HUD: Here we go! The scramble up the rigging after Anthony wakes up. Whatever could possibly happen?

Anthony woke up some time later, unsure of what had transpired in his slumber. He blinked blearily, clearing the fog from his mind. Sunlight filtered through the glass behind him, shining over dark rugs. He blinked again, seeing now a table with parchment spread across and a pistol. He recognized that pistol.

Anthony sat up with a start and felt his face heat. That was one of Loki's guns. Those were Loki's rugs, and that was Loki's coat hanging beside the bed. He was sleeping in the captain's quarters.

Thankfully he was alone, meaning no one saw the mild panic attack he suffered from. Anthony gasped and looked around, expecting someone to be there regardless. Neither Goldie nor (more importantly) the captain was in sight. With a sigh, he fell back into the pillows. They fluffed under his weight before he sat up suddenly again. No sagging on the captain's pillows; it was bad enough that he likely drooled on them.

Anthony rose and noticed he still wore his clothing from the day before. As he set about to make Loki's bed, hoping it would be the silent apology he didn't think he could vocalize, he recounted what he could.

Amora, he remembered without trouble - thinking of her actually made his stomach knot. He remembered the fort and Loki's bravado nearly getting him killed; the trip back; the conversation between he and Loki about the chest beneath his bed. Then the smoke, magenta and thick - how he clung to Loki during the worst of it, his head spinning and his body feeling like he had endured too much drink for days. Then, sleep.

Anthony sighed. There was no way he could talk his way out of the clamouring all over Loki, but from what he remembered the captain didn't seem to mind. Perhaps, if he could avoid him for a little while, it would all blow over and words would not need to be exchanged.

The door behind him opening immediately quelled all hope he held. Anthony turned to see the captain himself in the doorway, not even hesitating after he saw Anthony up.

"Good day," Loki said, shutting the door behind him. He wore dark leather pants and boots with the ever-present emerald sash around his waist. Anthony noticed the chain around his neck that dangled beneath his tunic, the captain's chest exposed per usual. The sight of it reminded Anthony of Loki's sudden ability to control fire, and his greeting died on his lips.

"Are you well?" Loki asked, his voice venturing on concerned. His brows furrowed as Anthony nodded vehemently. Loki crossed the room in a few long strides, stopping directly before him. He pressed his wrist to Anthony's forehead, first shaking away a few of his many bangles. He paused, closing his eyes. "Your fever has fled. That is good news." Loki opened his eyes and smiled softly.

"Ah, indeed," Anthony answered flatly. Loki's smile seemed to grow.

"Then all is well," he said, stepping away from Anthony to move towards the table. "How was your rest? Did you enjoy my bed for the evening?"

Evening? Meaning Anthony slept away the entire night and, judging by the sun, half of the morning? "Very comfortable," he answered honestly. "I understand well the privileges of being captain."

Loki chuckled, his gaze on a map as he smoothed down the edges. "It has its advantages."

Anthony grinned quickly, feeling his embarrassment fade. It really wasn't so bad, he supposed. He had woken alone and well rested, the best sleep he had actually had since his heat fever began. Anthony looked over Loki as he stared at the map. He did feel the need to apologize for taking his bed for the night, regardless of how comfortable or welcome he was to it.

"I do apologize," Anthony began, drawing Loki's sharp gaze. "For stealing your bed. Where did you sleep?"

"I didn't," Loki answered simply. Guilt immediately gnawed at Anthony's gut, which in turn showed on his face. Loki smiled softly again. "Do not fret. Sleep is not something that I need regularly. You were not overstepping."

"But - ," Anthony protested, stopping when Loki shook his head.

"Nothing of the sort," Loki said, leaning his hip against the table and folding his arms over his chest. "My lord need not want for worry."

Anthony felt heat steal up his neck but attempted to ignore it. "What did you do, then, if not sleep?"

"I kept watch over the crew still aboard," Loki answered, turning back to the parchments. "Entertained Goldie whilst you slept, and saw to whatever needs you held."

"You mean you didn't ravage a village?" Anthony teased, feigning shock. Loki passed a sidelong glance at him the flipped his belly.

"Not without your oversight, my lord," Loki answered easily. Anthony grinned quickly. The title was growing on him, oddly enough, among other assets the captain offered.

"Regardless," Anthony began, shifting his weight. He felt himself relaxing more and more in the presence of the captain. He offhandedly wondered at the reason, but for the time being he would simply accept it. "Thank you."

Loki turned fully to face him again, a soft smile tilting his lips. "May I request all pleasure?"

Anthony felt heat curl up his neck again. "You may."

"Then the pleasure is mine, my lord," he answered. All Anthony could do was nod. Loki's gaze lingered a moment longer before turning back to the tabletop. "You should locate Goldie; speak to him before the others arrive."

Anthony nodded and headed for the door, walking slightly closer to Loki than perhaps the space allowed. He glanced back for a moment before opening the door; the captain's eyes were on his charts, but Anthony was certain he felt Loki's gaze as he shut the door.

The sunlight wasn't as blaring as Anthony had expected when he stepped onto the deck. A few members of the crew leaned against the railing and busied themselves with cloudy bottles of spiced rum. Anthony surveyed for Goldie and found him near the helm, speaking to a man Anthony didn't know the name of.

"Goldie!" He called, stepping lightly up the stairs towards the old man. Goldie turned quickly and smiled, turning back only to dismiss the other pirate.

"Ahoy, mate!" He called, making Anthony smile. Goldie took his hand once he was within reach, pulling him forward for a quick embrace. "Ye feelin' better?"

"Aye," Anthony answered. Goldie patted his shoulder and grinned.

"Good!" Goldie held him at arm's length and quirked an eyebrow. "Oi, lad; ye seen yerself yet?"

"No," Anthony said suspiciously. "Why?"

"Well, ye 'ave th' worse case o' sleep'ead ol' Goldie 'as seen in a while," Goldie observed. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Th' Cap'n didn't see ye, aye?"

"No," Anthony answered quickly, feeling a slight panic take over. "He did. Is it really that bad, Goldie? Shit."

Anthony immediately ran both of his hands through his hair, attempting to smooth out whatever Goldie saw. He scratched at his beard and pulled at his vest until he heard something that sounded suspiciously like a snigger. Anthony froze. "Goldie."

"Aye, mate?" He chirped, the smile evident in his tone. Anthony frowned and turned to look at him.

"You're an ass," Anthony deadpanned, feeling his neck heat when Goldie immediately began to laugh.

"Oi, now - 'twas downright funny an' ye know it," Goldie teased, squeezing Anthony's shoulder. "Come along, mate. Me believes th' Cap'n 'as plans fer ye soon." Anthony allowed himself to be led along, across the deck and down to his usual alcove. A part of him had missed it once he was sitting on his own cot, but an even stronger part missed Loki's bed. It was softer and bigger and more of what he was used to, after all.

Goldie dug through the drawers Anthony had put his things in during his sickness and fished out a plain white tunic and dark trousers.

"'Ere, lad," he said, tossing the fabrics to Anthony. "Be back wif 'at wash, aye?"

"Aye," Anthony said, waiting until Goldie closed the small curtain behind him as he left before unbuttoning his vest. The letter for his sister was still there, now wrinkled by his sleep. Anthony twisted his mouth thoughtfully; he had to find a way to pass that along, regardless of whatever trouble it would cause.

Part of him wanted to ask Loki to deliver it for him, believing the captain would be able to sympathize with his need to reach his sister. Another wanted to keep it safe and secret, away from any other prying eyes. Loki had said he would be allowed time in Havana once he was feeling better - perhaps he could find time to deliver it then?

Anthony pushed the letter under his mattress and wrapped it in a slight bunching the sheets made. He quickly striped out of his tunic and trousers and exchanged them for the clean Goldie had found. Just as he was finishing up tying off the trousers, Goldie was pulling back the curtain with a familiar goblet in hand.

"Made fresh fer ye!" Goldie announced, offering the rinse to Anthony.

"Thank you, Goldie," Anthony said, taking the goblet and draining it. He sighed once he was done, spitting back into the goblet and tossing it from his porthole. "That works wonders."

"Aye!" Goldie said proudly as he took the goblet back. "Ye 'ave quite a day ahead."

"What is planned?" Anthony asked, following after Goldie as he hobbled to the galley.

"Shore leave, fer one," Goldie said. He opened his cabinet and filed away the goblet, turning the key in the lock to keep it sealed. "We git t' go o'er th' ways o' supplies, an' ye be gittin' a shave."

Anthony subconsciously brought a hand to his chin and rubbed slightly. His Italian was most likely showing through more and more with each passing day. He never knew a man who could grow a beard as quickly as his father could. "That would be nice," he admitted. Goldie nodded and came to stand before him.

"Where're ye boots, lad?" Goldie asked, prompting Anthony to look down. He frowned, not remembering having taken them off and not noticing them being missing on the deck.

"I suppose," he began, mumbling. "I suppose in the captain's quarters."

"Ah," Goldie agreed. "Well, we be off t' git 'em 'fore we go t' 'Avana." Goldie started for the deck with ease; Anthony sighed and set off after him. What must the crew think of him coming out of the captain's quarters after sleeping there, and now having to go back for his boots? Anthony felt his cheeks heat as they stepped into the deck. He knew what it looked like - the housekeeper would often gossip about seeing women leaving a man's home early in the morning wearing the same dress as the night before. Anthony had just done the exact same.

Even though nothing happened (that he was absolutely positive of), it still looked horrible. Worse still, Loki was heading directly for them with Anthony's boots in hand.

"Mornin', Cap'n!" Goldie called with a wave. It sounded like he was practically screaming to Anthony. Loki offered a light wave of his own and a smile, patting Goldie on the shoulder before offering Anthony's boots over.

"I believe these are yours, my lord," Loki said. Anthony nodded and avoided his gaze, thanking him as he took the boots back and hastily pulled them on. He just wanted to jump off the damn ship as he felt the crew glancing at him.

"Wot's th' plan, Cap'n?" Goldie asked once Anthony was back in the conversation. "Supplies first?"

"Nay," Loki answered, crossing his arms over his chest. He looked beyond Goldie with a smug smile on his face. "I do believe that is Mr. Penn rowing this way."

Goldie spun to look towards shore, a broad grin blossoming across his face. "Be damned, it is! Looks like a scramble, lads!" Goldie moved across the deck and cupped his hands to his mouth: "Cap'n an' Penn're 'avin' a row, lads!"

A collective cheer rose from the crew as Goldie moved about. Loki stood beside Anthony, still wearing his smug smile. "They are quite excited," Anthony observed. Loki chuckled and nodded.

"Yes," he answered, glancing at Anthony. "These men have little for enjoyment at sea; I try to indulge them where I can."

Anthony felt his belly and chest warm at Loki's kindness. "What do they do?"

"Shanties, mostly," Loki answered. "It helps with the morale of my men, as does gambling below deck. I try to arrange shore time once a month. This has been the longest they have been without."

"How long do you usually stay?"

"Days at least, a week at most," Loki answered. A few pirates rushed to the side of the ship, calling down to where Penn was now getting ready to board. "They deserve it."

Anthony turned to look at Loki now, seeing the smugness had faded to his usual soft smile. The captain turned to catch his gaze and smiled wider. "I will not lose today, my lord; not where you are concerned."

Anthony felt his belly flip. "It's just a game, right?"

"Aye," Loki answered, nodding. "To Penn and my crew, it is. To me, I will not allow another man the pleasure."

Anthony glanced at the captain, his breath quickening when he found those emerald eyes focused on him with clear intent. He had to know - the captain obviously had to know of Anthony's growing attraction to him. He questioned why Anthony was jealous of Amora, he allowed him to cling to him while his mind spiraled out of control, and even allowed him to overtake his bed. Even the wording was becoming obvious. There was no other explanation.

"Captain!" Anthony blinked, coming back to himself. Penn was crossing over to them with a few other crew members in tow. "You up for this?"

"As long as the rum has settled in your belly," Loki answered smoothly. "I shan't be the one vomiting across my deck."

Penn grinned and laughed, his blue eyes shining. "Oi, Captain - I'm flattered by yer concern!" Penn turned to Anthony, then, and winked. "Ye ready to learn from the master, Tony?"

"If by that you mean me," Loki interjected with a smirk. "Then, yes. He is."

A collective 'oooh' traveled across the gathering crew. Penn grinned at Anthony again and clapped a hand on Loki's shoulder. "That rum ration is more than enough fer me; I'll be takin' it kindly."

Loki's smirk darkened just a fraction as he brushed off Penn's hand. "You can be quite tempting, Arthur - remember that charm when the next woman slaps you for your mouth."

The crew laughed riotously, Penn joining right along. Anthony couldn't help but grin himself - Loki certainly had a quick wit that the crew loved. The captain turned to him and jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "Stand by the helm; you shall have the best view of Mr. Penn's demise there."

Penn laughed and threw his arm over Anthony's shoulders. "He can be quite scary, aye?"

"Ye 'ave no clue," Goldie chimed in as he came to stand by Loki again. "Come along, Tony." Anthony nodded before grinning at Penn.

"Good luck, Penn."

"I may just need it," the pirate mock-whispered behind his hand. "The Captain might have it out for me." They both looked to Loki after, Anthony smiling brightly.

"And to you, Captain," he added as Goldie pulled him along. Loki nodded his head elegantly.

"My thanks." His tone belied his gratitude, but his expression said he didn't need it. Loki trained his gaze on Penn, his smirk mischievous and dark. Anthony wasn't sure if he should be worried for the other man or not.

Goldie took them to the helm with a few other crew in tow; it really was the best view. Loki and Penn both stood with their backs to the main mast, facing out to the rigging they intended to climb. Goldie cleared his throat.

"Oi! First t' th' crow's nest wins!" He bellowed; the crew cheered behind him. He held his hand out to his left and a pistol was placed in it. "On me mark!" Anthony watched as Penn immediately braced himself to start off at a run; Loki, however, still stood straight.

"One..." Penn held his fingers to the mast and stretched as far as he could. "Two..." Loki still didn't move. Anthony held his breath as Goldie's finger closed over the trigger of the gun.

A loud shot echoed across the deck followed by a loud cheer from the crew. Loki and Penn were off, sprinting to the railing on their respected sides. Anthony looked from Penn to Loki and back again, not sure which man to watch. The crew was equally divided, one half cheering for Loki while the other called out for Penn.

Goldie's hand was at his elbow and drawing him close. "Lookit, Tony."

Anthony looked towards where his head was angled. He saw Loki was already at the top of his chosen rigging and heading towards the next set. He moved beautifully, the wind tossing his black hair like a curtain as he climbed. His figure was so striking against the blue sky that Anthony drew in a sharp breath.

"Oi Penn!" A man bellowed behind him, drawing his attention to the right. "Careful, lad!"

Anthony noticed Penn lose his footing for a moment and scrambled to catch himself. He was lowered a few feet but hurried to catch up. Goldie shook his head. "Rule One, Tony - no scramblin' when yer drunk."

Anthony blinked - Penn was drunk? Why the hell had he agreed to the climb if he wasn't all there? Why had Loki allowed it? It was clearly dangerous, if him losing his footing a second time wasn't a clear sign. A wave of tension pulsed through the crew as they watched Penn, the joyous attitude dissolving. Penn managed to make it to the top of his side just as a strong gust of wind snapped against him.

A hush fell over the crew as Penn wavered, his arms flailing to regain his balance. It never came.

Anthony watched in muted horror as Arthur Penn stumbled for the last time and fell backwards. The crew rushed around him to where Penn would land; Goldie grasped his wrist as Anthony moved to join them, pulling him back.

"Tony," he whispered and pointed. "Watch."

Anthony swallowed and looked away from where Penn seemed to fall in slow motion, his left arm outstretched to catch anything he could. It happened so quickly that, had Anthony blinked, he would have missed it.

Loki was there; he had been at the top, easily fifty feet higher than Penn, in the crow's nest. There was absolutely no way he could have gotten down there as fast as he had. Anthony swore that one heartbeat he was in the crow's nest and before the very next one even began he was on Penn's level. He drew a blade from his boot and slashed the first rope he grabbed, the blade reflecting brightly in the sunlight.

Anthony watched Loki press the blade between his teeth and kick away from the mast with his feet. As he moved, the left side of the canvas sail fell down and snapped in the wind, drawing several of the crew's attention. Except that of one man, who clapped and pointed.

"It's Captain!"

A cheer rose from the men as Loki grabbed Penn's outstretched forearm. The pair swung out widely across the water, Penn grabbing Loki's shoulder with his other hand. When they made it back to touch the cross beam of the main mast, Loki held Penn as securely as he had Anthony when he nearly fell off the side of the ship.

Anthony looked to Goldie, the old man smiling brightly beside him. "Rule Two - always trust th' Cap'n."

Anthony could only nod slowly as he turned to see the crew clapping and cheering. Loki used his self-installed pulleys to bring he and Penn back to safety. Goldie nudged Anthony, sending the genius off down the stairs of the upper deck to join the crew.

Loki passed Penn off to Tenny as the rest of the crew crowded in, clapping hands on Loki's shoulders and lightly slapping Penn's back. Tenny kept most of them off until he could get Penn to the railing, where he promptly vomited over the edge.

Anthony made it through the crowd with more ease than he expected; once a pirate saw him, they moved aside to let him pass. He imagined Loki's attentions helped in more than one way. Anthony made it to Loki as he stepped onto a crate to push his knife back into his boot.

"Loki," he breathed, drawing the pirate's attention. Loki glanced over to show his attention. "Did you know?"

"That Arthur was drunk?" Loki deadpanned; Anthony nodded as a few of the lingering crew chuckled. "Aye."

Anthony furrowed his brow. "Why would you encourage him?"

"Arthur and I have climbed in worse conditions," Loki answered, stepping down from the crate. "This was just a rather unfortunate circumstance."

"He could have died," Anthony hissed, stepping close so only Loki could hear him. He stared up at the captain and frowned. "It could have gone much worse than simply unfortunate."

"Alas, it did not," Loki answered coolly, quirking an eyebrow at Anthony's tone. "I will never willingly allow a member of my crew to be harmed."

"You knew he was drunk, and yet you persisted," Anthony snapped. "That counts as willingly."

Loki grabbed Anthony by his bicep and drew him back, forcing him to take each step Loki did. "Let us have privacy, yes?" Before Anthony could even answer, Loki moved his hand to his waist and pulled him flush to his chest as he kicked back on the pulley. Anthony yelped with surprise as they rose, the wood of the mast blurring before him. They stopped as abruptly as they started; Loki released his grip and stepped away to lean against where the mast continued higher to the crew's nest.

"Please, share your thoughts with me," Loki asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Anthony shook his head to rid himself of the dizziness.

"Why do you preach safety for these men," he began, taking his breath in shallow gasps. "When you do not practice it?"

Loki stared at him. "Mr. Penn was well aware of his state and still wished to continue. I gave him his option to wait."

"No, you - " Anthony paused; Loki had. Anthony thought back to their conversation, and remembered Loki clearly giving Penn a chance to back out, even mentioning the drink in his belly. Penn still took it. "You did."

"Arthur has faith in his abilities, as do I," Loki continued. "He knew he would never be in any real danger."

Anthony swallowed, feeling his face flush. Loki had done the right thing by believing in his man and humouring him, never more than a step away the entire time to catch him should the worse happen. It did, and he was there. Anthony felt shame at not believing in Loki as Penn obviously had, at his angry outrage. Even Goldie knew Loki wouldn't let anything happen.

"I apologize, Captain," Anthony said after a moment, his tone serious. Loki stilled as he spoke: "I should have known better than to doubt you."

"Nay, my lord," Loki answered. "Your concern for Mr. Penn is admirable. It shows me that I have made the correct choice."

Anthony furrowed his brow in confusion. "What choice?"

"The choice to share this with you, Anthony." Anthony was surprised that Loki used his name, the first he had since their meeting. Suddenly, the memory of him desperately needing to tell Loki his real name the night before came flooding back and coloured his cheeks as the pirate stepped towards him.

Loki closed the distance between them in only two strides and wrapped a gentle hand around Anthony's wrist, using that contact to pull him within reach. His hands moved to Anthony's shoulders and spun him gently. "The sight of the world, my lord."

Anthony's eyes widened as he took in the sight - literally hundreds of ships spread out around them, none the same size as Sleipnir except those of the King's Navy. The sky was a clear blue dotted with scarce clouds, those that were visible light and fluffy. A slight gust traveled around them, no where near the ferocity of the one that had fooled Penn; it merely pulled at Anthony's tucked tunic and his hair. He could just make out Loki's own hair twirling around him from the corner of his eye.

"It's beautiful," Anthony breathed. Loki's hands fell from his shoulders, making Anthony miss the contact.

"Indeed," Loki answered, still standing so close Anthony felt his breath ghost across his ear. It sent a shiver down his spine that he valiantly repressed. "Do you understand?"

Anthony licked his lips and looked over his shoulder at Loki. "Understand what?"

Loki caught Anthony's eyes and smiled softly. Anthony was beginning to believe it was reserved for only his view, and the tone that followed only for his ears: "That I would never allow another man this pleasure."

A/N: Oh man, guys. Loki's putting on the moves, kind of. Tell me what you thought!