you and me and the devil makes three

[Elliot Walsh]

Something was up. The old sailor could sense it as he stared at Kit in his office, going over their checklist for today's short voyage to the other side of the island. They’d recently gotten back from a two week voyage that Kit had insisted on the moment Yule was over. Practically adamant and demanding, it was the first time he’d seen the younger man act such a way. So...serious. It didn’t suit him.

He puffed on his pipe, those blue eyes looking over the rim of the paper at him. He was distracted, that was obvious. He’d been distracted for the last two weeks, and Elliot was about ready to get demanding himself and ask what in the hell had happened during Yule that put him in such a mood. The other’s may not have noticed it, but he certainly had. Who broke your heart lad? He wanted to ask, thinking it had something to do with the Lady Kit had been telling him about before the hound and the hare chase.

The office door was open, and they could hear the crew milling around, beginning their shanties like they always did. He was only partially listening as he rattled off the next thing on their list. Letting a puff of smoke out, he lowered the paper, scowling at the younger man. His mouth opening to say something, when he stopped abruptly. There was a different voice mixing in with the sailors. One he hadn’t heard in quite a great deal of time. One he knew almost anywhere, as he’d taught her the very song when she was still a wee thing.

He was sputtering on this pipe, tossing the papers on the desk, as he hurried to the door. “Can’ be,” He muttered, but sure enough her voice just got louder, and there were a few shouts of hello and excitement, as some of the boys had missed her as well. Well, not as much as he’d missed her.

His Siren had returned.

Wesley deGrey Shane O'Sullivan

[Helene Hewitt]

The two weeks since Yule had been hell. Helene had done everything and anything to keep her mind off of Wesley deGrey. From cleaning her house from top to bottom to getting her garden ready for spring, to you name it. She’d gone through nearly a full bookshelf. Needed anything to distract her from the pain her heart felt that Wesley had left. That she’d left him…

Try as she might to tell herself it was for the best, she still wondered if she’d made a mistake. Had she been a fool to think that she couldn’t actually have him? That they could be together possibly if there was compromise? The thoughts haunted her, but none so worse than the fear of her father. Two weeks, and still no sign of him. He was still home, healing from the broken nose she’d given him. This much time going by without him harassing her or Mari was terrifying. Her nerves were nearly shot with anticipation and she was about ready to go to him just begging for punishment because she couldn’t handle this unknown. It was killing her. She needed to know what he was planning. She needed it. What if he was going to go after Wesley anyways? What if her attempts at pushing him away still failed?

She needed advice. She needed wise words to know what to do. She needed some joy in her life again, and there was only one other person she knew that could do such a thing. She just hoped she’d be able to catch him.

She had Heard Elliot had been back in Tresteria for Yule too late. Had she known sooner, she would have seen him then, but their timing hadn’t matched up, and she was too busy with a certain deGrey she was trying desperately not to think about. She’d heard though they were back once more, and she’d scrambled that morning. Mari was spending the day at the castle, and Helene told her she was going to be visiting Elliot and would be home late so as not to worry. She’d took her bag as she left the house that morning, telling Darragh and Angus and the rest of the servants they could have the day off before she’d left.

She’d left the house looking the proper noble lady, once she neared the port she slipped Into the abandoned shop she always used to change into. Ten minutes later a completely different woman appeared. Gone was the noble and in her place was a woman who would blend in quite easily amongst sailors. Wearing leather breeches and well worn boots, paired with a dark leather bodice and a dark green, almost teal tunic. Her hair was tied down her back in a braid, with a black velvet band. Slinging her bag onto her shoulder so it laid across her torso, she blended in as she made her way down the docks.

She could already hear their song, beginning to hum along until she got closer, that she could no longer resist as she joined in. “...Oh her cold round lips, they would hiss and spit, Oh somewhere in the Southern Carribean. Unmatched be the weight of her iron hips. You and me Bonnie, and the Devil makes three, On the cold and billowing sea!…” She knew the Anne well, as well as the crew, and had no issue jumping up onto the main ramp. Holding her arms out at her side as she put one foot in front of the other. A large grin formed on her face as she got to the top, and looked out onto the deck, seeing a variety of faces, and shouts of exclamation. Many of the sailors stopped what they were doing to run over and give her hugs in greeting. The ruckus of their singing just getting louder and louder. “Now so dark be the scene, in this deep sea ravine, Oh somewhere in the Southern Carribean!” She was looking for the old sailor, through the crowd, and then heard him bellowing.

“Git out’ o’ the way! Yer hoggin her!” She began to laugh, as she saw someone yanked out of the way by the back of their shirt, and then Elliot was standing there grinning ear to ear, holding his arms out and she didn’t even hesitate to run over, throwing her arms up around his neck. She was seized up into a giant grizzly bear hug and Elliot spun her around hugging her tight before setting her down. “Aye, my Siren’s come back ta me.” He placed his large hands on either side of her face and she grinned up at him, as he placed a kiss on top of her head. “I would have come sooner, if you’d let me know you were back at Yule.” She playfully scolded, swatting his chest. He chuckled at her before he pulled her in for another hug. She rested her cheek against his chest, feeling his chin on the top of her head. “I had some thin’s ta take care o’” He chuckled, squeezing her tight. “Bet yer hear now! And this lazy lot needs ta git back ta werk!” He shouted, glaring at everyone over the top of her head. She giggled, just hugging him tighter. Oh how she missed this man. She had a slight hope he’d be able to help heal the ache in her chest she felt for the other sailor that had captured her heart. No, don’t think about him Helene. He’s not here, it’s best he’s not here.

[Wesley deGrey]

No, he hadn't been himself since that night. He remembered entering the main ballroom again to take an unopened bottle of whiskey from one of the servants before promptly leaving for the ship. The rest of that evening had been hazy at best. From then on, he decided to just pour himself into his work. It wasn't that he was a bad sailor or didn't love it, but it was different now. It was all he wanted to do, and he did it without the smiles and laughter and the songs. He was a sailor, it meant he couldn't have anything else according to her...and at this point, he really didn't give a shit about anything.

Elliot saw it. Of course he did. It was just a wonder he hadn't harassed him already about it, but that was why he loved and admired the man. He knew when to keep his mouth shut and when not to. Wesley tried not to be too forward or grouchy, but the two weeks out at sea didn't help his aching heart. It just made it worse, so he stood there in front of the captain like a hollowed version of who he used to be.

Hands upon the table, he was leaning forward as they went through the list, and Wes made sure not to make eye contact. He knew the old man was watching him, probably about to finally ask what the hell was wrong with him when the crew was breaking out into song. And loudly. And was that...a female voice? A look of surprise washed over him when Elliot got up so quickly that he feared he might barrel him over. "What in the world...?" he murmured to himself before he just sighed. He tossed the paper he had in hand aside, standing there for a long moment before he figured he might as well see what the commotion was all about.

Perhaps he should have known that voice, he should have recognized it. Maybe his mind was swarming with too many thoughts or he couldn't hear her clearly over the rest of the crew. Wesley was stepping out of the captain's quarters, barely able to see over the heads of most of the men, hearing Elliot exclaim in excitement. Something felt strange then, something felt off. His steps felt sluggish, as though he were trying to walk through knee-deep water as he pushed through the gathering crowd of sailors.

As he stepped in between another and Shane, he was pausing immediately as he watched the captain embracing another. A woman. Her back was currently to him, but her hair was long and dark and he felt that confusion and pain all over again even if he didn't realize it, even if he couldn't see her face.

Why wasn’t he breathing?

[Helene Hewitt]

Elliots beard tickled the top of her head, as he gave her one more squeeze, and was rubbing her back. It was as if he could sense something was wrong then, and he glanced down at her, arching a bushy eyebrow at her. “Are ye alrigh’ lass?” He asked quietly. She tilted her head up to look at him, a small smile on her face. “I’ll...be okay.” She said softly. She didn’t know if she would be thought of, but that was why she was there. So Elliot could make her feel better.

She watched his face turn a bit dark then, as his brows furrowed together and he tensed. “Did he do somethin ta ye?” He growled lowly, and Helene’s smile faded, as she looked up at him. Knowing who he was referring to instantly. Elliot was the closest person she ever came to telling things about her father too, and even then...He didn’t know the full story. He didn’t know who she really was. Her eyes losing the mirth that had been in them moments before. “I actually….wanted some advice on….somethings.” She started slowly, and Elliots expression softened. “We’ll ye’ve come ta the righ’ sailor, I’ve got nothin but the best advice.” He told her. She smiled again at him and he patted her back, giving her another quick hug. “How’s yer husband doin? He alright?” Elliot asked. It hit her then that he didn’t know. She hadn’t seen him at Yule to tell him. “Stephen is uh-” She began to sputter, trying to find the words to say it, when Elliot was glancing up and his grin got wider.

“Kit! Sully! C’mere!” He exclaimed excitedly. Helene tilted her head to the side curiously. She knew the names as Elliot always talked about them, but for whatever reason they’re paths had never crossed when she’d come to visit. They were always gone, off doing something or causing some form of mischief as Elliot told her. “I’ can’t believe ye’ve never met before! Ye boy’s remember Siren righ”?”  He began talking, and he was waving them over, as he pulled back. Putting his hands on her arms and she turned around slowly to see the famed men who Elliot thought of like sons.

Time stopped. Her eyes went wide in shock. She knew those faces, as it was her duty to know every noble at court. Her father had beaten it into her on who she had to look out for. She should have known. Why was she not surprised. She almost laughed at the ridiculousness of it. Of course Wesley was standing right there. As if fate wasn’t cruel enough, it felt like she’d been sucker punched in the gut. The gift he’d given her was under her shirt. She hadn’t taken it off since Yule. Needing it as a reminder of him. Of why she was doing what she had to, to protect him. It felt like a hot iron suddenly burning into her skin. Elliot was too happy, for them to finally meet, and if his hands weren’t on her shoulders she would have turned and ran. Or collapsed.

Wesley… She hadn’t realized how much she needed to see him until he was there. Right there. How much she needed to see those blue eyes of his. Now if only….No. She couldn't see that grin of his or it would end her. She couldn’t hear what Elliot was saying, as all the noise had drifted away, and she was suddenly in her own world, with the world threatening to close in around her. She refused to though. Everything was fine. Everything had to be fine. She had to act...normal.

Only her body wouldn’t let her, as her heart seized and she went weak in the knee’s. Breathing no longer something her body could do, and she felt a wave of lightheadedness as she swayed slightly. No, no you can’t be here. She wanted to yell at him, but he was. And the mystery of who Kit was, was finally solved. The wily fox. Wesley. Kit was Wesley.

Her knee’s about buckled and Elliot suddenly realized something was wrong, and he looked at her with concern, as he wrapped an arm around her waist to help keep her up. “Ye alrigh’ lass?”[/b] He asked, looking between her and the boys, before his look of concern grew. “I’m...okay.” I think. She mumbled, forcing herself to take a breath, even if it was painful for different reasons. He was there. He was here. Wesley was here.

[Wesley deGrey]

What was even happening? He went all this time without seeing her face, although he remembered it every time he closed his eyes. He suffered the last couple of weeks feeling like he wasn’t good enough to have any sort of life outside of this ship, and there she was- standing there with a dumbfounded look that probably matched his own. The moment she turned around, his heart stopped beating. It felt like it was put into a vice and would burst with each tightening of the screw.

Why was she even here? For a fleeting moment, he wondered if she was here for him, that maybe she had changed her mind and realized she was being foolish...but that wasn’t the case. She was here for Elliot. Helene was his “Siren”, and everything was suddenly making crazy, terrible sense. And all Wesley could do was stand there, staring at her like he figured she would just disappear from in front of him at any moment, and he could go back to being miserable. Yet, she remained. With every second that ticked by, she remained. He saw Shane shift beside him before his hand was on his shoulder, and Wes knew the man was putting two and two together.

His chest heaved, having to remember to breathe again after holding it for what felt like minutes. He was struggling to find the proper air in his lungs as his anger and sadness were swirling around inside him, beginning to take hold. Those bright eyes never moved from her face, wondering how much of a scene he should or shouldn’t make. What did it matter? She wasn’t here for him. She’d already made it abundantly clear at Yule that what was between them couldn’t be.

It was probably a rare sight for any of the crew to see him so stoic, so silent...so full of quiet rage as he just stood there. Shane was awkwardly waving and saying hello to her but he didn’t budge. Finally, his lips parted to speak, barely registering how the entire crew seemed to grow quiet all around them. “Nice to see you again...Helene.” His voice fell flat, lacking any sort of pleasantries. He should have been freaking out and questioning how Elliot had never once mentioned her real name before. The man had a knack for nicknames it seemed, and what should have been a wonderful, pleasant surprise only made his heart ache more.

Wesley took a couple steps backwards, the sailors behind him parting to allow him through when he finally turned away, finally breaking his gaze from her. He didn’t know what to do or what else to say, so he just went back into Elliot’s quarters, back to that desk to try and find some sort of work to do. But of course, it was going to be impossible, and now he figured their day trip was going to be delayed so he didn’t even have that to keep his mind off of things. He just knew if he stood there, he was going to say or do something he would ultimately regret, or that would make matters far worse. Maybe he would just wait the day out in here, let her enjoy her time with Elliot.

Or he could just throw himself off the balcony. That could work, too.

[Helene Hewitt]

He was angry. She could see it in his eyes. He had every right to be. She’d rejected him. Made him leave her. He had every right to be angry at her. His flat greeting was what really did her in and she felt the burning sensation of tears again behind her eyes. She barely managed a small wave to Shane before Wesley was backing away, and leaving. Again. She shouldn't be here. This was his place. His safe place, and she’d come in and ruined it. Even if it was hers too. She let her head drop, looking down at the deck. Elliot still held her up, and she missed the way he’d watched Wesley and her interaction. She missed the way he looked at Shane. She didn’t notice how quiet it had gone, and the way everyone had been staring, until Elliots loud voice was booming at everyone to get a move on. They had places to be, and they needed to be sailed off. “I-I’ll just go.” She found herself whispering, turning to head back towards the ramp. Not wanting to be in the way of their work, or even where they were going.

“Oh no ye don’” Elliot all but growled, hauling her suddenly onto a shoulder. “Elliot what are you doing?!” She exclaimed. Trying to get him to put her down. “Kidnappin’, wha’s it look like?” He asked, as he began to walk up towards the back of the ship. “Kidnapping?! Elliot you don’t need me in the way, you guys are busy!” She yelled at him. “Aye! And we need extra hands, we’re just goin to the other side of the island, ye can sail with us for one day.” He grumbled. Sail with us. Any other time, she would have leapt at the chance. Asking him what he needed done and how she could help. A chance to put everything he taught her to good use. But this time...Wesley. He was here somewhere, and she didn’t want to be stuck on a boat with him, but it seemed like she would have no choice. She’d been kidnapped by a senial old sailor who apparently had nothing better to do.

“Elliot!” She said more sternly. “Helene!” He yelled back angrily at her, and she all but flinched at the harshness of his words. He was suddenly setting her down next to the ship wheel and as she looked up at him she could see his stern expression. There was a storm brewing behind his dark blue eyes, and she didn’t know if it was going to be coming for her, or Wesley. Or both. “I don’ know wha’ happened between da two of ye, but I’m gonna git to the bottom of it.” He growled at her, and she visibly paled. The look on his face grew more concerned, and he turned her around, placing her hands on the wheel, before his went over hers, showing her how to steer, as the last rope was untied and they were shoving off from port. She was turning her head, looking frantically at the now passing dock. “Elliot I can’t be here, I- You saw him!” She said, beginning to get panicked. Elliot was too busy watching the steering. “Aye, I did. I’ve seen him for the last two weeks Lass, ye did quite the number on him.” He said quietly. It was like a slap to her face. She knew she’d hurt him, but- She hadn’t realized how badly. She didn’t realize how much Wesley actually cared. His words from the ball were coming back to her, and she squeezed her eyes closed. Reliving the pain all over again.

“I had too.” She whispered. Elliot glanced down at her, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What of yer husband Siren? Did ye and Kit have an affair or somethin?” He asked. She laughed then. Sounding almost like a lunatic at the idea. “I wish…” She found herself saying. An affair might have been easier to deal with then this. “Stephen died over six months ago.” She whispered. She could feel Elliot tense behind her, before his gentle voice sounded. “I’m...sorry lass…” He said slowly. “Don’t be. I’m not.” She said bitterly. He seemed a bit confused, but didn’t push the matter. “Then what happened between ye and Kit?” He asked. She tilted her head back and looked at him with sad eyes. “I can’t say.” She whispered. He didn’t seem to like that answer. “Fine, if you ye won’t tell me, I’ll go ask him. Make sure ye don’t crash us into a rock.” He said as he started down the steps to the main deck. “What?! Elliot! I can’t steer this thing!” She cried after him. “Sure ye can! I taught ye! Yell at Sully if ye have issues.” He said easily. “Elliot!” Helene yelled angrily, but she quickly grabbed the wheel, afraid they’d run into something if it was left unsupervised. She was going to kill him later. She knew it. She didn’t want to be here. She couldn’t see that look on Wesley’s face again. It would destroy her.

[Elliot Walsh]

The old sailors' gears were turning. Somehow how his wee Siren and Kit knew each other. They’d met and something had happened between the two of them. He’d remembered the look on Kit’s face the first time he spoke about her. That giddy boy look. The same look he’d had about his Anne. If the last two weeks were any indication, something had happened to slaughter that giddy boy where he’d once stood, and he was going to get to the bottom of it. He could see it in her eyes, something was wrong. Very wrong. It was a sixth sense he had. Like the air before a storm. Something wasn’t right about Siren and it made him anxious. She didn’t look well either. A bit thinner, there was even tired bags under her eyes whether she realized it or not. She’d lost some of her shine. I need some advice… He’d bet money that advice had to do with Kit. And he wasn’t going to let them leave until they worked whatever it was between them out. He wouldn’t have two of his favorite people in such moods. Not on his boat.

He marched back into the office. Calmly shutting the door to give the two them privacy. He crossed his arms over his chest, and fixed his eyes on Kit. The younger man practically radiated his quiet rage, and Elliot began to slowly walk over, plopping himself down into his chair with a groan, before he picked his pipe up from where he’d left it. Puffing on it. He blew out the smoke. His eyes never left Kit, giving him a chance to say something, but he wasn’t going to wait long. He wanted answers to what had been bugging him for the past two weeks. “What happened?” He asked quietly. Going for his nicer approach, but if Kit turned out to be more a shit, he wouldn’t play nice anymore. Not when his Siren was involved. Not when that girl had been through more hell then half the ship combined. He could still remember Anne that day after she’d left their home. After finally getting her to come over for dinner. “She’s being abused I think…” Anne had told him. And since then, he’d been hyper aware of her. How she held herself. How on some visits she tended to favor one arm over the other, or leg, or how sometimes she’d flinch away from anything that came near her face. How she didn’t let anyone really touch her until she knew them well enough. What had she told Kit? If anything? What did he know?

[Wesley deGrey]

Wesley was trying to keep himself calm. He might have looked it on the outside but inside he was fuming, he was lost and confused even more now right after he had come down a few notches over the last two weeks. Also, he should have known Elliot was going to have even more questions...and this time, there was going to be no skirting around it. When the captain entered, shutting the door behind him, Wes just quietly sighed where he stood, gazing out the large window at the stern of the ship. He was eyeing that small balcony out there as well, and was still tempted to run out and jump off. He remained where he was, though, watching as port got smaller and smaller. Maybe if he jumped off now, he'd make it to land without much issue...

Attention remained outside, even while Elliot casually strolled in and took his seat. Wesley was waiting for it, already biting his tongue. When the question finally broke the silence, as polite as the man tried to be about it, something just snapped inside him. Elliot didn't deserve the attitude, and the attitude shouldn't have been directed towards him, but he couldn't contain it anymore. "Nothing happened, quite clearly! I took the fuckin' leap and landed on my face. End of story." What was funny (not really, but he started to sarcastically chuckle as he thought about it) was that she let him go because he was a sailor...and here she was, on the damn ship. Amongst sailors. And she's done this before. Elliot knew her- they all seemed to know her except for him! "I'm...just going to stay in here. I can't bloody hell do this, Elliot."

[Shane O'Sullivan]

Well, this was awkward. Shane had heard a lot about Helene, he managed to get out of Wesley what had gone wrong the night of Yule...and boy, oh boy, was it a mess. And suddenly finding out that she was this “Siren” Elliot always went on about? It was a massive clusterfuck but a part of him wondered if it was fate.

Not that he was going to utter a word of that to Wesley. The man was just looking for a reason to scream at someone these days. And Shane understood. "Kit" didn't just do something drastic. Alright, no, he did, but it was never this kind before. He always said there was no point to a relationship of any kind, an idea that Shane himself had somewhat adopted... but Wes had ignored his own words and had clearly fallen hard. Anyone could see it.

Watching Elliot leave Helene at the helm, he cracked a small grin as he made his way up. "You, uh...doing alright?" That was probably a dumb question. "Should straighten us out a little." They were beginning to veer back towards land. "See that extra li'l decorative bit on this particular spoke?" he asked, pointing to the gold painted ring on one of the handles. "When that's up and straight in front of you, the rudder is straight. You'll kind of feel it clink into place."

[Elliot Walsh]

Those blue eyes narrowed on Kit as he continued to look out on the balcony and he took that attitude with him. He’d had years of practice dealing with attitude from Jacob, but he wasn’t prepared for attitude from Kit. The man never gave him this type of attitude before. He puffed on his pipe more, those bushy brows furrowing together as he stood and walked up beside him. Crossing his arms over his chest. He’d hoped Kit would be able to help him out a bit more but that wasn’t the case.

He held a hand out, almost hesitantly above his shoulder. Not knowing if Kit would even want the touch. He thought against it, folding his arms again, “Can’ or won’?” He asked quietly. Knowing there was something there. Something that neither wanted to mention, and he slowly wandered over that balcony, opening the doors so he could go rest his arms on the rails and look at the land getting further away. “Is it her father?” He asked, his tone dark about the man Helene was always so afraid to speak about. Always too afraid to say what he did, but he’d see the scar on her arm at least. He knew there were more. There had to be. “He gets...mad sometimes… he’s scary when he’s mad.” She’d told him once. She refused to tell him who he was, or else Elliot would have done something about him ages ago. Especially after Anne told him her thoughts on her being abused. If there was a reason she’d rejected Kit he had to do with it. She’d told him countless times if she could just sail away she would, but she had responsibilities. Her sister mostly.

He slowly turned to look over his shoulder at him. “Is he the reason?”

[Helene Hewitt]

Helene was fuming. Turning that pain she felt at seeing Wesley again and channeling it towards her anger at the old man for kidnapping her and keeping her on the boat. Why was he keeping her here? It would do them no good. Only cause more pain for her and Wesley. What had her most annoyed was he left her essentially in charge of driving the large sea vessel and she didn’t even know what she was doing as she tried to remember everything he taught her.

“Crotchety old man, the salt water has finally dried your brains up.” She growled under her breath until she spotted movement coming up towards her. For a moment she thought it was Wesley and her heart about leaped into her throat, but she saw it was Shane instead. “I’ve been kidnapped by a senial old man who’s finally lost his mind, how do you think I’m doing?” She snapped. Wincing as soon as she said the words, she sighed. “I’m sorry I just-“ I’m a mess. she stopped and looked at the wheel, doing as he told her. Finding the the spoke in question she did feel it click into space, and there was a satisfactory arch of an eyebrow and a small smile at accomplishing it.

She looked out at the water, watching the morning sun reflect off its waters. The wind lightly brushed at a few flyaway strands on her face. She was mesmerized by it all. Finally, she’d gotten on a ship, and finally...she’d left Tresteria. Even if they were just going around the island, she was off land and she could not deny the small child-like glee that filled her soul as one of her dreams came true. It flickered across her eyes for the briefest moment before it faded away. The only that could make this feeling better was if Wesley was up here with her to enjoy it. But no, he was down below angry out of his mind at her.

She stood next to Shane, almost afraid to speak. Wondering if Wesley had told him. If he’d mentioned to him what had transpired between them. “If you knew being with someone put them in danger would you be with that person? Or want to protect them?” She asked quietly. Curious to know what another’s opinion would be on the matter. She found herself glancing up at him.

[Shane O'Sullivan]

Sully had smirked faintly at her remark about Elliot. He wasn't really sure if this had been a good judgement call, considering he could vaguely hear Wesley's voice in the cabin below...so he was clearly yelling. But he wasn't going to argue his captain's orders. Maybe the man had a plan or was just flying by the seat of his pants.

He waved Helene's apology off- he understood that this wasn't the most ideal situation. He got it, truly. "It's alright," he told her. Trying not to crowd her or appear as though he was worried with her being on the wheel, he carefully watched as she heeded his words and got the ship sailing straight. "Hey, there you go, you got it," he said with a grin. But just as quickly as her triumph appeared, it was gone. And she was asking something he really shouldn't answer.

It brought him to a quiet pause, instantly knowing that she was speaking about this situation with Wesley. Why else was his friend fuming? After some prodding, he had told Shane about what had happened at Yule, if only to help him understand just how devastated and confused he really was. It was in no way bragging, and Wes had been the very definition of confused and upset. "I, uh...I'm not sure I'm the best one to ask, Helene," he confessed. Mainly because he would probably side with her from just that question alone, and he couldn't do that to Wesley. Not outright. Not without knowing all the details and he shouldn’t know them. "I've dealt with very different circumstances than Wesley..." After losing Eithne all those years ago, after what he had done, Shane was always of the mindset to protect those you cared about, no matter what your heart desired.

Because love was what got his sister killed.

“And I don’t know yours. But what I do know...is that he is never like this. Two weeks of dealing with the miserable bastard on this ship...” There came a faint chuckle, as if he was trying to joke but it fell a little flat. Wesley had tried to get a handle on his mood, and it had improved a little bit...until today, at least.

[Wesley deGrey]

Can't or won't? He just sighed, because he didn't know anymore. Maybe both? Maybe it changed back and forth at this point. Wesley hadn't looked to him when he approached, trying to focus his attention on the sea outside, all the while clenching his jaws so tightly that his teeth were beginning to hurt. It was better than screaming, and he almost didn't know what to scream about anymore. He almost wanted to apologize to Elliot for his light outburst, but Wes knew it wasn't the end of this conversation and that it was possible he might yell again.

'Is it her father?' Now that grabbed his attention real fast; blue eyes narrowing upon the sailor immediately. "What do you know of him?" he quickly asked. He knew it. Wesley knew there wasn't something right about the man...and Elliot knew it, too. Whatever it was, Helene wouldn't tell him, but she told the old man. Maybe she didn't trust Wesley enough? It felt like another jab to the heart but he ignored it for now.

He watched him step out onto the balcony, but he just took a single step so that he could lean within the doorway. When Elliot asked if Davide Roquefort was the reason, it made the hair at the back of his head stand on end. What didn't Wesley know? It was making him more worried, more angry and actually offended. Perhaps he had no right to be.

Finally, he just sighed again, turning so that his back was now leaning within the doorframe instead, and he ran a hand down his face. "I wouldn't know, Elliot. She wouldn't tell me." Wesley was torn between that concern and anger, and it was clearly heard in his tone. He sounded tired because he had obviously been thinking about this nonstop. "After everything-" He wasn't going to elaborate on that. "I stood there in front of her...I told her I didn't want to be without her...and she said she couldn't." His voice was rising out of confusion and desperation now. "She said it couldn't happen, that she had to protect me...but she wouldn't tell me anything! Then, she proceeded to tell me it was because I was a sailor, that I'd just be leaving." That infuriated him the most for some reason. "So, I had to leave her..." And it would probably be clear that it wasn't because he wanted to. Even still. "And I'm not goin' down that road again. I knew it. I knew I shouldn't...involve myself with anyone. This life doesn't lend itself to that, it just doesn't. And she made that abundantly clear." Wesley had stepped inside, nearly throwing Elliot's chair across the cabin but only shoved it violently instead.

[Elliot Walsh]

Elliot ran a hand down over his beard in thought, leaning against the railing as he watched Kit. “Not much. If she did, the man wouldn’ be breathin’.” He all but growled. “From wha’ I’ve gathered he’s not been kind to her or her sister.” He said quietly. He didn’t know if he should be sharing this with Wesley, as Helene had told him in confidence, but even then. The girl kept a tight lip. “My...wife had a hunch...When she was younger.” He began. “She had dinner with us one nigh’, and after she left, Annie asked me if I knew if she’d been abused or not. I...didn’t know, but if you watch her long enough you start to pick up on things. The last year or so I’ve noticed it less, but the Lass is a lady who likes her secrets. It took her years ta tell me her daddy git’ mean when he drinks, and she didn’ go fur’er than that.” He informed Kit.

He watched the boy then. Watched as he grew angry and confused that she wouldn’t tell him anything, and Elliot’s heart went out to him. He’d never seen Kit like this before and it was clear he was struggling. Struggling to understand something none of them understood. He didn’t know that much about Helene’s home life, but he knew she was the sort who would do anything to protect those she loved. Last he checked it was just her sister, and now Kit apparently if she was keeping them apart because she was worried about him. What sort of trouble had the girl gotten herself into?

He was pushing off the railing, following Kit inside after he shoved his chair. Putting his pipe between his lips, reached forward, gripping Kit by his arm, and then pulled him down into the chair he’d just shoved. “Sit.” He grumbled, before he went to his locked cabinet. Unlocking it and bringing out a glass and a bottle of his good whisky, saved only for special occasions. He poured a healthy amount into the glass and went and set it in front of Kit, before putting it away. He came over then, pulling up another chair, and folded his hands on the desk as he narrowed his eyes at him. “What she said is a load of horse shite.” He said. “That lass has wanted off that island since the day I met her over ten years ago. She’d have bolted by now if there wasn’ anythin’ keepin her dere, and every time I’ve offered she’s said no.” His gaze softened a bit as he looked at Kit. “She’s wanted to sail since she was sixteen lad. Out of any of the Lass’s ye coulda picked…” He arched an eyebrow and pointed up at the ceiling. “Tha’s the one ye want if yer a sailor, so what I want ta know…” He started out slowly. “What sort of trouble is her sister in, that Lene won’t leave her, and doesn’ want ta drag ye in?” He asked. Fixing a look at Kit.

[Helene Hewitt]

“You're the perfect one to answer. You're not Wesley.” She said simply. She needed an outside opinion, and even if Shane probably knew what had transpired between the two of them, he didn’t know the full story. Her eyes drifted down from him to look ahead at what she was doing. She sighed, pursing her lips as she took in what Shane said.

It made her feel all the more worse to know how miserable Wesley had been in her absence. To know she’d been the one to make him so miserable? She’d made herself miserable as well. Tossing and turning at night, eating the bare minimum as well as being stressed about the fact her father hadn’t made a move yet, it was….well it was hell.

But it was for his own good. In the end, it would be worth it. It had to be. He would be safe.

She flinched at hearing it. As if she’d been dealt a physical blow and it made her heart ache all the more. “I’d say sorry, but I can’t be.” She whispered. Forcing her eyes to stay forward. “It’s best for him, even if he’s mis-” Her voice threatened to crack and she took a deep breath. “He’ll...He’ll be safe.” She took a deep breath, feeling her chest tighten again. It was all for him. Him and Mari, they had to be safe. She would keep them safe, even if she had to sacrifice her own happiness to make it happen. They had to be safe. “He’s not the only one who’s been miserable though…” She sighed.