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Description
"All hands! All hands!"

You stirred from your sleep. You stretched and blinked your eyes open. Looking around the cabin a bit, you realized you were alone. You sat up and got dressed. You walked over to the large dresser and pulled out the new dress your fiancé bought for you. You washed up at the washing bowl and looked in the mirror. You smiled at yourself and walked over to the door.

You opened the door just a bit and the sunlight came flooding in. You leaned against the doorpost and heard your dear fiancé speak to his crew.

"Now I am sure you are all familiar with a certain pirate that haunts the Mediterranean."

"Aye," the crew replied.

"Our glorious queen has told us to capture this criminal who has been raiding our ports and many other ports of the world. Well men, I called you all here to tell you that our search has come to an end. This morning, our watchman has spotted him. I want all of you to go to your battle stations and be strong. Is that understood?"

"Aye, Captain Edelstein!" the crew yelled. They shuffled around the deck, getting the cannons ready for fire. You came out of the door to greet your captain. You came up behind him and tapped him on his right shoulder and retreated to his left.

"Good morning, my dear _________," he grabbed your hand delicately and kissed it.

"Good morning, Roderich," you smiled and stared into his purple eyes, "Going to capture a pirate today?"

"Not just any pirate, my dear, the wicked and feared Captain Beilschmidt. Now I want you to stay inside my cabin with our ship's maid, Elizaveta, alright?"

"I don't understand why you brought me with you if I can't do anything, but be locked up," you teased.

"I need your company, _________," he kissed your forehead, "Now, go inside. Your breakfast is on my desk."

You nodded and went back inside the Captain's quarters. You found Elizaveta there, "Good morning, _________," she said.

"Good morning. Exciting isn't it? Catching a pirate!" you laughed.

"It's going to be rough, but yes."

"Roderich is such a worry-wart! I'm not a delicate lady. He has me locked up in here most of the time," you took a bite of your bread.

"But it sure is dangerous up there. Captain Edelstein is a very brave man, and you should be thankful that he protects you."

"Yes, but sometimes being over-protected can be—,"

"FIRE!!" you heard Roderich yell. The ship shook with the sound of the cannons firing. In the distance you heard Captain Beilschmidt's vessel firing back as well. You were anticipating feeling a hit from the Prussian's cannon, but nothing. After many exchanges of firing, you heard the crew cheering outside.

Roderich came running through the door with a huge smile upon his face. "__________! We've done it! We've done it!" he grabbed you by the waist and twirled you around, "We caught him! We caught the most dangerous man in the world!" he set you down and planted a kiss on your forehead. You smiled and laughed.

He then went over to Elizaveta and gave her a huge hug as well. They looked into each other's eyes, and then Roderich grabbed your hand and led you onto the deck with the cheering crew. You looked over the side and saw a rowboat coming back with a tied up albino. He was brought onto the deck, and the whole crew scoffed and laughed at his failure.

Roderich put your arm in the crook of his and walked up to Captain Beilschmidt. His red eyes met yours. They grew wide, but you turned your eyes away. Roderich spoke, "You are under arrest for causing fear, terror, and robbery upon the Mediterranean. You are to be held in the cellar of this ship until we reach our great homeland. Is that understood Captain?"

Beilschmidt gave a snort. He was then dragged into the main hold. "You were brave, Captain Edelstein," you said.

"Oh, you really think so?" he smiled.

"Yes, and I can be just as brave."

"Really? Is that so?"

"Yes, it is," you put a sly grin on your face.

"Shall we test that then?" he said, putting the same grin on.

"Go ahead. I'm brave enough for anything."

"You are to deliver Captain Beilschmidt's meals to him everyday until we get back home, then."

"What? You're making me do wh—?" then you remembered, "Fine, I shall do it. You call that a challenge?" Dear Lord, what did I get myself into? I have to give the pirate his meals! I'm doing this to prove a point. I can do this.

"First meal is in two hours," then Roderich walked away humming. You gave a loud sigh, and walked back to his quarters.

"What troubles you, _________?" Elizaveta asked.

"I just made a stupid deal. I have to give Beilschmidt's meals to him everyday."

"What? Why?"

"I'm trying to prove I'm brave." Elizaveta shook her head and chuckled.

The two hours went by quickly. You went over to the galley and picked up the tray of hardtack and salted meat. The main hold was opened for you and you walked down to the cellar. You saw the Captain sitting there on the little stool in his cell. He heard you and looked up. Handsome. Why does he have to be handsome?

"Why hello there," his red eyes met yours.

"I'm only here to give you your meals Mr. Beilschmidt," you set the tray down.

"Whatever did happen to my awesome 'captain' title?"

"I think you're unworthy of that title."

"Well then just don't call me 'Mr.' Beilschmidt. It makes the awesome me sound old."

"What do I call you then?"

"Gilbert."

"Gilbert," you repeated sounding slightly annoyed.

"And what is your name, dearest?" he leaned forward.

"That is none of your business."

"So what do I call you? Fiancé-of-the Captain?" he made a wry face.

"How do you know I'm engaged to Roderich?"

"The awesome me saw your ring. Duh!" he ruffled his white hair. You have had enough. You kicked the tray through the slot at the bottom of the cell and started walking towards the stairs. "If you're coming down here three times a day, shouldn't I know your lovely name?" he called.

You stopped halfway up the stairs, "It's _________," and then you left the cellar back into the fresh air.

The next couple of days were all right. Gilbert annoyed you to death so you just dropped off his tray and left most of the time. Today, however, was different. Instead of him sitting at the edge of his cell, he was huddled in the far corner.

"Gilbert, I brought your dinner," you said. He didn't budge. "Hello, Gilbert?"

You set the tray down and sat in front of his cell waiting for a response. "What's wrong? You're usually so eager."

"I should be, shouldn't I?" you heard him say morosely. The sadness in his voice caught your attention.

"Gilbert, what's bothering you?" he turned his head slightly. That tone of care in your voice triggered something, "Are you upset that Roderich captured you?"

"I've gotten over that quickly, _______. Just leave, alright?"

You gently put the tray through the slot and turned around and left. Just as you were halfway up the stairs, "Wait, no! Don't leave the awesome me!" you stopped and turned to him. His hands were gripping the bars and those red eyes were staring at you.

You slowly walked over to his cell. "I'm just so lonely down here. I look forward to seeing you because," you sat down in front of him, "you keep me company."

You pitied the poor man. Loneliness is something we all experience, and it's the worst thing in the world. "If you'd like, I can stay down here longer so you and I can talk more."

"Ja! Ja! Thank you!" he grabbed your hand and kissed it lightly. You blushed and something in your heart fluttered. Why were you flattered?

You cleared your throat and said, "I must be going now, Gilbert. Roderich is expecting me for tea. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

He gave you a sweet grin and nodded. You couldn't help but smile. You made your way to the cabin to have tea with Roderich. Elizaveta accompanied the two of you as you made wedding plans.

The ship was to be arriving in Italy two weeks from that day. A month later was to be your wedding. You couldn't sleep soundly that night. That feeling you had with Gilbert. You've never felt that way before, even with Roderich. You shook off the thought and went back to bed.

Early the next morning you went to give Gilbert his breakfast. "Good morning," you said as you sat down in front of his cell.

"Good morning, _________. Sleep well?" he asked.

"Yes," you lied, "You?"

"Well you know the floor isn't the softest thing," the conversation continued. He was charming when he laughed.

You came back later with his lunch and a blanket. "Here, you can fold it up and use it as a mattress."

"Danke, fair ________," you smiled at his response, "I have a question."

"What is it? You can ask me anything."

"Why do you love the Captain?" he asked.

Why do you love the Captain? It was an arranged marriage. Since you're forced to marry him, you have convinced yourself that you do love him, but do you?

"Why should I not?" you said.

"Well you're going to be his bride."

That's right. You're going to spend the rest of your days with Roderich. Do you want to? Gilbert understands, though. You feel comfortable with him.

"It's rather complicated. Right now, I don't know if I do want that."

"What's holding you back?" those longing red eyes made you turn away.

"Nothing," you stood up and left.

Confused. Are you loving and trusting a pirate?

You went back to the Captain's quarters. You found Roderich and Elizaveta kissing. You stood at the door. Tears welded up. Roderich stopped and looked at you with eyes of guilt. He shoved Elizaveta away and walked towards you. You ripped off your engagement ring, threw it down, and ran away.

He called after you, but you didn't listen. What will your father think? He broke his promise. You can't be with a guy like that!

You ran to the main hold and locked the hatch. You ran to Gilbert's cell and sobbed while gripping the bars. He quickly came to you and grabbed your hands. "_______, what's wrong? What happened?"

Between your sobs you said, "Roderich is a lying, cheating… he was kissing the ship's maid! How could he?!"

"______, it's ok. It's all right. I'm here," he stretched his arms out and hugged you. You wished you could cry on his shoulder, but the bars were in the way.

"He never did love me, I suppose," you said.

"And you never loved him, right?" Gilbert asked.

"I did, but things changed."

"_______."

"Yes?"

"Don't be with him. Don't leave me to die in prison. Be with me. I love you," he placed a hand on your cheek and wiped the tears away.

"Gilbert, I love you too. I don't know if I can help you, though. I want to run away with you, but I don't know if I'm brave enough."

"_______, you are brave enough. You're brave enough to trust a pirate. How can you be braver than that?" he brought you in for a kiss.

Description
"All hands! All hands!"

You stirred from your sleep. You stretched and blinked your eyes open. Looking around the cabin a bit, you realized you were alone. You sat up and got dressed. You walked over to the large dresser and pulled out the new dress your fiancé bought for you. You washed up at the washing bowl and looked in the mirror. You smiled at yourself and walked over to the door.

You opened the door just a bit and the sunlight came flooding in. You leaned against the doorpost and heard your dear fiancé speak to his crew.

"Now I am sure you are all familiar with a certain pirate that haunts the Mediterranean."

"Aye," the crew replied.

"Our glorious queen has told us to capture this criminal who has been raiding our ports and many other ports of the world. Well men, I called you all here to tell you that our search has come to an end. This morning, our watchman has spotted him. I want all of you to go to your battle stations and be strong. Is that understood?"

"Aye, Captain Edelstein!" the crew yelled. They shuffled around the deck, getting the cannons ready for fire. You came out of the door to greet your captain. You came up behind him and tapped him on his right shoulder and retreated to his left.

"Good morning, my dear _________," he grabbed your hand delicately and kissed it.

"Good morning, Roderich," you smiled and stared into his purple eyes, "Going to capture a pirate today?"

"Not just any pirate, my dear, the wicked and feared Captain Beilschmidt. Now I want you to stay inside my cabin with our ship's maid, Elizaveta, alright?"

"I don't understand why you brought me with you if I can't do anything, but be locked up," you teased.

"I need your company, _________," he kissed your forehead, "Now, go inside. Your breakfast is on my desk."

You nodded and went back inside the Captain's quarters. You found Elizaveta there, "Good morning, _________," she said.

"Good morning. Exciting isn't it? Catching a pirate!" you laughed.

"It's going to be rough, but yes."

"Roderich is such a worry-wart! I'm not a delicate lady. He has me locked up in here most of the time," you took a bite of your bread.

"But it sure is dangerous up there. Captain Edelstein is a very brave man, and you should be thankful that he protects you."

"Yes, but sometimes being over-protected can be—,"

"FIRE!!" you heard Roderich yell. The ship shook with the sound of the cannons firing. In the distance you heard Captain Beilschmidt's vessel firing back as well. You were anticipating feeling a hit from the Prussian's cannon, but nothing. After many exchanges of firing, you heard the crew cheering outside.

Roderich came running through the door with a huge smile upon his face. "__________! We've done it! We've done it!" he grabbed you by the waist and twirled you around, "We caught him! We caught the most dangerous man in the world!" he set you down and planted a kiss on your forehead. You smiled and laughed.

He then went over to Elizaveta and gave her a huge hug as well. They looked into each other's eyes, and then Roderich grabbed your hand and led you onto the deck with the cheering crew. You looked over the side and saw a rowboat coming back with a tied up albino. He was brought onto the deck, and the whole crew scoffed and laughed at his failure.

Roderich put your arm in the crook of his and walked up to Captain Beilschmidt. His red eyes met yours. They grew wide, but you turned your eyes away. Roderich spoke, "You are under arrest for causing fear, terror, and robbery upon the Mediterranean. You are to be held in the cellar of this ship until we reach our great homeland. Is that understood Captain?"

Beilschmidt gave a snort. He was then dragged into the main hold. "You were brave, Captain Edelstein," you said.

"Oh, you really think so?" he smiled.

"Yes, and I can be just as brave."

"Really? Is that so?"

"Yes, it is," you put a sly grin on your face.

"Shall we test that then?" he said, putting the same grin on.

"Go ahead. I'm brave enough for anything."

"You are to deliver Captain Beilschmidt's meals to him everyday until we get back home, then."

"What? You're making me do wh—?" then you remembered, "Fine, I shall do it. You call that a challenge?" Dear Lord, what did I get myself into? I have to give the pirate his meals! I'm doing this to prove a point. I can do this.

"First meal is in two hours," then Roderich walked away humming. You gave a loud sigh, and walked back to his quarters.

"What troubles you, _________?" Elizaveta asked.

"I just made a stupid deal. I have to give Beilschmidt's meals to him everyday."

"What? Why?"

"I'm trying to prove I'm brave." Elizaveta shook her head and chuckled.

The two hours went by quickly. You went over to the galley and picked up the tray of hardtack and salted meat. The main hold was opened for you and you walked down to the cellar. You saw the Captain sitting there on the little stool in his cell. He heard you and looked up. Handsome. Why does he have to be handsome?

"Why hello there," his red eyes met yours.

"I'm only here to give you your meals Mr. Beilschmidt," you set the tray down.

"Whatever did happen to my awesome 'captain' title?"

"I think you're unworthy of that title."

"Well then just don't call me 'Mr.' Beilschmidt. It makes the awesome me sound old."

"What do I call you then?"

"Gilbert."

"Gilbert," you repeated sounding slightly annoyed.

"And what is your name, dearest?" he leaned forward.

"That is none of your business."

"So what do I call you? Fiancé-of-the Captain?" he made a wry face.

"How do you know I'm engaged to Roderich?"

"The awesome me saw your ring. Duh!" he ruffled his white hair. You have had enough. You kicked the tray through the slot at the bottom of the cell and started walking towards the stairs. "If you're coming down here three times a day, shouldn't I know your lovely name?" he called.

You stopped halfway up the stairs, "It's _________," and then you left the cellar back into the fresh air.

The next couple of days were all right. Gilbert annoyed you to death so you just dropped off his tray and left most of the time. Today, however, was different. Instead of him sitting at the edge of his cell, he was huddled in the far corner.

"Gilbert, I brought your dinner," you said. He didn't budge. "Hello, Gilbert?"

You set the tray down and sat in front of his cell waiting for a response. "What's wrong? You're usually so eager."

"I should be, shouldn't I?" you heard him say morosely. The sadness in his voice caught your attention.

"Gilbert, what's bothering you?" he turned his head slightly. That tone of care in your voice triggered something, "Are you upset that Roderich captured you?"

"I've gotten over that quickly, _______. Just leave, alright?"

You gently put the tray through the slot and turned around and left. Just as you were halfway up the stairs, "Wait, no! Don't leave the awesome me!" you stopped and turned to him. His hands were gripping the bars and those red eyes were staring at you.

You slowly walked over to his cell. "I'm just so lonely down here. I look forward to seeing you because," you sat down in front of him, "you keep me company."

You pitied the poor man. Loneliness is something we all experience, and it's the worst thing in the world. "If you'd like, I can stay down here longer so you and I can talk more."

"Ja! Ja! Thank you!" he grabbed your hand and kissed it lightly. You blushed and something in your heart fluttered. Why were you flattered?

You cleared your throat and said, "I must be going now, Gilbert. Roderich is expecting me for tea. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

He gave you a sweet grin and nodded. You couldn't help but smile. You made your way to the cabin to have tea with Roderich. Elizaveta accompanied the two of you as you made wedding plans.

The ship was to be arriving in Italy two weeks from that day. A month later was to be your wedding. You couldn't sleep soundly that night. That feeling you had with Gilbert. You've never felt that way before, even with Roderich. You shook off the thought and went back to bed.

Early the next morning you went to give Gilbert his breakfast. "Good morning," you said as you sat down in front of his cell.

"Good morning, _________. Sleep well?" he asked.

"Yes," you lied, "You?"

"Well you know the floor isn't the softest thing," the conversation continued. He was charming when he laughed.

You came back later with his lunch and a blanket. "Here, you can fold it up and use it as a mattress."

"Danke, fair ________," you smiled at his response, "I have a question."

"What is it? You can ask me anything."

"Why do you love the Captain?" he asked.

Why do you love the Captain? It was an arranged marriage. Since you're forced to marry him, you have convinced yourself that you do love him, but do you?

"Why should I not?" you said.

"Well you're going to be his bride."

That's right. You're going to spend the rest of your days with Roderich. Do you want to? Gilbert understands, though. You feel comfortable with him.

"It's rather complicated. Right now, I don't know if I do want that."

"What's holding you back?" those longing red eyes made you turn away.

"Nothing," you stood up and left.

Confused. Are you loving and trusting a pirate?

You went back to the Captain's quarters. You found Roderich and Elizaveta kissing. You stood at the door. Tears welded up. Roderich stopped and looked at you with eyes of guilt. He shoved Elizaveta away and walked towards you. You ripped off your engagement ring, threw it down, and ran away.

He called after you, but you didn't listen. What will your father think? He broke his promise. You can't be with a guy like that!

You ran to the main hold and locked the hatch. You ran to Gilbert's cell and sobbed while gripping the bars. He quickly came to you and grabbed your hands. "_______, what's wrong? What happened?"

Between your sobs you said, "Roderich is a lying, cheating… he was kissing the ship's maid! How could he?!"

"______, it's ok. It's all right. I'm here," he stretched his arms out and hugged you. You wished you could cry on his shoulder, but the bars were in the way.

"He never did love me, I suppose," you said.

"And you never loved him, right?" Gilbert asked.

"I did, but things changed."

"_______."

"Yes?"

"Don't be with him. Don't leave me to die in prison. Be with me. I love you," he placed a hand on your cheek and wiped the tears away.

"Gilbert, I love you too. I don't know if I can help you, though. I want to run away with you, but I don't know if I'm brave enough."

"_______, you are brave enough. You're brave enough to trust a pirate. How can you be braver than that?" he brought you in for a kiss.