Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Today was a normal day for Chip. That’s what he wanted it to be. But in reality, it was his birthday. Though ever since the Black Rose incident, he hated celebrating it. Sure, you’d think someone like Chip, especially towards the beginning of his adventure with Jay and Gillion, would love a whole day dedicated to himself, but now he hates it more than anything. It brought up too many memories. Arlin would always go all out and make the day incredibly special for Chip, it hurt him to even think about the joy it used to give him.

So when he woke up that morning, he hoped his friends had forgotten. But as he walked into the kitchen and saw Gillion walking up, with Pretzel in one arm, beaming smiles on both of their faces, more happy than usual, he knew he was screwed.

The triton threw his free arm around the pirates’s neck and placed wild kisses all across his cheek. As they did, Pretzel patted Chip’s back gently. His tail was wagging like an excited puppy as he pulled away from the hug, “Happy birthday, Chip!”

Chip grumbled as he walked over and poured himself a cup of coffee, “Yeah, yeah whatever.”

Gillion noticed how unenthusiastic Chip was and set Pretzel down, leaning down to whisper to her, “Go ahead and head above deck, I shall join you soon. She nodded to her father and ran above deck with everyone else.

He turned back to Chip, “What’s the matter? Did you not sleep well?”

“I slept fine.” Chip deadpanned.

“Are you mad at me?”

Chip turned around so quickly that some of the coffee sloshed out of the cup, “What, no? Of course not!”

Gillion walked back up to him and set his hand on top of Chip’s, “Then what’s wrong? Today’s your day!“

“Guess I just don’t wanna celebrate my day.” Chip mumbled and before Gillion could answer, Jay walked in.

When she saw Chip her face lit up, “Oh hey! Happy birthday man!” She noticed how he groaned at his words, turning to Gillion and pointing at their friend, “What’s wrong with him?”

“He doesn’t want to celebrate his birthday!”

Jay looked at him the same way Gillion did, full of confusion, “Why? I’d think you love your birthday, it’s an entire day about you.”

Chip shrugged as he took a sip of his dark drink, “I guess I just don’t. Guys it’s not that big of a deal. Let’s just go about today like normal.”

The two other captains shared a look that made Chip throw his free hand in the air, “Oh my Gods drop it! It’s nothing. I swear, you don’t need to make it a whole thing.”

Gillion took the coffee from his hand, setting it on the counter next to them, and held both of Chip’s hands in his own, “Of course we do. You’re so important to us and you deserve this day to celebrate yourself.”

Jay nodded along as she leaned against a nearby counter, “He’s right. We care about you dude, let us just spoil you for today. One day.”

As much as Chip was considering it, he couldn’t. He didn’t deserve an entire day to himself. The last thing their crew needed to worry about was something as small as his birthday.

Chip kissed Gillion’s cheek before walking away, “Just drop it, please.” And he walked out without saying another word.

Gillion looked solemnly at the door, “I can’t believe he doesn’t want to celebrate his day of birth today.”

Jay shrugged as she started drinking Chip’s coffee that he left, “Couldn’t tell you. But i’ve got an idea.” Gillion’s ears perked up in anticipation as she continued, “Let’s throw him a surprise party!”

His face lit up, grabbing Jay’s shoulder with a little too much force, “That’s a perfect idea! We’ll all give him gifts and make him feel special!”

“Okay but Gill, you gotta keep it a surprise.”

“Of course, that’s the whole point!”

She raised an eyebrow at him, “That means you have to keep a secret from Chip.”

His ears drop, “Oh.”

Jay set the cup down and it was her turn to grab his shoulders, “But it’ll be okay! It’s not like you’re hiding a massive secret that you secretly killed someone, you’re just hiding the truth that we’re gonna throw him a fun party, you can do that right?”

Gillion sighs as he nods his head. As much as he wanted to celebrate his boyfriend, he hated the idea of having to lie to him. Sure as Jay said, it was something as small as a party, but it still went against all of what he was for. Nonetheless he agreed, “Alright, I shall try. I don’t know how well I will be at it though.”

Jay re grabbed the coffee and took another sip, “Okay perfect! Trust me you’ll do great. We’re about to pass by an island, Juno, so we’ll stop there and get presents and stuff. Pretty sure it’s just a couple hours away so cmon, I'll inform the others of our plan.”

Gillion couldn’t help the smile that creeped across his face, “I’m quite excited for this. Any ideas on what we should get him?”

She shrugged, “I don’t know man you’re his boyfriend, what do you think he’d want?”

“Uhhh… hmmm I do not know. Oh Gods, I don’t know what he wants. I’m a terrible partner.” Gillion starts pacing the room with his head in his hands.

Jay let out a small laugh at the triton’s worry, “Dude chill, take some time and think about it. Don’t stress it, we'll figure it out.”

“Hmmm maybe-“ His voice was cut off when he heard the door open and saw Chip out of the corner of his eye.

“What the fuck are you guys doin’?” He questioned as he leaned against the doorframe.

Gillion nearly jumped out of his skin, “Chip, my love! We were just uh- just conversing about um- about..” He looked at Jay worryingly. She cleared her throat and spoke up, “Family trauma. Terrible stuff, haunts me to this day. Anyway, is everyone up? We should be at Juno fairly soon.”

Jay walks out of the door as casually as she can while Gillion looks at Chip wide eyed as he walks behind her.

Chip looked at them both with the most confused look on his face but just shook it off. He knew something was up but couldn’t quite place what. He made a mental note to bother Jay about it later.

Everyone went their separate ways to prepare for the stop at Juno and Gillion tried his hardest to avoid Chip. He didn’t want to, but he knew if he didn’t he’d spoil the surprise. He’d use this time to himself to truly think about his boyfriend and think about the things he’d want.

After racking his brain of several different ideas for gifts he just couldn’t think of something, and gave up. At one point he snuck a glance at Chip from across the ship. He spent far too long staring at how the sun enhanced his already beautiful features, he barely noticed how bare his chest was. The man had no shirt on, as usual, but noticed how he didn’t have much jewelry adorned on him. The only thing that caught his eye was the axe erring on his right ear.

It was then, as they approached the island of Juno, that Gillion got his idea. He made eye contact with Jay and nodded excitedly. She was at first confused, but then understood what he was so excited about and nodded.

When they docked, Gillion bolted over the edge of the ship and jumped into the water below. Chip raised an eyebrow and looked to Jay, “How badly did he want to go on this island?”

She shrugged and she herself started jumping off the ship but not in the water, but on the dock and waved to him. “We’ll be back soon! Don’t you even worry about us!”

Gillion jumped out of the water and started running beside her, waving back to Chip, “I love you! Do not fear, we shall return soon!”

Chip stood there in pure confusion as he watched his friends run into the new island. He glanced behind him as he saw Ollie and Pretzel running up beside him, “Do you guys know where they’re going?”

He took notice of how the two made eye contact and their eyes went wide, “Uh nope! But is it okay if me and Gryffon go explore? I promise we’ll be back soon!” Ollie quickly said.

The older pirate ruffled the younger boy’s hair and smiled, “Course buddy! Just be back before sundown, though I trust Gryffon to get you both back safely.”

Ollie excitedly hugged Chip and spoke into his shirt, “Thanks Chip! And happy birthday!” Pretzel joined in on the hug as Chip groaned loudly and dramatically, “Aughh you guys too?” They both pulled away from the hug.

“Wha- Of course? Jay told us it was today!”

Chip looked over to Pretzel who was nodding. “Goddamnit Jay.” He mumbled to himself. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Gryffon approaching them.

“Hey, heard it’s your birthday. Let me know if you wanna share an ale to you know, celebrate.”

Chip ran a hand down his face, “Did Jay tell you too?”

Gryffon looked confusedly at the younger pirates then turned back to Chip, “Uhhh yeah?”

Chip rolled his eyes as he watched the trio leave. Sure he could leave and go with them, but he didn’t have the energy to, so he thought a nap would surely help.

When he got to his hammock though, he noticed his guitar wasn’t in its usual spot next to his hammock. He nearly tore the below deck apart as he tried to look for his instrument but had no luck.

He gave up and tried to walk into the kitchen, but was stopped when Earl held up his cane, “Ay! Stop it right there sonny!”

“Earl whyyyy! I just want a snack man!”

He waved the cane in his face more and creaked the door shut, his face being the only thing seen now, “No I’m uh- cleaning up in here. Total shithole, don’t come in ‘ere.”

Chip whined like a child as he walked back above deck. This couldn’t be happening. Did his friends hate him? It felt like everyone was avoiding him today. Even Old Man Earl! Which yes to be fair he normally did hold up in his kitchen for most of the day, it still hurt to know even he didn’t want to hang out with him.

As he went back above deck he could see two figures in the crows nest, probably Queen and Alphonze, but what his eyes then laid on was Drey who was leaning against the railing at the front of the ship. He didn’t notice Chip walking up to him, being far too focused on looking out at the water in front of him.

Chip wordlessly walked up to where he was right next to him, but turned around and leaned his back and elbows on the railing.

Drey glanced at Chip then squinted back at the ocean, “Somethin’ troubling ya?”

He laughed slightly and shrugged, “I don’t know man. Everyone just feels so off.”

“Is it everyone else or is it you? I know today’s your birthday, it feel weird? Wrong without Arlin?”

There was a silence that fell over them as Chip bit the inside of his cheek, “Fuck I mean, I’ve had birthdays without him. But I don’t know. I still think about him, what he’d do if he was here.”

Chip thought back to the birthdays he’d have with Price. Though they weren’t all that happy. He would usually celebrate by himself. None of the people in Price’s gang liked him all that much and Price himself was for the most part always too busy to celebrate. They also didn’t have enough money for a cake. Chip was a terrible thief towards the beginning too so he could never manage to steal one. So for the ones he had with Price, he’d sit in a secluded area, an empty room or on a roof, and sing to himself. They were nothing like how they were with Arlin.

The one with him and on that ship were perfect. The entire crew made him feel special and loved. Sometimes Arlin would even say that whatever Chip said went, and whatever Chip wanted to do they’d follow. It was perfect, it made him feel loved and appreciated. When they got taken away from him, there wasn’t a point to it anymore.

Drey’s laugh pulled him back to the present. The man pulled a barrel over to himself with his feet, landing on it with a soft thud. The two made eye contact and could see the sadness in both of their eyes. “He would always go all out for birthdays. I remember some of the ones he did for me, bought me the most expensive gifts, would throw a massive party that lasted all night. He’d go even further for you and Lizzie, with you being kids and all. He wanted to make it special for y’all.”

“He definitely did. I remember each of them so vividly. Kept every gift.” His hand, without meaning to, reached up to the axe erring Arlin got him. It was the second birthday he spent on the ship. He has worn it every day since.

Drey took notice but didn’t say anything, “I kept all of mine too. This old thing-“ He gestured to the best of his ability but Chip could tell what he was pointing to. The bright blue scarf across the lower part of his neck. He’d worn it for as long as Chip could remember, it contrasted his normal very dark outfit. “Been wearing it for ages. Even before you came on the ship.”

“He was always a good gift giver wasn’t he?”

“Yeah, that he was.”

A smile landed on both of their faces as they thought of their time on their old ship. Chip started fidgeting with his hands more and Drey broke the silence, “You know, as much as I miss him, and I’m not givin up hope that we’ll find ‘i’m, but you have an amazing crew. I mean just look at how close you’ve gotten with Finn’s grandson.” Chip smiled at the mention of Gillion as he continued, “Though what I'm trying to say is, you can miss him, but celebrate the friends you got in front of you. It’s obvious they care about ya.”

Chip’s mind went to Jay and Gillion. All of the fond memories he’s made in their time together. He thought of Ollie, the small boy always reminding him of himself.

He shoved his hands in his pockets as he looked at the ground, “Yeah, those guys are pretty cool.”

When they didn’t say anymore Chip pushed himself off of the railing and looked back to the other pirate, “Thanks, Drey.”

“No problem.” Before he could get too far Drey called back out for him, “And Chip,” When he turned back around he saw the other smile, “Happy birthday.”

Chip didn’t respond, only giving a solemn nod. He didn’t run into anyone else as he fell into his hammock. When he closed his eyes, the only person he could think of was Arlin.

When Chip woke up from his dreamless sleep, not knowing how long it’s been, no one was below deck. When he went above deck he saw his friends just now coming back on the ship, all with paper bags in their hands.

As soon as they took notice of Chip they shoved the bags close to their chest.

Jay let out her usual nervous laugh, “Woah hey Chip! Didn’t uh expect you to be here.” Chip recognized that laugh, the laugh she always did when she’s been caught, when she’s hiding something.

Chip crossed his arms and glared at her, “It’s our ship, Jay.”

“Was it? Ha guess I forgot! Uh anyway Gill come with me I need your help um- training! Yeah let’s go spare real quick!” She glanced over to Gillion who looked at her confused, but with one glare from the woman he started nodding aggressively, “Ah yes of course, we must go spar, Jay!”

The two tried to quickly make their way below deck but Chip called out and stopped them, “Maybe I could join yall? Been awhile since me and you dueled it out, Jay.”

Jay’s eyes went wide, “No! I mean- no it’s alright I think Gryffon- yeah Gryffon needed you!”

Gryffon, still standing there made a small noise of acknowledgement, “Ah yes Chip can you erm, come with me? I need a captain's approval on something.”

Chip looked back at him, “Uh yeah what’s up?”

The panda froze and even though Chip couldn’t see it, Jay was behind him making wild hand gestures off the boat. Gryffon nodded and gave his bag to Ollie, “There’s a hole in the ship, need your help going to find some wood.”

“Weren’t you just in town?”

Jay and Gillion tiptoed down below deck, Pretzel and Ollie following him, as Gryffon grabbed Chip’s shoulder and started walking with him off the ship. “Eh, my memory isn’t the best. I saw a carpenter shop that’s pretty far but they should have the wood we use.”

Chip glanced back to the ship but continued walking with Gryffon. They didn’t talk much, only having small talk every so often to fill the silence. And Gryffon was right, this shop was pretty damn far, nearly an hour walk from where the Albatross is docked. Chip mindlessly walked alongside his friend, kicking loose rocks and looking into some of the other shops until they got there.

-

Back on the ship, Jay and Gillion hurried to find a good hiding spot for their presents. They settled for a spot behind Gillion’s barrel, pushing another one beside it to really hide the bags. Ollie and Pretzel added their own alongside Gryffon’s.

When Gillion was done pushing the other barrel he looked at Jay nervously, “Are we sure he won’t be able to find it?”

Jay shrugged him off, “Oh yeah he doesn’t pay attention that closely. And plus Gryffon should be keeping him busy until it’s time to surprise him so there’s no way he’ll see it.”

Gillion nodded along and his worry turned into excitement. Sundown was nearing close and Gillion was practically beaming with joy. As he turned to face his daughter he could see the excitement in her as well.

The sound of singing caught their attention, “Lala hello captains! Is Chip gone?” They turned to see Queen holding what they knew to be Chip’s guitar.

“Yeah, Gryffon took him to town hopefully till sundown so we can set everything up.” Jay said. She was smiling to herself at the excitement radiating off of Gillon.

Queen smiled as they put the guitar alongside the other paper bags.

“What can me and Pretzel do? We wanna help!” Ollie was jumping up and down, Pretzel doing the same.

Jay smiled as she held up a paper bag, “We need you guys to color these banners, can you do that?”

The two children shared a look and excitedly nodded, “Oooh yeah that’d be so cool! I have so many designs in mind! We’ll do it so good, Miss Jay.” Ollie grabbed the bag and Pretzel’s hand and ran above deck.

The captains laughed at the kids as Jay turned to Queen, “How’s Earl with the cake?”

“He’s lala almost done! Adding the finishing touches la.”

“We might just pull this off.” Gillion added.

Queen stuck out their hand for a high five, Gillion and Jay returned the gesture, laughing as they walked into the kitchen.

They spent the next hour or so preparing the ship for Chip’s return. Ollie and Pretzel laid on the deck coloring and drawing while exchanging compliments, while Jay and Queen accompanied Earl in decorating the cake. Alphonze and Gillion served as their lookout, they’d call out to the two children on the deck if he saw their two other friends approaching.

As Jay hung some decorations on the railing, Gillion on the other side doing the same, she smiled to herself at the thought of celebrating her friend. He deserved it. As smelly and annoying and bastardly as he is, he’s family to her and deserves to be celebrated. This was an occasion she wouldn’t let him forget.

Chapter Text

Chip groaned as he carried several heavy planks of wood. They were about halfway back to the ship at this point and his arms were screaming with pain.

Gryffon’s voice cut through his internal screaming, “We’re almost there.” He says carrying his own pile of planks. The struggle could be heard through his voice.

“Why do we even need these many damn planks. Did a fucking cannonball hit our ship?”

His friend did not respond, only a strained noise in response.

They didn’t really converse much more after that. Both far too focused on the weight in their arms. Some time had passed and though he had to strain, Chip could see the Albatross coming more into view.

“Thank fuck.” He muttered to himself. Too quiet for Gryffon to hear.

When he could feel the change in material on the ground, changing from loose rock path to hard wood, he felt another feeling. Not only did he hear all the wood fall out of Gryffon’s arms, he felt something covering his eyes, what seemed to be a blindfold. Flight or fight kicked in and fight is what he chose. He immediately started flailing his arms and legs in any direction he could.

Next he felt strong arms scoop him up like he was a child and the arms felt familiar. Fur immediately flagged to him that he was Gryffon and the flailing turned to confusion.

“Gryffon?! What the fuck?! Put me down!” He yelled as he felt Gryffon walking with him in his arms.

He heard his friend laugh, “I’m sorry captain, I'm not kidnapping you I promise. There’s just something waiting for you on the ship.”

Chip didn’t fight the hold anymore but there was still just as confused. Not long after he felt himself being set down and his blindfold taken off.

It took a second for his eyes to adjust but when he did a giant smile appeared on his face.

“Surprise!” All his friends yelled.

The ship was decorated in these triangle multi colored banners that were decorated with some of Ollie’s and Pretzel’s drawings. Some pictures of skulls, swords, and other designs were seen. Some balloons mostly colored red but some had black smiley faces drawn on them. There was an obvious art style change, that Ollie did the banners and Pretzel did the balloons.

He looked around to see everyone smiling at him and he was at a loss for words. He finally said, “Wha- Guys this- this is incredible.” Tears bubbled in his eyes.

Gillion was grinning ear to ear as he walked up to Chip. He placed a kiss on his cheek that made the other man giggle, then engulfed him into a hug.

“I love you so much, Chip.”

A single tear left Chip’s eye as he returned the hug, “I love you too, Gill.“

They could hear Ollie’s voice call out, “Group hug!”

Before he could do anything he felt multiple bodies collide into him and all his friends laughing rang in his ears. He heard Gillion let out a small “oof” as Pretzel jumped on her dad’s back. For once he felt truly at home in this hold, all the worries and problems he had ever felt in his life felt so small compared to this moment. Nothing else mattered except for this.

Bodies started moving as they started moving away from the hug. More tears were in his eye and he was quick to wipe them away.

“Awww someone’s crying.” Jay commented, like everyone else, grinning excitedly.

“Shut up.” Chip lightly quipped back.

Ollie then tugged on his hand, “Come! Sit, sit!”

The small boy didn’t wait as he ran below deck with Jay right next to him. The other crew members said their happy birthday wishes as Gryffon pulled up a barrel for him to sit on.

The young boy ran back out with a book in hand, “Can I go first?”

Chip sat down and looked at him wide eyed, “Sure buddy!”

Ollie set the notebook in Chip’s lap and he was quick to flip through it. Each page was filled with a different drawing, some of him, some of him with Jay and Gillion, others him and Ollie.

It put a massive smile on his face, it grew when he saw flowers, roses, pressed and taped into some of the pages.

When Chip finished looking through the book he set it down next to him and pulled Ollie into a tight hug. He ruffled his hair when he pulled back, “Thank you so much Ollie, I love it. Great detail with the roses, adds a really nice touch.”

Gillion moved to where he was standing right behind Chip, grinning as watched his boyfriend so happy.

“Thanks! I remember you saying that was sorta the name of your old crew so I thought i’d be cool! I’m glad you like it.” Ollie said as he stepped back, allowing the next person to give their gift.

Pretzel walked up next to him and placed a small wooden box in his lap. She signed, “It’s not much, but I wanted to get something for the person who made my dad so happy.”

Chip looked up to Gillion and shared a watery smile with each other. He then shook it off and opened the box to find a hair clip adorned in pearls and seashells. He happily set it in his hair, just above his left ear. “Thanks kid! I needed some stuff to decorate my hair.”

Next up was Queen and what they were holding made Chip shoot up from where he was sitting. They were holding his guitar, but it looked brand new. Some of the strings had started to rust but now saw how they were now brand new. It was an older guitar, so there were multiple cracks and rough patches of wood but as he ran his fingers across it, nothing poked out and was all the same color.

He strummed one note to hear its perfect note, no sour or out of tune note that usually came out rang out. Like he did for Ollie, he pulled Queen into a hug in which they returned.

“Thanks Queen. I don’t know how you did it but this means a lot, thank you.”

“I’m so glad you liked it la! Jay told me how much the guitar means to you, so I wanted to make it better.”

Chip looked over to Jay who was still grinning and nodded. He gave her a nod back as Gryffon stepped up.

“My turn.” Gryffon says.

Chip quickly set the guitar down and sits back down on the barrel. His smile never dropping once.

The panda handed him what looked to be some kind of weapon, but it was the sheath that caught his attention. It had their logo burned into it. His fingers traced it as he pulled on the handle, it being a dark cool to the touch marble. The blade itself was an almost white color, swirling fire designs etched all along the blade.

“That’s a nice one, Chip.” Gillion commented as he too carefully ran his fingers across the blade.

“Hell yeah! This is sick, thanks Gryffon!”

Instead of a hug, Gryffon just sets a strong hand on his shoulder and bows his head.

“Of course, happy birthday captain.”

The person who walked up next was Alphonze, “Guess I’ll go next.” In his hands was a deep red cowboy hat, almost black cowboy hat that matched the one he himself wore. The middle piece was a gold circle, the size of a gold coin, with a silver band going around it.

Chip immediately put the cowboy hat on which made everyone giggle. “Alphonze, this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”

Gillion cleared his throat. Chip noticed and looked at him, then looked back at Alphonze, “The second most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Thanks man.”

Alphonze tipped his hat and Chip eagerly tipped it back, “Happy birthday, captain.”

As Earl hobbled over, Chip could see that Drey was just observing the whole event from nearby the door that led below deck. He had a smile on his face as he watched.

Chip didn’t say anything as he looked back to Earl, who was holding a tankard in his hand. He stuck it out to Chip, “Here, drink up. Found the most ripest and freshest fruits just for you. Hope you like it.”

“Woah thank you, Earl!” Chip started sipping on the drink when Earl spoke again, “It also has some ale mixed in, so enjoy!” Almost on cue, Chip felt the burning familiar sensation of ale go down his throat as he coughed.

Gillion was quick to pat his back but Chip waved him off, “Nah it’s alright. I’m good.”

“What, it taste bad?”

Chip coughed once more before taking in a deep breath, “Well I wasn’t expecting any alcohol to be in it! But no, no it takes good. Thanks, Earl.”

Earl grumbled in response as Jay stepped forward, “Our turn.” She smiled as she handed Chip a red velvet box, moving to where she was on the other side of him.

He opened the box to a necklace neatly set inside. It had rock looking charms of the colors red, orange, and a teal shade. Fish charms separated the colors and some of the orange ones seemed to have suns painted on them.

“Woah.. this is sick! And it’s our colors!” He excitedly looked between his friends who just grinned back.

Gillion watched as he struggled to put it on and was quick to assist him.

Jay gestured towards the box, “There’s more.”

Chip looked back down to it and sure enough, two rings were placed just below where the necklace was. Upon further inspection he saw one was engraved with the sun, and one with the moon. Like the necklace, he was quick to put them on.

He shot up from where he was sitting and pulled his two friends into a hug, “Love you guys. Thank you so much, for everything.”

“Of course dude, you deserve it. Now cmon the fun’s not over.” Jay said as they moved away from the hug.

At this point Chip’s face was hurting from smiling so much. But he didn’t care. This was probably one of the best days of his life.

Gillion lightly pushed him back down on the barrel and covered his eyes with his hands.

Moments later Jay spoke, “Alright, ready!”

The triton removed his hands and in front of Chip was Jay holding a cake. It wasn’t huge, but definitely wasn’t small either. It was covered in pink icing with small raspberries on top. When she stepped closer he could see that in the middle of the raspberries was writing that just said, “Chibo’s 20!” on it.

Jay handed it to Chip and as he was looking down at the writing his face was abruptly pushed into the cake. Her cackling, as well as everyone else’s laugh could be heard as he slowly came up. He could feel the icing stick to his face and as he looked up he saw it landed on the tip of his brand new hat’s brim.

Even though he should be mad, he let out a laugh as he looked back to Jay, “You ass! You got icing on my new hat!” As he spoke he grabbed a small handful of the cake and threw it to Jay.

Before he could throw more Earl hit his hat with his cane, “You fuckin whippersnapper better not ruin the cake I spent all day on!”

“Ow, Ow! Okay damn I won’t.” Chip rubbed the icing out of his eyes and licked it from his finger, “Raspberry flavored! Oh hell yeah you know me so well.”

Gillion looked confusingly at Chip, “What is a raspberry?”

“It’s a fruit, Gill. A very tasty fruit. Here, try it.” But instead of giving him a piece, he reached up to the back of Gillion’s head and brought him in for a kiss.

Giggling and whistling could be heard from the rest of the crew. Gillion in the kiss could taste the sweet yet tart flavor on Chip’s lips and there was a part of him that begged for more of it.

As he pulled back he added, “Mm it is quite yummy.”

Chip laughed as he noticed some icing on Gillion’s bottom lip, wiping it as he smiled. They cut pieces of the cake to give out to the crew not long after. Everyone had split into their own little groups now as they talked and ate the cake. Chip talking with Gillion and Jay as he cleaned his hat off with his shirt.

“This was great guys, seriously. Thank you.” Chip smiled, genuinely smiled. Nothing could possibly make this day any better.

Jay leaned against the railing with her arms crossed, “Oh we still got one more trick up our sleeve.”

Her and Gillion shared a knowing look but before Chip could say anything another ship appeared next to them. He could see a figure swing onto their ship from a rope and his hands quickly darted to the dagger he got moments ago.

Though the person he saw was not a threat at all, but was Lizzie. “I heard it’s someone’s birthday?” She says as Caspian throws a plank to connect the two ships.

Chip excitedly ran over and hugged the other pirate, “Hey! I didn’t know you guys would be here!”

Lizzie shrugged as he pulled away from the hug, “We were close by and I remembered your birthday was today so we had to stop by. I also heard there’d be drinking, so.”

Chip rolled his eyes, “Of course, you and alcohol.” He muttered mostly to himself but since Lizzie was right next to him she was just able to hear him. She scoffed and shoved his shoulder lightly.

She gestured her head to his hat, “Nice hat, gift?”

Chip tipped it like he moments ago and gave her a sly smile, “You would be correct. It looks sick right?”

“Yeah, fits you quite well. Anyway I'm gonna go get a drink, you have fun. And happy birthday.”

“Thanks, Liz. It’s good seeing you.”

They smiled at each other as he watched her walk away. He contently started a conversation with Gryffon and Queen still with that large smile on his face.

Gillion stood by himself near the railing of the ship. He was watching Chip’s excitement and the way his nose scrunched when he laughed. He looked so relaxed, so at ease, Gillion almost never saw him like this. It was nice.

Almost not seeing it, he saw Caspian walking up right to him. He stood right next to the triton but his eyes didn’t move. Caspian followed his line of sight and giggled, “You did good today. He seems happy.”

He finally ripped his eyes away from Chip as he looked to Caspian, “I wasn’t the only one who planned this, but I do agree. It’s nice seeing him happy.”

“You’re a good man, my friend. Chip is lucky to have you.”

“I’m lucky to have him. I was at first very conflicted, but I never realized just how much he’s made the Overseas seem less scary. The Elders always said this place was a place of immense greed, filled with humans that only did things for themselves. But Chip-“ His eyes wandered over to him and his ears flicked just slightly. “While at first I thought he was one of those people, he grew to be one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Fate has been cruel to him, but he has proved to be strong.”

Caspian set a firm hand on Gillion’s shoulder and nods, “The love for him practically radiates off of you. You don’t find that quite often anymore, hold on to that. Hold on to each other. You both deserve the best, Gillion.”

“Thank you, Caspian. I wish the same for you. Whether you have someone or not, hold the people you have close. In my time with this crew I have realized these people are the most loyal and caring people you’ll ever find.” While he spoke, he eyed his crew mates. Specifically Jay and Chip but made sure to get a glance at each of his friends partying and laughing.

Caspian held up his drink, “Cheers to that, my friend.”

The two then fall into regular conversation, conversing on what they had been up to in the time apart, and what they planned on doing next.

As the night went on, more people got drunk, and the conversations got quieter and quieter as people started going to bed. Chip looked around to all of his friends, noticing how they were all on different levels of being drunk, but he wasn’t. Sure he would take this opportunity to drink until he couldn’t feel anything but that was the opposite of what he wanted. He didn’t want to wake up and forget this amazing day. He of course still drank, only sipping on the same tankard of ale all night.

Jay however, was an insane lightweight. So after three drinks she was so drunk she was stumbling around the deck, saying things that weren’t coherent.

Chip could see it from a mile away as she walked up to him and set her elbow lazily on his shoulder. She spoke almost directly in his ear, the smell of ale clogging his nose, “You’re 20 now, Chip!”

He lightly pushed her away, “And you’re drunk.”

“Pshhh no I'm not! I’m as sober as ever.” She burped directly in his face.

“Alright I think it’s bedtime for you.”

Chip started guiding Jay below deck as Lizzie yelled to him, “We can both leave Juno together tomorrow. Don’t know where we’re heading next but we’ll follow you for a bit.”

He was just at the door that led below deck and stuck his head out, “Sounds good! Goodnight!”

“Night Chip, happy birthday again!”

Chip saluted to her as he walked below deck with Jay who practically fell onto her cot. He laughed as he pulled the blanket on top of her, pulling off her boots so she was more comfortable.

“Night, dork.”

Jay had a lazy smile on her face as she looked up to him, her eyes half lidded with exhaustion, “G’night, Chip. I hope we did good today.”

He moved some of the hair out of her eyes as he smiled, “You did, thank you. Best birthday in a while.”

“Happy birthday, Chibo.” She then turned on her other side and fell asleep almost instantly.

Chip laughed to himself as he walked out quietly, setting his cowboy hat down next to his own cot. He passed by the crew's quarters to check on Ollie and Pretzel, who were both passed out together in Ollie’s hammock. When he got back above deck he saw no one else on deck, just Gillion looking at him and smiling.

He looked around the empty deck while walking up to him, ”Did everyone get sick of me?”

“Many of them were near falling over so maybe it was good they went to bed.”

Chip was now face to face with Gillion, giving the triton a sly grin, “Guess it’s just you and me?”

Gillion reached his hand out to touch Chip’s, “Finally. I’ve been to give you one last present.” Chip let out a small “oh” as Gillion grabbed his waist without another word and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. Chip melted into the kiss and let out a sigh through his nose. He couldn’t help but smile against it.

“Was that the gift?” Chip said as he pulled away.

The triton gave him a half grin that made Chip raise an eyebrow, “Part of it yes, this is the other part.” He stuck out his hand, “May I have this dance?”

He eyed him, “We don't have any music.”

“Not needed. I just want to be here with you.”

Chip giggled and took his hand. They fell into a comfortable rhythm, even with no music, it was the most relaxed Chip’s been in a long time. Both of his hands were at Gillion’s waist, while both of Gillion’s arms were draped over the other boy’s shoulders.

Gillion’s words broke the silence, “Could you tell me why?” He almost mumbled.

“Why what?”

“You didn’t want to celebrate today.”

It was so quiet Chip almost didn’t hear it. He sighed, “My birthdays with Rueben weren’t always the best.”

They still danced as Gillion titled his head, “How so?”

“Well the last one was spent on a rooftop by myself, eating a slightly rotten apple instead of a cake. Most of them were like that.” He looked to the side sheepishly, not wanting to make eye contact.

Gillion pulled him a little closer, “I’m so sorry, Chip. You don’t deserve that.”

Chip shrugged, “I got used to it. Most of the people in the gang didn’t pay me much attention, and Rueben was always either working on something or just didn’t say anything about it. The only thing he’d say was that I was one step closer to ‘becoming a man.’” He picked up one hand from Gillion’s hip, using air quotes while rolling his eyes.

Gillion kissed Chip’s forehead solemnly. They stayed like that for a few moments, only slightly swaying while they stayed close to each other.

“You didn’t deserve that. You don’t deserve not having a cake, not being adorned with magnificent presents, not having people around you that love you. I would never let you go through that, I will provide you with as many presents as I can, buy you every cake on the seas, whatever you need to prove that I love you.”

The pirate didn’t say anything as he leaned in for a kiss. It wasn’t exciting, it wasn’t fierce, it was calming. It was endearing. It was comforting.

Chip pulled back and set his forehead on his, “I don’t give a shit about any of that. Not really. They’re nice yeah, but no gift could compare to seeing you guys smile. Just being with this crew is enough, being with you is enough.”

Gillion huffed out a small laugh, “You sound like me.”

“What can I say, you’ve rubbed off on me.”

A small kiss was placed on Chip’s jaw as they both giggled. It fell back into comfortable silence as they continued swaying. As if it couldn’t get any better, Gillion started humming a tune Edyn would sing for him when he couldn’t sleep after some of the training.

Chip shut his eyes so he can truly soak up all of this moment. Though moments later it comes to an end as Gillion spins him and leans him down into a dip, holding him there for a second. He tucks some hair behind the human’s ear and pulls him up with a kiss to seal it.

Out of the corner of Chip’s eye he could see Drey walk out of the quarters. It didn’t scare Chip, he didn’t jump away but stayed there. While looking at Drey he turned back to Gillion and could see the coral on his head glow brighter than usual. It made Chip smile as Gillion pulled back. He seemed to have seen Drey too. “I’ll be in bed. Don’t rush, I'm sure you want to talk to him.”

He only nodded and placed a kiss on his knuckles. He watched as Gillion passed Drey who only nodded to each other.

The older Ferin gave him a small smile, “Was I interrupting something?”

Chip’s face only turned slightly red as he giggled, “Nah we were just finishing up. What’s up?”

A small grin was on Drey’s face, “Just wanted to give my present.”

Chip raised an eyebrow, “And that is?”

“A story, if you’ll let me. One from the Black Rose.”

The other man’s eyes went wide open as he jumped on the railing behind him and set his arms in his lap. When Drey looked at him all he could see was that excited kid he knew so many years ago. “It’s one I know you don’t know. It was before we picked you up.”

Chip’s face lit up as he gestured at the man, “Well go on! I know this’ll be good.”

The two spent around an hour talking, mostly Drey talking and Chip listening. The story was in fact not one Chip knew. When he finished, Chip gave him a hug, “Thank you, Drey. That meant a lot. If you ever have more stories I'm all ears.”

“Course kid, it’s the least I could do. Helps me stay connected to that time anyway. It’s nice remembering that kind of stuff.”

Chip hopped down from the railing and set a hand on the man’s shoulder, “Yeah, it is.” He couldn’t help the yawn that escaped his mouth. He held up finger guns as he started walking away, “Well I'm beat so i’ll see you tomorrow man. Night.”

Drey waved to Chip, “Goodnight, Chip. Happy birthday, hope it was a good one.”

“It was.” And he says no more as he walks back below deck.

The first thing he saw was Gillion staring back and smiled as he walked over to his cot. He took the time to take off all of the jewelry he got that day. Pretzel’s pin, the necklace, and the rings, all set inside his cowboy hat. He turned back to see Gillion on his side and he laid on his own side, their noses almost touching.

Chip didn’t say anything as he wrapped his arms around Gillion’s middle and scooted to where his face was against Gillion’s chest. Gillion smiled as his hands found his way to Chip’s hair, treating it with so much care. Kissing it, scratching his scalp gently, and making sure not to pull on the tangles.

“Today was great.” Chip mumbled against Gillion’s chest.

He hummed in response, “I agree. Jay and I did a good job, I think.”

At the mention of their other co captain, Chip glanced over Gillion and saw she was dead asleep. “You guys seriously outdid yourselves. No one’s gone all out like that since…” His voice trailed off, there was a part of him that couldn’t finish that sentence.

Gillion seemed to understand as he shut his eyes and kissed his hair, “Despite that, you have people here that would go above and beyond for you, never forget that.”

Chip thought back to the conversation he had with Drey earlier today. If you would’ve told him a year ago he would’ve found a group of people he considered family, found a boyfriend, while in this crew he would’ve laughed in your face. But now lying here in Gillion’s arms, it felt real.

He reached up and kissed Gillion’s collarbone gently, “You know, I didn’t believe it at first. But after today, I think I’m finally starting to see it. Thank you for that, Gill.”

“Of course, my love. Whatever I need to do for you to believe it I’ll do. I love you, Chip.”

“Love you too, Gill,”

Chip shut his eyes not long after that and let out a small sigh. All the events of the past day replayed in his head and it put a small smile on his face. Gillion looked down slightly to see it, making him smile himself, and he too fell asleep not long after. Right now, this ship, this crew, Gillion, was home. And he couldn’t be more grateful. Maybe his birthday wasn’t such a bad thing. He drifted off to sleep wishing his next birthday would come faster.