"I'm sorry Johnny."

Jonathon watched Billy give him a wide grin before gesturing to the open door way behind him.

"Ya kinda left it open so…"

Jonathon growled in mock frustration and let himself fall backwards onto the bed, his gaze penetrating the ceiling. Somehow, when Billy had been found hiding away on the ship and brought to Teague, Jonathon had known the boy and he would get along. It was something in his eyes; the defiance of a lion shining. And sure enough the prediction had come true. Billy and Jonathon had become inseparable fairly quickly and thanks to the strong bond, and in part to Jonathon's pleading, Billy had stayed on board the Misty Lady when he'd had various chances to leave. Jonathon forced himself up onto his elbows and stared at Billy with a grin.

"So, tha cap'n just gave me leave for the rest o' the day."

Billy chuckled and made his way forward, making himself at home and sinking down onto Jonathon's bed beside him. Though he was nearly four years older than Jonathon, Billy was rather childish at times and that in itself was part of the reason they got along so well. However, there were times when he did show his older nature. Namely when Jonathon and he disagreed over something, or when Jonathon showed his needy or emotional side. And Jonathon knew he was too clingy at times, but Billy was pretty much all he had on this brutish ship full of wolves.

"So I heard somethin' today… About a port-"

Jonathon shot up all the way and narrowed his eyes at Billy. A feeling of panic was fluttering up inside him.

"I thought ye'd agreed not to leave 'til Teague let's me go."

"Or until you manage to get away from 'ere. I haven't forgotten our deal Johnny."

"Then what's going on?"

Billy's grin widened and a flicker of something passed across his brown eyes. He forced himself up to his feet again, playfully swatting at the back of his Jonathon's head.

"Always so quick ta worry ain't cha?"

"No, but I don't exactly take kindly to bad news either."

Billy huffed and rolled his eyes as Jonathon studied him with a suspicious glare in the dim light.

"I have a plan Johnny! God! You worry too much."

Jonathon quickly shifted his gaze, embarrassment coloring his cheeks as he stood and pushed past his friend. In hindsight, he had been a bit foolish to jump onto something that wasn't even there, but panic had taken him under its wing. It was more the fact that he had no one but Billy left thanks to Teague, and he wasn't quite sure he could go back to the loneliness that had existed for him before. A sudden hand around his arm jerked him back away from the door. He looked back up to see Billy peering at the cracked door and then back down to him with a stern countenance. Billy towered over Jack by a few inches and he used that to his advantage while ushering him towards the chest across from the dresser. Both settled down on the ground, Jonathon cross-legged and a bit put-off by his earlier display of mistrust and Billy sitting back on his heels. With one last glance at the door he looked back to his friend and held up a finger.

"First off, no interruptin'."

Jonathon nodded, aggravated.

"Now, I heard from a little birdie that cap'n Teague's gonna make port in Tortuga next. Ya know wot that means right?"

Jonathon forced a smile and nodded, trying not to look confused. He actually had no idea what that meant, but he wasn't going to tell Billy that and look even more of a fool. However, Billy wasn't a fool and he caught the confusion before Jonathon could hide it.

"Alright look, Tortuga is the biggest pirate haven in tha Caribbean. We're nearly there. A few days away in fact. So this means tha crew's not gonna be so worried and focused on their own hides like normal. Or yours. They're gonna be focused on gettin' drunk and the whores! So you an' I can sneak off tha ship!"

Jonathon couldn't fight down the explosion of hope and happiness that sent shockwaves of joy through him. His ebony eyes grew wide and he couldn't choke down the yelp of excitement. This was actually the first time in two years he'd had hope of getting away from the ship and he couldn't help himself. He shot forward and tackled Billy, giggling the whole time. As soon as they hit the ground he was jumping up again and zipping all around the room, mumbling this and that about reuniting with his father again. Billy was happy for him and wanted more than anything to let him jump around and act a crazy fool, but he also knew there were ears all over the ship and he didn't want anything getting out. Especially by the mouth of Craigs. Craigs was the ship's snitch and no one really liked him. Not even the captain. But Teague kept him around regardless, more for the fact he owed someone and this was the best way to repay them; babysit their pitiful nephew for a while.

Swiftly, Billy snagged Jonathon and covered his mouth with his hand all in one fluid motion. Carefully he eyed the younger boy with a meaningful glare before slowly releasing him. Jonathon cracked a soft, apologetic smile at Billy before putting and hand to his head and sinking down. Luckily the chest was behind him and it broke his sharp descent. A splitting headache was beginning to hammer Jonathon's senses and his thoughts were becoming muddled with doubts. Teague never took a chance with him. He always had men guarding him whenever they docked at a port, making sure Jonathon couldn't escape. What would make this port any different? He knew what Billy had said, but still. He voiced his concerns too, wearily looking up to his friend. Billy didn't have to worry about it. He was free to go (disregarding their deal in that case) whenever he wanted. In fact, if it wasn't for his quick learning and skill with the rigging, he wouldn't have even been allowed to stay.

"I have a plan, it just hasn't reached that far yet Johnny. Trust me, I'll figure something out between now and then. But I need ye ta stay quiet alright?"

Jonathon frowned and reluctantly nodded. He was fairly sure it wouldn't work. After all, he was trapped here with no escapes. You couldn't exactly run away from a ship in the middle of the ocean. But Billy seemed so sure… He watched as Billy forced a smile at him and ruffled his hair like he would a kid brother. Jonathon tried to duck away, but his hair was already messed up and tossed around. Without a glance back, Billy left the small little cabin and retreated back out onto the deck. Jonathon was tempted to follow, but there had been something in Billy's exit that had been off. Something in his actions that had betrayed irritation with Jonathon. The thought crossed his mind that he was just imagining things but he knew that wasn't the case. Something was off.

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