uh. did the new development team read like a spark's notes of what happened in arc 1. catbeard of ALL people would not fucking reveal that. no one on our crew would.
When a traveling circus comes to port regal, the crew comes up with a plan to swipe that circus' gold. Ratbeard and Catbeard are chosen to infiltrate the circus while disguised as performers, but they quickly find themselves in an awkward situation after making the other performers believe they are actually a married couple.
A/N: Written around pride month but only recently got around it posting it online. You can find my continued work on Ao3 under E_SparkleBlood
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Ratbeard and Catbeard hurried across the grounds and ducked down near what they assumed were the circus' changing tents.
None of the circus performers were nearby, so that was good. Probably because they were in the middle of a performance right now. The sounds of drums and shouts from a wild event were coming from the much larger tent nearby.
Catbeard opened the bag he was carrying and quickly passed its contents over to Ratbeard, who looked like he was having second thoughts about putting on such funny looking attire. But he stepped inside one of the tents none-the-less.
Every couple months around this time, Port Regal hosts an extravagant traveling circus group, for it's moderately wealthy citizens. The circus group is well known, as is the amount of gold they are able to swindle out of the people of port regal. Especially among pirates. However, no pirate crew in the skyway would dare risk stealing from them as Port Regal is so often heavily guarded.
But one pirate crew is going to take that dare.
"Hurry up, Ratbeard. You big, lout." Catbeard whispered to himself. He peaked out from behind the corner to keep watch, and then ducked back down as 2 circus performers exited the large circus tent. The larger of the two was a tiger dressed as a clown with a red nose, and a frilly neck piece. The other, probably a knife thrower if Catbeard had to guess, just based one on all the knives attached to his leg, was a tall lanky wharf rat. They seemed to just be stretching and taking a smoke break. Thankfully, they didn't seem to have any intention on coming over here.
"I don't think it's gonna fit!" Ratbeard said from behind the curtains of the changing tent.
"Well make it fit." Catbeard replied.
Catbeard sat in the grass and let out a breath. Their mission was to infiltrate the circus and find whatever money box or safe the circus folk were keeping their gold in. The rest of the crew waited down by the docks for the perfect getaway. Catbeard wished so much he could have been down there instead, and that Bonnie Anne or Hawkulese had taken his spot instead. After a lot of arguing amongst the crew it was decided that a 2 man team would be the best way to pull the heist off, and that it would be Ratbeard and Catbeard who would be going under cover. This was decided because Ratbeard was the only one who could fit in the clown costume, and because Catbeard... Well, he pulled the short stick, so he was forced to tag along.
Catbeard and Ratbeard did not make for suitable partners. They butt heads more than anyone else in the crew. If their personalities had to be compared to anything, it would be that of oil and water. Which was a shame because visually Ratbeard was quite attractive, Catbeard thought. His handsome face couldn't be denied, but it just had to be contrasted by the most unattractive and quarrelsome personality.
Ratbeard emerged from the tent after just a few minutes, nervously clutching at the vibrant fabric of his waistband he walked. He struggled to keep it up as he waddled.
Seeing Ratbeard in full getup made the two realize pretty quickly that the attire suited more a court jester than a circus performer. But it was all they could get their hands on in time. The circus was only going to be in the port for one more evening, after all, so they had to hope nobody would pay them too much mind.
"Arr, this be a disaster in the making. I feel ridiculous." Ratbeard said.
Ratbeard really did look rather goofy, especially with the white and red makeup, and the black teardrop under where his left eye would be if he still had it. His costume was a riot of mismatched colors and his crusty old pirate hat that he's so attached to had even been replaced with a harlequin style hat with oversized bells. Although, the tights suited his round form quite well, Catbeard thought... When they weren't slipping off. He'd never say that out loud of course. It would give the rat too much self-esteem, and his ego was already grandiose enough.
"You LOOK ridiculous. But it won't be a disaster as long as you play your cards right" Catbeard said. He turned his body away. "Which does worry me. Have you ever played any cards right in your life?"
"Have at least some faith in me, why don't ya!!!" Ratbeard shouted. He immediately ducked his head down as the tiger and wharf rat turned their attention to the pair, and so he continued talking to Catbeard in a whisper. "If ye really think I can't pull it off, let's switch. The role of a fool is more fit for you than it is me."
Catbeard looked appalled that Ratbeard would even suggest such a thing.
"Those clashing colors? As if I'd ever be caught dead wearing that."
"Now what's going on of here? You two having a lil' scuffle or somethin'?" A gruff voice came from over Catbeard's shoulder.
Catbeard turned to see the tiger leaning against a pillar, and the wharf rat making his way over as well. Up close Catbeard could tell they would both look rather menacing if they weren't in such colorful attire.
"Uh, no, no. No dispute going on here. We're fine." Catbeard said, animating his hands a bit too much to be natural.
"What are you doing out here when the show's ago?" Asked the wharf rat. Then he turned his attention to Catbeard. "And you're not even in costume."
"Ah- ha! Just gettin' ready, I was! I had a new fit tailored for me and it took a bit longer to get done than it should have!" Ratbeard said. Then he turned to Catbeard,
Catbeard heard Ratbeard gulp.
His heart was probably racing. Expecting Catbeard to come up with a quick cover story for himself. Ratbeard was about to open his mouth again, however before the rat could say anything, Catbeard stepped forward, his voice wavering with nervousness.
"I'm his husband!" Catbeard declared, surprising even himself with those words.
"Husband?!" Ratbeard shouted. His face was flushed with a tint of red.
"We're here to enjoy the circus together." Catbeard continued, placing his hand on his heart. "I mean- I wanted to come. I'm usually so busy you see, that I rarely get to see my dear... Norrington... at work." A bead of sweat trickled down his cheek. Ratbeard really didn't look like a Norrington, but it was the only name he could think to say.
The circus performers exchanged intrigued glances, seemingly accepting the explanation. Yet, they looked to Ratbeard, expecting some confirmation. Ratbeard had to act quickly to keep up the charade.
"'Tis true! He's my... hu-hu-husband!" Ratbeard mustered a blush and wrapped an arm around Catbeard's waist, and Catbeard was pulled uncomfortably close. "Been married for..."
"-For 3 years now. Today is our anniversary, in fact!" Catbeard interrupted, placing a hand on Ratbeard's chest. Ratbeard's eye twitched in annoyance at Catbeard adding more layers to this lie than necessary.
The circus performers grinned mischievously.
"Well, well, aren't you two just the sweetest couple!" the wharf rat of exclaimed
"I must say, it's not every day we see two guys so open about such a relationship. I almost don't even believe it. I wanna see how genuine this love of yours is." the tiger added with a chuckle.
Catbeard's eyes widened with apprehension, realizing where this was heading. Catbeard and Ratbeard exchanged desperate glances. Without giving himself time to overthink it, Ratbeard leaned in. Catbeard's heartbeat quickened then came to a sudden halt as Ratbeard pressed their lips together in a brief, chaste kiss.
It was meant to be a simple act, just a means to keep up the ruse, but Catbeard couldn't help but feel a jolt of... something. The was a warmness to said "something", and for a second the spiral itself and everything in it seemed to have frozen in place.
As Ratbeard pulled away, the spiral came to life ones more. Catbeard's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and surprise. The tiger nodded in approval, seemingly satisfied with their display of affection, and the wharf rat just laughed.
"Ah ha-ha, young love! You two are adorable together," the wharf rat commented with a knowing grin, wiping a tear away.
The tiger rustled the fur on Catbeard's head. "We're just messin' with ya. But keep that rat of yours close. One who can make a move like that without judgement is a real keeper."
The circus performers moved on and Ratbeard removed his hand from Catbeard's waist after realizing it still lingered there. Catbeard covered his face with his hands, his face was flushed, giving him a pink glow.
"I... wasn't thinking when I kissed ya. What I mean to say is I wasn't planning on it happenin'." Ratbeard stammered, his voice barely above a whisper as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"But it happened." Catbeard's voice came out muffled.
"It's yer fault! What were ye thinking just claimin' me as yer husband like that?!"
"I was nervous..." Catbeard's removed his hands from his face but immediately looked away, trying to hide his vulnerability.
"Well...," Ratbeard nudged at Catbeard's side and continue "Least ye got the best damn kiss ye could ever get in the spiral."
"Oh, please. I've rather kiss a bumbaloons backside!" Catbeard rolled his eyes.
But as Ratbeard walked forward to enter the much larger performance tent, Catbeard brought his hand up to his mouth. He felt a mix of relief and confusion. Relief of course that the awkward situation was over, and confusion over... Well, he couldn't quite explain it. A kind of emotion that he couldn't deny if he tried his hardest.
-
Catbeard and Ratbeard successfully made it into the circus tent. One kid who was with his mother pulled Ratbeard aside and asked him to juggle, which Ratbeard tried to do, but failed humorously. The kid was quite young though and laughed. Ratbeard stumbling over himself probably made for a more entertaining and memorable moment for the kid, than in Ratbeard had actually succeeded. Catbeard couldn't hold back a smile when Ratbeard even pushed himself to make a goofy face at the end. Now THAT was a sight to behold.
Catbeard grabbed Ratbeard by the arm before telling the mother and child pair that they must be off to get ready for the next performance.
"Well, well, well, so you like children?" Catbeard asked.
Ratbeard grumbled. "Don't think too hard on it. The kid gave me stuff to throw in the air, so I did it."
"Well I think it's admirable. The great captain Ratbeard has at least one soft spot." Ratbeard no doubt thought Catbeard was just teasing him, but Catbeard was truly and genuinely surprised to find a quality in the rat that he liked.
"...The face you made was rather cute." Catbeard continued, but this time in such a tone to convey that he was just teasing now.
"Okay, okay, enough of this. We're done talking." Ratbeard said waving a hand, and using his other to pull his hat down over his eyes.
They were done talking, but only because they got to the back of the tent that held all sorts of things, from supplies for the performers, to lights, tools, and extra costumes. This is where the gold they collected from this evenings attendees will be located. Catbeard and Ratbeard split up. Ratbeard moving the heavier supplies around, and catbeard going through whatever box he could find.
Ratbeard scratched at his long beard. "Hey, I, uh..."
"Less talking, more looking." Catbeard said while sticking his head down into a tiny crawl space.
"I can do both ya know." Ratbeard said, heaving as he moved a large dresser and knocking it on it's side. So Ratbeard continued. "I wanted to... say... Well, I'm sorry okay? For just... kissin' you like that. Back there."
"Oh... Right." Did Ratbeard just show empathy? No way. Absolutely not. Catbeard must be imagining things. Discovering 2 positive qualities from RATBEARD in a single day, that's just un-heard of in the Spiral."
"Well, It wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be." Catbeard said, his back still turned to the other.
Ratbeard folded his arms and leaned on a colorful table.
"... So ye have imagined what it'd be like to kiss me?" Ratbeard smirked.
Catbeard choked on those words that weren't even his. He would be lying if he said no. Maybe he could just "Sure.". It's not like it'd be a declaration of undying love. There is a stark difference between lust and love after all. And Catbeard isn't so narcissistic that he'd play dumb and say the rat pirate wasn't at least somewhat attractive.
But there is also the underlying thought that was clouding Catbeard's mind. Was Ratbeard simply teasing or flirting? The tone in Ratbeard's voice was unique to say the least. There was something to it he's never quite heard of before, so he decided to play along. Come what may. That's what they say, right? Catbeard got to his feet and leaned against a cabinet, mirroring Ratbeard's posture.
"Perhaps... once or twice," Catbeard confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. His cheeks felt warm. "My mind has a habit of wandering into all sorts of hypothetical situations..."
A flicker of mischief danced in Ratbeard's eyes as he got up from the table and walked over to Catbeard.
"D-don't let it flatter yourself." Catbeard turned his head to the exit, as if planning an escape route, to run away in sheer embarrassment if it gets to be too much. "A pretty face means nothing when the one who wears it is so unpleasant to be around."
"Ye think I'm pretty?" Ratbeard asked.
He removed his goofy hat with the bells and tossed it in box full of other costumes and props, than wrapped his hands around Catbeard's waist and pulled him in close. Well, this solidified to Catbeard that he was indeed flirting, at least. His gaze met Ratbeard's.
"I also said you're unpleasant." Catbeard said.
"Aye, but also pretty?" Ratbeard asked once again.
Typical Ratbeard. List twenty problems you have with him and one redeeming quality, and he will focus only on the one till the end of days. So Catbeard gave in. "Yes... Pretty..." Catbeard said.
Ratbeard leaned in close, making it clear exactly what he wanted, but Catbeard was not about to be on the recieving end for the 2nd time today. This time it would be him making the move. Catbeard pushed himself forward, meeting Ratbeard halfway, who seemed taken aback at first. He took a step back, before going back in and letting their lips touch.
The wild sounds of the circus seemed to fade into the background and all Catbeard could pay attention to was the warmth of Ratbeard's lips. Ratbeard entwined his fingers, sealing Catbeard in the embrace and deepening the kiss, leaving Catbeard to bring his own hands up and caress Ratbeard's waist.
And then there was one more thing he started to feel. That same confusion from earlier in the day. The first time they kissed, this confusion swirled around in Catbeard's head. And so Catbeard chose to ignore it, after. To shut it down. But this time he had completely surrendered to it.
Finally breaking the kiss, Catbeard stared into ratbeard's emerald green eyes. Unsure of what to say, he chose not to say anything until Ratbeard spoke first.
"Better than a bumbaloons behind?" Ratbeard grinned.
Catbeard softly chuckled.
"It was better than the first time, I'll give you tha-" Catbeard cut himself off and pushed Ratbeard to the side before rushing over to one corner of the tent.
"Hey! What was that for?!" Ratbeard shouted, almost tripping. "Almost made me trip on me peg leg, ye did!"
Ratbeard was almost envious of whatever it was that was more important to Catbeard at this moment, but once his eyes caught what exactly Catbeard saw, he rushed over there too.
Catbeard pulled out a wooden box with red trimming, burried between colorful ribbon. With a knife Catbeard pulled out of his boot, he was easily able to break the rusty lock. H elifted it open to reveal quite a lot of gold. Probably a weeks worth of gold the circus had earned from their shows.
"Well, nice goin', Cap'n kitty! I think we have what we came for!" Ratbeard said. He took a handful of gold and flipped a coin in the air before shoving the handful into his pocket.
"What do you think you're doing?! Give that back, the gold is for the whole crew!" Catbeard shouted. He chased Ratbeard around in circles before Ratbeard playfully shoved him away, and this time it was Catbeard who almost tripped over himself.
"Ah come on. They won't be missin' just a couple pieces o' gold." Ratbeard shut the lid of the box with his hooked hand before giving a devilish look. "Besides, we're gonna be gettin' a room tonight, right? Somewhere fancy? Just the two of us, as celebration for a job well done? ...Preferably with thick walls?" That last bit was topped off with a sly wink.
Catbeard blushed. "That kiss earlier wasn't simply an attempt for you to get lucky for one night, was it?"
"Oh please, cap'n kitty. If anyone is lucky, it's you. Now let's get out o' this musty place. The crew is waitin."
Ratbeard turned and started to walk away, and Catbeard followed after shoving the box of coins into the bag that once held Ratbeard's jester attire.
Catbeard stared at Ratbeard's back. He wondered what they were now, if they were anything at all. He felt like not much had changed between them, but at the same time some kind of door opened, deep in his soul. Or perhaps heart would be a better word. They should talk about this, and they will. Catbeard will make sure of that.
Catbeard lifted his head to catch himself falling behind and sped up to match Ratbeard's pace.
As they exited the tent the two performers gave them a wave and Catbeard waved back. He slung the bag over his shoulder and Instinctively, probably to keep up that little performance from earlier, grabbed hold of Ratbeard's hand. Ratbeard entwined his fingers around Catbeard's without skipping a beat, and then it dawned on him just how much larger larger Ratbeard's hands were compared to his own.
"Yer paw is pretty soft, y'know that?" Ratbeard said.
Yeah... They will definitely talk about this. Definitely. Catbeard cemented all these memories in his mind, ready to relive them when that talk comes. But it will have to be for another time.
