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study-coffee-chicago · 17 days

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Pirate AU (An Upstead + Upton Sister Imagine)

A/N: I've been working on this one on and off since July. But, between moving out for the first time, full-time grad school, and working almost full-time, I'm finally getting it out now. Don't forget to reblog and comment! Also, the italics are the "present" and the regular font is the story/"past". I just didn't want to write almost the whole thing in italics.

Anyway, enjoy!

"The girls want a story," Duchess Natalie Halstead said to her husband, Duke Will Halstead, one night.

"And you can't tell them one because...?" Will trailed off and looked up from the letter he was writing.

"Because they say you do the voices better than me, and well, I agree on that front. So, if you would like our two lovely daughters to even think about sleeping tonight, I think you should come and tell them a story."

"How old do you think they'll have to be to go to bed without listening to a bedtime story?"

"I for one think it's adorable. Now please, I'd like to get out of this horrid corset in the next hour."

Will smirked, stood up, and pulled his wife close to him. "Only if you'll let me help you out of that corset later."

Natalie blushed. "Will, you scoundrel. Guess you've got some of your brother in you after all."

"More than just a little, love. But, I reckon you already know that."

He began kissing her, but she stopped him. "Will, the girls."

Will stopped and cleared his throat. "Right, yes. Bedtime story."

Natalie scoffed. "You men are so easily distracted, I sometimes wonder how you manage to wage war on each other."

"We have our moments of clarity. Plus, usually you're not around then to distract me."

Natalie rolled her eyes. "You're insufferable sometimes, do you understand that?"

"I do, but—"

"No, buts. C'mon."

Then, the two made their way to their oldest daughter's bedroom where both daughters were seated on the bed, impatiently awaiting a bedtime story.

"Daddy!" they squealed.

"Oh, will you tell us a bedtime story, pretty please?" The oldest asked.

He pulled up two chairs for he and his wife and then they both sat down.

"What will it be tonight?" Will asked.

"The pirate princess, oh please, Daddy!"

"Yes! The pirate princess, please!"

Natalie laughed. This was the one the girls always requested and Will must've told the story every week at this point.

But, Will would do anything to keep his daughters happy, so he began the story.

"Once upon a time, there were two girls and they were running..."

"Hailey!" you whisper-shouted. "Slow down!"

"We've got to hurry while it's still dark, Y/N. C'mon! And don't slip or else we'll be found out."

The two continued moving as fast as they could down the docks holding their skirts up so the dirty water wouldn't soak them.

They continued moving until they saw a ship with no torches lit.

"This one. Hurry."

You looked the ship up and down. The only way you could get aboard was to hold on to a rope that connected the dock to the ship and there was one rope that was connected to a rope ladder.

Your older sister, Hailey, was already on her hands and knees, preparing to grip the rope and maneuver herself across and to the ladder.

"Hailey," you hissed.

The only way to see was by the light of the moon and underneath was the dark abyss of the ocean. There was no telling what lurked below if you didn't make it across to the ladder.

"It's the only way," she told you. "I'll go first so that I can help you across if I need to." Then, she took off her shoes and stockings. "Enough with these. They'll only make it harder. You, too, Y/N. Get rid of them." Then, she dropped hers in the ocean and you tentatively took off your shoes and began working on your stockings while Hailey grabbed tightly onto the rope.

You held your breath as Hailey made her way across and thought your heart was going to stop when she took one hand off the rope and put it onto the rope ladder. Then, she moved her other hand to the ladder as well and then her feet.

"C'mon, it's simple. Just don't let go and look straight ahead," she told you.

"Hailey," you whined.

"Y/N, c'mon now. You can do it. You don't want to go back to dad after this, do you?" Hailey knew it was wrong of her to use one fear to get you to do another thing that scared you, but it was all she had at her disposal at the moment. She sighed. "I'll grab onto your hand as soon as you get close to me. Now hurry."

You crouched down just as Hailey had done and then listened to all her instructions about how to get across.

You moved across at a snail's pace, all while looking down as little as possible and trying not to think about what lay in the dark waters below.

Finally, you got to the point where you could grab onto Hailey.

She moved up on the ladder so that you had room to grab on. She left one foot dangling off, though.

"If you think you can't reach the ladder, just grab my foot."

"O- Okay."

"Now, keep your feet clamped around the rope and move one hand to the ladder."

You did so and felt your whole body shake while doing this.

Hailey directed you on how to continue and eventually, you were both securely holding onto the rope ladder that hung over the side of the ship.

Then, you climbed.

Hailey got to the top first of course.

"I'm gonna get on to the ship and then I'll reach over in case you need help."

Without giving you time to respond, Hailey made her way over the edge of the ship and onto the upper deck.

"This is the easy part," she reassured you.

And she was right, it was the easier part. You got over easily and Hailey held your arm as you made the final leap onto the ship so that your landing wouldn't be so loud as to arouse suspicion.

"Now what?" you whispered.

"Hold onto my hand," Hailey ordered. "We're going to try and find a door and it's dark, so I don't need you getting lost."

You walked around the ship for what felt like hours, and with each passing second, your palm got a little more sweaty thinking about the fact that you could be found out.

Eventually, with the help of what little you and Hailey could see by using the light of the moon, you found a door.

"Keep holding my hand," Hailey told you as she eased it open.

Hailey made her way down the first few steps, and you followed, and then she told you to close the door.

"But, Hailey! We won't be able to see!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down," she whispered sternly.

"I'm sorry, Hailey," you mumbled.

Hailey didn't respond, but you did hear a rustling close to you and then, there was a scratching sound and you could see by the light of a small flame that Hailey was holding.

She had brought matches.

"Now stay quiet," Hailey told you as the two of you began descending the stairs.

There were multiple places Hailey could've turned off of the dark staircase, but she continued down it until you got to the very bottom and, in turn, to the very last possible door.

Hailey tried the door and winced as it squeaked. She paused and held her breath, waiting for movement indicating that someone was on the ship and had heard.

But nothing came.

Hailey quickly opened the door, pulled you inside, and then reached over you to close the door as quietly as the squeaky door allowed.

The match was burning low—almost to Hailey's fingers—so she quickly shook it to extinguish it and held the dead match between her teeth. Then, she let go of your hand and quickly grabbed the packet of matches from between her dress and struck it.

"Follow me," she whispered.

You diligently followed Hailey while looking around you.

Everything around you was covered in thin blankets and netting and the few things that were uncovered were a few barrels.

You followed Hailey to the very back, to something that was covered by a blanket or tarp, you couldn't be sure.

"Hold this up while I look under it," Hailey told you and you lifted whatever kind of fabric it was so that Hailey could look underneath. "Just more barrels," she told you. "Under you go."

"What about you?" You asked.

"I'll be under after you. I want to make sure you're hidden because if there's only room for one, then I'll have to find another place to stow away."

"But, I don't—"

"Y/N, get under there. Now."

Hailey hated being this stern with you, but she'd rather this than the alternatives.

You got underneath the thick fabric and waited to see if you'd hear Hailey's footsteps moving away from you.

Instead, you felt the fabric being lifted once more and then heard Hailey blow out the match and felt her sit down next to you. There was a slight rustling as she made sure the fabric covered all of her and then, it was silent.

"How long do we stay here?" you asked Hailey.

"What did I tell you?" she asked.

"Until we don't understand what people are saying?"

"Until we don't know the language, that's right," Hailey confirmed.

"How long will that be?"

"I do not know, Y/N. I do not know."

***

12 hours later

"What I can't believe is that I'm just now learning that all five of you decided it would be a good idea to leave the ship unattended overnight. You boys are a half step above powder monkeys for god's sake and you can't even do one simple thing right. Next time I'm just gonna have to order two of you to stay on the ship. I tried to be reasonable and let you decide amongst yourselves who'd be staying, but I can't do that now, can I?" Captain Jay Halstead took a deep breath to steady himself before he exploded even more on the boys who were between the ages of sixteen and twenty. "Go check the stores in the orlop, make sure nothing was taken while you five were out gambling, drinking, getting laid, and having yourselves a grand ole' time last night."

The five youngest crew members walked away from their captain without a word to go do as they were told.

***

Hailey could feel her heart beating out of her chest as she rubbed soothing circles on your back. The seas didn't feel very choppy to her, but she had also been drunk before so she was used to the world spinning in circles while she tried to keep her composure. She'd give just about anything right now to be able to get you a cup of water or peppermint tea to help soothe your upset stomach. But, unfortunately, neither of these were options.

"It's okay. It's okay," she soothed. Luckily for both of you, you had nothing in your stomach, so you were only dry heaving. Hailey wished something— anything— would come out if only to stop you from being so miserable.

"I don't think he's being reasonable," Hailey heard someone saying. "It's not like he's never done—"

"Would you just shut up?" another voice asked. "Let's just do what we're told. I'm not losing my spot on this ship because of you."

"Y/N, I need you to be very quiet, okay?" Hailey said.

"But, I—" you tried, but were cut off by your older sister. Then you gagged again.

"Hold your breath if you have to," Hailey urged.

You took a deep breath through your nose and then held it just as the two of you heard a door swing open.

"I'll start with this side, you take that one. Check under everything, especially the food and drink stores."

Then, there were more footsteps.

You tugged on the sleeve of Hailey's dress as your eyes went wide but she just held a finger to her lips. Then, you covered your mouth and breathed as deep as you could through your nose to hold your breath again.

But, you felt the strong urge to gag and empty the contents of your stomach as the footsteps of men echoed throughout the room.

You looked at Hailey as tears came to your eyes and you opened your mouth and gagged.

Hailey squeezed her eyes shut.

"What was that?"

"Wasn't me."

"Check under everything. It sounded like it came from that way."

Footsteps grew closer and closer to where you and Hailey were hiding.

Hailey knew what she had to do. She had come on this ship to save you, and now she was going to possibly get herself in trouble to try and save you once more.

She took one last look at your pale and sweaty face and then ducked out from under the fabric.

Hailey put her hands up as all five of the boys'—they were not yet men— eyes landed on her.

"I mean you no harm."

The boy who had his hand on the sheath of his sword withdrew his hand and put it back at his side.

"What do we do?" one asked. "It's a lady."

"Go get the captain," said the one who looked the oldest.

"You're going to make me look like the crazy one? What will I say? Captain Halstead, please come to the orlop right now. There's a lady down here?"

"Yes!"

"He'll think I'm bluffing. Are you—"

"Go!"

He left and Hailey heard his footsteps bounding up the stairs and a faint call of Captain!

"How'd you get here in the first place?"

"I—"

Hailey was cut off by the sound of retching.

The one who had been talking and giving orders didn't hesitate to take a few long strides and lift up the fabric that was concealing you.

You screamed and then scrambled up and ran to Hailey.

"Two of yous. Anyone else you hiding down here?" he asked.

"No, there's no one else," Hailey answered and pushed you behind her. "Please, don't do anything to hurt us. Please."

Then, there were more thundering footsteps and a booming voice.

"If you are trying to make a fool out of me, I swear—" This man— who Hailey assumed as the captain— paused when he saw that his men hadn't actually been lying. "Oh."

"There's two of them, Captain."

You retched again and the captain moved to be able to see you hiding behind Hailey.

"One of which is a child who looks to be quite seasick," the captain said. "Come to one of the upper decks so we can help her," he offered.

Hailey stayed where she was, and in turn, so did you.

"I don't mean to harm you," the captain said. "I give you my word."

Hailey never trusted anyone easily, especially men. And she wasn't going to start now.

"Give up your sword," she said sternly.

"I beg your pardon," said the captain.

"Lay down your sword as a show of good faith and then we'll come with you."

"And how am I to know you won't pick it back up and use my own weapon against me?" he asked.

Hailey motioned to either side of her. "I'm clearly outnumbered here. It would be a death wish if I did that, don't you think?"

"Bold thing, aren't you?" Hailey kept her expression stern and didn't even so much as blink at his words. "Fine. If I set down my sword, will you both come up to one of the decks with me? I can have someone get clean water and oranges for you both."

"Correct," Hailey confirmed.

Then, with both his eyes still on this mystery girl who had snuck onto his ship, Captain Jay Halstead unsheathed his sword and laid it on the ground.

"Follow me."

You grabbed for Hailey's hand as she started to follow the captain. You'd heard stories of pirates, of them making prisoners walk the plank and how they locked others up in the lower decks and chained them up until they got to a port and could bring the prisoners to a proper prison.

Your lip began to tremble, but you bit it to stop from crying. Crying didn't help you escape your father and it wasn't going to help a pirate have mercy on you either.

You got to the top of the stairs and then the captain opened the door, the bright noon sun so blinding that you had to put a hand up over your eyes.

"One of you get oranges and drinking water for them," the captain ordered the boys who had found you and Hailey. "The rest of you, leave. Do not come to this deck unless absolutely necessary until I say so."

There was a chorus of yes, Captain and one saying that he'd get the food and drink.

The captain quickly moved two boxes. He gestured toward them. "Sit, please." Hailey skeptically looked up at him. "Please, I insist. Again, I mean you no harm."

Hailey looked at you and nodded and the two of you sat on the boxes, you still holding her hand. The captain moved closer to you both and sat down cross-legged on the deck.

All of the fear you had felt these past few minutes made you forget about your seasickness, but now that you were sitting still, you started to feel the familiar feeling of nausea.

"Hailey, I think..." you trailed off and dry heaved once more.

Hailey opened her mouth to comfort you, but the captain cut her off. "Take a few deep breaths and don't fight it," he told you. "If you fight it, you'll make it worse. Be one with the sea." He turned his attention to Hailey. "Once we get you some water and oranges, if it's okay with you, we can get her a mixture of wine and wormwood. Pirate's remedy for seasickness."

"Only a few sips," Hailey answered.

Then, there were footsteps coming toward you and the younger pirate handed you and Hailey each a glass of drinking water and two oranges. The captain then ordered him to go get the wine and wormwood mixture for you.

You were completely focused on not throwing up while you took small sips of your water and started to peel your orange that you weren't really listening to what the captain and your sister were saying. That was until you were through with your first orange and were almost done peeling your second.

What you heard made your heart drop.

"You'll have to tell me why you're here, love," the captain—he had mentioned his name but you were too busy trying not to vomit that you had forgotten it already—said. "I can't in good conscience let two ladies live with scoundrels for no good reason."

You saw Hailey hesitate, trying to figure out how much of your lives to reveal. In the end, she decided on the safest reason, which was also the reason why the two of you had run.

"Our father," she began, "he's not a good man. He's trying to marry her off to pay his debts. She's only twelve years old. We had no other choice but to run. Please, Captain Halstead. Let us stay."

You had never heard Hailey like this. She was usually so stern, so strong, so...independent. And here she was, practically begging a stranger to let the two of you stay on a pirate ship, mainly for your safety.

She'd rather have the two of you live with pirates who ruled the seven seas than have you go back home.

"I see," was all he said.

Then, he took a closer look at you. You looked like a terrified little girl, one who was not close to the eligible age of marriage. He may be a scoundrel, but he wasn't a brute.

Then, he was saved by the wine and wormwood being brought to you. The pirate handed it to him and then he held it out to you.

"Please, take it," he said. "It'll help."

You slowly reached out and grabbed it. The captain didn't let go until he knew it was securely in your grasp.

"Thank you," you softly whispered.

He knew then that he had no choice but to let you and Hailey stay. After all, when he became a pirate, he was also running from something. It wasn't dangerous, but he was trying to leave the life he was born into behind. So, in some way, he understood what you and Hailey were doing. Who was he to refuse someone the right to create their own destiny?

"I'll let you stay," Captain Halstead said. "On two conditions: One, you both sleep in my captain's quarters, and two, you call me Jay."

***

"Really, we can stay somewhere else," Hailey said to Jay once more. "We don't want to kick you out."

Jay waved his hand. "Nonsense. I can't let the two of you sleep downstairs with a bunch of smelly men. You'll be much more comfortable up here anyway. Plus, it'll help with Y/N's seasickness. You feeling better, love?" Jay asked you.

You nodded, still wary of the seemingly nice pirate.

"Good, I'm glad. If you two would like to stay here and get some rest, you are more than welcome to. Or, you can go out to the other deck we were just on. Not much to do out there now though since most of us are working after going to port yesterday."

"Thank you. I think we'll just stay in here to rest."

"Right then. Make yourselves at home. I'll bring up dinner when it's finished along with more water and some more wine and wormwood just in case."

Then, Jay nodded politely to the two girls and left his captain's quarters.

He needed to figure out what to do and he needed to do it fast.

Adam or Kevin? he thought. Adam or Kevin? Adam's the quartermaster because of how good he is at fighting and Kevin's the sailing master because of his smarts and logic...Kevin.

So, Jay made his way back down to the orlop to retrieve his sword from where he had laid it down in a show of good faith and made his way to the helm where Kevin was standing at the wheel, despite the seas being very calm today.

"Kevin, can I steal you a moment? I need to talk something over with you," Jay said.

Kevin said something to one of the men nearby him and then stepped away from the wheel. "Certainly, Captain."

"Right, follow me," Jay said. And then, remembering that the orlop was empty when he had been down there to retrieve his sword minutes ago, he started down there with Kevin in tow.

"No disrespect, Captain," Kevin began, "but why are we here?" Kevin asked as Jay was busy inspecting the areas behind barrels to ensure no other crew members were down here and that he and Kevin were really, truly alone.

"Listen, I've a bit of a problem right now and I need logical advice," Jay started and Kevin nodded, urging his captain to continue. "Last night, when we were in port, the junior crew members made one of the greatest fuck-ups of all time and left the ship unattended—"

"The entire ship? Unattended? For the whole night?" Kevin asked, flabbergasted.

"The entire ship for the whole night," Jay confirmed. "And, during that time, a woman, Hailey, and her younger sister, who's twelve years old, snuck onto the ship. We found them earlier and they're in my quarters right now. I don't know what to do."

Kevin furrowed his eyebrows. He didn't think his captain was this dense. "Drop them at the next port."

"I can't do that. The reason they snuck on here was because their father was trying to marry off the twelve-year-old, name's Y/N."

"Twelve years old?" Jay nodded. "Jesus Christ."

"Now you see my dilemma. I can't let them live with pirates nor can I, in good conscience, drop them at the next port."

"What do you think that you should do?" Kevin asked.

"You need time to figure out an answer, don't you?"

"A few moments would be nice, yes. So, enlighten me about what you plan to do with these two, Jay."

Jay sighed. "I suppose they could stay on the ship for a while, until we figure out a plan or until they feel safe enough to leave the ship."

"That's a good idea and I agree. Where will they sleep? Can't have them down there with all of us."

"God, no," Jay responded quickly. "The two will take my quarters and I'll sleep below deck with the rest of you."

"And when we get to port and leave the ship? What's your plan then?"

"We're at sea for a few more days," Jay answered. "I'll figure that out when we get that far."

***

Hailey laid in bed that night, waiting for you to fall asleep. As she held you close and shushed your whimpers due to the slight churning in your belly because of the motion of the ship on the sea—it had gotten better since the nice captain had given you that drink, but it still wasn't fully gone—, Hailey remembered how she and you had ended up in this predicament.

Hailey stumbled in the house just past five in the morning. Technically, she didn't stumble, but she tiptoed. Despite being an adult, she still had that fear of waking her father from his drunken stupor.

But, what she saw made her eyebrows furrow.

There, sitting at the table by the light of a kerosine lamp, were her mother and father. And, from the look on her mother's face, she'd been crying. Hailey scanned her over for any visible marks, but there weren't any.

"What's going on?" Hailey asked, still quiet so as not to wake you.

"None of your business, Hailey," her father said gruffly.

"Well, if mom's crying, then it damn sure is my business," she said smartly. She'd learned long ago that she could stand up to her father. Yes, sometimes she'd pay for it, but the regret had always been the worse pain of the two.

Her mother sighed. "Your sister's being married off."

Hailey didn't know if she had heard her right. Her twelve-year-old sister? Married off? She'd just started bleeding last month, surely they weren't serious.

"She's twelve!"

"She's a woman now and I have debts to pay!" her father whisper-yelled.

Hailey didn't care about waking you up now. She knew if you heard Dad yelling, you'd stay up in the loft anyway.

"She's twelve! She's still a child! Take me instead! Marry me off to whoever you planned for her!"

Her father scoffed. "You know I can't do that. Not with what you've been doing for the last however many years."

Hailey gritted her teeth. "Then lie!"

He slammed his fist on the table. Hailey looked up to the loft area where she saw you jump slightly. She quickly shook her head slightly and you turned around, scurrying back into your bed.

"Not when you've slept with half the townsmen for money!" he yelled. Hailey winced. Her mother put her head in her hands. "What's done is done."

"When?" Hailey asked. "When is she getting married?"

"A week's time," he answered.

Hailey drew a sharp intake of breath. "I need some air."

Then, she walked out into the night, trying to form a plan to get you out of this life.

She shook those thoughts from her head and listened to your even breathing, which ensured that you were asleep. Then, she finally succumbed to sleep herself because, unlike you, she found the motion of the ship on the sea quite soothing.

***

Jay felt like he'd barely slept last night. He'd forgotten how loud men snore and how uncomfortable the crewmen's beds were compared to the bed in his own quarters. But, he'd rather be the one sleeping down here instead of you and Hailey.

Quietly, he crept up the stairs and to the main deck. He knew it would be time for breakfast in about an hour and knew that most of his men would be waking soon. Because of this, he knew he needed to get out of this nightshirt and grab his sword--locked in a cabinet in his quarters, the key attached to a piece of twine and tied around his wrist for safekeeping--or else lose the respect of his crew.

So, he quietly pushed the door of his quarters open. He quickly opened the wardrobe and, with his back facing you and Hailey, he changed out of his nightshirt and into a more respectable shirt, even for a pirate.

Then, he went about opening the cabinet. After maneuvering the key into the lock and turning, he pulled out the key and then pulled the door open.

He never realized how much it creaked when it was just him in this room.

You woke with a start.

Jay heard a gasp from behind him and turned. In the dim light, he could see that you had sat up and had drawn your knees to your chest.

He fumbled with the matches on the table next to the cabinet and then struck on. Quickly, he lit the kerosine lamp.

He shook the match out and then put his hands out in front of him. "It's alright," he whispered.

You visibly relaxed when you saw that it was just Captain Jay who was in the room. You didn't think that he'd hurt you.

He grabbed his sword. "Would you like me to leave this lit?" he asked you, referring to the lamp. You nodded. "Okay. I'll come get you two when it's time for breakfast."

You nodded once more and he smiled at you. Then, he left the room and you laid back down and, after a few long minutes, fell asleep once more.

***

An hour later, Jay came back and knocked on the door.

"It's Jay," he said and Hailey told him to come in.

The two of you were sitting up in bed and she was braiding your hair. You looked up at Jay. He was carrying a pot with steam that rose from the top and two cloths were sloppily thrown over his shoulder.

"Figured the two of you might want to wash up." He set the pot and cloths down on the small table next to the lamp that he had left on an hour ago. "I'll be back in about twenty minutes to bring the two of you down to breakfast. Or, I can bring it up to you, but I figured you'd want to get out of this room."

"Going somewhere else on the ship sounds nice," Hailey said, and you agreed.

"Alright, I'll be back then to come and get you."

Then, he left the room and made his way across the ship and down one section of stairs to the kitchen. Most of his men were already there.

Good. He needed everyone—except Kevin since he's already talked to him—to be here for this. Granted, he knew the word was already spreading because things travel like wildfire on a ship, but he needed to get ahead of this...especially before the two of you came down here for breakfast.

Jay put his fingers in his mouth and let out a shrill whistle that got everyone's attention.

"Listen up, lads! We've two ladies aboard the ship! I don't want questions from anyone about how they got here because that situation has been dealt with. All you need to do is show them respect and there will be no funny business, you hear? Any of you so much as lay a finger on one of them or whisper a snide remark, I'll push you off the plank with my sword pointed at your back." He paused and looked around the room. "They'll be down here for breakfast soon, too, so I expect everyone to be on their best behavior and act like gentlemen."

Then, he turned around and strode out of the room and back upstairs.

He was about to go retrieve a telescope when a door slammed behind him. He turned to see Adam walking toward him, knife in one hand and apple in another.

"You sure it's a good idea?" Adam asked once he caught up to Jay.

Jay sighed and looked around. Barely anyone was above deck right now other than those who were lookouts or working the sails. He motioned for Adam to walk with him. Then, he moved up the staircase and told one of his men who was steering that he'd take it from here and to go get some food.

Jay's hands found the smooth edges of the ship's wheel while Adam used his knife to cut himself a piece of the apple.

"Well?" he asked once he had had a bite. "You really think it's a good idea to have two women surrounded by pirates?"

"Technically one's a girl," Jay responded, eyes still on the horizon. "More like a child."

"Jesus."

"Not like I had any other choice." So, he told Adam what he had told Kevin last night. He couldn't believe it had only been a day since you and Hailey had been on this ship; it seemed like so much longer with everything he'd had to think about regarding the two of you.

"Son of a bitch," Adam said once Jay was through. "What kind of person essentially sells off a twelve-year-old to marriage?"

Jay shook his head. "The world is a scary place...which is why we've chosen to be only on a land a fraction of the time."

"Pirate and philosopher. Who would've thought?"

Jay chuckled. "Never thought I'd even be a pirate, yet here we are. And, stop swiping food from the kitchen, would you?"

***

Breakfast went fine. Jay had stayed close to you and Hailey the whole time and you'd also met two of Jay's friends, Adam and Kevin.

Now it was nearing noontime and Hailey could tell you were getting restless. She'd asked Jay if there was any chance there was a needle and thread on board so that she could patch up a snag/small tear in the bottom of her dress. (Hailey really wasn't bothered by the tear, but wanted something to keep her hands busy and pass the time.) He'd brought her some and then the two of you sat on the small stairs below where Jay was steering the ship.

You had been staring out at the open water while Hailey had been busy fixing her dress. You sighed loudly. You were glad to be gone from your father and his wicked ways, but there was only so long that you could stare out at the vast sea before you.

Jay called over one of his men to take over the wheel. When you heard his footsteps coming towards the stairs, you looked up. Hailey looked up and then back down at her mending and then continued that. She didn't want to stick herself.

"Do you want to see a real sword fight, Y/N?" he asked.

Your eyes grew wide and you quickly nodded your head. You'd only heard stories of sword fights in fairytales!

Jay held out a hand to each of you and easily helped both of you up at the same time.

"Atwater!" Jay yelled. "How's about a duel?"

"You're on, Captain." Kevin unsheathed his sword from his belt.

Jay pointed to a set of crates and urged you and Hailey to go and have a seat.

Once the two of you were safely out of the way, Jay strode up to Kevin with a cocky swagger that only a captain of a pirate ship could have while he unsheathed his sword.

"May the best man win," Jay said.

Kevin nodded and the two began.

You watched in awe as their swords clashed and they ducked and narrowly missed the point of the sword. You watched their footwork on the ship's deck; it was like they were dancing, but it was a very dangerous dance.

Jay swept a foot in front of him, knocking Kevin's front foot out from under him. Quickly, in order to brace himself, Kevin dropped his sword. Then, he landed with a thud.

Jay leaned over him. Then, he pointed his sword at his friend's throat; it was just mere inches from actually injuring him.

"I believe that I've won," Jay said with a smirk on his face.

There were a few reasons why he had risen in the ranks and become a captain so fast, and his sword fighting skills were one of them.

"You have. Now, get that sword off me and help me off my ass, would you?"

Jay kicked Kevin's sword away from him so that he couldn't grab it on his way up. He then maneuvered his own sword and helped Kevin up his opposite hand, still on high alert in case he tried anything.

Only once Kevin was back on his feet did Jay sheath his sword.

The two shook hands, a show of good faith despite the fight being just for fun.

"I think you've a couple of admirers," Kevin said quietly.

Jay turned his head to look at you and Hailey. You were both clapping enthusiastically.

He strode over to you.

"Did you like it?" he asked, watching Hailey for any signs of discomfort. He knew some women were not fond of violence.

"It was impressive," Hailey complimented.

"That was so exciting! Can I learn how to sword fight, Hailey? Please?" you asked.

Who knew that in less than 36 hours, you'd be totally comfortable on a pirate ship?

"It's not ladylike for you to sword fight, Y/N," Hailey replied.

Jay smirked. "We're on a pirate ship, love. I think you're both well past the point of being ladylike."

It was like Jay could see the wheels turning in Hailey's brain as she mulled this over.

"Fine," she agreed. "Promise me she won't get hurt."

Jay nodded. "I promise. You have my word, Hailey."

"Okay. Go ahead. But, be careful," she told you.

You smiled. Then, you practically ran to the open space on the deck where Kevin and Jay had just been dueling. Jay just walked behind you while chuckling to himself.

But then, as he watched, he thought of how childlike you still were. Yes, you usually followed directions well from what he had gathered, but you still stared in awe at the sea and at other new things. There was no way he could imagine you getting married off.

He felt anger seethe inside him at your father for putting you through all of this.

Then, he took a deep breath. He needed to be calm while teaching.

"First," he began when he was in front of you, "we'll work on the basics. So, we'll work on how you'll stand and ensure you duck. No sword right now."

"Okay! I don't want to get hurt by pulling out the swords too early," you responded.

"Me either. I think your sister might have my head if that happened."

"She probably would," you responded. "She's very protective of me, but I know it's just because of what she's been through and that she doesn't want that for me."

Jay wanted to know what had happened, but he knew not to pry. So, he just put one foot in front of him.

"Stand like this. It's called a split stance," he instructed.

You lifted up your skirts slightly so that he'd be able to see your feet and up to a little higher than your ankles.

If you were in town, you'd be called scandalous. But, as Jay had already said, you were on a pirate ship so you didn't think those unspoken rules applied here.

Then, you stood as instructed. "Like this?"

"Perfect," Jay praised.

Hailey watched on as all of this continued and her heart swelled as she watched a man be so gentle and lighthearted with her younger sister.

You finally had the chance to be a kid—even if it was on a pirate ship—and she didn't want to take that away from you. She'd also be lying if she said that when you began working on ducking (still without the sword) that she clutched the dress she was working on and couldn't tear her eyes off of you and Jay. Every time you were safely on the other side of Jay's arm, she let out a her breath.

You were safe. He promised he wouldn't let anything happen to you. And, even though she vowed to never trust a man even if he had given her his word, for some reason, she was beginning to trust Captain Jay Halstead.

***

One week later

Hailey took Jay's hand after you were safely on land and allowed him to help her off the ship.

"Thank you," she said.

"My pleasure," Jay answered. "Now, I want both of you to stay close to me, alright?"

"I can handle myself," Hailey shot.

"While I don't doubt that, allow me to be a gentleman."

Hailey smiled. "Fine, I will allow that."

"Thank you."

Jay glanced at you. Your eyes were wide at all of the colorful dresses at the vendors. There was also a bird sitting on one vendor's shoulder as well as goats being herded into a fenced-in stall. There was a stand with freshly baked bread and pastries and one with fresh fruit. And, you couldn't even see all the way down the way to see all of them. There was already so much compared to what you had at the market in your small village!

"Where are we?" Hailey asked. She still understood the language that people were speaking, so she hoped she was still in England, but she'd no idea.

"Portsmouth, England," Jay answered. "Now, if there's anything you see that you would like, let me know. I do want to get each of you a nightgown and another dress so that you are not stuck in the dresses you've left in."

"You don't have to—"

"Please," Jay cut her off. "It would be my pleasure." Hailey nodded. Jay looked at you. "Where to first?"

"I- I don't know," you stuttered, still trying to take everything in.

"That's quite alright. You just let me know if you see something you like. I just told Hailey that each of you gets a new dress and nightgown. You can choose whatever color you want."

Your eyes widened. "Can we look at the dresses first?"

"Of course."

Then, the three of you made your way toward the stall with all of the dresses.

***

An hour later, you and Hailey had your dresses. Jay had asked for them to be wrapped in paper so that they wouldn't get dirty while the three of you continued walking. Like the gentleman he had been raised to be, Jay was carrying two of the packages, which meant that you and Hailey only had to carry one a piece.

Jay surveyed the area. He knew a tavern would be up ahead and he didn't know whether to bring the two of you inside or to leave you both outside, perhaps perusing some of the stalls close by.

He figured it would be safer to let you both stay outside. There was a pastry stall right across from the tavern where the two of you could meet him.

"I need to run in here and pick up some rum," he told you and Hailey. He noticed the way you instinctively gripped Hailey's arm at the mention of the drink. "It's mainly for my men. I'm not much of a drinker myself, especially not when we're at sea and need to be vigilant." You relaxed at his words. "But, there's a pastry stall right across. Here's some money. Get yourself each something and I'll meet you back there."

Hailey took the coins. "Thank you. Do you want something as well?"

Jay shook his head. "I'm not one for sweets."

"Alright then. C'mon, Y/N," Hailey said.

Then, you and she and you made your way to the stall that sold pastries. And Jay didn't go into the tavern until he knew that the two of you had made it to the correct stall.

After scanning the selection, you and Hailey each ordered your pastries. She decided on a blueberry muffin and you decided on a slice of lemon loaf with white icing.

Once you had the desserts, the two of you moved to the side and unwrapped them. You sighed when you breathed in the sweet, lemony scent.

"This smells like it will be the best thing I've ever tasted," you said to Hailey.

She laughed. "Well go on then. Give it a taste and tell me how you like it."

You took a bite and felt the icing melt on your tongue.

"Delicious," you sighed.

Hailey smiled and then took a bite of her muffin. "Mine is, too. We made good decisions."

Just then, a man came into their view.

"You look like you're enjoying that. Can I get you another?" he asked.

Hailey bristled. "We're fine, thank you though."

He looked at you. "What about you, love? Want another?"

"I- I'm okay with one," you said.

If Hailey said no, then you were saying no, too. And, even though you were young, you knew what could happen. Men weren't just nice to random women out of the blue on their own accord, usually they wanted something more, which was why you had been wary of Jay at first.

"Oh, c'mon, lassie. Won't cost you much later."

Hailey moved to stand in front of you.

"We said no. Thank you for the offer, but we do not need more pastries," Hailey said sternly.

As Jay walked out of the tavern with a bag full of bottles of rum, he saw Hailey standing stiffly with a man blocking some of her from view. He hoped you were behind her.

He opened the door to the tavern again.

"I'll be back for this," he yelled and then set the bag just barely inside the building.

Then he withdrew his dagger and jogged over to the pastry stand.

"Enjoy the pastry, love?" Jay asked as if nothing was wrong.

"Yes, it was very good," Hailey answered.

"I didn't realize she was—" the man started, but Jay cut him off.

"Enough with your excuses, mate. You should get out of here while you still can. It'd be in your best interest not to piss off a pirate." He began twirling the dagger between his fingers.

"Yes, sorry, have a nice day!"

Then, the man ran off.

Jay quickly put his dagger away. "Are you alright?" he asked Hailey. "Did he hurt you?" Then, he peeked over at you. "Did he hurt you?"

You shook your head.

"I don't know what he would've done if you hadn't come when you did," Hailey said. "Thank you."

"It's what any kind person would've done," Jay said, waving off the thanks. "Now, I've got to grab the rum and we'll keep walking around, yeah? And the rum is just inside the tavern and already paid for, so both of you are coming with me. Don't want that guy lurking and getting any other ideas."

***

"Captain Halstead," the man at the metals shop began when you, Jay, and Hailey entered. "What can I do for you?"

"I've a bit of a situation and all you need to know is that these two ladies need a way to protect themselves. We're here to look at your dagger selection," Jay answered.

"Daggers, Jay? I don't know..." Hailey trailed off.

"Y/N's already learning how to sword fight and I can't be there when we're in port all of the time. Please. It would keep my conscience clear if you both had something to protect yourselves."

"I get a miniature sword?!" you exclaimed.

Jay laughed. "I figure you can think of it that way, yes. We call it a dagger. So if a strange man comes up to you like one did today, you just take it out and flip it between your fingers. Should get him to back off. If not, I'll teach you a few tricks with it."

The man who owned the metals shop laughed as your eyes lit up. "Looks like you've a miniature pirate on your hands, Captain."

"She still has a bit to learn, but I think she's well on her way." Then, Jay shot a playful wink your way.

"Right then, I'll go get the daggers for you three to look at."

He walked into a back room and came out with three boxes stacked on top of each other. They looked like jewelry boxes.

He set them on the counter and flicked each of them open. "Here we are. The finest selection of daggers in Portsmouth. What suits your fancy?"

Shockingly, you stepped up before Hailey did.

You studied the daggers and their handles. Some were simple, with plain metal designs and a few ridges on the handle so that a person's grip would stay steady. But, others had more intricate designs on them, including color on the handle.

One drew your attention. The handle was of normal material, but the ridges were dyed purple and there was a gemstone embedded in the center. The blade of the dagger was curved.

"This one?" You touched the handle and looked to Jay, making sure that you'd chosen a good one.

"Good choice," Jay agreed.

"Not only is it one of the most beautiful ones I have in this shop, but the curved blade makes it one of the most dangerous," the shop owner added.

You looked at Jay, not knowing what to do next.

"Take it," he told you. "Make sure it's comfortable in your hand before you make the final decision."

You picked it up and felt the ridges of the handle pressing against your palm, contrasting with the smoothness of the gemstones.

"Let me have a look, make sure it's small enough for your hand," Jay said.

You held your hand that contained the dagger out to him, blade pointed at the floor so that you didn't accidentally injure anyone.

He furrowed his brow and studied it for a few moments.

"Looks like a perfect fit to me. Does it feel like you can grip it easily?" You nodded. "Alright, final choice."

"Yes, I like this one."

"Perfect. Hailey, your turn, love."

As you held the dagger in your hand, you felt powerful. And you never wanted to lose that feeling and you'd be damned if you lost it because of a man like how your father wanted you to.

***

Jay thought he was done with the bullshit that was drunk men after a day in port. But, alas, you and Hailey had put a wrench in that. He was currently in the belly of the ship trying to sleep, while he heard some of the men groaning from sickness due to how much they had drank—he even heard vomit splatter into a bucket—and some telling others about their escapades with women during their day in port.

So, Jay stood up and started out of there and up the stairs to the deck, anything to get out of there and get some fresh air.

***

Hailey was standing on the deck, staring out at the sea, not that she could see much because it was pitch black. The candle she'd brought from Jay's quarters flickered next to her, sitting in its holder on top of a barrel next to her.

She couldn't get Captain Jay Halstead out of her head.

And she needed to.

She knew love was dangerous.

Hell, she'd vowed to never fall in love, yet here she was.

Earlier in the day, when he held out his hand to help her back into the ship, she felt butterflies in her stomach. They were small like they had just broken out of their cocoon and were learning to fly, but they were there nonetheless.

That was when she knew she was in trouble.

She'd seen what happens when someone falls in love, which is why she vowed to never do so. She'd live her life as an old spinster if it came to that.

But, with Jay, she felt different. And that was what terrified her.

She jumped when she heard footsteps behind her.

"It's just me." She heard Jay's voice. "I couldn't sleep down there. You couldn't sleep either I presume?"

He was right up next to her now, both of them looking out at the vast, dark sea, not that they could see much of anything, though.

"No," Hailey answered.

"Good place to be on a night like this. Slight breeze to keep things moving. Warm night. And just look at those stars."

Hailey looked up just as a shooting star flew across the sky.

"Make a wish," Jay said.

She didn't know what to wish for though. Maybe more nights like this? Ones that tasted like freedom?

So, she let it pass.

Wishes didn't come true for girls like her anyway.

"I don't see stars like this back home in the city," Hailey said. "Too crowded."

Jay nodded. "One of the reasons I love the open water, just me, the stars, and well, no one can tell me what to do out here."

Hailey smiled and let out a laugh. "But you can tell others what to do?"

Jay chuckled at that. "I try to be as fair as I can."

Then, they fell into a comfortable silence as they stared up at the stars.

Jay broke the silence a couple of minutes later.

"I don't mean to pry, but why couldn't you be married off instead of Y/N? I know no one should be married off, but based on age, wouldn't it make more sense for it to be you and not her?"

Hailey swallowed. She knew this question was going to come eventually.

"Again, you can tell me to get lost if you want," reminded Jay.

"No, it's just, I don't want you to think less of me when I tell you."

Jay shook his head. "I'm a pirate, love. There's quite a bit you can say that I won't bat an eye at. Unless it's murder. That I can't excuse."

"But don't you..." Hailey trailed off.

Jay chuckled and shook his head. "As a pirate murder people?" he asked, finishing her question. "No. At least not directly. We just blow holes in their ship and hope that the other pirates know how to swim through a shipwreck. I've never slit anyone's throat if that's what you're asking."

Hailey nodded, mulling over whether or not she wanted to tell him about her past.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Jay reiterated.

"But you've done so much for me and Y/N, I probably should," Hailey said.

Jay quickly shook his head. "I never expected anything of you, Hailey. Just because I've helped you, doesn't mean I'm privy to your life story. That's yours to tell whenever you feel comfortable doing so."

Hailey closed her eyes and then opened them. Here goes nothing.

"Well, when me and Y/N ran and came on your ship, we thought we'd be hiding in the belly of it the whole time. Never imagined someone would help us out. It has always been us against the world and every man or woman for themselves."

Jay looked at her intently. He wanted to reach out to hold her hand, but he restrained himself. "I see," was all he said.

"Trust me, I wish it were me who could be married off. But, I can't. Everyone knows what I am: a whore."

"Hailey—" Jay reached out his hand, but she stepped back, so he put it down.

"No! It's true! I was sleeping with anyone who would pay me so that I had a chance to get out. And look where that got me. The only chance I had to save my sister, was gone because of my stupid decisions. But, I couldn't let her go with a man, she's just a child! And I couldn't let her stay home because our dad likes to talk with his fists. It's all my fault."

Hailey's legs buckled, the weight of everything being out in the open making her feel faint.

Jay quickly grabbed onto one of her arms. "I've got you," he said gently. "Let's go sit over here, yeah?"

Hailey nodded and Jay led her over to a stack of crates and didn't let go of her until she was safely sitting down. Then, he went back to grab the candle that was burning low and came back and sat on a crate opposite her.

"Are you alright?" Jay asked.

"Yes, I think I'm fine now. I don't know what happened."

"Just getting it all out in the open may have been too much for you," Jay began. "But I'm glad you told me."

Hailey sighed. "If I wouldn't have done that then maybe we wouldn't be in the predicament!" Her voice broke with her next words. "It's all my fault, Jay."

He reached for her hand and gently clasped it with his. "It's not your fault, love. You were trying to do what was best for the two of you."

"I just don't want her to turn out like me. She shouldn't have to turn tricks to get what she wants and—"

"She won't have to," Jay cut her off. "Not if I can help it."

Hailey looked up at him as a few tears ran down her cheeks. "What?"

"You two can stay here as long as you need. Hell, you can make it your home if you like. I know what it's like to run from something and you two shouldn't have to run anymore and live your lives in fear."

Hailey wanted to ask what he was running from, but she didn't want to pry and be considered improper, so she just said, "Running isn't easy. Leaving family, even though I hated my dad, I loved my mom, and leaving her wasn't easy."

"I understand," Jay agreed. "I left a life of luxury to come live as a pirate."

Hailey furrowed her brows. "What?"

"It's a bit of a long story. Are you sure you want to hear it?"

"If you don't mind telling me."

"Alright then." He paused. "At the time I left, I was sixth in line for the throne. My brother, Will, was fifth and my father was fourth. He was a duke. And, that gave me privileges and a very nice childhood. I won't bore you with the details.

"But then, my mother died of the fever. Some say it was brought on by the cholera outbreak and that a servant may have brought in that disease with them when they came to work, but I didn't care who brought it in or how my mother got sick. All I knew was that she was gone.

"My father was never the same after that. He was constantly drinking ale and wine. So, my brother, Will, and I were schooled harder in political and geographical relationships than ever before because everyone knew that my father was unfit to take the throne if the time came for him to do so.

"I realized that I couldn't live like this. I know it seems quite stupid compared to yours and Y/N's predicament, but I couldn't just sit around in a posh mansion and learn of all of these things that might not even be of use to me. I wanted to make my own fate.

"So, one night, I left. I slipped a note under Will's door explaining that I was leaving and I'd write when I could. I advised him to burn the note once he was finished reading.

"I bought some commoner's clothes from a nearby village at first light and made my way to the docks, looking for work. One of the ship captains offered me a spot on their ship as a crew member. I quickly moved up in the ranks due to my sword-fighting abilities. That was fifteen years ago and now I'm captain of my own ship.

"So, I know what it's like to want freedom and chase after it with all your might."

Hailey was stunned. She had never imagined that this was the story of how Captain Jay Halstead came to be. She knew that the shock was written on her face, so instead of expressing it verbally, she asked, "Do you and your brother still write each other? What of your father?"

"He drank himself to death," Jay answered without emotion. "As for Will, I write him every month or two. He's married now and has two little girls. He's active in politics and has fulfilled his duties as a duke."

Jay was speaking matter-of-factly now. Hailey knew he was trying not to show emotion.

"You miss him," Hailey stated. Jay nodded. "Will you ever go back?"

Jay thought for a moment. He'd be lying if he said that this hadn't crossed his mind on hot, stifling days when the summer sickness was going around the ship. "It's been years since I've left. I think I've a good thing going here and I don't want to ruin it by leaving."

Hailey nodded. She was starting to feel the same way with this ship.

"Have you thought of where you're going to go yet?" Jay probed.

Hailey tilted her head. Realistically, she hadn't really thought about this since the day after Jay found her and you hiding in the belly of the ship.

"I said we'd leave when I can't understand the language. Maybe I'll still do that."

Jay nodded. "Well, if you like, one of Kevin's closest friends, Vanessa Rojas, is a native of Spain. I'm sure she'd be able to help build your life back up in Spain if that is what you want to do."

"And it wouldn't be a bother to stay there?"

"Oh, no," Jay said quickly. "She vowed to never get married, for similar reasons such as your own, so sometimes she's mentioned that she gets lonely at times. I'm sure she'd love to have you. Would you like me to write her and ask?"

"Um, sure." Was Jay trying to get rid of her?

"Again, you can stay on this ship as long as you want, love. I'd be happy to have you and Y/N. And, the longer you're here, the more Y/N can hone her sword-fighting skills."

Hailey threw her head back and laughed. "Oh, don't remind me!"

Jay suddenly became serious. "I mean it, Hailey. You can stay here as long as you need. I—." He suddenly cut himself off.

Hailey gave him a puzzled look. "You what?"

"It's just that, I haven't been this happy at sea for long time. I love it, but having you and Y/N here just makes it so much better for whatever reason."

Hailey blushed and was glad that it was dark and hoped the candle didn't give enough light for Jay to see the effect his words had on her.

Then, he said the words she never thought to hear him speak: "Dance with me."

She cannot help it. A laugh escaped her lips as a smile stretched across her face. "What?"

He stood up and held a hand out to her. "Dance with me."

She took it. "But we've no music."

He began to hum. "Now we do."

Hailey laughed and threw her head back. Then, she took his hand and the two began to dance under the light of the moon. Jay hummed along with the sound of the water gently moving all around them, calming her. Soon, her eyelids began to droop and her movements became slower.

Jay noticed this and helped her back to his quarters. He turned around while she got dressed.

"You don't have to stay you know," she said as she pulled on her nightgown.

He smiled slightly. "By the way you were moving, yes I do. Can't have you falling over from tiredness."

She began to laugh and then quickly placed her hand over her mouth. You were sleeping peacefully, and she did not want to wake you.

Hailey moved closer to the bed and began to pull the thick blankets over her. "You can turn around now."

Jay does and strides over to her. He takes the blankets in his hands and smooths them over her.

She shook her head playfully and smiled. "You don't need to tuck me in as if I am a child, Jay."

Jay shrugged. "Sometimes it's nice to be cared for. Let me do that for you."

She laid her head down on the pillow. Then, Jay leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"Good night, Hailey."

"Good night, Jay."

And then, he blows out the candle, turns off the kerosine lamp, and leaves the room. Hailey feels the smile on her face until she falls asleep. And, in her dreams, she dreams of Captain Jay Halstead.

***

The next afternoon, you were standing on the deck in your new dress with your dagger gripped tightly in your hand.

"Loosen your grip, love," Jay coaxed. "Just like the sword, you want to have enough grip on it so that it can stay in your hand, but also so that you can move swiftly and quickly."

"But what if it falls out of my hand?" you asked.

"With practice, we'll make sure that doesn't happen."

Hailey watched from afar, thankful that Jay was only using a piece of wood as his pretend dagger. He knew you didn't know how to dodge a blade yet, and he didn't want to hurt you while teaching you how to use your dagger and get out of the way of others.

"Now, I want you to jab right under my arm, like this."

He jabbed the air and then pointed right under his arm.

"Now you try."

So you did. You jabbed your arm forward and hit the air right under his arm. And Jay didn't even flinch!

"Good job! Now try and keep your arm tight, like this." He demonstrated again and kept his muscles tight this time. "This helps with controlling the blade."

Hailey would be lying if she didn't blush when Jay pulled his arm muscles taut when he jabbed again.

After a few more minutes of practicing this, you and Jay moved on to footwork and making sure that you could control the blade even when your feet stumbled.

Hailey was watching from afar and when your foot caught, her heart caught in her throat. She did not need you to be injured while on a pirate ship of all places. But then, Jay quickly reached out to grab ahold of you and helped you back up. Who would've ever thought that one of the most famous pirates of the seven seas was so caring and gentle when need be?

***

Jay and Hailey were once again standing on the deck late at night, gazing up at the stars. You had talked her ear off earlier and described every minute detail of what you and Jay did and what he had taught you earlier in the day.

"Y/N loved her lessons today, thank you," Hailey said.

Jay smiled. "I'm glad. You'll have to let me teach you sometime."

Hailey laughed. "I don't plan on being aboard a ship my whole life, Jay."

"And you think Y/N does?"

"I don't know. I can't leave her here, but I wouldn't be shocked if she begs to stay. She seems...happy here."

"Freedom and the seven seas will do that to a person. My first few days, I was nervous that my family would find me, but then as we got further from the land, I felt freer than I had felt since I was young. Maybe the fresh air had something to do with that, too," Jay joked.

They stood in content silence and Hailey took the chance to lean into him and rest her head on his chest.

"I've been thinking," Jay began and pushed a strand of Hailey's hair behind her ear, "I just finished the letter to Vanessa and will mail it at the next port. It's up to you though. You and Y/N can stay here as long as you want. But, if you're here a long time, I'm going to have to teach you how to fight one of these days."

"Hmm," Hailey hummed. Let's just enjoy the stars right now."

"They're beautiful. Just like you."

***

One week later

"Now, remember what I told you," Jay advised, "Adam's left side is the weak side—"

Jay was cut off by bells ringing.

"They're coming from the east, Captain!"

Jay cursed and quickly stood up.

"Everyone to your posts!" he yelled. "Girls, my quarters, I'll be in there when I can! To your positions!"

You didn't know what was going on, but you knew it was bad as Jay took off running while he unsheathed his sword. Then, Hailey quickly grabbed your arm and the two of you ran towards Jay's quarters.

As you were running, you saw what was coming: another pirate ship.

***

Jay knew he'd prepared him and his crew for this. Hell, he'd been in too many battles to count, but he'd never had to worry about women being on the ship if this were to happen.

"Canons?" Jay asked as Adam came up to him.

"Being loaded as we speak."

"Someone's guarding the food and water?"

"Two."

"Good. What could they have that we want?"

They hadn't been on a raid in weeks, so they were running low on valuables. They'd only been to one port after the one where Jay had bought you and Hailey dresses and daggers, but that was a week and a half ago.

Jay started to hear creaking and yelling.

"Here they come."

***

You and Hailey stood quiet in Jay's quarters. You had your dagger gripped tightly in your right hand, just as Jay had taught you.

The second you heard yelling, Hailey thought that you'd get scared and grab her hand. But you didn't. You kept your eyes trained on the door and bent your legs, preparing if someone were to come in.

It felt like ages before you heard it: the pounding on the door. All that was heard before that was men yelling and the clashing of swords.

Hailey pushed you behind her just as the door broke open.

"Well, well, well," one raggedy old pirate began, "we heard Halstead had a girl, we just didn't think one would be so young."

"Don't touch her!" Hailey yelled. "You want someone? Take me!"

"Fine." He quickly yanked Hailey into him, causing her dagger to clatter to the floor.

"Make her watch," the raggedy one said and pushed her to the man behind her.

She started yelling and kicking, but there was no way the man would let go.

What was it Jay said earlier? Go for the weak side and catch him off guard.

You quickly saw that he had his dagger in his right hand, meaning that his left side was his weaker one.

You lunged.

You don't really remember what happened next, but you do know that you jammed your dagger as far into his thigh as you could.

Then, you heard a pop!

"Get the fuck off my ship unless you want me to try this new toy out on you!"

Jay.

Then, there was silence. And then, the sound of more yelling and quick footsteps and splashes. The other pirates swimming for their lives.

"I'd let her go if I were you."

Jay was holding the small revolver he'd taken from a rival pirate to the other pirate's head. Adam ran up and pointed his sword at the throat of the raggedy one that you stabbed.

"Someone come get this fucker off the ship!" Adam bellowed.

The one who was holding Hailey rushed forward.

Jay held his revolver to the back of the pirate's head as he helped the raggedy one to the side of the ship. He and Adam watched as the two climbed into a dingy and then got lifted into their normal ship.

"Keep the canons loaded," Jay ordered Adam. "Just in case they try anything."

Then, he ran back over to you and Hailey.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" he asked.

Hailey shook her head. "I- We're okay. Y/N got him just in time. And then you came and— I need to sit down."

Jay held Hailey's arm as he helped her back into his quarters and onto the bed. You sat down next to her.

"I did it," you told him proudly, not grasping the gravity of what could have happened. "I went for his weak side and caught him off guard. Then I got him in the leg and he fell down and then you came."

Jay's eyes went wide and Hailey gave him a subtle nod.

"Still think she's not a pirate?" Jay asked with a joking sparkle in his eyes.

"She might be now."

"Well, in any case, I say the two of you spend a couple weeks in Spain with Vanessa. Enjoy land for a while."

"Will you be there?" you asked quickly.

"Not at first," Jay answered.

"But you'll come back, right?"

"I promise, I'll come back."

He gave Hailey a kiss on the forehead and then bent down to your height.

"You did so, so good today. I'm so proud of you."

Then you gasped. "My dagger! It's still in his leg!"

Jay threw his head back and laughed. "We'll get you another one when we dock in Spain. I promise. But tomorrow, I say we start teaching your sister how to fight. What do you say?"

Will looked down at his sleeping daughters.

"And then Y/N and Hailey went to Spain, Jay got Y/N a new dagger, and a year later, Jay and Hailey were married. Y/N's now the first mate on Jay's ship, no matter how much that sometimes scares Hailey."

Natalie gave her husband a look. "That last part's new."

"Well, I learned some new information."

"What?"

"Come with me."

Will took his wife's hand and led her to his office. There, he pulled out a stack of letters that dated back years.

"You're still in contact with him?"

"I have been since he left home. He always sent a letter every six months with his port. I just...never told you until now because I didn't want to scare you about Jay coming back and turning our girls into pirates."

Natalie shook her head. "I'm never scared of that. I don't think they'd leave, but if they did, I trust your brother and Y/N and Hailey to take good care of them. Maybe one day I can even meet him."

"Maybe. Those three don't stay on land for long, though."

"Once a pirate, always a pirate," Natalie said.

When Will and Natalie went to bed that night, they talked about what it would be like to sail on the seven seas. They knew they wouldn't last, but Jay, you, and Hailey wouldn't be able to stand living in a castle all of the time.

Everyone had their things, and if Hailey had known all those years ago that she'd be married and live happily ever after with a duke turned pirate, she wouldn't have been able to believe it.

But, despite the challenges, the Halstead brothers, their wives, and you, all got your own version of happily ever after.

A/N: Thanks for reading and don't forget to reblog and comment! And, if you want to be added to my taglist, just let me know and I can add you!

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