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Beidou took another generous sip of alcohol from her flask as she stood out on the deck. The gentle waves creep up the wooden hull before cascading back down, rocking the ship in a way that could only be described as soothing for someone who has sailed for so long. The breeze was cooling, the smell of salt in the air and the melody of waves crashing providing nice white noise as the captain admired the starry sky.
She felt the breeze pick up at an unnatural rate, the pin in her hair threatening to loosen.
"Why aren't you having fun with the wind." Beidou mused. She heard a soft chuckle, followed by unhurried footsteps.
"You did say I was free to use my vision, Captain. That's why you brought me on in the first place."
Beidou reached up to fix her tousled hair, not that it mattered much anyways. There was no one to impress, or rather, the person to impress was not present.
"Yea, yea alright, I'll let you play around for now. I'll be putting you to work soon." If she was being honest, the ship was already well run by her crew. She could leave their newest addition to do what he wants. But then again, her crewmates have been looking for a replacement to scrub the ship head...
"Oh? I do plenty enough already, wouldn't you agree?"
Beidou quirked her brow, inviting him to continue.
"I recite poetry and songs for the sailors,"
"It's all you do."
"I also happen to help hoist the sails!"
"You have an Anemo vision, you don't break a sweat doing that."
"And here I thought I was your favourite."
"I'll throw you off the side Kazuha."
The stowaway let out a hearty laugh. Taking a spot right next to the captain. Kazuha reached forward and snatched Beidou's flask just as she was about to take another drink.
"Hey!"
"Sharing is caring Captain," Kazuha drank generously. "My! Have you been saving the good stuff for yourself?" He took a whiff of the drink and peered into the bottle.
"You brat, are you even old enough to drink?" Beidou tugged the flask back.
"You didn't answer my question, where did you get that from? It tastes far more expensive than what you can afford." Kazuha placed his elbow on the side of the ship and rested his head on top.
Beidou squinted at the audacity of this boy. She checked the contents of the bottle, if she was careful it might last her till they dock at Liyue Harbour.
"C'mon Beidou, your cabin boy is awaiting an answer." Kazuha smugly grinned as the captain groaned in annoyance.
"It's none of your business Kazuha, it's a gift from someone back in Liyue."
"A gift you say, I wonder who is it from. An acquaintance, a friend?"
"What are you-"
"Or does our dear captain have a certain someone waiting for her in Liyue?"
Beidou flushed red. This damn kid...
"I've hit the nail on the head it seems. This is going to be a great story to tell the crew!"
"You little..."
Beidou lunged forward, using her arm wrap around Kazuha and giving him a rough noogie.
"You little scoundrel, I let you onto the ship and this is what I get as thanks?" Beidou ruffled his hair even more. She began to poke his sides, resulting in Kazuha doubling over in laughter.
"Just admit that you’re smitten!" Kazuha exclaimed in between breaths. The captain could only blush in embarrassment as this newbie had her all worked up. First he drank the wine she was given to by Ningguang, now he was taunting her about it.
"Okay, okay I'll stop just," Kazuha wheezed. "I'll stop just let me breathe!"
Beidou let go of him, letting him get out the last of his giggles as she took another long sip. This wine is definitely not lasting until Liyue if she keeps this boy around.
"You know it's perfectly alright to admit it Captain. Infatuation is a normal part of life." Kazuha's sudden shift from light teasing to deep understanding surprised Beidou.
"Then again, an individual as famous and charming as you would have no trouble snagging anyone you desire."
Beidou huffed. "That's where you're mistaken, it took her months just to let me befriend her, let alone be her wife."
"You're married?" Kazuha gave Beidou a look over. The captain did not seem like one to settle down. She was running a ship, how is her wife just okay with her sailing for months on end and just returning whenever she pleases?
"It's complicated," Beidou responded. "I love her, but I also love my ship. And she understands, she herself loves me as much as she loves her job."
"We trust each other. I know she will take care of herself while I'm away, and I make sure to return safely. We did sign a contract after all." Beidou could not suppress a grin as she recalled the night she sat in the Tianquan's ornate chair, her fingers tracing light circles on her lover's sides as they wrote down the agreements to their contract. Her copy was kept safely in her quarters, placed in an intricate red and gold frame on her desk.
"I'm glad you found someone, dear Beidou. I do hope to meet her someday." Kazuha gave his captain a genuine smile. He was happy for her. She did save him from his fate in Inazuma, and although she took jabs at how he did not know anything about sailing, he could feel that Beidou cared for him deeply.
Beidou reciprocated his smile. She reached into her pocket, fishing out a small piece of film.
"I’m sure you’d like her once you get to know her." Beidou handed Kazuha a picture.
There sat a lady in a white and gold nightgown, smiling contentedly as she held up the kamera. Though her face was clean of makeup, she looked absolutely beautiful. Her soft grin conveyed so much more than words ever could. Right behind her, a familiar pirate captain placing a kiss on her cheek, strong arms wrapped around the lady's midsection, never intending to let go.
"Maybe I'll take you to visit Ningguang once we dock at Liyue."
"I'd be honoured, Captain."