A/N: I know it's short, but I have a life all of a sudden and it takes precedence over any number of other things, including but not limited to writing.
Adriana sat somewhat huddled in the corner booth – the one usually occupied by Captain Barbossa when the Pearl made port – sipping idly at the tea that Lucy had thoughtfully provided her. Lucy was fully occupied at the bar, bringing forth large quantities of alcohol for the sailors and regular drunks. Her mind, however, was not on her work. She was sure that Barbossa would come, and certain that he would bring the pistols she wanted. On the other hand, she couldn't be confident that the barber had seen them pass his shop. And if he had seen them, there was no certainty that he would follow, although she privately thought he wouldn't be capable of passing up a chance for some malevolent activity.
The door of the tavern swung open and hit the nearest drunk with a muffled thud, and in strode Hector Barbossa. His eyes grazed everyone in the room, taking in the sailors, ruffians, and drunks. He noted Lucy at the bar looking lost in thought, and Adriana in the corner looking about the same. He rolled his eyes. Obviously, neither one of them was fit for vengeance. I knew it, he thought to himself, thumbing the bitstock of one of the pistols at his side. I'll be doin' this meself. Heaving an almost theatrical sigh, he stomped over to the bar. He'd need a word with Lucy before he could assess the situation.
Adriana sat astray in her own musings. She hadn't noticed the pirate walk in, and she wasn't paying any attention to the conversation he and Lucy were now having. Instead she was considering the events of the past few days and wondering what her life might have been like if it weren't for the bloody pirates who had killed her parents. Occasionally she paused to wonder why, exactly, she was sitting in the Black Swan at Lucy's behest, and what in God's name Lucy could be up to… some things it's better not to know, she decided.
"I saw yer man Todd skulking about in the street, Lucy," Barbossa leered. "Are ye brave enough to go after him?"
"Absolutely," Lucy said, keeping her expression deadpan. "I'll not be lettin' any scum like that dishonor my friend! But, I can't do anything while Adriana's sittin' right here. I'm sure I'd best walk her home first, aye? Perhaps you'd consent to walk with us?"
Barbossa eyed her shrewdly, but nodded his assent. Lucy hoped to God that she wasn't putting herself and her friend in too much danger – but they would have the wily pirate captain with them. What harm could be done? She scurried over to Adriana and plucked at her shoulder.
"Adriana, I think it's time we be goin'," she intoned.
"What? Lucy! What's going on with you this evening? First it's of the utmost importance that we're here, and now we're to leave. Are you losing your – oh, that's a stupid question…."
Lucy looked offended.
"Come now, Miss Adriana," growled Barbossa, stepping up next to Lucy. "I couldn't tell ye what Lucy's thinkin' either, but I'm sure ye ought to listen to her."
Adriana gulped, and to her embarrassment felt herself blushing under his intense gaze. She swung her hair forward to cover the flush in her cheeks and got to her feet.
"C'mon," Lucy hissed, taking her arm. "Follow Barbossa and look sharp!"
Nodding, Adriana managed a small smile at the pirate.
"I do mean to apologize again for me grievous mistake the other night," the pirate captain said in a low voice, taking Adriana's hand and barely brushing it with his lips. His hand was rough and warm holding hers, and the slight unfamiliar scratch of his moustache against her skin made her shiver slightly.
"Ah, aha, think nothing of it," she almost-stammered, hoping she wasn't blushing once more. "It's really quite alright."
"Aye," Lucy chimed in, unable to bite her tongue. "A polite pirate! That's guaranteed to please."
Adriana shot her friend a dirty look as they stepped forth from the tavern into the murky street. Night had blanketed the town in a silky, humid penumbra. The street was strewn with the detritus of everyday life, littered with prone forms and filled with people jostling one another as they walked. Life was busy at night in Tortuga, especially so close to all of the inns and taverns. Away down the darkened street that lead towards Adriana's home there was a glint in the shadows – Barbossa caught the slight movement with the corner of his eye.
The little party kept walking, but their talk ceased the further they went from the crowd of people by the Swan. The humid air muffled their steps. Mister Todd scowled as the three came closer. Barbossa, he growled to himself. He didn't want to have to tangle with the fearsome pirate to earn his prize for the evening – that was not how he had planned it at all. Even so, he thought, perhaps this will make everything just that much more enjoyable. As the companions came upon him, he stepped out from the pitch-black shadows.
