6. Guess I do like him…

'Oh my God, is this really happening?'

Wang Yi Bo squirmed on the sheets, trying to ease the prickling sensation that coursed through his body. He inhaled sharply, his entire being trembling as an immense, unfamiliar lust washed over his mind. His thoughts became a muddled pile of words, making no sense to him anymore. Xiao Zhan's soft lips trailed along his jaw and down his neck, nibbling on his sensitive skin and placing delicate kisses wherever he could reach. Each touch felt like an electric jolt in Wang Yi Bo's veins.

"Wait..." he choked out, his voice breathless.

Xiao Zhan immediately halted, looking up at him with an unspoken question on his face. "Yes, my princess?" he asked, his voice unusually rough, almost scratchy.

"Kiss me... I want you to kiss me," Wang Yi Bo said, his eyes teary. Xiao Zhan's heart skipped a beat at the sight, his eyes widening in pleasant surprise. He crawled back up until their faces were inches apart. With his thumb, he gently traced Wang Yi Bo's plump, red lips, causing his pupils to dilate with need. He fixed his gaze on him, his breath brushing the slightly open mouth, and swallowed hard as the tip of Wang Yi Bo's tongue licked his lips to moisten them.

"Aye..." Without further ado, Xiao Zhan lowered his head and let his lips slide over Wang Yi Bo's welcoming pair. At first, the movements were slow and sensual, almost tender and full of care. His heart nearly leapt in delight when his kiss was returned with equal intensity. Soon, he grew bolder, cupping Wang Yi Bo's face with both hands to deepen the kiss with growing passion, pouring all his pent-up desire into it. Spellbound, they never parted for a second, their heads turning from side to side, hands raking through each other's hair, pulling, biting, and gnawing, causing their lips to swell. Muffled, low moans escaped them, swallowed by their fervent kisses, leaving no room for breathing.

In the heat of the moment, Xiao Zhan bit down on Wang Yi Bo's lower lip, eliciting a loud moan. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Zhan let his tongue delve into the hot, wet cavern, exploring every inch. Wang Yi Bo responded eagerly, intertwining his tongue with the naughty intruder, fighting for dominance but destined to lose. Wang Yi Bo didn't know how long the kiss lasted; his lips felt numb and sore, but it was now one of his favourite sensations imaginable.

He no longer cared about anything else. With the last remnants of his sanity, he decided to give in to his desires. For once, he would let his heart rule over his head. No regrets. Not today. Not with the man on top of him.

Leaning back, a needy moan escaped his wide-open mouth. What had felt like bliss in his dreams was now a hundred times more intense in reality. He felt as though he was dying from the overwhelming pleasure. The touches, the kisses on his neck, the brush of loose strands of hair on his sensitive skin... it all made his body heat up, and he feared he might burn to ashes at any second. He pressed his head into the pillows and arched his back to meet the hot, wet mouth on his body. Xiao Zhan seemed to be everywhere at once, his intoxicating scent a drug to Wang Yi Bo's senses. A cool breeze brushed over his chest, causing his nipples to harden as his shirt was roughly opened and discarded.

'This feels so good...' Wang Yi Bo bit his lip and closed his eyes, savouring the delicious sensations. A pair of sinful lips latched onto his hardened mounds, tasting and teasing them extensively. No piece of his heated skin was spared. Xiao Zhan devoured him as if starved for a lifetime. Wang Yi Bo groaned as long fingers scratched over his thighs, carefully avoiding his freshly healed scar, while wet kisses and bites followed wherever the fingers touched. He shuddered in delight, goosebumps spreading across his body.

The teasing was unbearable. Xiao Zhan deliberately neglected his throbbing erection, and Wang Yi Bo couldn't help but moan in frustration as the pirate's hot breath barely grazed his hard shaft through the thin fabric of his pants. Impatiently, he grabbed the silky mane, his hands trembling from the intense stimuli, and pushed Xiao Zhan's head down, sending a clear message. "Stop…ah… teasing me!" He hissed.

A low growl, like that of a hungry beast, erupted from Xiao Zhan's throat, the vibrations sending shivers directly into Wang Yi Bo's loins, making his manhood grow even harder - if that was even possible. This devil of a pirate hadn't even touched him there yet.

Xiao Zhan lifted his head, staring deep into his princess's eyes, a mischievous smile playing on his slightly bruised and wet lips. The sight alone almost drove Wang Yi Bo over the edge. His throat went dry as he swallowed with difficulty, his gaze locked on the kneeling man between his shaking legs, Xiao Zhan's mouth mere inches from his center of pleasure. 'How can you look so good?' He wondered.

Without breaking eye contact, Xiao Zhan slowly peeled away the undergarments and let his fingers trace the protruding veins of Wang Yi Bo's pulsing shaft. The response was immediate - Wang Yi Bo's breath hitched, and his hips buckled. Xiao Zhan savoured the enraptured expression, the honest body language, and the subtle reactions his princess gave him. His fingers closed around the throbbing shaft as if it was made for them, the heat and wetness against his hand exhilarating. Leaning in, he inhaled deeply, the masculine scent intoxicating. He had to close his eyes for a second to compose himself; the younger man's effect on him was immense, testing all his self-restraint.

Unconsciously, his hand began to move on its own. From the tip to the base, his strokes were fast and strong, each squeeze eliciting loud, raspy moans from Wang Yi Bo. The lithe body beneath him trembled with excitement, the skin flushed red and sweaty. Xiao Zhan knew he would never forget this sight.

Without hesitation, he leaned forward and enveloped the leaking head with his lips. He moaned in delight, eyes closing to savour the new sensations. One hand held his princess's leg in a firm grip, while the other hand and his mouth worked in tandem on Wang Yi Bo's arousal. He moved and sucked eagerly, varying the pace, and memorising every reaction his princess showed.

Wang Yi Bo was on the verge of losing his mind, his hands still tangled in Xiao Zhan's long hair, gripping it tightly. His loud moans filled the room, growing more lewd with each stroke and movement of Xiao Zhan's skilled mouth. It didn't take long for him to fall apart. His voice was already hoarse when he almost screamed, Xiao Zhan giving his shaft a final tantalising lick and pushing him over the edge with force. His body spasmed as he rode out his high, only then relaxing into softness. Through half-lidded eyes, he watched his pirate shift up beside him, caressing his cheek with a tender hand. "You did great, my princess. You have no idea what else I want to do with you, if you let me. But now is not the time. Let me get you something to eat. Are you up for breakfast in bed?" Xiao Zhan's voice was soft and gentle, his eyes indescribable.

In all honesty, at this moment, Wang Yibo would have agreed to anything that came out of Xiao Zhan's mouth. His mind was still in a sort of blissful delirium, so slowly nodding was the only thing his muddled brain was capable of doing.

After some time to regain his composure and clear his head, he glanced around the room as if remembering something. "Where's the flying… I mean, your parrot?" He inquired, unable to locate his feathery nemesis.

"Oh, I dispatched to ChengCheng after witnessing you dreaming so… lively. I thought it might be too much for her, you know? And a little privacy for us was convenient, wouldn't you agree?" Xiao Zhan replied smugly, evidently pleased with himself. Wang Yibo felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment. Had it not been for the voices outside indicating the new day, he didn't dare to imagine what else his pirate would have done to him. Yet, he felt a pang of disappointment that Xiao Zhan had merely draped the blanket over him and kissed his forehead.

'You definitely are doomed, Wang Yibo. A man? And a pirate, no less?'

***

True to Xiao Zhan's words, they had a light and pleasant breakfast in bed, except for a minor scuffle over Xiao Zhan's insistence on feeding Wang Yibo, and Wang Yibo's adamant refusal to be fed, much to the older man's chagrin. Food ended up spilled all over the bed, but since the sheets had to be changed anyway because of their, well, first breakfast, they didn't care much.

Additionally, a sulky Kuko graced them with her presence, her behaviour towards them - especially towards Wang Yibo - clearly showing her displeasure with her sleeping arrangements from the night before. The mad parrot kept staring at her chosen enemy who was still cuddling with her king. If looks could indeed kill, Wang Yibo was certain he would have been fish food long ago.

Knowing the flying rat, Wang Yibo kept a close eye on her, too. Who knew what she might do to him next? But first things first.

During their breakfast, Wang Yibo asked Xiao Zhan how he could make himself useful on the ship. With his leg practically healed, he needed something to do. It took a considerable amount of praise for his performance that morning to convince Xiao Zhan that merely being a "bed warmer" wasn't fulfilling. Although not entirely convinced but unable to deny his princess, Xiao Zhan finally granted him the freedom to choose his tasks, which suited Wang Yibo just fine.

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Wang Yibo, still caressing Xiao Zhan's bare chest (yes, this naughty pirate undressed himself again in hopes of a dessert), flinched in surprise. As if burned by fire, he shot away, but a strong arm encircled his shoulders and resolutely pulled him back, leaving no room for discussion. "Come in," Xiao Zhan commanded firmly.

The door swung open, revealing a grumpy-looking Jiang Cheng. When his eyes fell upon the two entangled men on the bed, his face contorted into a disgusted grimace. "For heaven's sake, warn me beforehand. I still wanted to eat breakfast!" The first mate yelled, shuddering exaggeratedly and shaking his head. "Damn… I need to inform Manu about this…" He muttered to himself.

Xiao Zhan grinned triumphantly and wiggled his eyebrows while Wang Yibo was about to die out of shame. "Language, ChengCheng, there are ladies present…OUCH!" Xiao Zhan laughed, but his amusement was cut short by a sharp pinch on one of his exposed nipples. The "lady" seemed far from amused.

The first mate let out a long sigh and tossed a rolled piece of parchment in his Captain's direction, which Xiao Zhan caught mid-air. "Our men have discovered a new 'freight'. We should discuss this once you are done… eating." A smug smile crept onto the grumpy face as he turned to leave. Xiao Zhan stared at the paper for a moment before rising from the bed, gathering his discarded clothes. "My princess, I am afraid our dessert will have to wait; I must attend to this matter."

"What dessert?" Wang Yibo questioned, alarmed.

"That dessert," Xiao Zhan pointed to his crotch.

"I don't like desserts…" Feeling the heat spread across his face, the princess turned away.

"Oh, I will make you love them. You might even get addicted," Xiao Zhan smirked.

"I don't think so…"

Xiao Zhan brought his face closer to his princess, their lips mere inches apart. "I remember that a little differently…" He grinned and planted a quick kiss on the pouty mouth before leaving the room, leaving behind a red-faced Wang Yibo. The younger man kept staring at the door until he heard choking sounds coming from behind him. Rolling his eyes, he turned around to see the infuriating parrot imitating a person vomiting. "Seriously, what's wrong with you? Got rabies or what?" He shouted, annoyed.

Kuko only turned away, looking piqued.

Well, the day started too well anyway…

***

"You got this wrong again…"

"Leave me alone!"

"Don't do it like this. Are you even listening?"

"Fuck off already!"

"What are you doing?"

"Don’t you have anyone else to annoy?"

"What does the Captain even see in you?"

"More than in you, obviously."

"What did you just say, you so-called princess?"

Wang Yibo had always been a quick study and was naturally patient. Lately, however, this virtue had been tested considerably, and though he managed to maintain his composure most of the time, today was proving challenging. Since stepping out of the Captain's lair of debauchery, he had been incessantly followed by his new "best friend," Xue Yang. It wasn't that he was making mistake after mistake - quite the opposite - but the young nuisance of a pirate seemed to have made it his mission to pester him all day long with nonsensical chatter and insults, barely pausing for breath. The last vestiges of his patience were wearing thin, and veins were beginning to pop on his forehead, signalling an imminent outburst.

On the bridge, not far from the bickering pair, Xiao Zhan stood at the wooden steering wheel, engaged in a discussion with Xiao Xingchen, his navigator. However, both men found it difficult to concentrate, constantly distracted by the spectacle unfolding before them. Xiao Zhan cocked his head and raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with your dog? Keep him in check, will you?"

"No worries, Cap. I suppose someone needs to be disciplined… again." The navigator sighed and cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing across the main deck. Xue Yang instantly paled.

"Great! Does it work?" Xiao Zhan asked, intrigued by certain disciplinary methods, for which his navigator was the resident expert. "You have no idea, Cap."

"Tell me your secrets!" Xiao Zhan demanded excitedly.

Both men nudged and whispered to each other, laughing as they watched the two bickering "chickens," who were nervously glancing back. Wang Yibo didn't know why, but he felt a knot in his stomach at the sight of the expression on his pirate's face. Judging by the pallor of the nuisance beside him, his worries weren't entirely unfounded.

He looked around the bustling deck. Everyone seemed absorbed in their assigned tasks, all appearing to be members of the crew. A question came to his mind. "Where are the slaves?"

"Are you talking to me? Why do you want to know?" Xue Yang sneered.

"No, I am talking to Free Willy! Of course, I meant you, you idiot! Everyone tells me you are saving the slaves, but I haven't seen them until now," Wang Yibo groaned.

"Tsk… Are you a spy?" Xue Yang spat venomously, crossing his arms over his chest.

"What? No! Where does this come from now?" Feeling offended, Wang Yibo stepped forward.

"Then why is it so important to you? Do you want to inform your government's sheep?"

"I am not! What makes you think I would do that?"

"You're not one of us, that's why!"

"As if I'm here of my own free will!"

"Yet you are sleeping with the captain…"

"That's none of your business!"

Both men were on the verge of attacking each other but were held back by their respective companions. Xiao Zhan exchanged a meaningful look with Xiao Xingchen and guided his upset princess to the side, away from the center of attention. The entire crew observed them with mixed feelings. "Calm down, my fierce little princess. Let's talk in peace. What's troubling you?" He wrapped his arms around Wang Yibo's angrily trembling body and drew soothing circles on his back.

"Where are the other saved slaves?" Wang Yibo asked, still fuming.

Xiao Zhan smiled and sighed lightly before answering. “They are in a safe place. We brought them there while you were still unconscious. You lost a lot of blood and slept for several days."

"A safe place?" Wang Yibo frowned.

"You will see it soon with your own eyes. Just wait a little longer. We have a mission to complete first. For that, I want you to accompany me. Our spies spotted a merchant ship transporting slaves to an unknown location. We plan to intercept their route and liberate the captives."

"You want me to come with you?" Wang Yibo exclaimed in surprise.

"You need to see it. Otherwise, you won't be able to fully believe me." Xiao Zhan nodded.

Wang Yibo didn't know what to say. On one hand, he didn't want to confront his former comrades, but on the other hand, he knew the Captain was right. Hesitantly, he nodded slowly and unconsciously leaned more into the strong arms of his pirate. When Wang Yibo finally calmed down and returned to his unfinished work, Jiang Cheng approached Xiao Zhan. "Do you trust him that much? What if he betrays us?"

"He won't," Xiao Zhan replied with determination.

"How can you be so sure?"

"He has a pure soul; he just needs to see the truth to believe it."