Disclaimer: I'm not innocent, but I've done nothing wrong. OC's mine.

By the Hand of Jack Sparrow

Ruffled Feathers

I looked up to see that whore Marguerite headed toward Jack. Shit! Exactly what I don't need right now. This is getting worse and worse.

She plopped herself in his lap again. "Did ye decide to come back an' take me up on my offer, Jack?" She smiled wickedly at him.

" 'ello again, Marguerite," Jack said jovially, evidently thankful for the distraction. "What was that offer again?"

I could feel Gibbs watching me. I glanced at him and he frowned and shook his head.

"I thought we'd catch up on old times," Marguerite purred to Jack. She reached into his shirt to caress his chest. Jack didn't flinch. "We 'ad some good times, didn't we?" she continued.

I decided I had had enough. I reached down for the dagger hidden in my boot. Gibbs grabbed my arm under the table and whispered, "Easy, lass, let Jack handle it." I glared at him for a moment, then sighed and nodded. He released his grip on me. I downed the rest of my rum and slumped in my chair, arms crossed in front of me.

"Now's not a good time, Marguerite. You'd best be on you way," Jack said as he pushed her off his lap. She stared at him for a moment, then skulked off to find a more receptive target.

Jack finished his rum. I saw that mischievous look return to his eyes.

"So, Mr. Gibbs, were you whispering sweet nothings to my girl while I was pre-occupied?" Jack said, winking at me.

"Uh, no, uh, Cap'n, I was…" Gibbs began, clearly taken aback.

"And it appeared to me as if you were doing a little hand-holding as well," Jack continued.

Gibbs squirmed in his chair. "I was just adjustin' my boot, Cap'n…felt like I 'ad a pebble in it."

"Ah, well…all better now?" Jack asked, evidently enjoying Gibbs' discomfort.

"Aye, Cap'n," Gibbs answered.

Jack signaled a bar wench for yet another round.

After the rum arrived, Jack turned his attention to me. "And you," he said, smiling mischievously at me, "What exactly was it you were planning to do with that dagger you were reaching for?"

I stared at Jack in surprise. How could he have seen that?

"Were you, perhaps, planning to defend your Captain's honour," he suggested, "Or were you going to stab the wench in a fit of jealous rage?"

"That's not funny, Jack!" I downed my entire rum and stood up, knocking my chair over. "I'm so outta here!" I announced loudly. I headed toward the door, and changed my mind. I stalked back to Jack and slapped him hard across the face, then turned and stomped out of the tavern.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jack sat motionless for a moment, thoroughly demoralized at what she had done. He looked at Gibbs and said honestly, "I did deserve that."

"Aye, Cap'n," Gibbs agreed. "Perhaps we best go find the lass before gets herself into a heap of trouble."

Jack sprang from the table with Gibbs behind him. As they got outside, Jack saw her heading down the street, toward the docks. He followed her quickly, not wanting to lose sight of her.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I rushed through the streets of Tortuga, hoping I was going the right way. I knew I was heading toward the ocean.

God, I hate him! First, he deliberately deceived me, all the while assuring me I could trust him. Then he tells me I have to square with not being privy to certain things. And then, he openly mocks me for feeling jealous with that sadistic little game. That was just mortifying. How dare he?!

I could feel the tears welling up quickly in my eyes. I felt betrayed, hurt, and embarrassed. I never wanted to see him again! But I knew I'd eventually have to face him…I had nowhere else to go except back to the Pearl.

Tears flowed with abandon down my cheeks as I saw the blurry docks ahead. I went and sat on the sand of the beach and sobbed. I had a lot to just get out. The loss of my friends. The loss of my life and family. Everything that had happening since I got here. It all just overwhelmed me in that moment. It felt good to cry it all out. I hugged my knees to my chest and watched the small waves ripple on the sand.

"That was a very stupid thing to do," Jack said behind me.

"Go away," I shouted angrily.

I heard him step closer. "You could've gotten yourself killed, or worse."

I sniffled and tried to wipe the tears from my face.

'And you broke your promise to me that you would stay safe," he reminded me.

"Well, I guess neither one of us is very trustworthy, then," I commented icily.

Jack sat down next to me.

"Leave me alone," I said, beginning to feel very sorry for myself. I refused to look at him. We sat in silence for several minutes.

"I'm sorry I was deceptive, Eve," Jack began. "If I'd told you of my plans, you would never have let me come."

"Like I could stop you from doing whatever it is you want," I replied sarcastically.

"You'd get Gibbs on your side, and the two of you would be a force I couldn't reckon with," he admitted. "You have to understand, Eve. These were very bad men. I've had dealings with them in the past, not all of them went well, and they were out for my blood…and the blood of anyone who got in their way. To ensure the crew's safety, and especially your safety, it had to be done."

I considered that he may be right. There probably are certain things that I'm better off not knowing.

I turned to look at him. "You mocked my feelings," I said straight out. Damn, I could feel my eyes tearing up again. I quickly turned away.

Jack sighed. "I did do that," he paused, "And I regret it terribly…I'm so very sorry, Eve. And I can't blame you if you hate me. It was an unforgivable thing for me to do."

I sniffled as tears ran down my cheeks. Jack wrapped his arms around me.

"Don't touch me," I said quietly.

"You don't mean that, luv," he said as if it were a question.

"I hate you," I told him sadly.

He held me closer and stroked my hair. "I don't really think you mean that either," he said softly.

I looked up at him. His dark eyes were sad and worried. He gently brushed away one last tear that overflowed.

"Jack, take me home…to the Pearl," I asked in a small voice.

We stood and he put his arm around me, holding me close as we walked slowly back to the ship.

We stopped at the galley, where he dutifully drank another cup of willow bark tea, before heading back to his cabin.

I helped him remove his weapons. We took off our boots.

In his bed, Jack held me close as I fell asleep.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N: Say it with me now, Awwww. And they dreamed happy dreams until the next chapter, when I'll think of something new to torment our happy couple with. Hugs and kisses to all reviewers! You just make my day! Happy Halloween to all!