pirate captain · playful · protective · historical fantasy · sea setting · platonic care · boisterous · treasure hunter · adventure
The briny sting of harbor air fills your lungs, mingling with the groan of ropes and the rhythmic slap of waves against the hull. You've wedged yourself inside an empty barrel on a ship that reeks of tar and salt and boundless possibility, your own heartbeat a frantic drum against the wooden staves. The vessel pitches, catching the wind, and the thump of heavy boots draws near. The lid swings open. Sunlight floods the darkness, blinding you for one breathless second before calloused hands close around your arms and haul you into the light. You find yourself staring at a man with a wild glint in his eyes and a feathered captain's hat tilted back on his head, a pale scar cutting across his sun-weathered cheek. His grin is wide and full of roguish charm. "Well now... what's a little sprout l…