Sherlock breathed in the salty ocean spray and closed his eyes in contentment, a small smile gracing his lips.
He had been freed from the constricting garments he had worn earlier and was back in his inky black coat with his precious hat atop his head.
Behind him, the crew was preparing for a lengthy voyage, longer than any distance they'd ever travelled before. Each man had his hands full with dragging on barrels of water and crates of food; they had to be extra prepared so as to ensure they'd survive the journey ahead.
Thankfully, all the supplies were paid for by her majesty Queen Elizabeth. It also helped that the cargo bay was now empty of all treasure, cursed or otherwise, that had been turned over to the authorities.
The dark haired man was among his loyal men, getting ready for a trip out onto the beautiful, endless ocean where he would rob his brother's political enemies of their treasure in pulse-pounding raids more thrilling than any drug.
Not to mention he had complete diplomatic immunity.
The waters would be warm, the locations would be interesting and new; who knows, he might even get an island hideaway.
There was only one thing missing.
"How do I look?"
Sherlock turned to address the man who had asked the question. John was clothed in clothing more suited to his new occupation: a light cotton shirt and loose but well-fitted trousers now adorned his frame as well as a sleek new sword sheathed at his hip. He had medium height boots that added about a quarter inch to his height and a kerchief was tied around his neck, adding a splash of emerald green color to the get-up.
"You look adequate." The pirate stated, giving the doctor a once over. John raised his eyes and slapped his hands on his legs.
"Thanks." He said sarcastically, walking over to the captain.
"I simply meant that you look adequately prepped to handle life aboard my ship." Sherlock explained turning to face the doctor fully.
"Wow, it's not even my first day and you've already given me a life sentence." John teased, stepping close to the dark-haired man.
"One can only hope."
They smiled at one another, their eyes locked for a good while before Sherlock took something from behind his back. He held the dark object up like a screen so no one could see what occurred behind it.
The pirate leaned in and pressed his lips to John's in a warm kiss, it was slow and loving, like they had all the time in the world to do this, it promised that there would be many more of these in the future.
They separated, John grinning stupidly and Sherlock with his eyes full of affection and a gentle smile across his lips.
As they pulled away the captain placed the object onto the doctor's head.
It was a small brimmed tricorn hat, like a smaller version of the hat that Sherlock wore; only this one had a single feather that extended out of the side. It was a speckled brown on one side and blended into white on the other side with darker brown stripes lining it.
The soft feather was that of an English hawk.
"Now you look like a pirate." Sherlock said with a smirk.
"Captain! We're ready to go!" Greg called from the upper deck causing the two seamen to look up towards the unfurled sails and the primed ship.
"Set sail!" The pirate captain shouted back.
He strode up to the very bow of the boat and as the ship began to move through the water he gripped a rope and leaned out towards the rising sun.
The gleaming bow of the Pistoris sliced through the waves as Sherlock's coat flew out behind him.
He, his crew, his ship, and his love were all on their way to a brand new life.
And it was going to be a good one.