I spent the next day huddled away in Morgan's room but I found that my luck had turned around noon as we had reached the harbor a day earlier. Once I was told about it, it felt as if I could finally breathe normally and that a pair of stones had fallen off my shoulders.

I stood on the deck and waited for us to have docked while trying not to look around. I hadn't seen Eduardo yet and frankly, I didn't want to. Thomas and Doc stood next to me, casually talking while Russell was helping Morgan.

''So, Tess, what're you going to do now?'' Christopher asked and I looked at him for the first time in a while.

''I'm not sure yet. Probably get away from the city, it looks like the Marines are here.'' I mumbled and looked back at the busy harbor. At least there were enough people to hide in between and I should be able to slip away without drawing any attention. ''Maybe find some small village somewhere, get a job.''

''Sounds nice.'' He hummed softly and a silence fell between us.

When we had docked and the ship lay somewhat still in the waters, I couldn't help but tear up a little. I stiffened my quivering lip and stood up straight. I wouldn't cry now.

''We're here.'' Morgan came walking from the side and joined us at the railing. He looked at me and our eyes met. ''It's been nice having you onboard, Tess.'' He smiled and it brightened my day a tiny bit.

''Thank you, I've enjoyed myself here.'' I smiled faintly and watched as Russell prepared for me to leave the ship. ''Where are you headed now?''

''We'll sail off when you've left. There's too many marines here and we have enough supplies to wait for the next city.'' He was looking at Russell as well as he spoke but once he finished, he looked back at me. ''Are you sure you don't want to stay?''

I was the first time I hesitated about my decision but in the end, I shook my head. ''I can't.''

''Very well.'' He took a deep breath and smiled. ''Remember, you still owe me a favor.''

It made me softly laugh while I nodded. ''Of course.''

''Good.''

''Captain, its ready.'' Russell mumbled close by and Morgan nodded.

With a slow exhale, we all walked to where Russell was standing and I looked down the ramp. This was it. This was the end. I looked back at the guys and watched as they exchanged a few words before they all looked at me again. I wanted to cry again as they started to say their goodbyes. Russell was the only one who didn't say a word and of course, Eduardo was nowhere to be found. In the end, it did make it easier to accept and walk down that ramp.

I got to take two steps down it when someone grabbed my arm. I looked over my shoulder, silently hoping it would be Eduardo but it was a panicked looking Russell.

''I just-um… sorry.'' He mumbled and I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to mad at him.

''It's fine.'' I smiled faintly and watched as he looked down to avoid my eyes. ''Really.''

He looked up at me again but remained silent.

''I'll see you around sometime, Russell.'' I smiled and gave his arm a squeeze before I turned around and walked down the ramp. Once I got all the way down and stood on stone, I turned around one last time to smile and wave at them as they were already getting ready to sail off.

I watched as they as they got ready and froze when I noticed someone watching me at the end of the ship. I held my breath as our eyes met but I looked down when his expression didn't change from his usual neutral one. I closed my eyes before turning around and beginning to make my way through the crowd. I kept telling myself not to turn around as I walked up a hill and turned into a small ally way.

''Get yourself together.'' I breathed while I tried to calm down. I found my scarf and started to wrap it around my head, hoping to disappear soon and forget about everything, when I heard footsteps at the end of the ally. My glance shot up as I got startled and I stopped everything once I saw that I wasn't alone.

''The scarf won't be necessary.'' A man spoke as he stepped out of the darkness and closer to me while I could hear the sound of a sword being unsheathed.

''Marines.'' I choked and took a step backwards.

''Don't make this any more troublesome by running, Tess.''

''How do you…'' I stopped myself when I realized that I knew him. ''Adam?''

''It's been a while.''

''A while? You count ten years as a while?'' I huffed and stared at him.

He looked much older than twenty-five and much rougher. He had gotten stronger, more built and if he hadn't been my brother, I would have been much more scared of him.

''We have plenty of time to catch up when we get back.'' He took a step forwards.

''Back? I'm not going back home. Never.'' I took a step back towards the busy street.

''You're a low life criminal, where else are you going to go? Besides, I made a deal with Caleb.''

''Y-you what?'' I stuttered.

''I bring you back to him and you get to skip jail, sounds like a good deal to me.'' He smiled, his features reminding me of our father. ''So, what's it gonna be? Run or-''

I started running before he had finished speaking. I turned the corner sharply, almost slipping on the ground and nearly running into several people. No way I was going back home. Not to my father and not to Caleb. I ran out on the street I had just come from and continued in the direction of the harbor. Maybe the Sirius was still there and I could escape again. My pulse raced as I ducked in-between people and bumped into several others. I fell down once after a stumble but I got up as soon as I heard Adam yelling behind me and ignored the stinging pain in my right knee.

I reached the harbor and looked around in panic but I couldn't see them and the yelling behind me got louder. It was then I first started to get scared and before I knew it, I was screaming Eduardo's name at the top of my lungs while I started running again.

My frightened state made me unfocused and my dodging got sloppy, leading me to bump into several people and slowing me down. It was bad; I knew that much and it only made it worse. I was somewhere in the middle of the harbor when I spotted the Sirius out on the water and started to make my way to the edge. Maybe they would hear my yelling if I was closer. Maybe it would all be okay again.

''Eduardo!'' I screamed as loud as I could and stared at the ship, hoping it would turn around and come back for me, but it kept sailing. ''No, no, no, no!'' I yelled and turned around, catching glimpses of several marines cornering me. I knew by this point I was already crying but I still tried to duck in-between people and get around them. I got pass one of them but as I was looking back at him, another one basically tackled me down. His weight pressed me down on the cold stone and I let out a loud cry when the pain settled in and numbed my right side.

''Get her cuffed!''

''No! Stop!'' I yelled and struggled when another marine started helping the one who held me down. I screamed and kicked the best I could but I knew already it was to no use and the cold metal cuffs closed around my wrists. I was roughly pulled back up on my feet then and shoved forwards. I stumbled, barely saving myself from a fall.

''So you did chose to run.'' Adam stood in front of me with his arms crossed over his chest. ''You've always been trouble.''

A pair of hands grabbed both my shoulders and forced me along with them.

''Adam! Please don't do this!''

''Get her back to the base.''

''No!'' I screamed and continued to struggle but it was no use.

I should never have left the Sirius.

It was my first time sitting in a prison cell and so far, my impression of it wasn't good. It was cold and wet as I sat on the stone floor. I couldn't stop shaking while I had my arms around myself, hoping I could warm myself up somewhat. So far it wasn't working very well.

My body was hurting all over and my right side was especially sore and had cuts from when I had been forced down on the ground. I couldn't cry though, not since I had actually been tossed in the cell and left there with a locked door. I had spent the first hour or so screaming while trying to find a way out but it was no use.

I let my head fall down on my arm, shivering silently as I listened to footsteps coming my way. But I stayed still, refusing to look up when they stopped outside of my cell.

''You're twenty years old, stop sulking like a brat.''

I recognized the harsh voice and looked up, meeting Adam's gold glance. There used to be a time where his blue eyes had been full of life and not coldness. He unlocked the door and stepped inside the cell. I remained on the cold floor.

''My brother, whom I haven't seen in ten years, just threw me in jail. I can sulk as much as I please.'' I glared at him but it didn't change his expression one bit.

''You're a criminal. Did you never consider what would happen if you got caught? Your bounty is high enough for you to have a wanted poster. You're a disgrace.''

''At least I didn't leave my only other sibling behind because I'm selfish.'' I snorted.

''Now you listen to me.'' He sneered and took a few hasty steps. He grabbed the dress' collar and pulled me up, leaving me to dangle above the ground. ''You've always been trouble and you never cared one bit for our family. All snotty, little you could think about was following that bloody orphan around while I was left to listen to father's yelling. Everything was in your favor so I went out to become an honest man and fulfill my duty.'' He sneered angrily.

I kicked my feet as I tried to escape his hold but it was to no use and I let out a groan.

''In my favor? How is having you and father blame me for mother's death and an arranged marriage working in my favor?! You were never around emotionally, all you did was glare at me ever since we were kids!''

''And why did you think I did that? You ruined everything and now look, something doesn't suit you and you run away.'' The grip tightened and I felt his knuckles press against my throat, making it harder to breathe. ''You should have accepted the circumstances and stayed home, not gone out chasing some worthless pirate.''

''He's not worthless!'' I shouted in anger.

''Funny how you're the only one who thinks that.'' He growled deeply while glaring at me.

I returned the glare while my hands grabbed his and I used the grip to lift myself a bit up so I could breathe.

''Maybe that says something about the rest of you and not me.'' I spoke through gritted teeth.

He narrowed his eyes at me but despite looking like he wasn't done yelling, he let go of me. I slumped down on the floor, softly yelping because of the fall.

''Cause any more trouble and I'll consider dropping the offer.'' He huffed before walking out, slamming the cell door behind him and then locking it. I heard his angry footsteps disappear down the hallway and I let my head fall back against the wall. I closed my eyes when another pair of footsteps approached and I let out a small huff, not interested in talking with Adam again.

The footsteps stopped in front of the cell and as I expected to hear Adam's voice, I ended up surprised when it was someone else.

''Look at you. You're a pretty pathetic sight right now.''

I looked up when someone spoke and met the eyes of a man around my age. He had chocolate brown hair, blue eyes and stood tall on the other side of the bars. He was smiling arrogantly and I didn't need more than that smile to know who he was.

''Caleb.'' I spat out his name.

''Hello, Tess. I'm surprised you remember me.''

''I never forget people I hate.''

''Ouch, that stung.''

''What do you want?'' I asked while standing up slowly and was reminded by the pain in my knee.

''I'm simply here to pick up my bride.''

''You're disgusting.'' I sneered and took a few slow steps closer to him. ''Why is it you think I'll come with you? I ran from you!''

''My dear, I know we've had our differences-''

''Differences? You made mine and Eduardo's life a living hell back there! You made your farther come up with that ridicules proposal and got my father in on the idea as well!''

''You've always been so dramatic. As for Eduardo, I thought you were done spending time on him once he skipped town. He abandoned you, isn't that enough?''

''Shut up!'' I growled.

I knew he was trying to get into my head. It had always been what he had done. Manipulating people was what he was known for and he had always been good at it. He knew when to be charming, witty, he knew when to be nice and when to turn the tables completely and attack the clueless victim.

''You were never anything more than something replaceable to him. And yet you run after him in your foolishness.''

''Shut up!'' I yelled and was on the verge of tears. ''He didn't abandon me!''

''Oh, but didn't he, my dear? Isn't he the reason you're sitting here as well? Being a criminal has tainted that cute little girl I decided to marry but I'm quite sure we can fix that.'' He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes a bit. ''No one knows what you've become back home. So I'll bring you back and you can forget everything about these foolish years.''

''Is that your plan? The reason you made this deal with my brother?''

''Your brother has turned into a quite reasonable man. Once he got reports from the last town you were seen it, we agreed on a large enough sum of money and then planned what to do. All that was left was to wait for pretty, little you… I had asked him not to be too rough but I guess I somewhat expected that you would put up a fight.''

''Why are you so obsessed with the idea of us marrying? I've never liked you and I'm positively sure that I always voiced my negative opinion about you.'' I sneered.

''Because, I always wanted to steal you and you're unique back home. No one else has red hair like you. I'll parade you around as my prize.'' He said it as if it was the most obvious thing it the world.

''Steal me? There's no one to steal me from! And if you think that you can parade me around like I'm a thing, I'll make your life a living hell.''

''Oh, don't be silly. You were what little Eduardo had left so of course I wanted to have you.'' He sighed audibly. ''I see you're going to be problematic about this so let me tell you something. You don't have a choice.''

''I'd rather stay here and rot than go with you.'' I spat on the floor in front of his feet.

''That's the thing, either you come with me or that's it.''

''What do you mean?''

''Well, in this town, the punishment for stealing is execution.''

''What…'' I lost all air and felt what little hope I had left crumble.

''It's me or death. Pick your choice.'' He chuckled and started to walk off, leaving me standing pale in the middle of the cell.

When the heavy door closed, I fell down to my knees and soon after, I cried for the first time in the cell but I refused to make any sounds. I forced myself back up on my feet and staggered over to the cell door, hopelessly tugging the metal door. This couldn't be the end, it just simply couldn't. I searched my dress for the small dagger I usually hid better than the two others and let out a soft sound when I found it. I sent a silent thank you before I started fidgeting the lock with the dagger.

I listened for the clicking sound desperately and my hope weakened for each second I didn't hear it. I bit my lip in frustration and turned the dagger roughly, accidently slipping it out of my own hand. It fell to the floor and I quickly followed it down, reaching for it between the bars. I stretched as far as I could, trying not to groan too loudly from the pain but I let out a loud one when I knew I couldn't reach it. I closed my eyes, accepting defeat. This really was it.

''No… no, please.'' I sobbed quietly and felt my body starting to shake again. ''Please.''

''Quiet down or they'll come check on you.'' Someone whispered next to me and I looked up, seeing a well-known face.

I felt tears well up in my eyes. ''How did you…'' I breathed as he started to work on unlocking the door.

''Don't start crying now. We're here to get you out.'' Eduardo spoke quietly while his glance was focused on the lock.

''I'm sorry. I'm so-'' My lip quivered and I looked down, choking on a sob I struggled to keep back.

''Save it for when we get out.'' He whispered and the door made a soft click. ''Now, get up.''

I struggled to get up and made sure not to put weight on my right knee but it still hurt and I grimaced.

''What the hell did they do to you?'' He muttered darkly before letting out a sigh and opening the door. ''Come here.''

''Wait, what are you-'' I cut myself off when he picked me up with ease and I felt my face go red. ''Put me down!''

''Quiet down! And stay still, you're not exactly light.'' He grumbled and started to carry me down the hallway in the opposite direction of where Caleb had come from. ''You can't walk and we have to get out, I don't know how long the others can keep them occupied.''

''They couldn't.''

Eduardo froze and I feared the worst as he started to turn around. We came face to face with both Adam and Caleb staring us down. I heard him curse beneath his breath.

''Nice of you to show your face, Eduardo.'' Caleb smiled.

''I could live without seeing yours.'' Eduardo smirked back and then carefully put me down. ''Get behind me.'' He whispered and I did as he told me.

''Hand her over.''

''Not a chance.''

''You're going to be stubborn again?''

''Again?'' I mumbled and looked up at him in confusion.

''Stop talking, Caleb, or I'll put a bullet right between your eyes.'' Eduardo sneered and his expression became hard.

''Really? I would like to see you try.'' He smirked challenging but the smirk vanished seconds later when Eduardo quickly whipped out his gun and pointed it right at him. ''So serious, like always.''

''Put that gun down.'' Adam took a step forwards.

''Stay back, Adam, I have no quarrel with you.''

''Leave him, he's bluffing.''

''What makes you think I am?''

''Because in the end you're a coward. You were a coward seven years ago and you still are.''

''You're getting closer and closer to a hole in the head.'' Eduardo sneered coldly.

''He's not a coward!'' I shouted and moved to stand beside him.

''I told you to stay there!'' He growled at me and Caleb started laughing.

''Really? Is it not cowardly to accept a deal and run away?''

''What?'' I breathed and looked up at Eduardo but his glance stayed on Caleb.

''I'm warning you.''

''My dear Tess, Eduardo here was foolish enough to accept a deal I made with him. His end was to leave town and let you stay behind without a word.''

My mind came to a complete stop then.

''I kept my end of the deal back then but you didn't keep yours!'' Eduardo shouted in anger. ''We had a deal!''

''Why would you do that?!'' It was my turn to shout now but it was directed at the man next to me. ''Why would you just…'' I stopped when I didn't know what to say.

''I did it so he would leave you alone. His side of the deal was to stop trying to marry you and leave you alone. You were supposed to leave her alone, Caleb!'' He shouted the last part and his voice was filled with anger and frustration.

''Did you really think I would back off that easily? You're not only a coward but a fool, Eduardo.''

''Shut up.''

''You wanted to leave and go out on that silly adventure you kept daydreaming about like a fool. So why not bait you with some money and an empty promise so you would finally get that last push to leave?''

''I said shut up!'' He yelled, his voice echoing of the walls and I even got a little startled.

''Or what? Oh, yes. You would shoot me, right?'' Caleb continued to smile as he stepped closer to us and threw out his arms.

He stood there for two seconds, flashing that arrogant smirk of his, before a shot was fired. The sound rang in my ears and I cringed in pain. I watched as Caleb's face turned surprised and then turned into an expression filled with pain. I stood frozen to the spot, unable to move, when Eduardo picked me up again and started running. They shouted behind us, Caleb's cursing filled with rage and pain overpowered all of the others.

''You just… you shot him.'' I mumbled and then looked up at him. ''You shot him!''

''I shot him in the leg. If you say he didn't deserve it, I'm dropping you right here and now.'' He grumbled and turned the corner as we got outside.

''Right now I wouldn't mind!'' I shouted in anger. ''All that was said in there-''

''I'll explain later.''

''No!''

''Tess, please! Let me explain it later.'' He huffed and looked at me with begging eyes.

I hesitated for a bit but my anger faltered. ''Okay.'' I breathed after a while and he exhaled deeply.

''Thanks.'' He mumbled as he ran into an alleyway and stopped. ''The other's should be here soon.'' He huffed and put me down.

''Thanks.''

''Save it for later.''

We stayed silent and waited for the others to show up. Luckily, they didn't take too long and we started making our way back to the ship. I was embarrassed to be carried but Eduardo wouldn't listen and even refused to let Russell carry me. He was acting strange, to put it lightly, and my mind was already focused on the future conversation we would have.

I didn't know what to expect but I knew I had to tell him everything nonetheless.

I had to tell him.

It was a strange feeling, suddenly being important for someone, to have someone who looked out for you, worried about you when you've been on your own for seven years. I was surprised to be smiled at by everyone and then pampered by everyone. Christopher was the first to take a look at me and bandage the wounds I had. I was lucky to get away with bruising and small cuts but the pain in my knee wouldn't just be gone that easily. Nathan quickly brought me some food while Thomas and Russell kept asking if I was alright or if they could get me anything. I was overwhelmed and didn't know what to say. It was so strange and it made my chest hurt but I couldn't get what had happened in the marine base out of my head.

''How's it going, Tess?'' Morgan asked me as he sat down beside me on the deck.

I was leaning against the side of the wall to the kitchen, admiring the view of the ocean that I had gotten used to. I looked at him as he sat down and showed him a small smile.

''I'm fine, thanks.''

''That's good.'' He grinned and let his hand rustle my hair.

''Hey, how did you guys know that I got caught?''

''Eduardo was still watching you after you got out of sight. He started yelling once you came running back down to the harbor and you had marines after you. He looked like he was about to jump in the water to help you.'' He chuckled and turned his head to look at me. ''Russell and Christopher had to hold him back while I turned around the ship. He said he could hear you shouting.''

''I did shout…'' I mumbled and looked straight ahead again while I processed what he had just said.

''It seems like you two have a lot to talk about.''

I sat still for a while before nodding and standing up. ''Do you know where he is?''

''I'm quite sure he's in your room right now.''

''Thanks.'' I smiled and started to move.

I felt my pulse quicken just from thinking about it and I wanted to run but my knee kept me from it. I cursed in annoyance and slowed down.

''Need some help?''

I looked up and met Eduardo's eyes. I stood still as we kept eye contact and I had to swallow before I could say anything.

''Where's your eye patch?''

''Left it in the room.'' He studied me and I felt my cheeks redden. ''I think I promised you an explanation for some things.''

''Yeah…'' I mumbled and nodded.

We fell silent as we started to walk back to our room. He slowed down to match the pace I could walk in and I felt my heart race against my ribcage as we walked. I had come up with a plan earlier but I had forgotten every word I had thought of and I was insanely nervous. I didn't know what to expect and that only made it worse.

I sat down on the bed and watched as he closed to the door, then seeming to hesitate about where to sit. After a few seconds, he sat down next to me on the bed and kept his glance on the floor.

''So-'' ''I-'' we both spoke at the same time and then stopped when we realized the other was talking as well. A short silence fell between us until I had gathered enough courage to speak.

''The deal you and Caleb made… What was that about?''

''I should never have agreed to it but I thought it would be better for you if he left you alone. I know how selfish it seems for me to leave but back then, but I really thought it was for the best.''

''So you did it for me?''

He nodded.

''But… Didn't you think I would follow you?''

''I… Maybe at some point. He didn't give me much time to decide so I never really thought about it before it was too late.'' He sighed. ''I'm impressed you did though… despite the circumstances.''

''I wasn't just going to let you walk out of my life that easily.'' I sighed softly and watched him as he closed his eyes.

''Yeah, I should have known you're that stubborn.'' A small smile appeared on his lips.

''You were everything I had back then. I didn't even know if I could find you but I just had to try… now I'm not sure what to think anymore. I found you… I've come that far… But now, it's so much more complicated.''

He stayed silent for a bit before looking at me and I felt my heart stop for a second.

''I'm… I'm sorry for losing my temper back then. I just got so angry I didn't know what to do. Caleb had skipped his part of the deal and the fact that you had told the idiot about it pissed me off.''

''Yeah, well… Sorry for slapping you. I think I hit you pretty hard.''

''I've never been slapped like that in my life but I deserved it.''

''You pretty much did.'' I smiled faintly and we both looked down.

''So, what now?''

''I don't know… Adam and Caleb are probably looking for me.''

''Why don't you stay then?''

''I can't…''

''Why not?''

We both looked up again and I knew I had to tell him then.

''Because… I don't… I can't just be a friend to you anymore. I can't keep being this close to you without it hurting. I'm sorry, but I somehow managed to develop some pretty serious feelings for you.'' I laughed and felt a few tears fall down my cheeks. ''I'm… I love you.'' I had finally told him.

I stayed still as I waited for his reaction and let out a shaky breath when he looked down. Then I waited for the rejection.

''How long have you…?''

''I think even before you left… Maybe always. It just hit me like a brick after being around you again and now I can't-'' I stopped talking when he looked at me again and I sat still. ''What?'' I breathed.

''The hardest thing I've done was leaving you back then and letting you leave today. I'm not watching you walk of this boat again.'' He almost whispered while leaning closer to me and I caught my breath. ''I can't hand you over to anyone, especially not Caleb, I'm too selfish to do that.''

''What are you saying?'' I asked softly, my eyes flickering between his eyes and his lips.

''That you're staying and that's an order.'' He spoke before closing the distance between us and catching my lips with his.

My mind shut completely down and for a second or two, I had no idea what to do. My whole body had tensed up and it took me a while before I dared to kiss him back at all. Once I did, he intensified the kiss and leaned closer to me while his hands found my sides. I ignored the slight pain in my right side and simply focused on what was happening right then and there.

He had kissed me. He was kissing me and this time is wasn't to lift some stupid curse. This was real.

His lips left mine for a split second and I used the opportunity to suck in a mouthful of air before they were back on mine while he tipped me backwards. My head swirled as he continued to kiss me while hovering in over me. When he pulled back, I opened my eyes and met his.

''What about Russell?''

''What about him?'' I frowned slightly. Why was he bringing him up now?

He stayed silent while I studied him and slowly realized why he had asked.

''You think I like him?''

''Of course not.'' He scoffed, acting as if I had hurt his pride with that assumption.

''Then why are you asking?'' I frowned again and he looked away from me. When he refused to speak, I let out a sigh. ''Listen, he was an ass in the beginning but he's actually not that bad.'' He eyed me. ''Not to me, at least. He's easy to talk to and it just kinda slipped out back then. I couldn't tell you because I knew you would get mad and show me that shitty attitude of yours.'' I huffed and let my hands move up to his face, gently making him face me again. ''I had my hands full with a certain bratty navigator, I didn't need a bratty swordsman as well.''

He remained silent for a bit before he surprised me by leaning down to my ear. I felt his hot breath hit my skin before he whispered and it sent a delicate chill run down my spine.

''I won't say this often so listen and remember this because I don't like to repeat myself either.'' He paused shortly. ''I love you.''

His voice had made me close my eyes and once he whispered again, I felt my lip quiver and tears press on.

''Stop crying.'' He sighed, his tone annoyed.

''Mhmm…'' I mumbled and moved my hands so I could cover my face. ''It's your fault.''

''Don't blame me for everything.'' He grumbled.

I shook my head softly but the tears wouldn't stop.

''Are you sure you're fine with me? I'm just a thief… I've done some pretty disgraceful things and-''

''Shut up.'' He murmured before stopping me from talking by pressing his lips against mine. ''Your actions alone doesn't make you who you are, so stop being a crybaby.'' He sighed annoyed but I knew that he was right.

The fact that he had just told me something like that only made me want to cry more but I struggled and managed to calm somewhat down. I was rewarded with another kiss but it was different from the others. I was surprised at how gentle and careful it was considering his usually dominant and arrogant behavior. Then again, Eduardo wasn't one to show his somewhat sweeter side unless you knew him well enough and he had judged you to be worthy of it. I doubted that any one of the ship had experienced it and in reality, maybe I was the only one who was allowed to see him like this. He was hard to figure out and I knew that if I hadn't known him the way I did, I would have disliked and maybe even hated him from the moment he opened his mouth. It was a harsh truth but he had been like that ever since his mother died and his father left. He was abandoned and it was the only defense he could use so it wouldn't happen again. He had been an utter mess for one day only, and then he promised himself that he would never cry again and he became distant.

I could still remember how bizarre it had been to see the guy I admired for his bravery cry his out eyes while I had my arms around him. We were so young but I already knew what I meant to lose a parent or to grow up without one. I knew how hard it was going to be. I held his hand back then and promised him that I would never leave him and that I would always be his friend. We had never talked about it afterwards but I would never forget the sight of him crying so hard as he did back then. It was our secret.

So harsh, cruel and foulmouthed, all to hide a lonely, sad little boy.

My arms moved up and around his neck. Before he could protest, I pulled him down to me and buried my face against his neck and shoulder. I inhaled his scent, a mixture of salty sea air and gunpowder, and simply relished the feeling of him breathing and the fact that I could feel his heart beating.

''Since when have you gotten so clingy?'' He murmured but he didn't push me away. Instead, his arm moved around me and pulled me closer up against him. ''If you're going to be a pirate, you have to be tougher than this.'' He smirked while leaning his cheek against my hair.

''Shut up.'' I mumbled and withdrew enough so I could look up at him. ''So, we're… I mean, together?'' I mumbled, warmth tingling in my cheeks. He almost glared at me and the expression he wore seemed to ask if I was stupid. ''I just need to hear you say it.''

''I've already filled my quota of saying sappy things, so you tell me.'' He looked down at me with an expression I couldn't quite read.

''Then,'' I took a deep breath before continuing, ''we are…''

''We're what?'' He smirked.

I frowned at him, silently hating him a bit for making me say it when he wouldn't. ''Together.'' I mumbled flustered.

''So that makes me your what?'' It was obvious how much he enjoyed teasing me.

''Slave. Auch!'' I groaned when he pinched my cheek.

''You should know better than going against me.'' He grumbled.

''Then you say it!'' I matched his annoyed tone.

''As if.'' He grunted and looked pretty satisfied with himself but I only let him have that expression for a second.

I moved quickly enough to catch him off guard and I turned him over, now straddling him and looking down at him with a smirk. Despite now looking sour, he didn't move.

''You're my what?'' I smirked but it vanished quickly.

Slowly, his hands moved up my sides before one went to my lower back and the other continued to my front. I managed to catch the one on my front inches before he would have touched my chest.

''What are you doing?'' I blurted out while my face was on fire. It was just a simple touch but my skin tingled where he had touched and my pulse was racing.

''Showing you who's in charge.''

''Stop it!'' I groaned flustered when the hand on my back traveled further up, making me shiver softly.

''Then say it.''

''No, you say it!'' I shrieked softly and arched my back forwards.

''Stop being a brat.''

''Fine!''

He stayed still then and watched me teasingly. I bit down into my lip when he looked so victorious and I wanted to punch him.

''You're… You're my boyfriend…'' I sighed and listened to him chuckle.

His hands moved back down to my sides while he sat up slowly. My pulse quickened as he got closer and soon enough, he was only inches away from me. I hated myself a bit for being so easily affected by him but then again, how could I not? I he was the man I had chased for seven years after all.

''Good girl.'' He smirked before closing the gap between us and catching my lips with his.

I had a feeling this wasn't going to be easy, especially not when we were both stubborn and hot headed. Nonetheless, it was something I wanted to fight for. These past seven years wouldn't be in vain and I had already come this far. Those were his lips against mine and as surreal as that felt, it was also making my heart pound and it felt like it was the most natural thing in the world.

''That's my good girl.'' He breathed softly before continuing to kiss me as if we were catching up on these past seven years.

I smiled softly against his lips. That was it, I was his now. Knowing that, I could get used to being a pirate.