Jacob felt himself come alive as he took in the sights and smells of the market town. This was why he loved being a sailor. Sure, he loved his ship and the camaraderie with his crew, but this was where his true passion lay, in discovering new things to buy and bring home. He wished with all his heart that this was what he would be doing today, but that wasn't the purpose of this visit. Today he was buying the bare essentials. The things that his family and others from their island needed just to survive.

Each of his crew had been set tasks to complete while on land. James was in charge of acquiring food, Marco farming equipment, Pete wool and cloth, Lyle armoury, and Jacob some building materials.

The port town was bustling as usual, and Jacob spent longer than he should perusing all the goods laid out on the harbour wall. It was an ever-changing array of merchandise. As new ships came in, the variety of items constantly changed. There was never a quiet moment and Jacob loved it.

By the evening, Jacob had managed to scope out his options and they had sold most of their own cargo to fund tomorrow's purchases.

As the traders were starting to pack up their goods, Jacob made his way up the hill, away from the harbour and market stalls, to a little Inn called The Braying Donkey that he liked to stay at whenever he was here.

"Well if it isn't my favourite Captain!" came the cheery voice of Sally McGuinness as he entered.

Jacob smiled and walked over to Sally, letting her throw her arms around him and give him a squeeze. Jacob let out a chuckle.

"Good to see you again Sally," he said, as she moved back to look at him properly.

"You're looking very well Captain," she said with a sparkle in her eye.

"And so are you," the Captain replied politely.

It was true though, she was looking well. Her brown hair looked shiny and thick, and was cascading down past her shoulders in lovely ringlets. She was quite a voluptuous lady, but she always used this to her advantage, wearing corsets that pinched in her waist, drawing everyone's eyes to her rounded bottom and heaving bosom.

Jacob had to admit that his eye would sometimes wander too, but having known Sally since he was a mere teen, he saw her as a bit of a motherly figure so would never consider doing more than look.

"Well ain't you just the kindest," Sally said with an exaggerated wink. "Now would you be looking for a room for the night?"

"That I would," Jacob replied, following Sally over to the small bar.

Sally reached under the bar and produced a key.

"The best room for my favourite Captain," she replied, handing Jacob a key.

Jacob had worried in the past that Sally was after more than just pleasant conversation, but he'd come to learn that this was just Sally's way. She was naturally flirtatious.

"Do you need a hand with any luggage?" she asked as a large looming figure appeared by Sally's side.

And there was the reason that Sally could get away with all her flirtations without attracting any unwanted attention.

Barny could only be described as a giant of a man. In every way. He was at least 6ft 8 and had arms the size of Jacob's thighs. His natural resting face was a deep-set scowl that made him constantly look like someone had shat in his supper. Jacob had never heard him speak. His limited communications were just a series of grunts.

He stuck out his hand and gave Jacob's a hearty shake, accompanied by a grunt of greeting.

Barny was Sally's older brother and a gem of a human being. He'd regularly helped Jacob load and unload his ship, asking for nothing in return, although Jacob would often give him little trinkets he'd picked up on his travels as a thank you. Jacob always found it amusing that such a large man would take such delight in collecting the most delicate of objects.

"No luggage today," Jacob replied. "I'll just be here for two nights."

"Oh, shame we couldn't have had you with us for longer. Would you like some supper?" Sally asked.

"If it's not too much trouble," Jacob replied.

Supper consisted of smoked mackerel, mashed potatoes and carrots, and once he'd had his fill he went for a stroll around the town.

The air was warm, despite the fresh breeze coming in from the sea. Instead of walking down the hill back to the docks, Jacob turned away from the coastline and headed further up the hill. After about 15 minutes of walking, he finally made it to his favourite place in the whole town. The path he had walked, had taken him to the top of a cliff and he was now looking out across the cove, the moonlight dancing on the water giving it a magical feeling.

Jacobs eyes shifted downwards towards the many ships docked at the port. His own ship caught his eye, giving him the usual feeling of pride he always had on looking down at the beautiful vessel that he could call his own.

His thoughts then began to drift onto what was on the ship. Specifically the beautiful boy with the honey-coloured hair and piercing blue eyes.

He hoped that Raephier was alright. He'd shocked him earlier with his confession. The truth was that Jacob had had a crisis of confidence when it came to Raephier. After realising that his feelings were starting to stray towards something a little less than platonic, he had begun to worry that he was falling under some kind of spell. So for the best part of a week, he'd basically avoided spending any time with Raephier. And it had kind of worked. Sort of.

Had he missed him and their conversations? Well yes. Had he missed watching Raephier's eyes light up when Jacob showed him something new, or when he tasted something for the first time? Definitely. And sure, he'd ended up letting him sleep in the bed with him, but that was more for his sake than Raephier's. How on earth was he expected to fall asleep when he could hear the poor boy shaking in his sleep because of the cold?

But it had never occurred to Jacob that Raephier might have been lonely. Now he thought about it though, he realised that it probably wasn't just loneliness that Raephier was struggling with. It was probably boredom too. After all, he was stuck in that same small room, day and night with nothing to occupy himself with.

Jacob suddenly remembered something he'd seen on one of the market stalls today. Something that might be perfect for Raephier. He made a decision that he would go back there first thing to have a look. Maybe he could give it to Raephier as an apology for leaving him on his own.

Jacob stared at his ship, almost willing his eyes to see through the planks of wood so he could see the boy inside. He missed him. He'd probably miss him even more when he went to bed without him.

When he'd seen Raephier looking so depressed and broken, he'd had a wake up call. There was no way that this Siren was using his powers on Jacob. If he was, then Jacob wouldn't have been able to leave him alone like that day after day. He'd hurt him, he knew that now. And it was all his doing, not Raephier's.

Jacob stared at his ship with a fresh resolve. It was time he stopped being afraid. It was time for him to start trusting his instincts and listen to his heart more.

As he entered back into the town, Jacob veered off into a tavern which was a known favourite amongst his men. He entered and wasn't surprised to see that it was busy as always. It didn't take him long to spot Pete and James and he made his way over to their table.

"Captain! Good to see you!" James said, slapping him on the arm in a manner that told Jacob he'd probably drunk a few ales by now.

"You're only saying that because you're hoping I'll buy you another drink," Jacob said good-naturedly.

"You're buying drinks? That's so good of you Captain!" Pete said with a smirk.

Jacob rolled his eyes, but made his way over to the bar.

He held out his hand casually, to attract the barman's attention, but his view was suddenly blocked as someone slid onto the stool next to him.

"Fancy seeing you 'ere," came a voice that made Jacob's blood freeze in his veins.

"Fingers," he managed to grit out in greeting, with a slight nod of the head.

"So 'ows that Siren working out for ya then?"

"He's fine. No bother at all," Jacob said, trying his best to look calm while every nerve ending was on full alert.

The expression on Fingers' haggard face didn't change at all, but Jacob noticed a slight twitch in his eyebrow.

"So what brings you here?" Jacob asked, trying his best to sound nonchalant.

"Why the trading of course," Finger's said with a grin.

The barman finally came over and Jacob was served his drinks.

"Well, good to see you again," Jacob said, itching to get away. He picked up the three tankards of ale then turned to walk away.

A hand reached out and grabbed Jacob on his arm, stopping him in his stride.

Jacob's head swung round to look at Fingers, his whole body wound tight like a coiled spring.

He half expected Fingers to be scowling at him in a threatening manner, but he had the same expression as always.

"If you need anything, you know how to find me," Fingers said.

Jacob's gaze flicked between his face and the hand which was still gripping his arm.

"Sure," Jacob eventually said, and then Fingers finally released his grip with one last toothless grin, then turned back to the bar.

Jacob turned and walked back to Pete and James and put the drinks on their table.

"You alright Captain?" Pete asked.

Jacob just stared for a few seconds, his mind frantically trying to make sense of what had just happened. He finally registered what Pete had asked and turned to face him.

"I've just got something to do. I'll see you tomorrow." And then he turned and walked out of the tavern.

He didn't stop walking until he was back on The Flying Bounty.

He turned the key in the lock, and opened the door, unconsciously holding his breath.

His eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness, and he let out a sigh of relief at the figure on the bed, covered in blankets.

Jacob locked the door behind him, then walked over to the bed. He could see the gentle rise and fall of Reaphier's breathing and he finally felt some of the tension leave his body.

Everything was fine. He was still here. He was safe.

Jacob moved over to his bed and gently pulled the covers off Raephier's head.

The movement caused Raephier to stir, and he lifted his head, a sleepy, confused expression on his face.

"I thought you were sleeping at the Inn tonight?"

"Change of plan," Jacob said, trying his best to give him a comforting smile.

"What do you mean?" he asked, looking confused.

"It means I'm taking you with me. We're going to be staying at an Inn tonight."

"Oh," Raephier said, sitting up, looking more awake.

"Hurry up and get dressed," Jacob said, then walked over to his desk and preoccupied himself with straightening out some of his papers, just to give Raephier some privacy.

"Ok, I'm ready," Raephier said a short time later, and Jacob turned to see him in the shirt and trousers he had given him.

"Here," Jacob said, reaching into his wardrobe and finding an old coat.

Raephier slid it on, and Jacob bit back a smile as it drowned his smaller frame.

"Come on," he said, leading the way to the door.

The harbour was lit by moonlight, and there was not a person in sight. Jacob led the way, feeling Raephier walking just slightly behind him.

He took the back roads, keeping away from the area where the taverns lay, in order to keep out of sight. The closer they got to the Inn, the more Jacob started to worry that he hadn't thought this through.

There was no way he would be able to smuggle Raephier into his room without being spotted by either Sally or Barny, and he didn't want to get on the wrong side of either of them.

He was no closer to knowing what to do when they arrived.

He gently led Raephier in through the door, and told him to take a seat while he walked up to the counter and rang the small bell.

Sally came bustling through from the back.

"Oh Jacob it's you. Is there a problem with your room?"

"No, sorry ma'am, and I'm sorry for disturbing you so late."

"Ma'am?!!" Sally screeched in mock outrage. "Jacob O'Riley, I've known you for the best part of 10 years! Don't you dare ma'am me!"

Jacob chuckled and held his hands up in surrender.

"Sorry, sorry, I guess I was just trying to get on your good side, but clearly went the wrong way about it."

Sally narrowed her eyes at Jacob in curiosity.

"And why would you need to get on my good side young man?"

Jacob tried his best to not cower like a child in front of its angry mother.

"I'm hoping you will allow me to have a guest in my room,"

Sally opened her mouth to reply but Jacob quickly cut her off.

"And I'm hoping you'll not ask me too many questions about it either."

Sally shut her mouth, but promptly fixed Jacob with a frosty glare. The silence only lasted a few seconds.

"Let me meet this guest, and then I'll make my decision," Sally said.

"Ok," Jacob said, "Reaphier, can you come here?"

Raephier stood up and walked over to Jacob.

"Raephier, this is Sally, the owner of the inn. Sally, this is Raephier, who I've sort of acquired on my journey."

Sally's eyes widened a fraction, but then her usual smile reappeared.

"Well hello Raephier, aren't you just adorable," she said, grabbing hold of one of his hands and giving it a squeeze.

Jacob turned to look at Raephier, and was surprised to see that his face was pale, like he'd seen a ghost.

"Reaphier?"

Raephier snapped out of his trance when Jacob said his name and gave Sally a small smile.

"It's nice to meet you," he said.

"He's not been around people much," Jacob offered as an excuse for his unusual behaviour.

"Oh, I don't mind. I'll have him comfortable around me in no time," Sally said with a wave of her hand.

"Super, so if it's ok with you, we'll be off to my room then," Jacob said, waiting for the nod of approval from Sally before he led Raephier up the stairs.