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Harlock leaned heavily on Warrius. The Earth’s Fleet commander was on high alert, scanning the perimeter for any remaining enemies, his saber drawn and ready to fire. He tightened his grip around Harlock's waist, half-dragging, half-supporting the wounded pirate through the remains of the battlefield.
- You’re lucky I got here in time.
His voice couldn’t hide the concern behind his words. Harlock had been caught up in an ambush, and the fight had been a formidable one. But in the end, he was outnumbered, and he had been disarmed and injured badly. If not for the providential appearance of Warrius, he might have been dead. For once, it helped that the Karyu was never really far from the Deathshadow, keeping an eye on the pirate’s activities. Harlock gave a weak chuckle, causing him to wince at the pain of his numerous wounds. The sight of Harlock bleeding through his torn uniform made Zero's stomach twist uncomfortably.
- I had a feeling you’d show up. You always do.
- You’ve lost a lot of blood. Let’s get you back on your ship right away. And don’t pass out, or I’ll have to carry you in my arms.
Harlock tilted his head slightly, a tired smile tugging at his lips, letting himself lean just a little more on Zero's strength. Warrius seemed to notice for the first time just how lightweight the pirate captain was.
- Don’t tempt me.
- Think about your reputation.
They managed to make their way to the Deathshadow’s landing site, where Tochiro and Yattaran greeted them with an unusual worried expression. They rapidly forced Harlock onto a stretcher, and Warrius realized the gravity of the situation when Harlock collapsed with a soft groan on the stretcher and let Yattaran take him to see the doc, without complaining.
Tochiro stayed behind with Zero. He looked at the taller man with a grateful smile, but his face immediately turned into a grimace.
- Oh wow, you’re a mess, too.
Zero looked at himself and his sticky uniform, stained with Harlock’s blood from where the pirate had leaned against him earlier. Before he could even protest, Tochiro was pulling at the fabric to take it off Zero’s shoulders and was already walking away with it.
- I’ll have this washed for you. Make yourself at home, Zero!
And he disappeared into the ship, leaving Warrius standing awkwardly in the middle of the Deathshadow’s dimly lit corridor. He sighed and looked around to locate the guest quarters. Guess he could stay on the pirate ship, just for a while…
---
Zero sat on the couch of the room, patiently waiting for his clean uniform back. His mind turned to Harlock, and the feeling of dread that washed over him at the sight of the injured pirate bleeding out. It would take more than that to kill him off, right? Those cuts had been deep enough to be lethal for anyone, but Harlock? Not a chance. The simple idea of Harlock dying, seemed to be unimaginable… or at least Warrius couldn’t let himself picture it. He didn’t want to.
The door slid open with a soft hiss, and Warrius barely had time to glance up before Harlock strode in. The pirate captain was barefoot, half-naked, wearing only trousers, his bare torso covered with fresh white bandages. Seemingly unaware of how precarious his state had been and the worry he had caused, he smiled and looked at Zero with relief.
- Oh, good, you’re still here! I was afraid you’d left without having a drink with me to celebrate that battle.
Zero swallowed, his gaze lingering longer than it should have.
- You shouldn’t be drinking after getting surgery. Your stitches will reopen.
Harlock smirked, clearly catching the moment of hesitation in Zero’s eyes. He turned to the small bar cabinet and poured two glasses of bourbon, then handed one to Zero with a mischievous smile.
- What are you going to do, arrest me?
He clinked his glass on Zero’s and took a sip, soon imitated by the exasperated military man. Zero scowled, trying to look anywhere but the toned chest in front of him. Harlock’s grin widened.
- See something you like?
Zero’s ears burned.
- Put a shirt on, Harlock.
Harlock put his glass on the table and leaned in dangerously close, his voice a low murmur, his lips brushing against Warrius’ jaw.
- How about no?
Zero stiffened as Harlock’s hands trailed to his waist, lingering just a second too long, but his body betrayed him – he didn’t move away. His fingers twitched, caught between the impulse to push him away or pull him closer. Before Zero could decide, Harlock’s hands found their way beneath his shirt, fingertips brushing against skin in a way that sent heat curling low in his stomach. Zero let out a shaky exhale, fingers finally gripping Harlock’s bare shoulders, feeling the warmth of his skin, a slight shiver of expectation coursing through them.
- Warrius…
Any thought Zero had vanished when Harlock’s lips pressed against his, slow and unhurried. He froze, but only for a moment. His hands slid down Harlock’s bare back, and he kissed back with a restraint he wasn’t sure he could hold onto much longer. The image of a wounded Harlock flashed through his mind. Zero’s grip tightened and he deepened the kiss, pulling Harlock closer, letting himself get lost in the heat of it. Harlock hummed in approval, his hands sliding higher, teasing at the hem of Zero’s shirt, lifting it inch by inch. Zero gasped against his lips, hands moving down to Harlock’s hips, when–
Whoosh.
The sound of the door panel sent them both freezing in place. Zero practically shoved Harlock away, scrambling to smooth down his shirt while Harlock only laughed, thoroughly unbothered. Tochiro stood in the doorway, holding his neatly cleaned uniform with an expression caught between amusement and exasperation. Zero, face burning, snatched his uniform and glared at the pirate.
- G-Give me that! And put some clothes on, for Earth’s sake. I’m leaving!
Harlock smirked and raised his glass.
- See you at the next battle, Warrius.
Zero didn’t dignify him with a response. He stormed out, ignoring Tochiro’s bewildered stare. As the door shut, Tochiro shook his head, sighing.
- You just can't help yourself, huh?
Harlock chuckled to himself, swirling his drink thoughtfully.
- Not when it comes to him. Next time, maybe I'll get him to stay a little longer.