He smiles from the corner of the pool, watching in amusement as the teenagers take the opportunity to actually be teenagers.
Sometimes it was hard to forget that these kids were just that, kids.
It was nice to just watch them be able to let go of their responsibilities, if only for a moment, and rough house with each other.
They'd all grown so much in such a short amount of time it hurt.
It hadn't even been six months since Carlos and his family had been taken to Auradon.
Family.
It was hard to think about them as gangs now.
Surreal. That was the only word that came to mind. It was surreal all that had occurred in such a short amount of time. How short of a time he'd been with this makeshift family.
Not even six short months, and yet they seemed to have slowed down into an eternity.
He smiles when his eyes settle on Uma as she shows off her tail to Gil and Deez.
She was such an extraordinary young woman.
Intelligent.
Flexible.
Maternal.
It could not have been an easy task to create a family from broken pieces, but she'd somehow managed to put the pieces back so they fit beautifully.
She was a strong leader.
Adept at assessing information presented, and willing to take advice and suggestions.
Something even leaders in Auradon were hard pressed to do.
Faustina's plan, while it still appeared to give Uma pause, was utterly sound and very well thought out.
The rest of the group was ready and more than willing to put the Spider to the test once more.
And now that she'd seen the ring for herself, tested it for any flaws she could think of and better understood how it worked, Uma graciously agreed.
An impressive young lady indeed.
His gaze shifts when Deez giggles.
Another extraordinary girl.
Dedicated.
Headstrong.
Passionate.
He was still perplexed how a God of Death managed to father a Muse.
Peculiar indeed.
Then again, what about Deez wasn't?
She was a walking paradox.
Wise beyond her years.
Able to assess and make connections based on the slightest cues.
Even he found it difficult to discern if it was natural prowess or one of her abilities.
Going from contemplative to a spitfire in a blink of an eye.
Brave enough to seek him out when no one else had dared.
Only to be insecure in herself the next moment.
It had been nothing short of a pleasure to watch her bloom within the security of her family.
To see her grow into her own skin.
She'd struggled for years with her fire-
He never would have surmised that all it would take for her to gain control was unconditional love and acceptance.
In many ways, it was becoming strange to see her without her protective shadow.
Her protective, much larger shadow.
He smiles as Gil continues to persuade and bribe Deez to join them in the pool.
Gil was a joy to know.
An enigmatic pleasure to watch as the boy crafted and created.
How a son of Gaston managed to turn inspiration into magic had become somewhat of an obsession of his.
He couldn't wait to get his hands on the materials he would need to fully research his theories.
But beyond that-
Gil was honestly the kindest young man he'd ever met.
And though he struggled with Dyslexia, very bright.
Far brighter than he gave himself credit for.
Bright.
He chuckles as he hears the pirate whine.
Harry was interesting in his own right.
Exuberant.
That summed up the clever lad nicely.
Well, exuberant and loyal to a fault.
Harry's devotion to his family was something no one could argue.
And his wit was nothing short of enjoyable.
Listening to his and T's banter was one of his guilty pleasures.
The two were very quick with their sharp tongues.
It was delightful to behold.
Not that he ever dared speak so out loud.
It was no wonder to him that Harry's mask had been that of a crazed drunk.
He was quite the entertainer.
It was truly something else to see them so carefree with the weight of what was looming in front of them.
Hanging over them.
Haunting them.
If they had been any other children, he would've worried they didn't comprehend the tasks they were about to face.
Thought them foolish and foolhardy.
But this was Uma and her brood.
If there were ever any kids-
Kids.
He covers a frown with one hand as he leans forward.
These were no kids.
It was beautiful that they were getting this moment to act their age, but that's all it was.
A moment.
It was hard to treat them as anything short of the young adults they were forced to become.
They were up to the monumental tasks.
The fact hurt him on a level he wasn't even aware he had.
This family.
This plan.
It was dangerous.
Not that danger was a new concept to them.
He had to commend them on their plan to resurrect the Spider.
His mixed feelings about the persona aside, it was quite the clever ploy to distract and divert attention from the ship.
He strokes his beard thoughtfully.
The ingenuity was definitely something to appreciate.
His brow furrows as he looks for their missing member curiously, pausing when he finally finds her in the shadows across the pool from him..
His eyes narrow as he watches her go through the other's belongings, her gathered skirt glowing several different colors through the dark fabric.
A wide smile tugs at her lips as she pulls out the pink orb and adds it to her collection.
He could only imagine what her plan was.
But if he knew Faustina-
And he liked to believe he knew her well.
-she certainly had a plan.
Her ingenuity never ceased to pleasantly surprise him.
And her obstinatance, which had far exceeded past stubbornness, was, if he were being completely honest, adorable and yet still admirable.
And most likely the only reason she'd survived this place; the environment she'd been raised in.
He might not hold to his birth family's religious views, but he personally hoped there was indeed a special place in hell for people like that.
His eyes crinkle as Fasutina saunters over to the pool, the swishing of her skirt pulling him from the dark thoughts in his head as she carefully pulls her boots off beside the pool before she sits on the edge.
Another moment of levity.
Faustina, kicking her feet happily in the water as she watches the others.
It was as if the girl finally was able to relax.
Was closer to the child she could have been if that innocence hadn't been stolen.
After a few moments he notices the way her eyes occasionally flicker to the opening where the sun was starting to set.
Ah.
The plan.
He chuckles, excited to see the delight on their faces once the sun finally sets.
But then it was back to the ship for him, he still had a few projects that needed seeing to.
There was so much going on with the Isle.
Witches attacking people.
Possibly still hunting children.
The strange turn of the election.
No OV liked backing down, but the Queen of Hearts was known for her insane approach to everything.
And Radcliff was the definition of entitled. If he thought he deserved something, then clearly he did; at least in his own mind.
So why would they drop out?
It just didn't make any sense.
As of the last report from the Isle, before Uma called everyone back, Gaston was denying he had anything to do with them missing.
Gaston was many things.
Many awful, stupid things.
But, Gil hadn't gotten his sense of honor from the Isle.
And as much as it pained her to admit it-
Captain Gaston of the French military was an honorable man.
Decorated for his heroism and act of service in the field.
He was one of the only villains to ever tell her his story.
It was pride and envy that had been his downfall.
And love.
Though from his description-
Obsession seemed a better word.
In any other story he would have been the hero-
That's what he'd told her.
So she felt torn.
On one hand, she could see him taking out his enemies. Except in that case, he would proudly stand by his kills.
On the other hand?
She had a hard time seeing him get the drop on both of his opponents, and their supporters, without someone seeing or hearing him.
And why would he need to?
Unlike Radcliff, Gaston was a trained leader.
And sane.
No one actually wanted the Queen of Hearts to become leader. Between her and Cora, everyone's heads would roll.
So then, why would Gaston have worried?
The moment she heard who the runners were, she'd known who would win-
If things went as 'fair' as they were promising it would go.
So why would he feel the need to take them out?
Short answer?
He wouldn't.
Which brought her back full circle.
What happened to Radcliff and Queen of Hearts?
It felt important, though she couldn't put her finger on why.
"Deez?" Uma lifts her brow, "Baby Girl?" She waves her fin in front of her face. "You okay?"
She can't help the smile.
Uma as a mermaid was breathtaking.
Gorgeous.
Utterly stunning.
It seemed silly now that they'd all thought she would end up like her mother.
Uma was the embodiment of goodness, even if she had to act otherwise.
"Yeah," Gil nods, "ain't like ya to do that in the water." He frowns.
Their concern was nearly palpable.
Harry drops an arm around her shoulder, "Wanna be ah sharin'?"
"Sorry, just thinking," she chuckles as she looks around the group, "maybe overthinking would be a better word."
Uma snorts, "you? No, that don't sound right."
"And I'm not fully in the water," she rolls her eyes, "I'm sitting mostly in the water." She carefully shifts beside Harry to show how the water only covered her lap, "there's still plenty of dry room for thought."
Gil chuckles as he kisses her cheek.
"That be soundin right," Harry pouts, "can'nah even be enoyin' time with us without gettin' lost in that pretty lil' head o' yers."
She playfully flicks water at Harry as she smiles, "ink doesn't change its color."
Harry snorts before he ruffles her hair, "well, this ink be 'bout ta be gettin' in the pool."
"I'm good."
"We already know that." Uma chuckles before she reaches out and cups her cheek, "but please? Come swim in yer pool with us?"
"Yeah," Gil pouts, his honey brown eyes pleading. "We ain't gotten time together like this in forever."
Guppy eyes.
They all were giving her the widest guppy eyes.
She casts her gaze around for Faustina, hoping for any kind of help.
But as she finds her, something else catches her eye.
Her brow furrows as a hint of teal light slips through the water, traveling into the deeper end of the pool.
Where was that coming from?
Pink light slowly joins the teal.
She looks up but then shakes her head at the impossibility of the light bouncing off the cave ceiling.
She shifts to her knees so she could see over Gil's shoulder just in time to see a teal ball, followed by a pink ball rolling along the bottom of the pool.
She blinks.
Oh!
She grins as orange joins the path from the shallow end, rolling after the others towards the deep end.
It was-
She turns to find Faustina just as fascinated as she was.
She watches the orange roll away a bit before she holds the blue one out and drops it.
Faustina smiles as she puts a finger to her lips before she turns and points to the darkening sky.
"Deez?" Gil's concerned voice pulls her back.
"Sorry, I uh-"
"Was avoiding?" Uma offers with a snort.
"Maybe," she pouts before she turns to Gil.
Defeated.
Defeated by guppy eyes and a fascination with her colored flames rolling along the bottom of the pool.
"She wouldn't be a true Star Gazer if she didn't appreciate the space between the stars as well." Faustina offers as she settles on the other side of the pool.
That was a poetic way of defending her trips through her head.
"Thank you." She beams at her, grateful for the show of support.
"Of course," Faustina smiles in return. "What constellations were you stringing together?"
"I like that," she giggles.
A prettier way of asking about her dot connecting.
She blinks.
She'd always been confused how she had earned that nickname when Gil was the one who admired the stars more often.
Taught her how to look for them.
Was that where T had picked up the nickname for her?
"I was just thinking about the election." She admits.
Faustina nods, "and your conclusion?"
"Gaston didn't do anything to Radcliff or Queen of Hearts."
Faustina frowns, "I was thinking something similar."
"Ya don'nah be thinkin' Gaston can be killin' ta win somethin'?"
"Not when all the odds were in his favor."
She nods, "and if he did, he would have claimed it."
"Yeah," Gil sighs, "Dad would'ah been proud o' it. Claimed he was protectin' the Isle or somethin'."
She frowns at the soft pain in his voice before she jumps the short distance to him.
"Treasure!" Gil cries, instantly catching her before he laughs. "Surprise?"
"Sure," she wraps her arms around his neck and her legs around the smallest part of his waist, "let's call it that."
Harry snorts, "she be beatin' me to it, mate," he adds before he wraps his arms round the both of them.
Uma smiles as she joins them, "missed this." She sighs wistfully as she tightens her arms around them.
She grins as she looks up at Gil.
Nope.
She couldn't have done anything less.
She hated when any of them were hurting.
So what if that meant jumping in the water?
If it meant lessening Gil's pain she would jump off the ship-
Albeit that was assuming Uma was already in the water...
Baby steps.
She giggles when she spots the soft lights glittering on the cave ceiling.
She hadn't even thought about the reflections.
She turns in concern when Uma gasps
"What's-" Gil looks up, only to have the worry slip from his features as he stares at the ceiling in wonder.
She twists in time to see Harry lean his head back to watch the lights play across the cavern. "Who be thinkin' ta try this- this-"
She smiles at his loss of words.
Something had to be special to render him, especially him, speechless.
And this was certainly something special.
She never would have thought to dump the orbs into the pool.
But not only had Faustina thought of it, she'd timed it out perfectly.
Which was just so her.
The world outside the cave opening was dark, but here in this pool.
Their world was multi facets of bright colors.
It was like-
"It's like, magic." She offers in awe, before quickly adding, "but like, the good kind."
"Yeah," Gil grins as he squeezes her to him tightly as red light joins the rainbow reflected on the ceiling.
She rests happily against his chest, unable to look away from the way the lights played together.
She looks up when Uma vanishes under the water, but then the movement of the lights catches her attention again.
They were swirling. Almost as if they were playing with a slight shadow.
She smiles. Uma must be swimming around them to make them dance.
Faustina giggles, her eyes bright as she watches the vortex of colors melding on the ceiling.
She glances over in time to see Harry swim up under Faustina to rest his head against her legs. "This were bein' the best idea." He praises as he adjusts her feet to rest under his armpits.
She smiles at the look of pure bliss on Faustina's face at the compliment.
Or maybe it was the contact.
She sighs as she relaxes back into Gil's embrace.
She watches the way the colors swirl, blend, and separate from each other in a beautifully complex dance of color and motion.
She giggles softly.
She was in the water, and it really was fine.
More than fine.
Right now, it was magical.
She smiles as she sinks her fingers into Harry's hair and lightly massages his scalp while she watches Deez and Gil.
Lovely.
This was so much more than she'd expected when she'd come up with the thought.
So much prettier than she'd imagined.
And the warmth that filled her was priceless.
Her eyes drop to Uma as her smile widens.
She couldn't recall a time where the Captain looked so carefree.
Playing with the orbs under the water with delight as the colors bounced off her scales, creating a beautiful luminescence against them.
The smile she occasionally caught was a gift she certainly hadn't been expecting, but one that warmed her heart in ways she couldn't express.
It was so rare Uma smiled like that.
And to be a part of why?
She giggles with delight.
It was better than figuring out the right formula.
Magic.
Deez had called it magic.
And for the first time she couldn't find herself arguing it.
The looks of wonder and delight on their faces was something she would cherish forever.
Not that she could take all the credit.
Without Deez and Yensid, she'd never have been able to do something like this for them.
She pulls her eyes from Uma as she searches for Yensid, and smiles when she finds him sitting at the crude seats Deez had managed to add to the masterpiece that was this oasis, watching them with warmth in his eyes.
As if he understood what this meant for them.
Which, he no doubt did.
She smiles even brighter when their eyes meet and he nods in approval.
Another wave of warmth envelops her.
Approval.
She blinks.
That was a first.
At least from an adult.
More warmth blooms in her chest.
She wasn't sure why-
But it felt like a victory.
It was different.
But oh so very nice.
She smiles as she turns back to Harry and moves to massage his shoulders.
If heaven was indeed a place that existed-
Then she was sure this would be a piece of hers.
The only thing that could possibly have made it better was the Core sharing it with them.
Not that she wished they were here-
Just sharing the moment.
She was sure even Mal would appreciate the artfulness of it.
"I wish I be ah havin' me kit here,'' Harry smiles at her, "Ya know, that be feelin' right nice, Love."
Her face was starting to ache from smiling so much, but she couldn't help it. "Now we know to bring it for next time we can steal a moment." Her fingers slowly work on a knot. "I still owe you for taking care of me."
"I should be ah arguin' that takin' care o' ya ain'nah bein' somethin' that be needin' repaid," Harry opens one eye to half glare up at her, "but I be feelin' agreeable right now. Please don'nah be stoppin'."
She giggles happily, "As you wish, My Prince."
"Aye, as I be ah wishin'." He chuckles as he settles again, "So then, me Pirate Princess love, where ya be gettin' the idea fer this?"
She tilts her head to the side, "A science book Carlos loaned T."
"Eww," Harry groans, "Ya know the ol' man be bein' right there. Don'nah be talkin' school in front 'o him."
She chuckles, "I think he's a bit too preoccupied right now to whip out the work books." She assures him.
"Praise be Poseidon," Harry shakes his head.
"You're so ridiculous," She teases as she bends over to kiss the top of his head.
"Ya know ya be ah lovin' me just the way I be."
"Wouldn't change a thing, My Prince."
Harry frowns before he looks up at her, "Truly? Ya be meanin' it?"
She nods, "Absolutely."
"You lot be ah hearin' that?" Harry asks as he sits up just enough to face the rest of their family, "Fausinta be sayin' I be perfect."
Gil snorts, "Angel probably thinks we're all perfect."
"I do." She smiles softly.
"Aww." Deez coos before she boops Gil on the nose, "I knew I wasn't the only one."
Gil chuckles as he nips at her finger playfully, "You two are also insane."
She chuckles when Deez catches her attention before the smaller girl shrugs. "I guess that's fair. Outside objectivity usually does sound insane to people."
"Well put." She giggles.
"I paid attention in Yensid's class." Deez nods.
"I think I missed that lesson." Gil shakes his head with a grin. "But ain't nothin' perfect 'bout Harry." He teases.
"Mate, get ta takin' yer swings now." Harry chuckles, "I ain'nah gonna be feelin' so relaxed forever-like-"
Gil's grin turns devilish, "mhmm."
Harry's frustrated scream echoes around the pool before she finds his narrowed blue eyes glaring up at her, "you did this."
She blushes, "I solidly stand by T did it."
"That do be better." Harry slowly nods before he stabs a finger into the air, "T be ah doin' this."
Gil snorts, "Yet, it's Angel who ignores ya."
"Gil."
She smiles at Deez's monotone as she presses a finger to Gil's lips.
"If he finds the will power to come after you I'm going to end up being the one that drowns you when I freak out and try to get away, why would you try to put that on me?" Deez asks before her lower lip pouts and quivers.
"I- but- It-" Gil sighs before he kisses the pout off her lips. He pulls back and looks to Harry, "I guess she wouldn't be able to ignore ya if T left her alone."
Harry snorts before he stabs the finger into the air again, "So even Sweet Boy be agreein', it do be T's fault."
"As most things are." She teases.
"Bad, sure. But also good. Can we all please remember the good too?" Deez looks back over to her before she sighs, "Unless the good ideas are all-" she pouts again, "oh please no. I have to fight so hard."
She shakes her head, "No, T has many moments, it's his execution that is troublesome. Albeit effective."
"That checks all over the place." Deez nods slowly.
"Doesn't it just?" She sighs, "He always means well, even if it doesn't end up appearing so."
"T hates to admit he's a good person. But he is."
She smiles at her, appreciating her defense of her brother.
"I hate ta be soundin' extra needy like-"
"You?" Gil snorts.
Harry, pointedly ignoring Gil, pouts up at her, "But um, ya be givin' excellent massages."
"My apologies, My Prince." She chuckles as she returns her attention back to Harry's muscles.
This was-
Yes.
This was what a perfect evening felt like.
She was accomplished.
She was happy.
She'd made her family smile.
And she had Harry in her lap, half begging for her attention.
The only thing that could've made it better would have been T being able to enjoy it
Another bubble of laughter leaves her lips as she continues to play with the bright orbs.
Enjoying the moment immensely as she tried to bounce them back and forth on her tail.
She couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun.
This was so much prettier than her necklace, though she did appreciate the way her necklace lit up the water.
This was just-
Mesmerizing.
She does another flip with the orbs balanced on her tail.
Amazing.
This was just-
How it should be.
Her family.
Her entire family-
Together and happy.
She'd been excited to spend time together swimming, but this?
Who would've known some colorful lights could make their time together even more special?
She looks around before racing to the black skirt dipped in the water and the legs of her first mate lazily pumping to keep him in place.
She breaks the surface with a delighted laugh, using Harry's shoulders as springboard to steal a kiss from Faustina before she falls backwards with another peel of laughter.
"Captain," Faustina smiles softly. Without so much as a flinch.
Her grin widens.
Progress.
The sweet, sweet, satisfaction of progress.
And on a whim too.
"Oi!" Harry pouts as he places Faustina's hands back on his shoulders, his glare trailing after her.
And then Gil snorts, making her grin even wider.
"Having fun?" Deez smiles at her.
She nods happily, not sure she could recall a time she'd felt so exhilarated. "You guys?"
"Yeah," Gil grins boyishly as he squeezes Deez to him.
"It's fun watching you make the orbs dance. I didn't know you could do such a tight circle." Deez smiles as she trails her fingers over her tail fin.
She grins, "me neither." She admits.
She'd never had a need to before.
She smiles at the mesmerized look on her Baby Girl's face before she floats on her back to give her more access to her tail.
"Your scales reflect the light gorgeously." Faustina adds.
"Do they?" She looks up at the way the lights bounce on the ceiling.
She'd have to pay better attention.
"Very much," Faustina nods, "It's like watching art in action."
"It really is," Gil grins widely, "it's pretty to watch."
"Want to see?" Deez slowly asks.
"Yes!" She chirps before she thinks about it.
She watches as Deez nods slowly, her face growing serious before she surprises Gil by pushing off of him to dive under the water.
"Did she-" Gil's gaze follow Deez as pride lights up his eyes.
"She did."
She doesn't even bother trying to wipe the tears from her eyes, she just lets the pool collect them.
She could tell how much Deez put into that one decision. That one offer to show her something.
She rests her hand on Gil's wrist, her smile widening when she sees which orb Deez was swimming for.
It wasn't the furthest, but it was definitely further away than she would have thought Deez was willing to go for this first swim on her own.
She really liked the color pink.
She isn't the only one who claps when her head breaks the surface of the water.
Deez proudly holds the pink orb up, her hand shaking far less than she would have thought.
"Pink is the best color, fight me." She says through her clenched teeth.
She giggles as she wraps her arms around Deez carefully, "Don't think one of us are gonna argue that one right now."
"I figured." Deez smiles before she presses her face to her neck as her legs encircle her waist, "I have to take advantage when I can."
No one argues, but it sounded like everyone found it amusing.
"I need Gil." Deez whispers with a tight voice as her grip tightens, "He's further out of the water. Sorry."
"Gil?" She turns to her Sweet Boy with a smile, "You-"
"Mine." Gil happily sweeps Deez into his arms and nuzzles against her.
She smiles as the pink orb slips from Deez's fingers, only to catch the way the light bounces off her scales.
Oh.
Shit, yeah that was pretty.
Faustina giggles, "right?"
"It's like, sparkles of colors instead of clouds of color." She breathes in wonder.
"Deez always be ah sayin' ya be magic." Harry chuckles.
"I did-" Deez tilts her head to the side, "Huh, I did."
Gil chuckles as he squeezes her tightly, "don't be so surprised, ya always call it."
She smiles at the mischievous look on Deez's face, happy when it, at least in appearance, chases away the end of her fear.
"It's not what I meant, but I think you're right." She turns to Harry with a smile.
"I be number one," Harry chuckles, "'course I be right."
She smiles as Faustina shifts to slip into the water- before her eyes widen and she pulls back out completely, quickly fiddling with her skirt as she sits cross-legged .
What was-
Oh.
Her scars.
She frowns, before a smile tugs at her lips.
She could kiss her Pretty Boy right now.
He'd spent hours searching through the hold, looking for extra sets of clothes to keep here at the cove.
Just in case.
She swims to the edge of the pool before she shifts to legs and pulls herself out.
"Hey Faustina? I could use your help real quick."
"Of course Captain," Faustina nods, confusion clear in her eyes even as she stands.
"It won't take long, we'll be right back."
Gil's pout shifts to a smile, "good."
She chuckles as she leads Faustina away, amused by Harry's whining.
Once they're out of the swimming cave she takes Faustina's hand, "I have a set of T's clothes if that would work better."
Faustina's eyes soften as a smile tugs at her lips, "thank you."
"Course, Beauty Girl," she grins as she pulls her through the work cave to what they'd been using as a sleeping area, directing her to the pile in the corner.
"I figured ya'd also enjoy grantin' Pretty Boy's wish." She continues as she pulls a bag from the trunk they'd brought over.
"Oh?" Faustina questions as she takes the pants.
"Aye," She grins, "I smuggled it off the ship in hopes that we'd have some time."
"Smuggled?" Faustina questions in amusement as she pulls off her skirt. "Off your ship?"
"Have ya seen how possessive Harry is of this?"
Faustina's eyes brighten, "he does love it dearly." She laughs as she pulls on the pants.
"Aye," she chuckles as she pats the bag, "but now that he's wantin' it, he can't get pissy that I took it."
"Aye," She smiles as she looks down at her shirt before she pulls it off and searches for T's hoodie, and slides it on before she fixes her hair.
As much as Faustina loathed the outfit, she took comfort in the fact that, for tonight at least, it would be the reason her Beauty Girl could join them in the pool.
She could appreciate it that much.
"Now, you carry this," she offers the bag, "I really want to see how fast I can change."
Faustina smiles as she takes the bag, "do be careful."
She snorts, "say's the one with the exploding lab."
Before Faustina can argue she grabs her hand and starts running.
One day at a time.
One moment at a time.
And she wanted to live in this moment as long as she could, now that she'd made it so the whole family could enjoy the pool.
Faustina seemed to be in a similar vein of thought, if the smile on her face was any indicator.
As soon as they reach the pool she drops Faustina's hand and lunges, shifting her legs into her tail mid-air.
"Uma!" Gil cries in surprise just before she hits the water.
Now that she knew how, she turns tightly and resurfaces.
"That was amazing!" Deez cheers as she throws her fist in the air.
Faustina's smile is dazzling as she claps. "seamless, Captain."
"Aye," Harry grins widely, "ya be gettin' right quick with yer tail."
"Thank you," she half bows before she floats on her back, "it feels so natural now."
"That's good," Gil chuckles, "cause don't think it's goin' anywhere."
"What ya be ah havin' there?" Harry asks as Faustina settles behind him again.
"A well thought out surprise," Faustina smiles, "Captain thinks of everything."
"Well, I think of a lot," she amends with a smile, "luckily I have lots of people to help think of the rest."
Gil wraps an arm around her midsection before he pulls her into a tight hug, "when it comes to us, you always think o' everything though." he kisses the top of her head.
"I wanna know though." Harry pouts, "come on now, be ah sharin' the surprise."
Faustina giggles as she pulls the bag to her lap, "it seems I'll be able to groom you after all, my Prince."
Harry's grin was brighter than the orbs swirling at the bottom of the pool.
She was so glad she'd thought of his kit.
Sea Gods she loved this.
The energy.
The intense amount of love she felt permeating through her.
Through the cavern.
The easy laughter.
The light teasing.
Just everything about this moment was exactly what she'd always wanted for them.
Everything she'd ever wanted when she started pulling them to her.
The hard won fight that was every bit worth it.
He was a damn lucky son of a bitch.
A Captain that knew him well enough to grab his grooming kit.
A Pirate Princess that loved to fuss over him.
A Fire Princess giggling at her own made up games with the colorful orbs.
And their Sweet Boy to encourage all of them as they squeeze every last ounce of joy from this moment.
Because tomorrow-
Tomorrow they'd be separating again.
He relaxes into Faustina's lap, letting himself float as she thoroughly massages the soap into his scalp.
"I do be ah lovin' when ya be doin' this fer me," he grins without opening his eyes.
"Perfect," She kisses his nose, "it's wonderful to be able to do something for you for a change."
He snorts, "ya be doin' lots fer me, Love."
Just her presence was enough to make him smile.
And he'd caught himself grinning like an idiot several times, just from her walking into the room.
Jay would have laughed.
"Not enough for my liking." She returns as she sinks her fingers into his scalp, "what's wrong?"
"Ain'nah bein' ah single thing wrong," he nuzzles his head against her hands.
"Oh," Her voice uncertain, "you looked so sad for a moment."
"I did be ah thinkin' Jay would be laughin' at me if he saw how stupid happy ya make me."
"Ah," she giggles as she scratches her fingers on either side of his head, "probably. Before anyways."
He opens his eyes to look up at her, "he do be ah havin' someone ta help him understand feels now."
She smiles as she turns to look out the cave towards the barrier, "and where Jay goes the others follow."
"I hope that be bein' true. He be ah good guy, never used ta be understandin' why he be ah followin' Mal like she were the only one worth followin'."
She runs her hand through his hair, "Mal's a good person, and an impressive leader."
"Aye, I be knowin' that now."
It was hard not to after seeing the Rotten's hangout.
The art covering the walls.
The set up each member of the gang had.
She might not be Uma, but she had her own way of caring.
"I'm sorry," Faustina's hand slips from his hair to trace his jaw. "I-"
"Ain'nah nothin' fer ya ta be sorryin'."
"Even if it was for the best, it isn't easy missing a brother."
He shrugs as he reaches up to lightly run his fingers over her covered arms, "I do be ah missin' him, but I also be bein' glad he ain'nah here." He frowns before he chuckles, "I guess I can be feelin' two different things at the same time."
She smiles down at him, "it would appear so." She turns to gather water in a cup, "Rinsing." She warns before she carefully pours the water through his hair.
He smiles as he relaxes fully into her again, letting his eyes remain shut as he listens to the laughter of his family while his Pirate Princess meticulously combs the soap from his hair.
"Throwin' the lights in the pool be pure genius, by the way."
"Thank you," She pauses, "I was hoping you'd all enjoy it. I was hesitant to collect them- I wasn't sure how luminescent the orbs would be under water- but, I really wanted to do something special for all of you. Even if it was little. You've all made me feel so loved I just really wanted to return a piece of it."
"Makin' the pool magical be down right beautiful, Love. Look-it the way they all be ah mesmerized by yer idea."
She turns towards the others before a soft smile pulls at her lips, "I love our family so much. I'm so glad I was finally able to manage something that made all of you smile. It's been so trying lately. It's lovely to hear everyone's laughter again."
"Aye, laughs an' giggles be music to me ears right now."
"Same, my love." She adds as she tenderly runs her hand through his hair.
He never would've guessed this was how the day was going to turn out.
Everything had been so heavy lately.
Every time they turned around, something else seemed to go wrong.
But today-?
He chuckles as he watches Deez toss Uma an orb only to have Uma hit it back with her fin.
-was amazing.
He'd finally finished T's daggers.
Which meant he could start on Yensid's staff.
Something he and Deez were both excited about.
Especially now that they had crystals to add to it.
Crystals that apparently had magical properties.
Which was going to be interesting to figure out.
A challenge he knew he was looking forward to facing with Deez and Faustina.
He grins-
It was bitter-sweet.
He missed Carlos.
Missed him so much it hurt if he thought about it too much-
But ever since Deez had rebuilt the cove he couldn't help thinking of it like a book club two point oh.
He loved working alongside Deez.
And having Faustina joining them occasionally reminded him of a more confident, female version of Carlos.
His brow furrows as he turns to Faustina.
Confident.
It wasn't a word that he'd normally use to describe his timid Angel-
But, he was at a loss for what else to call her interactions with Senior.
He'd been seconds away from pulling her behind him to protect along with Deez but then-
He still wasn't sure what he thought about it.
Senior's one eighty at Faustina's-
Anger?
Something that still had him reeling.
He'd have bet his anvil that Faustina couldn't scream-
But she'd hit volumes even Deez struggled with.
Poor T. He'd always said she could be scary.
He snorts.
His Angel could stand up to two of the most intimidating figures on the Isle, even if one was far from it once you got to know him.
Not that he'd ever seen Faustina stand up to T; but if T knew how scary she could be-
There had to be a reason.
Beside how terrifying she could get with science.
Which, he sighs, was a different type of terrifying than he was used to.
And here he'd thought T's love of explosions was bad.
He'd never considered Faustina's delight in building one.
Which was so much worse.
And a bad mix waiting to happen.
He shakes his head as he's pulled back by the addictive laughter of his Treasure and Uma.
His eyes lovingly trace their Captains carefree expression
She was under so much pressure.
Had so much weight on her shoulders.
Yet, somehow, she was still able to enjoy this moment with them.
He'd always found Uma impressive.
That much was a given.
But to see her handle their current situation so readily, and competently-
It really put how impressive she was into perspective.
His eyes return to Deez, and his Treasure?
He wasn't sure she'd ever willingly dive under water again. Not after the-
He shakes his head, refusing to ruin the moment with the terror filled memory.
But then she'd done it.
Unprompted.
He wasn't sure he'd ever been so proud of her as he was when she dove to scoop up the flickering pink orb
Fight me, she'd said.
As if any of them would dare after that feat of bravery.
Well, except T but-
He chuckles, it'd be weirder if their Problem Child didn't step to such a blatant challenge.
His grin softens when Uma collects Deez and rests her against her chest, clearly unwinding from the earlier excitement to admire the flickering lights above them.
His gaze follows as he watches the colorful lights glimmer above them, content for the first time in a long time.
Or at least what felt like a long time.
He reaches out and manages to catch Uma's fin, smiling at Uma's giggle and Deez's confused expression.
Huh.
He chuckles.
Who knew fins could be ticklish?
He certainly hadn't.
He carefully guides the two to the carved out seat before he pulls them to his chest as he settles.
There.
He smiles as he eases against the stone giving Uma and Deez time to make themselves comfortable as well.
His gaze lazily trails to where Faustina was still diligently massaging Harry, before he sighs and takes the time to enjoy the lights above them.
"I never thought my fire was ugly before, but this-" Deez smiles as she tucks herself against his chest, "I didn't know it could be beautiful like this."
"Your fire's always been beautiful," Uma smiles as she shifts closer to Deez to curl around her, "But, I get it." She turns her gaze back to the ceiling, "This is breathtaking."
"Yeah," He agrees slowly.
Breathtaking.
Magical.
Beautiful.
There were so many words to describe the moment.
The artful designs on the ceiling.
The energy.
The love.
This stolen moment that who knew when they'd be able to share again.
It was everything to him.
The whole family together.
Laughing.
Smiling.
Playing.
Enjoying the moment for what it was.
Togetherness.
He'd forgotten how nice it was to just enjoy the present instead of fearing the future and questioning the past.
He shakes his head before he thinks too much about it, his eyes falling to two of the most precious people in his life contentedly laying on top of him.
His eyes narrow when he finds Deez staring up at the ceiling, her brow furrowed in concentration as the barest hint of her tongue sticks out between her teeth and lips.
He knew that face.
"What'cha thinkin' 'bout Treasure?" He asks softly as he absently trails his fingers over her arm.
She blinks before she smiles as she shifts to look at him, "I know you normally design stuff, but I think I just got like, a partial idea for that thing we've been working on."
"Oh?" He prompts with a smile.
It wasn't rare Deez had an idea by any means, but it was rare for her to come up with a concept for a design.
Her face scrunches, "I mean, at least the top part. But you'll have to draw it, cause I'm not trying that again."
He chuckles as he squeezes her to his chest.
"Must be a family trait." Uma giggles.
"I bet you can still draw better than me, also, Pain and Panic are liars." Deez pouts as she crosses her arms over her chest.
He grins, "I dunno… I think it might just be a family thing."
He laughs when Uma smacks his chest.
"I thought you loved maps?" Deez frowns as one hand rests over the spot Uma slapped.
"Yeah," Uma huffs as she crosses her arms, "The finished ones."
"Oh." Deez shakes her head and turns back to him, "But um, so what if I captured more of my fire in a bigger bubble, and then a few smaller ones and we like, mixed in a few of the gemstones. I've been making webs with metal," She rolls her eyes, "why not try to spin glass like that?"
He tilts his head to the side as his smile grows wider with every detail she adds. "I think that sounds amazing, Treasure. I can definitely make up a few drawings to make sure I'm picturin' it right but- I love the idea you're building up."
Deez nods happily before she turns to Uma, "And, I was hoping you could search for driftwood."
"Aye," Uma grins, "I can find ya something. It's supposed ta hit his shoulder right?"
He furrows his brow, "If ya can find somethin' that tall yeah, that'd be perfect."
"Yeah, that sounds great." Deez smiles before she lays back against him.
Uma nods, "I'm excited ta see it."
"Me too," Deez chuckles, "as soon as he draws it."
He chuckles, "I've got several ideas from that description. I'd love to know which we should go with."
"Since it's just vague, colorful images in my head, I'm excited to see where you take them. "
"What are we excited about?" Faustina questions as she settles against his leg.
"Gil's gonna make a staff." Deez explains without missing a beat or even looking away from the ceiling.
"Oh!" Faustina's eyes light up.
"The two o' ya been wantin' ta make that since swords at Book Club." Harry grins as Faustina slips into the water.
Faustina smiles, "I can't wait to see it. I'm sure it's going to be breathtaking with the two of you working on it."
He grins, "Glad you two are just as excited, cause I'mma need help settlin' on which design ta go with. Treasure came up with the coolest idea for the concept."
"Ooh!" Deez sits up so fast she splashes, "Faustina! You know a lot about the stones you guys brought back!"
"I mean, a lot might be pushing it." She admits, "But some."
"You know more than me," Deez corrects before she waves the comment off, "you can help us pick the ones we add to it. Like the ones with the best properties for a staff."
Uma chuckles as she shakes her head, "you are really good at combining materials."
"Anything to help," Faustina blushes.
He turns to Harry, "Would ya mind pickin' out the prettiest pieces?"
"Aye, I can be ah doin' that." Harry grins before his chest puffs up, "I could even be givin' thoughts on the designs if ya be wantin'."
"Duh." Deez grins.
"Cool," he grins stupidly, "Then we can really say it's from all of us."
Deez smiles before she curls against him again, sighing contentedly.
His eyes drop to her as he squeezes her to him tighter, smiling when he catches Faustina following Deez's gaze to the ceiling.
His smile widens when she leans her weight against him and draws Harry to her chest to marvel at the twinkling light above them.
All their favorite colors blend beautifully to create the perfect light show.
Together.
He wasn't sure he could remember the last time silence had been so appealing.
But here.
Right now.
Surrounded by his family.
More importantly, his content family.
He wasn't sure silence would ever be so enthralling again.
He looks down in confusion.
Why was he wet?
He blinks.
Better question, why the fuck was the water changing colors?
How the-
Up.
He stops as he catches the colors reflected off the ceiling.
Woah.
What the fuck-
So, you like it then?
He blinks, you?
How the hell did she manage that?
Light reflects off water beautifully, doesn't it?
Light? He frowns before his eyes land at the bottom of the pool.
Oh.
Neat trick. He grins.
I do my best.
Yeah, I'd-
He stiffens as a hand touches his shoulder before he kicks against the wall to dive away.
T, wait-
The fuck was that! He growls, kicking off the bottom as he grapples the shadow chasing him.
-don't! That's-
He knew that hair.
Hook.
He releases the other boy before he breaks the surface and looks around.
"What I be sayin' 'bout the hair pullin'?" Harry demands in a low tone.
"My bad," he frowns as his eyes settle on the rest of their family.
Oh.
Deez snorts without taking her eyes off the ceiling.
"Yer bad?" Harry shakes his head before he swims closer, his eyes narrowing with each stroke.
A slow grin tugs at his lips.
Don't-
He quickly dives back under, bubbles exploding from his lips as laughter when Harry follows.
Why must you-
He turns before he kicks off the bottom, lunging straight for Harry's torso.
Harry's ice blue eyes widen as he tries to adjust his course, but it was too late.
Another string of bubbles exit his mouth as he laughs and forces them both to the surface.
"No, it's T and I'm done."
"Where's the trust?"
"With Water? It died on the beach." Deez says without missing a beat before she turns to Gil, "when Harry figures it out they're gonna go at it. Done."
His grin widens, "I mean, someone's gotta keep 'im in check right? You're welcome."
He lifts his brow, had Gil just-
Did he snort?
His grin widens.
He couldn't remember the last time Gil had been amused by something he said.
His stomach flutters at the unspoken encouragement.
And it was encouragement.
It wasn't like Deez was wrong-
Shit was about to go down.
Namely Harry.
Ha, not even with a genie's wish could you beat my Prince!
His grin turns wicked at the challenge.
On what Isle do you consider yourself a challenge?
Deez spares him the briefest glance, "nope-" she pulls herself up to sit on the edge of the pool, "-there's not enough pens and notebooks in the world for me to stay in the water with that look."
"Aye, I can't be blamin' ya Baby Girl" Uma laughs, "but he ain't wrong, Pretty Boy can't be swimmin' if his head is too full of hot air."
"Thank you!" He gestures at Uma.
"Yeah, thanks for takin' that hit." Gil chuckles.
"What can I say? I'm a genero-" His eyes widened as he feels a weight on his shoulders, laughing as he's shoved into the water.
Looks like your Prince wants to play dirty.
Oh, and dive bombing him while he thought it was me was such a clean engagement.
Oh good, glad we can agree.
His heart lightens at her heartfelt laughter as bubbles silence his own.
Sides-
He grasps Harry's forearms as he slides his feet behind the pirate's knees.
-this is how you play dirty.
He yanks his feet forward, using Harry's own arms as leverage to pull the other boy down with him. Letting go of his arms as he twists to land his feet on the other boy's chest.
He isn't going to let you get away with that-
Good, where would be the fun in that?
It felt like it had been forever since he'd been able to get under Harry's skin. They didn't have time to play like this anymore.
He'd missed it.
And with any hope- in this moment of, of-
Levity.
Sure, that one.
Hoped Harry had missed it too.
Dear brother, who wouldn't miss the pleasure of putting you in your place?
He snorts.
So much for being your hero.
Oh no, you'll always be my hero, you've just somehow managed to, albeit accidentally, garner more for me to admire.
Tch, accidently my ass, shadow stalker.
Observer, thank you. Shadow observer. Though I suppose I can understand the defense since you are, in fact, a stalker.
Before he can respond, Harry suddenly rolls, the force nearly dislodging him.
Oh. It is on.
And whose team are you on distracter- Wait, don't answer that.
I mean even for you that question, if finished, would have been disgracefully obtuse.
He bends with the momentum to grab him by the back of his knees, making it impossible for Harry to continue his spin.
You're obtuse.
They stay stuck in the stalemate, blinking at each other before they silently agree to let go.
Perfect.
With his foot free, he pushes Harry to the bottom of the pool, grabbing his hands to pin above his head before he awkwardly straddles his hips.
Something that was far harder to do underwater than he originally believed.
But he managed it. A stream of bubbles escape his lips as he hangs his head back to laugh.
And Beam thinks my Prince the psycho.
He catches Harry's wicked grin too late.
Before he could brace himself, Harry twists and kicks, sending him against the wall.
Harry pushes his face into his, grinning before he grabs him by the collar and yanks him back to the surface.
"Ya be cute when ya be thinkin' ya got the upper hand." Harry chuckles as he paddles in place, "also, when did me Pirate Princess be duckin' out?"
He spits a stream of water in the other boy's direction, "One, thinking? Two," He shrugs. "I don't know, a few minutes ago?" He frowns.
"Did she be catchin' ya up?"
"Tch," He scowls, "not yet, why?" His eyes narrow, "fuck, did she get into another fight with dipshit? Cause, like, yeah… That'd be nice to know beforehand. Or-" he rolls his eyes, "did she try to blow up another one of you?"
Excuse- How dare you!
What, I ain't judgin'.
What are you talking about!? That was nothing short of judgy.
Fair. But then I realized how many times I've put Hook at risk and decided to stop.
He grins at her snort.
Never answered the-
"No," Uma splashes him with her tail, "no more explosions, so play nice."
He puts a hand to his chest, "me? She starts it!"
"Probably finishes it too," Gil chuckles.
"Ah, so you're admittin' she's a bitch!"
He rubs the back of his head when pain blossoms, "still not denyin' it." He grins smugly as he back strokes away from the dense ass tail.
"I think it's more she knows when and how to use a bitch attitude." Deez comments absently as she swirls the water with one toe.
"Tch," He scoffs, "when? You mean always, right?"
"She's never been a bitch to me," Deez shrugs, and for a moment he swears she grins.
Gil nods, "seen her angry," he grimaces, "but not towards me."
"And I live so vicariously through that memory." Deez admits with a sigh.
"Just wait for it," He snorts before he looks for Hook-
Why are you looking for my Prince, exactly?
Cause ain't no way you haven't flared your bitchiness.
Amusement bubbles in his chest.
What?
He frowns.
Wait-
Where the fuck is-
Shit.
He looks up when he bumps into something to find blue eyes looking down at him, "C'mon Prince," He snorts, "tell 'em."
"An' just what ya be ah wantin' me ta say? That when me Pirate Princess be ah knowin' what she be wantin' she be knowin' how ta get it?"
"That's a creative way to call her a cunt."
"Well, why ya be ah actin' like it be ah bad thing?"
"Yeah T, why ya sayin' that like it's a bad thing?"
He looks between the two, "uh-" he shrugs, "cause it get's under her skin."
He yelps when something bounces off his head, "T!" Gil snaps
"Gil!" Deez smacks his chest, "do not dare pull that over here!"
He snickers as Gil hits the water. "Though I guess bein' a cunt is jus' a family trait."
"You wanna join," she pushes him with her hands and feet, "then go. Hit him for me. Just, over there."
"I mean, I guess I'm already here-" Gil turns with a widening grin as he shifts his gaze to Harry. "An' men shouldn't use that word." He finishes as he drops his eyes to him.
"Shouldn't." He points, "not can't."
Gil lifts an eyebrow before he dives under the water.
Nope.
Harry's foot, he was more than confidant he could escape that.
But Gil's?
One stomp of his dense ass foot and he'd be fucked.
He knew Gil wouldn't keep him pinned underwater for long.
But it would still mean tapping out. And he'd rather pass out.
T!
What? Don't have to worry 'bout it if he don't catch me.
He grins as he uses Harry as a kick board and dives in the opposite direction.
Why, oh why do you enjoy putting yourself in these positions?
What positions?
The kind where you are outmatched.
Tch. No faith.
T, I swear to god if you stab one of them-
Jesus woman- What do you think of me, exactly?
I don't think we have the time for all that, do you?
Bite
Me.
He huffs as he gets beneath Gil and coils, ready to kick off him-
Fuck!
His yelp is nothing more than a watery garble as he's grappled and knocked away from his unexpecting 'springboard'.
Bubbles spill from his lips as he sweeps his legs behind Harry's to catch his ankles.
This was-
This was amazing.
Just one simple thing had him feeling lighter than he had in months..
Laughter fills his ears.
You're such a child.
He grins at the encouraging tone, before he yanks his legs and catches Harry off guard.
Water stings his eyes as he's shoved closer to the bottom of the pool as an elbow wraps around his throat.
But, even more surprising is when he turns and meets Harry's startled eyes.
Whose side was Gil on?
Don't be stupid, Deez's.
Right.
He nods his head towards Gil before he curls his feet.
And then Harry taps Gil's arm.
Pussy.
He gets his feet beneath Gil's stomach, only to curse in bubbles as Gil's free arm slams against him, locking his torso.
He growls as he kicks his legs against Gil's stomach, balking when he can feel the rumbling of Gil's laughter.
Asshole.
Him!? You started this.
And I'm finishing it.
Really? And how are you going to manage that- Without hurting him- Assuming-
She snickers.
-you can manage it.
Haven't gotten that far yet. Give me a minute-
Can you even hold your breath for a-
Gil stills when he bites him.
Before he's dipped backwards as Gil doubles over and sends streams of bubbles out in waves
Was-
Was he laughing?
Sonova-
He growls as she chokes on her laughter.
What did you expect- Your mouth could barely close around his shoulder, you gnawed it like a rat.
Fuck off.
Just tap out-
He sighs-
After my bite failed so hard? I'd rather drown.
Oh, and make Gil feel guilty.
How much I hate you can not be expressed in words.
He gasps as he's surged forward before he swallows a lungful of air.
"The fuck be so funny mate?"
He blinks when he finds his back pinned to Gil's chest.
"Kitty tried to bite." Gil gets out between bouts of laughter. "But his mouth was too little."
He glares at Harry's howl of laughter, before it shifts to Deez who was doing her damndest to cover her amusement.
"Aww, poor catfish, choke on a worm?" Uma chuckles as she splashes him with her tail.
He snorts, "some fuckin' worm." He huffs playfully, "I've bitten metal softer than that."
Gil grin's, "probably got'ah hold of it better too."
"Hey, don't act like I'm the problem here."
"There is not a single thing about Gil that is a problem!" Deez huffs from the edge of the pool.
He turns to her, "so your jaw unhinges wide enough then?"
He lifts his brow at the resounding snort that echoes in his ears.
"I don't need to bite."
"Well," He snorts, "that's why ya don't think there's a problem."
"Nah, ya just be bitin' at more than ya can be chewin'." Harry snickers as he saunters over, "observe."
He grins when Harry takes one of Gil's hands-
"Oh, come fuckin' on!?" He hangs his head when he still can't get free.
-and quickly bite one of Gil's fingers.
"Damnit!"
Laughter is ripped from him when Harry is shoved halfway across the pool by his face.
"That was-" He gasps when he's squeezed tighter.
"No, no- Kitty's don't speak."
He tilts his head back as he looks at Gil dryly-
Please, god no.
"Kitty!" Gil tightens his hold and nuzzles his hair.
He meows in defeat.
Dead.
Seriously.
We've rewritten this book an ungodly number of times but this chapter just got fluffier with every rewrite.
And let's be real, this book had some desperate need for some fluff.
Dancing Lights is by far one of our favorites.
It was nice to just have a light chapter. It feels like this book has just been one heavy topic or incident after another and it just seemed like a fresh breath of air.
Like a nod to the shit we also enjoy writing but can't cause their world is going to shit right now.
What did you guys think of it though?
We'd love to hear your thoughts :)
Much love and appreciation
-Twisted