Older brother
He doesn't hear anything but the waves at first. They're comforting – he's always thought so, ever since he was a child – and the easy sway of the ship has him wishing he could go back to sleep for a few more minutes. But before he can let his mind wander, he hears it. Someone is sobbing. It's quiet, but it's there.
Liam opens his eyes in an instant and searches for the source of the weeping. It's Killian. And it's clear his baby brother has been at it for quite some time, if his red rimmed eyes and wet sleeves are any indication. He silently curses his ability to sleep like the dead. It might be useful on a ship full of rowdy seamen, but not so right now.
"Killian, what is it?" He's up from his bunk and kneeling beside his brother in an instant.
The boy looks up at him with frightened eyes and his heart squeezes painfully in his chest.
"He's gone, Liam." Fresh new tears fall down Killian's cheeks and new sobs rack his small frame. Liam wraps his arms around him, confused as to what might have brought this on. "Who's gone, Killian?"
There's no response at first, save for the tightening of his brother's arms against his torso. The answer is whispered against his chest, but Killian might as well have shouted it at the top of his lungs. "Papa. He left us. We are to do Captain Morgan's will from now on; until he'll set us free."
The words chill him to the bones. Last night the world had seemed a little brighter – their father was there for them, a family. Granted they were running from the law, but at least they were together. And now it seems their father has cut them out, sold them into servitude. And for what? But the reasons don't matter, not right now anyway.
In a strangled voice, he manages to choke out: "It's ok, Killian, we'll be alright. I'm here and I won't let anything happen to you."
Frightened, but hopeful eyes glance into his own. "You think so, Liam?"
"Of course. You know I'm always right, little brother." And he flashes Killian a grin, one that doesn't reach his eyes. It serves its purpose though, because Killian lifts his lips in a tentative smile. "Younger brother."
Liam's grin broadens and he tousles the boy's hair. "We'll see about that. Now let's go grab some breakfast." He'll talk to Captain Morgan afterwards and learn more about their new situation. He may not know what awaits them, but he does know he'll never allow anyone to hurt his brother. Not on his watch.