Shout out to Canadaorbust, ShadowFox197, BakaKurokamiShoujo, Kitty of 2 kingdoms, Anon, Whiskey Bloodsbane Pincher, Noire Knightmare, and Guest!

Whazup! Not only am I maintaining an update-per-day, I'm editing my last chapters! :D Considering I decided to run with this story when I only had a few scraps from various parts, and it went in a different direction than I'd originally intended, I'm quite happy with it. I'm even happier with all the love it's getting! :)

Enjoy!

Lovina was genuinely surprised when they were able to sail into the harbor without incident. It truly was amazing what a few friendly-looking flags could do. The Gelb Klaue had run up the German flag, the Muerte Alada and Cuervo de Advertencia flying the colors of Spain. From there it was easy enough to dock, the harbor master not seeming to realize who was paying him for the right with stolen coins.

Not wanting to cause a scene, Lovina had donned a hooded cloak, keeping well back as the two former pirates bought time to dock their ships. She was hanging back near one of the larger docks, soaking in the sights and sounds of the familiar port. The sense of relief at being home again was almost overwhelming.

She was still reveling in this when a familiar voice made her tense, and she turned, eyes widening slightly.

"She's my sister! I can't just wait here," Feliciana was protesting, hot on Ludwig's heels as he made his way through the crowd. "I don't care what Nonno said-

"I cannot blame him for wanting to keep you here," Ludwig argued, face as grim as ever. "He doesn't know if he will see her again, he doesn't want to lose you too."

"I'm coming with you and you can't stop me," Feliciana informed him, chin set stubbornly.

"I never thought I'd say this, but listen to the potato bastard."

Lovina had expected a lot of things, but Feliciana's piercing scream hadn't been one of them. She winced, then yelped as her sister hurled herself at Lovina, nearly knocking them both to the dock. The wind was knocked out of her, but she still hugged her sister back, ignoring the stares they were earning.

"Lovi, we were so worried! Gilbert said you were alright and he'd go get you but then we got your letter and we had to go see you and Nonno and Mr. Belishmet argued and Ludwig was just now able to get a ship ready and-

Lovina pulled away so she could clamp a hand over her sister's mouth to stem the flow of words. "I'm fine. I'm not dead. The albino bastard kept his word. Now stop screeching, it hurts."

When she took her hand away, Feliciana was giving her a watery smile, pulling back to hold her at arm's length. "I'm sorry, I'm just so happy. When we heard what had happened and who had caught you-

The sentence was cut off in another scream, but this time it was aimed over Lovina's shoulder. She looked back, only to find the former pirates had appeared behind her. Gilbert had a smug smile on his face, but Antonio looked pained. Scowling, Lovina turned back to Feliciana and snapped, "Stop screaming at my husband!"

Feliciana's mouth fell open in shock. The look was almost funny, but Lovina still winced. She'd been meaning to break the news carefully, strategically, but it clearly wasn't very good for the moral of the mission if her own twin's first reaction upon seeing him was to scream her head off.

"You...Lovi, che cosa?" she whispered. "Perché? What did he do to you?"

"He didn't do anything. I asked him to marry me. Now stop screaming and take us to Nonno, alright? Turning to a pale if unsurprised Ludwig, she said, "And your padre. There's a lot we need to talk about."

Ludwig nodded stiffly. "I'm glad to see you're well." Turning to Gilbert, he added, "Thank you, bruder."

"You doubted the Awesome me? West, I'm wounded."

"Nein. But Vater still wants to lock you up. For a year. It's better than life, but it was the best I could do. He thinks you need to be punished to some degree."

"Ow, ow, Feli stop it!" protested Lovina, stumbling after her sister. Running back through the docks wasn't the approach she'd had in mind, but Feliciana was racing ahead with a death grip on her arm.

"Come on, we have to tell Nonno you're alright! I almost forgot! He's been as worried as I have."

"I'm coming, alright idiota? Stop it, you're hurting me!"

It took some convincing, but once assured Lovina wouldn't disappear once the death grip was released, Feliciana released her arm. By then they were in the courtyard though, well ahead of the others. Definitely not the plan.

"Nonno! Nonno!" called Feliciana, making for the main doors at a dead run.

Lovina stood in the courtyard, torn. Part of her wanted to run at Feliciana's heels, to throw herself in her grandfathers arms. Another part wanted to hang back, wait for the others. Ludwig was much more accepting of what had happened than anyone else would be, she knew that for a fact. Frankly she'd been surprised, but then he was Feliciana's fiancé, and had presumably grown up for several years with Gilbert. Straight laced or no, his tolerance for oddities was higher than most.

She was still trying to decide what to do when Feliciana reappeared, dragging someone behind her, babbling away. "See? She's here, she safe!"

Lovina broke into a run, temporarily forgetting about Antonio, hurling herself into her grandfather's arms. Roma caught her, holding her tight. Lovina buried her face in his chest, clinging to him, suddenly fighting tears.

"Bambina, sei al sicuro," he whispered, voice hoarse. Then he pulled back, taking her face in his hands. Amber eyes, ones identical to Feliciana's, were glistening as he smiled down at her. "I didn't believe it when Ludwig told us. How did you get away?"

"I didn't," said Lovina, thought tight. "He let me go."

Roma frowned. "I don't understand." Then his attention shifted to something behind her, and the next thing Lovina knew she was being yanked behind her grandfather.

"Guards!" bellowed Roman, drawing his sword.

"No, don't!" blurted Lovina, grabbing his arm.

"Germania can deal with Gilbert, but if you think I'm showing mercy to the man who kidnapped my granddaughter-

"You can't kill him," hissed Lovina. "Call off the guards. He won't hurt me."

"Lovina, you've been with them too long. It's not unheard of for prisoners to-

"If you kill him you'll be killing my husband."

Roma might be a grandfather, but he didn't look it. He'd had their mother at a young age, and their mother had fallen pregnant when she was eighteen. To all appearances, Roma was still young and healthy. That didn't do anything for Lovina's concern for his heart when he went as still as a statue under her hands, an expression of pure shock on his face.

The others had caught up to them, no doubt running to do so. Ludwig was striding over to Feliciana, face grim. Gilbert was edging away, putting distance between himself and Antonio as the guard closed in. The Spaniard didn't seem to notice them, or if he did he didn't care. He was staring at Lovina and her grandfather, face creased with worry.

Roma's face slowly morphed into one of fury, and Lovina's heart sank. "What did you do to my granddaughter?" he asked, voice low and dangerous.

"He didn't do anything, this was my idea," protested Lovina, thinking fast. "Just hear me out, please Nonno. You know I hated all those suitors, I hated men in general. You think I'd do something like this lightly? Antonio isn't going to hurt me, he never has. Aside from kidnapping me he has been kind, he has protected me."

"You wouldn't have needed protecting if he'd left you alone," said Roma coldly.

Antonio didn't resist as the guards grabbed him, clamping manacles on his wrists.

"He's not the one who grabbed me in the first place! It was one of his crew, he didn't know until I was already on board," protested Lovina, talking faster than she ever had before. She'd always marveled at Feliciana's ability to create a stream of words that rivaled a physical attack, but it seemed she had more in common with her sister than she'd ever thought. "He found me and kept them from doing anything to me. If anyone tried, Antonio took care of them. He's never lifted a hand to me, he's protected as best he could. He taught me how to fight, Nonno. Antonio brought me back on his own, Gilbert didn't force him, and he taught me how to use a sword while we sailed here. He buys me tomato's, he's kind. Damn it tell the guards to let him go!"

Roma was staring at the hands on his arm. It took Lovina a minute to realize he was staring at the ring on her finger. In a low voice he said, "You're a feisty as ever, bambina. I've never heard you defend a man, though." Hesitating, he asked, "Are you sure it was your choice? He didn't force you?"

Exasperated, Lovina asked, "How can you ask me that, Nonno? You've been trying to get me to sit down to lessons and take suitors seriously for years. Do I do anything I don't want to?"

The man's mouth twitched slightly. "No, bambina, you do not." Turning to the guards, who were waiting for orders, he said, "Bring him inside, if you please. I will hear him out before I decide what to with him."

Lovina relaxed. It vexed her that Antonio seemed to have lost all interest in self preservation, but at least his lack of resistance didn't go unnoticed by Roma. He was studying the Spaniard with a deep frown, keeping a hand on her shoulders as he guided her inside.

The guards brought him into what Roma often used as a meeting room, a large side parlor with a table at its center. Two guardsmen pushed Antonio down into one of the chairs, reattaching his shackles behind the tall back. He didn't protest, enduring their rough handling with the same expression of vague concern still riveted on Lovina.

"Leave us," ordered Roma once he was secured.

The guards hesitated, but then obeyed. When the doors were shut, Roma folded his arms, staring across the table at Antonio. He hadn't sat, and neither did Lovina. "My granddaughter is very avid in your defense, pirate. You understand if I'm reluctant to believe her."

"I don't blame you señor," said Antonio, tone respectful. "But for what it's worth, she speaks the truth. I have not harmed her, nor have I ever wanted to."

"You expect me to believe you had nothing to do with her kidnapping?"

"It's the truth. Whether you believe it is your decision,señor. My men were to simply take what they can and return to the ship. I won't deny they've taken women before, but I make a point to drop them at the next port. Even pirates have a moral code. It might not be much of one, but it's there. I admit I should have returned her sooner, though."

"Why didn't you?" asked Roma, pacing angrily. Lovina was eyeing him carefully. Whether this was because he was starting to believe Antonio and didn't like it, or he wasn't believing him and was simply getting angry, she wasn't sure.

"I wanted to. I could not."

"Why? Answer me that pirate, why? You expect me to believe you held her for weeks and still did nothing?"

"I couldn't let her go for the same reasons that make you angry now."

Roma glared at him. "Don't tell me you love her. I still don't believe you're married. Not willingly, at any rate."

Lovina fumbled for her cloak, reaching into its inner pocket. She yanked out the document, shoving it into Roma's face. "Look at this, Nonno. I was not forced into anything. This idiota would be willing to let you toss him into the dungeon or send him to the gallows. Why, I don't know. He could have done any number of things to me, true, but he didn't."

Roma was staring at the document, slowly reading it over. When he got to the bottom, his hands were shaking. "This is either a very elaborate plan, or... I've never seen a forgery so good."

The Italian groaned. "That's because it isn't!" she snapped angrily. "You want proof?" She stalked over to Antonio, grateful the guard's hadn't disarmed him. She grabbed the hilt of his sword, drawing it in one fluid movement and turning to face Nonno. "Fight me. You never let me learn, if we're lying you should disarm me in seconds."

Roma smacked the document down onto the table. "You think I'd fight you? My own granddaughter?"

"If you won't believe me. If a Pirate Lord turning into a damned kitten isn't proof enough." Stabbing a finger at a surprised Antonio she demanded, "How can you miss how easily he's gone along with all this?"

Roma eyed Antonio, but as he opened his mouth the pirate protested, "Lovi, what are you doing? I only taught you so you could defend yourself. You shouldn't fight your family, it's not right."

"Shut up pomodoro bastardo," snapped Lovina. "I'm trying to save your ungrateful hide."

"Pomodoro bastardo," murmured Roma, a thoughtful frown on his face. Then, abruptly, he said, "Very well then."

Lovina didn't have time to enjoy the moment. Roma drew his sword and advanced at a rapid pace. She quickly shifted her grip on the sword, advancing two paces to meet Roma. The first few light fences she parried easily, but Lovina recognized them for what they were. Roma was lightly testing her defenses, seeing how she reacted. The quick flicks of her blade she used to deflect his sword seemed to interest him.

"Why is it you rejected every eligible lord only to marry a pirate?" he asked.

Lovina opened her mouth to answer, only to jump back a step to avoid a more aggressive test of her defenses. Scowling, she decided to just go for it. She got the satisfaction of seeing Roma's eyes widen as she went on the offensive, actually forcing him back a few steps.

"Not bad," he admitted.

With that, his sword flashed forward, locking with hers. Lovina grimaced as he stepped forward, putting them in a position that would inevitably ensure victory fell to the larger opponent. Thinking fast, she dropped her blade, making him stumble forward as she darted to the side. In the space of a heartbeat, she drew her new dagger from an old hiding place, grabbing his left hand as she did so. A quick twist had him doubling over, the pressure point one Antonio had showed her. She'd been skeptical that a simple finger could make a man unwilling to move, but it worked all the same. As Roma froze, she held the dagger a few inches from his throat.

"I'm a little more than that, don't you think?"

Roma's eyes were wide, and he held very still in her hold. Lovina held it for a minute, then released him, stepping back. "I'm sorry. But do you believe me now?"

The man stepped back a pace, studying her. "I believe you've changed. You're no expert, but then to my knowledge you'd never handled a sword at all. Did this pirate really teach you this? And where did that knife come from?"

Blushing, Lovina simply put it back rather than answer. In Tortuga, along with fresh clothes, Antonio had found a replacement, along with a sheath. It wasn't big, but it was sharp, and all it took was a small extra strip of cloth inside her bodice to hold it in place. "I didn't always like the tomato bastard. Do you believe me now?"

To her surprise, Roma chucked. "I've become accustomed to your vulgarity, Lovi, but I've never heard you bestow anyone with a name involving tomatoes before. I was just curious to see how much he taught you," he said, picking up his sword and resheathing it. "And I know better than anyone how stubborn you can be. I raised both you and your mother. I simply find it difficult to swallow that the man who's now my grandson-in-law is a Pirate Lord."

"Reformed Pirate Lord," corrected Lovina, relaxing. "So you'll unchain him now?"

"Now? I've got him where any father or grandfather would love to have a new husband," said Roma, laughing. "I'm not letting him go until he answers a few more questions. You're lucky I'm so open minded you know." Turning back to Antonio, he asked, "If you knew my granddaughter was aboard, and as captain I'm assuming you knew before your ship left port, why didn't you simply return her then?"

Smiling slightly, Antonio said simply, "She gave me a tomato."

Lovina wanted to punch him, but Roma simply asked, "When?"

"I was scouting the port before the raid. I ran into her by mistake."

"Why did you bring her back now?"

Antonio sobered. "I've gotten her into more trouble than I ever intended. She's not safe with me as I am now."

"Even if it could mean your life?"

"Sì."

"There was no guarantee I would let you live, or even listen to what she tried to tell me."

"Sì, I know."

"Then why, pirate?"

Antonio shrugged as much as his bonds would allow. "La amo," he said simply.

Lovina blushed furiously, glaring at him. Roma sighed, sinking into a chair and rubbing his temples. To her surprise, his only comment was, "A little simplicity, bambina. Is that too much to ask for?"

"You have Feliciana for that," she quipped.

He smiled wryly. "I suppose. But please explain what you had planned after I resigned myself to having a Pirate Lord as a grandson-in-law?"

"I was hoping you could fix that Pirate Lord part," Lovina admitted. It had been the shakier part of her plan, but she knew if they could convince him it was a worthwhile endeavor, he'd find a way.

Roma sighed. "It won't be easy or cheap, Lovi."

"We can make it worth your while," said Lovina, marching towards the doors. She returned a few seconds later with a set of keys, setting them on the table. "What if there was a map with the secret of every port from here to Venice? Would that be enough to buy his freedom?"

Frowning, her grandfather said, "If there was such a map. But I have not heard of it."

"My father was a merchant for half of his life," said Antonio, finally speaking up. "For the rest, he transported gold for Spain. He had such a map. After he was killed it went to me. It was lost when my ship went down, but I could reproduce it."

"And you expect me to believe you would simply hand over something so precious?"

"Before? Nunca. But if it means I can keep something even more precious? Sì. I would do it gladly."

Blushing, Lovina scowled at him. But she started when she heard Roma chuckle. She had to look at him to confirm she wasn't hearing things.

"What's so funny?" she demanded.

"Ah, you are bambina. You are not someone I would have thought could put such a spell on a man."

"What do you mean by that?" she asked angrily, face heating.

Roma allowed himself one more chuckle before getting to his feet. He went over to a desk, producing a large sheet of paper, a quill, and ink. He brought all three over to Antonio, setting them out before him. "If you are good to your word, I will do what I can about your state as a wanted man. But before I unchain you, I have one more question. When can I expect great-grandchildren?"

"Nonno!"

BREAK/BREAK\BREAK

Madeline wasn't sure what was happening behind either set of closed doors. The one Lovina had disappeared behind, or the one Germania Belishmet had dragged Gilbert into. The tall, stern man hadn't looked very happy. Unfortunately this left her in the main entry way with Feliciano and Ludwig. Feliciana looked as worried as she did, but Ludwig seemed largely unconcerned.

"You're sure your father won't do more than send him to prison?" she asked worriedly. "He seemed very angry."

"Gilbert has that effect on him," said Ludwig wearily. "I wouldn't worry. They might not agree often, but Vater is not unreasonable."

No sooner had he said this then the doors banged open, making Madeline twitch. Feliciana squeaked. Germania appeared in the doorway, scanning the room with icy blue eyes. They locked onto Madeline, and he extended a finger directly at her. "You. Come here. Now."

Madeline hesitated, but then slowly made her way forward. "Might I ask why?"

"I need to ask you a few questions, young lady."

He didn't offer any further explanation. Once she was inside, he slammed the doors shut again. The room seemed to be a sort of small library that doubled as a meeting area, Gilbert slumped in one of the stuffed chairs, arms folded.

"Sorry, Birdie. My Vater is a-

"Enough out of you. Either remain silent or join your bruder outside," snapped Germania.

Gilbert glared at him, but kept his mouth shut.

Then, to Madeline's surprise, Germania pulled a chair out from the small table that sat in the middle of the room. "Sit, please."

His tone wasn't nearly so harsh, polite even, so Madeline sat carefully. Once the man was seated across from her, he said, "I apologize for dragging you into this, but I find my son's abrupt change rather difficult to believe."

Unsure of what to say, or if there was anything to say at all, Madeline remained silent.

"For whatever reason, he seems to hold you in high enough regard your opinion actually matters to him. No amount of threats or coercion could get him to come back."

"I came back for Luddy's wedding," protested Gilbert.

"Come back for good," quipped Germania sharply.

"I told you the Awesome me made this choice on my own. The Awesome me was already planning to keep my awesomeness alive by-

"It's my understanding you didn't act on whatever plans you may or may not have been making until this young lady crossed paths with you. I want to know why. Either hold to your promise to remain silent or go wait outside with your bruder."

Gilbert scowled, but kept his mouth shut. He'd taken off his hat, tossing it over one of the corners of the high backed chair. Madeline frowned, noticing the absence of yellow fluff. She started looking around the room, asking, "Where's- oh. Never mind, sorry."

Germania turned, following her gaze to the puffy bird perched on one of the curtain rods. Ignoring the bird, he turned back to Madeline. "Young lady-

He was interrupted by the hoarse squawking as Gilbird left his perch, circling down towards them. The man's expression changed from stern to genuine surprise as Gilbird dropped down to Madeline's shoulder. From there it was only a single hop to his favorite perch. Madeline had grown used to this, but now that they were in the presence of Gilbert's father she felt her face grow hot.

"He, um, does this on his own. Neither of us taught him this. Before I even met Gilbert, actually."

Germania was quiet for a movement, staring at the bird in fascination. Madeline was certain her face would explode before the man finally lifted his gaze, studying her more critically than before. Suddenly Madeline was aware she hadn't bothered to rebraid her hair recently, ensuring it would be a mess, nor had she bathed since Tortuga.

"That bird won't even let me approach him. It took a year to get him to like Ludwig. You expect me to believe he liked you with no prompting?"

"You can ask Lovina, he was with me for hours before Gilbert and Antonio found us," Madeline insisted, still blushing.

"Mmm." Germania rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose that explains how you got his attention. Understand, I have nothing against you. I'm simply curious as to how you managed to do what neither I nor anyone else could not."

Madeline frowned. "I'm afraid I don't understand, sir."

"Ludwig is very capable, but with things expanding it would be best if they could both work the business when I am no longer able to do so. Now that Ludwig is to be married, it is even more essential that Gilbert returns to take responsibility for his birthright. There was less to manage before and my wife died over ten years ago. Keeping the books, inspecting vessels, recruiting captains and workers, monitoring the grounds, all this requires time and presence. Neither of which Gilbert has been willing to surrender. I was in the middle of grooming him for this when he took off. Now suddenly he's very willing to not only endure time in the dankest prison I can find, but to join Ludwig in the business. I might be willing to simply appreciate his decision, but I know my son. His stubbornness is one of the few things that rival his pride. I would simply like to understand what occurred between the time he met you and the time he said he'd be coming home with us."

"I'm...afraid I don't know, sir," said Madeline, frowning. "I know the other Pirate Lords were retiring, but that's about it."

"Sie weiß nicht, Vater" muttered Gilbert.

"I doubt that very much."

Getting up angrily, glaring across the room, the albino blurted, "Sie sagte, sie ein Pirat nicht heiraten würde!"

A look of surprise, rivaling the one Gilbird had earned, crossed Germania's face. "Das ist es? Das ist alles, es dauerte?"

Madeline looked between them, baffled. "I'm sorry, what?"

Gilbert's cheeks were turning pink. He wouldn't look at her, turning to stalk over to the windows. He folded his arms, glaring through the glass. "I asked around while we were waiting for Toni's ship to get in. There's a ship that just came in, one of Roma's. It sails up the American coast next week. She's called the Starred Night."

Madeline frowned at him. Sure she had plans to look for just such a ship, and Lovina had assured her she wouldn't have to pay for passage, but until now Gilbert had been very resistant to that plan. It was the first gesture of what could be called encouragement she'd gotten from him.

"Why the sudden change of heart?" she asked at last.

Whirling to face them again, he glared at Germania. "Because I'm not letting you be his pawn, Birdie. If you stay he won't let you go."

"I'd argue with you but unless you explain what you're trying to avoid-

"I'm trying to avoid you ending up in a gold cage."

Standing, Madeline propped her hands on her hips and demanded, "Isn't that what you wanted before anyway? For me to go with you?"

"Ja, but only if you chose it. I wanted you to choose it but I wasn't going to make you, Birdie. Vater will give you an offer you can't refuse."

"So you want me to walk into a cage as opposed to being dragged into it?"

"I don't want to put you in a cage at all! Call it for what it is, but I wouldn't lock the door on you. I've never caged Gilbird, and I wouldn't do it to you. Awesomeness should not be caged. That's why I left, that's why Gilbird can fly wherever he wants, and that's why I was trying to convince you and not force you."

"But why? What did you tell him just now?"

"If you don't know why then maybe you're not as awesome as I thought."

Madeline paused, suddenly realizing they'd been shouting over the still seated Germania. She also noticed that Gilbert's normally white face was now a solid shade of pink. My God...he loves me, she realized with a jolt. How did...I've known him a week! But he's been at it since we first met.

"Why didn't you just tell me?" she asked, returning to her quiet tones.

Gilbert, face still blushing, extending a hand out to the side, index finger out. Gilbird wriggled out of her bodice, fluttering across the room to perch on the offered finger. He didn't speak, he didn't have to.

Madeline was quiet for a minute, then turned to regard the patient-looking Germania. "If it wouldn't be much trouble, I'd like to accompany you to Isle Zucker. Not for long, just a...trial period."

The man nodded solemnly, rising to his feet. "Gut. I will be happy to make the arrangements."

Gilbert transferred the canary to his hat, which he returned to his head. Once Germania was gone Madeline asked him, "That was all it was? You wanted me to make the choice on my own?"

He shrugged, not meeting her eyes as he made his way to the door. "Like I said, Birdie. Awesomeness should not be caged."

che cosa?- what?

Perché? - why?

Bambina - child

sei al sicuro- you're safe

La amo- I love her

Nunca - never

Sie weiß nicht, Vater - she doesn't know, father

Sie sagte, sie ein Pirat nicht heiraten würde- she said she would not marry a pirtae

Das ist es? - that's it?

Das ist alles, es dauerte?- that's all it took?

Zucker- sugar :P

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