Disclaimer: The Oracle and her cre are mine, Jack Sparrow and his Black Pearl are not - You know this already:o) ENJOY!
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Patrons of Poseidon
Pastel shades of pink and blue streaked across the summer sky as Havana bid goodbye to the setting sun and embraced a spectacular twilight. Two lovers walked upon the cool sand arm in arm watching their old territory of the ocean; waves lashed along the shore begging them to return to their real home. Jack and Ruby-Rose Sparrow sacrificed their love of the sea for the love between man and wife, a self-appointed exile from the wondrous continents that lay beyond the horizon in favour of matrimony. With the vow of the pirate's pledge well enforced there came a vow that the two captains secretly committed to without the other knowing – A promise not for one to resent the other, no matter how many instances of boredom, no matter how many adventurous opportunities they missed – and they missed a lot – they refused to begrudge each other…Then again their determination to keep strong as a couple did not ease their struggle with it. Sitting down on a fallen tree struck down by the last monsoon they stared out to see, both of them silently apologising for being away so long.
"So summer has come at last then, the air is dry; possible danger of dead calm somewhere out there…I'd hate to be part of it" Jack lied, his longing for sea travel had even led him to think of Poseidon's most mischief-making trick; the wind stolen away and a drifting ship.
"A welcoming sight is a night like this…bright and awe-inspiring, moments that make you glad to be alive" She mused quietly, Jack smiled and turned from his first love to a woman that was slowly becoming the love of his life. The Pirate never thought about it too much as it was an issue on too grand a scale for him – it terrified and excited him at the same time. But he could feel it there, so much so that if his love for Ruby-Rose was a solid form it would set the world alight.
"Too young to be getting melancholic missy, a beautiful refrain nonetheless" Jack replied with his infamous whimsical notions.
"Old spirit in a young body Jacoby"
"Never a truer word spoken" He said, raising his hand up along her neck that sent shivers down her spine, he grinned before kissing between her shoulder blades; the flesh exposed by his wife's resilience to keep to her old attire.
They both slipped off the log and kissed each other lovingly as the stars greeted the Earth, Ruby-Rose wanted the moment to linger on forever but she had a secret that could no longer be kept, guilt had weighed her down for many months as did her crisis with her identity. She stroked his cheek trying to delay the confession that she cold not deny him.
"I have something to tell you"
"I'm all ears my love, all my attention is squarely on you as always" Jack jibed, he humour was rewarded with a smile for not only did she cherish the man he was, she cherished his endless theatrics: A habit he knew deep down no amount of time would break and yet she still loved him for it…'There is no truth on Earth quite like love' …He would often hear his father say but it never held any merit or relevance till now Ruby-Rose stroked his face, her gaze of tenderness faltered long enough for Jack to guess that something was definitely wrong.
"What is it, love?"
"My mind has been troubled of late; certain dreams have forced me to do a bit of thinking" Ruby-Rose replied.
"Your nocturnal restlessness does not bother me Liv in fact it reminds that the past year has not been a drunkard's dream" He quipped, his wife smiled briefly before standing up and strolling towards the waves.
"I'm being serious Jack….these nightmares; I'm staring into a river and nothing is staring back – I do not see my reflection" Ruby-Rose gazed up at the stars then back at her husband, he stood up from the sat and took a step towards her.
"They're only dreams Olivia, they either torment or please you…make you smile with joy or plague you with desire – They don't mean anything" Jack tried to dismiss her worries by stroking her back, dragging his thumb over her tattoo.
"It does to me, I've been mulling it over and it seems to have something to do with my origin"
"Your origin, you have no reason to doubt your origin; it's here with our father…It's here with me" The pirate Captain said sweetly while clasping her hand and placing it over his chest, over his heart.
"My origin is in the shadow of a great man my legacy is weaved by adventure stories spurred by one Caleb Elias Sparrow. Years ago I thought it would be enough but it's not"
The deafening silence made Ruby-Rose squirm, Jack's pride had been wounded and she did not have to look him in the eye to know it. She swiftly turned around just in time to see his temper flare up then disappear.
"Do you ever think about yourself being a father? Oh yes you will have countless tales to tell your children because you know who you are I do not have such a luxury"
"Olivia you are making no sense, it's usually me that makes no sense at all and if you don't mind I like to keep it that way" Jack used an Ill-favoured ploy to distract her from something she had no control over. But Jack had not yet known how determined his lover was regarding the issue.
"I want to tell my children about my mother and believe in the love she had for my father, I want to tell them that Brogan Fletcher was an honourable gentleman and have every faith in my words"
"You don't have faith in your parents? You do not believe they really abandoned you do you?" Jack questioned firmly, he grasped the bewildered maiden by the shoulders; Ruby-Rose just stared at the sand
"…Do you?" He persisted cupped her faced with his hands, feeling tears trickle upon his fingertips
"I cannot lie Jack I go through phases of faith and doubt, faith and doubt and now I'm adamant to end it….I intend to leave for Maine in two days, it's something I need to do Jack"
The pirate stepped away from her with his hands still cupped together, eventually throwing his arms down at his sides in frustration.
"…and here I am thinking I would be the first one to crack, The Black Pearl was an obsession of mine that I gave up in favour of a greater one…or so I thought" He mumbled, scrunching his folded his cap in his fist as he dragged it off his head.
"It's different for me Jack I love the sea but it does not dominate my life like it does yours. I want you by my side for as long as I live, this one voyage and I'm done with it"
"I gave it up for you, The Black Pearl is drifting in the docks, my crew are now scattered throughout the Spanish Maine I retired from a life of piracy all for you what more do you what?"
"An identity; I need to know about Olivia Rose Fletcher as well as Olivia Rose Sparrow…do not hate me for it Jack" The Oracle's captain said her final piece of the matter and walked off leaving Jack to stew in his turmoil before he called out to her.
"Ruby-Rose, much as I wish to begrudge you I find it impossible for you have me hook line and sinker. But don't expect me to sit around while you swan up the coast"
"I never expected anything less Captain Sparrow" Ruby-Rose replied somewhat sadly, the drop of her alias name within the family was always a bad sign. Still she had no objection to Jack's tone of over-protectiveness for she knew that when the world fell to pieces he would still be there…at least she hoped he would.
Dirt replaced sand as Ruby-Rose walked away from the beach and back into the town, along the pier and towards her homestead. Jack wandered far behind her and the misery he felt attracted him to the inn where he comforted himself with two bottles of rum. Alas he had nobody to share his tale of woe with; His father, Ana-Maria and Joshamee Gibbs were all in Tortuga. He pondered how trifling his Jamaican friend's loyalties were – first him then Ruby-Rose and now his father and he could not help but wonder if there was more to her latest escapade then she had let on.
"Gregory my good man, present me with some of the good stuff will you?"
The tall innkeeper rolled his eyes at Jack's frown and slammed the bottle of a much-loved beverage in front of the forlorn pirate.
"All right Sparrow, what's wrong now – seasickness? Gregory Hunt mocked, those that knew Jack Sparrow laughed – the only man that ever felt homesick away from the sea.
"No but now that you mention it I would choose that instead of what I'm feeling any day of the week and twice on Sundays" Jack groaned then took a very long swig at the bottle.
"…And you are feeling…?"
"Cheated sir, cheated – by a woman and not just any two-bit fancy mind, a real wild-as-you-like, scorn-a-plenty, fiercely independent WOMAN!"
"Ruby-Rose a cheater, that's a load of tripe Jack Sparrow you should be ashamed of thinking-"
"Nah, nah, she has not betrayed me like that and yet I suppose in a way she has"
"I don't follow you Jack, been in the sun too long have we?" Gregory sighed shaking his head as he collected empty tumblers from the bar.
"It's a well known fact that men or pirates in particular like to wander about the world with hardly any fuss; the ship, the loot, the crew those three things are what we live for right?"
The baffled innkeeper nodded
"Well what happens when you give it up for love only for it to be thrown back in your face, what if your own wife starts to live for the things that you used too"
"She's a pirate too Jack, what were you expecting, unswerving devotion?"
"Ha like such a luxury exists for the likes of me…Something close to it, yes"
"I told Caleb a few years back; Piracy is a risky business and loyalty can sometimes be too high a price to pay for it"
"Well that's charming, much obliged for the rum" Jack conceded as he scooped the bottles of rum and his cap into his arms
"Is that to go on your tab then?"
Jack turned around after walking through the flap, the bottle clinking together with every step
"Of course" hollered then strolled to the docks and clambered onto his ship that had drifted dormant in the docks from any activity of piracy since the winter.
Ruby-Rose slumped into her father's chair exhausted from the day's events of checking The Oracle's maintenance and bearing the brunt of Jack's disappointment; it took great effort just to pull her boots off. Throwing them into a corner she raised her legs up against the desk and crossed her feet together. Groaning loudly she slipped into the chair more and closed her eyes, hearing a knock at the door any notion of grace was abandoned for lack of strength.
"Come in Thomas the door is open"
The Scotsman entered the house smartly-dressed with black waistcoat, breeches and white stockings: Ruby-Rose opened one eye and marvelled at the sight of the distinguished gentleman despite being anything but. He had none of the finances of so-called 'high-class pedigree' but he had the manners and the gentle disposition of teaching aristocracy a thing or two.
"Thomas, is there a social occasion that you have not informed me of?" She asked while looking him up and down and smiling.
"No Ma'am, just a calling of old friends I have recruited half of our men back to The Oracle by Wednesday morn we uh we might have to shanghai the rest"
"Is that including Beckett and Mosley, never mind I already know the answer to that…Do what you can Thomas, it does not concern me to involve everyone"
"As you wish Ruby-Rose, which direction are we headed in?"
"We head north to Maine, some personal matters require my attention" She croaked sleepily.
"Maine ma'am, the warring colonies are at loggerheads…You wish for us to be caught in the middle?" The Quartermaster responded in bewilderment
"No Mister Laurie I wish to remain neutral to both parties and only engage if it is in our best interest to do so"
"Do you Sparrows live for trouble; is it a compulsion that I'm not aware of?" The Celt teased trying to swallow down his anxiety at the prospect of such a journey.
"Now, now Thomas…it is not confined to just my family why anybody who has smelled the sea and daydreamed about adventure is easily swayed to our side of living….and don't act like you don't know that yourself" Ruby-Rose chuckled, slipped her cap over her eyes and relaxed.
Now Thomas Laurie was no stranger to feuds and battles and being caught up in many political upheavals, he was in his mid-forties and would often scold himself for not being used to them. He could pillage and thwart and plunder to his heart's content but one thing he could never stand was being stuck in the middle of something he had nothing to do with. He loathed the pomp and ceremony of any navy fleet, but he was smart enough to keep away from the rivalries of one country to another and now here was his captain ordering to do exactly that.
Ruby-Rose tipped her hat up ever so slightly to watch her friend struggle to compose himself with his mouth going dry he started to splutter she tried to stifle a smile and merely pointed to the drinks cabinet.
"Whiskey, ale, rum, sherry, bourbon…Take your pick" She said breezily then folded her arm upon her lap.
"Thanks, don't mind if I do" He gasped, dithering with his choice at first before settling with a shot of straight bourbon, gasping again with satisfaction he set the tumbler down and splayed his hands over his waistcoat.
"So if there is nothing else Ruby-Rose I'll be on my way"
"Just organise a roll-call before we set sail Huh?
The door creaked open and in stumbled a dishevelled Jack Sparrow with sulking eyes he greeted his wife and nodded to her shipmate.
"Evening Thomas, my wife has summoned you to assist her I see"
"Well it is my Station Jack…I bid a goodnight to you Ruby-Rose, Jack" Laurie nodded to Jack and smirked at his Captain before making a hasty exit to leave the awkward tension.
"I was not expecting you back so soon" Rub-Rose mused quietly
"Yes well I felt deprived of your company so I came rushing back to surprise you" He slurred
"Must you find humour in everything?"
"It helps me cope on days wear Poseidon's favour is not so easily won" He replied as he sat by the fire but continued to stare with bleary yet lustful eyes
"I suppose everybody has one…a defence mechanism, yours it's a little more dramatic than most but to be honest I would not have you any other way"
There it was, yet another statement that further calmed his frustration; he could never be angry with her and only managed to hold a grudge while he was away from her. But within their home he could never find anything to be angry at her because she always knew the right things to say.
"Why do you feel the need to remind yourself of hurt, it's as if you have a strange belief that if you suffer enough you'll become resilient?" He asked, tracing his thumb and forefinger over his trimmed beard.
"We've been over this Jack, we'll be here all night if I went through every reason for doing this all I can say is; I need to look back to look forward"
"You have loyalty in abundance, you have love in a-b-u-n-d-a-n-c-e and yet you choose to wander in a memory that's not good for either of us – Why?"
"Damn it Jack, it's perfectly acceptable for you, you have your mother's memories, you have that link to Jordan and to England…" Ruby-Rose yelled and bolted up from her chair.
"…All I have is my days in a cramped silk mill and an avaricious uncle who wishes to kill me – There is more out there for me to find and I will find it Jack"
Jack stared at the ceiling before leaning against his knees and propped his hands up and weaved them together.
Is it enough for you to be here with me like this – the illusion of domestic bliss? Is my love enough-"
Ruby-Rose rushed to his side and kneeled down before him, covering his hands with her own. She nestled her cheek against his fingers and gently calmed Jack's insecurity; a trait that only she and her father knew about for he would skilfully disguise it so well that nobody other than his kin knew any better.
"Never Jack; don't you ever question what we have it's the only solid thing in my life and I would not know where I'd be without it"
Jack clasped her face and kissed her forehead; he leaned into the armchair and smiled lovingly at her.
"This is me, it's just me; it wasn't an idea born from any lack of love, or disenchantment for what I have because all this...you, me us as a team, a unit, a great force to be reckoned with – It's gold to me Jack, solid gold"
"You know when I went chasing around after the Black Pearl it came to my attention that while wanting revenge I also wanted peace of mind for myself: I never stayed in one place for long, always thinking that some new idea or new adventure would bring me greater peace somehow"
"Always running to stand still eh?" She teased
"Looks like you're following my bad example but whatever makes you happy love"
Ruby-Rose rewarded his consideration by reaching for him with a lingering kiss, tender at first but then ravenous with lust. Jack a little clumsy from the drink quickly sobered up and latched her arms around her waist as she climbed on top of him, straddling him within the tiny space of the couch. Jack smiled mischievously while his wife intentionally hesitated: Stroking his nose with hers as an act of honest intimacy before they made more hostile predatory moves with each other.
Jack slipped his fingers under her blouse, delight by the sensation of her bare skin instead of the rough coils of a corset he started press against her flesh more roughly. Ruby-Rose grinned and began to laugh but the laugh soon became a growl as Jack wandered near the material strip that covered her breasts. Not willing for him to gain the upper hand just yet the pirate princess dragged her hands along her Jack's shirt adding more pressure the lower her hand fell. Jack could not stop himself from groaning while his wife watched him triumphantly. Love-making was not only a committed art to them, it was a challenge, an irresistible battle of wills which neither of them lost and surely with all the numerous games of piracy this one was their personal favourite.
The young captain tugged Jack's shirt from his trousers and forcefully pushed it up his body till Jack was able to free himself and throw it behind him. He sat up straight and pulled his wife into a deeper embrace where she relented for a while as the kisses became more passionate and wanting, he groped her hair before his hands trailed back to the strip, pulling it down with one strong pull then quickly unravelled it with one hand. The cloth fell on her lap then slipped to the floor quickly followed by her crimson-coloured blouse. The chill that went through Ruby-Rose's spine was soon overtaken by the fires lust and desire that was growing in strength as Jack trailed his mouth over one breast then tended to the other, curling her arms around his neck she bent down to kiss him again. When Jack caught a glimpse of the yearning in her eyes he momentarily thought she had given in to him but this time it his turn to growl instead of laugh as his other half lifted her hips forward and rubbed against his arousal.
The struggle for supremacy had begun as arms and limbs started to wrangle together like a weave of flesh and hair as desperate hands ruffled through damp, matted hair. Jack grabbed hold of Ruby-Rose's body and slowly stood up from the chair and started to climb the stairs, a task that was made all the more difficult as Ruby-Rose crossed her legs around his back and nuzzled his collarbone. Laying on the bed his smiled as he caught sight of the woollen breeches that peeped from the rim of her trousers, he shook his head.
"Still determined to nab a man's clothes my dear?"
"I have a fondness for them yes, but I can assure you I am all-woman"
"Indeed you are and you're mine all mine" He replied as his gently crept over her and dragged both her undergarments and her breeches until she was totally exposed.
Giggling at his disregard for subtlety she lay there watching him pull off his head scarf and kick off his boots, reuniting his body with hers by kissing upwards from her thigh until reaching the most sensitive of flesh where he lingered awhile. Rapture was slowly claiming Ruby-Rose as whimpers of pleasure tumbled involuntarily out of her mouth; she arched her back and pushed her head into the pillow as minute by glorious minute she was started to lose more control. When Jack felt her body shudder and tremble beneath him he carried on worshipping the rest of her until their bodies was perfectly moulded together head to toe. Jack allowed Ruby-Rose in assisting him to rid himself with the last layer of close for it never failed to jolt him further to the edge and with one deep kiss he began to move within her, Ruby-Rose clasped his neck before pressing herself hard against his shoulders.
They both allowed their actions of tenderness, consideration and love to symbolise regret over any previous hostility, to remind each other that they were there for each other despite the cloud of uncertainty that drifted over their future: An apology in the most beautiful form. Ruby-Rose combed her fingers through Jack's long black hair it was a comfort to her that had a smell, so familiar, so welcoming…So Jack Sparrow. She tensed her fingers and made a fist as Jack's rhythm became more urgent and overwhelming, leaning her mouth against his cheek she let out a long whimper as she reached her peak. She relaxed but clung on to Jack until a primal groan ushered his own climax, turning on his back he pulled his wife with him into the protective embrace that would settle both her then eventually him to sleep. But he could still sense that the domestic strife would not leave him alone that easily.
"Olivia I never meant to-"
"Hush Jack, let's not think about yesterday let's not think about tomorrow…I just want to lie here with you – the world can wait"
He kissed her forehead in agreement and closed her eyes and waited for sleep to claim him…After wild passion such as theirs it was not a long wait.
Hours had passed and the navy blue of twilight soon melted into the grey shade of dawn, Jack awoke to find himself cold, alone and deprived of a quilt, he blinked at the shadows until he eyes started to focus. He found his wife staring out the window with the bed sheet wrapped loosely around her tall frame.
He sleepily got out of bed and wrapped an arm around his wife's waist while licking and kissing his wife's tattooed shoulder blade. He heard her catch her breath but it was not something of surprise or resentment. Euphoria thundered through him as he realised it was a sound of relief, a sound of knowing where she belonged.
"If you believe that you will truly find what you are looking for Liv, then I won't stop you making the trip. Just take great care my love; our kind avoids colonial inland territories for a reason"
Olivia Sparrow took Jack's loose arm and wrapped them tight around her waist, she could feel her quivering but only this time it was fear.
"It can wait Jack – everything can wait; the world and all it's woes, the sea and all it's treachery…it all can wait" She whispered, leaning her head against his chin and scrunching her eyes shut.
Before he attempted to ease her suffering she led him back to the bed, opening her arms wide until the sheet was covering two bodies instead of one. Without another word passing between them the blissful apology was being repeated again as the first weak rays of light spread across the bay.
