Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or ideas from "Outlander" they belong to Diana Gabaldon.
A/N: This first chapter focuses in on Bonnet visiting Frasers ridge. In which he sees his son and gives him the coin. I have changed the baby's name in this AU, because there currently is no Roger. To clarify, Brianna is 100% sure that Bonnet is her baby's father.
I would also like to point out, that in no way am I condoning rape or glorifying rape culture. I know Stephen Bonnet is not nice guy to put it gently, but he's an awesome character. I only aim to peel his layers back a bit. Please don't crucify me.
Chapter 1: A coin for "His Maintenance"
July 1770, North Carolina, The Colonies
"If it makes dying any easier for you, to know that there's something left of you on this earth—then you're welcome to the knowledge." Why the hell had she even said it? Why did she care as to whether he had a moment of peace before he died? He'd stolen her trust, her innocence, her ability to be honest with her loved ones. She wasn't the same person she'd been before; she was different now— damaged.
It was hard for Brianna to pretend that everything was okay. She'd had to lie to everyone in some way or another. "Her husband had passed away tragically, from an unknown illness," well that was what most people had come to believe. This apparent "husband," had left her with child… and alone in the world after a fever that just didn't seem to break, had taken him.
"It was just a summer fling," she'd told her mother. To the unknown eye, she was just a young widow. Every day it was a constant struggle to keep pushing forward, always trying to smother those feelings of pain and anxiousness away.
Surprisingly, all those emotions seemed to disappear when she looked down at her little bundle. Her heart was consumed with love when she set her eyes on her little Aidan.
It was an odd feeling, to hate someone so much-- but to know with such certainty that they have given you the most beautiful thing you'd ever laid your eyes on. He looked like him too, that she couldn't ignore. Every day his eyes turned a little greener.
She woke up on that particularly crisp and cool morning, to the sounds of gurgling and cooing from the bassinet just next to the bed. "Come to Mama," she hummed, picking up the smiling infant. Quickly, she placed him onto her breast, making sure he was well fed before turning him over to Mrs Bugs. He gazed up into her eyes like he always did first thing in the morning, at eight weeks old he was just starting to return the gesture of life with the reward of cheeky and chubby smiles.
As much as motherhood suited Bree, her trip to town for a variety of amenities, had been a welcomed break away from the ridge.
Breathing in the morning dew, she made her way from store to store. Stopping at stalls and small corner stores. Taking the institutive to learn about the new world that she was still growing accustom to with each passing day. Fresh fruits and vegetables, gun powder, cottons and linens were the majority of what was on offer, each item familiar but different in their own rights.
As she walked about dodging the horses and carriages, she couldn't help but notice the gawking and constant unwanted attention of the male townsfolk.
Most were suggestive stares, from the ends of her skirts to the tips of her deep auburn hair. She was so unique and different from all the other women of this time. Her skin was porcelain and unmarked, her face gentle and soft. And of course, her undeniably beautiful and elaborate hair. The rare colour and the way it fell in soft curls, even when she attempted to contain it in a ribbon. Just a glance at her sent most men into a conniption.
"Where was 'Miss Clairol' you needed her," she rolled her eyes to herself.
The suggestive smirks sent a cold shiver down her spine. One in particular reminded her of that very same look he'd had in his eyes, that night he'd closed the doors behind them. "No, I think it's you, who 'as mistakn' me."
Perhaps it hadn't been clever to walk amongst the town on her own, but she had needed the space. What was another risk taken?
"Allo miss," Said a drawled-out voice, "Beatifol shade o' 'air you 'ave got der." He purred almost condescendingly.
Brianna spun around from the remark, her face confused and taken a back. "I Beg your pardon?"
"I said beautiful 'air you've got miss, lovely shade o' red." He smirked, displaying a mouth of putrid rotten teeth, the stench overpowering even with him standing a couple feet away.
"Oh, ah, thank you," She quickly pushed past him, ensuring she didn't lock eyes with him again.
"Oi Miss!" He shouted ungently, his voice nearly seeming powerful enough to pull her back on its own.
Grabbing her attention, she worriedly whisked herself back around. "Yes?" She replied hesitantly, her eyes were full of apprehension.
"just wanted to say… it's Good to see you well lass," he smirked grimly with humour in his eyes. And with that said he turned on his heels and headed back in the direction of the Gloriana.
*
He'd been watching her.
Not that she'd have ever known it. A smuggler, a pirate, he was no doubt both of those things. But—Stephen Bonnet was also a man trained in combat and in all its companions. One being, if he didn't want to be seen, then he wasn't.
His son. His blood. The mother of his child, both at an arm's reach, both ready for the taking.
She'd thought she could just cut ties with him? …She thought he would just die, that he would never bother to pursue her? She had something that belonged to him. Truly a remarkable woman she was—but oddly foolish and naïve. Beautiful and fair, a valuable treasure to add to his collection of plunderings. "I always wanted to be a father," he'd repeated to himself like a mantra inside his head.
A lesson would need to be taught. Slowly, he'd make his presence known. He'd make her think she was slightly crazy, make her too afraid to confide in anyone. "Was he really there?" She'd have thoughts of insanity to herself. When she couldn't take it anymore, he'd strike. He'd come for her, come for both of them.
But in the meantime, it was time for him to meet his son.
*
"Oh why hello der sir, is there somethin' I can help you with?"
"Oh no, I was jhust passin' through you see, thought dat I might look at purchasin' some land op dis way," Bonnet flashed his best smile, a cane in his hand and his clothes clean and neatly pressed, he was very much a lion dressed as a lamb.
"Oh well, the masters of the house are out now you see, down in town. Won't you come back a little later in the afternoon? When they have returned?" Mrs Bugs gushed a little at the handsome Irishman in front of her.
"Aye, o' coosehrse, I'll do dat, thank you for the recommendation." He grinned again, gesturing a small bow. His cane and each of his rings capturing the lightly perfectly from the movement.
"Can I jhust say… what a 'andsome lad you have got dere…." He looked longingly down to the small bassinet clutched in the old woman's arms.
"May I ask— does he take after 'is mother or 'is father?" He gently grazed a large calloused hand against the small wool blanket covering the tiny infants form.
"Oh, well… to be honest, I dinnae ken. You see his father passed away, when his mother was still with child… he must do though, as I canna see any of his mother in there. She's a bonnie lass too, you ken."
She smiled up to Bonnet, but he couldn't seem to meet her gaze, too enthralled by the small child in front of him. He was so close; it would have been so easy to just take him. Kill anyone that stood in his way. Waiting for his pleasures, was not something he was accustom to, but he'd have to wait, it wasn't the right time.
"Aye, must then. What's the wee lad's name den?" he purred soothingly, at the small babes smile forming.
"Wee Aidan sir," Mrs bugs stated proudly, "I ken he likes ye, he's not even given me a big smile like that before. Look at his bonnie little face."
"Aidan, a good strahng Irish name… be sure to tell his mother what a 'andsome lad she's gaht 'ere." He smiled down once more, dimples forming as his smile took over from ear to ear. "Oh and… be sure to give 'er my cahndolences… fahr her 'usbands passin' of course. Such a shame for the wee babe to grow up wit out a father." He manipulated with a grimace. Then not wasting another moment he reached into his coat pocket to pull out a small silver coin.
"For luck," He grinned. Then reached down and peeled back the small white linens to place it next to him."Bootiful green eyes 'is got," he winked and the thick scar on the side of his face crinkled with it.
"Good day," he gave a final gesture. Then Regrettably, he made his way back from where he came with the promise and plan-- that he would be back again and soon.