HUD: I AM NO LONGER ASHAMED. I just...do what these things tell me, I dunno.

"Awrite, ye lot! Ev'ry man best listen well 'cos I shan't be repreatin' meself," Goldie said, drawing himself tall beside the helm. Anthony stood off to his right, casting a disinterested glance over the crew gathered on the deck.

"Half o' ye stays on th' ship and th' other half goes ashore, then switch. When ye be in the taverns, ye don't know nothin' 'bout no Pirate Laufey, an' ye don't know nothin' 'bout this here ship. If'n ye run yer damn tongues, ye had best learn fuckin' Spanish real quick-like. Aye?"

"Aye!" Anthony watched the men carefully despite his nonchalance. Goldie, he knew, was important, and not just from his age. Older pirates seemed to be well respected for lasting as long as they did, but there was something more to old Goldie.

The crew split off to decide on who left and who stayed, gathering in groups closer to the bow. Goldie held to the railing as he slowly lowered himself from the crate he stood on back to the deck. Anthony rushed forward to catch his arm as the old man swayed.

"Ah, Goldie," Anthony said with a small grin. "Watch out for that first step, I hear it can be dangerous."

Goldie grinned broadly at the inventor. "Aye, that it can. Jus' an 'our prior I was holdin' yer arm."

Anthony smiled, releasing Goldie once the man was stable. "The idea of land has helped my fever, I believe."

"Aye," Goldie agreed. "Once th' Cap'n be ready, we be off."

In the hour since spotting Havana, Anthony had been quite busy. He and Goldie went back below deck; Goldie set about prepping a list for supplies while Anthony set to work. He changed his clothing, first, to something far more presentable but not identifiable. Simple breeches and white long-sleeved tunic, his only abnormality a tan vest. For what he needed done, he did not need to be recognized. Then, he checked to see where Goldie was and set out ink and parchment on the small desk in his alcove.

Anthony wrote quickly but as neatly as possible. He wasn't familiar with Havana but he knew the Royal Navy would have a presence there regardless and, should he be in luck's favour, would be able to pass along his message. Anthony had been at sea now for nearly two months, almost double the length he had been expecting. No doubt his sister would be wrought with worry; Anthony had to let her know somehow that he was still alive.

On the deck now, with his letter pressed to his chest beneath his vest, Anthony took a deep breath. In the waters surrounding sat several merchant schooners and militant brigs, merely yards away from the most feared pirate vessel on the seas and none the wiser. Knowing that sent a thrill through Anthony that he couldn't quite explain.

Footsteps drew Anthony's attention over to Gibbs, sauntering up to Goldie like he had much better ways to waste his time. His eyes sought Anthony first, bringing his already slimy expression to a low glower.

"Oi, Goldie," he said, drawing the pirate's attention. "Me an' this lot 'ere opted to stay aboard first. Grim an' th' others are goin' out with th' Cap'n." He pointed to each group accordingly. Goldie nodded.

"Aye. Ye blokes be ready - won't be much longer now," Goldie said, dismissing him. Gibbs nodded and, after shooting one more glare at Anthony, walked back down the stairs. Goldie turned and grinned brightly at him.

"Still on th' outs?"

"Aye," Anthony said, ignoring the glare he could still feel Gibbs tossing him. "I doubt it shall change overnight."

"Aye," Goldie agreed. "Still, 'e would be wise not t' ruffle ye."

Anthony nodded. No doubt Goldie was hinting to the captain becoming involved. If he never had to be saved from the likes of a pirate again, it would be too soon.

Several members of the group Gibbs had appointed to be with him moved back to work, some scaling the mast and rigging to watch the harpooning boats sail to shore. Anthony pressed his elbows on the railing behind the helm and took a deep breath. The captain would be ready at any moment, now. He needed to calm himself; the captain seemed to have an ability to draw out his nerves like no other before. Anthony refused to entertain the thought of it being fear.

For all his time on Sleipnir he had hardly been treated as the prisoner he was. Aside from the chains for the first few days, Anthony had free reign to go where he pleased. Goldie was with him more than naught, telling him tales of sea and explaining the workings of the ship. He had a comfortable cot and desk, the likes of which no other had beside the captain himself. Anthony was insatiably curious - the captain didn't seem to go out of his way for him with information, however, whatever the reason.

Anthony was beginning to feel obligated to tell Laufey about his letter, about his sister. The pirate captain, aside from kidnapping him in the first place, wasn't at all what he expected. Kindnesses seemed to be more in his manner than the tales perceived. Perhaps, were he to be entirely straightforward, Laufey wouldn't particularly mind the letter. Surely he could understand what it meant to have those who cared for him worry?

Thinking of Goldie's words as the door unlatched below him, drawing his attention, Anthony swallowed. Laufey stepped out on the deck in a white sleeveless tunic, all his long hair drawn back beneath a worn black brimmed hat, the complete polar opposite of his usually stately attire. He still wore the many bangles and leather cuffs on his wrists and, as he turned to walk up the stairs towards them, Anthony could see the familiar emerald scarf tied around his waist with a pistol shoved down the front, the handle and flintlock exposed, as a single cutlass swung from his hip.

Goldie moved towards him with a smile, already commenting on his attire. Anthony couldn't help but admire the captain - for all his wrongs and reputation, he was far too fair to be at sea. The captain seemed to feel Anthony's gaze, glancing up briefly and catching his eyes. The green there glowed beneath the shade of his hat, framed with tendrils of escaped black hair that twisted in the light breeze. Anthony felt his neck heat from being caught, drawing a smirk from Laufey that made the very same heat raise to his cheeks.

"Are you ready?" Laufey asked, crossing over with Goldie beside him. Anthony nodded to fight clearing his throat. He felt Laufey's eyes sweep over him and remained still. "Is that all you have to wear?"

Anthony nodded again, feeling indignation swell in his belly. "Would you be so kind as to recall, my original plans have been neglected."

Laufey smirked. "Surely a man of your stature would not travel without coin in his purse. Before business has been concluded, Goldie shall show you the ways of bartering. He is most skilled," the captain said in a fond tone, his eyes curling with a smile as he looked to the old man on his right. Anthony huffed - it seemed the captain had a penchant for mischief. "You could learn much from him."

Goldie seemed to swell with the praise, leaving Anthony with nothing to do but nod in his wake. The older pirate grinned at him and slapped a hand to his shoulder. "Aye! Tony is a quick study - methinks he'll be better 'an me before long!"

"A tall order, indeed," Laufey answered as Goldie clapped a hand to his shoulder as well. "The matters at hand first, however."

"Aye," Goldie answered, giving them a shake. "Shall we be off?"

Laufey nodded. Goldie squeezed Anthony's shoulder and stepped to the railing, barking out orders for those going ashore to pull out the harpooning boats. With Goldie gone, Anthony was acutely aware of being alone with the captain. Even though the pirate stood tall feet from him, he felt as if his presence was surrounding him. When Laufey turned his eyes to him again, the green bright against shade and pale skin, his presence became nearly suffocating.

"Will there be anything you need in particular in Havana?" Laufey inquired, his voice low and soft as velvet. Anthony was beginning to become used to how the man's demeanor shifted around him, but it didn't stop the heat raising up his neck again.

Typical to Stark fashion, Anthony grinned broadly to hide his flush and scratched his chin. "Perhaps a shave is in order? I imagine I look too much like my father for my own comfort."

Laufey smirked; Anthony had no doubt he wasn't fooling the pirate for a second, but at least he was kind enough to not be patronized for it. "That will be arranged, in time. First you and Goldie shall accompany me to seek better treatment for your fever. After that subsides, which shall be the morrow at the latest, you shall have reign to go where you wish in the village. Be warned, however," Laufey said, looking out across his ship instead of at Anthony. "Do not become marooned. Havana can be quite dangerous without the sun's guidance."

"I'll keep that in mind," Anthony answered. Laufey stepped closer still and tilted his chin, studying Anthony. The inventor blinked and resisted the urge to step back.

"Are you well enough to go ashore?" Laufey asked quietly, his tone flirting concern that Anthony would have never expected from a pirate captain. That thought brought another flush to his neck that was too far out of his control; Laufey seemed to come closer, making Anthony nod quickly. The captain's lips twisted in a thoughtful frown.

"It seems the heat has gotten to you again," Laufey murmured, eyes skimming Anthony's face. "We are nearly ready to depart; stay beside me, should you feel faint."

Anthony nodded weakly and dropped his gaze to the deck, acutely aware of his sudden bout in muteness. Laufey nodded to Goldie as the old man came back over and announced that the boats were ready. Anthony felt a cool press against his elbow from Laufey's fingers, guiding him gently towards and down the stairs. Anthony peered over the edge of the ship to see the harpoon boat below with Grim and Penn already in it. He bit his bottom lip once he realized the next step - climbing down the rope ladder from the deck to the sea.

Goldie went first, clambering over the railing with surprising speed for a man Anthony had just helped down from a small crate. Laufey watched carefully over the edge, waiting to make sure Goldie was secure. He turned to Anthony.

"I shall go first. Wait a moment before following." The captain swung one leg elegantly over and straddled the railing, as if sitting astride a horse's back. Anthony briefly wondered if that would be something he would ever see. "Also, I suggest to keep your eyes on the ship. Rolling waves and descent may be too much to handle."

Then, as soon as he was done speaking, Laufey dropped off the edge. Anthony rushed forward and peered down the edge, expecting a loud splash. Instead, the captain was already in the harpooning boat and smirking up at him. Anthony felt a rush of dizziness from watching the motion of the boat and pulled back from the edge, sucking in a deep breath. Carefully, he mimicked Laufey and swung a leg over, holding tightly to the thick rope of the ladder. He took a deep breath.

Anthony placed one foot below the next, his eyes fixed on the grain of Sleipnir before him. He searched blindly with the toes of his boots, careful to heed the captain's words of not looking down - again. The first wave of dizziness still lingered as a particularly strong gust of wind pushed Anthony's entire body over a foot, causing him to nearly lose his grip on the ladder. He moved down a few more rungs before a second gust raced by; he searched for the next step but found none, the wind having tangled the ladder below him. In a moment of panic, Anthony attempted to move back up the side of the ship.

A shaking of the ladder got his attention. "Oi, Tony!" It was Goldie, his voice pitched high over the wind. "Cap'n 'as the ladder fer ye. C'mon back down 'til 'e can grab ye!"

Anthony nodded and stepped slowly, feeling the ladder anchored by Laufey. It shook slightly each time the wind blew and the sea moved, but within a few more steps he felt Laufey's arms around his waist. The captain's lithe form belied the strength he truly possessed, hauling Anthony first off of the ladder to his chest and then beside Goldie on the boat. Anthony blinked, feeling his skin buzzing from the contact that was fleeting at best, as Goldie grinned beside him.

"Lad, yer gettin' climbin' lessons," Goldie teased, elbowing Anthony's side. Anthony grinned slightly, nodding to hide his embarrassment. "An' th' Cap'n 'ere will show ye. N'ver seen a man scramble up riggin' wot could match 'im. Not ev'n Penn."

"Oi, Goldie! Them's fightin' words!" Penn called from the back where he and Grim were rowing. Anthony stole a glance at Laufey; the captain reclined back, his elbows hanging over the edge of the small boat with his boots propped on the curve of the bow. He was entirely relaxed, draped across the boat with his eyes closed and face tilted towards the sun. Anthony could still feel the press of chill arms around his waist, his thoughts drawn more towards Laufey's embrace. It reminded him of Jack, albeit a much more relieving embrace than harrowing.

"Wot say ye, Cap'n?" Goldie asked loudly, grinning. Laufey rolled his neck before looking over. "A scramble, betwixt ye an' Penn?"

Laufey smirked, looking over at Penn. The blond grinned at him as he rowed, his bravado holding strong. Anthony had to admire his tenacity. "Aye. What will the spoils be?"

Goldie shifted a glance at Anthony before smirking. "Victor gets th' other's rations o' rum fer a fortnight, an' gits th' honour o' teachin' Tony the ways o' the riggin'."

Anthony huffed, resisting rolling his eyes. "Why the hell am I in this?"

"Deal." Anthony looked over at Laufey, shocked from his readied reply. His gaze locked on the younger man, intense despite his relaxed pose. There was a mirth to his expression, a veiled sense of mischief that made a shiver race up Anthony's spine. "What say you, Mr. Penn?"

Penn sighed loudly, as if obviously put out. "Well, I know yer rum ration is twice mine alr'dy. Aye, I'll do it."

Goldie tossed his head back and laughed with enough mirth to shake the entire boat. "Aye, aye! 'Morrow, lads! Git good an' rested."

Penn swore below his breath as he rowed, making Goldie laugh again. Laufey simply held his soft smirk, looking out across the waters as they drew closer and closer to Havana. Anthony looked behind them towards the ship, seeing the other two harpooning boats drawing closer. The five of them were the only group to be so small; the other boats held nearly ten men crammed to the edges with a third hitting the water loudly from Sleipnir and rapidly filling. Quite literally half the crew was going ashore. Anthony's odds of slipping away felt fainter and fainter, but he was still determined; he looked towards the shore again.

Small boats and rafts were anchored to the dock and the white sand of the beach. Penn and Grim were drawing further from the bustling dock towards an encampment on the beach of small tents and stalls. The colourful buildings Anthony had seen through the spyglass stood taller the closer they came, walls a mismatched shade of pastels and off-whites. Laufey shuffled upright; the action shifted the boat and drew Anthony's attention away from such a vibrant new culture to the pirate beside him.

Beneath the pirate's tunic a gold chain flashed from movement, catching the sun. Anthony wanted to ask what it was - the captain's favourite attire for the deck was chest-exposing tunics and it seemed land didn't change his style - but refrained. It was new, but obviously held some sort of importance to be leaving the ship.

The boat began to drag along the sand quickly; Grim and Penn climbed from the boat and drug it far enough for Laufey, Anthony, and Goldie to step clear of the worst of the sea. Anthony paused to help Goldie steady himself as Laufey pointed to a palm tree to anchor the boat to.

"Help the others," Laufey said, earning a salute from Penn and a nod from Grim. "We shan't be long."

Laufey dropped a hand to Anthony's shoulder, surprising the genius. "Stay close. Should we be separated, Goldie knows the way." Goldie nodded with a toothy smile. The captain headed towards an outdoor market further up the beach, crossing into grass and stone pathways. Anthony couldn't help but smile - the energy reminded him of Italy. Merchants called out to them as they passed, offering steamed and fresh fish or fried bananas. An odd fruit drew Anthony's attention, causing him to pause.

"What is that?" He asked Goldie, gesturing to a purple and pink barbed ball with curled leaves. His father brought several delicacies from his travels, but fruit never lasted the trip. The sight was so new and foreign to Anthony that he couldn't help but be drawn in by such a bright oddity.

"Oi Cap'n!" Goldie hollered, stopping the man short. Anthony swallowed, not realizing how far ahead Laufey was. However, in the swirl of bright clothing and bustle, Laufey had blended quite well.

Laufey drew himself beside Anthony, glancing over the stall's contents and ignoring the merchant's greeting. "Has this caught your attention?"

"Yes," Anthony answered, glancing over. "What is it?"

"Pitaya," Laufey answered. "Native more to the lands west of here. It grows amongst barbed ivy of cacti in some of the hottest environs to grace the lands."

"Amazing," Anthony breathed, smiling. Laufey shifted his gaze from the stall back to Anthony, the younger man oblivious of his expression as he continued to observe the new fruit. Goldie smirked, watching the pair of them.

Laufey gestured to the merchant and held up three fingers. "Tres, por favor."

"Si!" The merchant exclaimed, grinning broadly. He quickly scooped up three of the less wilted pitaya and passed them over to Goldie, who held his hands out. After the fruit was put away in Goldie's satchel, Laufey drew a small pouch from beneath his emerald sash and passed the man coin.

"Gracias," Laufey said, nodding his head. The merchant bowed low as they left, his attention immediately drawn away to another possible buyer. Anthony blinked, surprised, as Laufey immediately turned away from the stall back in the direction he originally was heading. Goldie jerked his head and nodded after Laufey, following at a much sedated pace as Anthony brought up the rear.

Once they were clear of the market, Anthony caught sight of Laufey slipping down an alley between a pastel pink and teal building. Women walked with children and bags in tow as dogs and chickens skirted around the dirt paths. Goldie led Anthony through the throng like an expert, and within seconds they were again with Laufey.

"You kept up well, I see," Laufey said with a smirk, holding his hand out to Goldie once they were beside him.

"No, no credit here," Anthony said, feeling winded from the jog. All that time lazing aboard the ship had made him soft, it seemed. "It was all Goldie."

The old man chuckled as he passed Laufey one of the fresh pitaya. "'E's good at praisin', innit he?"

"Aye," Laufey answered with a smirk. He stooped slightly to draw a dagger from the side of his boot. In a quick swipe the pink flesh broke apart, exposing a black dotted white core. Laufey pushed the blade between flesh and meat and traced the edge before cutting criss-cross patterns of the freed fruit. He did the same to the second half, holding both expertly in one hand as his left worked effortlessly. After wiping and sheathing his blade, Laufey held a half out to Anthony and Goldie. "Use the husk as a bowl, but do not eat it."

Anthony took the fruit carefully, picking out one white cube and surprised by the firmness. He darted his tongue out to give it a quick lick, not at all unnerved by Goldie and Laufey watching. The fruit was sweet and tangy, entirely unlike anything he had ever had in Italy. He popped the cube into his mouth and bit down. It was crunchy but yielding, a perfect combination. Anthony loved it.

"Even better than I hoped," Anthony muttered, drawing a chuckle from Goldie as the old man munched on his half. Laufey smiled, a soft and somewhat foreign expression for his usual countenance. "Thank you, Captain."

"Loki, if you would," the captain insisted, reminding Anthony of their earlier conversation on the deck of the ship. Anthony nodded and offered a small smile of his own.

"Thank you, Loki," he said, nearly again in exact repeat of earlier. Loki stepped closer and gently took a cube of pitaya from Anthony's half. The bangles and leather whispered against each other as his wrist moved. He smirked before popping the cube into his mouth and turning away.

"Shall we continue?" Loki asked with a gesture towards Goldie. The old man nodded around his mouthful of pitaya, his words garbled as he chewed. Loki winked at him before setting off again, making Anthony grin. It seemed the captain had a decent sense of humour.

This time, Anthony was better prepared. Loki weaved in and out of the milling pedestrians with ease, trailing down alleys and dodging wheeled carts or livestock. Goldie stayed between them, but Anthony managed to keep his attention locked on the captain. He quickly finished the pitaya and tossed the husk away, feeling more than better. His dizziness from the small boat was gone along with the jolts of pain he felt from his belly to his head. Whatever nutrients within the pitaya seemed to boost his overall being and energy.

The buildings began to thin the further inland Loki led them. Population became sparse as well, leaving thick foliage and sticky heat. The humidity of Havana was bearable on the coast but beneath the heavy palm trees and banana leaves Anthony could practically see steam. Farmers led larger livestock around small fenced in sections of land being guarded by men in red coats and white trousers. Anthony recognized the men to be British, reminding him of the letter pressed beneath his vest. He had to find a way to deliver it once they were back in town.

Most of Havana was protected by a large wall, running from a naval base in the east to a large mansion property along the west coast of the beach. Loki led them nearly to the edge, only a stone's throw from the entrance to the base. He paused to check that Anthony and Goldie were indeed in tow before signaling to the older man.

"Goldie," he began, holding his hand out. The other pirate nodded and drew out a black scarf from his satchel. Anthony watched Loki wrap it around his throat and over the lower half of his face. "My thanks."

Loki stepped closer to them and dropped his voice, pitching it deeper than normal. "Our destination is accessible only by passing before this base. Around the stone corner there is a path in the cliff, hidden by time and bramble. Only those who are aware of it may find it. Goldie will lead the trail but mark that mind of yours for a later time, should you need to find it again."

Anthony shot a glance at Goldie, feeling apprehensive. "Are you to create some sort of diversion?"

Loki chuckled, the sound odd in his adopted tone. "Nay. I shall merely follow behind. Should I be recognized, this keeps you safe."

Goldie nodded quickly. "Aye. Top priority, ye be, Tony."

Anthony frowned, not understanding why and very ready to ask, but Loki's hand on his shoulder stopped him. The captain's eyes sought his between the heavy black scarf and the shade of his hat. Anthony was certain this time - they glowed. "Not now. Follow. I shall be behind soon enough."

Anthony felt his stomach churn but nodded. Goldie took his arm and tugged him free of the trees they had been hiding behind, pulling his arm over his shoulders. "Aye, nephew! Thank ye fer takin' this old man fer a walk."

Anthony glanced over his shoulder back at Loki. He was unable to see him, so he turned back to where Goldie was guiding them and grinned. "Well, how often do I come to Havana? London is lonely without you!"

Goldie laughed, the sound very convincing as they passed the first set of guards. Anthony could feel the eyes of the men in the turrets on them.

"Aye, aye," Goldie dismissed with a wave of his hand. "An' 'ow be that sister o' yer's? Me niece?"

Anthony nearly faltered as he stepped over a stone in the path. Goldie couldn't have any idea, could he? Did he know about his letter, the only lifeline he had to telling his sister of his state? Anthony had been careful - there was no possible way. He swallowed and smiled. They were acting, putting on a show to get pass guards who seemed as disinterested in them as Anthony was nervous. He laughed as they rounded the corner of the base.

"She's doing quite well, Uncle," Anthony said, fighting down his panic. "Why, just the other day - "

"Halt!"

Both Anthony and Goldie froze, turning slowly around. A British guard patrol stood yards behind them, but with a sigh of relief Anthony realized they weren't speaking to them. As Goldie stiffened beside him, Anthony caught sight of whom the words were for.

Loki, having waited as he had said he would, stood tall with three guards aiming their rifles at him. He held both hands up in a sign of peace as the fourth addressed him.

"What business have you here, sneaking around in the brambles?" The leader barked. Anthony shot a quick glance at Goldie - the old man's eyes were fixed on his captain, fear touching the edges.

"None, señor," Loki answered in his deeper voice, keeping his head angled down to prevent them from seeing any inch of his face. "A stroll. Havana is beautiful, si?"

The obvious leader of the patrol stepped closer. "You live here?"

"Si," Loki answered. The man huffed.

"Take that scarf off, lad. Surely you feel faint?"

"No, señor," Loki answered. "I was touched at birth."

"Oh, a pale man like yourself, touched?" The patrol began to chuckle, loud vibrations that echoed off the wall of the base. Anthony felt his stomach churn; the sense of helplessness was becoming too much. Goldie held fast to his arm, his fingers digging into the coarse fabric.

"Show your face."

"No," Loki said, calmly. The men stopped laughing, the atmosphere becoming tense. The leader chuckled and crossed his arms.

"Either remove that scarf or I shall do it for you," he threatened, hand dropping to the pistol strapped to his side.

"I do not think that wise," Loki answered. "To threaten an innocent man. Where I am from, those guilty pay heavily."

"I suppose it shall be your word against ours, then," the patrolman said curtly. He drew his pistol, leveling his aim between Loki's eyes were he to be looking up.

Goldie's grip became unbearable. "Christ, Tony. E's gon' shoot th' cap'n fer no bloody reason!"

"Shit," Anthony cursed, his voice low. His conscience raged within him - if he didn't act and simply stood by, there was a good chance that all his troubles could die in the dirt. The question to answer, however, was too difficult to fathom. Would he, a man who refused to continue the work his father had started because he couldn't stand to see another in pain, in good graces allow an innocent to be slaughtered without preamble? Loki had done several terrible deeds to warrant such treatment, Anthony was positive, but this particular moment in time he was abolished of all misdoings and simply walking.

Could he stand to see Loki shot, his hat flying off in a spray of red across the bushes behind him, or could he stop it all and damn well do something?

The click of the flintlock drawing back made Anthony's mind up for him as he wretched his arm free of Goldie. Anthony Stark was known for his quick wit regardless of environ, this being no exception.

After all, he had to do something.

A/N: OMG WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN?! Tell me what you thought. :) (Also, pitaya is dragon fruit.)