Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or ideas from "Outlander." They belong to Diana Gabaldon.
A/N: There are changes in my story to the Outlander books and shows, so please don't think I'm messing things up and being inaccurate. If you're enjoying my story so far, I would love a comment, kudo or subscription if you wouldn't mind. If it's not your cup of tea and you have constructive criticism, I'd like to hear that too. Any questions ask away. I really don't know what my intentions are for this story, I'm sort of playing it by ear and this stage… if you have a direction in mind, please let me know! Generally, when I write and I'm invested in my work, I am a very prompt updater, and I always finish my work.
Warning: Implied non-consensual sex. Writing for this chapter is not explicit but could trigger some readers.
Chapter 2: "A Family Man, I'll be"
"Captain, when will we be departin'? Ship's full to the brim it is—covered the whiskey with fish just like you said. We'll need to set sail soon before--"
"Oh, I must've been mistaken, Are ye the captain now?" Bonnet smirked from where he was lazily seated. His black boots were neatly folded across his desk, attached to a pair of long and muscular legs.
"Of course, not captain… I only meant--" The regretful sailor shook and stuttered with fear at the approaching Captain Bonnet.
"Question me again-- and perhaps you'll be swemmin' with the sharks dis evenin'." Bonnet half smiled, then chastised him with a few 'less then gentle' slaps across his filthy and dishevelled face.
"Bring me Weasley!" He bellowed and watched as the spared man ran for the hills to fetch 'this Weasley.'
It wasn't long before the same terrified pirate came marching back down to Bonnet's office with 'Weasley' in tow. The short and robust man came barrelling in behind, "Sorry captain, I know you was probably waiting for me…" he muttered quietly, "I found your lass, in town… she's well." He added more confidently this time. "…she was wandering around alone captain…. She seemed afraid of me, she did."
"You did, did you?" Bonnet smiled widely, "what wonderful news," he added, casually cleaning his nails with his dirk.
"I thought it was only your wee bairn, you were wantin' captain?" Weasley puzzled carefully, "I can see why you'd want the lass too though." He grinned obnoxiously.
"I wahn't have ye makin' remarks about the future Mrs Bonnet, now you 'ear?" Bonnet proclaimed, his voice was raised, but he allowed a hint of humour to overshadow it. His words were serious, and the pair knew not to push further.
Stalking in towards the jumpy pair, Bonnet planned to intimidate further. The two older pirates trembled at his large mass towering over them. Both gazing up, too nervous to lock eyes with the pale green ones above them. "The child will need a mother, babies need mothers. –It's one thing to have spawn with some whore, but it's quite another to 'ave a son, with a proper lass—I won't 'ave 'im being some bastard." He spat angrily; a soft spot struck perhaps. It surprised the pair and the way Bonnet's eyes softened once he said it, said it surprised him too.
His plans of torturing Brianna mentally seemed to have come to halt. Partially out of a lack of time, but also for some strange pang in his chest at the thought of what it might do to her. No, he didn't care, he couldn't. It was nothing. Time wasn't on his side and that was that.
"Course not captain." Weasley nodded, "Let me know if ye need any help collecting 'em, happy to help."
"No, you'll stay 'ere and finish preparing the ship. Load up the last of the cargo, we'll be departin' in the mornin'." Briskly he motioned to his coat and wasted no time in collecting his dagger and pistol. Lastly, he pulled the few strands of loose hair back over his ears. Then he made his way towards the door to exit.
"I guess, it's a family man, I'll be gentlemen."
*
"Was he good for you?"
"Oh! he was a pleasure lass! Don't fas yourself!" Mrs bugs gushed placing the bassinet atop the lush grass of the meadow.
"Hello handsome," Bree smiled down to the gummy smile beneath her. Leaning down she lifted him out of his cocoon of blankets. Hearing a "dink" sound as she did. "What's this?" she asked with a brow furrowed. She held the shiny coin up for Mrs bugs to see, it caught the light just right to make her eyes water slightly.
"Oh that! That was a gift, for luck you see… lovely gentleman came around and popped it right in there, he did." She explained, smiling widely at the memory of the charming man she had chatted with just moments before.
"…Who did?" Bree asked so abruptly she had forgotten it wasn't normal behaviour.
"An Irish gentleman he was… He was quite taken with the wee lad." Mrs Bugs smile slowly faded, "I'd never let any harm come to the wee bairn, you ken?"
"Oh of course I do," Bree smiled warmly. "I just don't want his head filled with Irish non-sense." She scoffed playfully and hoped her attempt at playing off her obvious anxiousness had worked. This had to be a sign that her thoughts of making her way back home, were without a doubt the right thing to do.
She had to get back to her own time.
She hated that she'd have to just leave; her mother and father had requested she waited until Aidan was at least one year old. Claire was terrified he'd become unwell on the long journey back to Scotland. But Brianna just couldn't wait any longer, she had to leave. She felt alone, distant and out of place in this strange land.
"You don't look well mistress, are you ill?" Mrs Bugs placed a caring hand on Bree's shoulder.
"Oh yes, I'm fine… I think I'll take Aidan back to the cabin for a rest." She smiled back the best she could.
"Of course, my dear," I'll let Miss Elizabeth know, shall I?" She questioned worriedly, Bree only smiled and nodded her answer, before dismissing herself to head back into the direction of her small cabin. She'd initially been living in the main house, but the constant crying and wailing throughout the night seemed to interrupt everyone's sleep, making her feel like she was constantly walking on eggshells. Sensing her uneasiness, Jamie had built her a small log cabin just outside their residence—a little space of her own, she was grateful for it. Except for times like these, she was left in charge of the ridge. Jamie and her mother were often gone for extended periods of time—this time they'd been gone for nearly two weeks, with no promise of when they'd return.
The questions that clouded Bree's mind were pulled to an immediate halt as she walked through the thick grass surrounding the ridge. "Damn it!" she cursed to herself as she stepped into a large pile of some sort of dung. A strong glass of whiskey was going to be needed if she was to get any sleep today or tonight. It couldn't possibly have been Bonnet, could it? He'd have no interest in his child, alive or not.
Perhaps giving him her forgiveness and seeking him out would be a dyer mistake, had she given him the wrong idea? "What could he possibly have to gain from coming after us." She muttered under her breath as she made her way up the steps of her small lodge. Surely a small child would only slow a man like him down, was it out of spite? Was he just evil and wanting to take something from her that he knew would hurt her? He had to know she would love her child with every fibre of her body… or was it something more fuelling him? Was he coming to claim him out of fraternal attachment? If he was really here-- then why hadn't he just taken him?
The man in town, he hadn't seemed familiar, but she knew Bonnet had many men working for him on his ship and he'd no doubt have spies all around her.
It was time to make her way back, back towards the stones, back to her life. She'd leave tonight.
*
"Excuse me gentlemen, but you wouldn't happen to be able to point me into the direction of 'Fraser's Ridge,' would you?"
"Now darlin' what would a beautifoel yooehng lady like yoehrself be doin' travellin' alone?" He smirked handsomely, "Haven't you got yoehrself a nice lad to point in you in the right direction?" He leant back into his chair, placing his hands slowly onto the back of his head while eyeing her up and down provocatively.
"Oh of course, I'm travelling with someone— "She chose her words wisely. "But I was hoping to have directions by morning, so I could begin to make my way at first light," she smiled back timidly.
"Well, sweetheart, I may have a map I could sell ye, you interested?" He cocked a dimple to the side, he was so handsome, she felt her knees buckle a bit just from his voice and the way his smile crinkled his face to one side.
"Do you always pet name women you aren't acquainted with?" She questioned with a raised brow.
Stephen chuckled at her remark, "nah, o' course not, only the pretty ones."
Bree tried to hold back the smile that was forming on her lips. Charming and handsomely rugged, he was a sight to see. Although he had a jacket on it was clear he was of strong stock, sporting a broad chest and thick arms. His eyes were a piercing green, the kind of green you'd see in a pale and rare emerald. His dirty blonde locks contrasted against them perfectly. Apart from the thick scar on the side of his face and the layer of dirt coating his skin, he was undeniably a very attractive man.
"Well what do you say darlin,' come wit me upstairs and well get the map, what do you say?" He stood up from the chair he was seated in, already knowing her answer it would seem.
"How much do you want for it?" she took a hesitant step back, as she realised just how tall his stature was.
"Comb now, you never 'aggle in public sweetheart." He purred, leaning into her ear, he placed a loose curl back onto the top of her head.
In her gut, she'd known it wasn't right. If she'd looked at herself in that moment through a looking glass, she'd have seen exactly what he had wanted. But for some strange reason, she decided to overlook it. It may have been his Irish charm, or the way he seemed to have a way with his words. It seemed with each phrase he spoke, a seductive purr lingered. Or maybe it had just been the desperation to find her mother and Jamie.
But for whatever the reason, she followed him up those tavern stairs into an unknown room. Had she not entered in first, she may have been able to stop him from bolting the door. "Map's just on dat table over dere." He informed, as he pulled the latch over with one hand.
"Last time I checked… a door doesn't need to be locked to make a purchase." Bree backed her way nervously, bumping into the rooms small wooden desk.
"Well I assumed de exchanged you and I would be sharin,' would." He smiled and began stalking his way over.
"You know darling, I can't quite place youehr accent, where were you frahm? He leant an arm on each side of the desk, boxing Bree's small frame between bulging biceps.
"Umm, all over, I grew up all over," she breathed in nervously, pulling her body back as far into the desk as it would go.
"What's the matter darlin,' you afraid?" He purred, the seeping smell of whiskey hot and strong against her neck, sent a wave of shivers down her entire body.
"I um… I--" She stuttered in an uncertain whisper, her voice was soft and haggard, by his invasive touch and stance. Perhaps a pash or two would have been welcomed, but it was clear from the bulge between his legs he had other plans for the evening.
He leant in further, pinning her body hard with his massive form. Placing his hands on either side of her face he stole a kiss, striking fast and hard. "I believe you have mistaken me!" She gasped, slapping the side of his face so hard, the shattering noise echoed off the room's walls.
"No, I believe it's you who has mistakn' me," he grinned. Ignoring the red welt across his face, he pulled her lips back to his, this time harder, ensuring she couldn't struggle her way out once again. Bonnet smiled as she briefly melted into his body, it was short lived when she came to at the realisation of where their encounter was headed. "I lurve a woman wit spirit," He ignored her protests and thrust his tongue in further. He tasted of strong liquor and the smell of a man's work lingered on his clothing. Before long, it was over, and Bree was left stunned and confused as to whether it had happened at all.
As she reached the door knob to leave, Bonnet walked in behind her, breathing hard he placed a sloppy kiss atop the nape of her neck, "I pay for my pleasures, I'm an honest man for a pirate," he placed the map into her hands. "You ever need anything else sweetheart, you can find me at the 'Gloriana,' Captain Bonnet, at ye service," the screeching of metal soared through the room as he pulled the bolt free.
*
Nightmares.
Almost every night.
The memory of his touch, his hot skin on hers.
The worst was when she'd enjoyed it, tonight had been one of those nights-- she'd need a stiff drink. Brianna made her way from her bed and tiptoed her way towards the whiskey bottle atop the small wooden table. She'd counted on a restless night's sleep; she'd collect the rest of her things together and make her mad dash towards the ships. If Stephen saw her, he'd no doubt want a pound of her flesh. She would have to be careful if she was going to go unnoticed throughout Wilmington.
She chugged back the remainder of the amber liquid and felt the release of her tension as it burnt its way down her throat. Placing her cloak over her pink floral dress, she pulled the hood up over her head to conceal her flamboyant hair as best she could. She understood Jamie's issues after Culloden now, 'Red Jamie' would have been a hard alias to escape.
She had packed lightly, only a small rucksack, filled with cloth nappies and a few extra shifts. A bar of lye soap and all the money she could conjure together. Lastly, she couldn't leave behind her beloved sketch book, along with a few pieces of charcoal. Like a misunderstood teenager running away from home, she snuck out in the darkness of the night.
She'd have to hitchhike down the river, that was a risk all on its own. But she couldn't stay any longer, she needed to get home. There was nothing for them here, she couldn't even be honest with her parents. This was her mother's time, not hers. Here, she was tainted and there were little opportunities for her to make something of her life. She wouldn't just "remarry" for the sake of her reputation—and for what to have more babies? She was a burden on her family, and felt she'd put a black mark against their name. --No this wasn't the place for her at all.
At home, she'd start again, leave everything behind and meet someone new, maybe even finish university. That's what she told herself as she left the sealed envelope on the porch of the main house. Mama, she'd miss her, there was no denying that, but she had to do this. And Da…'hopefully he'd come to understand too. Maybe she'd even come back someday.
She was grateful that like her mother and father, she didn't have a racist bone in her body. If she had, she would have never acquainted herself with the 'slaves' on her aunts' plantation. Her time at River Run had paid off, she realised as she placed her warm bundle against her chest. She fastened him against her with the use of a long piece of white cotton. She'd given him a big feed before they'd left and in doing so, he appeared to already have 'milk drunken' eyes. They adorably rolled open and closed as she finished tying him to her chest. The homemade harness would make it easier for her to make her way through the rough terrain that they'd have to endure. Aidan may have even gone unnoticed to the naked eye. She noted he'd also cry a whole lot less with the scent of her milk just inches away.
She bolted through trees finding the most discrete path possible. Leaves and twigs crunched beneath her feet, setting her slightly off balance from the unevenness of it. She clutched her precious cargo a little closer to her chest ensuring his head was supported and wouldn't bobble. Guaranteeing she followed the river, she listened to the soft tinkle as it flowed down stream. The first boat she saw, she'd flag it down and hope to God they would help her. "What the hell am I doing, this is beyond stupidity," she muttered to herself.
"Aye it tis," a low voice weighed in from behind. Bree whipped her head back around in shock, she certainly hadn't planned on anyone listening.
"Hello? Who's there? I'm warning you; I have a pistol and my husband isn't far…." She stuttered through her lie. Her voice was soft and small but the tone in her voice was an obvious warning. Stepping back slightly, she could only see the outline of a dark figure a few trees away.
"Is dat so?" The voice mocked coolly, finishing off with a deep chuckle. The dark figure obviously calling her bluff as they leant up casually against the tree adjacent.
"What do you want!" Her voice broke with uneasiness, the fear clear and present.
"You— o' course," he made his approach, catching the light of the moon just enough for his identity to be known. – And when he did, Bree's heart stopped beating.