Lively music drifted across the ship and out into the expansive ocean. As the crew took turns navigating and steering, the ship swayed with the waves that splashed against its sides. Lanterns lit up the main deck, where the others were stationed for the night. A few held worn instruments, while the rest danced and spun each other around. Despite the poor condition of their instruments, Scarlett thought they played wonderfully.

The Captain gazed at her. "Care to dance?"

Before she could make a reply, a pirate walked up, who Scarlett recognized from the first day on the ship. He had tossed her headscarf and shawl into the crowd. "May I have this dance, miss?" She thought back to their first encounter, but looking at his beaming face, she felt it would be rude to turn his invitation down. Taking his extended hand, she allowed herself to be swept into the center of the dancing. She glanced at the Captain as they left him standing alone, but saw a smirk plastered on his face and his hands behind his back. His eyes followed her everywhere. Her attention, however, was directed to her partner when he spoke.

"You look lovely tonight, miss," he said amongst the animated dancing.

"Thank you," she replied. "By the way, what's your name?"

"John," he said.

"Nice to meet you, John," she answered, as he twirled her around. Another pirate tapped John's shoulder, this one taller and thinner. After receiving a scowl from John, he stepped in with the beat and continued dancing with Scarlett until the song finished.

With each beginning of a new song, Scarlett switched dancing partners. She laughed as she watched the frequent, lighthearted bickering, and tried to catch her breath in between each pirate's turn.

As the hour wore on, the stars continued to flicker against the black sky, the moonlight shone brighter, and the songs were still lively and upbeat. As Scarlett danced with a burly pirate, she glanced around for the Captain. Through all the dancing pirates, she couldn't find him anywhere. Then she spotted James.

Seeing him dressed in a clean shirt and with his hair neatly combed back, Scarlett couldn't help but think he looked older. As she gazed at his appearance, he brought his attention upon her, a large smile spreading across his face. Then, he walked over to her on the floor.

"Pardon me," he said to her partner, with a tap on the man's shoulder. "May I cut in?" The pirate complied and James instantly took hold of Scarlett's hand. "Hello," he said.

"Good evening," Scarlett replied.

"How do I look?" James gave her a boyish grin, reminding her of the innocent spirit still inside him.

"You look very handsome," Scarlett replied. "I'm sure many girls would love to be where I am right now."

James blushed. "Oh, you're just being nice, miss – I mean, Scarlett. But you look nice as well. Have you noticed the way the Cap' looks at you yet?"

Scarlett was taken aback by the direct question, and searched her thoughts for a response. Her silence, though, was enough to satisfy James.

"I'll take that as a 'Yes,'" he laughed. "Well, speak of the Devil!" James' exclamation surprised Scarlett for a second before she turned to see the Captain had approached them.

"Really?" The Captain arched his eyebrow. "Well, this Devil wants to have this dance."

"Sorry, Cap'," James replied. "I've already got a partner!"

The Captain grinned. "Well your Captain says to find another."

"Aye, sir. She's all yours." James released his grip from Scarlett and dramatically saluted the Captain. With a thank you, the Captain grasped Scarlett's hand and waist, and turned his attention toward her.

"How are my men treating you?"

"Very well," Scarlett replied. "They have too much energy, though. I'm not sure I can keep up with all this dancing."

The Captain smiled. "That's why I figured I should cut in."

"Well, I don't think you're helping much."

"Oh, but I'm a better dancer," he replied with a tinge of haughtiness. Scarlett rolled her eyes, but laughed as she twirled in a circle and clasped hands with the Captain.

The upbeat song flowing from the instruments continued as Scarlett, the Captain, and the rest of the crew danced on the main deck. Only when the song had finished, did a softer one take its place. But no one took the Captain's place at the change of the melody. Instead, Scarlett began to notice that they were the only ones remaining in the center of the floor.

"Everyone's watching us," Scarlett said, blushing as she glanced at the circle of pirates around them.

The Captain, however, did not seem fazed, but unceasingly gazed at Scarlett. "No, they're just watching you," he replied, as they continued to dance slowly within the crowd's circle.

She turned back to face him. "Well I don't like it; I wish they wouldn't stare."

"Just relax, love. Nobody here will judge you. Pretend it's just you and me, or if it suits you better, pretend you're mad at me."

Scarlett laughed and began to feel more at ease. As the song and dance progressed—Scarlett holding her skirts and the Captain guiding her every move—so did the night. Gradually, the lively atmosphere morphed into a gentler one and the crew began to disperse until the music ceased and the ship was asleep. Only Scarlett and the Captain remained on the deck.

"You chose a beautiful night," Scarlett said, as she leaned against the bulwark and looked up at the moon glistening across the water. "I had a wonderful time."

"I'm glad you did," the Captain replied. "I had to make up for everything I've done."

Scarlett was brought down to reality as she remembered her return home in less than one day. Realizing how quickly the first day of travel had passed, she suddenly felt saddened that it was almost over.

When Scarlett only replied with silence, the Captain continued, "What will you do when you return home?"

She turned to him, surprised by his question. "Well, I've been pondering that. I know my family will ask where I have been and I'm not sure what to say yet. But, I know I want to look for my sister."

The Captain stiffened his posture, a look of hesitancy sweeping across his face. "Do you think you should? I mean, do you think she'd want to come back?"

"I don't know," she stated. "But I want to try. Now that I know about her, I want to find her. She's family, anyway. She doesn't have to come back to us, but I need to find my sister. Are you still planning to search for her?"

The Captain remained silent for a few seconds and stared into the sea. "Just a few days ago, the answer would've been so clear. But now, I'm unsure. I know she wouldn't want me back, but I want closure – a chance to explain myself. I feel different now that I know you." He turned his gaze toward Scarlett.

"Well, if she's anything like me," Scarlett began with a smile, "it might take a little work."

The Captain's face softened and worry vanished from his features, as his usual demeanor replaced it. "A little?"

"Yes, but after some time, I think it was worth it."

He grabbed hold of Scarlett's hands and took in a deep breath. "Scarlett, this time tomorrow you will be home," he started. "And I want you to know that I have cherished this time and wish it wouldn't have to end. But regardless of what happens next, I will never forget you."

"I'll never forget you either, Alex."

"I love you," he said, taking her in his arms.

"I love you too."

Accepting his embrace, Scarlett kissed him and let the world around them and all her worries melt away. Without another word needed, they stayed in each other's arms and watched the lonely sea as the night lingered on.

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The following day, the sun was shining through patches of clouds. It was mid-afternoon and though the air was warm, the wind fought with its cool ocean breeze and rushed against the cabin walls. As Scarlett listened to the footsteps of pirates working hard to reach their destination, she waited in the cabin, remembering how the Captain had given it to her for the night.

After guiding his crew's navigation, the Captain entered and immediately walked to his wardrobe, where he began to rustle about in a small chest. As he turned around and approached Scarlett, she saw the reason for the remorse on his face.

"I want to give you this," he said, handing her a silver necklace. The pendant was round, with an intricately designed ship displayed in the center. "This has always meant a lot to me. It was your sister's."

Scarlett took the necklace in her hands. "Why are you giving it to me?"

"Because you want to find her," he replied. "I thought it would help you in your search. Should you find her, she may recognize the necklace."

"But it means so much to you," Scarlett objected. "I can't take it from you." She handed the necklace back to him.

"No, take it," he said, clasping his hands around hers. "I always held onto it because it was the only thing I had left from her. But I don't need it anymore – now that I know you."

Scarlett paused when she heard the words coming out of his mouth. The fact that he was admitting to moving on overwhelmed her with emotions she didn't want to feel. She didn't need anything to make her change her mind – especially now.

"Thank you, that's very thoughtful," Scarlett replied. She stood on the tips of her toes and wrapped her arms around him. It felt like a minute passed before he pulled away. He looked sad, but quickly wiped the expression from his face as if he was afraid she would notice.

"We should put that necklace on you before we arrive," he said, and he took the necklace, latching it around her neck and brushing her hair aside so he could see it.

He stood admiring her for several seconds and unlike before, Scarlett didn't mind. Their moment was cut short, however, when Leslie popped his head through the door. "Captain, we have arrived." The Captain began to step away until Scarlett interjected.

"Wait, just one more moment, please," she said, and he nodded in consent. Leslie shut the door and left them alone. "You never told me my sister's name."

He hesitated, before replying, "Grace."

"Grace," Scarlett repeated, entranced by her new discovery.

"The name suited her well," he replied, as he cast his eyes to the floor. Then, he left to attend to Leslie's request.

Scarlett examined the necklace once more before bringing its long chain up and hiding it inside her stays. Stepping outside, Scarlett was welcomed by the screeching of seagulls as she saw the bay of her hometown. Several ships were at dock, and the marketplace stood in the background. Breathing in the familiar sea air, she knew she was home.

The crew tied up the ship on the end of the dock farthest from the town, just as they had before. "We always dock away from towns when we stop into land," the Captain explained. "I'm too afraid of being recognized by someone who knows my past."

"So you're just going to keep running away from them? Forever?" Scarlett asked.

"I suppose so. For now."

Scarlett picked up her basket and walked to the side of the ship near the plank that led to the dock. The Captain followed her while the whole crew looked on. She wasn't sure how to say goodbye - and wasn't sure if she wanted to at all.

"I guess this is goodbye," he said, with a small, nervous laugh.

"Yes it is. Maybe I will see you again," she said, trying her best to fill him with hope again.

"Love, you won't see much of me anymore, I'm afraid," he began, as he took her hands in his. "I don't belong in these parts, just like you don't belong on this ship."

"But maybe it doesn't have to be that way. Maybe things will change for you."

The Captain shook his head. "No, the pirate life may not be suited for everyone, but it is for me." He smiled, and Scarlett glanced around at the attentive crew before turning back to him. The only reply she could make was a smile in return, realizing he was right. He added, "And I want you to create a happy life for yourself."

"And I to you," she replied. "Doing whatever pirates do best."

"I think I can manage that," he smirked. A second elapsed before Scarlett kissed him. He held tightly onto her, as if saying deep down he didn't want to let her go.

"You should go," the Captain said, slightly pushing her away. "You've been away from your family for too long."

At his resolve, she stepped onto the plank and walked down to the dock before turning back once more. "Goodbye, Alexander."

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This was such a bittersweet chapter!

Thank you everyone for reading and waiting for this update. It means a lot to me! If you liked this chapter, please vote and let me know your thoughts. We can cry together!