"They better have fallen asleep," Uma groans as she pulls her boots on, "cause if I go down there and they're all consumed and still working-" she shakes her head.
"Uma, ya might be ah wantin' ta lower them expectations, it be our Baby Girl an' Sweet Boy we be talkin' 'bout here," Harry pulls his jacket from the back of his chair with a flourish before he slides his arms into it, "They ain'nah bein' known for stoppin' when they be gettin' real passionate like."
She smiles as Harry helps her out of the hammock, turning to Uma as her feet settle on the wood. "It's a new gift." She sides with Harry. "And one that allows them to help others." She adds softly, "Add to that they're in a room with only artificial light, and you're setting yourself up to be upset."
Uma pauses as she reaches for the door, her shoulders sagging as she lets out a deep sigh, "That's fair." Her forehead bumps against the door, "I guess I should just be grateful they have something they can contribute without having to leave the ship yet."
Her lips twitch before she schools her expression and nods her head.
It was inevitable.
They would have to leave the ship eventually.
But she could understand Uma's struggle.
It couldn't have been that long since they'd returned.
Her babies.
Babies she'd thought dead.
The depths of her disbelief and fear that this was all just a dream had to be overwhelming.
Lord knew it was still surreal to her.
So, she couldn't imagine how bad it was for Uma. Especially after seeing the wreckage that was the cove.
"I wouldn't expect much better from Yensid either," She cautions hesitantly.
Harry snorts as he guides her to the table, "He do be like ah big kid over this whole Gil an' Deez be makin' magic thing."
"Another thing to worry about." Uma sighs again before she turns to face them, "I um, we need another meeting. Now that we have the charms and stuff, we need to start prioritizing and getting shit done as soon as we can."
She glances at the crate containing the clothes Harry had acquired with a pout.
She'd been so excited to wear them today-
But there were so many more important matters that needed tending.
T related matters.
"So, however you want to handle this Faustina, we'll back you up on it, but I would really appreciate you staying out so I can get your thoughts on all the ideas offered."
She watches as Uma seems to struggle to look at her.
"You, help keep me focused."
She closes her mouth.
"And I really need that right now." She finishes her whispered admission with a firm nod.
"I-" She swallows, "I-" She bites her lip before she hesitantly nods.
"Hey now," Harry's warm hand cups her cheek, "Don'nah be forgettin' me. I can be helpin' if it be gettin' too much like."
Her gaze meets his steady ice blue eyes. "Promise?"
"Sea gods couldn'nah be ah stoppin' me." Harry winks, "the moment ya be needin' ah break, I'll be ah wiskin' ya ta safety like the pirate prince I be."
"Thank you." A smile tugs at her lips as she turns to Uma and nods. "I'll do my best, Captain."
"I know you will," Uma smiles as she nods, "are you gonna be okay if I round the others up?"
She glances towards the box, blushing when she notices Harry follow her gaze and quickly drops her eyes.
"Can ya be ah holdin' 'em off ah few extra minutes like?" Harry asks as he stands from the table, "There be somethin' I be dyin' ta do."
She furrows her brow.
That was a sudden shift in mood.
Not that it was rare for Harry to switch his disposition so swiftly, but still.
It struck her as odd, and she couldn't help her curiosity.
Uma nods, her eyes lingering on her before she turns back to the door, "I can find something to delay everyone."
Harry grins, "I be appreciatin' it Cap'n."
"Aye," Uma eyes him with equal curiosity before she turns and leaves.
"Do ya be ah trustin' me?" Harry asks the moment the door closes.
Did she tru-?
She turns from the door to look at him, "Of course, my Prince."
He smiles widely as he claps his hands together, "Yes!" He looks around the room quickly before he pulls her from the chair, "I have been ah dyin' ta show ya why Uma be callin' ya Beauty Girl."
He wanted to-
Her concerns and hopes clash as a tight knot forms in her belly as she worries her lip between her teeth.
It was all she could do to keep her excitement at bay and her trepidation under control.
Heat burns her cheeks when she catches her hands trembling as he leads her to the trunk.
Nervous.
She couldn't remember the last time she felt so nervous.
Seven people was a lot.
Six more than she thought she'd ever interact with- let alone at one time.
But, as much as she hated T's hoodie-
Loathed it actually-
She hadn't realized how much she'd come to rely on the layers that allowed her to feel safe from others' curious gazes..
Still-
Damned if she didn't miss feeling like a girl.
Feminine.
The knot tightens painfully.
But hell if she wasn't making herself sick with fear at the thought of more people bearing witness to their scars.
"Be gettin' dressed while I be collectin' me supplies." Harry says as he opens the chest and pulls her new clothes out.
Her eyes brighten with excitement as she takes the fabric, "are you sure?"
Harry's hand cupping her cheek makes her look up.
"Aye," he winks at her over a small smile, "let me be doin' this, an' then ya can be ah decidin' if it be bein' for ya or not."
Her hesitation must have been showing more than she believed.
She swallows a sigh.
Ungrateful.
She was acting so ungrateful.
"Hey now," Harry pulls her into his arms, hugging her tight to his chest, "don'nah be makin' that face, I don'nah be knowin' all that be crossin' yer mind, but know whatever ya be wantin' after I be gettin' me way on this, will be bein' ok."
Her lips twitch at his word choice.
'His way.'
Spoiled.
Her Prince had been spoiled by their family.
She hides in the crook of his neck, "okay."
"I do be ah promisin', whatever ya be wantin', just," he nuzzles his nose against her hair, "be lettin' me show ya how I be ah seein' ya?"
She pulls back with her lips pursed to the side and studies him.
Didn't he see her as a more accessible version of T-
T would kill her if he found her in a skirt-
Mostly by association when he died of mortification, but still…
T worried that people would judge him if they knew the truth- Right?
If that were the case, she couldn't think of a better way to make it clear that they were different than her Prince's thoughtful-
Albeit confusing-
-gesture.
Afterall T wouldn't be caught dead out of his hoodie. Let alone a skirt.
She nods slowly before she leans to press a kiss to the corner of his lips, "who am I to deny a Prince?"
"Aye!" Harry kisses her forehead, "I were hopin' that be yer answer." He pulls her out to arm's length before he whoops and turns to his chest, humming happily as he rummages through it.
He would.
She chuckles as she pulls off the obnoxious layers her brother was obsessed with. And maybe, though she would never admit it out loud- ones she had started to fall back on.
She just missed dressing like a girl so damned badly. Clearly enough to give this a try.
And if there was ever any excuse, preserving her brother's image had to be it, right?
She smiles as she drops the god-forsaken bindings in the trunk before she pulls out the dark red fabric that nearly matched Harry's favorite shade.
Her smile widens.
Red was a coveted color on the Isle.
So for him to have taken so much time to find her something like this-
Made her heart hurt in an uncomfortably enjoyable way.
With delight she flicks out the fabric and slips on the top before she turns to unfold the black bundle.
A giggle escapes her as she slips into the skirt and twirls, watching the skirt flare in adoration.
God, how she'd missed feeling pretty.
She smiles as the hem lowers to brush against the floor, fully covering everything she feared being discovered.
Harry, her Pirate Prince-
Her eyes water-
-had been so utterly thoughtful in his choices.
It covered her completely.
Every scar she hated.
Feared even.
They were gone, hidden under clothes that were just as much armor to her as the hoodie was to her brother.
"Here, me Pirate Princess." Harry pats the table beside him before he continues to fuss over the things he'd gathered, "Let me be ah fixin' yer hair an' addin' some color afore ya be lookin' in the mirror."
"Really?" She blurts out with wide eyes, unable to keep her enthusiasm contained.
How long had it been since she'd been able to style her hair?
Or wear make-up?
She bounces in excitement before she races to the table and slides into a seat.
"Did I be ah mentionin' how long I be dyin' ta be doin' this?" Harry asks with a chuckle before he holds up a brush and the comb he used to part hair with.
She glances at the door before her eyes drop to the makeup spread across the table.
"I won'nah be takin' long, promise. An' I be better with colorin' yer face than I be at doin' me eyes."
She tilts her head back to look at him, "I love how you do your eyes."
"Aye?" He gives her a cocky grin, "that be good ta be knowin', but I be sayin' I won'nah be doin' that ta you. Yer face be too pretty ta be coverin' like that."
She drops her head as her cheeks flare with heat. "Thank you."
"Nah," his fingers gently tug the tie from her hair, "thank you."
She bites her lip before they got stuck in a loop.
"Now, be closin' yer eyes an' lettin' me work." He continues as he starts playing with her hair, "T be hidin' ya long 'nough, but I won'nah be doin' nothin' he can'nah be livin' with."
"I trust you." She closes her eyes.
She loved the way he brushed her hair.
The comb near her face startled her, but not as much as the sound of-
Was he-
Was he cutting her hair?
It was hard to resist opening her eyes.
But before she can even say anything Harry moves and pulls her hair to the top of her head.
"I'mma be touchin' yer face, Love," Harry warns as he messes with what felt like a ponytail.
She smiles in appreciation, the last thing she wanted to do was wince or flinch away from him when he was being so kind.
So thoughtful.
"Thank you."
She feels his lips press against her forehead.
"Course."
He sits on the table in front of her again before she hears him moving things.
It was adorable to hear him muttering under his breath about colors and techniques, having and discarding ideas almost too fast for her to fully comprehend.
"K, touchin'," he whispers before the lightest brush of his finger crosses her eyelid.
It was the softest touch, which was strange since she could tell he wasn't using brushes to apply the eye shadow.
How tender her Prince could be.
And efficient. It doesn't take him long to apply eyeshadow before he gently pulls something around her eye and then moves on to dab at her lips.
It wasn't like the products she had in her room-
In that room-
She resists the urge to shake her head.
It wasn't like anything she was used to, but every time Harry did Uma's makeup she looked so beautiful.
Harry clearly knew what he was doing.
"Hmmmm."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothin' be wrong," Harry quickly explains, "an' ya can be ah openin' yer eyes now."
She does so as her eyes sweep over his face.
He was tilting his head back and forth as he looks her over. But before she can do more than worry he snaps his fingers.
"Ah," Harry grins before he stands, "I know what ya be missin'."
"Oh?"
"Aye!" He opens Uma's trunk and pulls out a thick belt, "This! It be perfect."
She stops herself from biting her lip, "Is Captain going to be okay with me borrowing that?" She asks, unable to keep her worry from her tone.
"Aye, I be findin' her a new one that be ah fittin' her better." He assures her before he holds it to her, wrapping his arms around her to fasten high on her back.
He takes a step back, holding her hand to guide her to stand as he looks her over.
"It be lookin' better on ya anyways," he breathes out, seemingly unable to look away from her.
Her cheeks heat as she looks down, but before she can even see the new addition Harry grabs her chin and tilts her head back.
"Ya be needin' the full 'fect." He winks as he holds a hand in front of her eyes and guides her across the room.
The full effect?
Did that mean-
She bites her cheek.
She couldn't recall a time she'd been able to see her reflection.
So, when he removes his hands and she sees a stranger staring back at her-
She blanks and reaches for them in confusion- Only to come into contact with a cool surface. She pulls her gaze away from the familiar emerald eyes staring at her in confusion.
T's eyes-
But different.
Older.
Duller.
Wiser.
"Be given' me ah sec here," Harry whispers in her ear before she watches his reflection reach into his pocket.
The eyes in the mirror widen as Harry slips a small chain around her neck before dropping a green charm to her chest.
"I be seein' it an' it be makin' me think o' yer eyes." Harry admits as he shifts to stand beside the mirror, still seemingly unable to take his eyes off her.
It barely registers.
She cradles the small charm in her hand as she raises it to get a better look.
It was a small, green glass bottle, one that rested comfortably in her palm.
Her vision blurs, and before she can think about it she turns away from the girl in the mirror and launches herself at Harry with a gleeful laugh.
She had no name for the emotion racing through her.
All she knew was it made her press her lips to his.
Made her want to kiss him as stupid as Gil could kiss Deez.
How could anyone feel this without coming undone?
She grips Harry tightly, scared to let go and lose the moment.
This impossible feeling.
The heat of… of…
She struggles as she searches for the right word; discarding one after another. None of them seemed to fit.
Did it matter?
Knowing the name of the emotion wasn't important, didn't change how it made her feel-
So, whatever it was, she just felt it.
Felt it fill her heart, lungs, and vision until she couldn't stand it.
Her eyes close as she continues to kiss Harry, desperately hoping she was able to convey some kind of gratitude.
When the feeling in her lungs gives way to burning she reluctantly pulls away.
"Thank you," She whispers breathlessly as she meets his gaze not sure she'd ever felt so-
Acknowledged
That's how she felt.
Accepted for who she was.
Like she was special.
Like her existence actually mattered.
And- and- Something else.
Something elusive.
Like sand slipping through her fingers.
No.
More like steam.
The feeling was all heat that seemed to float through her entire being.
Harry blinks several times as a slow grin spreads on his face, "so ya be likin' it then?"
An unfamiliar laugh passes her lips as she pulls herself closer and kisses him again.
Deeply.
Slow and full of as much passion as she could manifest into a kiss.
She laughs without pulling away when she feels her feet leave the ground before Harry spins in place.
"There be me Pirate Princess."
Another laugh passes her lips as she hugs him tighter when the shame of the moniker doesn't strike.
For once actually feeling like one.
For the first time she wasn't feeling like it was because of T that she'd caught his attention.
She was allowing herself to believe he actually was aware of her.
For her.
Why else go through all the trouble-
As much as T cared for her and her well being-
As much as she knew he loved her-
He'd die before ever willfully retrieving a skirt for her-
And for him to accept she wore them now that they knew they shared a body?
Harry wasn't an idiot.
He knew that this wouldn't get him anywhere with her brother-
Well anywhere pleasant anyways.
And though it didn't make sense and made her head hurt-
As much as she tried to explain it away as a misunderstanding-
As much as she searched for the reason he would do this-
As much as it confused her-
She couldn't figure out what Harry's goal for doing this would be with T.
So, if that wasn't it-
It had to be awareness right?
That she was her own person.
She bites her lip as she fidgets with the sleeve.
But then, why the claim?
It was rare on the Isle to lay claim to anything-
Or anyone for that matter-
Typically it was considered unwise to let others know your interest in someone lest it be used against you-
Yet, Harry still, despite all that, had chosen her clothes boldly.
Purposefully.
But-
What was the intent?
She studies the deep red fabric as if it had the answers.
T was always the one to gain Harry's attention through ire, not the other way around.
So what was Harry hoping to gain?
Try as she might she couldn't come up with any explanation but one-
It didn't make sense-
But it was the only logical motive she could conjure-
The only reason he'd go so out of his way to do this.
She looks up as Harry spins with her pressed to him before he sets her on her feet.
"Ya be so beautiful when ya be happy."
She blinks, was he blushing?
Harry Hook? Blushing?
Because of her?
"An', it be makin' me feel real good ta know I be helpin' ya be happy."
Happy?
"Happy doesn't even begin to describe how I feel right now." She hugs him tightly. "I- I can't think of a word that even compares."
"Aye?" Harry's eyes crinkle as he smiles.
"Oh, very much aye my Prince." She beams up at him. "Just-" She drops her eyes. "I don't think I've ever felt so special." She whispers.
She closes her eyes, fearful that she'd missed something important.
Something that would make this all make sense.
Something that would take away what she really wanted.
Dissipate the steam she was already struggling to hold on to.
"So. Loved."
Harry pulls her to his chest so fast her heart skips a beat.
"I do be lovin' you," he declares, voice cracking as he squeezes her, "I be tryin' so hard ta find the way to show it, make ya see it. Show ya how loved ya be. You. Me Princess. How much I be lovin' ya."
Heat floods her cheeks.
How often had he spoken those words?
How little she'd believed them.
"I love you." Harry whispers as his grip changes.
The crushing hold relaxes enough that she can pull air into forgotten lungs.
"My Prince…" She stares at him in wonder.
How long-
How often had she dreamt he meant it.
"You've always had my affection. I've-" Loved him for so long.
From so far.
Was this real?
Did it matter?
She pulls back and meets his eyes- Not sure she'd ever seen them so utterly serious.
"I love you too." She whispers, hating how her voice shook.
Unbridled emotions.
How many times had she read that phrase?
Thought she'd understood it?
Had even believed she'd felt it.
Everytime.
With every moment spent with her family.
Her eyes widen.
Her family!
How dense she had been.
She still didn't understand how.
Or why.
Just like she had no answers as to why Harry would love her-
But-
It didn't seem to matter to Harry whether she understood or not-
Just that she believed it.
Harry blinks as he stares at her, his smile never fading.
His eyes seemed unable to focus on a single spot, but continued to dance over her face as if he was truly seeing her.
But then the moment shatters when someone knocks at the door.
She turns to it with a frown.
Who knocked-
Her face burns-
James.
Beam.
The meeting.
"Be breathin'," Harry reminds her as he pulls her to his side, carefully tucking her head to his shoulder, "An' be rememberin' I be havin' ya."
She listens, surprised by how easily it comes with his reassurance.
Harry watches her before he smiles and nods.
"Come in," he shouts at the door as he walks her back to the table.
"I would mate, but I ain't got 'nough hands." James calls back.
Didn't have enough-
What was he carrying?
Without thinking she heads to the door and opens it, hiding on the other side.
"Sorry 'bout that," Harry quickly steps forward, "Ain'nah thinkin' ya might be grabbin' breakfast for us."
She smiles.
Always so thoughtful, their Bo'sun.
"Aye, Uma be askin' me ta be finding Beam an' joinin' the meetin'," James shrugs as he and Harry arrange the bowls on the table, "Just thought it be makin' sense ta feed everyone before any serious thinking happens."
She peeks around the door curiously, was Beam behind him? Or on his way?
She didn't want to shut the door in his face.
She sighs in relief, one at a time was so much more manageable than all at once.
James turns to her at the sound of the door closing, but freezes.
"Who-"
"Oh, James, ya be ah meetin' Faustina once, though it be ah shock all 'round that day," Harry chuckles as he walks over and pulls her to his side, "So then, Faustina, James. James, Faustina."
"H-hi." She stumbles out as she drops her eyes.
"But-" James blinks as he looks her over, "but ya look like ah girl. Like ah real girl." His face reddens before he looks away.
Warmth spreads through her at the confused comment.
Secretly finding it utterly adorable.
She can't help her smile as she glances up through her bangs, "T-thank y-you." She responds with her own blush.
"Sorry that-" James drags a hand down his face, "I just, what I be ah meaning ta say- Uh, hi, nice ta meet ya."
A shy smile plays over her lips, "Same." She shifts.
Harry chuckles as he guides her back to the table, "An' for the record, she be ah claimed girl."
"Uh-" James opens and closes his mouth several times, concern stamped on his features as he eyes Harry, "An' T knows?"
"Aye," Harry says smugly, "He be ah given' me talk-"
She looks up curiously at the hesitation to find Harry staring off into the distance.
"It be one o' the last things we be talkin' 'bout afore he be runnin' off ta see what were makin' Maleficent so excited like." Harry finishes before he looks down at her, "It be seemin' forever ago, but it were only just afore the Isle be tryin' ta kill us."
"Huh." James frowns as he studies Harry before he sighs. "As long as he be knowin." His eyes travel back to her briefly before returning to him.
Harry nods before he sits and pulls her into his lap, "He be knowin'," He grins as he wraps his arms around her, "it be ah-"
"Yo, do I knock or-" Beam calls out.
Her lip twitches.
What was the difference between knocking or shouting your arrival?
She pauses.
Arrival.
She shrinks further into Harry.
James eyes her before he pushes away from the wall, "I got it."
"S'up 'sun." Beam beams at James as he walks into the room, hands in his pockets.
"Food." James shrugs as he shuts the door.
"Dope." Beam nods as he saunters over to the table and plops into the closest chair. "What-" He pauses.
She shifts as she studies the table, feeling the leader's intense gaze.
"Beam, this be me girl Faustina."
She can't help the smile.
Harry seemed only too happy to point that fact out at every opportunity.
"Faustina, this be Beam, the leader o' the Urchins. T probably be tellin' ya all 'bout 'im though."
She nods, "H-hi." She manages.
Beam snaps his fingers several times, until she looks up in confusion.
His jaw immediately drops. "That ain't Shadow's sister."
"She is." James shrugs.
Beam shakes his head and snorts, "Nope. That be an' elite." His eyes narrow as he looks her over, "Ya be too damn pretty ta be one ah us."
Her face flares with heat as she drops her eyes.
Was she?
James chokes on a snort.
"She do be ah beauty, but she also be T's sister." Harry grins.
"If she's his, then how the hell ya still kickin'?"
Harry dramatically slaps a hand to his chest, "It be called trust, mate. He be trustin' me with Faustina, I be trustin' him ta keep his word ta be killin' me if I ever be ah hurtin' her."
Her jaw tightens.
She was going to murder T.
Beam frowns as he nods, "that I be believin'." He tilts his head as he looks her over again, "Huh. Ya be twins then?"
She nods curtly.
T could live with that.
Be happier with it.
And it seemed a lot easier to explain.
Beam shrugs before he turns back to Harry, "Ballsy man."
"Aye," Harry chuckles, "but I be thinkin' T be ah findin' it ah fair trade-off. I ain'nah chasin' him now that I be havin' ah Pirate Princess o' me own."
"Hard ta chase a Shadow an' the things hidden in 'em." Beam eyes her curiously "Which was where he had ta be hidin' ya." He snorts, "Not that I blame 'im."
"Aye, he be shockin' us, but she be me favorite surprise."
She glances up at him with a smile before she drops her eyes again.
"Bet she was." Beam snorts again. "Shadow wasn't fuckin' 'round when he said he trusted ya'll." He shakes his head. "If I had a sister that looked like that, like fuck I'd let her-" He pauses as he rubs the back of his head. "He must really trust ya." He finishes sheepishly. "Good ta know." He nods as he leans back in his seat and crosses his arms.
Harry tilts his head, "Oh aye? I be ah havin' ah reputation then?"
Beam eyes him incredulously.
"I bet I be havin' ah reputation for bein' ah drunk too."
Beams eyes narrow as he studies Harry, "Fair."
Harry snorts before he taps his fist against the table, his chest tense as if he were holding back a laugh.
"Am I missin' something?"
"He was a hunter," James explains when Harry doesn't answer, "the first reputation was earned."
Beam huffs before he leans closer, "So, guessin' that's new then?" He asks, pointing at her.
"New 'nough." Harry shrugs, "Time be gettin' harder and harder like ta track."
"Ain't that the fuckin' truth." Beam shakes his head before his eyes settle back on her. "So, what'cha be bringin' that Shadow don't?"
What did she bring?
"I, I-" She blushes as she shrinks further into Harry, "I-"
Harry rubs a hand over her back, "Ya know that ointment T be given' yers?"
"Yeah, shit's fuckin' boss." Beam nods. "Bout as effective as it smells."
"Aye, it be," Harry agrees before he gestures with his free hand at her, "Faustina here be the one makin' it."
Beam clicks his tongue, "Knew it wasn't 'im."
Harry snorts, "Aye, an the rest o' what she be bringin' be obvious when Uma be gettin' back with the others."
"If we can be hearin' her." James snorts.
She ducks her head as her blush comes back full force.
"She talks?" Beam lifts his brow.
Had he not heard her say hi?
Harry hugs her to him as he rubs her back again, "She be ah mite shy like-"
"Ha!" Beam snaps his fingers, making her and Harry jump at his sudden interruption, "Got it!" He beams, "Shydow!"
Shydow?
She smiles.
That's why he'd been poking.
He wanted to give her an Urchin name.
"Faws-tina is a mouthful." Beam chuckles. "An' all twins have names like that." He nods, clearly proud of himself.
Harry chuckles, "Shadow and Shydow, huh?"
James snorts, "Fittin'."
"I'm proud o' it." Beam beams, before the door opens.
She turns her smile brightening as Deez lights up to dry the others.
She'd come so far in such a short amount of time.
The effect of the family, she was sure.
She never thought she'd see the day Deez would be comfortable going full flame on the ship.
Her eyes travel to Gil curiously, what exactly had her Lion done to achieve such a feat?
Manage to comfort and assure Deez that she could do it?
"Hey," Uma nods, "Good to-" She pauses as her eyes land on her, "see everyone's here."
Beam tilts his head, "Everyone? Where's Shadow?"
"Told that asshole to get some sleep."
Beam nods, "Good."
"Food!" Gil grins as he rushes to the table, dragging a laughing Deez with him.
"Morning," Yensid greets with a chuckle.
"Mornin'." James grins.
"Gil," Uma chides as she slips into her seat. "Spoon."
She swallows as her eyes dart around the table.
Seven.
She takes a deep breath.
Seven more people than she thought she'd ever get a chance to speak to a scant six or so months ago.
But, she reminds herself as her eyes settle on each of them.
Seven people T respected.
Trusted.
She could do this.
She could do this.
She eyes the door before she takes another deep breath and drops her eyes back to the two bowls in front of her.
She could manage.
Without running.
She breathes out as she presses her back to Harry's chest, and holds his arm to her stomach.
Surprised by how significantly safer she felt.
Grounded.
"Right," Uma sighs as she plays with her spoon, "So we nailed down our goals last night, but we didn't talk priority or who's doin' what in what groups, cause I ain't cool with anyone bein' out there alone right now." She shakes her head as she pops the spoon in her mouth.
James leans forward, swallowing as he drops his spoon back in the bowl, "Beam an' I have been workin' with the crew to assign roles. Kitchen, deck, cleaning and then those with magic-"
Beam reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a crinkled sheet of paper, "Finished it."
James takes the page and passes it to Yensid, "Obviously need a chunk of time where they go learn to deal with that."
"I appreciate you both compiling this," Yensid nods as he looks over the list, before he turns to Uma, "And for the sake of the ship's safety I believe it would be wiser to start a class sooner, than later."
She nods as she goes back to her food.
Lord only knew how much havoc could befall the ship with so many magic wielders unsure how to work their new abilities.
Uma nods, "Got it." She writes it down on a piece of paper. "Magic lessons."
"Deez an' I finished the charms for the people stuck in Yensid's house." Gil announces as he sets his bowl down, grinning when Deez absently puts a small pouch on the table before she goes back to writing.
She smiles.
Of course they finished it already.
She'd expected nothing less from the two of them.
Her eyes trail to Yensid, sure the old wizard had thoroughly enjoyed unraveling this latest puzzle.
She knew it was out of her depth, but even she was curious how Gil was managing magic.
She knew Gaston observed her father's services at one time.
Pretty religiously for a period, before his dedication petered off.
She'd been so upset at the time.
But now, she glances at Gil-
She was confused that the man, Gaston, would have stopped.
Should that have been a clue to her?
A red flag?
A black mark?
She takes a deep breath.
Not that it mattered.
She glances up at Harry. Or would ever matter again.
"I also managed to finish our means of communication." Yensid adds as he pulls a stack of weathered notebooks from his bag and places them on the table.
A smile tugs at her lips as she takes a book, ignoring the way her hand shook.
Thank the Lord.
She flips it open as she inspects it curiously.
So ordinary.
Like any of the composition books Deez possessed.
Yet, she smiles as words appear across the page.
Welcome to the wonders of magic.
"It's important to remember that once you've read the messages, closing the book will erase them." Yensid smiles as he looks up from writing.
Her smile widens when she isn't the only one to close and reopen their new gift.
A gift that would expedite the transfer of-
She pauses.
Damn it.
She'd been so distracted by-
She swallows.
Fucking coward.
She bites her lip nervously as she glances at Uma, already knowing the Captain would not be thrilled by her idea even as she picks up a pencil.
She squirms, feeling eyes on her as she starts writing.
I feel it would be prudent for Hades, the ship, and T to receive
Their own set. It would allow T more freedom to assist in aid and recovery.
She doesn't look up when Uma groans.
"Uma?" Gil asks before she sees him grab the last two notebooks.
"The fuck does Shadow have ta- Why-" He runs a hand through his hair as he turns to Uma.
"Angel!" Gil turns to glare at her, the sharpness of the tone startling her.
So when his anger shifts to surprise she can't help her confusion.
"Ya look beautiful." Gil blinks.
"I do love her new haircut." Deez smiles without looking up.
Her cheeks flare with intent heat, "T-thank you." She forces out as she drops her eyes back to the notebook.
"I believe Faustina may be on to something with this idea. It would make communication between T and the god easier, he'd be able to keep up with his deals, and would perhaps buy us more time between his demands for Deez to return to the temple."
She turns to give Yensid an appreciative smile, relieved at the support.
Beam's eyes widen before he rakes his hand down his face with a groan, "Of fuckin' course Shadow's got fuckin' deals with the devil."
She has to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the exasperation and annoyance threaded through his tone.
Deez sighs as her head falls back against Gil's chest, "He would, at the very least, be impressed with being included. Or that we as a group thought about him. He likes stuff like that."
She figured as much.
The god, from what she'd learned about him-
Got surprisingly upset whenever something happened at the ship without his knowing.
It was odd.
Another piece she was still struggling to fathom.
How could one be so cruel-
Specifically to his daughter.
Yet, oddly interested in her affairs and those surrounding her.
What plan did he have in store to hurt her?
It was a question that often plagued her.
One she never dared speak aloud.
Especially when it was T he had such an easy relationship with.
"It would also be easier to write about my progress than have to show up and report it, he might even say when I'm worth his time and when to not bother." Deez continues with a huff before she shrugs her shoulders, as if checking to make sure they both still worked, "And, if something else happens, something only he can fix, getting him a message will make you guys feel better."
Uma's frown deepens, "I-" She grits her teeth. "Guess if you're okay with it." She growls in frustration as she begrudgingly adds it to her list.
"I don't like it." Gil grumbles.
"Seconded." Beam quickly chimes in.
"It's fine," Deez huffs before she picks up her pencil again, clearly wanting to move on to the next topic of conversation, "maybe it will save T from himself if he has less face time with him."
She tilts her head back and forth, before she nods. "T-there's that."
"Every little bit be ah countin'."
She feels the shake of his head behind her.
"Aye, no kiddin' mate." James sighs.
"C-collecting m-more s-supplies-" She pauses when no one pays her any mind.
How quiet was she talking?
She grimaces as she starts writing again.
Gathering as much as we can from commissary, and-
"Ya really ain't much ah talker." Beam clicks his tongue as he looks up, "But don't worry 'bout the gatherin'. Twitch an' Kat an' theirs got that shit."
"I'd send Gil with you," Uma sighs as she looks up, "but I need him and Deez at the cove to make it ready for swimming lessons."
Beam nods with a click of his tongue. "'Cited for that."
"With the way Deez works, it shouldn't take her long."
"Thank fuck for that." Beam breathes out.
"Herb collectin'." Harry lightly taps one finger against the table, "And sand so Deez can make the brewin' glass she needs ta be makin'' things."
Yensid nods, "Quite right."
Uma nods as she adds it to the list.
"I can get that." Gil offers. "I know where the best sand for her to work with is."
She bites her lip as she stares at the notebook.
It felt so selfish, but she couldn't help her happiness at her craft being included in something so vital.
She bites her lip.
Not to mention it would be best to gather them before others had the idea with more nefarious purposes in mind.
"Oh!" Uma slaps her hand against the table before she sifts through the stack of paper in front of her, "Faustina came up with a code system for when we can't write long messages."
"A way to call for aid or to inform everyone quickly." Yensid smiles at her, "clever."
"Aye, that be soundin' hella useful." James nods as he looks over the sheet Uma was passing out.
"Huh," Beam looks up with narrowed eyes as he studies her intently before she quickly ducks her head.
That wasn't good.
She'd seen that look on T enough-
But what had she done to rouse his suspicion?
Gil turns to her curiously, "who's Roy G Biv? The name sounds familiar but-" His brow furrows, "I can't figure out who it is."
"Red, orange, yellow. Green. Blue, indigo, violet." Deez smiles up at him.
"Oh," Gil blushes.
Beam shrugs, "Don't sweat it. I jus' assumed it was another of Shadow's fuckin' names, not a list o' random ass colors."
"He be havin' more than enough o' them." Harry grunts as he leans back in his chair and pulls her with him.
It takes more restraint then she cared to admit not to laugh at his feelings on the matter. But it was adorable
"Oh!" Gil looks up with bright eyes, "It's the order of a rainbow!"
"A fuckin' rainbow?" Beam snorts, "Shydow got jokes.."
She hadn't been trying to be humorous, she'd just been hoping to make it easier to remember.
Though now that he pointed it out-
She could see the irony.
"Why's it funny?" Gil furrows his brow.
Beam juts his finger to the door, "when ya ever be seein' a rainbow?"
"For real? Never."
"Yet we'll be relyin' on 'em to save our asses in this doom and gloom shit." Beam turns to her with an absurdly confident grin, "an' it be short an' to the point," he crosses his arms as he looks her over, "like ah certain Shadow."
"But" Deez starts without looking up from the page she was writing on, "he's so efficient." Her eyes widen slightly before she hunches closer to the page.
Yensid coughs into his hand- but she could discern the mirth that swam in his eyes.
Uma glares between the two of them, "ya best not be encouragin' him with that."
Everyone at the table jumps when the conversation is interrupted by the pencil in Deez's hand snapping.
Guilt sweeps over her at her gratefulness of Deez's embarrassment.
The two parts of the pencil slip from her still fingers to clatter against the table, suddenly loud in the still room.
But Deez didn't seem to notice.
She drops her eyes to study the notebook.
If it had been her, she'd hate to have all eyes in her direction.
"Deez?" Uma lifts her eyebrow as she breaks the strange silence, "what was that?"
"Um," Deez blinks down at her hand before she slowly pulls it back to hid beneath the table, "I uh, just realized there's no place for the barge-"
She closes her eyes at the reminder of those lost before she looks up at Deez.
"Y-your letters." She frowns.
Food.
Supplies.
Medicine.
She grimaces.
Had all just become a limited supply.
She closes her eyes as she takes a deep breath and reminds herself that it could be worse.
It had been a while since she had fallen upon that creed.
But- With that revelation?
Their predicament had just become a lot more challenging.
It was going to be a struggle to house and feed those they collected with the barges-
Her stomach turns as she looks at the empty bowls on the table with concern.
"If the barge doesn't show up- I can't get a letter out. And whatever we have on the Isle-" Deez's voice fades.
"-is limited, and suddenly that much more coveted." Yensid finishes grimly.
She quickly picks up her pencil-
The anvil and hammer are necessities.
As is food rationing.
"I agree." Yensid nods as he looks up from the notebook, "That is why collecting supplies from the commissary now is so imperative. Unfortunately, without any idea of what is happening in Auradon, we have no way of knowing if the barges will continue to run. Soonest I would imagine wouldn't be until after the barrier has been repaired. But, it depends on what Maleficent did upon claiming her freedom."
She frowns.
What had the Mistress of Evil done with her freedom?
Her eyes narrow as she glances towards the door.
She would have thought for certain the Fairy would've taken down the barrier by now.
To unleash untold chaos and vengeance on those that slighted her, more so than allowing others freedom.
So, why?
She shakes her head.
Not important.
Not as important as-
Deez bites her lip, "I need to go to Hell Hall."
Uma's eyes widen, "Why?"
"Because Carlos was working on an experiment before they left, and I think it might help, if it's still there."
Yensid nods as he strokes his beard, "Would you care to share your idea?"
Deez's brow furrows as she stares at the palms of her hands, "If the barges aren't running we can't get a message to Auradon. But, Carlos was working on this weird radio thing that he'd attached to a computer. I- I didn't really understand everything he was trying to explain to me, but he was pretty sure he could use it to tap into radio and internet waves?"
Oh!
Her eyes brighten.
T'd watched him twiddle with the communicator for months.
Hades does have access to the internet.
We
She pauses.
No.
Best not to write the rest of that particular thought.
Deez nods after reading the notebook in front of her and Gil, "If we can get the thing Carlos was working on to the temple, with the barrier damaged and direct access, maybe it will work better."
She looks up and smiles at Deez as she nods her head.
Better to not mention the deals most likely having to be made for that to happen.
Harry sighs before he drags a hand down his face, "Speakin' o' the fuckin' OVs though, we be needin' ta collect rumours. See what that lot be up to."
Beam snorts, "Shadow's got that shit on lock."
"Me an' Shadow." Harry corrects, "And since ya be needin' somethin' from Hell Hall, we can be ah takin' care o' it. T be fuckin' with her already, might be able ta pick up a rumor or two."
Beam rolls his eyes, "Great."
Uma nods as she looks over her paper, "That leaves Yensid and Sam manning the ship while James and I head to the Isle to talk with anyone interested in getting away from, whatever is coming next." She looks up, "Anything else?"
Everyone around the table slowly shakes their head.
"Alright." Uma stands up, "Everyone keeps a notebook. Use them! Keep the codes and memorize them, then destroy the paper. If you're part of a group that's leaving, get ready and we'll get underway for all the drop offs."
Dudez.
Like Dudez.
I fucking love this chapter.
I don't know what about these make me so fucking happy, but they really do.
Part of the reason we went back is because in the rewrite before this one didn't include the amount of meetings the third draft did.
Dead.
Third draft.
Seriously yo, no idea why but we always get really stuck on Book five.
It's like a curse or something.
Luckily, we're loving the shit out of this rewrite.
It's a lot more serious than the third draft, but lighter than the fourth draft.
It is a really good compromise.
Impending PTSD with a sprinkling of levity.
Get the blankets and hot chocolate ready, shit's about to take a fucking turn.
And I doubt any of you are going to enjoy the whiplash.
Anyways-
What did you think about Break?
As F's writer I had no intention of her understanding that Harry and the Family truly loved her for her, until the end of this book, or the next-
But then Dark went and added Harry finding her an outfit-
And bam, right in her face.
She couldn't come up with a reason to explain that gesture away.
What did you think about the development.
Was her reaction to Harry's thoughtfulness on point?
Oh, and what do you think about Shydow?
And Beam for that matter?
As his main I'm a tad bit biast in saying I fucking love him.
But, I am hella curious to hear your opinions.
Frustrated we've added another character to keep track of?
Good.
We are the fuck too.
Alas…
Much love and appreciation
-Twisted