Louis whines as he wakes up, immediately he groans when he realises the previous days events were not a dream, they were very real.

The most wanted pirate of the seven seas is spooning him (not that he gave Harry permission). The small prince kicks at the bed sheets upset, wiggling his way out of the Captain's grip. When free he stands, little feet rubbing together - it was very cold. He stands there in his white undergarments for some time just staring at his captor. 

Sure the Captain isn't ugly. But his personality is.

With a sigh the twink decides to explore the ship. If he is stuck in the middle of the ocean with barbarians. He might as well learn about their... lifestyle.

---

Louis bites his lip as he tip toes over towards the ships mast. He can't help but sigh, looking into the horizon, it was so beautiful. A beauty that pirates didn't deserve to see everyday. 

The Prince took a step back, looking around the boat, he didn't know the time, the sun was barley risen, it was surly a ridiculous hour in the morning. He couldn't spot any of Harry's crew so he sighed, walking up the creaky steps to the wheel of the boat.

He sighed as he ran his dry hands against the rope holding the wheel in a certain direction, undoubtedly South, towards Mermaids Cove.

"What are you doing?"

Louis jumped at the sudden question, turning around to the mysterious black-haired pirate from before.

Louis frowned, because just like before he knew he recognised the godly looking man he just couldn't put a name to the face. 

"Looking." Was the Princes simple answer.

The two seemed to stare at each other for some time before Louis questioned, "I know you... what's your name, please."

The pirate tilted his head to the left, as if he were contemplating not answering, eventually he sighed.

"Zayn Malik."

Louis gasped, walking forward until he was a pace or two away from the much taller lad. God he recognised that name... but it couldn't be.

"Zayn Malik? Y-you... I-it can't be?" Louis stutters as he admired the pirate, he looked exactly like the Prince Zayn Malik he remembered.

"Hello Louis." Zayn smiled, very softly.

"No, you... you're dead." Louis shook his head, an unreadable expression on his face. The pirate just sighed, moving to lean against the fence of the boat, staring off into the rising horizon.

"Oh yes, my tragic death at age thirteen, wasn't it tragic?" He spoke sarcastically, eyes locking with Louis before continuing, "I never died. I told my father I was gay, the royal family does not accept homosexuality - I was banished, he told England I was dead."

Louis frowned, mouth open in shock. Because that is not the royal family he knows. His family loves him... right?

"Zayn.... you have to be lying. They wouldn't do that."

The raven haired man raised a challenging eyebrow, "no Louis they would. So would your father. If you weren't intercepted by us, and had returned to England. It would only be a matter of time before they would do they exact same to you because you're gay."

The twink gasped, "how did you know I was..."

Zayn stood up turning to face Louis, "don't say you forgot about our little love affai-"

Louis blushed cutting the pirate off, "Zayn we were twelve."

The man only chuckled rolling his eyes, "still gay though."

Neither spoke for some time before Louis stubbornly declared, "they wouldn't do that to me. I just want to go home."

The once prince Zayn didn't reply, just stared off into the sunset, "okay then. When we reach mermaids cove, I'll help you escape this boat, make your way into England. Just know Louis, when I read about your 'death' I won't be helping you then."

"Zay-." The prince started, reaching for the raven-haired man's arm.

"It's Zack." Louis tilted his head to the left in confusion.

"Harry and the crew don't know I was a prince, I wasn't first in line for the throne or an important prince like you Louis. I'm not Prince Zayn to them, just Zack. Keep it that way."

Louis only nodded, trying to digest everything he heard in a single conversation.

---