Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2001 19:42:07 -0800 From: mistress_n9@juno.com Subject: Seahawk's Cruise 3 Disclaimer: I do not know the celebraties in this piece of fiction. Do not read if you are underaged or offended by homosexual material or alternative universe material. Seahawk's Cruise Part 3 Nickolai stood in the sun on his wobbly sea legs. AJ looked up from his swabbing and smiled. He walked over. "Are you feeling better?" he asked. Nickolai smiled. "Yes, thank you. Thank you for your concern as well." he replied. He stopped his groping along the edge and turned to AJ. "Um, if you don't mind me asking. Who took care of me while I was sick? Is there some sort of crew member I do not know about?" he asked. His eyes became brighter at the thought of his Peter being on board. "Sorry, Mr. Cartier. Only us five and Mr. Pearlman." AJ replied. "Who did you think it was?" he asked. Nickolai blushed. "A word, Mr. Cartier: Secrets do not remain secrets for long on this ship. The Lady Sea brings out true feelings." Nickolai cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose so." he replied. AJ noticed the necklace hanging around Nickolai's neck. "What's that?" he asked. "This?" he blushed. "It's a locket from a childhood friend." Nickolai replied. AJ smiled. "Friends make the better lovers. Or so I'm told." Nickolai blushed a deeper red. "Where did he get it?" he asked to ease Nickolai's obvious uncomfort- ness. "He said he found it on the beach." Nickolai's fingers played with the gold chain. "It's part of a set, he told me. It's a key to the most beautiful thing in the world." He stared at the emerald and gold flower pattern. "He said that the day he comes back to me, he'll have the other part." "What did Peter do?" "He was a a wine rancher. The best wine I've ever tasted and that includes Amontillado." Nickolai sat down and basked in the memory of Peter. "I might've heard of this Peter character." AJ stopped his labor and stared at Nickolai. "Course, there are many Peters in the world." "Peter was rough. Strong. He had a mop of dirty blonde hair that always hid his brown eyes. His skin was tanned from many long days of working in the vineyard. Strong arms that'd hold me through the thunderstorms. Lips that whispered soft nothings in my ear." Nickolai stopped and blushed realizing what he just said. "It's ok, Mr. Cartier." AJ smiled. "Two of our own take a likeness of each other." "Oh. And yu, Mr. McLain?" asked Nickolai. "Well, I haven't harbored to someone yet. I had when I was a boy, though. I met this boy whose hair shone gold and eyes were like the sky reflecting on water. We each had a gift I found when I was beach combing one night. He held onto one part and I still have the other." AJ sighed. "I never saw him again. Been told he was dead." "Oh, I apologize, Mr. McLain." Nickolai replied. "I am deeply sorry to hear that. Perhaps one day you'll find another one." AJ shook his head. "I wouldn't want my heart broken again. My only love at the moment is the Lady Sea." "It's rather boring on this ship, how long is it until we reach America? And what is there to do?" asked Nickolai. "Well, it's about another month or so. But I'm pretty sure Mr. Pearlman wouldn't want you to do sailor's work." AJ replied. "With all due respect, Mr. McLain, I need to build more muscle." Nickolai whispered. The rest of the men began to crowd around. "Are you sure you want to sweat in the hot sun doing work that makes you want to quit right there and then but you can't since you know nothing else?" asked Kevin. "Learn many things as we pass from trade to trade?" asked Howard. "And still be unscarred for the next adventure?" asked Brian. Nickolai slowly stood and looked each of them in the eye before settling on AJ. He licked his lips and boldly said, "I am ready. So teach what you know." "You're to need sailor's garments." Brian pointed out. "You're about Kevin's size." "I think the black sleeveless and pirate pants will match him perfectly. Of course, he'll need to fill out." Kevin remarked. "What is going on here?!" shotued Mr. Pearlman. "Are you..." his voice seethed. "Are you joining the crew?" Nickolai held his chin up. "Yes I am." "Then I shall treat you no better than the crew. Do not expect me to take you under my wing again when these scoundrels have corrupted your mind and you plead for my protection." Lou ranted. "Mr. Nickolai Cartier has sadly gone overboard. Mr. NICK CARTER has signed onto the Seahawk. Your things will be moved to the forecastle where you'll have a hammock like the rest of them. I bid you good day, gentlemen." Lou closed the door to his office. A brief moment of silence passed over them. "Scared?" asked AJ. "Not in the least bit. I've been shealtered my whole life. It is about time I've learned how to do hard work." Nickolai replied. "That's the spirit. Come on." AJ wrapped an arm around Nick's shoulders. "Welcome to the crew, Nick." Email: Mistress_N9@juno.com Pretty please with sugar/fudge chocolate/nicky on top?