Sparrow Obsession
Summary: Takes place two years after Sparrow's Bargain, when a new enemy endangers the pirates of the seven seas for a completely unexpected reason. Follow the drama, misunderstandings, adventures and complications that make up the everyday life of the Pirate King and his friends and crew. Sparrington and others.
James didn't waste a second when they docked, running into the small town and looking from tavern to tavern until he stumbled into the real one, finding Jack sitting in between two hungover first mates, former and current, drinking rum and looking in a fairly good mood. He all but teleported to his side, sliding his arms around the shorter man as though afraid he'd disappear any second now. He ignored Sparrow's yelp and made good on his promises, muttering heartfelt apologies into the sensitive skin at Jack's nape, enjoying his scent. It had all in all been a week since they'd last been this close and Norrington found himself delirious with the feeling.
Jack remained stiff in his arms, though, and James knew they would need to have a long, no doubt tiring talk before the air was cleared between them. Norrington reluctantly let go when one dark hand tapped gently on his arms and went to step back, but Sparrow whirled around and grabbed his retreating wrist, tugging him to stay close. Black eyes met green and they kind of ... just stared at each other, studying the other's expression before Jack cracked the tiniest of smiles - just a twitch of the lips, really - before tugging on his wrist again, getting up and leading them both up the stairs to the rooms. James followed like a trained dog on a leash, sticking as close as he dared, not sparing a glance at anyone or thing behind them.
Barbossa, a little more sober, raised a toast to the woman that appeared at his table the second the two lovers were out of sight. She dipped her head at him in appreciation, a wry grin showing her sharper than human teeth. "Thankee, Barbossa. Yer help be much appr'ciated. Witty Jack be fine, soon."
"'Twas a strange sort o' pleasure, m' lady. Although I'd 'ppreciate 't if ya spoke t' th' brat an' ask 'im t' stop glarin' at me. Makin' me headache worse than it need be at th' moment."
Calypso laughed ruthlessly, having no mercy on his hangover, highly amused. Barbossa groaned when Jack the monkey joined in with his tittering. 'Bloody traitor.'
"See, Will? No ill intent at all." Elizabeth told her pouting husband with pointed smugness in her tone, mock comfortingly patting his upper arm. The pout turned into a glare at the amusement he detected in her voice.
"... I was still right. He was plotting against Jack."
"I'm pretty sure he had been roped into it by Calypso. You know how she can be."
"Are you his lawyer or something? Why do you keep defending him!?"
"Jealous?" Teased the former Governor's daughter. The blacksmith turned pirate pouted worse than when Jack realized the rum was gone. Elizabeth Swann-Turner laughed heartily and waved Bootstrap over, cooing over young Matthew when he followed, also pouting. He had wanted to speak with Captain Jack Sparrow immediately!
A few tables away, Annamaria was shaking her head between her new best friend and her lover of two years, both who had been roused when Norrington had barged into the tavern with so much noise. "Took 'im long 'nough ta get 'ere! Was beginnin' ta worry he ain't a sailor worth 'is salt."
"I can assure you, Anna my love, that James is a fine sailor." Andrew said as he lifted his head again from the table, only to suddenly lurch and have to run out of the tavern to indulge in the oldest of drinking traditions - vomiting up last Tuesday's lunch. Andrew was just still gentleman enough to not do it inside the settlement that had provided him with the drink, despite the two years spent in a pirate crew.
Theodor was very careful not to give in to the urge to shake his head at his friend. He had drank some rum himself last night and while better than Gillete at holding his drink, he wasn't about to risk following his friend's footsteps by making any too sudden movements. "Well, at least things will go back to being normal. Hopefully."
"They better." The dark skinned woman said threateningly, a glower in her voice. She had grown very fond of her Captain even before he stole her boat, before she crewed on his ship for two months until he found her a suitable replacement for the promised Interceptor and the two last years she'd crewed on his ship again. She had been ready to castrate Norrington with that first fight. Andrew had to actively hold her back as though she were a burly prisoner trying to escape for that last one. Norrington better make things right, or else ...
"I'm sure James won't muck it up." Theodor offered again, knowing her well enough to read between the lines of what she'd just said. He pitied James but he had brought this upon himself. And better Annamaria than Captain Teague. God forbid it being Captain Teague. The man was obsessively overprotective of Jack. Must be from how close they were as master and apprentice. Treated Jack almost as though he were his son. If James were here to hear Theodor's thoughts, he'd probably snort like he always does when someone brings it up. He never explains why but Jack always pouts at him if he's there to witness it, earning a smirk in return.
"He better not." Was Annamaria's only reply as a queasy Andrew returned into the tavern, glaring at Mr Cotton's gawking parrot that sounded like it was laughing at him.
It seemed like a perfectly normal morning for the crew of the Black Pearl.
00000
Jack arched an eyebrow from where he was sitting behind a shabby desk in one of the better rooms of their chosen tavern, watching in great amused bemusement as James L. Norrington, former Commodore, pirate hunter and Admiral fidgeted before said desk like a guilty student in front of his professor in one of those fancy schools whose names Jack kept conveniently forgetting. They'd been in here for over five minutes already and James seemed torn between not taking his eyes off of him and not being able to meet his eyes. It would have been adorable in any other situation than the one they were in right now. Now, it was boarding on highly annoying and Jack found he didn't have much patience this day. Not for this.
If James wanted to end it, he better bloody come out and say it. If he wanted them to make up, he can at least hint at that! And Jack, while willing to apologize for accidentally killing such an important friend, was not going to let go of the fact that James had fucked a whore right in front of him and half of Tortuga without a proper apology. He'd already forgiven him the cruel and harsh words. Jack would not have been half as nice if something like that were to happen to him. Jack knew how to be cruel when he wanted or needed to be. He would not have survived as a pirate if he didn't know which buttons to press.
As if sensing that Jack's mood was dropping, James finally cleared his throat. Jack arched his other brow to show he was listening and waited. Thankfully, he needn't wait long. James started to speak as soon as he saw he had his lover's attention.
"I ... I wish to apologize ... for the unsightly way I've treated you for the past few days. You didn't deserve that. You never deserved that. I acted in the most unspeakable, unacceptable manner and I know I shouldn't be forgiven, but I am ready to beg it." James got out in as clear and understandable rush as he could, taking a deep sigh to continue but Jack stopped him.
"That's all nice, luv, but a bit form'l, ain't it?" Sparrow challenged with a narrowing of his eyes. He didn't want a weak apology like that. Formality was never something he was overly fond of despite being trained for quite a few years of his life to accept and follow it as the Keeper's heir. His Da liked to be right and proper where the Code was concerned and he'd taught Jack to be just that from an early age for when the need arises. Jack never quite got over his distaste for it, though, and he despised it coming from James. It made his apology impersonal and cold. Jack longed for warmth.
James squared his shoulders and met the black eyes evenly, wanting more than anything to return the missing twinkle into them. He had taken it away and he hated himself for it. "I'm sorry for how I treated you and the things I've said. It was more than wrong and I can't apologize enough. You trusted me and I betrayed you. Whatever has happened in the last few days ... It's none of your fault, Jack. Even Nevil. I'm ... I can't tell you how glad I am that you're alright. I shouldn't have blown up at you like I did - repeatedly - and I shouldn't have allowed that whore to kiss me-"
"Ye kissed a whore?" Jack interrupted and James, thinking him angry, tried stuttering out an apology when Jack all but materialized beside him like Calypso does, hands fluttering over his face in soothing gestures. "Poor love. Learned the hard way, eh? Ya don't go kissin' whores, Jamie. Must of been awful, tastin' opium like that."
Norrington blinked, flushing under Jack's fretting. He didn't pull away from the dark and dirty hands, enjoying the touch and trying his best not to notice how his heart had stuttered at his nickname that he usually so detested. It had never sounded so sweet before. But he couldn't let Jack just forgive him, just like that. His own conscience was mutinying against it. "I'm fine. And that's not important now, Jack. Please just listen to me-"
"Not important! James, opium can kill a man! Especially the fast acting stuff whores use to get customers! Do you have any idea how that could have ended for you!?" James was not expecting to suddenly face a very furious pirate. Furious and desperate, standing on the tip of his toes, hands on either side of his face, forehead pressed to his. "I'd rather not have you and know you're somewhere out there, alive and well, than have you dead in some Tortuga ditch."
"I'm fine, Jack." Norrington reassured, taking hold of both wrists and pressing a kiss to one palm, then the other. Really, if you ask him, Jack might be a little too paranoid. James didn't want to know why he was regarding this topic, though. He might not be able to sleep at night anymore if he knew. "The whores seem fine. Surely it can't be that bad." At Jack's shifty look, a chill overcame him. "Can it?"
"Better not go to Singapore if you don't want to find out, love. Or Rome. Or Istanbul. Or-"
"Please stop before I decide we need to hide in Shipwreck Cove for the rest of our lives." The pale as a sheet ex Navy officer asked and Jack chuckled, the last of the remaining tension seemed to seep away from the both of them. James just enjoyed the quiet moment when it came, running the pad of his thumb over tanned wrists, mesmerized how much darker the skin was in comparison to his own despite being constantly out in the sun for the past two years. "Jack, seriously, I'm so-"
A calloused finger stopped him from continuing, black eyes looking into his with warmth. "I understand, Jamie. I'm sorry, too. For accidentally killing your friend, even if it was in self defense."
The taller man shook his head, dislodging the finger so he can speak freely. "I could not have well expected you to just stand there and get stabbed. It was foolish of me to imply otherwise. Besides, he wasn't much of a friend if he couldn't accept me for what I am, at any point in my life. Andrew and Theodor knew me for much shorter a time period and yet they've not only accepted me turning to piracy, but they followed. Like Gibbs and Bootstrap followed you. That's a true friend. I guess I kind of idolized Nevil."
Sparrow somehow didn't seem convinced. "Still, some of the things - nay, most of the things you said were true, mate. I really did ruin your life. You had it good until I came along. Commodore, about to merry a pretty Governor's daughter, possibly looking forwards to Admiralty and a very successful career ... I ruined all that the day we met, Jamie. You really would have been better off not having met me. A lot less chaos in your life, mate."
"If I wanted a peaceful life, I certainly wouldn't have striven to join the Navy and hunt pirates in exotic parts of the world, Jack." The younger man reminded in a flat voice. "And I certainly wouldn't have betrayed my country by saving you from Beckett and the noose. Nor would I have come to love you, no matter how insane the notion is."
Jack Sparrow, Captain of the Black Pearl, Pirate Lord of the Caribbean, Pirate King of the Brethren Court, favorite of Calypso, the best pirate anyone has ever seen, fighter of cursed pirates, monsters, ghosts, curses and god only knows what else, turned beet read as he choked on his own breath and spluttered like a school boy. "W-what!?"
James just looked at him in confusion, not understanding all the fuss, before it registered just what he had said and his own face turned as red as Jack's, maybe worse so since he was paler. But he didn't take it back or try to deny it or make excuses. Instead, he let go of Jack's wrists and instead slipped them around a trim waist, pulling the older man up against him, a gentle smile on his still flushed face. If at all possible, Jack's blush became brighter, almost glowing. "Do you doubt me?"
"I ... " Jack was uncomfortable, in more ways than one. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been this embarrassed or excited or practically thrumming with anticipation for something other than lustful touches. And he was aroused, on top of that. And blushing. God forbid anyone see him blushing like a bride on her wedding night, his reputation would be in tatters, ruined! It didn't help that he'd come to a similar conclusion to this on his end, too, or that he'd just talked about all of this with Barbossa yesterday.
He thought his face was going to melt off when James nuzzled his cheek. It wasn't bloody fair, what Norrignton was doing to him. Jack felt like melting in the spot. ''Please don't doubt me.'' Jack choked on his own tongue as he tried to form words and when none came fort from his usually silver tongue, he decided to use his mouth for a far better job. Judging by James' moan, he approved. When they pulled apart infinite minutes later, both were panting and painfully aroused, James gently backing Jack onto the desk he'd been occupying, hands busy ridding the pirates of his clothing garments. In turn, Sparrow was too preoccupied with the removal of the clothes covering his taller lover's body. Almost enough so that he nearly missed James' next oath, an oath he'd more gladly keep than any he had given to the navy. ''I'll never hurt you again.''
Jack smiled warily, though James didn't see it, having attached himself like a leech to the older pirate's neck. Jack wasn't going to say anything about it, but his lover will probably, almost without a doubt, actually, hurt him again one day. Because he now held that power. He held that power to hurt Jack Sparrow because said Captain had given him his heart. Jack will probably never outright say it - he knows himself too well to even entertain the thought that he'd actually do it one day, but not because he doesn't want to. He just doesn't dare.
Because he'd been betrayed, more than once, by crew and mates and friends and lovers. He'd given out his heart again and again and they had all taken advantage of it, leaving him with nothing, to pick up whatever pieces were left of his once big, welcoming heart. And it's a well known fact he forgives far too easily. Barbossa and Beckett may very well be the only exceptions that he'd never forgiven, not fully at least, in Hector's case. That's why his old crew and his Da were so damn protective of him. They knew he'd leave himself open and vulnerable to new hurts again and they kind of just want to intimidate as many of those who'd use him not to use him for fear of a gruesome death. His Grandmama took on a full other approach that seemed to work for her fine. He'd rather not think about it when he was pressed up against James like this. Might kill the mood.
So while James had his heart, he'll never hear it given from Jack's mouth. Jack hoped James would understand even without words.
Given how he was looking down at him now, he really just might, too.
00000
''SHH!'' Calypso hissed pissily at Pintel and Ragetti as the two idiots started another one of their pointless arguments, the sea goddess pushing them away from the door and the crouching group camping right outside of it, ears pressed to the wood or the wall, using all manner of bottles, glasses and who knows what else in hopes to amplify the sound coming from within. A loud gasp had Gibbs flinching away like he'd been burned, his face joining Groves' and Gillet's in their cherry red color. Will looked ready to barf up his breakfast while Bill and Barbossa were frowning when the moans kicked in. The Wench's crew didn't seem to know what to think of the situation and just stood there awkwardly, not too comfortable with their young Captain enjoying what should be a private, intimate act with a secret audience. Jack the monkey and Mr Cotton's parrot both screeched with every new sound that came out of the room, making Cotton join in the blushing club. The rest of the Pearl's crew were wolf whistling and cat calling quietly, so as not to be heard, lecherous grins on their faces.
But no one was as delighted by this turn of events than Elizabeth and Calypso, their hands clasped together and all but bouncing on the soles of their feet. The men all looked at them warily and kind of shuffled as far away from them as their current positions allowed. They paused only long enough to glare at them if they made too much noise that might alert the couple inside that they were there and stop their activities.
"Well, at least they've made up?" Groves offered uncertainly, still glowing red. The others snorted or nodded.
"If buggering each other is making up, then yes. They've made up." One of the younger crew members that had stayed with the Pearl after the Battle of Calypso's Maelstrom commented with a lecherous, sly grin.
"What does buggering mean?" They all whipped around with a yelp, staring wide eyed at the forgotten about Matthew, who was frowning in confusion. He was looking at the door leading to the couple's room in a peculiar way and he was glancing weirdly at the eavesdroppers, too. They all exchanged looks, making panicking motions to indicate it will not be them who has the birds and the bees talk with the boy when all noise in the room stopped. They all whipped around again to look at the unimpressed face of Jack Sparrow, dressed only in Norrington's tattered old Navy coat - the first garment of clothing at hand long enough to cover all that should be covered.
They gulped.
Their Captain arched an eyebrow.
Nervous smiles. "Uh, we can explain?"
A half dressed James was glaring at them from over his lover's shoulder.
Matthew's eyes had widened in delight and awe.
"Captain Sparrow!"