Three days later and Louis was back to full health. Lots of sleep, two boring days in bed and Harry catering to his needs had him well in no time. 

Over those three days Harry had been unusually nice to him. Always making sure he was okay, making sure he had food and water and was snuggled into the blankets. Occasionally the cold-hearted man would even stop his duties to cuddle the boy.

It had Louis wondering just how heartless he was? He seemed to have a heart after all. He was just that soft lately.

So naturally as Louis felt better, no matter how much he hated being trapped on the boat. No matter how much he wanted to go home, he felt an obligation to thank Harry.

It was a weird feeling, one that he could not explain. Why would he want to help his kidnapper? Louis put it down to him being overly nice.

Yes that must be it.

"Johnny?" Louis mumbled, hoping he had the man's name right. The dark skinned man looked up from his position in the kitchen.

He was looking through the cabinet with a focuses stare.

"Yes Louis?"

The small prince smiled shyly, folding in on himself. He remembers Johnny working when he made his way to dinner last night. He was another nice member of Harry's crew.

Much like Ashton.

"Are you cooking dinner for the crew?" Louis mumbles shyly. The man nods in response, "mhm."

Louis opens his mouth, looking down before speaking, "can I please cook tonight."

He watches as Johnny gives him a wary stare. Louis immediately perks up.

"I promise I'm not planning on poisoning it! Or doing anything wrong.... I just wanted to cook everyone.... cook Harry a nice meal to thank him for everything he and the crew have done for me whilst I have been sick the last three days."

The pirate sighs, closing the cabinet, "okay Louis. You can cook - no funny business. If you need help - do call me. I'll be in the lower deck."

The tiny prince gasps, thanking the man.

He doesn't waste a single second before staring.

---

"I said where is Louis!" Harry roars, sitting at the community dinner table that night.

Every pirate looks down, not liking the pirate when he is mad. Harry not knowing the location of the tiny prince makes him very irritable.

"Ashton get you're worthless ass up now!" Harry didn't give the lad a second to stand before yelling, "I said now!"

The brunette gasps, standing to attention in front of Captain Styles, "go to my quarters and search for Louis immediately."

Ashton is in the middle of responding when suddenly he is cut across by a tiny voice from the kitchen door, "sorry I'm here..."

Louis mumbles as he steps out of the door leading from the dining area to the kitchen.

The curly haired captain stands, pushing Ashton carelessly out of the way before grabbing the Prince's collar, "where were you?" 

Louis whimpers at Harry's raspy tone, "I'm sorry I was cooking everyone dinner."

Harry frowns, taking a step away from the boy, his hands falling to his sides, "dinner?"

Louis nods shyly, "I just wanted to thank you for taking care of me whilst I was sick... I know if it wasn't for me being stupid I wouldn't have been sick to begin with."

The crew go quite as they watch Harry turn soft for the first time in years. His bad boy exterior seems to deflate as his shoulders sag and a soft grin, almost a smile, dissolves onto his face.

"Princess... that is very kind of you,"  Harry turns to face his immediate crew, "isn't it boys."

A chorus of 'yeah' and 'thanks' can be heard before the Captain speaks up once more, "You did not have to Princess... I'm sure it will be lovely."

Louis blushes at that, and he knows he shouldn't be feeling so comfortable, he should be plotting his escape but at that moment he just wants to please.

"I will be back, I will serve you the food now."

Zayn watches on from his position at right hand side of the table.He can't help but notice Harry's fondness towards the boy, but he also can't help but notice Louis.

Louis isn't pulling away.

Louis isn't rejecting the Captain.

Louis isn't acting like a prisoner.

And it scares Zayn, because as much as he hates the idea of Louis being banished from his kingdom for being gay, he knows that the small boy is oh so innocent - and doesn't belong anywhere near the most feared pirate of the Seven Seas.

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