Hey Descendants!

We're over here makin' Dark and Twisted Lemon-aid with all the lemons life has been throwing our way…

But if you're reading this, then you are still hooked on our story, and for that, we truly, from the bottoms of our hearts and souls, love you.

We're currently in the process of moving and rearranging things in our lives, so if we don't get a chapter posted every week, I am so sorry. We're trying, and will continue to do our best, to bring you one update a week.

Feel free to push and poke if we fail, knowing you're out there and waiting for the next chapter will defiantly guilt me into being better about posting. Bonus, it works on both of us. :)

Anyway...

We hope you enjoy the chapter, and don't forget to check out Twisted's corner at the bottom of the chapter.

Lots of Love!

-Dark-

"Oh." She blinks as she stares at her nearly empty workroom.

She'd known it was going to be bad when Harry offered to take her down here.

To help carry the empty bottles down for her to use later.

Known.

But to see it?

See the evidence?

It made her heart nearly break in two.

She squeezes her eyes shut as she grips the bottles she was carrying closer to her chest.

Just how?

How had they made it through the storm?

Even the papers she had tacked to the walls were shredded.

Not much had survived besides a few shadowed items on the table.

She couldn't say she had expected anything different.

The ship, and its occupants, had gone through hell.

Obviously, judging by how much damage her notes and drawings had taken.

How dinged and dented her table was.

The absence of crates she kept stored in here.

Even with the shattered glass and split wood cleaned up-

She takes a deep breath as her pulse starts rushing, it really put the danger the ship and her crew had been in into perspective.

She was so blessed that they'd survived.

Somehow, despite all the odds, they'd survived.

All of them.

The whole family.

They'd all made it through.

They'd-

She shakes her head when she feels her vision start to blur.

Just, so blessed.

She steps into the room, needing a distraction from her thoughts. Afraid if she lingered too long in them she'd get lost.

"It were ah bein' ah rough storm," Harry explains with a wince as he sets the lantern down on the table, "though I be guessin' James or Yensid be ah cleanin' up for us by the looks o' it."

"It's alright." She assures him softly.

How couldn't it be?

Sure it panged a little to know all the memorabilia T'd collected for her was gone-

But she didn't need them to remember.

And as for the rest of it?

Her lab could be replaced.

The herbs recollected.

Notes on her experiments could be rewritten.

Her eyes narrow.

The ointments and tinctures she'd had stored?

That was more complicated.

Now more than ever, they needed all the medical supplies they could get their hands on.

Still, they could be remade.

Her equipment?

She bites her lip as she studies the desk.

That was a little more difficult. But manageable if Deez and Gil would be willing to recreate her instruments.

The main issue became, would they have the time to do so?

She'd never be able to replace-

She closes her eyes before she turns up to look up at Harry, only to find him looking at one of the few items on the table.

She gently picks it up and inspects it slowly, allowing the memories of T's retelling of how Mal almost got everyone deep-fried.

The little glass well Deez had given T-

She blinks.

It felt like ages ago.

Curious.

How had that made it through the storm?

Through the chains and just, everything being tossed violently around the room?

No cracks? No dings? No damage? Her brow knits together.

How odd.

She shakes her head as she carefully places it back on the table, though she notices that Harry's pensive gaze never strays from the simple glasswork.

What was he thinking?

Was he stuck in the past?

Thinking about the well?

The storm?

Caught in the land of 'what ifs'?

What was making him look so pained?

She wanted so badly to ask, but it seemed rude.

She bites her lip nervously before she steps in front of him. Her eyes drift up to meet his as she hesitantly loops their pinkies together and squeezes.

"The ship held and everything that matters made it through." She whispers, afraid if she spoke any louder her voice would crack.

So blessed.

"Aye Love, I be hearin' that." He smiles down at her before he looks around the nearly empty room with a frown, "Don'nah be makin' this," he gestures lightly to the table where her workspace had once been set up, "feel any better, but I do be ah hearin' ya."

Warmth curls in her chest.

She leans up to connect their foreheads, "our family made it. That's what's really important." She tilts her head to place a chaste kiss on his brow, squeezing his pinky again.

He'd known it was going to be bad.

How could it not be with the storm they'd faced?

Still, for everything that Faustina possessed-

Everything that was hers, the things that mattered the most-

To have to stand there and see them destroyed?

It hurt.

And sure, they'd all lost items in the storm.

But not like this.

Not so thoroughly and completely.

He was grateful to whoever had cleaned the room.

During the time they'd been-

Inconsolable was a word.

His lips pull into a disgusted grimace.

Drunk was another.

Like his fucking codfish of a father.

He closes his eyes against the sting of the comparison.

He'd been a codfish.

He sighs.

What matters made it.

Sea gods, she could be so selfless.

All her hard work, gone.

Years of it.

Everything she needed to feel like a contributing member of their family.

Just. Gone.

One storm.

One storm from hell, to be fair.

But it wasn't fair.

The stuff in this room helped her know she belonged with them.

Helped her feel worthy.

He'd just gotten used to the idea that it was something she needed, something both her and T needed.

To feel needed.

Defined.

Useful instead of useless.

And if it was important to them, then it was important to him.

To Uma.

To their family.

But it was gone.

Gone, with no way to know when they'd be able to replace it.

He closes his eyes.

If they could replace it.

If this was how bad the ship was, and the entire wharf was destroyed-

How many fragile things could have survived the Isle?

Delicate things?

His eyes snap back to the tiny glass well.

There was something there.

Maybe Deez made solid glass or something.

Something.

Definitely something.

Something Yensid-ish.

Because whatever it was, he was going to have their Fire Princess whip up more bottles and tubes and whatever else Faustina needed.

It was a priority.

A Deez-sized priority with a Gil-sized protector.

Because like fuck was he ever letting those two out of each other's sight anytime soon.

He shakes his head.

Or at least he wasn't letting anyone be alone.

Possibly ever again.

He sighs as he bounces their connected fingers.

"I promise we'll be gettin' this fixed up for ya." He frowns, "We just be needin' ta collect sand for Deez ta be usin'."

"Thank you," She whispers, "But, I… There are," She lets out a soft mournful sigh, "I'm not going to be out much any time soon…"

He sighs as he stares at their joined fingers, afraid he knew exactly what it was she stopped herself from saying.

There are others that are more important.

It killed him that she still couldn't see herself. See how-

How different she was.

But how could he get her to see the things he could see if he couldn't even figure it out himself.

He sighs, "Yeah, I were figurin' that be comin'. That ya be wantin' T out more right now." He takes an automatic step forward before he closes his eyes and sighs, "We be havin' the rest of the day though. We all be promisin' Uma that."

She tilts her head to the side as her gem-like eyes penetrate his thoughtfully, a small frown on her lips. "I know it's not a lot. I know that in any other circumstance your reunion would be celebrated, especially after thinking Deez and Gil had been lost. It's not fair-"

"It just be the way things be, ain'nah no sense in bein' ah pain over it." He runs a finger through her limp red hair hanging messily in her face before he bounces their joined fingers again, "I know. Why don'nah I go get Deez ta be heatin' the tub up? I still ain'nah gettin' ta wash yer hair proper like, an' the hot water be helpin' the hurts ya ain'nah wantin' ta tell us about."

She chews on her lip for a moment before she shakes her head, "That's not necessary, and-"

He can't help the grin as he wraps an arm around her, "Most things ain'nah bein' necessary like, but we be doin' them."

A small smile tugs at her lips, "I suppose that's true, but still. This is supposed to be a day to bask in each other-"

"Aye." He guides her from the guilt ridden room before he locks the door and tucks his lock picks back into his boot, "An if it be baskin' ya be wantin', ain'nah nothin' be makin' me bask like getting ta do yer hair." He takes her hand and brushes his lips over her knuckles, "The fact it be helpin' you out be like, ah bonus or somethin'."

The way her cheeks flush and her lips pucker was one of the most adorable things he'd ever seen.

He almost didn't cover his laugh quick enough.

"I am rather-" she shudders as she looks down at her hoodie in disgust, "T didn't have much time for grooming." She shakes her head, "But, it'd be quicker with a basin, which would give you more time to enjoy the others. "

"I don'nah be tellin' you how ta be baskin'." He playfully grumbles as he guides them to the stairs.

She closes her mouth as she studies him curiously. "That is true." She bites her lip, "But…" Her eyes drop to the floor. "Maybe you could wash one of the others' hair instead? I-" She pauses, her voice becoming softer, "I know it's selfish, being so…" She bites her lip, "But, I don't want the others to see…" She crosses her arm over her chest curling into herself, "And it's not right to ask them to leave their room. Especially after everything that's happened." She winces, "I'm sorry."

He hesitates on the third step, tilting his head to the side as he twists to look down at her.

He hadn't thought about that.

His eyes travel up the stairs to the slight bit of darkness just beyond the lantern.

Was it not right to ask Gil and Deez if they could have the room?

Wouldn't they be just as upset if they weren't asked though?

He would be.

"Nice try." He chuckles as he continues up the steps with her, a slight frown on his lips at how easy it was to keep her moving, even when she clearly didn't want to, "But if it be makin' ya feel better, we can be askin' if they mind. They'd be doin' the same for the rest o' us if they be wantin' privacy."

"I-" She doesn't lift her eyes, "I don't want to take their choice away but, I feel like I'm being selfish to even ask." She glances at him, "On the other hand, I don't want to upset you either." She sighs.

"Then be lettin' me be the selfish one here. I be needin' this time with ya, especially with yer gloomy 'I ain'nah gonna be bein' out much' nonsense I be havin' ta respect."

She pouts, "I'm not being gloomy."

"Lass. I be lovin' ya, but if that ain'nah bein' yer gloomy I be bein' scared."

A small smile tugs at her lips, "It's hard to be gloomy with you."

He presses a hand to his chest, hoping it looked dramatic in the moment.

Something had to match the ridiculous grin he knew was on his face.

Whole face.

"Aww, ya be ah meanin' that?"

"My Prince," She looks up to meet his eyes, "I mean that on more levels than you know."

He purses his lips before he wraps his arms around her and holds her tight, not caring who the fuck saw them standing in the middle of the stairs near the entrance to the deck.

She'd never called him her Prince before.

He liked it.

"That be makin' me nice an happy ta hear," he presses his lips to her temple, "also on many levels. Maybe it be makin' me feel gloomy, knowin' ya be so quick to retreat or whatever the word be for how it be workin' with you an' T."

She tilts her head up as she looks at him in confusion before she drops her eyes and hugs him tightly. "I'm sorry, I know T isn't very physically affectionate." She sighs.

"T be ah mate that ain'nah pullin' punches." He rolls his eyes as he pulls back enough to search her emerald green eyes in the dim light of the lantern, "Just ta be bein' sure ya be understandin', when ya be gone I be missin' ya."

She bites her lip, "If it helps, I'm not as far away as I used to be." Her brow furrows, "I don't know what changed, but… I've been able to-" Her head tilts. "Stay? When it's T out. I'm sorry I don't know how to explain it better. But, it's been different since-" Her eyes narrow. "His anguish and-" She pauses as she purses her lips, "I've just been able to communicate with him, see and hear what he does. I know it disorients him, but-" She gives a delicate shrug, "He can be very single minded."

He can't help the snort, "Single-minded be ah nice way ta be sayin'-" He blinks, "Wait, what ya be ah sayin'? Ya be out even when T-"

It bothered him every time Faustina was able to make full reports about the things T had done.

But, it was just one of those things, right?

Like T bringing mementoes back for Faustina.

Or T teaching her how to read.

And use daggers.

He never thought to really question it.

Dive deeper into how it worked.

But she just said something changed.

Meaning her being out at the same time was new?

"It be ah new thing?" He finishes lamely.

Faustina's brow furrows as she bites her lip, "I've never been able to actively- Speak to him before. Or be so cognisant of our surroundings."

"That be ah word." He sighs before he shifts to lean back against the wall.

She blushes as she bows her head, "Sorry, that was rude." Her face screws up in concentration before she turns back to him, "Aware. I've never been so aware of what was going on."

"Then how ya be informin' Uma 'bout the deals he be makin' with Senior?"

She bites her lip as she looks away, "Honestly? I'm not sure… I just know it's different now. We couldn't- Well, I couldn't communicate with him before. I was just, present. I think-" She frowns, "But then at Maleficent's his emotions were just so- Raw. I don't know- I've just never been so desperate to put him at ease…"

"Huh." He frowns as he looks her over.

The only thing he could think of was the barrier.

"Maybe that be ah meanin' ya be havin' magic or somethin'. And that were why ya couldn'nah be doin' it afore."

She closes her mouth as she stares at him incredulously before she sighs, "Perhaps…I certainly can't explain it, or understand how it works."

He shrugs before he takes her hand again, "No matter what it be, we be facin' it together. So me thinks it ain'nah bein' ah big deal."

"Thank you," she smiles as she squeezes it. "I really do appreciate your patience, my Pirate Prince."

"I do be ah patient pirate." He grins again at her possible new nickname for him.

Pirate Princess.

Pirate Prince.

"An' I be likin' that our names be ah matchin', shows we be belongin' together," he adds with a wink.

A blush covers her cheeks as she drops her eyes, "I was hoping you'd like it, and not think it too forward."

He can't stop the deep bark of laughter.

Or keep himself from pulling her into a tight hug.

"Be forward, Love, please. I really be ah likin' it when ya be forward."

"Oh." Her blush darkens as she smiles before she leans up to kiss him.

Oh yeah. He could get used to Faustina being forward.

But she was insane if she thought she was getting out of him pampering her now.

"I have a meeting on deck," Uma explains as she eyes Deez and Gil, "but I know Yensid mentioned wanting to talk to you two. Why don't you guys head down to the galley and wait for him."

Gil shoots Faustina and Harry a smile before he nods, "Sounds good." He chuckles as he walks over to the table and rests a hand on Deez's shoulder, "Right Treasure?"

Deez jumps, clearly more focused on her letter than the conversation. Her pen clatters to the table as she twists to look up, "Yes? Yes."

Uma smiles and shakes her head before she repeats herself, "That okay with ya, Baby Girl?"

"Yep." Deez grins as she jumps out of the chair.

He chuckles as she races towards the door, dragging Gil by the hand.

Clearly their concerns about kicking the two out of the room had been unfounded.

"Water first, please," He teases as he runs his fingers through Deez's hair and catches her by the shoulder.

"Oh," Deez blinks up in confusion, as if she'd also missed that part of the conversation, "right."

He slings an arm around Faustina's shoulders as Deez turns on her heels and runs for the tub, leaving Gil standing in front of them with a knowing grin.

"Aye?" He can't help his answering grin.

Gil's happiness was infectious like that, even when he was clearly thinking through a tease or jab.

"Nothing, jus' hope ya both have fun. Know ya got left outta the groomin' last night."

His eyes narrow as he takes a step forward, pressing his nose against Gil's curls before he takes a deep breath.

"Oi!" He steps back to glare up at him, "I thought I be catchin' yer scents earlier."

He rounds on a chuckling and completely unconcerned Uma.

Gil lets out a rumbling laugh as he ruffles his hair.

"Ya got somethin' ta say Pretty Boy?" Uma asks with mirth in her eyes.

"Aye." He braces both hands on his hips, "an it be how dare." He tries to keep his face screwed up in anger, but he could feel the twitch of his lips betraying him, "them be me special groomin' supplies."

"An peppermint an' citrus be Baby Girl an' Sweet Boy's scents." She snorts, "And I was missin' mine as well." She eyes him and Faustina, "So, ya know. I expect you to be smellin' like yourselves by the time we get back." She crosses her arms, "Consider it an order." She grins.

He immediately lifts his hand to his forehead, "Aye, aye, Cap'n."

"I've missed how weird you all can be." Deez chuckles as blue flames flicker around her fingers against the side of the tub.

Faustina's lips twitch into a small smile as she nods.

"Have fun." Gil says when steam begins to rise.

"Alright, come on you two." Uma chuckles as she claps her hands. "Don't wanna keep them waitin'." She opens the door and turns back with a wink, "Take your time, no rushing."

Faustina closes her mouth as she looks away.

Gil chuckles as he gathers Deez to him and escorts her out the door.

He shakes his head as he closes the door behind them before turning back to the tub, "And now you." He points to the steaming water, "In."

Faustina shifts as she looks between him and the tub.

He tilts his head at her hesitation before he turns his back on the tub to walk over to his chest, "I can'nah be waitin' ta be given' ya me princess treatment." He smiles as he goes through his oils.

He pulls out the vial of clove, orders were orders after all, but he hesitates on the Eucalyptus.

It was what he used on T, but would it be the right one for his Pirate Princess.

His brow furrows when he hears a short whimper followed by an indignant huff.

"What-" He looks over his shoulder as his grip on the bottle tightens.

What a fucking idiot.

He jumps to his feet and rushes over to her.

Of course she couldn't pull the heavy ass, stupid hoodie off with a hurt shoulder.

Or the fuck ton of layers T wore under it.

"I hate this thing." She grumbles her cheeks puffed in annoyance before she breathes out.

His eyes dart to the fabric on the table, "Oh." He grins as he looks back to her, "that be the reason ya be finally takin' the outfit I be findin' ya outta yer trunk?"

She glances up at him in confusion, "Outfit?"

"Aye." He takes her hand and leads her to the table before he sets the vials down, "I were seein' it out when I be comin' back in," he explains as he picks the pile of fabric up to show her the layered black skirt and red frilly shirt.

He smiles at her continued confusion, watching with a growing smile as her eyes dart from him to the clothes and back several times.

He'd been waiting for the best time to tell her about it, and while now wasn't best by any stretch of the imagination, maybe it was exactly what she needed.

A giddy squeal confirms it as she rushes over and wraps her arms around him in the tightest hug she'd ever given him; her smile near blinding as she nuzzles into his shoulder, "Thank you!" She pulls back before she kisses him.

He smiles against her lips.

Yeah, maybe not best, but this seemed damn near perfect to him.

"Ya be ah likin' it then?" He asks without letting her go.

She giggles as she kisses him again, "Very much, my Prince." She nods emphatically. "Thank you, I really- Just," She bounces in excitement, "You didn't have to, but you did, and thank you!"

"Course, Love." He gently runs his fingers through her hair before he cups her face, "Ya be deservin' ta feel like the Pirate Princess ya be. Now, we need ta be gettin' these layers off an' then I can be startin' the pamperin'."

He chuckles and boops her nose when she opens her mouth, "Cap'n be orderin'."

She blushes as a small pout appears on her lips, "But you after, right?"

"Oh, aye, I be lookin' forward to it."

She smiles, "So am I." She nuzzles him again before she kisses him again and pulls away. "But, um," Her blush deepens, "Can you help, please?" She asks softly as she tugs at the hem of the hoodie.

He jumps at the invitation.

Earlier he'd thought her hesitation had been shyness, which was the only reason he'd given her some privacy as he collected the oils.

But now, as he helps her pull the hoodie and then the many-

So fucking many-

Layers of shirts off, he realized how remiss he'd been.

Seeing her standing in front of him in nothing put T's baggy pants and her chest binding-

She was covered in bruises.

Most of them seemed to be the greens and yellows of healing bruises on her jaw, shoulders, arms, and back, but there were several newer looking purple bruises ringing her neck.

"What be doin' this?" He asks, his voice rough as he tenderly traces the marks with a feather touch.

Her eyes widen as she steps back and covers her neck, "Nothing."

His eyes widen.

So that's what it looked like when his girl lied.

Noted.

"Uh-huh." He fixes a stern look on his face as he crosses his arms over his chest, "wanna be tryin' that again with the truth this time?"

Because like hell had nothing wrapped around her neck like a noose to strangle her.

She looks away, "It was an accident."

"I certainly be ah hopin' so, ya be lookin' like ah gallow survivor."

She glances at the outfit before she pouts, "That bad?"

He sighs before he loosens his arms and steps toe to toe with her, "These others-" He lets his hand trail lightly over the smattering of healing bruises before he cups her chin between his thumb and curled fingers, careful to avoid the bruise shadowing her lips and down her jaw, "Be lookin' real old or like they ain'nah bein' bad."

Her brow furrows as her eyes narrow, "I-" She pauses as her eyes dart to the mirror curiously before she sighs. "I suppose that explains why I'm not in as much pain as I thought I'd be."

She said it like she was questioning it herself.

He tilts his head to the side, "So, ya be gettin' the fresh bruises from…" he gestures for her to finish explaining.

She bites her lip, "The water's going to get cold."

He runs his tongue along his teeth before he sighs, "Yer right. Can'nah be wastin' our Fire Princess's hard work now, can we?"

She shakes her head.

He sighs before he pulls his jacket off, slinging it over the back of his seat at the table before his tattered shirt follows it.

Faustina's gaze follows the items before she turns to him and eyes him. Her teeth sinking into her bottom lip, "Are you joining me then?"

"I were gonna tease ya a bit first, but aye." He chuckles as he kicks his boots off, "But yer gettin' treated by me first, ya be ah hearin' me?"

She closes her mouth before she nods and pulls off her own boots. Her blush returns tenfold as she hesitantly steps out of her pants. Not making eye contact with him as she undoes her bindings.

He nods firmly before he returns to his chest to collect the rest of his treasured grooming kit.

He was going to savor this, even if it meant a cold bath for him after.

A small splash and moan of pleasure makes him grin.

"An' you be wantin' ta skip this." He teases as he begins laying everything out on the small stool beside the tub.

"It does seem rather stupid in retrospect." She admits as she sinks further into the water.

He snorts, but also smiles at how easy it was to make her happy-

Even if it was a fight to get here.

"So-" He kneels behind the tub before he thumbs the cork out of the bottle and holds it out, "this be what I use for T, but I can be usin' somethin' else if ya ain'nah likin' it."

She sniffs before a smile tugs at her lips, "That one was one of my favorites. I liked how earthy it smelled, and it mixed well with my herbs."

He grins, "that be why I be likin' it for ya too, well, fer both o' ya. It were bein' ah pleasant balance to the more-" his eyes narrow as he begins to mix the oil into the soaps he used to wash hair, "I don'nah be knowin' how ta rightly say it, but the metal like smell of yer ointment."

She eyes him with appreciation, "You're really good at pairing natural scents with herbal ones. Maybe you can help me next time I mix-" She pauses.

His heart stills at the look of pain she was trying her best to cover, "I promise we'll be fixin' it. We be needin' ya to be makin' stuff, I be knowin' that much. Even Uma were sayin' it."

She bites her lip as she slowly nods, "Thank you." She says softly. "It feels like a selfish desire," She frowns looking torn, "and I know there are many important things to focus on…" She glances up at him, "But, I'm not sure that's the case this time. I just feel guilty."

"It ain'nah bein' selfish ta need things. Especially when ya be needin' the things ta be helpin' others." He tilts his head to the side, "Actually, ain'nah that bein' the definition of selfless?"

"But it makes me happy to do it."

"Deez don'nah be lookin' too miserable when she be writin'." He shrugs, "That be all kinds o' helpful too, right?"

"Well yes, but-"

"Uma be all about bein' ah Cap'n. It be her favorite thing."

"But-"

"But, I guess I could be understandin' if ya be feelin' miserable about losin' the things ya be needin', Gil be pretty upset 'bout losin' all the blacksmithin' stuff at the cove."

Her eyes widen, "I didn't even think about that." She looks up at him with concern.

"It ain'nah bein' selfish of him ta be wantin' ta look for the things he be needin', is it?"

"No, of course not."

"Oh good, then we be on the same wave then. Needin' the stuff that helps others ain'nah bein' selfish, even if ya go be lovin' what ya do."

She closes her mouth as she leans against the back of the tub and stares at her knees thoughtfully, "Thank you." She says softly.

"Aye." He grins as he rubs the paste together on his hands, smiling at the freshness of the eucalyptus as it permeated the room, "Thankfully I be havin' the truth on me side, but even if it were bein' selfish, I be gettin' it for ya anyway."

She pulls her knees to her, "I-" She bites her lip,as she wraps her arms around them "Just, thank you. For caring for me. I know you don't have to but- It makes me, happy doesn't begin to cover it."

"Lovin'," He corrects before gently threading his fingers through her wet hair, "I be lovin' ya. As part o' me family. An' more, when ya be ready for it."

She glances over her shoulder in confusion, her eyes lingering on his before they soften and she turns back to her knees.

"Don'nah be worryin' none, I be tellin' ya true when I be sayin' I be ah patient pirate. An', ya be worth waiting for."

It scared him more than he wanted to admit every time she fell silent after hearing him confess his feelings for her.

What was she thinking?

Was he pushing too hard?

He certainly didn't want her to withdraw from him, but he also couldn't shake the feeling that his words were being twisted somehow.

He knew from experience how hard it was to accept someone else giving a damn.

But, Uma never gave up on him.

Was it the same thing?

She settles her chin on her knees after she pulls them closer to her, "You are. I know most don't see it, but it's hard not to after everything you've done and put up with… It's one of the many things I adore about you. How deep your patience for those you love runs. How raw and open you are about it, at least with them. Not many can claim that. Not many would dare. Not here at least. It's admirable, and a trait that has always enamored me, to this family, and to you." She finishes softly.

Adore.

Enamored.

Admirable.

He loved that those were words she associated with him.

He smiles as he continues to massage his fingers into her scalp.

But he also picked up the slight.

How raw and open you are about it, at least with them.

With them.

Why the distinction?

Why was she not included in the statement?

He wanted to ask.

Know.

But he was still afraid of pushing her away.

He grabs the wooden comb Gil carved for him and guides it through her hair, gently letting the rounded teeth scrape over her scalp as he continues to work the shampoo.

If he pressed too hard right now there was a good chance he'd lose this.

Her relaxing as he finally got to play with her hair.

"I try."

She tilts her head slightly to look up at him, "You succeed."

He snorts, "Sometimes."

"Most of the time."

"I can be acceptin' that."

She nods, "Good, I'd hate to have to argue with you."

"Do ya now?" He snorts again, "I couldn'nah be ah tellin'."

A small smile tilts her lips, "If you were to ask T, he'd say what we do is child's play."

That was a scary thought, but at the same time didn't surprise him.

There was a reason she threw a punch at him when he'd interrupted her after all.

Even Deez wasn't that fed up with him, and he'd been pretty bad at teasing her before he finally saw her as family.

After that it'd just been for fun.

"I do like it though."

"Argunin' with T, or not arguin' with me?"

She drops her eyes, "Feeling comfortable enough with someone, to actually challenge them."

He freezes, letting the warmth in his chest spread pleasantly down to his fingers and toes, before he reaches for the rinsing cup.

Comfortable enough.

He'd take that!

"We'll get ya challengin' the whole family here soon hopefully." He laughs as he fills the cup, "Close yer eyes for me, Love."

She nods before he pours the water over her hair.

"Not that I'm not loving this, because, honestly who wouldn't-"

"I am pretty awesome at this." He quickly agrees.

She laughs lightly before she opens one eye to look at him.

"Might be havin' somethin' ta do with me lovin' it so much," he continues with a wink.

If nothing else, he really hoped to drive that point home with her.

You can love something and be great at it. And the thing you love can be helpful.

"You are a master of your craft, my Prince." She smiles up at him.

"As are you, me beautiful Pirate Princess."

Her smile quivers.

It was only for a second.

Maybe even less.

But, he saw it.

He also saw something like it every time Uma called her Beauty Girl.

And Gil called her his Angel.

"Hey now, what were that bein'?"

"I'm worried the water's going to get cold before I can take care of you."

He purses his lips at the lie.

Well, maybe not a full lie.

He knew her well enough to know that was something she would worry about, but he also knew that wasn't what made her smile waver.

"If it do, it do. I don'nah be mindin' cold water if it be meanin' I can be gettin' me fill o' this." He massages the tips of his fingers into her scalp, checking to make sure all the soap had rinsed away.

"Mmm," She sinks into the water.

"Or I can be gettin' ya dressed enough ta be callin' Deez back for ah second round o' heatin'." He continues with a smile, "Yer choice."

"That one please."

"Then I really can be ah takin' me time." He marvels before he rises on his knees to press his lips to her forehead, "An be enjoyin' the view."

She blushes even as a laugh leaves her lips, "There's my Pirate Prince."

"Aye, I ain'nah ever bein' far." He teases before he kisses the tip of her nose.

Still patient though, since he wasn't simply taking what he wanted.

Other than the chance to pamper her.

That he would take every chance he got.

"Lucky me." She smiles up at him, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Needs.

They're one hell of a thing.

And it's such a pain in the ass to discern a need from a want under such duress.

Desires are a bitch like that.

But wanting to be needed is such a powerful desire for both T and Faustina. And Deez. Honestly, a powerful need for all the Vks.

They're all so broken in their own ways.

It's heartbreaking.

Luckily for ya'll we're not monsters.

Well, not complete monsters. It's pretty touch and go, really. Depends on our moods and what the characters do.

Little independent assholes, not following the damned script. (Glaring at you, T. Don't make me smack that grin off your face. Smug little fuck.)

Sucks for them that they can't always see how much they are in fact needed.

Alas, such is having no self-esteem or worth. It hurts to see. And hurts those who care about you even more.

There's just no breaking through it sometimes, not without some serious counseling- Which these kids are all in desperate need of.

Shame they're not going to get it.

Not for a long while anyways.

You can though. If you need it. It's a hard step, but definitely one worth taking if you have no value in yourself.

It'll seriously change your life once you find one that works for you.

Okay, soap box aside-

This chapter was full of ups and downs.

I have no idea where the fuck I pull Faustina (honestly where any of the characters I main) from, but it always surprises me what comes out when I'm writing her.

I genuinely thought she would've been more upset about losing everything she'd held dear for so long, but in the end- I was happy how it came out.

What about ya'll think it was more on target for her character?

Harry's thoughts on the workroom being destroyed were as sweet as they were heartbreaking. And though I don't particularly see F as a self-less character, I can see where he was coming from.

It's fucking upsetting to lose everything you own. Everything that makes you, well, you.

But it's harder still to lose the ones you love.

Anyways enough of that-

So, like trying my hardest to keep injuries in mind while writing but it's hard as fuck for me to keep track of. Dark does a much better job, but I can't expect her to remember everything- Rude much. So, I'm trying my best.

Too much?

Just right?

On point?

That ointment certainly does me as many favors as it does the character. ( Ugh. I'm such a lazy writer.)

Were any of your needs met in this chapter?

Or did we let ya down?

Be honest.

Be brutal.

Be cruel.

We're bad ass bitches. I mean, not the secure bitches clearly, but still we can take it.

Much love and appreciation

-Twisted