"And what do ya see?" He retorted, his eyes narrowing as he leaned a bit closer, as if challenging the other man to say more.
"A guy who needs a smile and a friend, by the looks of it." Emmett chuckled, taking a step closer, as if attempting to close the gap between them.
The man's expression instantly darkened as he took a step back. "I don't need a friend," he snapped, his voice sharp as a dagger. "And I sure as hell ain't need to smile."
Just as Emmett was about to salvage what could've been a productive conversation , the distant sound of creaking wood and waves crashing against a hull began to fill the air, growing louder as a massive schooner pulled into the docks.
The schooner looked to have seen better days, its hull covered in barnacles and the paint peeling off a bit in some areas. Clearly, the crew that manned it were not the cleanest of people.
From the deck of the schooner, a loud voice rang out, calling out to the two men.
"Oi, you there! That you, Franky?"
Franky's head snapped in the direction of the voice as he heard the call. A flicker of surprise danced across his expression before he quickly composed himself, crossing his arms as he let out a low huff.
"Yeah, it's me! You took your sweet time getting here, Cap'n," He shouted back in response, hearing the distant rocks and waves splash against the doc's support beams.
Onboard the schooner, Captain Tory chuckled in his gruff voice, his large stature visible atop the ship's deck. His hair was already graying and he was sporting a full beard, his sun-kissed complexion adding a rugged charm to his appearance.
"Had a few setbacks! Ya know how it goes at sea, eh? Waves ain't always on yer side!" He called out, his voice booming through the air, followed by the sound of soft laughter from behind him.
Franky scoffs at the Captain's excuse, his expression remaining neutral despite the slight annoyance in his eyes. He couldn't complain too much, though, as he knew that the sea could be a ruthless mistress.
"As long as you're here now," He replies in a somewhat sarcastic tone, his glance briefly flicking back to Emmett.
Upon hearing the Captain's voice, Emmett's already wide eyes widened further, a hint of excitement taking hold. He let out a soft gasp, a mix of awe and wonder filling his expression as he looked to the imposing schooner. He could hardly believe he was witnessing such a marvel in person, its rough exterior and the captain's imposing presence only adding to the atmosphere.
"Wow..." The boy whispered, awe still coating his every word.
Captain Tory's ears seemed to perk up at the sound of awe, his gaze quickly shifting to the younger man. He let out a hearty chuckle, his large hand resting on the rail of the schooner, splinters streaking the surfaces like a barbed rose as he leaned forward.
"Impressive, ain't she?" He barked out, a hint of pride in his voice. "Never failed me yet, even with her scrapes. She's solid as a rock."
Emmett's eyes stayed glued to the schooner, his gaze tracing every inch of the vessel. The captain's words fueled his awe-filled demeanor as he let out a low whistle.
"She's a beauty," He breathed out, his admiration clear as daylight. "I can't believe I'm actually gonna be sailing on a ship like this."
Franky notices the look on Emmett's face, his own expression remaining stoic. He lets out a scoff, rolling his eyes at the other man's clear interest in the ship.
"Yeah, yeah, it's a ship. Don't get too excited," He grumbled, his tone dry, almost as if trying to diminish Emmett's wonder.
Captain Tory chuckled at Frankie's quip, his lips curling into a sly grin. "Ah, let 'im be. Nothin' wrong with a youngin showin' some appreciation for a mighty vessel."
