A/N: I just wanted to quickly address one critique in the last chapter and apologize for it. A few people expressed the conversation was a little hard and annoying to follow because of the tangents the characters went on. The reason I wrote it like that is that I have ADHD and that is the way my brain works, so to me natural conversation sounds like that. When there's two or three people having a conversation it's less noticeable, but when you get to the big numbers – especially with wanting to make sure everyone has their say and a purpose for being in said conversation – it can sometimes be a little painful to read.

It is something I'm aware of – to the point I even had the subtle meta joke about Weatherby starting the Nathaniel story tangent only to get cut off – and it is something I mean to work on. That was why I mostly had Norrington be a little harsh to keep everyone on track and Syrena relatively silent to prevent even more side tracking because she really can take conversations to weird places with her knowledge base (as showcased by the mermaid mating tangent and the Eveline revelation.) Thankfully, I don't really have many of those giant scenes planned in the future with the exception of quite a few moments in AWE (the court meeting, the gun standoff, finding Jack in the Locker, etc.) so hopefully I can really work on it before then.

Additionally, there was a comment or two about the random revelation that Will and Eveline were cousins. I will admit that was 100% because one of my friends latched onto the character and I knew I wanted to bring Eveline back multiple times so I thought it would be a fun connection. It's also a way to bring in more diversity into the cast as the only female characters in the POTC series are Elizabeth, Syrena, Tia Dalma, Anamaria, Angelica, Carina, Shansa (be honest, without looking up the name do you even know who that is), Mistress Chin, Estrella, Scarlett, Giselle, and then like six no line characters like Sao Feng's attendants, the noble woman who wants Jack to feel her up, and a few cannibals. There's going to be a few female characters I am adding to this story of decent significance so that Elizabeth and Syrena aren't the only women around half the time (especially since they want to kill each other most of the time.)

Also that friend who loved Eveline also loves Groves, and that's why as of this chapter Groves starts talking about having a son back in Port Royal he's never mentioned until now.

Birds of a Feather

The Curse of the Black Pearl

Chapter Thirty-Five

Beauty and the Brig

There was another hour of conversation after that to clarify certain points, but it mostly consisted of Weatherby Swann exclaiming: "Philip Nathaniel Swift! Have you lost your God damn mind?"

Eventually things did settle enough for the group to clear up all outstanding business. Norrington quickly agreed the story of Syrena being a kidnapping victim was best. Weatherby told Will and Philip that thanks to the number of wanted criminals the Navy was able to capture due to their actions, he would be able to justify granting them clemency so long as no higher ups objected. He did also warn the boys that if they pulled anything like this again, not only would there be no free pass, but he'd tie the nooses on the gallows himself.

"That goes for all of you," Weatherby eyed Elizabeth knowingly.

It then was also agreed that while Norrington was indeed going to follow through on his threat of uncomfortable hammocks for Will and Philip, there was really only one proper course of sleeping arrangements for the girls.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist on the two of you sharing these quarters," Norrington told Elizabeth and Syrena. "It simply would not be proper to let you sleep with the men."

Philip snorted as he saw the glare shared between the girls, "Are you sure you two can share quarters without killing each other?"

Elizabeth squared her shoulders pompously and flashed a fake smile the men of her life knew all too well.

"Of course," she said in a holier than thou tone the Swanns were famous for. "I'm sure I can educate Syrena on propriety and not do something so foolish as to get into a pointless physical altercation."

Syrena narrowed her eyes and lifted a brow, "I make no such promise."

Philip groaned, silently sending a prayer to God to someday make it so his sister and his love could be in a room for five minutes without sniping at each other. Seriously, why were they fighting? There was literally no reason.

Will – enjoying the scene far too much – leaned over to his friend, "Sounds like dinners at the Swann Manor are going to be a bucket of fun from now on."

"I'm reaching for my bible," Philip warned.

Sitting up straight, Will lifted his hands in surrender and dropped the subject. He wasn't sure if Philip's threat was to use his bible to deliver a long boring sermon or just smack Will with it again, but both options were an equally unpleasant prospect.

"Now, Ladies," Norrington politely looked between Syrena and Elizabeth, "I'm sure sharing quarters at night won't be too hard a prospect. I could obtain the materials to construct some sort of second bed for Miss Syrena if you don't wish to share-"

"You got a bucket?" Elizabeth smirked.

Philip grabbed Syrena's wrist mid-swipe before she could claw Elizabeth's face.

"Settle, please," Philip whispered. "For my sake."

Syrena glared at Elizabeth, "She's initially baiting me!"

"I know. She's my little sister. I've gotten that far more than anyone in this world. The best way to respond is to not at all. It annoys her to no end."

"You're positive?" Syrena perked up at the thought.

"I've been refining the art of annoying Elizabeth Swann for twenty years. My methods are tested, honed, and perfected. I guarantee you a 100% success rate."

Syrena observed Elizabeth for a moment, "…Fine."

Philip released her wrist and Syrena decided to settle in that spot, leaning against his chair. As a move to both steady herself and show her affection, Syrena wrapped her arm around his shoulder and reached down with her other hand to clasp his. She loved the grin that spread across his face as she idly started playing with his hair, their fingers interlocking and he squeezed hers in reassurance.

He didn't notice the way everyone was not so obviously watching them. Some caught in longing of what could be, others reflecting on what never could, and one who remembered the way it had once been between a sister and another preacher named Swift.

"It's settled then," Norrington announced. "Miss Swann and Miss… Are we still going to call you Finson?"

"I think going by Barbossa might raise too many questions," Syrena shrugged. "Finson reminds me of others I love. Speaking of, may I go see Ragetti and Pintel?"

Norrington brushed off the query, "I'm afraid not. Now, Miss Swann and Miss Finson will use my quarters. Governor Swann, I'll have you collect your things from this cabin and move into my Second Officer Gillette's cabin. Likewise I will move my possessions from Lieutenant Gillette's cabin – where I have been staying while the Governor occupied my quarters – into my Third Officer Groves' cabin. I'll have to tell Groves and Gillette that they're no longer sharing Groves' quarters. Instead they'll both be joining you Misters Turner and Swift among the hammocks."

"Good," Weatherby grumbled, though Elizabeth know that he only meant it for Gillette.

"Commodore Norrington, are you sure that this is how you wish the sleeping arrangements to go?" Syrena asked, still touching Philip in small affectionate ways. "I will try my best to be cordial, but there are tensions that fizzle off and on between Elizabeth and I. I do not want anything to disrupt the order on this ship."

Weatherby narrowed his eyes at Elizabeth, "I'm afraid it's a force of nature you cannot stop. My daughter has been disruptive from her very first breath."

"Oh, Father please," Elizabeth dropped her head into her hands. "Not the I wouldn't stop screaming until Philip got involved story again. I was an hour old. What do you want from me?"

He just shook his head, choosing not to pursue the subject as they could be here all night.

Syrena didn't understand the references, so she looked helplessly between the Swanns before innocently offering, "We actually had a system on the Black Pearl that worked quite well. Why not I have Philip stay in the cabin with me again? I would be most happy to share the bed with him. Eager even."

Will lost it, especially when he saw how scandalized Weatherby Swann looked at suggestion.

"Absolutely not!" Weatherby snapped. "Philip Nathaniel Swift, under no circumstance will you be sharing a bed with this girl!"

Philip himself had turned quite the brilliant shade of red and looked equally scandalized – though that was quickly followed by annoyance as Will howled with laughter. Will almost had to excuse himself and leave the room, he was so far from composure. He was certain the only reason Norrington didn't kick him out was that both Elizabeth and Norrington themselves were barely holding it together.

And of course, poor naïve Syrena had no idea what was going on but the vague notion she once more had made another inappropriate suggestion.

"Is it…" She hesitated. "Is it wrong to share a bed?"

"With the member of the opposite sex whom you are not married to," Elizabeth found herself able to pull it together enough to explain. "It makes people talk."

"Talk?" Syrena repeated in the way they had learned to interpret as she didn't understand.

"Gossip," Elizabeth clarified. "Make them chat about someone's personal life and dealings, often in a negative light. You and Philip sharing a bed might make people think that he has seduced you."

Syrena laughed loudly, "Philip seduce me? Elizabeth, do not be ridiculous. If Philip and I engage in sexual intercourse, it would not be he who is the seducer."

Philip looking stiff as a board took her hand, lifted it off his shoulder, and dropped it to her side, "Alright, I think it's time we all stop talking and go to bed. Separate beds. I'm going to go find a hammock as far away from here as possible. Elizabeth and Syrena, you share the cabin and try not to kill each other. Good night all."

He stood up and made for the door, but a voice stopped him.

"Philip?" Weatherby warned. "You stay. There's still more for us to talk about."

He hesitated, and then sighed heavily and returned to his chair, "Well, it was worth a shot."

"I do think Mister Swift is correct though," Norrington said. "It's time we separate for the night and go about our business. I'll call for Lieutenant Groves to show the boys to their hammocks and go over the duties expected of them on our return home. The first duty for you, Mister Swift will be explaining this whole curse nonsense to the very confused Protestant men aboard this ship. I'm certain they're in need of a little religious guidance."

"Actually Commodore, as a Postulant, I'm not allowed to deliver sermons or religious guidance as an authority figure without the supervision of an ordained minister. I could risk my application being accepted for ordination."

Norrington blinked, "…You broke a pirate out of prison, stole a ship from the Navy, blew it up, and had many inappropriate interactions with a nude mermaid. Telling a few men that God still exists is not the threat to your application."

"Point taken," Philip conceded. "Alright Will, let's go find Groves."

"Nuh uh," Weatherby cut off. "You stay. Elizabeth, Will, Syrena, you're free to leave, but Philip… I think you and I need to have a very long talk in private."

Philip hung his head and sighed, "Yes, Sir."

With pitying looks and a few pats on the back, James, Elizabeth, Will, and Syrena made their slow exit from the cabin. Syrena ordered Jack the Monkey to stay in the cabin as to not reveal his re-instated skeletal form in the moonlight (thankfully there had been cloud cover when they boarded the ship) as it may worry the Navy sailors.

"Elizabeth," James whispered as the group made their way to the door. "Would you mind if we too spoke in private for a few minutes?"

She cast a glance towards Will but agreed, "Of course."

And when the door clicked shut, they all heard Weatherby Swann start his private, level-headed, well-mannered discussion with his nephew.

"YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE THE GOOD ONE!"

The group sighed, exchanged wary looks, and set about their tasks as they left Philip Swift to his doom.

She supposed the thought Weatherby Swann had for her while he lectured Philip was that Syrena would try to assist the wounded as Will went off with Groves and Elizabeth went off with Norrington. But Syrena did nothing of the sort. The very first moment she had where no one was paying attention, Syrena snuck off to see if she could find the brig and the pirates within.

It was not hard to find them – her father had taught her all about the different ways people structured their ships, so Syrena found it a breeze to navigate the Dauntless. It was a rather large brig with many cells, and all around her, Navy officers were corralling pirates into them.

Many of the pirates seemed surprised to see Syrena just waltzing around free and some shouted out things at her, but thankfully it appeared the shouts of monster and creature were largely ignored by the officers. Most of the Navy men still looked shell shocked at the events of the curse, and likely thought that the shouts were in reference to the curse and not the pirates' poor kidnapping victim, Miss Finson.

It was in a corner cell, squeezed together in a space no bigger than a broom closet that Syrena found them.

"Fins!" Ragetti cried out in joy when his good eye set upon her.

"Oh Poppet!" Pintel was surprised to see her, but couldn't help but smile as she tried to race over, awkwardly stumbling on her unfamiliar legs like a newborn doe. "You came. No, Poppet, you shouldn't have!"

"Of course, I did." Syrena saw that Ragetti and Pintel both had grasped the iron of the thatched bars, so she reached out and placed on hand over Pintel's hand and her other over Ragetti's. "I had to know you two were still alive."

"We're alive… for now."

Her heart fell at those words. The image of them behind the bars served as a stark reminder to Syrena what was likely about to happen to the two men she called family. She could only hope that Weatherby Swann found it in his heart to somehow spare her loved ones.

But Ragetti didn't think at all about his grim fate, instead his eyes were alight with excitement and a giddy smile plastered across his face, "That's more than Koehler can say, innit?"

Syrena blinked, "What?"

"He's dead!" Ragetti joyfully exclaimed. "It's how we knew the curse broke. The Navy man in charge killed him! Plus, he lost his hand in the fighting trying to get to that Governor!"

Her mind flashed to a hand in a drawer. A dark-skinned hand in a drawer.

"Is that so?" Syrena said softly.

Pintel scowled at the odd look on her face, but didn't press, "Where's Swift? I thought we told that boy to go live happily ever after with you."

"Oh, we will. I am returning home with Philip and he's going to get ordained and then we'll go off to be missionaries."

He didn't look pleased at the plan, "Missionaries? You wanna go be a preacher?"

Syrena shrugged, "Not really, but I want to be with Philip. Who knows? Maybe it'll just be for a little while or maybe I'll grow to like it. I'm more concerned with the first step of fitting into normal human society."

"Well, you already look the part," Ragetti grinned. "You found the dress I picked out for you!"

Syrena couldn't help but laugh, "Yes, yes I did. I must say, you have quite the taste. It looks beautiful."

"Makes you look so pretty." Ragetti eagerly asked, "What did Philip think?"

She shook her head, once more amazed how quickly her pair had latched onto her beau, "Took his breath away. Now the real question is what are you doing in dresses?"

They turned quite red and muttered something about Trojans and distractions.

Syrena laughed, "I suppose I shouldn't have been too surprised. You two are always the ones picked for those shenanigans."

"And I'm getting real sick of it," Pintel huffed.

"Same." Ragetti asked, "Could you ask the Captain to choose someone else next time?"

The smile slid off Syrena's face. In an instant the duo knew what that meant.

Pintel squeezed her hand, "Captain didn't make it, did he?"

"No. No he didn't," she looked and quietly admitted. "Jack Sparrow… Got his revenge."

"I'm so sorry, Poppet," Pintel wanted to just hug her but the set of iron bars prevented that urge from becoming reality.

"I sent him to the Locker with a kiss. Maybe that will give him a chance at a good afterlife."

"I'm sure it will. Captain may have been a hard man, but he cares about you."

"He just wasn't good at showing it," Ragetti agreed.

Syrena remembered her arms wrapped around her father's body and the feeling of his last breath exiting his body, "I just can't believe tomorrow I'm going to wake up and he won't be there anymore."

"Well, at least you still have us."

She looked up at the pair, "…For how much longer?"

They didn't have a reply.

Syrena stayed until most of the soldiers had been dismissed save for the few who would have watch that night. She promised Ragetti and Pintel that she would come see them as much as possible and plead their case to the Governor. They in turn told her sweet good dreams for the short time she would be able to sleep and wished her all the best with Philip.

Her mind was a flood of the events of the night: Barbossa's death, her worries about her future with Philip, what would happen if they discovered she was a mermaid. She was so focused on these thoughts, she didn't notice the arm reaching out until it had yanked her by the hair and slammed her back against the iron bars.

"Seriously?" she hissed as she felt the by now all too familiar grasp of Twigg on her waist and mouth. "Do you honestly not have anything better to do than harass me?"

"The curse is broken," his breath was hot on her neck. "I can feel the warmth of your skin, the pulse in your veins-"

"And you are stuck behind iron bars, unable to touch me now," Syrena taunted.

"Oh, I can touch quite a lot behind these bars."

Her eyes widened as she felt his hand drift from down her waist down towards-

She hissed and bit his hand as hard as she could. He screamed and pulled back, blood pouring from his body for the first time in years. Long unfamiliar pain coursed through his nerves as the brutality of the attack registered in this system.

"You do not touch me ever," Syrena growled, her irises flickering between hazel and black as her body craved to go Full Siren but her mind warred that she should not blow her cover.

Twigg glared at her, "You think you're safe? You think that holy boy is going to protect you? I'm not going to be behind these bars forever and when I get out of here I am going to come for you and your preacher."

Syrena smirked, "I'd like to see you try. Face it, Twigg. I won. Now Koehler is dead and soon enough you will be too and it will be Philip who touches me in ways you can only dream of. Goodbye Twigg. When you get to Hell, send Koehler my regards."

"You little-"

He was faster than her. She tried to dart away when she saw him lunge, but he caught her by throat and slammed her against the bars.

But then a hand reached into the cell. It grabbed a handful of Twigg's bandana and smashed him face first into the cell door. The blunt force made him let go reflexively of Syrena's throat and she gasped in relief. Then the hand yanked Twigg back and threw him clear across the cell. Another mysterious hand pulled her away from Twigg's reach and Syrena found herself being held protectively against Will Turner's hip.

"Didn't you hear the woman?" Will said. "You do not touch her ever."

"Agreed," Groves said, making Syrena realize the man had accompanied Will and was standing next to her. "Brooks and Underwood, go fetch our strongest set of irons. I feel this prisoner is going to cause us quite the trouble. Holloway, find the Commodore and inform him I've decided to take extra measures with one of our prisoners."

The three men saluted and dutifully went about their tasks, leaving the group behind. This made Will frown as he realized that it meant Groves was left as the only guard in the cells.

"Are you sure you don't want your backup to stay?" Will asked. "There are about fifty pirates in these cells."

"Yes, but they are behind bars," Groves watched as his men disappeared from sight and earshot. "I'm sure I can manage a few minutes by myself. Although it might be best if you take the young lady out of here. The pirates seem to get riled up by her."

Twigg glowered from inside his cell, furious at The Mermaid's supposed victory. Pain throbbed through his body but it was the anger in his heart that was most potent. No, he would not let The Creature win.

"That thing's no lady!" he yelled. "She's a mermaid!"

Ice ran in the veins of Syrena and Will as the breath was knocked out of them. In scandal, horror, and fear at what would happen at the reveal – no doubt the torture and murder Syrena would undergo and the heartbreak of Philip's inevitable attempt to stop it – they turn their pale, scared faces towards Groves, praying for some sort of miracle.

Groves just blinked at the pirate, "Yeah, I know."

Silence.

"…What?" Twigg lost his bravado in an instant.

"I know she's a mermaid," Groves gestured to Syrena. "I saw her steal our longboat."

"You did?" Syrena balked at him.

"Yep. It was when Gillette was bragging about how he locked Miss Swann in the Commodore's cabin, before I fetched Governor Swann and he put Gillette in his place. I heard some strange noises, looked over the said, and saw you splashing along with a big red tail going off with one of our boats."

Syrena stared at Groves, "Oh… I really wasn't sneaky when I came to rescue Elizabeth, was I?"

"You revealed yourself to Groves, Norrington, and Governor Swann," Will said. "I'm going to say a no to that."

"Curses." She looked over to Groves, "So if you saw I was a mermaid and stealing your longboat, why did you not say anything?"

"Five reasons," Groves shrugged. "What does it matter if you're a mermaid? You didn't choose to be born one and as long as you have a good character – which Mister Swift would not be cavorting with you (yes I saw the way that boy looked at you) if you didn't – it honestly doesn't matter. Secondly, I like to think I'm not a cruel person. I know what would happen if they found out you were a mermaid. I have no intention of putting an innocent stranger through that because what, in the water you grow fins?"

"Technically it's when I'm on land I grow legs, but thank you. What are the other reasons?"

"Well, if I were a cruel person who wanted to share that news, I also know that it would take a lot of time and push back our return date home even further. Frankly, I'm ready to be home. I've been away from my son for too long, and after we lost his mother last year, I really shouldn't be leaving home a lot right now."

"At least he's spending time with his grandparents," Will said. "You left Joshua with your parents, right?"

"Actually with Fanny's. I left him with mine last time and Walter and Cecilia's been on me about getting to spend more time with their grandson. Which is fair."

Syrena looked between Will and the man named… what was it again? Orchards? Bushes? Something like that. She was completely lost about who they were talking about.

"So what were the other reasons?" Syrena found she may have more in common with Norrington when she tried to push them back on topic.

"Well, fourth reason is Gillette needed to be taken down a peg – hence why I got the Governor and told him what had happened to Miss Swann," Groves continued. "He was just bragging on and on about how absurd the claims of mermaids were, so I thought I'd let one run off with a longboat under his watch. Let him explain that one to Norrington."

"And the final reason?"

"The final reason was this: you are a black-haired woman sticking your head just barely out of the black water in the black of night… What was I honestly going to do to stop you? Have my men chuck apples at you from the railings in hopes one of them might give you an annoying bump on the head?"

She considered his words, "Fair enough. Although you could have thrown down a net and why am I giving you advice on how to capture me?"

"Come on," Will used the arm still around her waist to urge her forward. "Groves is right. You probably shouldn't be down here."

"Groves!" she exclaimed joyously. "That's what the name was!"

The men stared at her.

"…Sorry."

Groves awkwardly cleared his throat, "Uh, yes, Mister Turner please take Miss… Was it Finson you were going with?"

"Uh huh."

"Miss Finson out of here. And in fact, I think it best you stay out here completely. Am I understood?"

"But I-" She glanced back towards Ragetti and Pintel.

They waved.

Syrena sighed, "Fine."

Will led her back up the stairs, making note to remove his arm from her waist before they got in sight of others to prevent rumours from developing. And when they reached the deck, Will had one simple question for Syrena.

"You have no intention of keeping that promise to Groves, do you?"

"Absolutely none," she affirmed. No one was keeping her from Ragetti and Pintel.

Will sighed and pulled her to a stop, "In that case, you should probably have this."

Syrena frowned as she watched Will pull a dagger from his belt and press it into her palm.

"For your protection," Will explained. "I love Philip too much to let anything happen to you, and you need something to help you take care of yourself. It's a good dagger. I made it myself."

"Yes, Philip said you made weapons." Syrena examined the blade. It was small, sharp, and grey. A sturdy but simple tool that in the right hands could do a lot of damage. "It is very nice. Thank you."

"Truly, it's no problem. Keep that on yourself and you should be able to protect yourself without risking exposure."

"It'll stay on my person, I promise." Syrena turned the blade over in her hand, and then a laugh escaped her lips, "It's strange, you giving me this."

"Why?"

"What would our parents think?" she chuckled. "Sarah Smith and Hector Barbossa absolutely hated each other. Yet here is Sarah Smith's son giving Hector Barbossa's daughter Sarah's favorite weapon and that daughter is so thankful."

Will looked around at the sailors when Syrena openly called herself Barbossa's daughter, "Maybe be careful how loud you say that."

She realised her error, "Oh yes. My apologies."

Both she and Will couldn't help but think Gillette was watching them a bit too closely.

Will grabbed Syrena's wrist and led her towards Norrington's cabin where – based on the muffled voices – Weatherby Swann was still yelling at Philip.

"As for the what our parents would think," Will continued, bringing them to a few barrels to take a seat. He couldn't help but think Syrena had started to really struggle with walking, likely fatigue causing the typically unused muscles to start to throw in the towel. "I think we're just going to have to let them roll in their watery graves."

Syrena laughed, "Do you think they will find each other in the Locker?"

"I hope not. From the sound of things, it would be an absolute bloodbath."

"Can you kill someone a second time in the afterlife?"

"I think my mother's going to try her absolute hardest to find that out."

They sat there talking for a little while, Will mostly asking Syrena about his family. Barbossa had been Red Dirk's navigator, in line to be his next First Mate until Salazar tragically murdered Will's uncle when he was far too young. As a result, Barbossa had thought highly of the man – the sister not so much – so he had shared with Syrena many stories about Dirk.

Not too long later, the door to the cabin opened and out emerged Weatherby Swann and Philip Swift, the former looking quite drunk and the latter looking like every ounce of energy had been sucked out of his soul. But more interesting was the fact that Philip had changed into a new outfit: a pair of tan pants, a lighter tan buttoned long coat that was left open, a greyish white tunic, a grey scarf, and a brown plaid vest that was neatly buttoned. His hair even had a new tan ribbon to tie it.

"Well, what is this?" Syrena hopped off the barrel. She intended to saunter over, but her tired legs inside made her practically trip and fall into Philip's arms. Still, she acted as if nothing at all had happened, "You know you did not have to get dressed up for me."

Philip laughed, red tinging his cheek, "No, actually my uncle insisted."

"Oh, thank you," Syrena looked to Weatherby. "That was a nice thought to have him dress nicely for me."

Weatherby sputtered in surprise that the girl took the improper grammar as the truth, "No, it actually was because I couldn't have my nephew running around in the same clothing he has been for the past month. It simply wouldn't be proper."

Will lifted a brow at Philip, but said nothing about how no one was offering Will any new outfits.

"It looks nice," Syrena looked Philip up and down. She glanced at Weatherby and then leaned in close to Philip, "Though I really do like that white shirt."

He pressed his face into her hair and whispered in her ear, "Actually since it occurred to me you would not have any sleeping garments, I've left it in the room for you to use should you wish."

She sighed at the intimate closeness, wishing he would press his face into her shoulder and neck and let his lips start exploring. Philip had the same wish, which was why he pulled away so suddenly.

"Well," Philip cleared his throat. "We should probably say goodnight. Will, you'll show me where our hammocks are?"

"Oh, uh, sure," Will scowled. He knew exactly why his friend had suddenly got so uptight, but maybe it was best they have a chat about it at another time.

"Has Elizabeth and the Commodore returned yet?" Weatherby asked.

"Haven't seen them," Will shook his head.

"Oh, they'll be a while yet," Syrena said. "They have much to talk about. Interesting conversation though."

Everyone stared at her in confusion.

"What? I'm a mermaid and it's a full moon when my powers are at their strongest," Syrena explained. "I can pretty much hear all the way to Tortuga tonight. It's only years of practice that make me able to focus right now."

Weatherby considered going back into the cabin for another drink.

"Alright, maybe it is time we turn in for the night," Will decided the best way to break the tension would be to just get this situation over with. Of course, he wanted more than anything to wish Elizabeth a good night and maybe start figuring out a way to be together, but he figured that wasn't meant to be tonight. "Philip, shall we?"

"Sure." Philip looked to Weatherby and noticed the slight sway to his stance that wasn't caused by the sea, "Uncle will you be fine tonight?"

"Fine tonight? No. Fine tomorrow? No. Fine about all this nonsense eventually? Maybe. Able to get to my cabin by myself? Mostly likely."

Philip blinked, "Do you need me to walk you?"

"Just point me in the general direction and I should be good."

"Alright, I'll say my goodnight to Syrena and then we'll take care of you."

Will seriously considered standing behind the Governor and holding him up while Philip turned his focus solely to Syrena.

"Well," he lifted Syrena's hand to his lips and he pressed a gentle kiss to the back of her hand, "you have a good night. May the Lord send you the sweetest dreams, but please if you have any affection for me, please do not murder Elizabeth in her sleep tonight."

"It is out of my affection for you that I will consider it, but I promise nothing more."

He sighed, "I guess that's progress. Well, good night."

Philip went to walk away, but Syrena tightened her grip on his hand and pulled him back.

"Are you jesting?" Syrena chuckled. "A hand kiss? That's all you're going to send me off with?"

He cocked his head and smirked, "Well, what else would you like?"

She wove her hand into his hair and pulled down his head to her lips.

It was the perfect lovers' kiss. It lingered, the pair reveling in their love's touch and taste, new and exciting. It wasn't passionate per say, but there was a heated pulse to it that made their skin flush and their friends look away.

But the sailors around them certainly didn't look away from prudish Philip Swift so openly kissing a strange girl they had rescued from pirates.

Philip lost himself in Syrena's kiss. He wanted each inch of her, to melt into her embrace until they were one flesh. When she pulled back to end the kiss, he grabbed her head and pressed her lips to his once more. Syrena sighed and pressed her body against his. His hands moved down and locked around her waist, pulling her pelvis against his. He was hungry for her taste and touch, a flame lighting in him that he had never felt before. He wanted… more.

Then Weatherby Swann loudly cleared his throat, and Philip remembered where he was.

"I'm sorry," Philip blushed as he disengaged from the kiss that had started going a bit too far. "That wasn't entirely proper."

Syrena just grinned at him, "I was not complaining. Nor would I in the future."

He shook his head, "Good night, Syrena."

"Good night, Philip." She looked to the others, "Good night, Will. Good night, Governor."

They muttered good nights in return as Syrena exited into the cabin. Then they turned to face Philip: Will with a teasing expression and Weatherby with a very tired one.

Philip pointed to Will and said, "Shut up."

"I didn't say anything."

"But you were going to."

Weatherby herded off the boys as they continued their argument which mostly involved Philip threatening to hit Will with his bible and Will asking if this was going to be a thing now.

As the boys wandered off in the direction of the stairs, Weatherby could see the grins following Philip after his little display. The jokes and the bawdy laughter began buzzing across the deck as the hottest new gossip spread like wildfire. A few men were even bold enough to approach Philip directly with their teasing, which made Weatherby's nephew grow progressive more in likeness of a tomato. Thankfully, William Turner was there to protect Philip and shoo them away.

Still the deck grew louder with laughter and gossip about the Governor's nephew and the mystery stranger that had apparently unearthed the key to his self-imposed chastity belt.

"Alright! Alright!" Governor Swann ordered when things got a bit too rambunctious. "Back to work, all of you! What would the Commodore say if he heard this ruckus?"

Reluctantly the sailors did as they were bid, and Weatherby shook his head at the sight. All of this was a level of nonsense he had never prepared for.

And yet, he couldn't help but smile as he thought of his nephew looking upon that mermaid so lovingly. Looking upon her in that same Swann way Rebecca had looked upon Nathaniel, and that Weatherby had looked upon Katherine.

Maybe eventually was a lot sooner than he thought.