It was a peaceful day in the small fishing village but unlike usual, the narrow streets were filled with people and the town center was buzzing with life. The sun was high, the sky a bright blue and the wind had calmed, leaving it to be a small breeze. Several ships had docked in the small harbor; all there to pick up supplies or spend the day as the wind wouldn't take them anywhere.

Despite everyone wearing a smile, there was one woman, moving in and out of the crowd, who wasn't. A turquoise scarf was wrapped around her head and lower part of her face, hiding her hair and her identity. A few curly, fiery red strands of hair had loosened themselves from the scarf and fell out at her forehead. Her light brown eyes scanned the crowd, trying to find her next victim. It was a rather easy task, especially as her lack in height allowed her to move rather easily in the crowd and everyone was busy with talking, looking at the different shops or trying to negotiate the price.

She was in her early twenties but wearing a dull, grey dress that hid her curves by being too big for her by some sizes. It was like that for multiple reasons but the most important one was that it allowed her to move freely and that only made her task easier.

Around noon, I had started to regret the decision about the scarf but it was rather important. Sweat tickled down my neck as I moved and the fabric had begun to turn damp from my warm breath. I closed my eyes for a second while my hands dug into my pockets and I counted what I had gotten my hands today. With a small huff, I judged it was enough and the thought about getting the scarf off was already making me excited. Even so, the excitement was forgotten once I spotted a tall ravenette, wearing a long coat with easily accessible pockets.

My instincts told me that they held something valuable.

A sly smirk spread on my lips and I moved silently towards him. He seemed busy talking to a brunet and had his hands crossed over his chest. My eyes moved back to his pocket as I got closer to him and within range. It was a child's play after all these years and I judged this to be nothing else as my hand delicately slipped into the pocket. My fingers easily closed around something cold, possibly metal, and my hand retreated effortlessly.

Or it would have.

Before I was completely safe, a hand shot down and large fingers roughly closed around my wrist with an iron grip. I let out a surprised yelp while I yanked my hand back and began to panic.

''You filthy thief.'' A hiss dripping with poison made me look up and come face to face with my would be victim. A piercing glare struck mine and had it locked until a gun was shoved in my face.

I took a quick breath, glance shifting from the gun and down to the fingers wrapped around my wrist. I yanked harder, trying to get free while the man continued to curse in a venomous voice. Once I heard the gun click, I could feel the tears well up in my eyes but they were blinked away with gritted teeth. All I could think about was how pathetic this situation was. I should never have gone for the steal.

People around us were beginning to react to the appearance of a weapon and while yelling or screaming, people moved away from us. I heard the voices, the panicked yelling, but I couldn't focus on anything else than trying to get free.

Luckily, just as I was about to give up, my view of the ravenette was obstructed by someone else and a third hand gripped the one keeping me from escaping.

''Put it away!'' The voice mumbled before it turned louder as it addressed the crowd. ''It's alright people! Everything is under control!''

''Captain-''

''No. Let her go, you know we don't hurt women.'' The voice was serious and sure enough, the grip around my wrist slowly loosened.

I quickly used the opportunity to take a few steps back, startled by the sudden stranger who had come to my rescue. My fingers carefully closed around my sore wrist and I cringed from the slight pain.

''She's a rotten thief.'' The hard voice, belonging to the ravenette, spat in anger.

''Yes, and we're pirates. Now...'' My savior turned around and watched me with an almost amused smile. ''Are you alright, miss?''

I blinked several times in disbelief. The brunet in front of me obviously knew the man I had tried to steal from and not only had he saved me, but now he was smiling and asking me if I was okay. I didn't know what to think, or say for that matter. I swallowed thickly and simply nodded while my heart was racing. I didn't pay much attention to the people around us but most of them had moved on while some of the villagers were still startled.

''You have some guts. Trying to steal from our navigator is rather ambitious.'' He laughed loudly before studying my face and moving closer. I watched him closely, readying myself to jump back in case he tried anything but I was only met by a question. ''Would you like to join us?''

What?

''Captain-!'' the ravenette protested loudly but was quickly cut off.

''Shush, Eduardo. We could use a woman like her. Plus, she's easy on the eyes.'' The captain laughed again but I didn't pay much attention to what he said. When he had spoken that name, my eyes had moved to the ravenette and without much thought, I started to study his face. My eyes widened as the feeling of familiarity struck me and I couldn't take my eyes off him.

''What?'' He grumbled and glared at me with a pissed off expression.

It was then the feeling completely sank in. I knew him. I knew that expression. ''You're…'' I started but couldn't form the rest of the words I wanted to say. Instead, with a racing heart, I pulled the scarf down, exposing my face to the three men. While the two brunets didn't react, the man I was staring at froze. I didn't know how long passed before his lips parted and he was the first one to speak.

''It can't be… Tess?''

Despite the disbelief in his voice, I smiled when he said my name. His surprised expression turned warm and he moved closer to me, his glance never leaving my face. There were so many things to say and yet I couldn't think of anything that would express just how I felt. There he was, the boy who had been such a huge part of my childhood, now grown into a man and standing in front of me with a soft smile on his lips. For a second, I wondered if this was actually reality and not just a dream but it was quickly confirmed to be reality once I heard shouting behind us.

''There! That's the pirates!''

I quickly turned my head and saw the sight of chaos behind us. The marines stationed in the small village were all heading towards us, weapons raised.

''That's our cue to leave. Nathan, Eduardo, come along! And woman, this would be a good time to make a decision!'' The captain yelled.

''Why don't we just fight?'' Eduardo asked annoyed.

''Because there's too many civilians here. Today we retreat.''

The man called Nathan remained quiet and simply began to follow the captain as he started running.

I didn't know what to do as my glance moved from the crowd to Eduardo. He was wearing the pissed off expression again. Our eyes met for a second before he grabbed my arm and started to pull me along with him.

''Hey!'' I protested but there was no response from him.

''Look! The woman is with them as well!'' Someone shouted behind us and I wanted to curse loudly.

That was it. I had to leave the village.

''Eduardo-!'' I started but he quickly cut me off.

''You're coming with us for now.''

''What? No, I-''

''This is not up for debate. Do as I say.''

I settled on the answer I had somewhat expected. It was probably the only other possibility to get away from here anyways. Getting caught by the marines was definitively not a choice, especially not now when I had been associated with the pirates. Because of that, I ran as fast of I could while Eduardo's hand still held my arm as he lead me to their ship.

''Eduardo!'' Someone shouted from one of the ships.

''Raise the sails!'' He yelled back, his voice mixing with the shouting ones behind us. He began to run faster as the ship got ready to sail of and with a groan, I pushed myself to run even faster, despite the burning in my lungs and legs. The second we got aboard, the ship was steered away from the dock and by that preventing anyone else from getting on. I could still hear the shouting as I nearly fell down on my knees but managed to stay up. I leaned forwards, placing my hands on my knees and began to catch my breath.

''Who the hell is that woman?''

My eyes moved back up when a blonde addressed me.

''She's our newest member.'' The captain hummed casually.

''What?! We can't have a woman in the crew!'' The blonde protested.

''Shut up, Russell.'' Eduardo growled.

''Now now, relax you two. Russell, I'm the captain, so I make the decision. Besides, she seems capable enough.'' The captain interfered with a grin and moved his eyes to me.

''She almost succeeded in stealing from Eduardo.'' Nathan, who had so far been quiet, spoke up and Russell fell silent while eying me disapprovingly.

''Yes, yes. Now, let's move on to the important part! As a new member I suggest-''

''Hold on.'' I cut off the captain. ''I never said I was joining. Eduardo pulled me along and because of you; I had no other choice than to follow. I'm flattered and all but I have no interest in becoming a pirate. I'll just get off once we reach the next dock.'' A short silence followed where everyone simply stared at me. I swallowed hard and moved my glance from the captain to Eduardo once he cleared his throat.

''We won't reach another town for maybe a month.''

''Well, I guess that means you have plenty of time to change your mind.'' The captain grinned at me. ''I don't like freeloaders, so you'll have to help the guys with their chores. Any complaining and Eduardo will feed you to the sharks.''

''Sharks?'' I swallowed hard.

''Captain-'' Eduardo sighed but it was no use.

''Listen here, I'm the captain on this ship but you may call me Morgan. Nathan is our cook, Christopher is our doctor and Eduardo is our navigator. These two are Russell and Thomas. You'll be helping those two with their chores.''

My eyes moved to each person as they were addressed. Nathan's expression didn't change while Christopher and Thomas smiled kindly and Russell's only turned more annoyed.

''I don't wanna babysit her.'' Russell grumbled.

''As if that was possible.'' I muttered before sighing. ''I'm Tess. Sorry for me being here but that's hardly my fault.'' I smiled and tilted my head towards Eduardo.

''Why the hell are you gesturing to me?'' Eduardo almost groaned.

''Because you dragged me here so they should be mad at you, not me.'' I flashed him a grin and crossed my arms over my chest.

He scoffed at me but remained quiet as Morgan began to speak again.

''No one's mad, Tess. Let us celebrate tonight to prove it!'' He laughed whole heartedly before beginning to tell everyone what to do. Nathan was asked to cook something grand while Thomas, Russell and Christopher should prepare the booze. That left me and Eduardo.

''Come on, I'll show you around.'' He spoke once the others began to prepare for the feast tonight. ''Here's the rooms, the infirmary and the kitchen. Over there is…'' I listened to him speak as he explained the different e areas and rooms on the ship. I was surprised to find myself beginning to be jealous over what he had now. I had spent the last seven years on the move, never being around the same person for more than a month, and even that short time had resulted in betrayal and earned me a scar running from my right ear down to the middle of my jaw. It was a mistake I had never repeated but here he was and surrounded by people he called his friends.

''Why are you frowning?''

''Because I envy you… The past seven years I've been living in solitude, trying to survive on my own. I lost whatever pride I had left long ago, doing things I had never thought I would do in my entire life, and then here you are, on a ship and part of a crew. You have a home, Eduardo, I haven't had that for seven years…'' I let out a sigh once my voice had trailed of and looked up at him. ''That's why I'm frowning.''

He looked at me, dumbstruck, and remained silent. I watched an exchange of emotions wash over his face while he cast his eyes down. It was a rare thing, really. Even when we were kids it was nearly impossible to leave him speechless but it seemed like he was beginning to understand something important about me. I wasn't the little, innocent girl he grew up with, not anymore.

''If I had known you would run away as well, I would have taken you with me.'' His voice was surprisingly small and full of regret and even anger. His fists had clenched into a ball, leaving his knuckles white. This was so unlike him. Showing emotions had always been something he was short of and he had always spoken of it as bothersome.

I wanted to tell him 'what did you expect?', but then again, I had no idea he was really serious about leaving in the first place. It would be unfair to him if I blamed him. ''I couldn't just sit there and let you have all the adventures.'' I smiled softly and tried to catch his glance.

''That's why you left?'' He asked while he looked back at me.

''I left because it got boring without you.'' I shrugged. It wasn't a lie but it wasn't the complete truth either. Everything had gotten so dull without him around but the real push over the edge was when my father promised my hand away in marriage. It had been the excuse I needed, so I wasn't just leaving to chase a ghost I might never find. But because of that, I couldn't possibly tell him the truth. I'd rather hide the real reason and hope he wouldn't see though me like he used to do when we were kids.

His eye narrowed a bit while he studied me and my expression. Despite being a good liar now, I was still afraid that he knew I wasn't telling him everything.

''So you decided to be a thief?''

''It wasn't much a decision. I don't know what I expected when I ran away but after a week without food, I realized it was the only option. No one would hire an unknown girl wearing dirty clothes.'' I scoffed with a slight frown. ''You don't always get the choice to do something you're proud of when it's a question about survival.''

''I never thought I would hear you say something like that. You've grown…'' A soft smile played on his lips as he spoke. ''Well, maybe not height wise.'' He chuckled.

Despite frowning, I couldn't help but smile at him. ''Yeah well, it looks like you got the height I'm missing.'' I smirked softly.

''You've always been a shorty.''

''I see you're still as mean as ever.''

''Sorry to interrupt, but dinner is ready.'' Thomas spoke while poking his head inside the hallway from the doorway. He eyed us both before snickering slightly and disappearing again.

''Let's go.'' He hummed after clearing his throat and passed me with his hands dug into his pockets.

I caught a glimpse of his face as he passed me and I felt my heart stop for a second. Was he blushing?

''Don't just stand there, come on!''

His voice made me snap out of my thoughts and I followed him while warmth rose to my cheeks.

Eduardo led the way to the room where people usually ate and the atmosphere was light. Laughter and shouting was heard already when we stepped out on the ship's deck and it grew louder as we got closer. But before we got inside, he stopped dead in his tracks and turned around, almost glaring at me.

''Once we get inside, you sit beside me. Got it?''

''Why?'' I challenged him and watched how he frowned.

''Because I say so.''

''You can hardly expect that you can still boss me around.''

We were reduced to glaring at the other. It had never taken much before we got into a fight. We usually made up pretty quickly but we were both strong willed and I was even more stubborn than him. We could annoy each other to no end but it had never ruined our friendship.

''Fine.'' He scoffed, obviously annoyed, and stepped inside with a frown.

I followed him, just as displeased as he was, but my mood quickly lightened once I got inside. The rest of the crew had already started on the food and the booze, leaving a happy mood. Eduardo sat down on what I expected to be his usual seat and stared at me with a scoff. I knew he was waiting for me to do as he had said but I simply narrowed my eyes at him. I wasn't a ten-year-old he could try to boss around anymore. With a defiant smirk, I moved to the opposite side of the table and sat down between Christopher and the captain, who seemed like he had already had a lot to drink. I locked eye contact with the pissed off ravenette but after an annoyed huff, he looked away from me. The feeling of victory was the same as when we had been kids and it made me smirk in an amused way.

The victorious feeling quickly faded once I realized why he had said it. It didn't take long before I felt an arm sneak around my shoulder. I turned around and met Morgan's brown eyes. I hadn't noticed that he had moved closer to me and now I had to swallow thickly as his alluring eyes kept mine locked.

''So, Tess. Have you decided with whom you're going to share a room?''

''Share a room?'' I mumbled and felt my eyes widen once I realized what he was talking about. But before I could even say another word, Eduardo stood up, drawing all attention to him as the chair was pushed back and screeched against the floor. His palms were still placed on the table and his eyes quickly moved to mine.

''She's staying with me. End of discussion. None of you get a say in this.'' His eyes were dead set on Morgan as he spoke. Once he was done speaking, he quickly left the room and the door slammed behind him.

We all sat in silence and stared at the door.

''What the hell is his problem?'' Russell groaned annoyed and continued to drink and eat.

The other's followed his example and the mood was quickly restored. I sat still and looked at the door when I felt Morgan give me a little nudge. I glanced at him shortly, seeing as he grinned at me, and got up so I could follow Eduardo outside.

The night air was cold and fresh, leaving me to take a deep breath once I got outside. I slowly closed the door behind me while I tried to locate the ravenette on the ship. It didn't take long before I spotted him at the ship's helm. I walked up to him with my arms crossed over my chest. The faint breeze played with my dress as I approached him, watching him as he stood quietly with his hands on the wheel. He remained quiet as I stopped beside him and I followed his example. I listened to the calm water, the creaking of the ship and felt the breeze caressing my face, while my eyes admired the dark view. There was something tantalizing about the darkness around us but the stars were so bright on the sky, it was almost hard to believe. A roar of laughter shortly interrupted the peace but it quickly returned and I closed my eyes.

''Listen to what I say next time.'' He finally spoke after a while.

I turned to look at him. His glance was still focused on the sea in front of us and I watched his calm expression as the breeze softly flew through his hair. I was struck by a bit of guilt. I knew he had never been a gentle person and his way of saying things had always been rather straightforward and unkind, almost cruel if he was in a bad mood. It didn't give him any justification to be a jerk but he had never been any different. He had all reason to be that way; it wasn't easy growing up without parents.

''I will if you don't say it like it's a command.''

''I didn't.''

''Yes you did.''

He stayed silent while frowning.

''Why is it such a big deal?''

''Because you don't know these men and I do.''

''Even so… You should know me well enough to know that I hate people telling me what to do.'' He finally turned his head and looked at me. ''This is the first time we see each other in seven years and it's already like this.'' I said, saddened by my own words.

''I'm positively sure that we've had worse fights than this.''

''Eduardo-''

''Even so, I agree with you.''

''What should we do then?'' I asked and we both fell silent while looking for an answer.

It didn't take long before he fully turned; now not only facing me but also how his body turned to me. ''We're both adults now, I think a proper reuniting would be in place.'' He had a small smile on his lips as he spoke and he stretched his hand out to me.

''A proper greeting…'' I mumbled softly while I looked at his outstretched hand. A handshake wasn't good enough. It wouldn't cover how much I had missed him throughout the years, how my heart stopped once I saw the first wanted poster of him or how this all still felt like a dream. No, a handshake wasn't enough.

Before he could properly react, I had almost lunged myself at him and wrapped my arms around him, pressing my face against his chest. I felt him tense almost immediately and taking a step back. I closed my eyes, somewhat afraid of his reaction, but he stayed still. He gradually relaxed in my embrace and let out a sigh.

''So much for being an adult.'' He chuckled faintly and hesitatingly let his arms move around me.

''You idiot, how dare you think a handshake is enough after all these years?'' I mumbled almost angrily against his chest. It was as if reality first hit me in that moment. It was him. It really was him I currently had my arms wrapped around. It had taken me seven long years but I had finally found him. As much as I fought it, I could feel tears well up in my eyes.

''Why are you crying? You're still such a baby.''

''Shut up.'' I sniffed and bit into my lower lip.

''If you're going to be a baby and cry, then cry properly.'' He sighed, slightly annoyed.

I let out a sob when I couldn't fight it anymore and the tears streamed down my face. I didn't know what to tell him as I stood there, bawling my eyes out and making his shirt wet, but I couldn't stop crying. He stayed silent but he didn't move and I reminded myself to thank him for it later.

I hadn't cried like that for years.