Pirates had a certain way of celebrating nearly loosing their lives and coming away from it. Such celebrations were common, given the lifestyle but the frequency kept things fresh out on the often featureless sea.

The party celebrating surviving the monster was about as grand as it could be out in the middle of the ocean with limited resources. Rum was poured and consumed with great enthusiasm and Mateo and the Lagoon’s cook made a stew from fresh Atlantic seafood.

No one knew quite what to make of Pearl, but everyone was too happy and drunk to care for now.

Rose had offered her a sash from her waist to cover her chest so that she was no longer topless, saying something about “distractin some of the idiots on board.” It had both irritated and confused her but she quickly got over it and she had taken up residence in my lap, nuzzling me and making me blush.

She certainly was nothing if not clingy and, flustered as I was,I couldn’t bring myself to mind.

She seemed to see me as her knight in shining armor of sorts. The hero who rescued her from the horrible fate she had been enduring for unknown years. Maybe Pearl believed in love at first sight.

I may not have but I certainly couldn’t deny the attraction I already had even if I was completely unused to and unprepared for this kind of attention.

Mateo handed us our bowls brimming with creamy broth, fish, scallops, shrimp and other shellfish and we accepted the fragrant meal gratefully.

“Oh, almost forgot the hardtack.” he said

“Mateo, how could you?” I put a hand to my chest in mock offense

“I know , I’ve been remiss in my duties.” Mateo said feigning shame.

He took out the aforementioned rations, handing out the sorry excuse for bread to us.

Pearl eyed the oddly colorless and odorless food before, opening her mouth.

“Oye, wait! Don’t bite into it straight!” Mateo yelled out quickly.

Not quickly enough to stop her, however. She bit through the hardtack like it was a cracker, looking in confusion as she chewed as we couldn’t help but marvel at the strength of her teeth.

She swallowed “Ah, that’s very…uh…”

“Don’t worry, you’re not really supposed to like it.” Mateo reassured her.

“It is so bland.” she grimaced

“It’s better if you soak it in the broth. Softer too.” Mateo chuckled.

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I could feel Rose watching us as Pearl wolfed down her stew before cuddling up to me in satisfaction so I wasn’t startled when she called my name.

“Abby, mind if I talk to ya for a second?”

I excused herself before walking over to meet the captain “What is it?”

“Figured if I read you right, it was past time to apologize.”

“Apologize…for what.” I asked

“For actin stupid. Wouldn’t blame you for feelin led on”

She turned to look at me and I couldn’t help the flush that came to my face.

“You met a more experienced adult who accepted you and fell head over heels. I was like that at your age. Shoulda figured it out sooner. So, sorry for sendin confusin signals when I already had someone.” She turned back to me. “Truth is, I see you more like a little sister.”

I glanced to the side. “Heh, a sister. Never had one of those before”

“No shit? Only child or all brothers?” said Rose

“All brothers. Bastards drove the whole family bankrupt spending ’daddy’s money.’ That’s…why I’m here.”I said “What about you?’”

“Didn’t really have anyone until Darcy.” she said plainly

I looked back at her in shock “You don’t have anyone at all? No family.”

“They passed when I was young. I looked out for myself. Stealing food, cutting purses. Going out to sea when I was old enough to be of use seemed like a logical choice at that point.” Rose said.

“And you weren’t worried about…”

“Nah.” said Rose “When I got older, I bound my tits and cut my hair. Didn’t look all that different from you. Before then there wasn’t much anyone could do to tell.”

“You’re amazing.” I said earnestly.

“Thanks lass, means a lot coming from you.”

I looked at her in confusion before Rose pointed to Pearl “But hey, Looks like you’re doin pretty well for yourself.”

I looked back at Pearl, who waved at me.

“Yeah…I guess I am.”

Was that why Rose changed her tune about Pearl so quickly?

“Here’s hoping’ it goes well. Speakin a which, got an announcement to make.” She pushed off the railing and headed back towards the party.

She looked back over her shoulder and called to me “You come along too, I got a surprise for ya.”

Rose puffed up her chest and bellowed cheerfully to the rest of the crew. “Awright you sorry sods, listen good! As you know, we’ve been without a second in command for three years now. Well, I think it’s high time that changed.”

‘She must be promoting someone to first mate.’ I thought ‘Maybe Mateo? There’s no way he could balance that with keeping the crew fed.’

Rose had swung her arm in my direction and all eyes fell on me.

“Saving me, Darcy, and the rest of both crews like that takes something special, kid.” She turned to face the crews “How’s Quartermaster Abigail sound boys?”

There was a chorus of cheers.

“Oh thank goodness, I thought you were about to make me first mate.” I whispered.

“Pirates hardly ever have those, quartermaster is next to Captain in command in our world.” Rose whispered back, grinning.

“Oh.” I managed to choke out.