A Hero's Journey

@piraticalwit​ asked: “ don’t look at me like i’m a hero. you’ll only disappoint yourself. ” //  FROM HERE

There’s a brief scoff - more sharp inhalation than any lingering noise - that precedes the elder’s words as fingers lift to brush against the coarse stubble at his chin. “If I were looking for signs of heroism, little brother, I would have to cast my gaze upon the pages of fiction for I fear there are few that can carry such a title upon these shores...” There’s no bitterness in the tone that lingers - evidence long since buried, settled to rest on the seas - and lips curve up in a slight smile as his hand drops to rest against the surface in front of him.

There were no illusions left for Liam Jones, least of all the concept of those who held an absence of the core human failings. He had simply seen too much to think such things were anything but fanciful.

The smile mutes soon after, settling into a soft upturn of the lips rather than anything pronounced as he studies the other’s features quietly. “That being said, there is little I can see in you that will disappoint me...”

It’s not entirely true; his younger self was self-entitled and bitter in the situation and certainly could identify every fault he saw in Killian, particularly on the days when actions sabotaged his efforts to better their lives. That being said; he has had plenty of time - too much - to consider himself; to decide on the path he wants to take and it is not that of the parental figure any longer. Killian is long since needing that from him.

“Though I cannot say I am entirely behind the path of piracy. You way have to walk me through that decision.” He has his prejudices there; years spent in the Navy taught him that pirates were those that did not fall in line. those who flaunted a breaking of rules with no morals and that could hardly be a representation of the good form he sought.

the lingering silence is welcomed, liam more than content to just sit there with his brother & enjoy his quiet company for a time. & grateful that he doesn’t seem to be the only one comfortable with not needing to constantly talk with whoever’s around.

liam smiles, amused, as he glances back over at the other. there are plenty of reasons for the lack of familiarity between the two of them– death, centuries between them, varying realms– & he can’t exactly blame either of them for any of those reasons. he’s grateful for the openness of liam’s inquisition, glad that he doesn’t seem to be in search of anything specific; simply wanting to get to know his youngest brother, nothing more. “well, from what i’ve heard from killian, it seems like the three of us are a lot more alike than you’d expect, all things considered. most notably the fact i became a sailor just like the two of you did, although aboard a submarine instead of a ship like the jolly roger is. it might not have been something i ever imagined myself becoming as a kid, but i can’t imagine doing anything else with my life at this point.”

He was patient as the younger contemplated his question, only a smile lingering on his lips as he gave his brother the space to find an answer to the question. He was no fool, he knew that there were topics the youngest Jones would prefer to avoid, he could see the look in his eyes, one that he saw reflected in Killian’s eyes or even his own when he glanced in a mirror, that marked the path they had trudged as uncomfortable. But there were also things he hoped the other would share and his smile widened encouragingly as Liam offered further insight to him.

🐾

          ❝ He does do that, yeah, ❞ she replied, indicating that Killian did, indeed, speak of Liam ( though surely the elder Jones didn’t need confirmation of his brother’s fondness ). It wasn’t much —- at least in the way of painting a picture of his sibling and their backstory —- but he made his love for Liam abundantly clear.

          Discomfort rolled off of him in waves, brows furrowing as he attempted to find a topic of conversation that might hold her attention. Even if Killian had spoken of her, Ruby had no doubt the small tidbits weren’t enough to indicate her interests. ❝ Still getting used to all of it, aren’t you? ❞ A pause, a ghost of a smile on her lips. ❝ Feel free to shut me up any time. I’m a waitress in a small town, the one thing I’m good at doing is talking up a storm. ❞

While he knew his brother often spoke fondly of him, the confirmation of it from someone with someone still brought a smile to Liam’s face. Some things never changed, and though he did not believe he deserved his brother’s adoration thanks to some of the darker choices he had made in life, he was glad he had it anyway. In many ways, Killian was as much an anchor to him as he had been to his brother.

rightfulcaptxin​: 

“Mm, I have discovered that, Liam Jones.” Edward smiled fondly. “But, worry not, my interest in you is not purely aesthetical…” He let a hand glide smoothly down Liam’s arm, his fingertips skimming cloth, until he could curl his fingers lightly around Liam’s. “You and I have a history, after all. I have always valued you and your brother very strongly. You are family to me.” He gave Liam’s hand a gentle squeeze. “However, whilst I view Killian as a brother, you… you are so much more.”

princesircastic​: 

“Well, I’ll do my best not to splash out too much without your say-so, but I can’t promise anything.” James grinned. “I’m a giving person and… well, it’s how I express myself. You know I’m not good with words.” He gave a soft, contented sigh as kisses were trailed over his face, happily returning the kiss given to him. It was rare for Liam to be the one to initiate first - simply because he was very tactile and physical - and he thoroughly enjoyed it when he was.

When they parted, James’s mind went back to his plans. His eyes scanned the room, already picturing the changes he would make - nothing too drastic, since it was a room Liam would have to exist in, and he’d keep Killian on tap for his input, since he knew his brother the best. He was already thinking a nautical theme, of course. He’d do some online searches to find the right kind of things and he’d get Killian to dig up anything personal to Liam that he could work with.

“It wouldn’t be you if you completely cut it out...” Liam admitted quietly, smiling at the other as he looked upon him. “Though forgive me if I act out about it, at least you know why now,” he murmured, turning his gaze away briefly to look around his bare room. “I’ve always had better things to put the money too. Making sure Killian was happy, healthy and wanted for nothing he needed was always most important. I could not afford for them to revoke the decision...” he murmured, voicing the secret fear he had carried since he had received the paperwork permitting him to take the role of Killian’s guardian. 

rightfulcaptxin​:

He did bark out a laugh at the dryly delivered remark, knowing his lack of patience in certain matters had definitely given him a reputation. “Well, fair enough to that.” He grinned, letting a hand fall upon Liam’s shoulder. “Why you? Well…” He leaned in, feathered a kiss across his cheek. “I do believe you are utterly unaware of just how attractive you are, hm? That in itself is wonderfully endearing, Captain.”

princesircastic​:

James wasted no time, digging out the remote for the TV and instantly opening up one of the various streaming apps programmed into it. “Well, I was thinking I could finally get you to sit your ass down and watch that film I keep pestering you to watch.” He grinned, already searching out the title. “Considering there’s more than one in the series, it could take me years to get you to watch them all at this rate.”

Truthfully he expected Liam to fall asleep during the film - not through a lack of interest, of course, but because he recognised how exhausted he was. Besides, he didn’t mind watching these particular films more than once. He’d grown up reading the books, after all. He didn’t give Liam any chance to object - not that he thought he would - and immediately set the film up to play.

A chuckle escaped Liam for he knew that James had been attempting to wrangle him into watching the films for some time, and he dipped his head in a nod. “Aye, that seems fair seeing as I’m using your place to rest up...” he mused, still finding the notion of being at rest something foreign or strange, however he knew that he’d accepted it now and to try and get out of it would be more trouble than it would be worth.