Previously, on Pirates In Love...

Captain - "It's settled then! Thomas, find her a spare cot in that den of yours."
Thomas - "Me? Uh, yes sir!"
Russell - "Cap, you can't be ser-"
Captain - "Captain's orders!" He looked at me slyly. "Welcome to the Sirius crew, girl!"

I looked at all the faces of my new shipmates. Shit… this isn't how I wanted my day to go! What a terrible birthday.

Thomas - "Miss Alex."

Still clutching the railing, I barely managed to turn around without falling over. My head was spinning as much as the ship was rolling.

Thomas - "If you follow me I'll show you where you can sleep. You must be tired after being in a barrel all day!"
Alex - "Um, thank you."

I really wasn't sure if I could walk. The seasickness was getting worse. I tried anyway.

WUMPF.

I bumped into Thomas and gripped his arm. It was firm and strong even though he was the smallest amongst them.

Thomas - "Miss Alex! Are you okay?"
Captain - "You two keep your hands off each other, eh? Captain always gets first shot." Captain waggled his finger at us drunkenly.
Thomas - "Oh, yes, Captain!"
Alex - Yes Captain? Those are the rules around here?
Thomas - "Er, do you need help… Miss Alex?"
Alex - "I wouldn't mind a… hand. I'm feeling… rather dizzy."
Thomas - "Ah, um, okay!"

Thomas took my hand and led me back downstairs where the barrels and crates were. He wouldn't look back at me, but I swore I saw his cheeks were flushed. Then again, I was woozy. Who knows what I was seeing? He led me to the back where it was quite dark.

CLICK.

Thomas turned a lamp on. I squinted for a second from the sudden light. Even though there were lanterns outside, the ocean was so dark. It took a while for my eyes to adjust… I saw a cot similar to mine in the corner, a small chest of drawers, a couple round tables, and a small mirror propped up on the dresser.

Thomas - "There we go! I think we've got an old cot here somewhere…"

Thomas started to rummage in the storage. CLINK. CLANG. SCRRRCH. BONK.

Thomas - "Oh! Ouch." He emerged from the pile with a limp mattress, rubbing his head. "Here you go! It's kind of old and dusty… Might be able to clean it off."
Alex - "Oh, did you hurt your head?" I asked as I reached out to touch the bump on his head.
He tensed up and immediately blurted, "It's fine! Take my bed Miss Alex!" He dropped the mattress and started moving crates together. "I'll take this one. It's not good enough for a lady."
Alex - "A-are you sure? I'd feel bad, taking your bed."
Thomas smiled. "It's okay, I'll be fine like this. I've slept on worse!" He rummaged for a thin blanket and settled onto the lumpy mattress. "Good night Miss Alex!"
Alex - "Good night…" Maybe they're not all bad? Thomas is nice…

Despite having the more comfortable bed I couldn't sleep. I was still nauseous and feverish, and my stomach churned all night. Oh, when will this seasickness go away? I didn't get any sleep.

I couldn't get up early like I usually did in the bakery. It was just too much. The seasickness, the ground that never stopped moving, being trapped on a ship with pirates. I was scared and feeling awful, there was no way I could naturally wake up in this condition. Which was my mistake. I woke up to a cool feeling on my cheek. It slowly slid down my neck and felt… sharp? I opened my eyes to see bandana man with his sickle sword up against my throat.

Alex - "Aaah! What the hell?"
Bandana man - "You're late."
Alex - "For what?"
Bandana man - "Breakfast. Come to the mess hall… and put some clothes on."
Alex - "Oh!" I dragged the sheets up.

I had gotten hot during the night and took off my skirt and blouse, so I had only my panties and undershirt on. Bandana man didn't seem to care though. Are they used to this kind of stuff? Also, what is his name?

Alex - "Um, excuse me!" I called out before he went up the stairs. He simply turned his head towards me. "Um, what's your name?"
Bandana man - "... Nathan." And with that he left.

A man of few words…

I put my clothes back on and joined the rest of the crew in the mess hall. I hadn't been outside yet, but already it was louder than last night. I could hear the waves and the wind had picked up. It was whistling between the sails. I entered a room to find the crew sitting at a long table. I looked out the large windows all around the mess hall. It made me nauseous. Nathan had returned behind the bar where the kitchen was. There was an opening where you could see through, but it was partially covered by an accordion door. I looked at all the food on the table. This is how they eat? It's like a feast! The food smelled delicious, but at the same time it made me nauseous. I couldn't imagine eating right now, still feeling seasick. Nathan looked at me from behind the bar.

Nathan - "Sit."

I quickly sat down at the end next to Thomas.

Captain - "How was your night, girl?" He said with a twinkle in his eye.
Eduardo smiled and shook his head. "Hope you didn't go against Captain's word, Thomas."
Thomas - "O-of course not!"

I hardly paid attention to their teasing. I stared down at my hands trying not to spill the contents of my stomach onto the table. TUNK. I looked up to see Nathan looming over me.

Nathan - "Eat."

He made me tamagoyaki with a side of miso soup and some natto and nori. They have all this food on a ship? It looks so good… My stomach grumbled. Nathan crossed his arms and just stood there, staring at me.

Dark skinned man - "You better eat up. Nathan hates it when we don't eat his food."

I really wanted to eat it, it looked so good, but there was no way I was going to be able to keep it down.

Alex - "Excuse me!"

I stood up abruptly and ran out onto the deck. I ran right up to the railing and lurched over. My mouth was open and my stomach was rolling, but nothing came out. That's right, I haven't eaten since yesterday morning! And that wasn't even a full breakfast. I had nothing in my stomach to throw up. I was a little relieved. It wasn't very lady like to throw up over the side of a boat.

Eduardo - "You're not much of a lady, are you?"

I couldn't respond. I could only gurgle a little and hang on the railing like a rag doll. Eduardo picked me up by my shirt and looked at me. My eyes were swirling. He looked very disappointed. Next thing I knew I was launched through the air. Oh no! He's really throwing me overboard!

I landed in someone's arms. It was the dark skinned man.

Eduardo - "Doc, you take care of her. You seem to be even more fond of her than Thomas."
Doc - "You can't toss women around like that, Eduardo."
Eduardo - "Hmph."

Eduardo went back to the mess hall and I felt myself being carried off by Doc. I passed out from the nausea before I knew where we were going.

I woke up on a cot in a room that smelled like grass… Or like trees? Or like mushrooms… It was like the forests back at home. Home… I felt a pang of nostalgia. I looked around to see a table in the middle of the room riddled with cups, pestle and mortars, and herbs.

Alex - "Mmm…"
Doc - "Ah, you're awake?" He put a hand to my forehead. "You don't have a fever anymore. How are you feeling?"
Alex - "Umm…"

How was I feeling? Come to think of it, I'm not feverish anymore. I don't have any nausea. And my stomach is…

GRUMBLE.

Alex - "Oh!"
Doc - "Haha! You must be hungry."
Alex - "Aha, yeah. I'm starving. But I feel much better!"
Doc - "Here, drink this."

I hesitantly took the cup. What is it? I don't want to drink some strange liquid.

Doc - "I guess you don't remember. You drank that when I brought you down here. It's just some herbs to calm your stomach, helps with the nausea."
Alex - "Oh…"

I took a sip. Doc seems like a trustworthy kind of guy. Nothing like Eduardo! The mean creep… I ended up downing the whole cup.

Doc - "Woah! Slow down there. If you're really that hungry, you're gonna have to wait a bit. Nathan will have dinner ready soon."
Alex - "I slept all day?!" GROWWWLL. "No wonder I'm hungry."
Doc - "Just don't try and take something from the fridge okay? Nathan'll skewer you."

I let out a squeal and started trembling. So many things can get you killed on this ship!

Doc - "I didn't mean to scare you. It's just a joke! The guys around here don't mean what they say."
Alex - "... What about Eduardo?"
Doc scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, he's a little rough around the edges… But trust me, deep down he's a good guy. He's never actually thrown a woman overboard."

I found it hard to believe him, but I was happy he was trying to make me comfortable.

Alex - "Um, what's your name?"
Doc - "Hm? It's Christopher. And you're… Alex right?"
Alex - "Yes!" I smiled. "It's nice to meet you."
Christopher - "There's the smile I like to see." He bopped my chin with his hand. "I've got some work to do, but you rest here okay?"

I watched him leave and rubbed my chin. Hmph. He's treating me like a kid. Despite what Christopher said, I didn't want to stay put. After being stuck in a barrel and sleeping for almost two days, I was antsy. I hopped out and ran out to the deck. The sun blinded me for a moment, and then everything was clear as crystal.

Alex - "Wow!"

I ran to the very front of the ship and threw myself onto the point, hugging the ornate wood poking out of the railing. I wasn't afraid of the rolling or the water anymore. It felt so great to be alive! I looked out at the vast ocean, only seeing blue with bits of white foam breaking through. Dark blue waters, light blue sky, and a soft yellow glow from the sun which had begun to set. There was nary a cloud in the sky. I thought I could see for miles from the port at Yamato, but this was completely different! Every direction I looked, it was the vast ocean, with dots of islands and tips of peninsulas here and there. And the sound! It wasn't deafening, but the crashing waves, rustling sails, and blowing wind were something I'd never experienced before, never so loudly and all together. I was amazed.

Thomas - "Miss Alex!"
Alex - "Thomas! Hello!" I waved emphatically from my perch.
Thomas - "Miss Alex, it's dangerous to hang off the edge like that! Please come down."
Alex - "Alright." I hopped down and landed lightly, wobbling a little. I still needed to get used to the rolling.
Thomas - "Phew. Captain would kill me if something happened to his woman…"
Alex - "What?"
Thomas - "Oh, nothing!" He waved his hands frantically. "So, I see you're feeling better?"
Alex - "Oh yeah, way better!" I spun around.
Thomas - "I'm glad to hear it. Have you had a tour of the ship yet?"
Alex - "No, I haven't!"
Captain - "Captain told me to show you around when you felt better. Would you like me to, Miss Alex?"

I wanted to tell him that I was hungry, but remembering Nathan's rule about the fridge, I didn't want to push my luck. I forced a smile on my face despite the pain in my stomach.

Alex - "Please do!"

Thomas showed me all the room's under the ship's deck, like the kitchen and the bath. Some I had been to before such as the mess hall and Doc's office. And then out on the deck he pointed out all the parts of the ship, which side was port and which was starboard, and which was the stern and the bow. He pointed out the crow's nest, the sails, the masts, and even showed me some special knots. There was no way I would remember everything, but I was happy to learn and be shown about.

Alex - "You know a lot about ships and sailing, huh?"
Thomas - "Me? Naw, I'm not that great. I'm the greenhorn here, everyone else is more experienced than I am. Especially Eduardo. He can navigate us through a storm like that!" He snapped his fingers.
Alex - "Hmph." Everyone seems to respect Eduardo… but he's such a jerk!
Thomas - "Is something wrong?"
Alex - "Ah, no! It's fine. Thank you for the tour, I really appreciate it!"
Thomas blushed. "I-it's my pleasure Miss Alex." He regained his composure quickly. "Dinner should be ready now, let's go!"
Alex - "Okay!"

It was another feast on the table. Tempura vegetables and shrimp, udon, cooked greens, and several different kind of fish. There was even red rice! I was very excited, but also a little scared. I wondered if Nathan was mad at me for not eating his food. I sat down next to Thomas again as we were the last to arrive.

Captain - "Feeling better, my girl?"
Alex - My girl? "Uh, yes I am! Much better. I have Christopher to thank for that." I smiled at him.
Captain - "I hope you're well enough to eat lots! We're celebrating tonight!
Alex - "Oh, yes I am!"

THUNK!

I yelped. Nathan had slammed down a giant bowl of rice in front of me.

Nathan - "Ya better be."
Alex - Aah, scary! "Yes, of course!"

Everyone began eating and soon friendly banter filled up the room.

Russell - "Gimme yer meat!"
Thomas - "Ah, whyyy?"
Christopher - "You've had your fair share Russell."
Nathan - "Ya won't get any meat tumorra if ya eat it all taday."
Russell - "What?!"

Eduardo snagged some meat off of Russell's plate.

Russell - "Hey!"
Eduardo - "You heard Nate. No meat for you."
Russell - "Tha don' mean ya can take it!"
Eduardo cocked his gone.
Eduardo - "You gonna take it from me?"
Russell - "Tch. Whatever."
Captain - "It doesn't matter! Everyone eat up, we're gonna have a party tonight!"
Alex - "Um, Captain…"
Captain - "Yes?"
Alex - "What's the occasion?"
Captain - "You of course! It's a welcome party!"

I was surprised that the Captain would do such a thing since half the crew didn't even want me on board. I smiled sheepishly. Oh Captain, I hope you didn't just make them hate me more! Russell had stopped eating and was staring at me.

Eduardo - "What's with you? Don't want your food anymore Russell?"
Russell - "... Neva seen a lady eatin' like tha' befure."

Everyone at the table looked at me. I gulped down my giant mouthful of food. I had been gobbling everything down because I was so hungry. My bowl was almost empty.

Alex - "Um, I… I was really hungry."

Everyone burst out laughing. I blushed. Oh, I'm really not acting like a lady at all!

Nathan came over to me. "So, are ya done then?"
Alex - "Um… actually… Can I have seconds?"
Nathan looked surprised but then gave me a smirk. "Sure thang."

I felt embarrassed, but I hadn't eaten for two days! I was famished.

Eduardo - "I wonder what else you can stuff in that pretty little mouth of yours."
Christopher - "Eduardo!" He yelled angrily.

Everyone else just laughed. I felt even more embarrassed than before. Do they always joke around like this? It's not like it hasn't happened before… I just never thought I'd be back in a similar situation as when I was 15!

After dinner Captain ordered everyone to prepare for the party, which basically consisted of finding all the booze on the ship and bringing it to the deck. He called me over separately though.

Captain - "Yo, girl, come with me."
Alex - "O-okay… I mean, uh, yes Captain!"
The Captain smiled.

I pouted. I didn't like this 'being his woman' business. He led me to his own room. It was lavishly decorated and furnished compared to what Thomas had. Red velvet drapes covered the windows, there was a bookshelf full of trinkets, jewelry, and other valuables, and a large bed with its own drapes was up against one wall. A large rectangular table was at the other end with a plush red chair behind it. The ground was covered with a soft, intricately woven rug. I had never been in such a classy room… and on a pirate ship to boot!

Captain - "So, what do you think?" He asked as he jumped into his red chair and put his boots up on the table.
Alex - "It's…"
Captain - "I know, right? It's luxurious! Fit for the Pirate King no doubt."
Alex - "Pirate King?"
Captain - "Oh, you don't know? That little town of yours must not get much news. I'm the Pirate King Morgan of the Sirius! Known and feared throughout all the land." He had stood up and propped a foot up on his chair and moved his arm in a large arch as he spoke. He leaned on his knee and looked at me. "Hm. Not impressed?"
Alex - Finally, a name other than just 'Captain'. "Ah! Um… more like in shock. I didn't know pirates lived so well…"
Morgan - "... You could too if you want to."
Alex - "Huh?"
Morgan - "I have something for you."

He walked over to a giant wardrobe beside the bed. He pulled out a simple yet elegant dress. It was a dark blue fabric with light green filigree along the edges and some simple designs on the breast.

Morgan - "I think this is about your size. Here, wear it."
Alex - "W-why do you have women's clothing…?"
Morgan winked at me. "It's a secret. Here, put it on."
Alex - "Uh… yes Captain."

I waited for him to leave the room, but he didn't budge.

Morgan - "Well? What are you waiting for?"
Alex - "Um, I can't change in front of you… Also, why are you giving me this?"
Morgan - "Haha! You've been wearing the same clothes for two days. Don't you want to change?"

He walked up to me and put his face very close to mine. I could smell the alcohol on his breath. I held the dress up and peeked above the neckline, like somehow it would protect me.

Morgan - "... And a woman should be comfortable changing in front of her man."
Alex - "W-What? Since when are you my man? And I'm not your woman!"
Morgan - "Aw, come on. Just for one night."
Alex - "That's even worse!"
Morgan - "Then would you rather forever?"

He smirked. He was getting too close to me.

"Aah!"

Suddenly he picked me up and gently tossed me on the bed. He was on top of me in an instant and moved the new dress from between us.

Captain - "Or is it that you want me to undress you?"

He reached for the buttons on my blouse. My face felt very hot and I was getting very nervous. I'd never had a man so close to me, and never in this position! I don't want this! What am I going to do?