grabbing the railing taking a few steps up.
Under him the ocean clashed in unforgiving waves, the salt present as ever, only the stars and a single lamp a few feet away spending some light in this unruly night. This could be Bob's chance, an opportunity to make one final decision for himself, made only by himself. God knows what they will do to him in a few days when they finally realize that Bob's Father has as much interest in him as a farmer in a dead horse.
Still Bob can’t do it, his fingers, which are currently the only barrier between him and the sea, don't give in. Maybe he can allow himself a little more time since this is the first time in a long time- no the first time ever that even given this circumstances Bob felt safe. Not only that he feels seen and understood and who can blame him that he wants to relish in this for a little longer.
So he takes a deep lunge filling breath, and jumps down the impact letting him stumble a couple of steps back right into the arms of one of the crew members. His first instinct is to scream but one of them makes sure he can’t.
"You know I’m not the jealous type but it is custom that every prey is shared on this ship so John Walker is breaking a rule by keeping you all locked up."
Bob is sure it is the same man as the last time. Bob's instincts take over once again he is not even trying to defend himself he knows fully well he doesn't have a chance so his body lets loose, his eyes falling close hoping that whatever this will be, ends fast.
A hand tugs at his pants, another at the hem of his shirt while one stays pressed on his mouth. One of the men clears his throat in an attempt to say something but the only noise becoming present is a shot followed by the thud of a body falling to the ground.
"You two, in the ocean with him."
"You're coming with me."
It all happens too suddenly, Bob can not proceed what is happening fast enough so the next thing he feels is how John throws him over his shoulder as if he weighs nothing. Back in the dim candlelight of John’s quarters, Bob starts to shake the second the door falls into its frame. The words he wants to say get stuck in the back of his throat forming a thick lump.
When John steps closer Bob flinches backwards, his back hitting the desk. Again he braces himself for the worst and again he feels hands tearing at the hem of his shirt but this time they don't get stopped. The warm air of the room hits Bob pleasantly; he still doesn't dare to open his eyes. Only when he feels something warm and slightly wet on his forehead he dares to open them and is greeted with eternal worry.
"Why did you go outside?" Bob swallows hard, guilt sitting heavy in his heart he wouldn't have guessed that he could course John in such much distress.
"I needed air, fresh air. For once."
"Then why not just take a few steps away from the door. Why did you go all the way back?"
"You're going to declare me insane when I confess something called for me?"
John has to chuckle at that. It is a story as old as time that man felt called while being on a ship, by the sea, by sirens, the wind itself.
"I would never." In silence John continued to clean Bob off from the blood that is not his. When Bob sees the thick scarlet stains in the white handkerchief he begins to tremble again tears slowly building up behind his eyelids.
"You took that man’s life, without warning."
"Oh he has been warned more times than one, now he paid the price."
"I am uncertain if I am worthy of such a high price."
"Dont, don’t do that. He was a bad man who couldn't follow the rules. He knew the consequences. I am sure no one on this ship will touch you again."
"No one?"
A Few Days Later
The prince and the pirate were laying in bed, Bob's head resting on John's chest. The pirates hand carefully stroking the brown soft locks of the prince.
"How certain are you that your father will not come to rescue you." Bob holds his breath for a second and faces John.
"He will not come." Not a trace of doubt in his words.
"Bob I- I am sorry for you."
"Please don't, being on this ship is the first good thing that ever happened to me. When the crew came into my chambers I wasn't scared, I just hoped it would go quickly. I honestly didn't expect to be kidnapped, I thought everyone in this world knew my father hates me." A small laugh escapes his mouth.
"You are telling me all this and still, you laugh, unbelievably."
"John, what will happen when they realize my father is not coming." The captain will be feral is the first thing that comes to John's mind, the crew will also go wild because of the disappointment.
"Nobody will do you any harm, my prince, I promise." His strokes wander from Bob's hair to his face. Bob's eyes watering at the pirates words. For once John's eyes were not fixed on the ocean eyes of the prince but rather his fine, pink lips. Bob tries to close the distance between them, John stops him, the heart of the prince breaking a little.
"My prince, I am not worthy of yours." John tried to convince the both of them.
"That, is not for you to decide anymore."
"So your ordering me?"
"I take the burden of decision away from you, yes." For the very first time Bobs voice is strong and certain. When a prince demands your attention you're obliged to give it to him and with this realization all rational thinking left the room.
John placed his hand at the back of Bob's head. To John these are the softest most divine lips he ever tasted. Bob on the other hand was surprised, John's lips were dry like the rest of his skin but the kiss was incredibly gentle.
"I am not sure if I can stop myself if we continue, my prince."
"Then don't stop yourself, please" The plea made John shiver. Awakening something inside of him. He wants to hear more of those sweet words of the prince, he wants to ruin him.
With one swift motion Bob is under him. John placed kisses along the prince's neck, while opening the buttons of his shirt. The shirt landed somewhere next to the bed. John kisses continue down Bob's chest to his belly, stopping right at the hem of his trousers.
"John, please I've been patient, I did everything you wanted me to do, so please no teasing." He was aware he sounded pathetic, almost like a whore, but he didn't care.
"That is true my prince you've been a perfect student, always doing as you're told. So be a little more patient and you will get everything you want." Bob whines out shamelessly, while John can only smirk at the cute noises the prince makes for him. He places his hand at the hem of Bob's trousers and pulls them down, slowly. So agonizingly slow that Bob starts to wiggle his hips.
"Please John, please." The whines grew louder, till the pants were all the way down, Bob's cock freed from the fabric. John gave himself a few seconds to admire the view fully. He looked like a painting, one of those that hung in churches and castles. John's mouth starts to fill up with salvia.
"John is something w- oh god." Before the insecurities could go to Bob's head, John had Bob's length in his mouth. Not all the way at first, giving the prince and himself time to adjust. Slowly going up and down using his tongue.
"Oh my god John I don't think- I don't think I can do this, it's too much."
"First you are begging me and now you're saying it's too much? Not a lot going on inside this pretty head of yours, my prince." John's mocking could have made him come right on the spot. Bob whines out and thrust his hips a little.
Moments pass, Bob’s hair sticks to his forehead. The Pirate messes with him, taking up speed then when Bob nearly reaches his high he slows down. Driving Bob dangerously close to the edges of sanity
"John I swear, if you continue your stupid game with me." The Prince spatted through gritted teeth.
"Then what? Are you going to punish me? My devotion to you is the biggest punishment the gods had to offer and I wouldn't want it any other way." Bob's eyes went wide, that was the last bit. With all his strength he holds the fairly larger pirate in place, trusting his own hips up. The noises leaving the both men were filthy and raw.
"I am going to come and you will take it, everything of it." It wasn't a question, it was a command which sent a shock of pleasure through John, moaning with his mouth closed on the prince's cock. With one final thrust Bob releases himself, down Johns throat, the moan sealing this affair making sure that every crew member knows what is going on in John's room.
Bob was shaking in completely bliss. His body relaxing for the first time in forever. Both men were trying to catch their breaths, John getting back into his spot next to Bob.
"I am so sorry, I lost control, did I- did i hurt you? Are you hurt? What can I do?" Bob was overwhelmed he was not used to this, to have to have the upper hand, to be in control. He looked at John, worried sick but John just started to laugh.
"Everything is fine, I feel great. Besides," He looked down on himself, a bright white spot on his pants, "You made me come in my pants like a little boy."
"I apologize. I didn't mean to- I can still return the favour, just tell me when you're ready."
"Bob, everything is fine, why are you concerned? You're a prince, everyone has to bow to your orders, and I mean that in a good way."
"Well there are some men at my fathers court who would beg to differ."
The following silence in the room was unbearable for John.
John settled his hand on Bob's cheek. "What, what did they do to you?"
"Well, since they knew that they had no consequences to fear they used me like they pleased. Most of them were older, stronger, bigger than me. They made sure it always hurt."
Tears unintentionally came down Bob's face. John pulled him into his embrace in an attempt to comfort him, loud sobs escaping Bob's lips.
"I will kill them all. One after the other. I will save your father last so he chokes on his own fear and blood."
-------------
The next few days nothing out of the ordinary happened. Until one cloudy evening the navigator of the ship approaches John in a reserved manner. "We will reach deathland bay in 3 days."
It didn't matter to John. If Bob's father against all odds would demand his son back, John would sooner or later return to the Kingdom by himself. When the crew realizes that the king will not come, things will get messy but John already has a plan, if you can call it that when it solemnly relies on the captains pride and greed.
Bob wasn't fond of the news, John could read it in his face.
"Don't you want to leave this ship, this cabin, feeling solid ground under your feet?"
"I don't want to leave you, I can't bear the thought of being away from you."
"You will not leave me, nothing on this ship holds me here."
"I thought about something. Maybe if my father hates me enough, he will send someone to get me only to lock me away at his court, I would never be allowed to leave the castle again. John please, don't let them take me."
"Nobody is ever going to harm you again, my Prince." The night was long, Bob and John savouring each other's embrace.
Yet it was the night before their arrival that the energy started to change. Bob seemed more tense, more absent minded. John on the other hand never felt so sure in his life.
Both laying in John's bed together. Bob's anxiety gets out of hand and to ease his mind, he starts to kiss John with a deep, uncontrollable hunger. His hands roaming over John's body without shame or hesitation.
"John please, I want to feel you, all of you."
In John's head prayers were forming and he wasn't a religious man by any means. "god forgive me for I am about to sin". His mind goes crazy under Bob's delicate and soft fingers. Like a man possessed John started kissing, licking and even softly biting every inch of skin his mouth could find, ravishing the prince as if he was his last supper.
"That is not how it is supposed to go."
"What do you mean?"
"I am a prince I am supposed to be atop of you."
"Oh, really? That's how it goes? I think we both know that's not going to happen."
"Bastard."
With their mouths colliding, formalities and the rest of the world were fast forgotten. There was no time to waste a fact the both of them were aware of. John's hands made quick work of Bob's remaining clothes brushing him on every inch of skin possible. Bob squirmed under it, under John's calloused fingers, under the firm yet tender grip.
Soon sweat would keep them company while the air around them is getting thicker by the minute. John's tongue left Bob's mouth and gave him the short chance to breathe again while John worked it down his neck sucking at all the right spots, leaving bruises for sure but none of them cared.
Bob tugs at John's pants who ultimately takes them off, at the sight Bob nearly chokes on his own spit. John notices his reaction bringing his lips close to Bob's ear.
"Don‘t worry I take care of you. It will not hurt. I promise."
He doesn't know why exactly but Bob felt the need to shake his head to confirm what John just said. There was no room for indecision anyway as John continued his work on Bob. Making his way to the protuberant collarbone down to his belly coming to halt there.
"Give me a second." He doesn't have a chance to protest, with a wink John is up making his way to the shelf in the corner of the room. Bob pledges to himself that someday he will get this ass painted if John wants it or not.
When he comes back Bob is confused to say the least, in John's hand rested a small bottle which contains a lipide that seemed to be of the same consistency John used on Bob for his burns yet this one is see-through.
"John, what is that?"
"It makes sure you don't feel any pain."
The fact that Bob does not know about it nearly lets John break the bottle. His answer seemingly did nothing to take away Bob's confusion.
"Lay back and let me show you. I never break my promises." Without a second thought Bob falls back into the pillows trusting John with every fiber of his heart. Bob hears how he pops the cork, then John's now cold fingers brushing at his entrance the small buck of Bob's hips lets John chuckle under his breath.
"It works even better when you let go." Bob focuses his eyes on the ceiling along with a deep exhale John carefully pushes his index finger inside and with that Bob is gone. His mouth falls open, his hands fisting the sheets under him, back arching slightly off the bed. With every finger added everything started to feel lighter, sweeter. When John is pleased with his work the sight underneath him nearly frightens him, Bob is completely and utterly delirious.
"Maybe we should save the rest for another-" Before John can finish his sentence Bob has cupped his face in his small hands with an intense pressure.
"If you stop now I will never let you touch me again."
"Is that so, my prince?" Bob falls back onto the bed, stars forming behind his eyes. Sweet little whines slipping through his lips.
With the rest of the liquid prepares himself and before pushing in he stops again. Patting Bob's cheek just slightly. "Are you really sure?"
With the little bit of strength left Bob presses his heels into John's back and every ounce of restraint leaves John at once. He planned on pushing slowly instead it is a long motion which Bob takes without trouble still his back leaves the bed completly now.
"Gods I- Bob you're so tight I- I don’t think I will last long."
"Doesn’t matter just move, please."
Oh and John does for the first thirty seconds he even manages to be gentle then his hips fall into an barbaric rhythm if you can call it a rhythm at all and Bob? He moves his hips with John, it drives him insane so much that he has to press Bob's hips down so John doesn't come on the spot. The firm grip pulls a frantic moan out of Bob's throat.
Bob digs his nails in John's skin, his back, his waist, his shoulders even his teeth make their way into his skin. John tries his very best but it is no use, his high is building up way too fast, he pulls Bob legs on his shoulders and bends them till his knees are at the same height as his chin. The angle sends butterflies to Bob's stomach while John nearly combust.
"Do you want me to pull-"
"For heaven's sake John, don’t." And with one deep thrust John spills himself inside Bob, relief washed over him because Bob nails dug in deeper than before a rigged moan escaping him while Bob comes between them, nearly at the same time.
When John pulls out Bob sobs at the loss but is grateful for the chance to breathe properly again. John next has his sweet time cleaning Bob. Taking in every hiss and every crunch of his nose.
Careful John rests himself next to Bob pulling the blanket over both of them. Bob's arm is around John's chest in the blink of an eye.
"Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me, really."
"Yes I do. You might not be the first to touch me yet you are the first who showed me that it doesn't have to be painful." A single tear steals its way down Bob's cheek and John is fast to stroke it away with his thumb. His own chest blooming with pride and sorrow at the same time.
"I hope it was not only not painful but also pleasurable."
"It was indeed." Bob's hand wanders dangerously far down John's torso.
"In fact I might wish for you to do it again."
Before Bob can reach too low John catches his hand in his placing a gentle kiss on the back of it.
"How can I say no to a prince?"
-------------
The navigator was right. When the sun was high in the sky they arrived at their destination. Bob put on the clothes in which he arrived. John made his way to the lower deck, Bob didn't know why. John suggested it was better for the prince to know as little to nothing. The door to the cabin swung open, Bob turning to the door.
"John you're back?"
"No Prince Robert, Johnny remains somewhere else."
Bob froze in his movement. His smile dropped to the bottom of the ocean. He goes into a defensive posture without realizing it.
"Oh don't worry prince, I am not going to hurt you, you're way too precious for that. But I decided that John's mind is not clear enough for the handover, I got the impression that he may not let you go when it matters."
The captain came close, too close for Bob's liking. "Prince, we can do this the hard way or you do as you're told, one way or the other your time on this ship is over." It sounded cruel but for once Bob decided to not give in without a fight.
He gives the captain a kick in the knee attempting to run to the door but the captain was fast to catch Bob. The kick was just not efficient enough. In seconds Bob's mouth was gagged with a handkerchief, his hands and arms tied, the end of the rope in the hands of the captain.
The prince was dragged outside, the sun stung his eyes. John was just coming up from the lower deck seeing Bob in the hands of the captain.
"Johnny I thought you wouldn't mind. I decided you will not be with us for trade since you always prefer staying on the ship anyway?" The captain was laughing thinking it would get a reaction out of John but he was as cold as a stone.
"As always captain, you are right I dont mind." That was it, John retreats to his quarters without looking at Bob. He couldn't stop himself, he was sure that this was a part of John's plan but tears were running down his face nonetheless.
"Oh come on pretty prince you will soon be reunited with your family, isn't that worth a smile?"
The captain drags Bob onward, off the ship heading to the coordinates for the trade. The rest of the crew followed them, leaving John behind.
After a short walk they positioned themselves waiting for the king or maybe the king's guards. Hours pass, nobody is coming, the sun slowly starts to settle. The crewmembers start to fidget in their spots. At some point a muffed hysterical laughter was echoing through the palms, it was the prince.
The captain finally loses his patience, grabbing Bob by his neck, yanking him to his knees. The prince kept on laughing.
"Yeah keep laughing, stupid little prince." The draw of the trigger getting pulled back was heard. The captain's pistol pointed at Bob's head.
Then the same sound was heard again a little more distant.
"Don't." At the sound of John's voice Bob felt relief. Still in a dangerous situation, but knowing that at least once in his life someone would come to rescue him made him feel whole.
John pointed his pistol directly at the captain who then slowly turned around to face John.
"Here is the deal, you and the rest of the crew go back to the ship and leave, I left everything back in my cabin including the gold and the jewelry from our last raid. Let him go."
The captain looked between John and Bob and then to his crewmembers. What John had to offer was nothing compared to what they had demanded from the king yet givin the situation it was better than nothing. The captain lowers his gun making his way over to John, never breaking eye contact, whispering in his ear.
"If this is a trap I will hunt you and your pretty prince down. I will let him bleed out like a pig and you will watch. You just disowned yourself, stained everything being a pirate stands for with shame."
He spat at John's feet and then whistled loudly, a clear signal for the crew to leave. John waited a few moments making sure they were really gone, then he ran to Bob. He pulled a knife from his holster and freed Bob from the handkerchief.
"John, you're here."
"Told you I had a plan." John got rid of the unpleasant and amateurishly tied rope.
"So your plan was to hope that the captain just retreats?"
"I said I had a plan. Never said it’s a good one."
Bob was on John in an instant, enjoying each other in a tight hug.
"Bob come on, we don't have a lot of time, you don't want to be out here when it's dark."
Helping the prince get up on his feet. At sunset they reached a rusty tavern. John going inside, Bob waiting right next to the entrance. After a few minutes John comes back. "Follow me." John grabbed Bob's hand carrying an unknown bag over his shoulder.
With a key he opens the door to a room rented out. It smells as bad as the tavern looked. John lit up a few candles trying to make the most of it. Fortunately for the men the room contained only one bed.
Bob closes the door behind him.
"What's in the bag?" He was already tugging at the cord. Plenty of apples and pieces of bread are on display covering up some fabric, which is not the bag itself. Bob curiously pulls it out.
"What? You can not walk around here in your cute little prince attire, they will eat you alive."
Bob tossed the clothes to the side walking straight up to John pulling him down for a deep, longing kiss. Still high on the moment, they got rid of the other one's clothes and the remaining adrenaline. A night spent in total bliss.
It was the next morning, John was still fast asleep, a quiet snoring escaping his mouth. Bob opened the window and looked outside. The small salty breeze dancing around his nose. The noise of the drunk guests from the tavern making their ways back home echoed through the wind. It hit him then with full force, for the very first time Bob was free. He could do whatever, however, whenever he wanted, yet all he wanted was to stay with John. But there was something else, something buried deep in his heart. It took him a few days to figure it out.
As usual both men were laying in bed, comfortable silence filling the room while Bob tried to gather all his courage.
"John? What are your plans?"
"We can do whatever you want. We can stay here, we can sail a ship to find another place to live. As long as you're by my side every place will feel right."
Bob took a deep breath.
"I want to go back to my kingdom. It's not only me, my father mistreats. The people also suffer from his reign. My father rejects cooperation with the surrounding kingdoms, so every Winter many people starve to death, while the court dines on the best food. They deserve someone who cares about them."
John's heart swells hearing Bob talking so eager about wanting a better life for his folk, pulling him closer.
"You know, it will take time. We cannot just go over to your kingdom and behead your father, we must make sure there will be no remembrance of reign left. We need a ship and more importantly, allies."
Bob nods, seeing in John's eyes his plan already unfolding in his mind.
Five years, it took them five whole years. Finally being only one sunrise away from their destination. For five years they traveled the world with the small but steady "Thunder". They recruited some old friends of John. Thieves and crooks, but just like John they had their hearts at the right spot. More than willing to help hearing Bob being so certain talking about being a better king to his folk.
The night before the battle, the men were tangled into each other. But Bob was absent, his mind racing through every possible outcome that tomorrow could bring. John saw it in his eyes fixed on the door instead of him. He was giving Bob all he had to offer, placing small kisses on his neck, his chest, his lower belly, nothing seemed to work.
"You know this will not be our last night together, my prince." Finally Bob snaps awake in his trance. Positioning himself on top of John straddling his lap.
"Indeed it is not. Tell me, is it true? I heard before a great battle it is custom for the wives of soldiers to give in to their husbands demands fully to take away the stress and raise moral?" This was enough to excite John completely; his attention now focuses solely on the prince. The filthy suggestion makes him hard on the spot and Bob can already feel it.
"Well, my prince, from what I heard it is custom. But since I am not your wife I can only tell you what I heard from others." It was a challenge Bob took willingly.
"You are right you are not my wife or rather my husband, for now. A bit aside from that, tomorrow at the same time I will be your king and even the toughest pirates obey to what the king demands, right?" Bob's hand made its way around John's throat putting on pressure not enough to cut the air from his lungs but enough to show John who is in charge.
"Yes my King." It was a revelation and a plea at the same time. John taking a glance at the future king the confidence and pride looked so good on him. The candles at the desk made Bob shine in a golden light.
"Take me as an offering, from the gods to another." That was all Bob needed to hear. Placing kisses everywhere on John, not a single part of skin left untouched. Bob got rid of John's undergarments continuing his kisses down to his sensitive parts.
"You tell me when it gets too much right?" Bob's voice is soft in concern.
"With you my love there is no such thing as too much."
A laugh leaves Bob's mouth prepping a line of kisses from John's chin all the way down to his bellybutton.
"Enough, you will tell me right ?"
"Yes, my King" It sounded so teasing and as a result Bob saw the back of his own head, making it his mission to get the smug expression off of John's face.
The sensation felt different to anything Bob ever felt before. It were John's hands gripping him as if his life depended on it, his pleas of Bob going just a little faster, a request he gladly fulfills.
With John's moans filling the room, which Bob is the reason of, something washes over him. When he looks at John's strains of so deliciously berry blond hair, at his unkempt beard, at the many battlescares which adorn his body, a need overcomes Bob. A desire to crawl under John's skin and make himself home there.
"I will change the laws." His nails dig deep into John's skin leaving new scares to admire later.
"I will bend them to my liking. You will rule tight next to me, never leaving my side." Every normal person in this world would be scared by now or at least worried meanwhile John's eyes soften, getting lost in Bob's words.
Bob picks up on John's behaviour thrusting his hips like some kind of a wild beast. His hands and teeth matching the pattern with bites and one hand ending up again on John's throat.
"Say it. I want to hear it again. Say you won’t leave me."
"The day I leave you is the day I die Bob." With a last unforgiving thrust Bob claims John in the same way John did him so many times before while John spends himself over the two of them. With the rush gone the tightening in Bob's chest releases itself without warning. The tears come involutory, John is quick in placing Bob into a more comfortable position.
"Pardon me, I should't have- does your neck hurt? Your chest... I think I bit too hard." With force John cups Bob's entire face in his large hands placing a single tender kiss on the tip of Bob's nose.
"Did it feel right? Did you enjoy it?" Bob thinks for a second and then nods as good as he can in this grip.
"So did I. I love you Bob and if you want things to go this way more often then-"
"I don't think that is going to happen again any time soon." John laughs first and since his laugh is contagious Bob can not hold himself back and laughs too.
"I meant what I said tough."
"I know, there is nothing your stubborn head won't do, my King."
-------------
To John's demise but not surprise, Bob was not very great with the sword nor the pistol. For the last five years John tried. First introducing Bob to the sword, he brought him one with a small handle and a thin blade, but nothing could compensate for his lack of balance. And the pistol? Well aiming at your target with your eyes closed being afraid of the loud bang and recoil guarantees a 99 percent chance of missing.
Some men are just not made for wars, John thought to himself while looking at Bob who was still shaking from nearly 30 attempts to hit his target. The clay jar was completely unharmed.
That didn't matter now, it couldn’t. Right before a battle there is no room for regrets or doubts.
"Bob, are you ready? Ready for the rest of your life to begin?" John gently stroked Bob's face with the outside of his hand tugging a strain of hair behind his ear.
"Yes- Yes I am ready." John placed a kiss on Bob's forehead, heeling to leave, Bob grabbing his hand.
"John please promise me. Promise me you will not leave me."
"Again, this will not be our last shared moment. I promise you we will spend so many more days together that you will eventually become sick of me."
Shortly before they arrived at Bob's future Kingdom, John thought about his decision to no longer insist on Bob learning how to fight properly again but there was no turning back now. At the very least Bob put on some weight so that he didn't look like a straw in a field anymore.
The small army of men trying to make a difference against the wild pirate-crew was poorly trained. And John was right. The king, Bob's father was in fact a lousy regent, his defense weak.
Only three days later at dawn they conquered the capital and made their way towards to the king's castle.
The others go right around and check for defense. A few king guards were taken down. John didn't trust the situation. He wouldn't believe the king had so few men to protect the castle and John was right.
Someone let the gate down and there they were. Over hundred men standing shoulder to shoulder reading to fight the intruders. Disgust running through John, so many men to protect the castle and the King so little to protect the town. He didn't have a lot of time to think about it because the guards were already coming at them.
John grabbed Bob by his collar, doing his best to shield him.
"Sword in both hands Bob, I fear you will need it this time."
Adrenalin rushed through both men. John standing tall before Bob.
Swords were clicking, blood was spilled. People got taken down. Mostly kingsguards but also some of their crew. John never loses his focus on Bob, to his own disadvantage.
The blade from the kingsguard in front of him made its way across his torso. The scream he let out changed something in Bob.
Unconsciously Bob pushed John to the side and shot the guard directly into his chest. The body landed on the ground with a thud.
From this point on Bob was no longer scared. Next to John he slaughtered the men who had an impact on making his life hell. He was messy and from time to time John had to take over to make sure the target was completely down and not only wounded.
The last guard knelt on the blood soaked ground. Bob pointed his sword directly at his throat.
"Where are they?"
"Prince Robert I beg you, I have my wife and children at home please spare me." The eyes of the men before him were filled with tears, his whole body shaking.
"You will be spared, now speak, where are they?"
"There hiding in the dungeons my Prin-"
The man's throat was covered in his own blood mid-sentence. Bob felt John's intense glare on him without looking back at him.
"He didn't care about his family when I told him to stop the night I turned eighteen."
There was no time for sentiments now. They were still at war but John wished he could pull Bob into his arms right now, giving him all the comfort he deserves.
While Bob and John made their way into the great hall the other crew members started looking for the king and queen and remaining guards.
They were staring at the pompous throne at the end of the hall.
"I will let them build a second one for you."
Because of the adrenaline going through his veins Bob didn't noticed that the sword put more damage on John than he would admit. John fell to his knees, his upper body doubled over in pain.
"No no no no no, John just a little longer we’re nearly done. We are nearly where we dreamed to be. You and me, together."
"Bob I will be fine, just do what you have to do."
Bob wanted to say something but the remaining crew came back from the dungeons with the king and queen, in chains.
With a deep breath bob pulled himself together, for them. In long, dragging steps he made his way over to his parents. His heavy footsteps echoing through the great hall. He stopped right in front of them.
His gaze was serious, eyebrows folded deep. This was the moment he fantasized about. For the last few years he dreamed about this nearly every night. He thought about what he would say and do. Finally getting his revenge. His head turned right, to his mother. She looked tired, her eyes as empty as Bob’s used to be.
"Nothing in my life will change if you're here or at the end of the world. You will never set a foot in this kingdom ever again. I promise you safe conduct till the border of the kingdom. From then on, you will be on your own."
He is not sure if his mother is even listening but before he can repeat his words, she is dragged out by the two crew members holding her.
Bob's gaze lands his father, kneeling before him. Slowly he squats down, his whole body tense from the fight. The silence is deafening, unbearable until his father dears to speak.
"My son. My only child. You came back to-"
The first punch did hurt after a few repeats; his fist went numb. So did his mind. The next thing he registers is someone talking to him. He can't see straight everything is blurry.
"It's done Bob, it's done. You need to calm down. We brought John into a chamber, the healer will take care of him. You come with me." He feels that he is getting dragged somewhere, his body bumps into something soft, then complete darkness.
When he shoots awake he has no sense of direction. He stumbles and feels some fabric and pulls it to the side. The curtain reveals the dark night as the moon floods the room with its light.
When he walks through the corridors of the castle he is still in the clothes he wore in battle. A scream told him where to run. The wooden doors opened, hitting the wall behind them.
John was spread on a table, blood and sweat covering his body. The tears on his face falling like waterfalls. But before he can take a step closer someone pushes him right outside the door.
"Just wait, we take care of him, we-"
Bob fisted the collar of the shirt from the person in front of him.
"I will stay." His words didn't left any room for arguments. Making his way back into the room. He thought he saw everything by now, that nothing could hurt him anymore, but this was something else. John, losing blood in so many places and so much of it, so many deep purple bruises. The room filled with nothing but his screams and heavy breathing.
And Bob stood there, horrified, guilt in every bone, but this wasn't about him. This time he needed to soak in a deep breath and stay calm. This one time he had to be the stronger person. So he choked it all down, his fears and the tears. Gently taking John's hand in his, breathing in a steady rhythm.
"You will be fine my dare, everything will be fine." And for a second John believed him, then all he could see was how Bob turned into black allconsuming void. All he could feel was a slight tap on his cheek and the last thing he heard was a scream that wasn't his, ragged and bloodchilling, "You promised you won’t leave me!"
Six Months Later
The golden sunlight fills the room. Through the thin windows the townsfolk can be heard, chattering, arguing, laughing. The smells of freshly baked sweets slip through the cracks of the stoned walls.
The bedsheets slowly begin to ruffle. A deep jawn escapes Bob; he keeps his eyes closed at first, his hand wandering off to his side but it was cold and empty. Before he would fall back to sleep he decided it would be best to just leave the bed.
Before he could even open the curtains fully, his servant storms in.
"My king, you're finally awake, we need to get you ready!" The servant made a fuss around Bob, placing the king's breakfast on the table. He then starts to warm up some water in the tub, while waiting for the water to heat up he starts picking out the clothes, his eyes again landing on the king who didn't move a finger.
"My king? You don't like your breakfast? Should I get you something else? Or is your majesty not feeling well?"
Bobs seemed dazed off from the outside but the truth was he just wasn't sure how he felt. The fact that Bob didn't give an answer was enough for the servant a clear hint to not ask any further.
After the bath and Bob being tucked into his attire he and the servant left the chamber together. In the halls people were running around. The bakers carried cakes and tarts from one of the many tables to another. The ladies in waiting draped flowers over every wall, table and chair they could find. His servant was pulled by the side and Bob took it as his opportunity to escape this chaos.
He made his way down the great hall, all the way to the exact opposite of the castle. His hand rose to knock on the door in front of him.
"You can come in, when your name is not Bob."
"Are you trying to kill me? Why are you denying me access on this most beautiful of days."
John stepped closer seeing Bob's shadow peeking through the thick door. John rests his forehead against the old wood.
"You know. It's bad luck seeing each other before the ceremony right?"
Bob inches closer to the door, his forehead also resting against the wood now.
"I can not believe that after everything we have been through, what we have seen, you still believe in superstitions."
They both started to laugh and tried to take in the others' presence as long as possible.
"Bob, you have to go back, they need you."
"You know, we can still leave. We can sail away to unknown jungles or deserts. We can taste foreign fruits in our mouths and have the rough wind strike through our hair. For you I would-"
"I know, I know but think about them. Think about the people who suffered so much under the reign of your father. Don't they deserve someone who takes care of them, someone who is gentle and caring and fair?"
Bob understood, yes John was right but it still didn't sit well with Bob that it felt like an obligation. Hey would find a way to make everyone satisfied but right now he tried to only look a few hours ahead.
"My Love, I will see you later. I can’t wait."
John stood there a little longer, Bob already gone. Smiling to himself like a fool. Yes he misses the sea deeply, but he would give every single drop of the ocean to spend a minute with Bob and that was all that counts.
The sun was high in the sky. The halls were flooded with people from every corner of the kingdom and beyond. The ringing of the bells could be heard throughout the whole country. The ceremony was short as intended but the celebration afterwards was far from it.
Together they danced and sang until the sun already started to come out again. They sneaked away through the drunken and happy crowd back to their shared chambers both falling back first into the mattress. Their mouths find each other in an instant.
"If I am being honest with you, I think I am way too tired for a first night." Bob, who was at least a little tipsy, couldn't hold back his laughter. To John it seemed it was the loudest and most purest one he ever heard from him so far.
"We had so many first nights and we will have so many in the future, I think we can skip this one."
They got rid of their festive robes and fell asleep tangled into each other just like they always did now from now on the two golden rings would keep them company.
Two Years Later
"Where are you going?"
"I will visit the blacksmith and his family. They need help to patch up the roof of their house after the heavy storm yesterday."
Bob gave John an approving nod and turned back to writing. Bob knew that John was lying but it was okay. It was okay that he would visit the blacksmith for a short period of time and then he would head off to the kingdom's harbour. Watching for hours as the ships came and left, admiring every single one of them.
At first Bob was a little hurt that John didn't tell him. On the other hand Bob sent someone after John to observe him. Not because Bob actually thought John would have something with someone else. He was worried about John. After he heard that John would occasionally go to the harbour, Bob started to pick up on his plans.
On one peculiar night John stole himself back into their shared chambers. He didn't expect for his husband to still be awake at such an ungodly hour.
"My King, I apologize if I kept you awake with my absence."
"Shut it John. Might tell me where you've been in the secureness of the dark?"
"I told you I would help the baker fix his-"
"Oh I know you did. The baker sent his acknowledgements, he also told me that you finished the oven shortly before the sun started to settle. So I am asking you again, where were you?"
"I was down at the docks."
"Having some fun at the taverns? So you're fooling around while I drown under my duties?"
The late hours are partly to blame for what John does now. He drops to his knees, his hands buried in Bob's robe.
"I would never do such thing. You will not find a drop of alcohol on me I just-"
Guilt stings in Bob's chest, this was supposed to be a light tease not a proper accusation.
"Get up from your knees John, I am just messing with you. I already know, for quite some time to be honest."
"Why didn't you say something I don't want to anger you."
"You could never. It is my pride you struck. Don't you trust me?"
"This isn't about trust. I don't want to be another burden on your shoulders, another thought haunting the corners of your mind."
"But I don't want you to suffer, John, quite the opposite."
"What have you come up with now?"
-------------
"Bob, I am not sure if that is a good idea." John makes a pause ringing with himself not sure how well Bob will receive the following words.
"All of it. I mean letting the townsfolk choose your successor is one thing but with you, with us leaving, the kingdom would be unprotected and vulnerable."
"We will come back."
"And still you would be gone for a year."
"John this conversation is purely for you to be informed I already made the decision."
John opens his mouth and closes it again keeping his thoughts to himself. "As stubborn as a god damn mule."
The town is covered in pamphlets the next day. -Every woman and man shall think wisely in proposing a worthy successor. They will take on the burden and rule the kingdom in the absence of the King and beyond. They shall be of age and a reflection of what the people need and want.-
Bob was worried at first that this venture would confuse the people or even worse would lead to an outrageous revolt but quite the opposite happened. Two weeks after the announcement in the middle of the marketplace stood a young woman with raven hair and blue eyes nervously tugging at the hem of her dress. There wasn't even a need for a tournament, The clear majority voted for her, Kate.
For the next months Bob did everything he could to teach her the things that are important to rule a kingdom and sooner that anticipated John and Bob could set sail.
They were just making the final preparations when Bob could see it in John's eyes, the same look he gave him years ago in the cabin every time he spoke about his past, the same look short before they conquered the kingdom.
"John, I beg you, please trust me."
"This is about everything but trust. So many things can happen. We could drown in a heavy storm, we could get attacked, robbed and shot."
"I have to wonder why you now seem to care about all those things after all those years on sea before."
John takes a deep breath and with every following word he exhales the air.
"It didn't matter before. It was just me. Now, I am worried about you."
"As long as I am with you I am not scared, whether of obstacles, dangers or death."
Bob reaches his hand out, John takes it without a second thought and so they enter the wild unruly sea together.
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Do you like happy endings? Great, then stop reading because now it gets angsty.
You've been warned.
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Twenty years seems like a long time right? Well, when our time comes to an end, we will almost ever wish for more. These were King Bob's thoughts while laying next to his beloved. John's years on sea were catching up to him. His back and limps hurt, tying him to the bed. His heart beats in uneven patterns. The physicians said there is no such thing as a cure. The healers said they should cherish their remaining days together. They were giving him two more years. It wasn't easy for Bob to watch John suffer, two years of almost never leaving the bed. Two years always being on the edge that their current moment could be their last, together. At the end John made it to three and a half.
"Bob?" John's voice was thick and raspy, and still the sweetest of sounds in Bob's ears.
"This is the night I will break my promise." Bob knew this day would come but still nothing could prepare him for the sting in his heart and the emptiness in his lungs. He tried to be strong for both of them. Taking his lover's hand without saying a single word, there was nothing more left to say, the only sound in the room was John's heavy breathing until it wasn't and loud silence filled the room.
Hours passed Bob not leaving John's side. Not letting go of his hand. Bob didn't remember who pulled him out of the bed. It didn't matter, nothing did anymore.
Usually royals were buried in a family grave, but not John. John was a man of the sea and so his body was placed on a boat. It was Bob who set it alight so his Love could leave this life as he lived it. With the deep ocean under his feet.
Bob tried so hard. Talking to his friends, well it was more them talking to him while his mind wandered off. He went to the library a lot but couldn't bring himself to read a single book, only strolling through the endless rows of shelves. He ate but never enough. His face faltered, his bones poking beneath his skin something that didn't happen anymore since he met John.
John's death anniversary came fast. Bob was alone at the shore staring at the open sea when he made his final decision.
For the following year Bob had a lot of meet ups with Kate making sure the role as queen wouldn't become too much on her. He attended festivities, he sang, danced and wrote. He wrote everything down from his first encounter with John to every adventure they lived through. A week before John's second death anniversary Bob was finished. It was the middle of the night, everyone except the King was fast asleep. The King made his own bed and left a sealed letter on his bedside table. He greeted the few people he met while walking around the castle with a polite nod. Then he went down to the coast, the breeze warm and salty welcoming him like an old friend. He already left his crown in his chambers. He took off his sand-filled shoes and let his robe fall from his body in a single motion.
When the water reaches his toes a small but genuine smile forms on his lips. While taking one step after another his eyes never lose focus on the open sea in front of him until it vanishes and he is met with the same glacier blue eyes he fell in love with all those years ago.
Thank you for reading all the way through💖. I hope you had a good time☺️. If you want to you can check out my Masterlist here.
