It Started With a Bet

Prompt #013 - White

By: Kuroi Neko-kun

Summary: Only Danny could take his losses too far.

Warning: Slash

Disclaimer: All fandoms mentioned do not belong to me.

Pairing: Danny/Mac

Rating: FRM

Beta: Ther/Miles

A/N: This idea crept to my mind and stayed there. Damn bunny.

-

Danny realized that his own crew was conspiring against him only when it was too late. After one month of being with Danny’s crew, one would know that he really stunk at poker. His inability to keep a straight face was to blame. Also the fact that he always took up a challenge, no matter how mediocre, would have high ranks in the blame list. So when his first mate took out a pack of cards, he really didn’t know what he was getting himself into. Of course, if anyone could bring his fighting side out, it would be Don Flack. Now, that name was on his mental kill list.

Then again, Flack couldn’t be the brain of the operation. Someone had to coax him into ludicrously raising the stake. Only one person had that tongue. Tony Dinozzo was their dealmaker after all. If he could sell worthless junk to scavengers, he could easily made Danny put his ship on the line. But even Tony couldn’t play poker as good as someone but Tony did play a big part in this conspiracy.

The only one with a great poker face was Speed, their doctor. With a cigarette in his mouth, Timothy Speedle managed to earn at least half of the crew’s earnings. No one could guess what he was thinking. And it was because of his request that Danny was in his current predicament. Then again, he doubted Speed would buy a dress for him to wear. After all, he gave all the power of ‘doing whatever you ask me to for a week’ to Aiden.

Their navigator was quick to whip out a red dress for him to wear and quickly told him that he had to dress in drag. He had a sneaking suspicion there were more clothes for him somewhere. When he protested, the other two females on his ship helped Aiden and after a quick struggle, Kate and Sara had managed to get his legs and chest shaven, in a nice blonde wig and in said red dress. They even managed to get him into a pair of stockings. Though on that part they had help from their cook.

Then again, Ryan was a bit too eager to do Flack’s bidding. Combined with the fact that Danny could never seem to find the heart to hurt the younger man, the captain was trapped. And of course he was afraid what Kate and Sara could do to him. Those two women were his mechanic and shipwright respectively, meaning they worked with tools and were especially good with them. He feared that they might stick a mechanical time bomb in his ass if he didn’t cooperate. All he hoped for was that they would be at sea for the next week. His hope was dashed when Aiden announced the next day that Keiko Island was a day away.

That was why he was sitting in a bar, ignoring stares and whistles as he stirred his vodka in the bar of the mentioned island. He wasn’t up to entertaining anyone wanting to get to know him. All Danny would do was drink while thinking of different ways to hurt his crew. Making them pick out the grime at the bottom of his ship while sailing was a thought.

-

“You know, the more I watch, the more I realize that the guys hitting on our captain aren’t really drunk,” Tony stated as he watched another man walked away from Danny dejectedly.

“I don’t get people sometimes. Are they that desperate?” Flack asked, taking a sip from his pint.

“It’s the wonders of makeup,” Aiden said, not looking up from the book she was reading. “Hey, Keiko Island’s marriage season started a week ago. This is interesting. Looks like anybody who proposes like the natives on this island will instantly get married. Wonder if I can snag a man like that.”

“That’s entrapment, Aiden,” Speed pointed out as he blew smoke.

“And someone’s desperate,” Flack said, grinning. Aiden smacked him with the book before gulping down her pint.

“This doesn’t look good,” Tony said, catching everyone’s attention. All of them turned to the bar’s latest customers. They recognized the person leading them. Captain Mac Taylor had arrived.

“Fuck, marines,” Flack said, standing up. Aiden quickly pulled him down. “What in hell’s name are you doing woman?”

“He might not recognize Danny in that outfit. Let him find a seat before we get him out of here,” Aiden reasoned. All of them silently agreed and watched the marine captain a little closer. His two cohorts headed for a table a few feet away from the crew but Mac took a seat right beside Danny. There was a simultaneous groan from the crew before Flack turned to Aiden.

“Plan B?”

“You have a Plan B?” Aiden asked, surprised. Flack wasn’t the type to come up with plans.

“We sit and wait till something happens,” he said proudly.

Aiden buried her face in her hands, defeated.

-

Mac ordered his drink before turning to his side to face what seemed like a young lady mutilating her swizzle stick before taking a sip of her vodka. She was obviously not in a good mood and neither was Mac. He just happened to land in the same island where Danny Messer was on land. It was that bothersome rule which dictates that the marines could not arrest a pirate while they were docked. Governments rule the land. Marines were the lawmen of the sea. That meant Mac couldn’t touch them until they were in open waters again.

Of course, that pissed him off to no end. Neither his sergeant major nor his navigator was helping his mood. Both of them were the only two that saw his attraction to the younger pirate and had teased him mercilessly. Sometimes he wondered why he handpicked Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Horatio Caine to work on his ship. Friendship surely had nothing to do with it.

Mac was about to down his drink when someone got in between the only two sitting at the bar. The man was a lot bigger than Mac and reeked of alcohol. Mac could see that he was getting into the young woman’s personal space.

The drunkard didn’t even get any words from her mouth. What he got was a fist in his face before he could lean closer to her. The punch was enough to knock the drunkard out, causing Mac to move away from his seat quickly before he ended up with the unconscious drunkard falling on him.

Apparently, none of other customers enjoyed the fact that a woman had just defended herself.

“Hey, are you trying to pick a fight, miss?” one of the men said as they surrounded her. She didn’t say anything as she dropped to a stance, ready to face them off. One of them attacked her but she sidestepped before grabbing the man by the back of his shirt and throwing him aside. At that moment, a few of the woman’s attackers fell, giving room for three men to move in. Mac recognized them instantly. They were in Danny’s crew. Mac took a step back, deciding it was better if they dealt with this but he changed his mind when the drunkard that was punched stood up and took out a knife. Mac unsheathed his sword, pointing it at the man’s back.

“Put the knife down,” he demanded. “You already embarrassed yourself by getting drunk. Don’t blame her for it.”

Mac’s words were left unheeded as the drunkard turned to attack him instead. The marine captain was taken aback and couldn’t react in time. His sword was knocked away and he was slashed. It was a good thing that someone had pulled him back.

“Oh for fuck’s sake, Mac,” Gibbs complained as he shoved his captain away. “Next time, just kill the guy.”

Horatio kicked the drunkard aside once he had disarmed him. He picked up the knife and tossed it, lodging it into the wooden wall.

“Jethro, you know him about as long as I do,” Horatio said.

Letting Mac go, Gibbs rolled his eyes. “His morals are going to get us all killed someday. I think there’s a rule somewhere that says you can’t teach anything to a drunk.”

“Maybe he was trying to impress a certain young lady,” Horatio said, turning to the fight between pirates and patrons. Not so surprisingly, the ones that have faced the trio of pirates had been knocked out. The rest, however, had run out of the bar in terror.

Speed straightened up before lighting another cigarette. He glanced around before his eyes fell to the three remaining marines.

“We’re not done yet,” Speed said, grabbing the attention of Flack and Tony.

Tony grinned, “Well, I thought it was against the law for marines to arrest pirates on land.”

“Who said anything about arresting? We’d rather kick your ass,” Gibbs retorted. Tony quirked an eyebrow suddenly interested in that challenge.

“Now, now, old man,” he said. “You wouldn’t want me to actually hurt you.”

Mac gripped Gibbs’ shoulder, stopping him from saying anything else. “Alright, you were valiant today, aiding a poor defenseless lady when she needed it. We’ll leave you be.”

At that, the threesome laughed out loud. The lady that Mac spoke off was getting very agitated.

“That’s it!” she spoke in a rather gruff and strangely familiar voice. “I’m tired of this!” She marched towards Mac before kicking him in the shins, causing the marine to fall to his knees. She was about to turn away when Mac grabbed her wrist, stopping her from moving. She was about to punch him when the bar owner, who was watching the entire thing, gasped.

“Congratulations!” he said excitedly. Everyone blinked. “You two are getting married!”

“What?” Mac asked, still blinking.

Aiden looked up from her book before muttering, “Oh shit.”

-

When Aiden calmly explained to them who it was in the pretty red dress, Gibbs and Horatio could barely hold their laughter. Mac was sitting at the edge of the bar, completely stricken.

He was to wed a cross-dressing pirate.

Mac didn’t know which part was worse, the former or latter. And he wasn’t sure how either.

Again, Aiden had to explain. She held up her book, flipping the pages.

“The island is in what they call the ‘Marriage Season’ where whoever proposes like the island natives have to wed,” she clarified.

Peering over her shoulder, Horatio read the next lines. “So being on his knees and grabbing the maiden’s right hand means instant proposal. Shouldn’t it be on one knee?”

“That’s just a technicality,” Aiden pointed out.

“Ah! But I am no maiden despite the fact that I am forced into a dress,” Danny said, eying Aiden.

“That’s another technicality,” Horatio said. “According to the recent law, this island now serves for same gender marriages.” Danny glared at the redhead.

“Well, there’s nothing we can do but get these two married then,” Gibbs said.

“I am not getting married again,” Mac finally spoke, growling.

“But Mac, if we don’t respect island traditions, we might lose this island to the rebellion,” Horatio reasoned.

“Yeah, you guys really screwed up in Joyluck. Don’t let it happen on this nice corner of paradise,” Tony said, smiling.

Gibbs grabbed Tony by the shirt. “You want a piece of me?”

Tony was unfazed, obviously used to this. “Depends. Which part are you giving?” he asked, still smiling.

Annoyed, Gibbs just let the other man go.

“Let’s get back to the issue at hand,” Speed said. “You two have to get married. Simple as that.”

“Why should I? I’m not tying myself down to a bonehead marine!” Danny said.

Aiden just smirked. “Because I said so, Messer.”

If Danny’s glares could kill, Aiden would be dead ten times over. “Fine. But I’ll do it in a suit, not a dress. Got that?”

Aiden gave it thought. The idea of Danny in a wedding dress was fascinating, especially after witnessing the effects of him in the red dress. “Well…”

“Aiden, let the man have some dignity,” Flack pointed out.

“Fine, fine. As long as they don’t do anything to cause some uprising that will ruin my research, they can get married in the nude for all I care,” Aiden said.

“Shut up, Tony,” Flack and Speed said at the same time. Tony looked hurt.

“I wasn’t going to say anything,” he said.

“But we could, more or less, tell where your line of thought is,” Speed pointed out before popping his cigarette back in his mouth. “I’ll be around, captain. The meds don’t stock themselves up.” At that, Speed left the bar.

Horatio watched him for a moment before making a decision. “I think I’ll take a walk.”

“I’ll go deal with the preparations. One of you marines is going to help me or should you leave it to this little pirate?” Aiden asked.

“We’ll send Abby,” Gibbs said. “She’d try to make it a black wedding but I think you can wrangle her.”

“I appreciate that,” Aiden said.

“Flack, go tell the others what happened,” Tony said, patting the man on the back.

“You did not just try to push me around,” Flack said.

“Actually I did,” he said. “Now, are you going to be a good deck swabber and do what you’re told?”

“I am not a…” Flack growled.

“Okay, the both of you quit it. Don, you’re going to get the others and stay with them. Tony will be with me at all times,” Danny said. “I’m going to change.” He turned to the marines. “We’ll be at the Bells Inn. Meet us there.”

With that, Danny turned to leave with Tony hurrying behind him. Flack just grumbled as he went out the door with them.

-

Gibbs slid onto the seat beside Mac, watching him stare into his drink. He ordered his own before letting out a sigh.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.

Mac took another sip from his mug. “This is ridiculous.”

“I know but you know that we can’t lose another island to pirates. Not the ones that are near close to what home would be,” Gibbs said. His drink came and he took a sip as well.

“Marriage isn’t a joke and it shouldn’t be used like this,” Mac pointed out. “When you marry someone, that person is your lifelong partner. You’d swear till death do you part because of your love…”

“It’s not like you hide that very well, Mac.”

“What?” Mac asked, turning to Gibbs now.

“He reminds you of Claire, doesn’t he?” Gibbs asked. “He doesn’t give a shit about anyone in his way. People are drawn to him easily. And for some reason, he’s smitten by you. Just like Claire was.”

“Even if he is, he’s not her,” Mac whispered.

“But like her, you’re compelled to protect him. Isn’t that why you let him go the first time?” Gibbs asked.

“So you knew?”

“I thought security was too lax,” Gibbs said smiling. “You love him since the day you found him.”

Mac turned his attention to his drink. “And you?”

“Me?” Gibbs asked.

Mac thought about mentioning the way Gibbs looked at the young pirate he grabbed but decided against it. “Nothing, Jethro. Let’s get this over with.”

“So does that mean you’re getting married?”

“Just as long as we’re hushed about it. Don’t want headquarters to find out,” Mac said as he finished his drink.

“This little thing shouldn’t be a problem to them anyway,” Gibbs commented.

“Conflict of interests does,” Mac pointed out.

“That’s between you and your loins, Taylor,” Gibbs said before finishing his own drink. Mac just glared at him.

-

The only people that came from the marines’ side were Abby and two other men. Abby introduced them as McGee and Ducky, two people that their captain trusted. All the rest were considered ‘underlings’. Aiden soon clarified that only Abby called the privates that. With their help, the preparations were easily done. Even Ducky, who was going off tangent about the history of the island, was a lot of help to her.

Soon, everyone was dressed and ready for the wedding that evening. Aiden didn’t enjoy the idea of spending one too many coins on rented dresses but it was a formal affair.

“You think they’ll show?” Kate asked as they waited for the soon-to-be-wedded couple. Aiden looked a bit worried. She already told Tony the time and place. She wondered if he remembered it. After all, he was paying way too much attention to a certain marine while she was talking.

“They’d better or I’m scrapping that ship,” Aiden said, growling.

-

Gibbs looked at his watch. “What is taking them so long?”

Tony shrugged. “Well, it was your idea to put them together in a room. You know that the bride is not supposed to see the groom on their wedding day right? Have you ever been married?”

“Yeah, three times. One of them happen to be on this island,” Gibbs said, annoyed.

“So the reason there’s no ring on your finger is?”

“Is this any of your business?” the marine asked, quirking a brow.

“I’m just curious,” Tony said, grinning.

Gibbs ignored him and looked at his watch again. “They’re going to be late.”

“I wonder if Aiden threatened to scrap the ship yet,” Tony said, thinking wistfully. “Hey, what do you think they’re doing in there? Maybe Danny couldn’t take your captain in a suit. They’re probably ravishing each other by now!”

Gibbs looked at him, blinking. He didn’t think about that possibility. All he wanted was Mac to help the damn pirate get dressed. If he did the opposite…

Gibbs started to pound on the door. “Mac! Will you hurry up?! We’re already late! Mac!”

Tony snickered.

-

The wedding went off without a hitch. He didn’t expect it to go as smooth as it did. Whoever this Aiden was, she was an excellent planner especially when she was pressed for time.

With the wedding over, they were at the reception. Mac tried to control his alcohol, almost having drowned himself hours before. Danny had slung his arm around Mac’s. Somehow it felt like he belonged there. Mac didn’t want to think like that. He feared getting used to that.

Danny must have noticed how uncomfortable he was and took the glass away before smiling at him. He was about to say something when Abby came to him holding hands with Aiden. Somehow those two had become fast friends.

“Hey, you’d never guess what happened!” Abby said, excited.

“Sara proposed to Kate,” Aiden said. “Saw that coming. Flack owes me ten coins.”

“Really? I was going to tell both captains that they’re not the only ones bitten by the love bug,” Abby said, smirking now. Aiden looked at her, completely surprised. She was obviously not the only one.

“Horatio is tonguing that cute doctor and Gibbs hasn’t killed that guy he came with even after all the sass he’s been getting. All he’s given is a smack on the head,” Abby said.

“I don’t get that,” Danny said, quirking a brow.

“Well, Jethro does have a short fuse. He doesn’t like it if someone’s being a smart ass,” Mac said.

“Especially from a pirate,” Abby added. “Anyway, when Gibbs is tolerant, it means that he likes that person.”

That explained a lot. Danny wondered if Tony knew about this. He could only imagine the dealmaker using his wits to get to the other man, knowing that it pushed his buttons.

“Am I the only one stuck at Speed tonguing a marine?” Danny said.

“I’m not shocked. Especially the way that redhead had been eying him,” Aiden pointed out, smirking.

“Well, I’m going to pry McGee from Ducky’s clutches. Give me a hand, Aid?” Abby asked. Aiden smiled.

“With pleasure,” she said. Mac and Danny watched them leave. Mac looked around.

As they had said, Abby had successfully gotten McGee away from Ducky. Aiden filled in for the poor man, looking really interested in what the doctor had to say. Mac couldn’t help wonder if she was genuinely interested or if it was just an act.

A loud, annoying singing voice made Mac cringe. He turned to find Danny’s first mate, obviously drunk, serenading to another man. Danny quickly apologized for it, saying that Don would only confront his feelings for Ryan under the influences of alcohol. Danny laughed a bit before grabbing Mac’s hand, requesting him to follow. Mac obliged. He’d do anything to get away from the horrible singing.

-

“I’m sorry about that,” Danny said. The pirate had brought Mac to the balcony, away from the singing voice of one Don Flack. It was quieter there. Mac sighed before leaning against the railing, taking in the cool air of the night. Danny stood beside the marine captain, running one hand in his hair.

He had many chances to run but he didn’t want to. The idea of marriage never appealed to him. It meant to be tied down to one person and that went against his free spirited ways. After all, he became a pirate because he wanted freedom.

Even with his protests, he didn’t completely chuck the idea away. It was Mac Taylor, possibly the only man he had a growing attraction to. Maybe more. To Danny, this was the golden opportunity he was looking for just to get a little closer to the other man.

And that was exactly what he wanted.

Danny stepped a little closer raising his arms to hold Mac when the marine turned and grabbed his hands by the wrists. It was then Danny realized Mac didn’t entirely trust him. He understood that their wedding was just to please islanders after all.

To Mac, it was just something he had to do. Danny was disappointed.

He smirked and tried to pull away. Mac’s hands held fast and pulled him closer.

“Kiss me before I change my mind,” Mac whispered. Danny could only oblige by leaning in and pressing his lips against Mac’s.

It felt like the perfect wedding kiss to the both of them.

-

Before dawn arrived on the island, two ships departed from the harbor. Mac barked orders to his crew. They had a good start on sinking a pirate ship and he wasn’t wasting any time on it. He was telling one of the privates to get ready the cannons when Gibbs tapped his shoulder.

“You should see this,” he said as he handed Mac a telescope. Mac took it and looked in the direction that Gibbs was pointing. He focused on the only other ship that was in the sea.

Then he saw it.

On his aft, Danny stood holding a sign over his head.

‘Be a good husband! Don’t cheat on your pretty wife! Love, Danny,’ it read.

Mac gripped his telescope, almost crushing it into pieces. He could hear Horatio and Gibbs chuckling behind him.

“Hoist the sails! Gun the engines! Full speed ahead! We are sinking that ship no matter what!” Mac ordered, shouting at the top of his voice. Realizing it wasn’t the time to tease their poor captain, the crew got to work.

Once he was certain that no one was around, Mac smiled and mumbled, “Thanks for the reminder.”

-

End

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