Chapter 7

IT'S ALIVE! MY COMPUTER'S ALIIIIVE! Oh, and so am I! :D

The main reason It took so long to update is a cross between computer problems, and that I simply could not find a spot to end this chapter. So, I ended up with this 7,000+ worded monstrosity. This is quite possibly the longest thing I've ever written. I hope to update again within the next two weeks!

Allons-y!


"Ready?" Arthur asked cheerfully as he held his hand out to Al, so to help him down the gangway to the dock. Alfred hesitated as he looked down said dock to the town that awaited at its end, where various shouts, screams, and cheers could be heard along with the occasional burst of gunfire.

"No…" he answered honestly, but took the pirate's hand despite his feelings.

There is a reason that Port Nassau is so famous, as it is the pirate strong hold of the Caribbean. Not even the Royal Naval ships are bold enough to come close to these waters. Pirates of every kind take port here to meet and share what tactics they've learned, or to blow all their money and get completely sloshed. They would sell and trade their stolen goods before gathering their crew to go out and steal some more.

Alfred found himself stumbling a bit once he stepped off onto the dock. Arthur chuckled at this and caught Al's shoulder to steady him.

"It seems like you need to get back your land legs. Don't worry, you'll get used to the difference of land and sea in no time." he assured, but Al was a little weary of how long 'no time' would be. The captain then turned back to the ship, his face twisting into a scowl.

"I want those goods unloaded and sold off by sundown or none of ya are leaving the ship!" he barked at the remaining crew, glaring at the ones who dared so much as grumble a protest. He then gave a smug smirk before he turned around and fearlessly made his way down the dock.

Surprised by the jagged mood swings, Alfred was hesitant to fallow, until he realized he would he left behind and quickly ran to catch up.

"So, uh.. how long are we staying?" Alfred asked nervously as they walked down the creaky docks that lead into the dreaded town.

Arthur shrugged "It should be for about 3 or so days... pity it can't be longer." he mused as his emerald eyes darted about from each ship they past and to any else in sight.

"Yeah, pity…" Al muttered sarcastically as he watched Arthur's eyes continue to jump around.

"What are you looking for?" he finally asked. Arthur's eyes glanced back at him for a second before quickly going back to what they had been doing.

"Just seeing who's here," he replied, "best to know who you need to look out for before going to town. Also too see if there's anyone useful here too.", his eyes continued to search about the ships until they landed onto one that seemed to hold a meaning, as the moment Arthur saw it he immediately scowled in disgust. Al's eyes fallowed Arthur's to the offending vassal and found a ship that looked to be about the same size as The Britannia Angel, if not a bit fancier in design, with a Jolly Roger that had a French fleur de lis with cross bones beneath it.

"Sigh, could be worse, I guess" the captain scoffed as he turned away, "could of ended up running into that damned Spaniard."

Alfred's brows drew up in confusion, "Who?"

"Hmm? Oh, just some uh… acquaintances of mine. We've never gotten along quite well." he said with that smirk that only made Alfred more nervous.

"If anything the frog could be proven useful, as long as hiscapitainedoesn't interfere." he added as he glanced back at the ship.

His eyes widened for moment of surprise before he smiled and casually turned forward.

"Not much farther till we reach town!" he grinned. Alfred quickly looked ahead and was mournful to find that the captain was indeed correct, as they were merely a few short paces from the docks end. Al swallowed heavily. Arthur chuckled as he threw his arm around Alfred again,

"No worries, I promise it wont be as bad as it sounds." he assured before pulling Alfred along with him.


Arthur lied.

This town was… was… Alfred couldn't even describe it! All he knew was if his home town priest were to walk into this place, the poor old man would have died from a heart attack.

There were pirates as far as the eye could see, all running about talking and laughing, and nearly all had some sort of drink in hand, which was surprising as it was only just pass noon. Many of them were dressed in brightly colored and some higher class clothing but they were all obviously stolen.* Most of them looked to be under 30, and while there were still quite a few older men, the younger sailors still very much out numbered them*. And thenthere were the woman, and they were all, um, well…

Alfred blushed and quickly looked away as a very…'gifted' woman gave him a sultry wink.

'Dear Christ, how did she fit in that bodice? A-and is that one showing herknee!'Alfred thought franticly as he held up his hand to block them from his sight. He had a feeling those 'Inns' they were flaunting themselves out in front of were not actual Inns.

"So what do you think?" Arthur grinned as he motioned to the town around them, which featured pirates using bottles for target practice, various drunks passed out on the side of the road, and someone being physically thrown out of a tavern, and from off the second floor balcony no less. Thankfully he landed onto a couple of hay bails.

"Uh, I-" Alfred had no idea what to say.

"Some culture shock is understandable, threw me off a bit too, but you'll love it soon enough." Arthur grinned as he pulled Alfred along, a bit faster then before.

"Ah, Arthur? Can you slow down a bi-" Arthur cut him off.

"I can't wait to reach the Brassy Lassie! The barman there owes me a few favors so he'll be sure to give free drinks!" The captain explained excitedly with a smirk.

"Free drinks? I thought you weren't going to-" Arthur cut him off again.

"What's a visit to Nassau with out a good ale? Don't tell me you've never gotten drunk before!" He teased as he took a sharp turn down another road.

"No, I-" Alfred tried to defend.

"I see, you're afraid of the hangover! Well you're in luck, because I just so happen to know the secret to avoiding one!" Arthur boasted before he pulled Alfred closer so he could whisper in his ear. Alfred nearly stumbled at the sudden pull but tried to listen while at the same time keep pace with Arthur.

"We're being fallowed, don't look back, keep up, and just play along "He whispered sharply, his eyes taking a quick cautious look behind them before he pulled back wearing his fake grin.

Alfred eyes widen, 'What? Fallowed?' The temptation to look back and check was almost over whelming, but Al resisted and instead mentally scrambled for something to say.

"I-I don't believe you!" He snapped his voice a little shaky. "There's no way scones would work!"

Arthur looked at him oddly before cracking up in laughter. "Of course they would! They're practically magic for hangovers!" He exclaimed as he picked up the pace again.

They then took another turn onto a street where The Brassy Lassie was in clear sight right across the road. Arthur quickly looked behind them before suddenly shoving Alfred into a tight ally way, fallowing in right after.

"Go, go!" He demanded and soon they were both sprinting down the back allies and behind buildings. Dodging barrels and hopping over drunks, slowing down only to avoid suspicion before speeding up again. All the while Arthur kept a firm grasp on Alfred's wrist until they were far enough away and on a less populated street. The two then collapsed agents the side of a building, gasping for breath.

"We lost them." Arthur grinned as he looked down the way they came.

"Wh-who were they?" Alfred asked, still trying to catch his breath. He hadn't been able to get a look at them.

"Oh, just some people I might of upset the last time I saw them," Arthur shrugged as he straightened his hat. "I swear, they had no sense of humor…" the pirate murmured to himself.

Alfred again decided to put Arthur's murmurs under the list of thing he'll pretend he hadn't heard.

"Alright, let's go." The older suddenly declared as he grabbed Alfred's wrist again and lead him down the street.

"Now where are we going?" The younger asked, not wanting to run around anymore.

"Here." Arthur said as he stopped and pointed at the tavern before them. The sign read 'Rose Rum' and the tavern itself was much quieter compared to the ones from earlier.

"I know the barmaid; she'll let us eat for half the price." He explained as he lead Al in.

Although it was not crowded, there were still enough patrons to keep the most the tables full and the barmaids working. These ladies, thankfully, did not seem as forward as the ones form before. Arthur led him to a table a bit farther from the rest where their conversations couldn't be directly over heard. Arthur then looked around the room a moment until he found the barmaid he knew.

"Rebecca!" he called over with a wave. An older woman with dark curly hair turned to them and smiled when she saw Arthur. She then walked over and playfully smacked the captain on the shoulder.

"'Ello there Captain, where ye been all this time? I got scared ye would never pay yer tab!" she scolded jokingly.

Arthur gave a light laugh as he rubbed his shoulder, "About that…"

"No coin, no food." The woman deadpanned. Her hands were on her hips as she looked down on Arthur, not unlike a mother who just caught her child stealing from the pantry.

"It's not that I won't pay! I just can't pay what I own you at the moment! And I'm not just paying for myself here." he explained as he motioned to Alfred.

Having not noticed him, woman's face brightened with delight when she did, fallowed by Alfred suffering the irritatingly familiar feeling of having his cheeks being pinched. Sadly Mattie was not here to suffer with him.

"Yer so adorable! Who old ye be? Ten?" she cooed as she finally released him.

"I'm fourteen…" Alfred grumbled as he tried to rub some feeling back into his cheeks, his pride clearly wounded.

"Fourteen! Don' ye feed him anythin'?" The barmaid gasped as she shot a glare at Arthur.

"Oi, Don't go blaming me! I found him like this. The lad was stowed away on a merchant ship." he explained, putting his hands up in defense.

"Ye poor dear." She exclaimed as she turned back to Al, "Well then, how about some beef and potato stew? On the house!" She smiled.

Alfred grinned at the offer; he hadn't had a fresh cooked meal in so long! All of the meats he had eaten on Arthur's ship had gone cold by the time they ate them and always tasted of salt.

"Two stews?" Arthur cut in as he leaned into her sight.

She narrowed her eyes at him "Ye paying for yers." she stated firmly.

"Even the tea?" Arthur whined with false distress.

'There's that pout again, does he even know he does that?'Alfred thought in amusement.

"… Fine I'll give ye the tea" she sighed and left the two to retrieve their meals.

"She was nice." Alfred commented. Although is cheeks still ached from their abuse, his stomach was happy to get a free meal.

"Aye, she is, unless you mess with one of her girls," Arthur warned as he gestured to the other barmaids, most of whom were in their mid teens to early 20s, a contrast to Rebecca who looked to be in her 40s. "because if you do, you'll learn why they called her Bloody Beck in her pirate days."

Alfred's eyes widened. "She was a Pirate?" he gaped.

Arthur snorted at Al's expression "Of course she was, how do you think she got the money to own this place?"

"But she's so nice!" Al exclaimed.

Arthur rolled his eyes "Anyone can be a pirate you know." he pointed out, "As long as you have a ship and a crew, there's no stopping you."

"Except the law." Alfred deadpanned.

Arthur stared at Alfred for a moment, as if trying to decipher what on earth the younger had just said, until he finally asked, "Do you know what it means to be a pirate?"

Alfred looked at Arthur oddly, "It means you're a criminal." he stated, as it was completely obvious.

"No." Arthur paused

"Well… actually yes, but that's not what I'm saying!" he snapped. He then looked Alfred straight in the eyes, his expression serious and meaningful.

"What being a pirate means, in its truest form, is freedom."

Alfred brows drew up in confusion, not understanding at all. "What? How is tha-"

"How is it not?!" Arthur asked, his smile wide and completely genuine. "Traveling the endless ocean, going wherever you want, whenever you want! Seeing lands you never even heard of before and discovering things you wouldn't believe!" His green eyes seemed to sparkle in excitement.

Alfred stared at the other, honestly surprised by the childish merriment that just seemed to radiate off of him. It truly reminded Al of himself when he got excited for something, and after hearing Arthur's description of piracy, it actually sounds like something he would get excited for.

That is, if he hadn't seen those bodies stacked on a blood soaked deck, waiting to be looted and thrown overboard.

"If it's about traveling then why not become a merchant sailor, or join the navy?" Alfred asked, mentally pushing back the memories.

Arthur scowled, his former merriment completely gone "Are you joking? What do you think half these men were before they went pirate?" he asked as he nodded his head to the other men in the room.

Al frowned as he glanced around. There were groups of men who were talking loudly, drinking, and flirting with the barmaids, while other more devious looking groups were talking in hushed whispers in the far corners of the room. The rest of them were paired off, simply eating, talking, or drinking together.

Arthur crossed his arms "Although it is more then just traveling, as a legal sailor you are not only considered the lowest class in society, but you're also forced to fallow boring repetitive maps that only lead to the dull ports for your next trade off. And then, after risking your life at sea, you're paid with only peanuts compared to what a pirate can get on a signal prize." he explained.

"But you kill people to get you prize." Alfred argued.

"And the Navy doesn't kill? And I'll have you know, most pirates only kill if their catch is dumb enough to put up a fight, and as for the guys on the last ship, those bastards had it coming to them after what they did." Arthur snapped.

"And what did they do?" Alfred snapped back.

"They stole from me." he stated coldly. "They stole from me, and what they stole was something far more valuable than anything else in this world." Arthur's sharp emerald eyes bore directly in to Alfred's.

"Alright ye two, break et up! There be no brawling in my pub!" Rebecca cut in between them, setting down the tray that carried two steaming bowls of beef and potato stew along with two plain white tea cups and a pot of tea.

"I brought an extra cup for him in case he wanted some." she told them. Arthur mumbled a thanks as he took a cup.

"Um, actually, do you have any coffee?" Alfred asked softly.

"I believe so, I'll be right back," Rebecca said before taking back the now empty tray and cup and then leaving.

A tense silence hung between the two for a few moments.

"You drink coffee?" Arthur asked awkwardly as he pour himself some tea.

"Yeah." Alfred murmured, looking away from Arthur and at his food.

"I see..."

Another silence.

"Alfred?" Arthur asked, his eyes on his tea.

"Yeah?" Al responded as he poked a potato chunk with his fork.

"Haven't you ever wanted to go on an adventure?" he asked.

Alfred paused before looking up at Arthur. Yes, the idea of going on an adventure has always intrigued him, but of course that was until… he shook his head and looked away again.

"I did, and I tried, and look where I ended up." he murmured, stabbing a cut of beef.

Arthur sighed, "Well, maybe you didn't have the right plan?" he critiqued, "I mean, traveling a great distance to find your long lost Father can be thrilling and all, honorable even, but with out the right resources or company, it's no wonder that you ended up in the situation you are now." the captain shrugged.

"And what's your point?" Alfred glared.

"Well my point is," Arthur continued "Now that you're stuck here with me, you might as well enjoy some excitement." he smiled before taking a bite of beef.

"And by excitement you mean repeatedly attacking ships and killing people, just to take their money and spend it all on ale and rum before doing the same thing again?" Alfred criticized.

Arthur frowned, "Really, such an attitude does not suit that face at all," he complained. "and besides, as much as I enjoy a good drink, there are far more… interesting things out there." he grinned as he patted to pocket of his coat, the pocket where he had placed the maps from that morning.

Arthur's words from earlier seem to ring in Alfred's ears.

'Seeing lands you never even heard of before and discovering things you wouldn't believe!'

Alfred quickly banished the thought away, not wanting to think about the very thing that influenced him to get into this mess, his love of adventure.

His plan when leaving home may have been to simply find his father, but he knew that there was a part of himself that wanted something else to happen on the way, a part of him that wanted some of his old childish fantasies to come to life. Be it something as horrifying as fighting a ghost ship, as romantic as finally finding his one true love, …or as thrilling as meeting a pirate.

Well, he got the last one.

"Here ye go dear! Took a bit longer then I thought but I found ye some!" Rebecca laughed as she placed a chipped mug of coffee in front of him.

"Thank you" Alfred smiled as he snapped out of his thoughts.

"Yer welcome Dear. Are ye both finished?" she asked as she noticed the now empty bowls,

"Aye, thank you." Arthur nodded and handed her the bowls.

"Coin too." she demanded scornfully. Arthur sighed and handed over the pay for his meal.

"Right then! If there be anythin' else, just yell. If not, well, it always good to be seeing ye lad." she told them, winking at Arthur before walking off.

"And I expect that tab paid!" she called back.

Arthur laughed as he poured himself another cup. "Such a tough woman, a kind one, but a tough one." he murmured.

Alfred quietly sipped his coffee, happy to have the familiar bitter taste back, but not even that could distract him from his thoughts.

"…Arthur?" Alfred asked, eyes locked on the dark liquid in his cup.

"Aye?" the captain replied.

Alfred bit is lip, "You're telling me to 'enjoy some excitement', and I would honestly love to, but… I don't want to hurt anyone, and I don't want to sit back and watch people die. I-I just can't." Al said softly, his form practically hunched over his coffee.

Arthur was quiet for a moment, looking at Alfred, before he turned back to his tea.

"I wish I could tell you that you won't have to worry about that, that nobody is going to die. But… it happens." he paused and sighed before facing Alfred.

"The biggest downfall of being a pirate, let alone a sailor, is that you have a much bigger chance of dying." he stated bluntly. "Weather it be the rage of a storm, the sickness of disease, the hunger of starvation, the fury of a fight, the mysteries of the deep, or the hang mans noose. Either way, there are many people you will see today that you will never see again. The most I can do for you is watch your back and teach you to defend yourself, so that youdon't end up dead."

Alfred remained silent, eyes still lost in the dark ripples of his drink as he soaked in all the Arthur had told him.

'I'm going to see people die… and there is nothing I can do to stop it…' Alfred thought, 'Not very surprising really, I mean, I knew this from the beginning... right?'he chewed his lip 'I guess this means that… I-Iwillend up killing someone… sooner or later…'

"Oi," Arthur called to him.

Alfred looked up, startled out of his thoughts.

"Please, don't start crying again," Arthur asked, concerned. His hands were out, as if ready to catch Alfred if he were to fall forward.

Al's cheeks redden as he realized the look he must have had on his face "I'm not going to cry!" he snapped defensively, smacking Arthur's hands away before rubbing away any potential tears from his eyes.

"Right then, of course not. Sorry." He laughed lightly, putting his hands up in defense. "I didn't mean to upset you," he smiled softly.

Alfred glanced back at his mug "It's alright…" he mumbled.

Arthur's smile faded, "Look, I know you won't like to hear this, but, I find the best way to cope with the deaths is to keep interaction with others to a minimum. That way if something happens to them, you won't feel so effected." he offered.

Alfred looked up at him, a bit confused, "Doesn't that mean, I should keep interaction with you at a minimum as well?" he asked.

"No!" Arthur said quickly.

Alfred stared at him oddly as the captains face reddened and he cleared his throat.

"I mean, you shouldn't!" he said, "After all, seeing how things are going for the two of us, it's best to have somebody to lean back on." he stated hurriedly, his cheeks still a bit pink.

Alfred sighed. 'Such a weird guy, though he does have a point.' he thought.

"Anyhow, since we will be staying here for the next three days we best get ourselves situated," Arthur declared, obviously wanting to change the subject. Alfred went along with it, really wanting to get away from the darker mood.

"Alright, so, most if not all of the crew is going to spend the next few nights either passed out dunk somewhere, or in one of the brothels,*" Arthur told him.

Al blushed as the woman from earlier resurfaced in his mind. 'I knew those weren't actual Inns.' he thought.

"On account of protecting our health, and my coin, you and I will be sleeping on the ship." Arthur stated as he poured himself another cup.

"Will Mark be staying on the ship too?" Alfred asked nervously.

Arthur thought for a moment, "I don't think so," he started, "normally he goes out and has a good time with the rest of the crew. Besides, there isn't much he can do now when the crew is scattered across the port and toasting to my name as we speak." the captain smirked. Alfred rolled his eyes.

"And Jack?" Al added, the terrorizing chase from that morning still fresh in his memory.

The captains eyes narrowed a bit as he leaned back in his chair, "We'll be fixing that." he simply stated before taking a sip of tea.

Alfred frowned, he hated it when Arthur said things like that, and what did he mean by 'we'?

The captain pulled out his watch, checking the time before glancing at the taverns entrance with an annoyed expression.

"He should be here by now…" Arthur muttered.

Al gave him a questioning look.

"An acquaintance of mine, the French one I mentioned before," Arthur explained, "The bearded bastard always visits Rebecca when ever he's in town. The damn frog probably got caught up in a brothel." he cursed.

'Hold on,' Alfred thought, 'Frog, French, bearded bastard, is that…?'

"Are you talking about that guy you knocked over board?" Alfred asked, recalling the story that Arthur told him last night.

Arthur sighed and slumped deeper into his chair, "Unfortunately." he grumbled. "I still think the captain should of left him for Davy Jones*, but alas, she was too kind to leave him." Arthur rested his chin in his palm as he lazily spun the tea spoon around in his cup.

"Is he really that bad?" Alfred asked. Judging from Arthur's actions, he couldn't tell if the guy was an actual threat or not. The last thing Al wanted was another Jack or Mark to worry about.

"Oh god is he!" Arthur exclaimed, "He is the most annoying prat you ever meet! It is as if his only meaning in existence is to drive me mad!" The captain nearly shouted. The man almost looked ready to pull his own hair out.

'Too late for that.'Alfred thought,

"If you hate him so much, why do you want to meet with him?" Al asked

Arthur shrugged as he leaned back again, "I've been stuck knowing that frog for years, and while he is a pathetic, single minded, egotistical git, he is still somewhat useful." Arthur explained,

"For example, when you need live bait." he added with a smile.

Alfred rolled his eyes at the others comment, but still cracked a smile at the joke.

'At least I hope it's a joke.' he thought.

"So," Al started, leaning back in his chair, "about how long unti-"

Alfred froze mid-sentence. His eyes widening as he caught sight of something that was just so bizarre it nearly caused the boy to choke.

Sitting not two tables away from them were a pair of men.

Two very male men.

Kissing.

Alfred was speechless.

'Wha-, who- why-?'

"Are you alright?" Arthur asked concernedly as the teen stared out with a look of total shock and confusion. Arthur looked in the direction Al was looking, but was still confused as he didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

"What's wrong?" he asked

"'W-what's wrong?' what are those guys doing!" Alfred asked franticly as he pointed to the men two tables away who were sitting much closer to each other then necessary.

Arthur frowned when he realized what exactly it was that was bothering the younger.

"Put you hand down, it's rude to point." the pirate sighed as he took a sip of his tea. Al hesitated for a moment before doing so and was still very much confused.

Arthur was quiet for a moment, before finally speaking.

"I take it... that you've never seen that sort of affection before?" Arthur asked as he mindlessly spun his tea spoon around in his cup.

Alfred nodded his head.

"And I take it that you're very surprised?" he asked.

Alfred nodded again, his eyes darting between Arthur and the couple.

"And I take… that you're agents such affections?" the tea spoon clinked agents the side of the cup.

Alfred paused, not entirely sure what to say. Arthur looked directly at him, waiting for an answer.

"Y-yes? No? I don't know!I've never seen that before!" he exclaimed, pointing to the pair again.

"Hand." Arthur stated, Alfred quickly put it down.

Arthur sighed again before finishing his tea in a single gulp and then looking directly at Alfred.

"It's better that I tell you now." he started, "Because, relationships such as theirs are actually quite common at sea."* He said as he nodded his head toured the pair.

Alfred looked at him, puzzled. "Wh-what?"

"It's normal; you will be seeing it a lot." Arthur stated bluntly.

"W-why? Why would they- What about them?" Alfred asked, motioning to the barmaids.

Arthur went silent for a moment, thinking over how he would explain this matter.

"Alfred, do you know why Nassau is so famous?" Arthur then asked.

"B-because it's a pirate haven?" Alfred questioned.

"Aye, but the reason it became such a popular port to sail to among pirates is not only because of its security, but also because it is one of the very few, if not only, pirate havens with such a high number of woman." He told him. "Any other port or ship is almost completely dominated by men. And, as these men are human, they seek companionship. But since you can't exactly take your girl out to sea with you, as it could cause problems amongst the crew, most men turn to their mates for such company." Arthur explained.

"S-so they're all just… fine with being with other men?" Al asked, trying to grasp the idea.

"Well, not all," Arthur began, rubbing the back of is neck, "for many it's simply a matter of having no other options, and for the rest it's-" Arthur's cheeks turned a light pink as he glanced away for a second, "It's a matter of preference." he finished.

"Of preference?" Alfred asked, confused.

"Yes, preference." Arthur responded. "Remember how I told you that the freedom that piracy gave was more then just for traveling?" he asked.

Alfred nodded, not sure where the other was going with this.

"Well, it's also for those who have a preference in… the gender they fancy. For you see, where as in the cities or in the navy, it would be dangerous for men to ever engage in such relations, as they would be punished by their society, but with pirates, it's simply accepted." Arthur explained with a faint smile on his lips.

Alfred stared at him blankly for a moment, still not quite sure what to think.

"So…" Al began, "sodomites are accepted?" he asked, Arthur twitched.

"To put it crudely, yes." he replied, his voice a touch colder as his eyes narrowed.

"Oh, um, sorry." Alfred mumbled, rubbing the back off his neck nervously.

"...It's fine," Arthur sighed before pouring the last of the tea into his cup. "Just don't go calling people that, or you will be shot."

Alfred paled at the thought and immediately closed his mouth.

'But what else do you call them?' Al couldn't help thinking, because while he may not of ever seen people like that before, he had heard of them. Although what he had heard was usually just the gossiping whispers of the towns folk, the kinds of which he and his brother would be shooed away from if they were discovered listening. That and of course Father Davidson's sermon from a few years ago, which only lasted for about ten minuets. It consisted of nine minutes of the poor man stuttering and struggling to even so much as say the word sodomite before giving up and declaring: "I beg you my children, banish such thoughts! For man is to act as man, as woman is to act as woman. For that was the design of the our Father the almighty." and then promptly running away from the podium. This didn't explain much of anything, although it was amusing to see just how many shades of red the old mans face could turn.

"I'm surprised you hadn't noticed them all sooner, I just assumed you didn't mind them." Arthur shrugged as he nodded his head in the direction of another pair of men. They were standing at the bar where one of them had their arm wrapped around the others waist.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Alfred frowned at the oddity of the scene before looking back to Arthur, who was watching him with a somewhat curious look. Al looked away.

"I guess... I'm just not used to seeing that kind of thing." Alfred murmured "I'll need some time to get used to it." he added before glancing back at Arthur, who, for some reason, almost seemed relieved to hear the other say that.

"It's for the best really." The captain approved, "A good amount of the crew are together as such so it would be better for you to avoid anymore conflict." he explained.

Alfred nodded his head in agreement as his hands toyed around with his now empty mug. And then, a thought came to him. Hesitatingly biting his lip, Al looked across at the other before focusing back on his mug.

"Er... Arthur?" He asks a little nervously.

"hmm?" Arthur replied, frowning as he lifted the tea pots lid, as he was disappointed to discover that he was all out of tea.

"What are you?" Alfred asked awkwardly, wincing at his own question.

Arthur froze, taken back by what he was asked.

"...whot?"

"Y-you said that some men, ah, 'pair up' because they don't have a choice," Alfred started, "while others are a-actually, um, like that. So... which are you?" Alfred asked. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, embarrassed after asking something so bizarre and personal. His eyes looked anywhere but at Arthur who remained completely silent.

'Maybe I shouldn't of asked...'Al thought as he chanced a glance at the other. Arthur sat still in his chair, his face was expressionless and emerald green eyes seem to stare blankly past Al's shoulder. Then, without warning, Arthur shot up, knocking back his chair, and accusingly pointed to the other side or the room.

"Where the fuck have you been you bleeding bastard!" He shouted fiercely, causing Alfred to jump.

"Oh, mon cher! Est-ce une manière de saluer votre ami?~" A smooth and approaching voice answered.

Surprised, Alfred looked back to the source of the voice and found a very fashionably dressed man who looked to be in his early 20's. He wore a light blue coat that was beautifully decorated with golden stitching and delicate silk, and while it looked slightly misfitted, it appeared to be much better fitted then Arthur's scarlet coat was. His dark brown hat had many brightly colored feathers which were fastened with a golden pin, and while most of his blonde hair was tied back, a few wavy locks fell free to stylishly frame his face. He also wore a rather smug grin as he approached, his sapphire blue eye were locked on Arthur's green.

"Oh, for the love of God, speak English!" Arthur snapped as he lowered himself back down onto his chair. He shot a quick glance at Alfred before glaring at the Frenchmen again.

Alfred frowned, not sure if Arthur had simply forgotten the question when seeing the Frenchmen or had used the Frenchmen's arrival to avoid the question entirely.

Said Frenchmen scoffed at Arthur's demand as he grabbed a chair from an empty near by table "Fine, ef you ensist, I'll lower myself to your level." His smirk seemed to widen as he sat down and then propped his feet up on Al and Arthur's table.

Arthur's eyes narrowed at the others shoes before glaring at the Frenchmen. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he hissed. The Frenchmen flinched.

"Pardon? I can not set back and relax? Are you forbidding me?" He challenged as he crossed his arms over his chest. Alfred raised a brow at the mans cheeky behavior before sending a weary look to his thick browed acquaintance.

Arthur sneered as he crossed his own arms, "Unless you that desperate to get your arse kicked, again, I suggest you shut your gob now." he warned with a scowl.

The Frenchmen's grin widened, "Honhonhonhon~ As ef you could land a figure on moi~" he laughed obnoxiously.

Arthur's eyes narrow and then his lips twisted into a smirk, "Last chance frog. Either you belt up and at least try to make a decent first impression," he snapped while nodding his head toward Alfred, "or I'll flog your blasted face in!"

The Frenchmen froze, his eyes widened and his musicals tensed, but not because of the threat. No, no he had heard such threats hundreds of times before. It was when his eyes set on Alfred.

His smirk dropped from his face before he hastily pulled it back on.

"'oo es zis?" he asked, his voice almost sounding nervous.

Arthur quirked a brow at the sudden change of mood, but ignored it. "This in Alfred Jones, he'll be my apprentice from now on. Alfred, this is Francis Bonnefoy, don't get within arms reach of him." he warned.

Alfred nodded as he looked back at Francis who just stared at him in return. Al frowned a little in unease as he silently scooted his chair a little bit away from the man.

Francis dropped his feet to the floor and then glared at Arthur. "When ze 'ell did you get an apprentice?" he hissed, surprising Alfred.

"What's it to you?" Arthur hissed back, annoyed by the man's uncharacteristic hostility.

Francis sighed as he looked over the boy, frowning when he saw how thin he was. "... can 'e even fight?" he hesitantly whispered as his eyes took a quick glance at the entrance

"He's learning." Arthur stated bluntly as his eyes fallow the others glance. Francis bit his lip and looked away as Arthur's eyes found who it was that the Frenchmen had looked at.

"Shite!" Arthur cursed under his breath as he quickly looked away. Nervous from Arthur's reaction, Alfred curiously looked to the entrance and saw four men standing with each just out side the door way. They would occasionally look over at Arthur or Francis and then whisper with each other, and weather it was a pistol or a cutlass, each of them had a hand on resting their weapon, ready to draw it at a moments notice.

"Who are they?" Alfred asked hesitantly.

Arthur glared at Francis, "They are the ones we out ran earlier, and he is the one who lead them right to us!" he harshly whispered. His figures twitched as his hand rested on the hilt of his cutlass, Francis paled.

"I did not 'ave a choice! Zey zreatened to kill me ef I did not take zem to you! It's not like you would not 'ave been able to escape on your own!" he exclaimed quietly.

"But I'm not on my own!" Arthur snapped as he gestured to Alfred. "How the fuck could you let this happen?!" he demanded.

Francis sighed, "Zey over 'eard me talking about you in ze Brassy Lassie and surrounded me. It was four agents one, what did you expect me to do?" he snapped.

Alfred looked between the two nervously. Arthur appeared ready to strangle the Frenchmen while Francis just seemed to be sinking deeper and deeper into his seat.

"Couldn't we just sneak out the back or something?" Alfred asked as he took a quick glance at the four awaiting assailants.

"Non, ef we step out of zeir sight zey'll fire shots into ze tavern, same ef we try to call over Madam Beck." the French pirate explain, he frowned as he looked to the men who were all now looking at him, "We 'aven't got much time now, zey expected me to 'ave lured you out by now." he muttered.

Arthur fell silent, his eyes studying the men at the door before looking to the other patrons and the barmaids.

"Well," he started, clapping his hands together, "I guess we should go to them!" Arthur then stood up and headed toward the door. "Come on Alfred." he called back. Alfred hesitated, but then stood up to follow.

Francis shot up. "What! Are you insane? Going alone is one zing, but to bring ze boy with you? Zey'll kill 'im!" The Frenchmen exclaimed frantically.

Alfred stopped, swallowing heavily at the outburst. He looked to Arthur for some sort of reassurement, only to see the man turn back and grin madly at them.

"Do you doubt me?"


Language

Sorry for any butchering of the French language, I do not know it myself so any fault goes to Bing Translator. Spelling/grammar corrections are welcomed.

Oh, mon cher! Est-ce une manière de saluer votre ami?: Oh, my dear! Is that any way to greet your friend?

Facts

Clothing: Many pirates would wear the most fancy clothing they possessed when they were at port so to show off how successful they were. Since the clothes were stolen they would not always fit, but despite this, as far as pirates were concerned, fashion was still greater then function.

Age: The most common age your average pirate to was in the mid-to-late 20s, possibly younger.

Brothels: whore house

Davy Jones: There is no known source of were the name came from but its meaning is usually depicted as fear, the bottom of the sea, or the devil.

Homosexuality among Pirates: There have been theories and even proof that a lot of pirates may have been either homosexual, or were heterosexual but had engaged in homosexual activity (Because finding a woman on a ship was very rare.) The 17th century pirate and writer, Louis Le Golif, complained about homosexuality in Tortuga, where he had to fight two duels to keep the more passionate suitors at bay. At some point the French Governor of Tortuga imported over a thousand female prostitutes in hopes to stop the men from fighting over each other. The rest of the history that I found supporting these theories is very interesting and a key reason I continued writing this fic, and if you want to find something really interesting, simply Google the word matelotage.

Sorry for the rushed ending, I just wanted this done! I promise to update soon!