Nautical November Part 10: Farewell
The Reader finally meets Castiel. And she says goodbye to her pirate brothers as they finally dock in Tortuga.
Characters: Reader, Captain!Dean Winchester, First Mate!Sam Winchester, Captain!Castiel Novak, Pirate crew (Crowley, Adam, Benny) Admiral!Uriel, OC/History Maria Lindsey
Warnings/Promises: Fluff, Destiel, ANGST, pirate history Easter egg
Word Count: 3400
Note: This has been such a fun series to write. I hope you all have enjoyed it too! Please reblog the chapters as much as you like (please do not repost or add this series into AI. I worked really hard on it and would like to keep it as it is.) Thank you all for reading along on this adventure. Now, for this last chapter, happy reading!
Part 9: Like a Diamond
The sun had just dipped beneath the waves when the island came into sight. But the Captain made the decision to keep the ship out to sea for one last night before docking in the morning. This would ensure that the ship couldn’t be invaded by land or boxed in by another rival ship against the harbor. Nobody argued. It was the safest way to enter the waters around Tortuga.
Dean’s orders weren’t enough to protect from all invasions.
The rising sun’s rays warmed your back where they came through the window. You hummed into it and curled tighter into Dean’s side. You were pleasantly sore from being shared by the brothers during the night. While you had started in Sam’s bed, he had moved you to lay with Dean before leaving for his watch. He left you there, fast asleep, when he came back just before the sun.
The sharp click of a pistol jolted you awake.
You gasped to see the cold barrel pointed at Dean’s chest. The Captain’s grip tightened around your body, but his eyes opened slowly. He took in the sight of the gun. He looked the triggerman up and down. And he glanced back at Sam, who was tensely watching the invader’s back. With a groan, he closed his eyes, trying to catch every last second of sleep that he could. “Good morning to you too, Captain.”
The man smirked. Despite the danger, you admitted he was a pretty one with his dark hair and bright, blue eyes. He dipped his head at you, unbothered when you didn’t return it.
“Dean…” You shivered as the gun didn’t waver.
“It’s late morning already, Captain,” the man said. “Isn’t it time you were out of bed?”
Dean cracked open his eyes again. His gaze followed the slight motion telling him to stand up. With a groan, he complied. Any other morning, you would have loved the bare expanse of his chest in the light, and the way his thin under trousers hung low on his hips. Inhaling deeply, he ruffled his hands through his hair. It was quick. His hands had barely fallen back to his sides before the muzzle of the pistol was digging into the underside of Dean’s jaw. Sam half jolted out of bed, ready to tackle the intruder. But Dean held him off with a raised hand. “Is that the way to say hello to an old friend?”
“Gotta keep you on your toes somehow.”
You squeaked as the man gripped Dean behind his neck and tugged him close. Dean startled a moan into the kiss, smiling around the man’s mouth.
“Captain Novak,” Dean broke away, panting, “always a pleasure.”
He released Dean with a smile and shot a wink at the first mate. “Mornin’, Sam.”
Sam rolled his eyes and rolled back into to bed, pulling the covers over his head against the sunlight. “Can’t you two do this anywhere else, Castiel? This foreplay is getting to be a bit much.” He suddenly rolled back over. “How’d you get on board?”
Castiel slid his gaze over to Dean. Who smiled at the floor.
“I, ah, may have given the crew orders to let him aboard.” Before Sam could argue, he lightly tapped at the other Captain’s chest. “My crew was supposed to be allowed to warn me you were here first.”
“Where’d be the fun in that?” Castiel disengaged the pistol and slid it into its holster. He humphed as Dean embraced him in a bear hug. Then, when Dean captured his mouth with a deep kiss, he hummed.
You didn’t know what to do. Absently, you tugged the blankets higher over your chemise, covering up your form as a way of covering up your twinge of jealousy. Dean looked at him the same way he looked at you. The jealousy melted away as Dean turned to beam at you.
“Y/N, this is Castiel Novak, a captain in his Majesty’s Navy.”
“The Navy?” You eyed the man up and down. And then shot a glance at your captain.
Dean cleared his throat. “We took turns for years trying to sink each other’s ships. I managed to catch him once and ransomed him back to the Navy for a pretty penny.”
“Which I took back a few months later when I arrested him on land.” Castiel gripped Dean by the tops of his shoulders. “I should have kept him on my ship. Maybe then he wouldn’t have escaped and I could have pressed him into his Majesty’s service.”
“Not a chance in hell. Besides,” Dean glanced lewdly at his waist, “you’ve pressed me plenty.”
Pressing your lips together, you tried to hold back a snarky comment. But it burst out a few moments later. “I take it you have an agreement set up with him too? Something along the lines of you cause less trouble than you should and he doesn’t have to arrest you? Or is it as long as he can visit, you don’t attack Navy ships?” Both of the Captains looked everywhere else in the room besides you or each other. From his bunk, Sam mumbled a string of curses. “And you call me the needy one.”
Dean chuckled. He slapped Castiel on the back. “I thought we weren’t going to see you for a few more days. Good winds?”
The warm smile that formerly brightened Castiel’s face sank into the cold professionalism of a man on an unpleasant mission. “We had those, yes. But I’m also here to ensure your… passenger disembarks where you promised to let her off. After our,” he bopped his head, “chat in Savannah, I took it upon myself to follow your ship and make sure it didn’t make too many detours.”
“What?” Dean’s teasing smile was strained. “You don’t trust me?”
Castiel gave you a slight bow. “For all intents and purposes, she is still a citizen of the British Empire. As such, my crew and I are sworn to protect her and her interests. And to save her from your kidnapping.” His voice softened from its official tone. “Despite our agreement… I do have to follow orders most of the time.”
The brothers moved as one to stand in front of Dean’s bunk, blocking Castiel’s view of you. Dean tried to joke and smirk. “Cas, come on-“
“Captain Raphael made my superiors aware of her flight. As far as I know, they are not aware of her commission. Only of the threat from her father. I take it Captain Raphael was disinterested in notifying the Royal Navy of how she was planning to pay him the fare. But he was also adamant that you two could not profit from her, and he took certain vengeful steps after you raided his ship. When we met in Savannah, and you told me her full story, I still couldn't update my superiors for fear they would force me to take her back.”
You stood, wrapping your arms around Sam’s waist. Dean stepped slightly in front of his brother as an extra protective wall.
Castiel mouth twitched with a smile. “No one is going to drag you back into the northern colonies, Miss. But we sent word ahead to your, ah, Mistress. She would be waiting at the docks by now. I’m to escort the Gazelle into port, ensure you disembark, and then escort the Gazelle into open waters again. My superior posted a man on my ship to ensure I comply.” His hand twitched to the pistol at his side as Dean’s shoulders tensed. “I’m sorry, Dean. I- I can’t…” His apology stuttered out.
The blood in your veins moved sluggishly, as if your very life force wished it could delay the inevitable. The brothers lost their defensiveness. It was clear the naval captain was on their side, and yours, but his hands were tied. He nodded at you again.
“There won’t be much time once we get you ashore, Miss. So I suggest you make your formal goodbyes now while we prepare to escort the ship. I’ll – I’ll check on my men. It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Y/n. I hope that the next time we see each other, it will be under more pleasant circumstances.”
Turning on his heel, he was gone. The silence in the cabin was so thorough, that you could hear the dismay from the crew as Captain Novak informed them of the situation.
“We could make a break for it,” Sam said. “We’ve beaten his crew before. Cas would be able to say they were overrun. There was noting he could do. The usual-“
Dean shook his head. “He’s already risking too much to give us the heads up. Fighting now would only make it worse for him and for us. He’s kept the worse of the Navy off our backs for years. Losing him would… would just make life difficult.”
Part of Dean’s speech sounded like he was trying to reassure himself that keeping a separation from Castiel was the best choice. It sounded well-rehearsed. And it reminded you of the way he made himself seem okay with you leaving. How many people had drifted in and out of the Winchester’s life without being able to stay? The thought made your heart ache.
From outside, the bustle of the crew preparing the ship to dock rose to a familiar pitch. If it hadn’t been for Captain Novak’s visit, it would have been a usual beautiful morning. Sam’s hands slid up and down your arms as he kissed the curve of your neck from behind. You closed your eyes, trying to add it to your memories of other mornings.
“We should get you dressed.” Sam pressed his lips to the back of your head with a hum. “Can’t release our kidnapped prisoner to her commission in her shift.”
You couldn’t stop the small giggle. “I mean… you could.” Turning, you lightly traced your fingers up both of their chests. “You are ruthless pirates after all.”
Dean’s hand flashed to grip your chin. “That we are.” His eyes flicked quickly over your face. And his lips parted with a hundred questions and a thousand things to say. But he licked his bottom lip. “But we also have a reputation to keep up of being merciful to those we steal from.” He tilted your face up for a soft kiss.
They quickly helped you prepare. While one brother dressed, the other one helped you check your chest to make sure your crew-gifted treasure was secure. Then they switched, and the first brother helped you lay out your mother’s wedding dress. It had held up nicely for being cramped into a small box for a month. From a distance, you’d never known to look for a missing pearl unless you knew beforehand of its absence. Still, your fingers smoothed over the spot where the pearl had rested. Would you ever be able to look at that bare spot without this longing in your chest?
For all it’s beauty, the dress took three people to get you into it. Sam’s long fingers kept getting tangled in your corset lacing. Dean had similar problems when closing up the lacing on the front of the dress. They recovered by presenting you with a simple gold chain inset with a single diamond for you to wear.
“Consider it a down payment on future visits.” Sam smoothed a tear away from the corner of your eye with his thumb. “This isn’t goodbye forever. Just for a while.”
With a chuckle, Dean nodded. “Cas says he has to escort us out to sea. But he didn’t specify how far out or for how long. We’d probably be able to get back in by nightfall.”
Still, all to soon, you gave them both deep kisses to remember you by, and stepped out for the last time onto the deck.
Dean made it to the wheel in time to guide the ship in. Sam called him positions and adjustments from the prow. Once the gangplank was laid, the crew lined either side. You took your time, making sure to thank each individual man for their care of you. And you checked in on Adam, who was healing nicely from his shrapnel wounds. Crowley tried to palm you a few extra coins, but you refused. With a wink to him and the rest of the men, you told him to save if for your house sisters. They approved of your promise with cheers.
At the base of the plank stood a woman wearing more finery than you could ever have imagined all existing in the same spot. But she wore it well. Had this been another setting, you would have curtsied, mistaking her for royalty.
The Winchesters stood on either side, prepared to guide you down the ramp. But Castiel cleared his throat.
Dean frowned. “What? We can’t even walk her down?”
“She might slip,” Sam added.
“So much for protection from His Majesty’s Navy.”
The brothers continued to lightly bicker with Cas when another uniformed man walked up. Castiel stood straighter. “Captain, Mr. Winchester. This is Admiral Uriel. He’s been travelling with my ship for your benefit, Miss.”
Admiral Uriel stepped forward without smiling. “I’ll walk you down, Ma’am.”
You dipped your head. “Thank you, Sir.” But before he could take your arm, you turned to the crew and the brothers. “Thank you all for bringing me down here. I know it was out of your way and cost you dearly. Though I am leaving for land, I wish you calm seas, warm sun and strong winds to navigate by. And may the stars guide you wherever your future treasures lie.” You finished with a wink. From the corner of your eye, you saw Dean smother a grin by looking at the ground. Sam didn’t bother, choosing instead to smile brightly as the crew gave you hearty applause. When you turned back to Admiral Uriel, he was not amused.
“This way, Ma’am.” He took your arm. An ounce of more force and you probably would have bruised. But this was a man who knew how not to leave evidence. While Benny followed behind with your chest, the Admiral spoke quietly to you. “If I had known your destination, we would have sunk that bowl of tinder and dragged you back north to your father. This is no place for a woman.”
By then you all had reached the bottom. Your Mistress gave you a small smile.
“If you’ll forgive me for being forward, Admiral,” you made eye contact with her before turning to the man still gripping your arm, “I am exactly where I need to be.” With a flourish, you took your commission from your pocket and handed it to your Mistress.
She took it lightly. Flipping it open, she flicked a glance at the Admiral so he would release you. Only after he moved away a step did she begin to read. As she reached the signature, she smiled. “I wondered how my old friend was doing, “she said. Her voice was twinged with a slight French accent. “How is she?”
“She is well. Despite my… upsetting departure, she’s well respected in town.” You kept yourself from looking over your shoulder towards the Gazelle. “I did not study under her tutelage, but I still hope to make her proud.”
She glanced up at the ship for you. Her knowing smile suggested that the Winchesters understood her glance and probably shied away from it, guilty as schoolboys in church. “I have no doubt of your ability to do well here in Tortuga.” She pocketed the letter. And drew out another. “When I heard you were coming and where you were coming from, I took a chance to write her a letter. Perhaps the Gazelle can see that it makes its way up the coast.”
Before Benny could accept the correspondence, the Admiral took it and shoved it into his coat’s inner pocket. “I’m sure the Winchesters would love to see your letter up the coast personally. And I will be happy to guide them out of these waters so it arrives speedily.” While Benny shot a look up to his captain, the Admiral looked you up and down. He turned to the owner of the Ambrosia. “Madam… Miss, ah,” Admiral Uriel stumbled over his words, trying his best to wrap up the exchange.
She held out her hand. “You may call me Maria.” If she was amused by the Admiral’s hesitation to kiss her hand, she didn’t show it. Instead, she waited patiently for the greeting and did not continue until he dropped her hand. “No surname at this time, but if there had been one it would be either Lindsey or Cobham. But I have to agree with my new house sister,” she spun you to her side and lightly rested her hand on your far hip, “there is nothing up north but trouble. I thank you, Admiral, for ensuring her safe arrival.” With a nod of her head, she dismissed him.
It took a second for Admiral Uriel to realize he could go. Clearing his throat, he bowed. “I wish good day to the both of you.” He nodded for Benny to walk ahead of him up the ramp.
Lady Maria chuckled at your side. “That letter will never make it higher than Savannah. If he’s smart, he’ll try to read it before handing it over to his superiors.” She pseudo-glanced down the pier over your head as she whispered, “they want to accuse me of passing naval information along to my ‘agents’ in coastal brothels frequented by pirates. But if he doesn’t read it,” her eyes flashed with delighted teasing, “he’ll have to read allowed my favorite exploits. Which I described in exquisite detail.”
You gasped and hid your laugh behind your hand. As the Admiral looked over his shoulder at the two of you, another laugh bubbled out of you both. Lady Maria was able to hide hers behind a fan she flicked open out of nowhere. You hid yours in her shoulder, pretending to cry with relief of being returned to land.
The Admiral frowned, confused, but stepped aboard. He ordered Castiel to cast off, ignoring Dean’s irritated glare. The ship soon began to drift away from the pier.
“You’ve done well for yourself.” Lady Maria gave your hip a squeeze. “It isn’t every day that a new girl brings clients with her.”
You sighed. “I only hope they can come back. I do have to warn you, part of the deal of delivering me here was that the crew would receive a discount. After that discount expires, I can’t guarantee that they’ll be able to afford coming back.”
She laughed. The delight in her voice sounded like bells. “Oh, my dear girl, don’t worry about the discount. They shall have it. And I know they’ll come back. Despite what they told you, the Winchesters could always afford the Ambrosia. They just never had someone to come see before.” She looked at you. “You, truly, have done well. The smaller ships around here will have to watch their wakes with them about. I have a feeling they’ll hunt these waters closer to home. Now that they have a home to circle.”
Hope welled up in your chest. Even though the ship was beginning to point out to sea, you could still make out two blurry figures standing on the aft railing. They waved at you, and you waved back.
After encouraging your goodbye, she linked her arm with yours. Her snap summoned a well-dress page boy forward to pick up your chest. He carried it to a grand carriage that awaited a few yards away. “Let’s get you home and settled into your new room. The girls are so excited to meet you. You’ll have to tell us all about your adventures on the Gazelle.”
You shrugged. “There’s not much to tell. They didn’t raid as many ships as they would have with me aboard.”
“I mean your,” she exhaled slowly, “your private adventures with the Captain and his first mate.”
“Oh that.” You hid your remembering smile behind your knuckles. “Well… I guess I do have those stories I could tell. In… how did you put it? Exquisite detail.”
“Oh, you’re going to fit right in.” The page boy helped you step into the carriage. Within half an hour, you stepped through the front doors of the Ambrosia and prepared to start your new life.
***
Masterlist
No Cum November 2023
