The episode "Lily" was SO INTENSE O.O

And may I add: WHY THAT ENDING?!

… So I hope you enjoy this chapter. Yep.

KILLIAN JONES

The crew somehow managed to find more money, just enough to satisfy Captain Swan. I don't want to know how they did it, but I have a feeling that it was through pickpocketing and much worse things. After two days and nights at port, we're off through Halen's Pass.

The route doesn't excite me. Only pirates sail there, and it's a famous spot for terrible storms. Normally I'm not afraid of storms. Yet, seeing as how my previous encounter with one got me separated from my brother and thrown to the mercy of pirates, I can honestly say I'm a little nervous. The waves have already become larger and rougher, and the ship sways and rocks with more strength.

On a slighter better note, chats between me and the Captain have become a pretty regular occurrence, especially since our impromptu dance a couple nights ago. She's allowed me to go up on deck once in a while, and when I'm up there I find myself constantly looking over at her. She looked over at me a few times, too. Of course Mr. Smith has noticed this, and last night he confronted me about it.

The short man had escorted me back to my room before lights-out. He was pretty agitated. He made it exceedingly clear that I should "stay away from Captain Swan" and to mind my own business. I smiled and accused him of having feelings for her, to which he gave a snort but stumbled backward over himself to run off. I decided he was "all bark and no bite" as Liam sometimes said.

Smith seems to be avoiding me, as of now, but I have noticed him puppy-guarding the Captain earlier today. He never left her side and wouldn't hesitate to throw an ill-meaning look at me when her back was turned. He's doing it now, actually, sticking a tongue out at me from across the deck. I give him a quick wink over my shoulder, just to irritate him. Strangely, he's not near the Captain.

"Mornin'."

I turn around. It's her. I smile. "Ah, I was beginning to think you'd fallen overboard."

She chuckles. "Funny. I should keep you around as a jester for the ship. You'd be a good morale booster."

"I'm glad you find me humorous."

"I don't." Mr Smith is suddenly beside me.

The Captain apparently doesn't hear this remark. "Mr. Smith, just the man I wanted to see." The poor lad's face actually brightens at this. "I want you and Lee to go check the stocks of provisions." His face falls again. With a "yes ma'am" he scurries off.

As soon as he's out of earshot, the Captain lets out an exasperated breath. "Finally, he's gone."

I give her a surprised look. "You wanted him gone?"

"Yes!" She runs a hand over her face. "He's been so clingy lately. I've got shitloads of work to do to prepare for the Pass. He keeps hovering around me and getting in the way of things. It's like he's suddenly decided to be my personal bodyguard."

I laugh. "So you've noticed it as well?"

She nods. "Yeah. I'll have to talk to him about it. It's unlike him."

"He seems quite fond of you."

The Captain narrows her eyes at me. They match the water: stormy green. "What the hell is 'fond' supposed to mean? Are you suggesting that he has feelings toward me?" She raises an eyebrow.

I shrug. "Well, it makes sense. He keeps telling me to back off from you and he's constantly guarding you. And, why wouldn't he have feelings toward you? You're…" I stop myself.

She seems amused by this. "I'm…?"

I will the blood rising to my cheeks to stop. Dammit, why do I do this to myself?

"I'm what?"

"You're asking too many questions, that's what."

This gets a loud laugh. "You made me ask the questions!"

A heavy roll of thunder interrupts us. I flinch. The sky above us is mostly blue, but thick black clouds approach from the horizon. Shit.

The Captain whistles as if impressed. "Well, that came out of nowhere. We must be entering the Pass."

Another crack of thunder makes me flinch again.

"You okay?" She looks at me with concern. Her eyebrows furrow together and her ocean-like eyes fix on me. The growing wind whips her hair about, but she seems not to notice it. I let her eyes bore into me and forget why she is asking me if I'm okay.

"Yeah," I say. "Just… the last storm I was in, I got separated from my brother, remember?"

She presses her lips together. "Right. Um… would you feel better below deck?"

I nod. The ship gives a small lurch and I go for the door that leads below. She accompanies me, to my surprise, following in my wake. I walk through the door and head down the stairs and soon stand in front of my door. I turn around and she's standing in front of me.

"Thanks. Won't Mr. Smith have a hissy-fit at you escorting me down here?" I try for an amused smile.

She merely rolls her eyes. "Screw whatever he thinks. I can't have my guest uncomfortable."

The smile becomes genuine. "So I've upgraded from prisoner to guest?"

She smirks and nods. "And acquaintance to friend. Or, an almost-friend. Don't get cocky." She crosses her arms and turns on a heel. I listen to her boots as they clamp down the hall.

Even as the storm worsens, the smile won't come off my face. I lay in bed and hear the rain beat against the wood planks of the deck, grinning like an idiot.

Agggggg, CS cuteness! I'm giving y'all the fluff now, cause later chapters will get angsty mwuhaha! PLEASe revIEW! -Rin