A/N: So, I've kinda decided what to do with this, but I'm still open to suggestions. I got some really good ones and those helped inspire me to write again :D So, keep reviewing and suggesting, even though I might have a plot, it always help to have a second (or fourth, fifth, sixth…) opinion. Also, I'm going to post this all as I go, and once I have the whole thing written to my satisfaction, I'll reedit it and post it as an one-shot… Yes, I do things strangely, I know XD

"But Artie, I could help!"

Captain Kirkland looked into those pleading blue eyes, strengthening his resolve in the matter at hand. "No, Alfred, my boy, you can't. I won't allow it, nor will I ever."

"Dammit, Arthur, I'm 18! I'm a man, not a boy!" Alfred looked at the blond captain before him, trying to square his jaw and make the meanest face he could in hopes for his hero, his idol (but he'd never let anyone know that the self-proclaimed hero looked up to someone) seeing him as something other than the 14-year old rescued boy. "I can fight, you taught me how to use a sword and gun, I can strong arm any other man out there! Lemme fight!"

The younger man watched confused as Arthur's face softened, taking on a look of pride and affection he'd never seen on the captain. "Yes, Alfred, you are indeed a man now, and a good one. I want to keep it that way."

"I don't understand – "

"Nor will you, I suppose. Lad, you are … like sunshine." Arthur could feel his voice thicken with emotion, but he didn't care. He could hear his men above deck rallying themselves for an attack, and he knew his first mate was already angling the ship towards their target. He needed to get this out, and quickly. "So pure and happy, untouched by the hand of violence. I want to keep you that way; the battlefield is not for you, Alfred. So please, stay here. I couldn't bear it if you were hurt, or worse…lost that sunshine you always seem to shower me with." He could feel the tears threatening to slip, but he still didn't care. He meant every word of it.

"A-Artie…" Alfred never got to finish his sentence before the man he admired charged from below the deck to the madness that awaited him above. It was hard, knowing that obeying Arthur meant staying put, but he would. All he could do was hope that his captain would come back well, and he knew he would. After all, he was one of the most feared pirates to sail the sea, he's been told.

Arthur shook the last of the bloodlust from his senses and watched as the offending ship sailed with its crew onboard and several pounds of treasure missing. The captain smirked, no one crossed the path of Captain Kirkland, the most feared pirates of the seas and lived – without giving him their treasure, of course.

The British pirate watched the sun set far off in the horizon, a calm settling over him at the peaceful scene. This was yet another fight he was able to keep Alfred from, but the lad was getting restless. He knew he wouldn't be able to keep the growing boy sheltered under the deck forever.

"Thinking about our poppet, oui?" He heard Frances creep up behind him, readying himself for the same lecture he got each and every time. "You cannot keep him away from this forever, Angleterre. He is now a man, an attractive one at that." Arthur could feel himself growl as he imagined the lewd wag of his first mate's eyebrows.

"Frog, I swear, if you don't back the hell away from me now – "

"You'll what? Gut me where I stand? No, dear, you won't. You would risk letting Alfred know that you are a blood thirsty pirate, instead of the old stuffy gentleman you portray yourself to be."

It was the first time his first mate ever voiced the obvious to him, but it felt that he was just smacked with the realization. That was exactly it, he didn't want Alfred to see that side of him. Ever since that first time Alfred opened his big blue eyes and smiled at the captain, he swore to never let anything steal the boy's inner light, that ability to shine with nothing but a smile on his face.

"Frances… What… What do I do?"

"Oh, Arthur, you know what you must do." The captain stiffened as he heard a sigh. "Either leave him at port or let him do what he desires, to fight alongside you."

Finally, he whipped around to face Frances, his face twisted between rage and confusion. "I cannot possibly do either! That boy belongs on this ship as much as you or I or any member of my crew! He tends to the everyday chores that is required of every man on here, he steers better than you or I, he never complains, and he… he is grateful for being here."

"I know, Angleterre, but … you must know how unfair it is of you to keep him locked up as a pet under the deck." Frances's eyes looked at his captain sadly, almost pitying him. "You have to let him choose, Arthur."

"Frances…"

Before Arthur could even compose himself, think of how to respond to his first mate, he heard a gasp and a rush of air followed by being enveloped in a crushing hug. "Artie! Artie, are you okay? Dude, why are you crying? Are you hurt?" Alfred's voice rang loudly in his ears, catching him off guard.

"What are you prattling on about, lad?"

"You're crying, Artie…"

Sure enough, he could feel Alfred wipe tears from his cheeks. He mentally smacked himself, pirates do not cry over such petty things. Or anything at all. Certainly not over the prospect of sullying the only pure thing he's ever had in his life.

Instead of telling the boy how he really felt, he ruffled the slightly taller blond's hair and forced a smile on. "No worries, my lad, I'm fine. Too much adrenaline for me, I suppose. I apologize for leaving you down there for so long."

"I wouldn't be done there for so long if you'd just let me fight with you! You know I could do it!" The determination on the younger man's face made Arthur's heart soar and sink in a single moment. And, within that single moment, he knew what he had to do.

"Yes, Alfred, I…I know you could." The captain cleared his throat. "Lad, accompany me to my cabin, I…I have something to discuss with you…"