Men and whores ran around the brothel like wild animals. An abundance of alcohol and pussy reaching large peeks all over the place. Even with the sun still up, they frolicked around. But to be fair, Nassau never sleeps anyway.
Danny stood outside Max's door with Billy, Mr. Gates, Fran, James, Flint and Mr. Scott. She couldn't take her eyes off Flint who stood proud and unaffected by anything that had happened. It annoyed her in some ways. How can he walk around pretending he wasn't broken? But that's also what Danny was able to so easily learn from him. His hidden agendas and deep secrets that in a sense made him stronger than any of the other pirates of the time.
"Are you alright?" Billy asked, leaning closer to her with a whisper. Danny looked over to him. "Your talk with Flint. Are you alright?"
"Yes. I'm fine Billy," Danny said, forcing a smile. Billy glanced at her lips as she smiled to him. It had him lighten up every time he saw it. "My ship and crew are joining the walrus. Flint helped me see the good in it."
"Than why do you sound like you doubt it?" Billy asked. Danny looked away, nervous. "You aren't the only one with doubts Danny." Just then, Eleanor came out of the room, her eyes holding sadness.
"The exchange will take place in the Wrecks during nightfall," Eleanor informs. Danny glared at her.
Danny's favourite thing was to tease and bug Eleanor, she was an easy target but Danny also held a place for Eleanor in her heart after discovering about her past with Vain, the over baring pressure running Nassau and her relationship with Max. Danny let out a sigh. As she stood there with shame, Amon and Cole came sprinting towards her. Danny sensed another problem was at toe.
"Danny!" Amon yelled, panicked yet calm faced. "Antony Defaun has returned to Nassau and is demanding to see you."
"Antony?" Danny questioned, shocked.
"Yes," Amon replied. Danny cursed under her breath.
"Who is Antony?" Mr. Gates asked. Danny sighed, looking over at the others. Flint and Billy both felt slightly confused.
"He's got some balls to show his face here again," James snarled. Fran and Danny shared a look.
"Who is he Danny?" Flint firmly asked.
"An old crewmen of mine. Caused one hell of a scene with my ship and the docks of Nassau," Danny sighed. Eleanor gave her a look.
"Some? The man is a loose cannon! Why has he returned?" Mr. Scott added. Amon glared at the men before inching to Danny.
"He never said why. Just demanded to see you. Want me to deal with him?" Amon asked. Danny remained quiet for a moment. She quickly sprouted up, attempting to shake off her anger.
"Sorry gentleman. This should only take a few minutes then we can get back to business," Danny grinned before heading down the stairs of the brothel. Eleanor rolled her eyes.
"This I need to see," Mr. Gates added, showing a smile. Flint gave him a firm look.
"We should all go. Knowing Danny and knowing Antony this will not be pretty. Authority and back up are needed. Come. We have plenty of time," Fran said, following in Danny's same path. The others shared looks before rushing to catch up.
Down by the beach, some men of Nassau sat around, drinking. Others worked away to prepare for future deliveries and pick ups. Standing around a fire were some troubled men. One including the infamous Antony Defaun. The men laughed as Antony cracked jokes and told stories of being a part of the White Eden and his brief time in the past of being on Nassau's soil. Danny came rushing down to the beach. She looked around until she spotted him. It didn't take the others long to catch up. Fran saw as her fists tightened.
"Danny!" Fran began as he rushed to her, placing his hands up to stop her. "Do not make this more difficult. Eleanor can get rid of him. Don't be a fool about this," Fran said, giving her his usual look. Danny glared at him. She leaned in close to him and began to whisper.
"Fuck off Fran," she said. She shoved him aside and proceeded to Antony.
"Antony!" she yelled as she continued to walk to him. Antony turned, a drink in hand. He grew his grim smirk.
As soon as his grin appeared, Danny came at him, full force with her first, knocking him to the ground. He tumbled to the floor, feeling the pressure of a very angered woman on the side of his face. He grunted and looked forward as he lay on the ground. Antony's drink began become absorbed by the sand.
"That was my best scotch," he said, sarcastically, a smile still stretched across his face. Antony sprinted up and came back with punch to Danny. Flint's fist clenched and he went to step forward before James pulled him back.
"No," he said without emotion. Billy glared in shock.
"No? What do you mean?" Billy snapped. Fran shook his head in shame.
"This is built up anger that needs to be resolved. Danny can handle her own," James stated. Billy turned to the fight, still surprised.
Danny lay on the ground. She took her hand across her lip and looked down. Blood. Antony stood there proud. She quickly kicked his left knee. As he went to lean in agony, she uppercut him, knocking him to the ground again. Antony leaped up and charged at Danny. She dodged it and elbowed him in the back. She leaned down and picked him up off the floor with all her strength and tossed him into crates that were sitting beside one of the tents. She glared at him, out of breath.
"You got some fucking nerve showing your face here," she snapped.
Antony soon lifted himself up. He looked at her and let out a chuckle before he sprinted at her, taking her down from her waist to the ground. The two rolled in the sand, throwing punches at one another. Danny soon got an edge on him and pinned him to the ground. Fist after fist battered his face. She couldn't stop and she didn't want to. Antony gripped her fists and twisted her to the side. He placed his hand up. Danny and him glared at each other. Both bloody and both completely out of breath.
"We done now love?" he asked. Danny snarled at him and rose from the sand. She wiped away the sand and lent out a hand, pulling Antony to his feet.
"Amon, Cole. Take this man to Eleanor's," Danny said, making her way to the rest.
"That's all? Not a kiss to say your sorry?" Antony asked, growing a smug grin. Danny turned to face him as Amon and Cole grabbed his arms, pinning them behind his back.
"How about a swift kick to your balls instead? That seems a little more fitting for the kind of scum you are," Danny said. She continued up the hill.
"And so it begins. Welcome back Antony," James grunted. Mr. Gates and Flint shared a look. They soon followed Danny up the hill.
Everyone made there way back to Eleanor's tavern. Night was approaching fast. Antony, Danny, Billy, Mr. Gates, Fran and Eleanor sat inside her main quarters. Eleanor glared at Antony in disgust as he wiped away the blood from his face. Danny sat by the window. She didn't get much blood on her but whatever blood she did have of hers was gone. She glared down at her hands that were bruised and bloody with Antony's blood. Billy passed Danny a damp towel and sat by her side.
"So who is this guy?" Billy asked. Danny looked at him. She sighed before she began to wash away the blood from her hands.
"So who the fuck are these people?" Antony asked, referring to Mr. Gates and Billy. Eleanor rolled her eyes.
"Just sit down and shut up. You've done enough," Eleanor said as she collapsed in her chair. Antony smiled.
"Last time I checked, my face is battered not Danny's or any of the rest of you," Antony stated, his eyebrow raised high before giving her a wink. Eleanor rolled her eyes.
"You always have to show up at the worst times don't you?" Fran snapped. Antony chuckled.
"What's wrong Franny? I thought you missed me?"
"Oh for fucks sakes Antony, do you ever stop talking?" Danny snapped.
Before he could come back with another snarky remark, Flint and James entered the room. Flint gave one simple cold look to Antony before making his way over to Danny. He looked down at her. His eyes peeking to Billy who sat a little to close to her for comfort. Danny didn't say anything. From the look on his face she knew he was disappointed and a little too worried for her remarks.
"I'm fine Flint. Don't worry," Danny said, avoiding eye contact.
"So you are the Flint I've heard so much about? I have to say I thought you'd be a little taller," Antony said. Flint turned to him.
"Antony, shut up," Fran said. Antony chuckled.
"No. This is the man that keeps Danny away from the seas," Antony said. Flint's face went cold. Danny looked, confused. She had never shared that with him before.
"We said shut it Antony!" James snapped, kicking the chair out from under him. Antony fell to the ground, laughing.
"What?" Mr. Gates asked, confused with what was going on. Flint ignored Mr. Gates and began to make his way to Antony.
"Antony is it?" Flint asked. Antony got up on his feet.
"Antony Defaun. Pleasure," Antony introduced, holding a hand out. Flint looked at his hand then back at him.
"Another hand that lays on Danny will be the last time you have hands. Understood?" Flint snarled. The room fell silent. Antony watched him, studying his behaviour closely.
"Yes sir," he said. He gave him a wink. Flint held back his anger.
"Billy. Come. We've got things to do," Flint said, his eyes still on Antony. He turned and headed for the door, pausing to wait for Billy. Billy went to stand, feeling a light hand of security from Danny.
"I'll be back soon," he whispered to her. Danny nodded. Antony noted the act. Billy and Flint soon left the room.
"May I request a moment alone with Antony?" Danny asked. Fran and James sharply turned to her.
"Are you mad?" James asked. Danny rolled her eyes.
"I was not asking you. I was asking Eleanor," she said, turning to Eleanor with a pleading face. Eleanor thought for a moment.
"Yes. I need to find Mr. Scott anyway. James, Fran. Do as she asks," Eleanor said. Danny felt relieved. Eleanor rose.
"I am not leaving Danny alone," Fran said. Danny rose and walked to Fran.
"I will be alright. You can remain outside the doors if you'd like. One yell and you come in," Danny said. Fran paused for a while before agreeing. Danny turned her attention to Mr. Gates. She made her way over to him, waiting for Fran and James to leave the room. "I have things to discuss with you. I will find you after."
"You sure you want to be alone with him?" Mr. Gates asked.
"I'm sure as you could see, I can defend myself," Danny said. Mr. Gates nodded. He gave a final look to Danny and Antony before closing the doors behind him.
As the doors slammed shut, Danny let out her exhaustion and collapsed in a chair. She rubbed her forehead. Her heart began to beat faster than usual, as if she had ran for miles along the sandy shores. Antony watched her closely. Tears wanted to escape her eyes but she refused to let them. Taking a moment, she turned away from him. One breath. Two breath. Three breath. Danny rose from the chair. She grabbed it and pulled it over to Antony. She took a seat and looked at him.
"Why are you here?" Danny asked. Antony's smug and sarcastic face was a moment of history as he looked with sincerity.
"I want to come back to the White Eden," Antony said. Danny shook her head and began to chuckle.
"You think you can just come back like that?" Danny asked. Antony shrugged. She sprinted from her seat, shaking her head in disbelief. "Are you fucking mad? Do you have any idea what you did? Do you not remember?"
"It was different," Antony added, eyes on the floor.
"What was different? How the fuck is that an excuse Antony? I can't-"
"I loved you," Antony interrupted. Danny began to feel her body untighten. She glared at him for a moment. "I loved you. That's why I did it. Because you hated this so much. The thieving, lying. Being trapped here. You didn't want this life in Nassau. That was put on you from Flint."
"I never said-"
"You didn't have to. I could feel it. Every time I was around you. You could never hide it from me. I know you better than you think," Antony said. His eyes soon met hers.
"I don't love you Antony. I never loved you," Danny snapped, tears now unable to resist escape.
"I know," Antony said, emotionless. He began to chew his bottom lip. "You loved him." Danny froze. Antony sighed. "And I'm not talking about Billy. That's a whole other love story that you think is so well hidden."
"What the fuck do you know? You spend your nights rolling in pig shit and whores who've sailed through more men than the seas have murdered!" she snarled. Antony let out a laugh.
"You're right. I always picture you though. Maybe we just need to fuck and I'll go away?" Antony questioned, sarcasm sneaking back. Danny gave him a look.
"I'd rather fuck the pig shit," she replied. Antony shrugged.
"Worth a shot?" he said. Danny rolled her eyes and sat down in the chair she had moved. A moment of silence fell between them. "Billy is right." Danny gave him a look as she fell lost in his whispers.
"What?"
"He's the right one for you. I can see it. He cares for you. You love him but there is really only one man who keeps getting in the way and that man is Flint," Antony paused before rising from the ground. He walked over to Danny who sat in a chair, confused and lost. "Flint loves you Danny. That, I cannot pretend. But at the end of the cold storms that lay siege on the oceans, Flint would save himself before you. Though you may not see it, I do. I know men like him and to him, his self -existence is priority. I fear him for that alone." Danny paused for a moment. Her mind running through his words.
"Flint is not that kind of man. I know he can be self focused at times but he would protect me no matter what," she defended. She fell to a halt. Thinking to Billy. "You are the only one who can see me Antony, I give you that. But I still think you are wrong. I know I love Billy and if our relationship wasn't so complicated, I would marry him. But in realty of our situation, love is not something that comes easy." Danny paused again. Looking at Antony. "We are done here."
"That's it?" Antony asked, annoyed. "Come on Danny."
"Amon and Cole are keeping an eye out front. Eleanor has informed me you will be kept here until the White Eden comes to an agreement on what to do with you. Goodbye Antony," Danny finalized before heading out the doors. Antony growled under his breath and dropped down in a chair, rubbing his head.
Danny came out into the main tavern. She gave Amon a nod and continued to walk forward. Her eyes wandered the crowd. For a moment, she felt alone. James had disappeared to the ship to prepare while Fran had headed to the brothel with some of the other men. Fran wasn't spending time with the whores, he was avoiding Danny. He felt guilty for lying to her and in many ways, Danny was disappointed in him for it. Fran was the one person she could rely on. Not anymore.
The feeling of loneliness soon became light as her eyes came across Mr. Gates. He was standing by the bar, a drink in hand. Danny slowly began to make her way over to him. The tavern was still fluttering with men from the Walrus. All happy and celebrating. Danny had her eye for one crew member. As she made her way to him, she kept running through her mind if she had trusted Mr. Gates. He was loyal to Flint and Danny did not want Flint informed that she had consoled in Mr. Gates for her past, present and the hopes for her future. The only individual who had known every little detail of her past was Max. But Max seemed to have been a risky person to turn to in this time. It didn't take her long to realize, Mr. Gates was the only one she did trust.
"Mr. Gates," Danny said, coming up next to him. Mr. Gates turned and glared at her. He had been waiting patiently and curiously for her.
"Danny," he replied, gulping back. Danny sighed and ordered two ales before taking Mr. Gates to a private area in the tavern, isolated from the rest of the customers. Mr. Gates looked at her. "What is it Danny?"
"You've always asked me what I remembered from that day," she paused. "From the day Flint took me. Saved me." Mr. Gates nodded. "The truth is I don't remember much. But I remember enough."
"Okay. What is it you want exactly?" Mr. Gates asked. Danny looked at him, her eyes glossy from their ever attempting pressure to tear up.
"I need someone I can trust. Someone who can listen. Someone who I know can stand by me when I need it," Danny stated. Mr. Gates looked at her. He sighed.
"You can trust me Danny. I promise whatever it is, I'm here," Mr. Gates said. Danny gave a slow nod before taking a sip of her ale.
"I get flashes of what my life was like. Before I was taken. I know the luxury I had in Britain. Daughter of royalty," she chuckled to herself. "But it's usually bad memories. My father would terrorize me. Blamed me for my mother's death. But then everything else blurs and I flash forward to when he had sold me. I remember being so afraid in the cells of that ship. It was so cold. We never got fed. No water. If we asked, they would bring out whips or spit on us. All the other woman had been in there much longer than me."
"I'm sorry Danny. It must have been hard," Mr. Gates genuinely apologized. Danny said nothing. The idea of saying it in real life hurt more than the thoughts. When she spoke with Max, it was brief details but enough to sore her heart.
"Flint and the Walrus were the greatest things to ever happen to me. I remember being terrified to be with pirates but Flint made it easy. I was part of the pirate life," Danny paused, growing a large smile. "Everything was better when I met Billy." Mr. Gates grew a grin. He had always been fond of Billy and Danny together. Billy was like a son to him.
"Billy would say the same of you. I had never seen a greater smile on that boys face unless he is with you. It's a love that never seems to die," Mr. Gates recalled. Danny looked at him, smiling.
"He was my first love Mr. Gates. And he will always be the man I love," Danny began. Mr. Gates chuckled. "After the night him and I first shared a bed, we were young. It was the first time for both of us and it was something I would never forget."
"I remember. Flint was not very pleased," Mr. Gates laughed. Danny chuckled. "Yet again, Flint had always had a sour face on when it came to you fooling around with men. Still has the look."
"I'm sure he's just looking out for me," Danny paused. Mr. Gates watched her. He was pleased she came to him. "Things began to change though. Flint told me I couldn't be on the ocean anymore. That if I did, I was at risk. Until my father passed he would keep me secure in Nassau. So I did as I was told. Stayed here, built my reputation, my crew, my ship. My name is well kept"
"So why are you so displeased Danny?" Mr. Gates interrupted. Danny looked at him, her happiness gone.
"Because I do not want to fear the ocean anymore. I want to lead my ship. In fact I want to get this over with and live a life free of a pirate. Myself being a pirate. A life that includes a family. A simple life," Danny explained. Mr. Gates reached over and grabbed her hand.
"You will have that. I know you will," Mr. Gates whispered to her. "But as of right now, you need to play it safe. Focus on what is now. So here I ask, what is it you need and want to do?"
"Antony. Should I trust him again? Recruit him back into my crew?" Danny asked. Mr. Gates shrugged.
"Flint doesn't like him much. Neither does Billy or anyone else for that matter. But if you truly feel you can trust him, keep him." Danny thought in silence. Thinking about what she wanted to do.
"I trust him. He knows me," Danny stated firmly. Mr. Gates shrugged.
"Than he stays. Flint has to work with it. More muscle the better and he sure seems like he can fight," Mr. Gates said. Danny grinned. "What else is on your mind?"
"Billy," Danny began, nervously avoiding eye contact. Mr. Gates smiled. He leaned closer to her.
"Billy loves you more than life itself. If you want to be with him, be with him. Love is hard to find these days and Billy and you are a rare sight to see," Mr. Gates said. Danny sighed.
"It would be too complicated though," Danny groaned.
"It is supposed to be complicated. If love was easy, the world would be boring. Between you two, you could do anything. You are better together than you are apart," Mr. Gates shared. Danny sat there for a moment. She leaned back in her chair and rubbed her chin. Mr. Gates followed her lead. "Now no more of this talk. Let's have a few ales and wait for the cook and the page to be brought back."
"The cooks name is John Silver," Danny sternly stated as she gave Mr. Gates a look.
"You sure it's Billy you love and not the coo- Sorry, John Silver?" Mr. Gates joked. Danny grew a grin and shook her head before taking a sip of her drink. Mr. Gates chuckled.
It wasn't long before Mr. Gates and Danny's "bonding" time had come to a swift end. The men were still rowdy as ever and the sight of an unwelcomed guest was nothing the crew had any clue of. Billy and Flint had accomplished their goal but with an extra cost and set back that no one had seen coming. Coming running for interruption was Cole. Danny and Mr. Gates looked at him.
"Billy is waiting for you in Eleanor's quarters. Something important," he said. Danny and Mr. Gates shared a look before rushing over. They opened the large doors to see John Silver, Antony, Amon and Billy standing in the room. Danny sighed as she looked at John. He appeared satisfied.
"Well?" Mr. Gates asked. Billy shook his head. "What happened? And where is Eleanor?"
"Eleanor didn't seem too interested in the thief. She left with Mr. Scott not too long ago," Amon informed.
"Cole, Amon. Stand watch please. I'll let you know when to come back," Danny instructed. The two men nodded and exited the room. Danny looked back at Silver.
"Danny Whitmore, I had no idea you knew of any of this," John Silver said, growing a smile. Danny said nothing and turned to Billy.
"Did you retrieve the page?" Danny asked. Billy looked down with a sigh and shook his head. "Damn."
"I'm not too sure what the page is for but don't worry, it is not lost forever," Silver said, pointing to his head. Danny groaned.
"You must be joking?" Mr. Gates snarled.
"Afraid not," Silver said. Danny shook her head. Antony remained quiet. He figured Silver and him were in a similar position.
"Where is Flint?" Danny asked, turning back to Billy.
"He left. Said he would be back tomorrow. Didn't say much," Billy replied. Danny looked down. She knew exactly where he had gone. "He told me to watch him until his return."
"No need," Mr. Gates interrupted. Billy and Danny gave him an odd look. "Danny has accepted Antony back into her crew. Him and I can watch the cook. Take a break." Mr. Gates looked to Danny. It was a sign of some sorts but Danny hadn't fully caught on.
"Are you sure? Flint had asked me specifically," Billy said, confused. Mr. Gates shook his head.
"Alright Mr. Gates. Point made," Danny said. Mr. Gates grinned. Danny turned to Billy, slightly nervous. "Billy, since you have time, I'd like to talk with you."
"Of course," Billy said. Danny gave Mr. Gates a final look before leaving the room with Billy not far behind. Antony watched them before shooting back to Mr. Gates.
"She's accepted me back in?" he questioned. Mr. Gates shrugged.
"From what she had told me, she is planning on it," Mr. Gates replied. Antony grew a smile of hope.
Danny escorted Billy through the drunken men of Eleanor's tavern. She led him upstairs to a room she had been staying in for some time. She stayed there when she wanted to stay close to whatever was going on and Eleanor closed it off specifically for her. Billy followed her, confused, watching the back of her. He began to grow suspicious of what Danny wanted to talk about. He was clueless. They hadn't talked much of anything but pirating for six years.
They soon came to the room. Danny opened the door and gestured for him to walk in first. Billy looked around. The room was simple but of high quality. The bed had beautiful drapes that ran down from high beams and lightly spread on the floor. Danny closed the door behind her and made her way passed Billy to a chair as he examined the room. She took off her trench coat and weapons, placing them on the chair. Billy watched her.
"What is it you wanted to talk about?" Billy asked. Danny held a long pause, attempting to find words to share with him. She slowly turned and faced him. Billy began to worry, thinking she was about to share something bad with him.
"Do you remember when we first met?' Danny asked. Billy gulped back, his hands getting clammy.
"Y-yes. I've never forgotten," he replied, nervously. Danny smiled as she watched him avoid eye contact with hers.
"Do you remember the night we first made love?" Danny asked. Billy looked at her, now confused.
"You never forget your first," he whispered to himself. Danny heard.
She began to make her way closer to him. Billy could feel the warmth of her body as she stood only a foot away from him. He could feel his heart beat faster. He began to think back at all the feelings he had for Danny when they were younger. The feelings for him had never changed. He began to remember the way she dressed. How sweet and happy she was. How her hair smelt and the softness of her skin on his, it was magical. Danny took in a deep breath.
"I've tried to pretend that it was all in the past, to forget it all because out worlds have changed from then. And it is true, they have. But I can't hold it in anymore," Danny sighed. She began to build her courage up. "I love you Billy Bones. I've always loved you." Billy looked at her, excitement inside him.
With little to no hesitation, Billy dove to her. He pulled her from her waist and held her close to his body, pressing his lips against hers. It was a firm, passionate kiss that left Danny's legs feeling weak. She missed the feelings of his lips against hers. They felt softer than she had remembered. Billy wrapped her tightly, making her feel more loved than she had ever before. Their lips soon parted, Billy looked at her.
"I love you Danny and I will always love you. Even after life leaves me. It will always be you," Billy whispered to her.
The two shared a moment of passionate glares before they leaned into one another, their lips meeting once more. Danny began to unbutton his vest. She rolled it off his firm and muscular arms, ending with it on the floor. Billy lifted her up off the ground. Danny began to wrap her legs around him before the two fell on the bed. The two crawled up towards the pillows. Clothes soon disappeared from the passionate lovers and a firm thrust of their pelvises began to glide in the sheets. It was the first moment Danny had felt alive since she could remember and she had never felt safer than in that moment.
"You've hardly said a word since you arrived Flint," a woman's voice rang behind Flint. He slowly turned his head to look at a beautiful brunette who stood in the doorway of her kitchen.
"It is nothing Miranda," Flint grunted. Miranda sighed and sat down at the kitchen table, a few chairs away from Flint.
"It," she paused, catching herself. "It is that girl?" Flint sharply turned to her, not a single emotion on her face.
"What girl?" Flint asked.
"Danny. The girl who always has you looking out into nothing," Miranda snapped. Flint remained silent. "You love her Flint. I've accepted that some time ago but I can not have you sit here and mope over her day in and day out. Your crew will look out for her. You shouldn't worry."
"My crew hasn't got the slightest clue in how to protect her. Hell they don't even know any fucking thing about her!" Flint snarled, kicking a chair. Miranda glared at the chair that now lay flat on the floor.
"You can't protect her forever. You know that. You can only be there for her. Besides, she will fall in love and you will no longer have to worry about her. It will be another mans problem," Miranda stated.
Flint said nothing. He turned back out the window, wondering. He didn't want her to find someone. In his eyes, he was the only one who could look after her. Nobody else matter more to him in the world than she did. Miranda was a special woman in Flint's life, this is no surprise due to there past but it was Danny he wished to protect for the rest of his life. Flint wanted Danny to himself and he was determined that no one could or would be with her.