Hetalia:Pirate!England x Sick!Reader:His Arrogance

On your hands and knees you swabbed the deck, feeling quite dizzy, but cleaned the wooden planks of the grand ship nonetheless.
Throwing the dirtied cloth into the bucket of water, you grumbled in annoyance. It may have been the lack of sleep or fighting in gruelling wet weather a few days ago, but what you knew for certain was that you didn't feel well.

You coughed, your throat was dry. You weren't in the mood for rum, and it will be a while until the ship stops at the nearest port so there were no battles to prepare for yet.
For now, all you could do was to do your regular chores on the ship.

The night watch crew were still on duty, though they seemed pretty tired too. Maybe you should have stayed in bed for longer, for the sun has not even risen yet.
However, you knew that even if you tried to go back to sleep you couldn't. A coughing fit would always wake you and you felt sorry for the crew members having to hear it too.

Sighing, you continued to work lifelessly, a nagging pain in your head. You slung your arms over the wooden rails of the ship, trying to figure out what else to do. You were in quite of a pickle. 

"Lass, don't be slacking now." The Captain's voice warned, calling you from behind. "I won't resist punishing you later. Even if you are a woman."

"Ah, Captain!" You straightened, surprised that he would be awake at this time. His hair was as messy as ever, but it looked like he gained plenty of sleep. "Good morning, sir."

"It's not time for the rest of the crew to be onboard yet." He furrowed his large eyebrows, "Why are you still awake, lass?"

You put on your bravest smile, attempting to ignore the pain I your head, "Just finished swabbing the deck, sir."

"Right." He rolled his eyes, pointing down onto the floor, "And so, the soap water is to be spilled everywhere then, eh?"

You gasped, you must have knocked the bucket over or something. "I am sorry, sir. I didn't notice." 

He sighed, bringing a hand to you. Your eyes widened, though you know he meant no harm. His cool hand was placed on top of your forehead. "I ain't no doctor but I can tell you have a fever, lass." 

"But sir--" You gave up halfway. He was right. There was no point in denying it.
As painful as it was to admit, since you were sick, you couldn't do anything as well as you could. "I'll be fine sir. Just a dizzy start to the morning." You lied to the Captain, just so that he would stop worrying about you. He did have a whole crew to tend to later after all.

"Right then lass." He exhaled, he crouched down slightly and pulled you up with ease. "Sadly, I don't wish to let a lass punish herself by working more than she is ordered to." His arms securely held you, one supporting your back and the other swooped your legs up. 

Like this, he carried you to his chambers.

~~~

"Cap, I-I'm okay, I'll just return to the bunks." You stammered, trying to steady your racing heart beat. 

"No." Arthur sternly said, dropping you softly on the bed. 

It wasn't the first time you were in the Captain's cabin, alone with the captain. Don't get me wrong, but you nursed him when he was sick here. 

"Okay but, you should tend the crew soon Cap..." You said, trying to get him out of the room.

"Didn't I say for you to call me Arthur before? We're alone now, it should be fine." He changed the subject, taking his red coat off and slinging it over his wrist. "Under the covers then, [Name]."

"Y-yes you did... Once." You stuttered, gingerly getting under the covers. "But you were sick at that time."

"I may have been sick. But I meant it." He muttered. "Like I said I loved you. I was serious then too."

You were sure a blush was on your face, as it felt warmer than usual. You pulled the blanket so it covered your cheeks and closed your eyes, "I was serious when I said I loved you too, you know." You mumbled back.

"Really?" Arthur placed his large, red captain's coat on top of the blanket you were under. "I see. So you must get better."

Arthur stood there for a while, his worried emerald eyes looking down at you. He bent over, gently brushed your hair out of the way, and planted a kiss on your forehead. "Try to get more rest. I'll bring you breakfast later."

And with that, he left the room to attend the crew. You heard the footsteps and chatters of your fellow crew members, they must have just woken up. Using your memory, you knew that  

"Dang! It's cold out 'ere." You heard your fellow crew member complain. "Oh! Mornin' Cap. You ain't cold?"

You heard Arthur clear his throat gruffly, "It's a warm morning, I decided to take my coat off. That's all." 

"Ye is red in the face, Cap. Ya sure you ain't catching a cold?" 

"I am not red, acting lieutenant. I am just hot. Ehem. Is breakfast ready?" 

 

The sound of their conversation drained to a silence as they walked further and further away. You closed your eyes, trying to get some sleep.

The Captain's bed was so plush and soft, most likely made from fine fabrics around the world. You understood why he deserved such a luxurious bed, he needed it after all. Sometimes he worked too hard, he often pulled all nighters reading maps and choosing routes for where the boat should sail. 

Your eyelids fell, as you nuzzled into the blanket. A bed shouldn't be this welcoming. It would be a crime since you wouldn't want to get out.

~~~

Arthur sighed, looking back at his cabin. He felt on edge since this was the first time he found you feeling so weak. You always had a strong personality, even when he first met you. When he had first met you, he never knew a girl would have such confidence and such a strong will like you. Maybe that's why he desired you so much? 

[Flash Back]

"No! I refuse!" You glared at the fancy clothed pirate Captain. "I refuse to join you."

"[Name]?" A soothing voice called out to you. Yes, it was the captain's. 

Your eyes snapped open and you immediately sat up from the plush pillows. "C-cap! Did you hear what I said?!"
As quickly as you rose, you fell back down with a beating and even blinding head ache.

"Who told you to get up so suddenly?!" He scolded, crouching back down, reaching to feel your forehead. 
"Sorry! I didn't realise you were beside me!" You explained hurriedly, "What time is it?" 

"The sun is already setting," He frowned, his emerald eyes casting down, "a whole day has gone without you."
"R-really?!" You asked, surprised. You looked around, listening intently to your surroundings. It was silent. The members of the crew would still be on board at this time though... 

Arthur informed you with a smile, "We have stopped at the port. Do not worry, [Name], I was just here to tell you."

"Ah, so what are you doing here then, Arthur?" You wondered, raising an eyebrow, "Shouldn't you be trading with merchants, stealing apples or something?"  

"A-Arthur?!" He muttered to himself, covering half of his face with a hand and blushing wildly behind it. He cleared his throat and stood up, "Get ready, [Name]. Let's go out together." He quickly turned on his heels and left his cabin.

"Oh!" You called, trying to catch him. You had no choice but to get out of bed (slowly of course, to prevent further sudden aches) and ran after him. You didn't feel dizzy anymore, perhaps all it needed was a good sleep? "Arthur! Wait!"

Already halfway across the grand ship, he stopped on his tracks and noticed you were running after him - holding his coat.
Panting, you handed back his Captain's coat. "You gave this to me. You need it now. Phew. You, walk too fast!"
"Ah, I almost forgot about that." He coughed awkwardly, taking back his coat with his free hand. "Thank you [Name]." 

"My gosh, Cap." You moaned, since all of your energy was out already there was no stopping you. You scolded Arthur like a child, "You're the Captain, one who is most important, you can't just forget your coat! At least carry a spare, it's cold!" 

"Callin' me Captain once again, hm?" You heard him ask, biting his lips.  
"O-oh, I was calling you by your name?" You looked up at the Captain with shocked eyes. "I'm sorry! I didn't realise!" 
"It's okay since we're alone but..." He muttered, avoiding eye contact with you. "It was such a surprise. Well, its not like I didn't like it or anything." 
You were speechless, perhaps it was best to keep calling him by his name from time to time. "Captain Arthur, shouldn't we go? The port might close or something!" 

"Y-you're right!" He agreed, pulling you by the arm, exiting the ship. "Let's go then!"

~~~

It was a calm village, brought life by the chattering of locals. It seemed small, like your village was, and too to be posed a threat. 
"We're not here for a raid right?" You asked Arthur, worried that such a small village like this would be burnt down. 
"We have all supplies needed," He replied back casually, "I stopped the ship here cuz even members of the crew need some time to cool down, ye? You have my permission to relax to your heart's content."
"That's good!" You smiled, looking around the village with curious eyes. "This village reminds me of my home... It has that sense of home to it." 

"I see." He nodded, looking around the village. He realised that he wasn't looking for treasures for himself- but treasures for you. "You can name what you want and you'll get it." Arthur whispered under his breath. "There's no amount I wouldn't pay for you." 
He clenched his teeth, who knew that the world's best Captain sailing the seven seas would have a soft spot for a village girl? Normally, the ruthless Captain wasn't the type to spend for someone else, but for you he would give up anything.

"You don't have to." You laughed, flattered, "Arthur, you don't need to go that far. I am happy with what I have!"

You weren't the regular girl either, with this you left the Captain confused. He had dragged you away from your home village, threatening you, yet you accepted him for who he was and worked under his command without question. You were either a really foolish girl or the one who could change his ways. 

"What was your village like, [Name]?" He asked, curious to know how you lived before. 
"Pretty normal, actually." You replied. With a glint in your eye, you freely told him about how you would happily help out your father at the bakery downstairs and secretly read books about infamous people who travelled the world-admiring their courage. You told him about your late sword practices at night too and how you knew there was more to the world than the village. You talked about the little children that happily played on the paths with a stone called chalk.

"It seems like a nice place to live." Arthur nodded, crafting your words into imaginary images in his head. "Peaceful, I bet."  
"How about you, Arthur?" You asked, wondering what life he had before. "You weren't born on a ship were yah?"

Arthur laughed to himself, "I was born in a rich family, on an island of our own."
"W-what?!" You gasped, recalling that Arthur sometimes switched from formal speech when alone with you in private with but a hint of slang. "Lucky..."

"But my old man runs that place poorly. He didn't care much about the poor." He complained, rubbing his forehead. "I was sick of it. I bought a ship and left."

More surprises led to more questions, "Wait, your father can control that island?"
"Yeah, he tried to control me too." More questions led to more answers.
"Who does he think he is... The king or something?!" You moaned, suddenly feeling grumpy.
"Well..." Arthur began. "He is." 
"What?!" You yelled loudly, shocked. "S-So you're a p-prince?! My gosh! Don't joke around!!"

He mumbled, "Despite being a prince, I could not do anything. It was just a title. I'm glad I left."
"Hm." You confessed, "I guess being rich has its drawbacks."
"I know." The Captain smiled once again, "But then I was able to meet you right?"
You grinned back happily, "I met you too, you know."
"I know." He nodded, grasping your hand and leaving a kiss on your knuckles- leaving you speechless with a blush.

"The ship is like my second home..." You softly said, sincerely.
"Really?" Arthur asked, wide eyes, receiving a nod from you. A sigh of relief escaping his lips, "That's good." 
"You guys treat me like a family!" You laughed loudly, filled with confidence from your trustworthy crew members, "You guys aren't all that bad as some might say."

With a squeeze of your hand, Arthur laughed, "Let's visit your home again, [Name]. I want to see what type of home you had. But, when we do, let's not pose as threats."
You beamed, "Sure! Let's go! I still have to introduce you to my family don't I?"

"Oh.." Arthur suddenly looked sullen, "Would that be alright? I said I wouldn't return to the village ever again though. " 
You were surprised he remembered your promise from long ago. "Oh yeah... I said that to a horrible pirate who was arrogant and who I hated, didn't I? But... As time passed, I am pretty sure you're a different person." 

"Oh really?" Arthur asked, wrapping his arms around you and holding you close. "An arrogant pirate eh?" 
"N-no!" You squeaked, secretly enjoying the comfort of his arms. 
Kissing you on the top of the forehead sweetly, he laughed, "I am confident in everything." 
You joked, "See? Arrogance!"
"But loving someone so dearly, like how I love you, is something I'm not so confident at." He admitted, running his hand through your hair.
You giggled, blushing and snuggling into his chest. "Arthur, I may have found your weakness!"

He held you tighter, "D-don't tease me, you idiot.." 

~~~

"Can't-a catch me big brother!" You both heard a child squeal.  
Another child's voice, a bit grumpier, yelled back, "Come back you idiot! I'll tell Grandpa!" 
The first child called back to his older brother, "It's okay! Grandpa said I can go!"

It was just then when you could see the first child. A young child with light auburn hair, possibly at the age of ten, running. Her eyes were closed as he ran in delight. Little did she, or the two of you, realise he was about to crash in to eachother. 

"Ve!" The child squeaked as she collided into Arthur, landing on the stone floor with a thud. He opened his big brown eyes and tears threatened to spill, "I'm so sorry sir!"
Arthur crouched down on one knee, helped the child stand once more on his two feet and looked up at him. "Are you hurt?" 
The child blinked for a while and checked his hands and his bottom. Grinning the child replied, "No, I am not hurt, sir. Thank you for asking sir." 
"Its getting dark, and running with your eyes closed isn't a smart thing to do!" Arthur lectured, "Just be careful where you look, child!"
"Ve..." The child murmured, nodding. "Okay... I will sir."

"Good." You saw Arthur grin happily, ruffling the child's hair, "Where are you going in such a hurry anyway, child?"                                                         
"Ve!" The child beamed, "I was going to buy some pasta before they ran out!" 
"Pasta, eh?" You giggled, "You were that excited for pasta?"
"Of course, miss!" The child laughed back. "I love pasta!"
"Really?"    
"Sì! Really really!"

"Then, you should get on your way- they might run out!" Arthur feigned a shock.
"T-that's right!" The child looked around, "Oh! Where's my big brother?"

Hurried footsteps grew louder, followed by an angry voice, "I'm right here you idiot!" 
Another child, a little taller than the first and was most likely her older brother. The older brother ran into his sibling and started telling her off. "You idiot! Why did you run! You're so stupid!" 
The first child wailed, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" 

"Hey! That's no way to treat a girl, let alone your own sibling!" You complained to the small children. 
"Who's the chick?" The older one asked, by the sound of it- this little boy wasn't very polite. 
"She's the beautiful lady who helped me along with the English man!" 
"E-English?!" The older brother gulped.
Thankfully, before Arthur had the time to feel offended, the younger child said, "No, no, he is very nice ve~! He helped me up and told me not to run with my eyes closed!" 
"Psh." The older brother scoffed, "Who said you should run with your eyes closed, stupid?"

"Ve! It doesn't matter!" The first child squeaked, "You should say sorry for being mean, then thank them and we could go buy some pasta together~!" 
"F-fine." The older one said, turning towards you and Arthur. "S-sorry and t-thank you for looking out for my fratello."
"It's okay!" You laughed, finding it amusing that he did what his younger sibling asked him to. "Now you two should go! Hurry!"

And with that, they ran off together. It was back to you and Arthur once more. 
You enjoyed listening to their little quarrel and how they resolved it, it was so childish - it was cute. 

"That was strange." Arthur mumbled, "I'm sure the little girl was a little boy. But she was wearing a dress.. Hm.."
"What are you talking about, don't be so silly, she was so cute!" You said, looking over your shoulder to find them running hand in hand, "Wasn't the older one a bit harsh on her though? Tackling her roughly to the ground like that?"
"You could tell that the older brother loved his younger sibling." Arthur smiled, naturally taking hold of your lonely hand.

"You're probably right, he was so worried when he couldn't catch up to her." You nodded, gazing into Arthur's deep green eyes. You recalled how gentle he was with the child, despite being known as an infamous pirate. 

Looking back at your eyes softly, Arthur stated, "Having a beautiful wife, children who love each other dearly like that and living in a quiet place." You wondered what he was talking about, with a confused look. He continued by sneakily kissing you on the cheek and ginned from ear to ear. "Just... My hopes for the future." 

Quickly, you went on your toes and hugged him around the neck, hiding your upcoming blush, you smiled,
"S-silly. Don't embarrass me like that!"

~~~
Once you were done, venturing through the small village with the one you love, you returned to the ship with Arthur. 

"All aboard!" Arthur yelled, rounding up everyone back onto the ship. "[Name]?" 
"Yes, sir!" Beside him, you straightened once your name was called.

You didn't realise it, it was too quick. But the Captain, had swooped over and kissed you on the lips. After moments of melting into the smooch, you grew conscious that someone could find you two in such a situation, stopping the kiss in a hurry. "A-Arthur! They're coming!" 
 
"I don't care, let the come." He gave you a smirk as he leaned back in for a kiss. 
"U-uh! I have a cold!" You yelped in embarrassment, finding an excuse.
"A cold won't stop my love for you, [Name]." Arthur said, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes pleading. "[Name], can I kiss you?"

You were speechless at the time, and could only look at his enchanting emerald eyes. Due to your silence, he spoke, "I love you, and only you. So my body and soul are yours." 

"R-really?" You blushed, looking away. He really knew how to make you feel happy didn't he?  

"And!" He continued, speaking really quickly, "You didn't say no, so I'll take that as a yes."
 
"A yes to wha--" You asked, just in time to be interrupted by a rather passionate yet gentle kiss. After he drew back, you instinctively wrapped your arms around his neck, drawing him closer, squeaked in embarrassment and hid your face by his neck. You heard murmurs of your fellow crew members. 

"It's okay, it'll be the news of the month." Arthur laughed merrily, kissing your forehead. You heard everyone go "Whoa!" in surprise. It was like he was showing you off to everyone! 

You blushed and muttered quietly so that only you and him could hear, "Y-you arrogant pirate!"