Disclaimer: I don't own Jack Sparrow or any of its characters. The Pirates of the Caribbean movie is the property of Disney. So there is no copyright infringement intended, nor do I intend to tick anyone off – so please don't sue me, I'm poor enough already! But I do own the story itself and the characters of Jess and non-POtC types…. :O)
The Enya song is called 'On Your Shore' and is from her wonderful 'Watermark' album. Same disclaimer applies here too! I don't own it, she does – I just wish I could sing like her!
This is my first Pirates fanfic. It is based on the 2003 movie and my own (twisted) imagination! I do not intend to rip off any other writer (I just can't wade through so many pages of stories to check, I'd lose the will to live!) so if this premise has been done before I'm sorry, I just hope mine is different enough for it not to be too boring. But if I digress from the history of the original movie and stuff a little, don't shoot me as I'm old and the brain (what little I have) is not what it used to be. Plus I might also change things to fit the story a little better –sorry. But that is what artistic license is all about! LOL
I watched the film recently; and wondered if I could do my own story – where this time Jack gets the girl (not Elizabeth for all the Will/Elizabeth shippers out there)!.
So here it is, it's set after the original movie – it's going to be reasonably dramatic, romantic and humorous (I hope!)….. It is nothing but fluff, so if you don't like this sort of stuff please don't read it! If you've read any of my other stuff and liked it, hopefully you'll like this too.
Dedicated to my little sister Calliann for being such a smart arse and passing all her tests! Way to go sis!
Calliann: You're going to like them even less by chapter 6! Her parents are truly awful – the problem is that back then money and status was everything. Some parents, like Governor Swann, ultimately considered their child's happiness; others, like the Fitzwilliam's, didn't. Thank God she has Jack and the others is all I can say. I think it's funny that she's so strong and resolute everywhere else except her parents – but being like that myself I suppose that's why I wrote her like that. Oh, Norrington poor man – he's not giving up and I can see it becoming an issue! Though he will back Jack up on something in chapter 6:O) Jack's enjoying the kissing and does it often – typical Cap'n Sparrow if you ask me; total letch! Well, payback for the mother had to happen! I bloody loved that stupid bird and had to have it here! There will be more Cotton and Cotton's parrot soon as Little Bit comes to rely on them and Ragetti…poor Little Bit. I think he deserved the slap to be honest with what he said, but he's such a lovable rogue…. LOL Ah the dancing….all I can say is read on and poor Ragetti! Glad you liked it and hope you like this one as much!
DCoD: Ah the dancing yeah, she's also not the most patient person on the planet! LOL Poor Ragetti as he's the worst of the lot! Glad you like it and hope you like this chapter as much!
June Birdie: The oldies always work better than the new ones I say! Speaking as an oldie myself:O) Yeah, well her parents deserved payback didn't they and you have to love Jack for stepping up to save her! No it was Norrington's stupidity alone that brought them, Elizabeth is only scheming to bring Jack and Jess together for real. Hope you like this chapter too. :O)
NOTE: If anyone wants to know a site for the script; e-mail me as I have one bookmarked now.
WARNING: BAD LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE, SO READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.
All reviews, and constructive criticism, gratefully received – but no flaming please; and I will try to update regularly.
'—' signifies thoughts.
"—" signifies speech.
So here's Chapter four!
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
THE LADY PIRATE
Chapter Four – History
They only had 2 days left before the ball; they'd been on the beach all day practicing the steps for a few waltz's and polka's – Jack had gone off with Will somewhere for something; he didn't say and Jess never questioned. It was easier that way; if he needed help he'd get word to her as he always did, and she and the rest of them would wade in….but despite what others, like Commodore Norrington, thought of him he rarely did.
All the others were managing, just, to bluff their way through most of the steps they were learning – some still a bit dothery but, having got a handle on her temper which had exploded more than once over the last few days, they'd stopped mucking around damn quick and knuckled down to learning to dance. Pintel quietly joshing with the others yesterday that she 'ad a temper satan himself would be bloody proud of'. They all saw, in those moments, Glory O'Reilly and were glad she was friend and not foe.
The irony was they'd picked up quickly it wasn't for her she was raging, worrying they'd let her down, but them. Her words "they ain't gonna look down on any of ye! Not whilst I got breath in me body! Ye mayn't be better'n them, but yer all as bloody good as 'em any time! Yer bloody remember that!" rang through them, and they were touched she felt that much for them.
However, she was dancing with Ragetti this time and the young man was all left feet; she turned to the left, Rags turned to the right; she stepped forward, so did he and they collided, she stepped back, so did he and he fell over.
"RAGETTI!" her exasperation was beginning to show.
"I'm SORRY but I don't know me left from me right, do I! AND both me feet have minds o' their own!" he yelled back equally as frustrated.
Annie could be heard cursing an equally inept Pintel as he trod on her foot for the 100th time in an hour; Gibbs gracefully waltzed Elizabeth round the beach making the others mutter murderously at his showing off.
Jess secretly suspected he could dance all along, and had been pretending he couldn't so he could boast about he quickly he learned. She smiled inwardly; Cap'n Jack Sparrow was not a good influence, as she knew he'd do something like that!
"Can I be of some assistance?" Jess turned to see James Norrington stood behind her.
"Yeah – c'mere!" she hauled him in front of her and turned to the young pirate with a murderous look "now watch!" she tapped his head "Ye ain't stupid Rags, you ain't! Ye survived 10 years with Barbossa and a year with Mulroy, anyone who can do that is bloody clever – plus you're me mate and I luv ya - so bloody pay attention. Stick it in your head and then just do the same after – got it?" he nodded, blushing at the fractious compliment.
She turned to Norrington, who was watching with an amused look, and nodded at Cotton who started his accordion to the tune she'd whistled for him earlier "Right, you know 'Merrily on High?" Norrington nodded "C'mon then!" and off they went.
Jack arrived back to see Jess being lifted by the waist and then swung round by the commodore. He immediately went over as she was lifted back the other way and, dropping his boxes, grabbed her round the waist as the commodore let go and hauled her close against him "Hello luv, havin' fun are we?"
Jess was breathless and laughing, and didn't see the possessive glint in his eye as she glanced over at Ragetti "see? Ain't hard, is it Rags?"
"No it ain't hard, course not; I can do that! Just as soon as you gets me a new pair of bloody feet and gives me a brain that knows left from right!" the young pirate grumbled.
James Norrington bowed and went to take his leave, seeing the look Jack was giving him; as he went to pass the pirate, Jack caught his arm "Don't be sniffing round me 'missus' alright mate – she's spoken for; and as you're the cause of all the trouble that's bedevillin' her at the mo', I reckon ye should step back a bit…savvy?" though he was doing the usual 'mad Jack' routine, his eyes told a very different story.
The commodore looked at Jess, who was engaged in a heated discussion with Ragetti about when to lift her as he had nearly chucked her in the ocean "I think you're taking your role of 'husband' a little too seriously Sparrow. When her parents have left it will be up to the lady who she chooses to remain with…." And he stalked off.
"It won't be you mate, it won't be you…." Jack mumbled at his retreating back, but Will heard the doubt in his voice.
"You're right, it won't be…" he patted Jack's arm "She'd never leave the sea, you or the Pearl."
"I'm glad I came on that list somewhere…." The pirate noted; he rolled his eyes as Ragetti and Jess started fighting, as this time she did end up in the water – Jess picked herself up and launched at the young pirate knocking him flying, both their fists flying "OI! You're meant to be bloody dancing, not trying to kill each other!"
"Yeah, and he's not meant to be trying to sodding drown me!" She yelled as she and Ragetti came out of the surf dripping wet. But Jack noticed there was a merry glint in their eyes.
Jack wandered up "Yer going to look bloody choice the two of ye – ye got a black eye Rags and ye a cut lip wench…." He wiped the blood from her lip with his thumb "now c'mere…" he hauled her against him and, surprising all watching and the woman he was dancing with, he did the dance perfectly.
Jess stood open mouthed "I should do that more often if it shuts ye up!" he turned to the others "Right, got ye some decent clothes for this shindig so go and try 'em on. Yer names are on the boxes…." He turned to Annie "Ye got a dress to wear like her and Little Bit, sorry."
Annie rolled her eyes and nodded "I don't remember wearin' a dress ever, but I'll try – we both will, eh Little Bit?"
The little girl nodded "Alright, but I ain't happy!"
Jack leant down to her "Yer hem is specially shorter Little Bit, so ye won't fall over it." He whispered, and grinned as she flung her arms round his neck muttering "luv ye Jack…"
He hugged her tightly back and muttered something in the child's ear; but no one could hear it, all they saw was Little Bit walking away with a grin big enough to split her face in two.
Jack saw Jess looking dubiously at her dress, he quirked an eyebrow as she swallowed "It's lovely…."
"But?" Jack raised an eyebrow.
"I'd much rather go like this….." she indicated her trousers and shirt.
"Aye, well ye can't…." he eyed her appreciatively "though I have to say I prefer yer with less clothes on than that thing…" he indicated the dress and ducked the blow.
"Yer slippin pet, must be the 'baby' makin' yer lose yer touch…." he didn't react quick enough to stop her pinching his hat though, and quickly chased her up the beach as she ran away shouting "YO HO HO A PIRATE'S LIFE FOR MEEE!"
The others watched as he easily caught her and ran into the sea with her over his shoulder, both mucking about and laughing.
"Of course, they're not in love – not at all…they're just mates havin' a crack at her folks expense; so don't ye lot be getting any ideas, it's all pretend!" Annie rolled her eyes, as the others laughed.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Later that evening they all sat round a fire on the beach watching the stars come out and telling stories, Jack's being the tallest of them all – making them laugh, especially the more indignant he became that they wouldn't believe him.
"I don't see why yer won't believe me!" he glowered at Jess who was so hysterical with laughter that she was laying on her back holding her sides.
"Oh me stomach! Me stomach!" she cried helplessly.
"Good! I 'ope yer bloody sides split!" he growled "Coz it were bloody true!" he avoided Elizabeth's amused look.
"I can just about believe the turtles – I mean they're nosey sods, and if ye stood there long enough I reckons they would have come over to see what ye were doin'…….but rope made from yer back hair!" and off she went again.
"Wench!" Jack muttered, darkly.
She suddenly leapt to her feet, wiping her eyes as she advanced on him; leaning over him, her lips hovered inches away from his – all could seem him leaning imperceptibly closer……..until she shot round the back and grabbed his shirt pulling it down at the neck as he growled in frustration.
She glanced at the others, Gibbs looking worried and the others aghast, she could feel Jack sitting stiffly and then grinned "Christ Jack! You're like a bloody ape!"
She held a lock of hair at angle over his shoulder "See?" Everyone else grimaced, Gibbs smiled looking around nodding.
She came round the front and bowed to the pirate "Sorry, Jack didn't mean to question ye…." She winked at him and he dipped his head before winking back.
"S'alright wench, I do tell some tall tales….but me escape ain't one of 'em."
Only Will and Elizabeth had seen the truth, there wasn't a hair on Jack's back….
Eventually Annie turned to Jess, who was now wearing Jack's hat – a sure sign, Gibbs and Will thought, that he cared as no one usually wore his hat but him "So how did you know that Herring was bluffing about his cards?" They'd played poker a little while before and as usual Jess had won.
Jess smiled "He kept touching he's nose – he always do that when he lies." She chuckled.
Annie grinned in realisation "Oh, yeah! I seen him do it too!" then she frowned slightly "But how did you know?"
Jess leant towards her conspiratorially "my gran taught me that people do things different when they lie, or they're trying to put ye off finding stuff out. What ye do is ye ask them questions ye know the answer too and then one they might lie on, if the act different ye knows when they're lying." She grinned.
Annie shrugged "For instance?"
Jess sighed and explained "For instance, say ye get a carrier and ye know they got money on board. Well, ye ask the captain something stupid like his rank and the rank of his first officer. He answers ye like yer an idiot, specially as yer a woman. Then ye ask where the money is, no matter how much they lie about none being on board ye know.
In the end they gets so scared as to how ye know they tell ye. Or ye can work ye way through the ship, if ye have time, until you see they're lying agin." She grinned once more "easy…."
Annemarie smiled "Must have got ye a reputation though; being able to do that? I had heard tell some thought you was a witch or somethin'? Tell us the yarn, eh Jess? Go on tell us, you must have heard yer own story!"
Jess laughed "Aye if ye like; but it's only a little story so it is, and hardly worth the telling!" She mimicked her grand-da's Irish brogue. Jack, sat behind her with his legs either side of her, chuckled and pushed his hat down over her eyes – she giggled and put it on Little Bit who was sat in her lap watching the flames dance.
But they all called out to her to tell them "Go on tell them yer yarn, ye heartless wench!" Jack nudged her "Though I doubt it'll be as good as mine!"
"Oh no Jack, no stories as good as yourn!" she smirked as he flicked her head.
"Cheeky mare!" he grimaced.
So began the story of her infamous reputation "the story goes that me grand-da, the great 'Mad Dog' Murdoch O'Reilly himself, had made a deal with the queen of the Banshee's in Ireland (he were Irish as ye know) that if she gave my gran one more year o'life then he would let me become half banshee.
'He loved me gran dearly he did; and didn't wish to be parted from her, sick as she was. The queen agreed, and so a deal were struck; at the age of 9, so the story goes, I were transformed into this creature and me Gran got an extra year o'life.
As for me I became a pirate right then, as I could not be among most mortal people no more for fear o' what I'd do to them." She chuckled.
I, apparently, can see into the darkness of men's mortal souls and see when they're lying to me. And I can call them to me with me siren song….." she laughed "Banshee's screams are actually meant to herald death, and they sure don't sound like no song; still I s'pose it makes the story better that way!" Jack chuckled and lowered his head so none of the crew would see.
"Anyways the story continues that no man can stand agin me, or love me; for the darkness that lasts in my soul, from the unholy pact my grand-da made, would kill them dead should they ever even try to love me.
But one day, not too many years ago, I finally found one man that could not hear the banshee song; that saw beyond the banshee fire dancing in me eyes, that causes men to bare their souls or perish if they lie! Aye, I know it rhymes, for some reason that bit's meant to so I'm told!" she laughed again, a really genuine laugh that echoed round the little bay, and the others joined her.
All could tell she was enjoying the story and told it with gusto; the crew too loved a good yarn and Jess always told a good one. They were, by the light of the fire on the beach, almost hanging on every word of this one.
Her voice carried, and from his vantage point leaning against the rock behind her; Jack saw the soldiers above, including Norrington, her parents and the Governor coming to the wall to listen. All were as transfixed as his crew, and he grinned.
He looked back at Jess, the light from the flames making her hair seem on fire, her eyes dancing with mirth and he knew even if he never admitted it to another soul, he loved her - the fire in her hair showed the fire in her spirit, and the light in her eyes showed the light in her heart; that, if nothing else, was what snared him, because he was the same.
She understood him like no one else ever had. She came from a similar background but had turned her back on it for a life on the sea. Alright, the reasons for it might have been different, but the outcome was the same. She was a pirate, and deep in her soul if nothing else, she was a creature of the sea just like him.
Whether or not he would tell her of his feelings, remained to be seen; Jack, as he had agreed with Maggie more than once, was not for the 'noncy' stuff. But then if he did not, he risked another coming to claim her…..
He moved and pulled her back against his chest. She glanced around and he kissed her, but also muttered against her lips "your folks are up there…" she nodded and kissed him back. His arms linked round her waist and her own hands resting on them.
There were chuckles that turned to groans as the others realised this was just another ruse when they saw her parents. Jess went on "But not he; his love was pure and so he could not see the evil that lurked in me; and for a time we were happy, for I loved him full as much as he loved me.
We even had a baby, a little girl – with a banshee cry just like her Ma's." she roared with laughter at that and so did the others; knowing what a temper Maggie had, it was not hard to believe there might be a bit of truth in that part.
"For, so the story goes, a banshee love is rare to win and when ye do yer blessed." She saw the looks and rolled her eyes "don't ask me, I didn't make the bloody story up! I can't see why one minute being with me's a curse and the next a blessing either!" a chuckle rippled round the group, and even the soldiers above.
"But one day a bad pirate came, and tried to steal the evil from me soul and me Esmeralda; the ship I'd promised on the code of a pirate to keep safe when me Grand-da, 'Mad Dog' Murdoch O'Reilly, died at this same black hearted pirate's hand - for it was named for me Gran and he loved it muchly.
The black pirate wanted the evil of the banshee to make him even more powerful. For he and his men were afflicted by a terrible curse – them were now the living dead!" she paused for the drama.
For a bit of effect one of the soldiers above , Jack vaguely remembered him as Mullroy from when he had first tried to commandeer the Interceptor, went 'dun dun duuuunnnn!" until Norrington, staring in disbelief at him cuffed his head, making Jack stifle a laugh.
Ragetti nudged Pintel excitedly "that were us….we's in her story!"
Pintel smacked 'im round the 'ead "Ye think I ain't heard it afore neither?" he groused, as Ragetti managed stop himself losing his eye – such was the blow. He glanced to see Jess staring hard at him "Sorry." he muttered to Ragetti, who grinned his thanks to the woman.
But she shook her head "now say it like yer mean it Pint!" she growled.
Heads flew up and suddenly the funny, friendly woman was gone and in her stead was possibly the very thing they spoke of now "I'm sorry Ragetti old mate, I truly am." Pintel fell over his apology, this time very earnest.
"That's better, all friends agin." She smiled once more and adjusted the sleepy little girl in her lap.
Jack tapped her head "Here luv, give Little Bit to me." He murmured and sat back a bit, leaning against the rock once more and so she handed the child back to him where Maggie snuggled into his embrace, put her little arms round his neck for a hug and went to sleep.
Jack saw the knowing looks exchanged round the crew "what! I'm her Da now after all!" he grumbled, motioning upwards with his eyes. But held the sleeping child a little tighter; and never mentioned that this wasn't the first time Little Bit had gone to sleep like this, if he'd been up late chatting to Jess.
No one said anything and innocent nods were given, but the looks lingered. Jess just grinned and carried on with her story "so me, me man and me crew gets into this terrible battle with Barbossa and his crew; and at the end, me man is dead!" a gasp went round the assembled people causing Jack to grin.
"Well, I'm so angry and sad that I holds up me head and shrieks the banshee cry of the dead!" she paused "see now it's a bloody scream, before a song – you think they'd at least try and keep the sodding story straight!" all laughed again.
"Anyway so I let's out this scream so anguished at me loss that, if they had not been dead already then the pirates woulda died then. But for 100 miles about us, every man drops dead as his heart breaks along with me own." Though her tone was still that of a storyteller, there was also a hint of sadness; once again they all saw Jack touch her shoulder briefly.
"I was there Jess, and you did scream though" Ragetti remembered "It were at that moment I truly felt bad for what I were." His remorse appeared heartfelt "You sounded so heartbroke."
As did Pintel when he agreed, with lowered eyes "Aye, me and all; first and only time I truly felt bad for what I'd become."
Jess looked across at them "well, I didn't see ye, either of ye. But I was heartbroke, for he was as dear to me as any man could be. But still it were no banshee scream were it lads?"
Both men chuckled and shook their heads "Nay, Jess" Ragetti grinned "you're right there – it weren't!"
"Even so me and me men managed to fight the cursed crew off the Esmeralda, and sail away into the dark!
So then the stories began in earnest that Glory O'Reilly, grand-daughter to the Pirate King hisself 'Mad Dog' Murdoch O'Reilly, was the Banshee Pirate Queen and the scourge of all the seas o' the world; me eyes glowing like the ice from the pits of the earth and hair on fire with very flames of hell! I was a witch that enchanted men to do me bidding; and me crew were Amazonian women that could kill any man with one blow, as could I!"
She roared with laughter "But look at me – I am a woman only, a slip of a thing; with a bairn clutching me breeches and a human heart that, whilst broken true enough 8 years ago, had mended as best it can and I soldiered on with me life." She glanced up at her parents "Of course when I met me Jack that's when I realised I could be happy again." She patted her stomach for effect "and this little one will complete me picture…" she grinned evilly at the others.
Jack adjusted the sleeping Little Bit and pulled Jess back against him before kissing the top of her head, and stifling his smile in her hair "Yer getting' into this aren't ye?" he muttered.
She nodded to him before adding with a smile to the others "I am a nothing, a wisp of 'humanity amongst the rolling fog of mankind; but the stories do make me chuckle….."
After a long silence Elizabeth piped up somewhat indignantly, from the confines of the warmth of Will's embrace and where she hugged her little boy to her, "Do you not hate the story Jess, for I have to say you're nothing like that evil being!"
Jess smirked "Glad I am to hear you say that Elizabeth!" everyone chuckled even the young woman "but I've done my fair share of killing – not least those that deserved it. Anyone else was only if I had no choice to save me and me Maggie."
"Like scuppering your own ship?" asked Annie.
"Aye, it cost me dear to do that – not in money, but love. For I loved that ship dearly; the Esmeralda was like blood to me, and it damn near killed me to put a torch to her powder like I did.
But better that, than 'ave 'er used for evil…for you can still be a pirate and a good man, and them animals were neither!" she finished angrily and was quiet for a moment; all saw Jack look at her intently before giving her a squeeze, they knew he felt the same for the Pearl and so sympathised with that loss the most.
Will recollected Jack saying the same thing to him about his father, and wondered whether she had heard Jack say it since; or whether it was just something from her own mind. If the latter he could only say they were more alike than they thought.
She carried on "But Elizabeth me story, however inaccurate, will go into legend. Long after I'm finer dust than this here sand" she picked up a handful and let it run through her fingers "after all of us are, me story will live on – more importantly so will the Esmeralda, me grand-da, and me Mac; and if stuff happens that ends up with with you lot makin' an appearance too, then all to the good I say – for a better bunch of friends" she nudged back against Jack "and a husband, no one could have - savvy?" she stood and walked along the beach, throwing shells into the surf.
Elizabeth smiled at Will, that word was definitely a Jack word! It seems he was having an effect on her whether she realised it or not.
"She misses that ship, don't she?" Ragetti muttered sadly to no one in particular.
"Aye she do. But it was a wonderful ship from what I heard tell…." Gibbs replied.
Jack stood and handed the sleeping Maggie off to Ragetti "Make sure she gets to the ship mate, I don't trust her to no one else coz the Little Bit luvs ye like a brother." The young pirate beamed proudly, his glass eye going a bit crazy in its socket.
With that Jack followed Jess……
Annemarie looked around the assembled crowd whispering "who wants to bet a shilling on if it'll be tonight they……" she rolled her eyes suggestively.
There were a lot of takers, most thinking the story telling had worked some magic over them; Will looked at Gibbs "I get the impression this has been running for a while?"
"Aye the last 2 months and no one's won yet!" he grinned "I know they bin kissing because of this trouble with her folk, but it don't count unless they're doing it coz they want to; though it's shortening the stakes somewhat!"
"Well….." Will began, Elizabeth turned to him scandalised.
"William bloody Turner! Don't you dare bet money on your friend's future happiness!" she hissed so as not to be heard above.
"I wasn't!" but he grinned guiltily. She turned to Annie as they parted "have a shilling from me that it'll be in a week…." She whispered.
The dark skinned woman looked at her "a week? Are ye sure? We usually run it on a nightly basis…."
"No, a week's fine….." she watched Jack walk after Jess "it may be less, but it'll be worth the shilling…"
"You planning something?"Annie asked.
"Yes…..nothing too much. He's been sleeping on the floor and getting into bed with her of a morning as her mother constantly finds reasons to 'pop in' – that needs to change…" Both women grinned.
"I'm with you…." Annie nodded "and I know the others will be too. Tell us what to do and we'll do it…"
Will rolled his eyes at his wife's wicked grin as he came over and heard the last part "well the ball will be the thing; we must keep them together all night…"
Annie smiled "That'll be no hardship you saw 'im with Norrington today – he's so bloody possessive with her no one else'll get a look in anyhow; well unless it's one of us."
"Good…..then we must keep it that way…" she watched Jack chatting to Jess and pushing some hair off her face "they can barely keep their hands off each other now…"
"true enough" Annie smirked "an' it ain't half pissing her folks off – look!" she pointed to the battlements where her parents now stood glaring at the couple who, having spotted them still there, were now locked in a passionate embrace.
Elizabeth impulsively hugged Annie "you really want them together don't you?" the female pirate asked surprised.
"Oh yes! Jack Sparrow is a good man, really. Underneath all the 'luv', 'pet', rum and weaving " she mimicked his erratic movements "he was there for me and Will right to the end. Plus he's Will's friend, so I want him to be happy – and I like her very much….very much." She looked at the couple still passionately kissing "and well, it's romantic don't you think? These two great pirate captains, legends even, falling in love?"
She sighed "Piracy's dying Annie, soon that's all the likes of Captain Jack Sparrow and Glory O'Reilly will be….legends. But to say we knew them, that we helped bring them together….well, I could live with that, I don't know about you…."
"Aye Elizabeth, I could live with that – what say you?" she turned to the rest of the crew who had gathered "AYE!" was the cry, causing her parents to look puzzled at the sudden affirmation from the crew, Jess and Jack stopped kissing briefly as well before he pointed once more to her watching parents and began gently kissing her again.
The Fitzwilliam's left a long time before the two pirates did - going back to the crew with cheeky grins, the two taking bows for such a good 'acting' job….though Jack himself was beginning to wonder how much of it was still an act anymore.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Later that night he woke suddenly, peering over the edge of the bed he saw it was empty. Rising, he looked out of the window and saw Jess outside in her shirt and breeches; she seemed to be singing, albeit quietly. He couldn't miss this – he'd never, ever heard her sing. Annie said no one had except Little Bit, who had told her her ma sang like an angel.
Quickly and quietly he stowed his stuff away, didn't want to get caught out by her nosy parents, rumpled the bed on the side he would have slept – even going so far as to lay his head on the pillow – before grabbing his shirt and going out.
He stood at the living room doors that opened onto the garden; she stood looking out over the sea, her voice ringing clear a she sang:
"Strange
how my heart beats
To find myself upon your shore.
Strange how
I still feel
My loss of comfort gone before.
Cool waves
wash over
And drift away with dreams of youth
So time is
stolen
I cannot hold you long enough.
And so this is where
I should be now
Days and nights falling by
Days and nights
falling by me.
I know of a dream I should be holding
Days and
nights falling by
Days and nights falling by me.
Soft blue
horizons
Reach far into my childhood days
As you are rising
To
bring me my forgotten ways.
Strange how I falter
To find
I'm standing in deep water
Strange how my heart beats
To find
I'm standing on your shore."
He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms round her waist. She jumped so hard she would have fell if he hadn't had hold of her.
"Jesus Jack, you scared me half to death!" she gasped.
"Sorry pet. I heard ye singing and came out to listen. I think I know where the siren song part of yer story comes from now." He smiled against her hair.
She chuckled, but then asked seriously "Why ye helping me Jack? I mean it's a big thing yer doing for me and Little Bit……"
He could tell her now; tell her he loved her, tell her he would go to the gallows, fight Davey Jones himself to protect her and the child…….
"Coz yer me mate and I sticks by me mates…"
"So ye'd do the same for Annie?" she asked.
She were fishing, he could see that "well, actually no, probably not…..I'd make one of the others do it." They both laughed quietly.
"Who?"
"Gibbs….he's got a soft spot for 'er. Though in truth I find her scary; she's completely unrelenting" he shuddered.
She slapped his hand and smirked "Careful ye dog, she's like a sister to me."
"Who else are yer favourites?" he could fish too.
"Obviously Ragetti…." She smiled thinking of the young pirate and he's doglike devotion to Little Bit "and maybe Pintel; definitely Cotton and naturally Cotton's parrot. Oh, and I couldn't leave out Gibbsy!" she grinned.
"That it?" he sounded hurt.
"who else should there be?" she enquired, moving out of his embrace and turning to look at him innocently.
Silence….
"I mean I love all the crew, ye know that - but ye did ask about me favourites only."
Silence…..and a raised eyebrow.
"Well, I s'pose I could include ye…I mean ye've been quite nice to me…"
"Well, don't do me no bloody favours ye wench!" he muttered "I'm Captain Jack Sparrow, I don't need no favours from a female….pirate legend or no, savvy?"
She hugged him "Aww Jack, I was only foolin' ye. Ye know that, ye lump! I never broke yer secret about the turtles did I?" she began to chuckle again.
"who were ye singin' about?" She stopped laughing and stepped away.
"What?"
"who were ye singin' about?" he repeated.
"no one." She looked away to the sea "I miss it."
"What?"
"That – the sea; I miss being out there, always going to the horizon. I have been so sick the last week." She grimaced and rolled her eyes, making him smile "Still I think I convince me ma and da pretty much!"
"So, who was the song about – I don't buy the 'no one' no more'n you buy the 'back hair rope and the turtles'."
She sighed "I can't tell ye – I can't. It'd ruin everything."
"Why? Surely if ye feel for someone ye should be with 'im, not me?" he stroked her cheek, his eyes concerned.
"Feel for 'im?" she smiled thoughtfully, patting his hand "Aye I 'feel for 'im' right enough." Then she looked Jack right in the eye "I'm with you."
She shot back into the house before he could move…..he shook his head to clear the hope he had there; knowing his bloody luck, she was probably singing about the soddin' commodore!
