AN: Okay so this story is a bit AU. Mainly because Hook has a sister but also Liam is not their brother but … well you'll see.
Disclaimer: I do not own OUAT just Avery but a girl can dream you know.
As I looked through the busy, crowded street from behind my hiding spot, I could see him. He had screwed it up. It was a simple operation, a daily thing for us. Grab an apple or two, act normal and walk off discreetly. Even I can do it and I'm only 8. How did he manage to screw this up?
I rushed up to the stall, dodging through and almost knocking over many people in the crowd, struggling not to trip over my skirts. I had to help him. I couldn't lose him. The merchant picked up the knife, many shopkeepers in this kingdom took the law into their own hands. It was then, as I saw the light glinting off of the metal that I called out to defend my brother.
"Please! Please don't hurt him, he's all I have." I toned up the cuteness hoping for some sympathy. Killian had always said that I can charm myself out of anything with my dark curls and my bright, blue eyes. This time however was the exception. In the corner of my eye I saw the man's hand tensing on the hilt of the blade and the other on my brother's forearm. I reacted as fast as I could, catching the man's arm as it came down. I used all my strength but I knew I couldn't hold it for long.
Then there was that smell and the spine-tingling, sizzling sound that always accompanies it. The merchant snatched his arm back, causing him to lose his grip on both the blade and Killian. My brother and I shared a look, we both knew what would follow.
"You little bitch! You're gonna regret that girlie!" I saw him raise, noticing the rings that would soon cut my cheek. Before he could bring it down there was a sword at his throat and a deep, threatening voice over my shoulder.
"It's bad form to be rude to a lady like that, even a little one." Usually I would have been angry at the stranger for calling me little but he was saving our lives. "That little bitch burnt me." He raised his arm as proof and a pang of guilt hit me in the chest.
"Then perhaps you should be a bit more cautious about angering her and give them some food to apologise?" To emphasise his point he pressed the tip of the sword further into the merchant's throat.
"Uh-uh-um of course sir." He quickly began stuffing various fruits into a sack. I stood in awe of the stranger's random act of heroism and kindness while my brother had his trademark smirk branded on his face.
"Don't forget the apples mate." I lifted my hand to my mouth to stop a giggle from escaping. The merchant reluctantly handed the bag to the stranger.
That was when I first saw the stranger. He was tall, now I understood me little. He wore something that resembled a navy uniform but it was missing the royal seals and it was a lot less … clean. He sheathed his sword on his belt.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you." Why was he dressed like that? Who was he? These questions and many more were rushing through my mind as the man ushered us away from the stall and then down an alley.
"We might want to get out of sight. The authorities will be on their way shortly." Obviously he was new here.
"The authorities will do sod all. They're lazy, fat and corrupt. Why do you think we stay her? Easy pickings." I explained to the man. If he was smart he'd leave this kingdom as fast as possible.
"It's the same reason there's a bunch of pirates at the docks." Killian added as I drifted closer to him. He obviously wasn't afraid of the man, he wasn't afraid of anything. Even back at the stall when his hand was about to get cut off, I hadn't seen a hint of fear on his face.
"Yes, I guess that's likely. I've met some of my most reliable allies at those docks. But I digress. Why do you two steal? You both seem able-bodied, I'm sure it wouldn't be hard for you to find work." Our eyes simultaneously found the ground as the man crouched down to our height.
"No one will hire us." I mumbled, kicking the dirt absent-mindedly. When I glanced back up quickly I saw that the man's eyebrow rise.
"Our family has a bad reputation…" My brother spoke up, I knew this was hard for him. It was hard for both of us. "Our father was a fugitive, people don't trust us, and they're too smart to hire the children of a criminal."
"Oh…" This was how everyone reacted. They thought we were innocent children until they found out that it ran in the family. "Well in a town like this it must be dangerous to walk home. How about I accompany you, I'll walk you home." This was just dragging along, he really didn't understand.
"We don't have a home. Look, I don't know what your motives are and I don't know who you are but we don't need your help." It's not often I lose my temper but this man just wouldn't stop. As the man looked at me I suddenly realized I didn't know him, if I lashed out at him he could do the same right back and he probably would.
"You're alone?" I nodded shyly. "You wanted to know my motives? I used to be just like you two, living on the streets. I had my mother with me but I understand. I understand the desperation." He put his hand on my shoulder reassuringly. "But you know what I did? I made a rather successful career out of it." He smiled wickedly and I smiled back. I knew what he meant.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw my brother's eyes widen with the same realization. "You said you met allies down at the docks. You're a pirate?" It wasn't anything new, we've met plenty of pirates and stolen from more. But talking to one and a polite one at that. That was brand new.
"I am and I would understand if you don't trust me for that reason. I just wanted to offer you both a job. There's always room for a good thief on my ship. Especially one who can burn a man with their bare hands." I blushed at his admiration of something that was usually met with disgust. "But how about we keep that a secret until we need it, alright lass?" I nodded, that was probably a good idea.
"It's kind of a hard thing to hide. I can't really control it but I'll try."
The pirate held his hand out. "My name is William Rogers, captain of the Jolly Roger. But you two can call me Liam. Alas, I don't believe I know your names…"
"I'm Killian Jones and that's my little sister, Avery." Again with the 'little', he did that on purpose I swear.
"First of all, I'm not a 'that', I'm a she. Second, I'm your younger sister." I glared at him but he just looked amused.
"But you are so… little, Aves." I began to retaliate but Liam stopped me.
"Are you two always like this?" He laughed as he directed us towards the docks.
"Only when he can't hold his tongue. So what would this job include?" I didn't trust him completely… yet. He was a pirate after all.
"You coming along with me and my crew, working for us. We'll take care of you. You'll have food, water and a place to sleep at night. Albeit it won't be very comfortable. Many of my men have children or even grandchildren of their own. They'll love you. We'll just need you to do the occasional discreet steal. Sometimes it's better that we're not caught. Sound like a deal?"
Killian and I shared a look. The same look we had when we were deciding on a target. This is an opportunity we were not passing up. An opportunity for a home. A real home. "We accept your offer, Captain."
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