It was early in the morning and Jay knew they still had a lot to prepare. Jay however wasn't able to concentrate on the upcoming battle anymore. He just had to see him, make sure he was okay. He walked up to the docks, knowing he would find Gil there. Jay spotted Gil from a distance, already busy training the new recruits. Harry had not been wrong about them. Some of them were still kids and clearly not experienced in sword fighting. However Jay could see the determination on their faces, while they listened closely to what Gil and the other pirates had to say.
For a moment Jay stood from a distance, watching how Gil showed the young pirates how to wield their weapons and how to parry any attack. Gil actually looked happy, smiling proudly at the kids and patting them on their shoulders when they made the right movements. Gil didn't seem anxious, not even slightly worried.
"Are you spying on us, Jay?" Jay jumped up, surprised by Harry's sudden voice. Jay rolled his eyes and turned around to face the pirate.
"Shouldn't you be there with them?" Jay said.
"I'm on the lookout," Harry answered. "And for good reasons, since I saw you watching for quite some time now. What are you doing here exactly?"
Jay just shrugged. "Nothing, I…"
Jay just looked at Gil again. Gil still hadn't noticed he was actually there. Probably because there were actually a lot of people wandering around and Gil had all his attention on training the recruits.
"If you're worried about him, don't be," Harry said, making Jay look up in surprise.
"I've known you for a long time now, Jay," Harry responded on the look on Jay's face. Harry chuckled softly when Jay annoyingly rolled his eyes. They indeed had history together, but Jay didn't like how Harry still held such a tight grip on him.
"What exactly did happen between Gil and his dad?" Jay asked, taking the conversation in another direction. Harry tilted his head towards Jay.
"Everybody on the Isle knew what happened in the LeGume household," Harry simply replied. "Nobody just cared enough to do a damn about it. Including you, Jay."
Jay clenched his teeth for a moment. Harry was right, but he hated the guy for pointing it out.
"I didn't know about his mother," Jay quickly said, once again making sure he wasn't the subject of the conversation anymore.
"And where's your mother, Jay?" Harry asked with a mischievous smile. Jay turned towards the pirate with a stern look on his face.
"Just tell me," Jay demanded.
"Alright," Harry sighed. For a moment both Harry and Jay stared at the subject of their conversation. Gil still hadn't noticed them, training the younger recruits with a bright smile on his face. He complimented one of them, making the younger girl who received the compliment smile back.
"I can only tell you what I've seen," Harry said. "Gil and I have been friends since we were kids and from the very start I noticed the bruises and wounds on his body. Let's be real here, we all did. We grew apart for a while, but one night I suddenly stumbled upon him."
Harry went quiet. Jay looked at him impatiently. It was probably the first time Harry had been serious about something, no sign of mischief or mockery on his face at all.
"Yes," Jay said impatiently. Harry took his gaze away from Gil and looked back at Jay.
"Covered in mud and blood, face almost unrecognizable, hidden away in a dark alley, softly crying to himself. That's how I found him," Harry continued. "But the moment he recognized me, he put a smile on his face, a few tears still rolling down his cheeks. He asked me how I've had been. When I asked him what had happened, he only replied and I quote; 'Just a misunderstanding with my dad.' That's all he wanted to say about it."
"That's what he always said, you know," Harry continued after a short pause. "It was always just a misunderstanding. I should've gotten him out of there the moment I found him in that alley, but just like everybody else I've swallowed it for years. Until Uma and I were really fed up with it. He had been sleeping on the streets again for a couple of nights. Gaston kicked him out for the trillionth time. Junior and Trip had found him on the streets and had beaten him up. Once again Gil entered the Fish & Chips, covered with fresh wounds and torn clothes. The only thing he asked for was a little food, even though he had no money to show for it. Uma and I just looked at each other, didn't even have to say a word. That's when we took him in. We told him he could stay in the Fish & Chips and he was never going back there."
A smile finally cracked on Harry's face again. "We were able to hide him from Ursula for a surprisingly long time."
Jay didn't feel like smiling. He stared at the ground, mad at himself. He always knew it was bad, he never knew it was that bad. He had seen Carlos after Cruella had laid her hands on him, but Carlos had never been 'covered in blood' like Harry had just described. The thought that Harry might exaggerate crossed Jay's mind, but somehow the way Harry spoke told Jay this wasn't the case.
"Anyway, that was the last time Gil got thrown out," Harry finished his story. The entertained tone in his voice had returned. "Gaston didn't even look for him. Surprisingly his brothers did. But I made sure they wouldn't be able to get to Gil anymore." Harry turned back to Jay, staring at him with his intriguing blue eyes.
"You look shocked, Jay," Harry said with a smirk on his face. Jay send a quick glance towards Harry, before he fixed his eyes on Gil again. Jay knew Harry well enough to know that the horrified look on his face wasn't actually funny to him, but Jay still wished Harry would stop smiling.
At that moment Gil finally noticed his boyfriend and his best friend talking to each other. Gil raised his hand and greeted them with a smile. Jay swore he could hear a loud "Hi Jay" in the distance. Gil slowly lowered his hand when he noticed the uncommon expression on Jay's face. Jay didn't even noticed it himself, still trying to cope with the information Harry had just given him, until Harry grabbed his arm and made him snap out of it.
"Put a smile on your face, you owe him that much," Harry hissed in his ear.
Harry was right again. Jay had known. All this time Jay had known Gaston was much worse than Cruella DeVil. Yet he remembered Gil's kindness, even though they had been enemies for a long time. Jay did what Harry told him to do. He faked a smile on his face and raised his hand. His fake smile became genuine when Gil waved back again, proudly gesturing to his soldiers he had been training.
"Good," Harry simply said, patting Jay on his shoulder. He then walked over to Gil, greeting his friend with the brightest smile.
Jay sighed to himself. Jay was never one to think things through. He didn't plan ahead, he'd always left that for his friends. It was also a rather impulsive decision, but his mind was clear. He walked over to Gil and Harry, still with a smile on his face. He wasn't planning on showing his discomfort to Gil. Not yet anyway. Harry turned towards him, a little surprised to see Jay again.
"Harry, can I have a little bit more of your time?" Jay asked in a flirtatious voice. He had made up his mind.
Jay walked up to the pirate ship for the second time that day. This time the stars were already shining from up the sky, the bright moonlight illuminated the pirate ship that was softly swaying in the bay. In the distance Jay could hear the sound of a harmonica. He could see a few other people listening to the music as well. They sat on the dock and stared at the lost island in the sea.
Jay tried not to step on anyone, while he made his way towards the sound. It actually took Jay by surprise when he saw the silhouette playing, recognizing it as Gil. For a moment Jay just stood there, listening to the beautiful music. The sound of the instrument blended in with the creaky sounds of the ship and the soft clashing of the waves. It created a peaceful atmosphere, even though they were so close to battle. The song ended and the music faded away, while the sounds of the ship and the waves remained.
Gil turned towards Jay, giving him a slight smile.
"I didn't know you played an instrument," Jay said just before he climbed up the ship.
"I only do when I have a lot on my mind," Gil replied, looking down at the little trinket in his hand.
"How are you holding up?" Jay asked. He stood beside Gil, as they stared at the island together.
"I'm doing alright," Gil lied, staring down once more.
"Listen, I'm sorry I had to leave so fast this morning," Jay said.
"That's okay, we all have a lot to prepare for," Gil answered.
"And I'm sorry I wasn't there for you during the meeting yesterday," Jay continued. This time Gil just looked away. He rather not talked about the meeting that pasted. "What Adam said was really uncalled for. And Belle shouldn't have asked you all those questions. I'm sorry I didn't step in." Gil just shrugged. He still smiled, but Jay could see the hurt in his eyes.
"It's alright," Gil said softly.
Jay softly bit on his lip. It wasn't alright. It definitely wasn't alright. He had never been there for Gil. When they were kids Jay always thought Gil was just another son of Gaston; stupid and arrogant. After that Gil had been marked as a pirate; treacherous idiots who stole all the good stuff. Jay had never once cared about Gil. It never crossed his mind what his life was like or if he was ever okay.
Until that one faithful moment when they stood together at the berry bush. Suddenly Gil had been more than a LeGume, more than a pirate or an enemy. Suddenly he had become a potential friend, but still Jay would've never guessed he would ever care about the other guy this much.
"I'm sorry I was never there for you," Jay said, turning towards Gil. Jay sighed, silently thanking Carlos for teaching him how to talk about his feelings. He probably would not have been able to do this if Carlos hadn't pushed him so much. "Harry told me what your dad did to you."
"It wasn't that bad, honestly," Gil said. Jay looked over to Gil. Hearing Harry's story it actually was pretty bad, but Jay didn't want to push Gil the way The Beast and Belle had done.
"My dad always wanted the best for me," Gil softly continued. Jay frowned up to him. "I can't believe I'm betraying him."
"You did not betray him, you stood up for yourself," Jay interrupted. Gil shrugged again, telling Jay he didn't see it that way.
"You really believe your dad wanted the best for you?" Jay asked.
"He always pushed me to do better," Gil answered. "He just wanted me to be stronger. Tougher. I was just never good-"
"Don't say it," Jay quickly interrupted, turning towards Gil. "I don't want you to say it ever again. You are good enough. More than just good enough."
Gil gave Jay a slight smile again. Jay sighed, hoping some of his words would stick in that thick skull of him.
"You know, I'm proud to be a LeGume," Gil said after a while. "Harry always pointed out my dad's flaws, but my dad is also strong and determined and fearless."
"You're not serious," Jay said.
"I'm not blind anymore," Gil quickly replied. "I know what my dad did to Belle was wrong. I know what my dad is doing right now is wrong. But I'm still proud to be his son." Jay looked at him for a few seconds, blinking his eyes rapidly in confusion.
"You're not serious," Jay repeated himself. A little chuckle escaped Gil.
"You know, I never even told Harry this," he said. "Harry would probably get mad at me. A lot of people would, probably. But a lot of other people would also look down on me for being a pirate." Gil slowly turned towards Jay and Jay could see no doubt in his eyes. "I'm also proud to be a pirate, Jay," Gil softly confessed.
Jay slowly nodded, letting all the words slowly sink in. He had seen parts of Gil that were still unknown to him at the beginning of this day. Jay took a deep breath, taking Gil's hand in his.
"I understand," Jay said.
"You do?" Gil asked surprised.
"Or at least I think I do," Jay said. "The pirates saved you from this terrible place, so of course you would be grateful to them. But that place was the only thing you knew for still the biggest part of your life. It shaped you. Like the Isle shaped me as well. I changed a lot since I'm in Auradon, but my roots are still on the Isle. Many people told me how sorry they are for me that I grew up there, but I'm also proud. I'm proud to be a VK, no matter what they say."
Gil moved closer to Jay, glad to hear Jay's words.
"But I won't let you go through this alone anymore," Jay continued, making Gil look up again. "I'll be joining the pirates in battle tomorrow."
"You're going to be a pirate?" Gil said enthusiastic.
"Just for tomorrow," Jay clarified. "I arranged it with Harry and Lonnie. I'll be fighting alongside the pirates."
"You do that for me?" Gil asked softly.
"Yep," Jay answered without hesitation. "Even have to listen to Harry's orders and everything."
Gil let out a deep sigh. Somehow it lifted some weight from his shoulders to know Jay would be by his side during the battle. Gil moved in closer and placed a small kiss on Jay's cheek, just before he let his head rest against Jay's.
"You know, that would actually already be a surprise in our ranks," Gil said jokingly.
Jay chuckled a little, also moving in closer to Gil. Gil didn't need to say anything anymore. The tight grip he held on his head and the regular breathing in his neck told Jay how much his actions meant to the other guy.
"Where did you learn to play that?" Jay asked, pointing at the instrument Gil still held in his other hand.
"Pirates," Gil answered. "Harry stole it one day and wasn't sure what to do with it. I thought it was pretty, so he gave it to me. Took me some practice, but I think I got the hang of it."
Jay laughed softly, hearing how Gil underestimated himself again. He had played the instrument beautifully. It would be a huge accomplishment if he really taught himself how to play it.
"Can you play another song for me?" Jay asked.
"Sure," Gil said before he brought the small instrument to his mouth and filled the air with music again.
Jay had no idea how long they had been standing there, until the peaceful atmosphere got interrupted by Gil's buzzing phone. Jay already blamed Harry, until he realized they were on the pirate ship.
"It's Carlos," Gil said enthusiastic when he read the name on the display.
Jay immediately felt worried, knowing Carlos wouldn't call for a nice chat. Jay checked his own phone, making sure he didn't have any missed calls. He got even more surprised when he saw he didn't have any.
He looked over at Gil, while he picked up the phone. "Hi Carlos, what's up."
Jay still chuckled when he heard Gil's greeting. It was just like how Jay always greeted others after picking up the phone. Gil was clearly influenced by him, but the pirate hadn't even noticed it himself. Jay's smile quickly faded, when he noticed the dark gleam moving over Gil's face.
"Carlos?" Gil asked through the phone. He listened carefully, glancing over at Jay for a moment. Jay softly cursed to himself. He knew Carlos and Dude were alone at Evie's this evening. He shouldn't have left the house under these circumstances.
"I don't hear anything," Gil said to Jay. He removed the phone a little bit away from his ear, just before he could finally hear a voice on the other side. Immediately Gil brought the phone back to his ear. "Carlos, are you there?"
Jay saw how Gil suddenly looked up in shock and he gasped for air.
"Wow…," Gil said to himself, giving Jay the need to snatch the phone from him. Gil then turned to Jay. "Jay, you're not going to believe this."
Carlos took a walk with Dude through the garden of their house. It was nice and peaceful, while he and the dog both enjoyed the calm before the storm. Carlos was never a real fighter. Back on the Isle he often hadn't seen the need to proclaim war on other gangs, even though he always followed Mal in these battles. Just like the upcoming war.
He was frightened, but he didn't show it. He didn't want Jay to leave, but he hadn't said a word about it. He understood why Jay rather wanted to be with Gil this evening. If Carlos could choose than he would've been with Jane as well. But she had fled the town together with her dad. Her mother had stayed in Auradon, swearing to protect the city, no matter the cost. Carlos had sworn the same. He had promised Mal he would stay by her side, no matter what.
"I know, war is scary right." A little voice interrupted his brooding. Carlos looked down and saw his dog sitting in front of his feet.
"I'm really glad you're here," Carlos said to dude, while petting his head.
"Of course bud, I'll always be here. I don't have a lover I have to run off to," Dude answered him.
Carlos frowned down on his dog. "Are you talking about Jay leaving to Gil or are you bashing me as well?"
"Both," the dog simply said, before turning around and running off.
"I left you a few times with Jay, don't be mean about it," Carlos said smiling, following his best friend. "Where are you anyway?" Carlos said when Dude didn't respond anymore. He quickly found the dog again, standing right up with one paw in the air.
"Quiet, I smell something weird," Dude whispered to Carlos.
"What? What is it?" Carlos whispered back.
"Fish," Dude answered, softly growling through his teeth.
"Fish?" Carlos questioned out loud. He looked around, hearing how Dude growled louder. Carlos could see a weird light coming from the bushes.
"Don't move," a threatening voice from the light spoke. Too late Carlos recognized the light had been the reflection of the moonlight on a blade. A person stepped forward, quickly followed by a few others. Carlos quickly realized he and Dude were terribly outnumbered.
"They're above us too," Dude informed him, still without moving. Carlos looked up and indeed could see some shadows in the trees above him.
"What do you want?" Carlos asked to the shadows.
"The twins," the threat in the bushes came closer as she spoke. "Squeaky and Squirmy. I heard they stayed here at Evie's place for a while." Carlos narrowed his eyes a little, even though he could still see no faces in the dark.
"Harriet Hook, is that you?" Carlos asked the shadow. For a moment it was quiet, which became a loud answer for Carlos. "I knew it, you have the same accent as your brother."
"Quiet, where are the twins?" Harriet said angry. She quickly stepped forward, revealing herself and the huge blade she held tight. Carlos raised his hands above his head, showing her he was no threat. He wasn't as nearly as scared now that he could identify the danger.
"They're gone," Carlos honestly answered. "They left Auradon with their dad. I don't know where they went."
"They left where?" a second voice in the shadows asked. Carlos guessed it must be Sammy Smee, the older brother of the twins.
"I just said I don't know," Carlos simply answered.
"Don't play games with us," Harriet said, moving the blade close to Carlos's throat. Dude growled louder, but the pirate captain didn't pay any attention to it. Carlos wasn't surprised by it, since she was known for croc wrestling and being really good at it too.
"Dude, it's okay," Carlos said to the dog without breaking eye contact with the girl. "I get it you're scared. I can help you." Harriet smirked and once again Carlos could see the resembles with her younger brother. Just like Harry she had raven black hair and light blue eyes, which didn't show any mercy at all.
"Scared?" Harriet said mockingly. "For what? Our dear king and queen of Auradon? No, we're not."
"There must be a reason why you're sneaking in the dark around here. You're trying to leave Auradon unnoticed?" Carlos guessed.
"Where are the twins?" Harriet growled impatiently.
"I told you two times already, I don't know," Carlos answered.
"This is getting us nowhere," Sammy said, moving closer with his blade as well. One of the shadows jumped down from the trees, somehow swaying down from a rope and landing perfectly fine on her feet.
"I say we just cut his throat and leave him bleeding," she said just before landing.
"Really CJ?" Carlos said to her. "We went to school together."
Carlos looked over at Harriet, who still held a blade to his flesh. He could see the confliction in her eyes, as if she was seriously considering cutting his throat as a reasonable solution. For her it probably was. If she really tried to sneak away, she couldn't risk to leave any witnesses behind. Definitely not someone who was actually friends with the king and queen of Auradon.
"Harriet, listen. I can help you," Carlos said. He tried to stay as calm as possible, even though he could feel his heart bursting out of his chest.
"How?" Harriet said, moving the blade possibly even closer. Carlos could feel the cold steel on his flesh.
"I can take you to your brother. Just let me call someone." Carlos moved his hands down, reaching for his phone in his pocket.
CJ moved her blade as well, but Harriet quickly stopped her. "We knock them out and tie them up. We will be long gone before anyone will find him."
"We could also take him with us. Wouldn't mind his company," CJ said flirtatious.
"No wait," Carlos said, searching through his phone. He knew he had to act quickly, before Harriet changed her mind again and decided to kill them anyway.
Sammy suddenly duck and grabbed Dude. He didn't even flinch when he could feel the sharp teeth in his hands. "I say we cut the dog. That will make him talk!" Sammy said, moving his blade close to Dude's eye.
"No! Here!" Carlos had found the number and pushed the phone towards Harriet.
"What are you doing? Who are you calling?" Harried said, panic in her voice.
"Tell me where my little brothers are or I'll leave your dog bleeding," Sammy threatened him.
"No stop! Just listen!" Carlos said, raising his voice. Carlos looked over at Dude, wishing Gil would pick up the phone. Dude didn't move a muscle anymore, having a knife close to his eye.
"Hi Carlos, what's up."
Gil's cheerful voice suddenly filled the air, making all the pirates look up in surprise. Sammy lowered his knife away from Dude, while Harriet looked at Carlos in disbelief. Even CJ went quiet for a moment.
"Carlos?"
Harriet smiled relieved when he heard Gil's voice again, having certainty she didn't imagine it the first time.
"I don't hear anything," Gil said on the other side of the line.
"I told him I would keep an eye out for you," Carlos said, while he gave the phone to Harriet. The pirate took the phone carefully, as if it could break any moment.
"Carlos, are you there?"
"Hi Gil," Harriet said, suddenly speaking soft and caring. She smiled when she heard Gil gasp for air.
"Wow... Jay, you're not going to believe this."
I apologize for not updating for such a long time. I didn't lose interest in this couple or this story, I just have a lot of priorities at the moment.
I hope I'll be able to post more regular from now on. Thank you all for your patience.
