This might actually be the first CapOde fanfic– there are literally no others on ao3 which is shocking they have soooo much in common :O
2.4k words CapOde fic:
Footsteps thud loudly through the docks, disturbing the peaceful silence that usually envelopes the area with its emptiness. The sound is only drowned out by the crashing waves, yet it's still loud enough for anyone nearby to notice.
"Food, check… water, check…" The Sea Captain counts each item in his arms while stretching his neck as high as he can, managing to peek over the top of the pile just a little. The abundance of supplies he's carrying may seem unnecessary to anyone else–but to the Sea Captain it's the most exciting thing he's done for a long time.
With a breathy sigh, he places all the food and water onto the wooden deck of his ship. He quickly pushes through his aches and pains, a large grin spreading across his face.
“Just a few more supply trips, and I'll finally be able to set sail!” The Sea Captain squeals, plopping down next to his newly arrived stock, his hands flapping in excitement for what’s to come.
“And I’ll get to be just like the legendary captain my dad always told me about…” He mutters, tugging lightly at the scarf around his neck as the thought of the Oarsman is brought to the top of his mind. “I can’t believe the legend my father told me about turned out to be real!”
He turns his attention to the water rocking the boat he's on, eyes following the movement of the vast ocean with anticipation (and maybe even anxiety). “What was his name…Kha–Khap'taan Teeowed?” The name comes out messy and mispronounced, with the Sea Captain’s brows furrowing in concentration as he attempts to speak it.
“Captain T. Ode…though I would prefer for you to call me Ode.”
“Khap–Captai–Ode! Hi, uh, hello! Nice day isn't…it…” He trails off, choosing wisely to stop going on rather than embarrass himself any further. Ode scans the other for an awkward moment, making the Sea Captain squirm in his cross-legged sitting position. The other's stoic face breaks into a small smile, a few chuckles escaping his lips.
“Yes, the day is quite nice I suppose. It seems to be the perfect weather for sailing, too.” He gives a pointed look towards the Sea Captain’s prepped ship. “I have never seen you prepare so much. You always sail on short voyages, no?”
The Sea Captain flounders, opening and closing his mouth a few times like a gaping fish as he searches his mind for the best response; it's not as if he's against the idea of telling Ode his plans, he just doesn't want to come off as too inexperienced in front of what can be basically described as his hero (and inspiration).
“Well…today will be the last day that I’m living on land! For a while, at least…” Upon Ode’s encouraging smile in response to his blurted out words, the Sea Captain's nervousness fades into excitement over the topic. “I've never really spent more than a day out at the Great Sea, it's gonna be so much fun! There'll be so many new things for me to experience.”
“Ah, so you are planning on residing in your ship?” His hand lands softly on the boat’s railing, watching it trail up as he walks closer to the Sea Captain. “What is it that prompted this? It is quite sudden, especially for your first time.”
Tilting his head up, he tries his best to keep eye contact with Ode–whether it's out of respect or because he doesn't want to appear more nervous than he already does stays unclear. “I–I guess just meeting you in person after hearing all these crazy stories about your adventures out at sea…” His fingers pull at the edges of his shirt, head hanging low, “...it really inspired me.”
“Hm. I am flattered that my past journeys are inspirational to you, though I would rather you not encounter any ‘crazy adventures’ as you have put it. If you were to be injured while out in the Great Sea…” The sentence remains unfinished, but the dark flash of anger in Ode's eyes doesn't go unnoticed by the other. Laughing nervously, he attempts to clear the tension.
“Well, I don't actually plan on doing anything too extraordinary. It’s just the realisation that you've done so many things and you're still this amazing and cool!" Ode looks taken aback by the sudden compliment, and maybe it's just his imagination but a light red dusts his cheeks. "It makes me feel like I can at least go out and live on my ship like a real captain!”
“And you are heading off alone?” Both Ode's tone and expression scream how much he's against the idea, even his fists clench at his sides.
“W–Well, it’s supposed to be a learning experience. I think that means I’m expected to figure it out on my own, right?” He stares at Ode, frowning in deep concentration as if he hasn’t fully considered the reasons for his departure from land in the first place. Ode’s lips twitch down briefly, a motion that's difficult to catch if the Sea Captain isn't so focused on the Toad in front of him.
“Being alone isn't the only way to be taught. When I was young and adventurous, I still had guidance for the things I was unaware of."
“I guess I am still pretty clueless when it comes to the Sea Chart…and if I got lost I'd have no idea how to get back…and what to do in an emergency…” Upon his growing list (and growing panic), the Sea Captain's previous excitement begins to grow more into worry, if the tapping of his foot and nail biting is anything to go by.
“I believe you would do well with guidance.” Ode looks at him expectantly, though the Sea Captain can't understand what Ode is attempting to get across.
“But where can I get that? I know I've got my dad…who taught me most of what I know…but he's more familiar with rivers than the sea!” He lets out a frustrated huff, though the negative emotion almost immediately slips away when a hand gently pats the top of his head as reassurance.
“Have you already forgotten what you told me before? About the ‘Legends’? I'm sure that they alone can prove my own experience.”
The Sea Captain’s head shoots up, eyes widening as they scan Ode for any semblance of deception. “Are you implying what I think you're implying?” A flicker of hesitance appears on his face, “Y–You wouldn't actually do that, would you?”
“My offer to accompany you and provide guidance is genuine, so do not fret, Captain.” Ode kneels next to the Sea Captain, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving it a small, comforting squeeze. “For my first piece of advice…” he glances at the piles of practical supplies scattered around the ship, “perhaps a more personal touch is required.”
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Chatter fills the air as two Toads enter through the open doors, and the Sea Captain sighs in relief as a wave of warmth surrounds them, while Ode's previously blank expression relaxes slightly. Eagerly, the Sea Captain rushes down the aisle closest to them with Ode trailing behind, though lacking the energetic flair.
“What about this one? I'm pretty sure it's…” As Ode approaches the Sea Captain, he discovers him holding up a slightly shiny, greyish blanket (if you can even call it that). It's being held up so close to his face that Ode wouldn't be surprised if he's being smothered by it as he examines the tag with rapt attention. Swiftly, the thin fabric is shoved down to reveal his beaming face, “...yeah, it's waterproof! It'll be perfect for us, won't it?”
Without sparing a moment for consideration, Ode plucks the ‘blanket’ out of the other’s hands and puts it back down on the shelf with a disapproving shake of the head. “You are not planning on sleeping out on the deck, are you?”
“No, but–”
“Then protection against water is unnecessary.” Turning his head towards another shelf, Ode searches through the selection of blankets on display. With a small “Aha!” slipping out of the other's lips, the Sea Captain stumbles back as something large and soft is shoved into his arms.
“O–Oh wow.” He rubs the material between his fingers, marvelling at how soft it is. And the colour is…
“It is of good quality, hm?” Ode puffs his chest out, a very proud smile gracing his face; the Sea Captain tries his best not to stare at the rare show of emotion for too long, incase it's seen as rude.
“Yeah, and it…definitely screams ‘me’ doesn't it?” His words are pretty accurate–especially when he brings it up beside his head for comparison. “I'm pretty sure this is my exact colour, actually.”
Ode hums distractedly, eyes not leaving the Sea Captain's curious face. “Must be a coincidence. I was more so going for a ‘sea’ shade, though I do suppose you fit that description quite well.”
“You're not wrong. It is very sea.” Ode takes a step forward, and he has to suppress a shiver as the other's calloused hands pick up the blanket and wrap it around his shoulders with extreme care.
“The shade matching yours is a bonus, and a pleasant one at that…” The Sea Captain chooses to ignore the comment. Anyway, the growing heat on his cheeks is enough of a response.
"You know, we must have pretty similar tastes! I usually like to pick things that remind me of the Great Sea when I go shopping too." His feet are already leading him further into the shop without a second thought, as if his body wants to avoid any uncomfortable silence between them just as much as his mind does. Ode easily adjusts his pace, walking with long strides that the Sea Captain knows are likely slower than his usual speed—probably due to the fact that no one can keep up with Ode.
He can't help but chuckle at the large pile of blue blankets that Ode seems to have picked up without his knowledge. "I know I said I liked the blue, but it wasn't supposed to mean 'I want as many as possible'."
"I enjoy getting you whatever it is you please."
The Sea Captain pauses in a new aisle, standing on the tips of his toes to browse through a selection of pillows in front of him the best he can.
“Captain…” Ode mumbles from behind the towering fabrics, a faint call that the Sea Captain has to strain to hear.
He lifts a small pillow and extends his arms fully so Ode can see it. It's much cosier than the waterproof blanket—a cute, light blue pillow shaped like a seashell. Ode hums approvingly.
“Captain.”
“Huh?” The Sea Captain lowers his arms and attempts to peek around the barrier blocking his view of Ode’s face.
“I really must say… I have never met anyone who shares my admiration for the Great Sea as much as you do.”
“Really?” Although Ode can't see the other’s expression, he can still hear the surprised gasp he lets out. “But it’s just so amazing! There’s no way that’s true, because the Great Sea has—”
As the Sea Captain launches into a long ramble, Ode smiles fondly to himself.
“…and there are so many islands! Not many seas out there have this much to explore, nor are they called Great—”
Closing his eyes, Ode prepares to endure the Sea Captain’s enthusiastic rant, knowing he’s made the right decision in joining the voyage out into the place they both adore.
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The floor rocks back and forth beneath the Sea Captain's feet as he leans against the railing overlooking the Great Sea, bringing comfort with the familiarity of it all. His mind is a complete mess of new and confusing emotions which have never been associated with the environment in the past.
“Beautiful, is it not?” Ode's presence can easily be felt nearing him, yet the question isn't greeted warmly by the Sea Captain turning to acknowledge the other–nor does the unusual manner go unnoticed.
“It's been a while, for sure…” his grip tightens on the metal as he leans over the side, staring at the golden yellow reflection shimmering upon the water's surface. “I can't believe I'm…out here. To live with you.”
Ode stands beside the other, eyes falling on the Sea Captain's dismayed face. “I was scared when I first left for the Great Sea. Petrified, even.”
“...you were?” It's less accusatory, rather stated with a poorly hidden hopeful tone to it. A hand slowly, almost hesitantly, slides its way to the Sea Captain’s own, leaving enough time for him to pull away if the gesture goes unwanted. The Sea Captain lets the warmth encompass it gladly.
Ode chuckles, as if the idea of him of all Toads being frightened isn't as shocking as it is. “Yes, I remember it clearly…leaving my life on land wasn't easy…” his thumb rubs circles into the soft skin it's resting on, “You aren't alone on this, Captain.”
“But–” he's silenced by a hand placing itself over his mouth, while another guides his body to face Ode’s.
“It is okay to feel scared, Captain.”
Just as he's about to disagree, the Sea Captain is silenced with a more effective move as he's pulled into a firm chest. He'd probably have yelped embarrassingly loud too, if his lips weren't already being occupied.
It takes a few seconds, but his whole body melts into the other's embrace–he's lucky Ode is kind enough to hold up his weight as he practically goes boneless at the feeling of arms snaking around his waist and clutching tightly onto the back of his shirt (the fact that Ode is kissing him doesn't help, either).
The sunset frames them with a warm glow, Ode cradling the Sea Captain like a precious treasure as time feels as though it has stopped. Considering his pirate background, he's definitely the best judge of what may be considered one, and the Sea Captain certainly feels the sense of belonging there too.
Ode is the first to pull away from the kiss, huffing softly as the Sea Captain's lips try to chase him with a needy whine. “This is…one of my methods to reassure someone's worries. I prefer to keep doing it until they are all gone. Are you feeling any better?”
“...I'm absolutely hysterical.” A beat passes, filled only by the sound of the Sea Captain’s panting. “Please kiss me again.”
“Gladly.” Ode doesn't falter when diving back in, while the Sea Captain pulls the other closer with just as much fervour.
Chapter two of 'Captain T. Ode, a legend?' Is finally here!! It's about 8.1k words, and you should go check it out (please I beg you, even if you don't know pmtok)
