Next chapter! This one, again, is rather long, I apologize. Anyway, I also apologize in advance for this story.

Again, if you see any errors, please let me know. Enjoy!

"This was four years before he joined you. He came early from one of his tours and Alice was over. When they met, sparks flew, and not the good kind. Alfred was instantly taken with her. She, on the other hand, was not too happy to meet my mysterious brother who served in the military.

"She had never liked men, and my brother was no exception. But, during the four months that he was home, they became closer and closer, seeing each other almost every day. I was delighted. Then, Alfred left for another tour of duty. I could see that it bothered both of them, even though they denied any affection. But, when Alfred returned after another six months, Alice was overjoyed and Alfred could barely contain himself.

"Eighteen months after they had met, Alfred finally confessed. Alice returned his feelings. It was the happiest day of my life. A month later, he was contemplating marriage. He asked me if it was okay and I told him I could not be happier. A week later, they were engaged. They never did tell me exactly how it happened."

"What happened? As far as I know, Alfred is single."

I sighed. "The day after the proposal, Alfred was called away to sea again. The day he left, Alice said farewell at the boat. She promised to wait for him, and he told her to plan the wedding and the day he got back, they would get married."

I choked on the words and Arthur stopped dancing, leading me off the floor. He stroked my arm, wiping my budding tears with his other fingers. "A month after Alfred left, Alice became ill, very ill. The doctors could do nothing for her. She moved in with me and I nursed her as best I could, and did everything for her, but in the end it was all in vain. She held on as long as she could, hoping to see Alfred before she died, but he was gone longer than expected and she grew ever weaker.

"On the day she died, she asked me to tell Alfred that she loved him. She also told me to make sure he found someone to make him happy. 'He does not deserve this. Make sure he finds someone special someone he can trust, confide in. No one should ever be alone, Alfred especially.' I tearfully promised I would, then a quiet 'Thank you' escaped her lips as life left her.

"A maid found me the next morning, sobbing over my best friend's body. I managed to collect myself and began making preparations. I arranged everything for the funeral, wishing I could wait until Alfred cam back, but I had heard nothing from him, so I set a date a week after her death.

"Alfred came home the day of the funeral. He asked one of the servants where I was, and they told him I was at the funeral, at the church. He rushed over and found me with a small group of people standing over a new grave. It was raining that day.

"He quietly approached, tapped me on the shoulder and quietly asked, 'Who?'

"I pointed to the headstone. He followed my finger and froze. Everyone started to leave, giving us sympathetic pats. My brother did not move the entire time. We stayed there in the cold rain and I could feel silent tears pouring down my face, and I refused to look at my brother, knowing that, if I did, I would not be able to maintain my composure. It was long after everyone left that he finally asked, in a strangled voice, 'How?'

"'She got sick, Alfred,' I told him. 'She got very sick. We did everything we could, but in the end, it was not enough. She held on much longer than expected, waiting for you. She told me that she loved you, that she was sorry, and that she wanted you to find someone special that could make you happy. I am so, so sorry, Alfred. But I promise she did not die alone.'

"Alfred made a strangled noise and dropped to his knees, shoulders heaving as he sobbed. The last time my brother had cried, he had been a young boy. That was the day my mother died." I paused a moment to regain some of my composure. Taking a deep breath, I continued. "I dropped to the muddy ground beside him and wrapped my arms around him. He turned into me and cried, great, heaving sobs. I cried with him, tears streaming down my face. We stayed there through the nigh, holding a vigil for Alice, the girl who had completed our lives.

"The morning came, and I helped Alfred back to the house where we both washed and changed clothes. I tried to return to some semblance of normalcy, but without Alice, it was incredibly difficult. Alfred sat in his room, mourning. He barely ate, and he only slept when I slept with him, holding him like a young child. The only reason he is alive today is because I was there. I talked to him, kept him sane. I even forced him to eat sometimes.

"He told me that I was the only thing keeping him alive. He said, 'I had two reasons to live. One is gone, but you are still here. I swear I will never lose you.'

"That is why he is so very overprotective. I am his only reason for living. If I died," I shook my head, tears filling my eyes once again. "If I died, so would he," I finished quietly.

Arthur pulled me into an embrace, gently stroking my head as I cried into his chest. When I pulled away, wiping my eyes, he smiled sadly at me. "I did not mean to bring up such a sensitive subject."

I laughed. "It is alright. You should know this about Alfred. It explains a lot about his personality."

"That is does." Arthur released me and said, "Wait here, I will go get you a drink. Any requests?"

"Water," I said, smiling. "Remember, I do not do alcohol?"

He laughed. "Good, neither do I." He walked away and I leaned against the wall.

"Is he makin' ye cry, sweetheart?"

I turned my head to see a man approaching me. He had red hair and vibrant green eyes. He, strangely enough, also had huge eyebrows like Arthur.

"No, and who might you be?"

"Name's Alistair, Alistair Kirkland."

"Kirkland? Are you related to Arthur?"

"That I am, missy. I'm his eldest brother."

"Right. And what are you doing here?"

"He usually makes landfall here around this time, I decided to check up on me lil bro."

"I did not know he had a brother."

"'E's got four of us!" The man smiled and pulled a pipe out of his pocket and lit it up. I frowned at him. "Put that up. It is bad for your lungs, and we are inside."

He shrugged and blew a smoke ring towards me. I waved the smoke away and glared at him. "So if he didna make ye cry, why were ye cryin'?"

"That is personal."

"But ye tell me lil bro?"

I looked away, face turning a little pink. He chuckled. "Ye are lil Arthur's lady friend. 'Bout time. Though, ye are a lot more refined than I'd expect he'd be able to get."

I turned back to him, frowning. "What does that mean?"

"'E's a pirate, no? Ye look and sound like a lady. 'Ow did ye meet Arthur?"

"My brother was in the navy, then he joined Arthur. I helped them escape justice and now I am part of the crew."

He laughed. "Well I'll be buggered. That is as good a story as I've ever heard." He turned and said, "Ain't that right, Artie?"

I turned and saw Arthur approaching with two glasses. He turned crimson when he saw Alistair. He frowned and marched up to Alistair who was almost a head taller than Arthur. "What the hell do you think you're doing here, wanker?"

Alistair chuckled. "Can't I check up on me lil bro?"

Arthur growled. "No. Now go away. Can't you see I'm busy?"

Alistair winked. "If he starts botherin' ye, sweetheart, I'm always free."

I flushed and looked away. Arthur scowled and said, "Sod off."

Alistair tsked. "Language, Arthur. Ye are in the presence of a lady."

"A lady who would prefer if you left her in peace," I said coldly, glaring at Alistair.

He laughed. "Alright, I know when I am not wanted. Enjoy, Artie!"

Arthur groaned when Alistair left. I patted his shoulder. "It is alright, Arthur. We all have family members like that."

He sighed. "Sorry about that."

I smiled. "It is really alright." I took one of the glasses from him and downed it. "Thanks for the drink." I pecked him on the cheek and set down the glass on a nearby table.

"You missed."

I laughed. "You were drinking."

"And now I am not," he said, smiling, as he set his glass down by mine. He grabbed my arm and pulled me into another kiss. I closed my eyes and leaned into him, enjoying the kiss. He pulled away, smiling, and said, "Care to join me for another dance?"

I smiled, took his proffered hand, and followed him back onto the dance floor. We danced through the night, dancing waltzes, reels, and so many other dances. When they shut down the floor, and everyone said goodnight, my feet were more sore than they had ever been. We talked and laughed on the way back to the ship, but when we reached the Siren, we were surprised at how silent she was.

*sobs* I'm sorry, I don't mean to write sad stories, I really don't. Anyway, I hope you don't mind my portrayal of Alistair. Also, for those of you who don't really like accents, I really couldn't help it. I could not write Alistair without at least a little accent. He's Scotland! Okay, so, I'm sorry.

And, even though I stuck with the time period, I cannot see Alistair smoking a pipe. Dunno about you guys, but he's a cigarette kinda guy to me.

Review, please! And, I promise, nothing bad has happened to the crew. Yet.