Soft, gentle, warm; Jasper's lips were everything I imagined.

There was a suction sound as we parted, evidence he kissed back. My eyes widened in realization of what happened sobering me for the most part.

"I-I-" I didn't know what I could say to apologize.

I looked up at him to realize he was blushing too. Though flabbergasted he was certainly not mad.

"Jasp?" My voice rose to its natural octave, his name coming out as an embarrassed whisper.

"Cal?" He whispered back then looked back down at me, locking eyes and repeating my name. "Cal."

I swallowed still covering my tomato cheeks, though upon closer inspection his cheeks were redder than mine.

Suddenly, there was a bloodcurdling howl.

The moment dead, we both jerked our attentions to below. One of the orphans stood in an empty circle amongst the crowd that was engulfed in dance moments ago, next to a lifeless lump.

Only slightly tipsy now, my hand met the rope ladder as I carefully climbed out of the crow's nest. Unsure what to say to Jasper, I gave him a simply nod before heading down. He gave a small shy nod back.

I focused on each square of rope as I descended trying to figure out how I climbed up so fearlessly. Finally, I reached the ground and made my way through the crowds. Rocky, an orphan just a year younger than me, stood pale looking at the mass on the floor that turned out to be an old pirate's unmoving body.

The carpenter shoved passed me to examine it. He placed two finger on the side of his throat and put his ear to the body's mouth. He counted to ten out-loud. I didn't see a single hair on the carpenter's head move near the ear.

The carpenter came up solemnly, not bothering to try CPR.

"Harrison's gone," he reported.

Everyone stayed silent, simply lowering their eyes in response.

"To the humourous, once so lively, Harrison. A loyal swabbie to the end!" Captain Gryphon stepped in and lead a pirate prayer. Each pirate removed his headgear. "May he rest happy in Davy's locker."

The captain nodded to the closest two men and they lifted Harrison's body. We shuffled out of their way as they carried him to the edge, then tossed him overboard.

I couldn't help but gasp at how smoothly they dealt with that.

"Alright! Party's over! Little 'uns to bed now!" Gryphon bellowed.

This time, no one complained.

All the orphans wobbled toward the door. Noticing Rocky still pale and stiff, I put an arm around him.

"It's okay," I whispered.

"We were just talking," he recounted verge of silent tears. "He was telling me how he couldn't wait to reach his homeland so he could retire from the pirate life and settle down with his daughters. Then-" Rocky sniffled "then he could no longer talk- I thought he was crying, but there were no tears, just pain on his face! He was clenching his chest and then he collapsed!" He began hyperventilating. I rubbed his back gently.

"Sh, it's okay. It's over now. Nothing could have been done," I whispered as I lead him inside.

It was at that moment I came to the realization of the orphans' purpose. We were meant to replace the dying pirates.

I glanced back in astonishment, unplanning to meet the eyes of Captain Gryphon who mirrored my realization. He appeared distraught as he turned away and silently thundered up the quarterdeck steps, obviously headed for the navigation room.

Someone's not ready to meet Davy. I silently mused.

*Author's Note*

This was a super short chapter with a suddenly dark ending... Yeah, sorry about that. Anywho, hope you like so far. Look forward to tomorrow's!