Eons ago there stood an island…an island which remained isolated, and untouched by human hand. But that is not to say it was inhabited, for in fact it was thriving and practically teeming with life. As legend goes, those who lived on this island were people of the water, with tails that rivalled the sparkle of gems. They would live beneath the water and go about their days in peace. But there was a twist to this legend, for those water people (mermaids and mermen as they were called) could walk on land. As if their tail split in two, they would produce fully functioning human legs.

No one really knows where this island is located; only myths give clues. They say if one ever did manage to come across it, they'd be lost forever. Many men seeking fame, and potential fortune on the land tried and failed; never living to speak of it, or too fearful to ever mention it to others.

Thousands of years have passed, and the island is still unfounded. The word of mermaid has fallen from people's lips, which leads one to wonder: have they all vanished? Or have they just managed to blend among society so well that they are lost?

. . . . . . . .

1812

Adjusting his overcoat for the fifth time, a young man stood before a mirror in his bedroom. Today he and his partner were scheduled to board a ship for the New World, and unbeknownst to the crew, they were to be sailing with two notorious thieves. Arthur and Matthew could easily rob a person blind due to their skill at acting as highwaymen and swordfighters- they were a menace to society. God forbid they were let loose amongst the ton. Living a double life, they were part of the gentry and the image of propriety, but could act that role as thieves just as easily. If one were to ask why they did this, it was for fun…even if Arthur had more fun than Matthew.

The click of his door opening alerted Matthew too late, for a shorter blonde walked up beside him, effectively scaring the man as he appeared in the mirror. "Arthur!" he breathed out. "Don't slither into my room like that! You'll do me in that way."

"Apologies, lad, but I have something for you." He held up the garment in his hand, waving it before his face with a sadistic smile. "You will be wearing this instead."

Matthew's expression was stoic while he turned, but his mind exploded in outrage. "That is a dress," his voice was monotone, which caused Arthur to laugh.

"Indeed it is, and it's your new costume. These men are not from here, and so do not know you. They will be much easier to manipulate if one of us posed as a woman."

"Just because I have longer hair doesn't mean you can dress me up as a woman."

"Of course it does. But it's not just that, your eyes are heavily lashed like a woman, not to mention these hips-"

Slapping his hand away, Matthew backed up to avoid his grabby hands. "That's a lie and you know it! If you were without your eyebrows, you could be more of a woman than I!"

This comment made the Englishman scowl and throw the loathsome dress in his face. "Enough arguing. You will be dressed and downstairs in less than five minutes so we can make it to the docks. I don't like to be kept waiting, love."

Instead of yelling back to the man, Matthew chose to go along with his fate and slip the dress on, making sure to throw something over his shoulders. He will get Arthur back for this somehow.

As he tried to make his way through the hoards of people, Matthew stood in awe, staring up at a ship that was larger than anything he had ever seen before. Arthur had already made plans on how he was going to strike and when- close to when they neared their destination, if not beforehand. He wanted to take what he could from the passengers and escape into the crowd when they landed.

Simple.

The land was going through turmoil, but Arthur always had a plan. After inspecting the new land and what riches he could gather, the two would return to England upon the next scheduled departure. Much to Matthew's surprise, he never wanted to spend much time there, but there was something about his mouth when he spoke and how he wouldn't make eye contact. He had something else on his mind.

The two were just chatting on board with the captain when Matthew heard the sound of faint, steady footsteps. The sound grew louder until a flash of blonde, blue, and a perfect smile appeared before them. "Ready to set sail yet, captain? Oh, and who is this?" He flashed a wicked smile to Matthew, causing him to look away bashfully.

"Yes, my lord. These are some of our passengers, lord Arthur and lady Madeline. This is-"

"Alfred," the blonde cut him off. He reached forward and grasped Matthew's hand, and with a bow he kissed the back of it, accompanied by a wink. "Just another passenger on this expedition."

Matthew looked over the man and, much to his chagrin, he felt his face begin to heat up. Standing at the same height, the blonde was built immaculately. Wide shoulders, strong jaw, straight nose, and the most striking shade of blue eyes Matthew had ever come across. Maybe it was the playful glint they had, he didn't know, but he found himself drowning in them. His hair was windblown and the colour of gold, with one adorable strand that stood out above the rest. But the characteristic that snared Matthew in, more so than his eyes, was his voice. It was of a medium tone, masculine, but there was something about it that was almost melodic. How his words danced over his tongue, Matthew found himself falling for this siren's song, for each word he uttered was music to his senses.

"Pleased to meet you," the pair rhymed off, Arthur much firmer than Matthew. Violet eyes darted to Arthur, and he was surprised that the man showed no sign of weakness. Was he not as affected as Matthew? This was bad. He needed to get out of there, before he did something that he would regret. He managed a few steps before he was cornered against the rail by the newcomer. Arthur had already made off, and was by no means making any attempt to save him seeing as he ducked into one of the cabins. Where is he off to-

"Lady Madeline, will you accompany me for a turn around the ship? It is quite expansive with much to see…" he placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly, eyes flashing in challenge. He was so close that Matthew could smell his personal, musky scent. His head spun. Once more Alfred's voice washed over his body; his mind labouring to breach the surface.

"U-unfortunately, my lord, I am expected to accompany my husband." He hated how Alfred emphasized lady, as though…he didn't believe it. Great God in heaven, he's seen through it, he doesn't believe it, I knew this was a horrible idea-

"Husband?"

He had to think of something to say to the roguish man, Matthew thought as he gathered the fabric that covered his chest a bit more, feeling vulnerable and missing his cravat. "Yes, my husband. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Alfred leaned against the ship's rail and ran his thumb along the edge of his jaw, looking up and down at the retreating form and their swishing gown.

With a smirk, he retired to his room.

A/N: Greetings and salutations~!
Hahah, yeeeah...this fic has taken over my mind as of late.
Until next time...