Disclaimer: Don't own anything except original characters. All material (c) to respective owners. I write these for fun and make no profit. They're just random plot bunnies that live within my strange mind.
Chapter 53: Business Philosophies
--Eight Hours Outside Port Royal.--
I had to admit Jack didn't look much different, the makeup barely disguised his natural features at all but Elizabeth was sure this would work. I felt it might if we kept him away from bright lights and far away from Norrington, Governor Swan, Becket and Mercer, otherwise in the darkness it might fool them to an extent. Will had come up with a fairly decent story for Jack from my world including his real first name, which Jack thought would be even more amusing.
I just thought this whole plan would blow up in our faces. "Jack Parker…sounds strange." Jack was at my side trying out the new name before noticing I wasn't focusing on him or the plan being discussed. "Ye do worry far too much love…ye need to give me some credit here." His finger brushed against my cheek drawing my stare to meet his.
"I do…just this whole scheme. I don't want you hurt." I didn't dare admit that this whole idea had me wishing I could toss my cookies, or that I couldn't stop the worst images in my life flashing in my mind.
"Tia Dalma's spell be a good factor in this as well love…I be surprise ye didn't rub that in yet." I smiled at his smugness, sometimes he could convince me of anything even that this horrible idea might actually work.
--Jack's POV--
"Pirate." She turned hearing the call for the boats readying for Port Royal. "I hope this whole mess does work, otherwise I'm turning pirate and running of with you." He chuckled at her tone before noting within those blue eyes she was dead serious, this made him pause taking in her fiery nature.
"Ye won't do that love…ye have yer family." She nodded allowing that part to be true, but he could see that determination.
"I have ways to visit and they would want me happy, which I am." He wanted to argue with her but for some reason he couldn't bring his voice to pass his lips.
Watching Blair march toward the waiting boats he felt a strange sensation creeping over him, he had found exactly what Tia Dalma threatened him many years ago. She once told him he would find the determined one destined to be his and she would break all his barriers, drive his will into surrender and he would concede to her proclamation over his heart. "Blasted woman." He would under normal circumstances curse Tia Dalma to the seven seas, but she had been right and he was staring destiny straight in the face, he allowed the girl from the future to have him completely.
"Bugger." Instead of adding on seeing Gibbs's curious look he followed after her.
--Original POV--
"You worry very much, but I swear this plan will work." Elizabeth was still trying to convince me joining our trip back to the shores of Port Royal. "It will be nice to have you both with us for a while, it will also give us the benefit to know what is going on while both our ships are close in case of an immediate need to depart." She was grinning watching Jack fidget uncomfortably with his dark eyes scanning the various police forces trailing through the city.
"He still looks like a pirate, but with our explanation we can fool anyone." Will seemed far too confident in this plan, forcing smiles that I knew were most certainly fake, he wasn't any more convinced than I was.
"Liar." Jack watched Will's expression soften before a familiar brotherly look took over his features. "Don't look at me like that Will…you can't hide that you like this idea even less than I do." Elizabeth huffed surrendering to one of my doubtful moods.
It never suited her to argue with me in these moods. "Ye look at it like this love, if it does work…" Jack allowed a sly grin to cross his lips. "…they figure it out they will all look a great deal worse for the whole façade." That did amuse me, because none of those idiots would live down the mockery that had been brought upon them again.
"We need you to attempt to reform…
"He's foreign in my world, that way there won't have to be anymore changes." I cut Elizabeth off; I didn't want Jack being any less Jack than he had to be.
Elizabeth grinned knowing exactly what was going on, watching me flush before giving her a pointed look. "Fine."
She kept grinning all the way to our exit point; clearly she found my concern to maintain Jack the ever loving Pirate I cared for endearing and extremely amusing. The first test comes in the form of the ever present nosey Gillette. He managed to corner the four of us outside of Mr. Brown's shop where Will had intended to check on things. I purposely stepped in front of Jack glad the shadows of the building were helping with his disguise. Elizabeth had a time convincing that Jack was from my world and finally with more effort than necessary she surrendered watching the man go off to fetch Norrington.
My heart dropped when I realized one telling factor and groaned. "Liz…what about Jack's 'P' brand and the tattoo?" she winced herself remembering the sure ways that Norrington would see this as a trick.
Will was our saving grace for this problem startling all of us when he nicked Jacks wrist with his blade and proceeded to bandage both tattoo and brand from sight. "Kill me later Jack…that happened to occur to me the minute I was inside." We all turned to the quickly approaching Gillette and Norrington.
I figured Will and Elizabeth would fair better than us in this situation and let them have at it. I could feel Jack tense beside me, but instead of allowing it to show he gently traced small circles around my palm drawing my stare to meet his. He winked in encouragement before both of us turned to Norrington clearing his throat.
"Welcome to Port Royal Mr. Parker." I could detect a note of hurt and see some ice from our last encounter in those blue eyes.
"Thank ye sir." Norrington's gaze immediately landed on the bandaged wound, brow shooting up with inquiry.
Elizabeth noticed the suspicion and very nearly winced. "I tried to introduce Jack to some sparring lessons, but he isn't quite as good with a sword as I am yet." I stifled my laughter when Jack made a face toward Will for his lack of skill, which we both knew was a lie.
"Indeed…please do be more considerate of your friend Mr. Turner." Norrington bowed turning back to ordering Gillette back to his post. "It is nice to meet you…" his gaze met mine, a brief almost warm smile there. "…take good care of her Mr. Parker, she's unique." Jack knew that himself but the affection Norrington was showing her made his temper flair slightly.
Once the officers were out of our vicinity I noticed a consecutive breath leave all of us and leaned into Jacks arms, he allowed them to tighten around my waist with a small chuckle. "That was far too close, quick thinking whelp." Will scowled at the familiar term, but was impressed that their plan had worked this well so far. "I get a feeling the next test will do with Lizzie's father and that thing defined as a man." His voice was hard and dangerous with his referral to Becket, but I was growing used to it.
"I hope not…this could still backfire." Elizabeth finally was knocked down a peg or two; even she now knew we were all pushing our luck with this situation.
--In the Turners household--
I was familiar with the large house purchased for the couple by Elizabeth's father, but it still would take away my breath when entering. I had always felt lost in Elizabeth's family house, conveniently getting myself turned around more times than I cared to admit in the place.
Unlike her childhood home the house they now had was smaller, with two magnificent floor and a lot less intimidating space. It was much more comfortable with Elizabeth excess taste for rich colors and schemes. There was barely a space left to fit anything else in the rooms, which meant the guest rooms would probably be just as tight. The doorman led us up to the second floor sending me a disapproving glance when I followed Jack into the guest room shutting the door in the mans face.
Inside the room was a rich pastel blue full of white and gold trimmings, I nearly wrinkled my nose at the frilly lace curtains taking over the large picture window. The balcony had a nice view of the ocean so the curtains could easily be ignored, as well as the crème colored fixtures among the sapphire carpet.
"Yick…I need to explain Elizabeth what taste is." I glanced down watching Jack swing open the balcony doors allowing the ocean to stretch into the room and caress us both with something familiar.
Jack's dark eyes flickered around the room before a smile lifted his mouth and he met my eyes in turn. "She has good enough taste…yer her friend." I smirked at the familiar smugness in his voice.
Knock, Knock
"Ms. Wyatt...you're needed downstairs with your friend." I recognized Elizabeth's maid that had been kind to her for many years and was trusted like a sibling.
I groaned leaning into Jacks chest feeling his arms enclose around me. "Governor Swan." With frustration I decided facing him now was probably a good idea now instead of later. "I hope he goes away after this." Slowly I clasped Jacks hand leading him out into the familiar tan carpeted hall, before finding myself at the end and wincing when my shoes clicked on the gold trimmed tiles.
Carefully I adjusted the deep red dress Elizabeth had insisted on me wearing into Port Royal before noting the Governor's expression brighten when I allowed Jacks hand free descending the staircase. I knew that the minute the news about Jack was out his happiness would falter, but he had never given me a reason to truly hate him. He wasn't the brightest bulb in the box, but he was a great fatherly figure and friend.
"It is wonderful to have you home again…" Governor Swan's voice faltered watching the gentleman follow me down the stairs cautiously in turn. "…who is this gentleman?"
I watched the Governor's eyes study Jack closely taking in the less formal wear he had on, his nose wrinkling slightly when he focused on the pirate like look that I refused to let Jack give up. "Governor…this is my boyfriend from my time…Jack Parker, foreign student." I hoped my voice didn't sound to fake and saw Elizabeth smile in approval at my courage. "He is why I've been declining the kind Commodore…I feared that you would take offense to me settling for someone in my own time." I could see Will briefly raise a thumb my direction before Governor Swan smiled broadly.
"Never my dear…it is wonderful that you have someone. I'm sure the commodore may be disappointed but being offended by you, a very near adopted daughter…" his eyes again roamed over Jack curiously before shrugging. "…I could never be offended. Welcome Mr. Parker." He shook Jack's hand convincingly enough before his attention turned to his daughter. "Now on to business…there is a dance in honor of your return and I have come to bring you the news in person." The way he said the last part made all of us tense.
"Father." Elizabeth allowed her tone to soften seeing he was having trouble as it was. "Very well…it doesn't have anything to do with a certain…um…person?" her honey eyes saw her fathers gaze falter which made her in turn grimace. "That, that thing is still around?"
"Lizzie not so loud." I whispered ignoring her annoyed look. "Who else will be there sir?" I inquired worriedly.
"Our influential friends, politicians and the familiars that come often, you should already know this my dear." He said smiling fondly before exiting after one of the caterers for the party.
"Boring." I sigh seeing Elizabeth isn't exactly pleased with this event but both of us will deal with it. "I think taking a long walk would be in our best interest." They seem to agree with me and we leave to do just that.
I felt Jacks arm come to rest around my shoulders staring into the darkening town of Port Royal, it felt less like home the longer we stayed. Becket was clearly influencing the welcoming feeling of the place and the EITC were thicker than the navy officers. We all stopped seeing Norrington angrily waving his hands in an agitated fashion, all but stomping when Mercer walked off with several of his men.
Reluctant to another encounter, but feeling bad for him I followed Elizabeth cautiously to his side, flinching at the fowl terms leaving his mouth. I had never heard James Norrington swear so openly, I also noted Jack tilt his head in surprise at the curses that flowed freely from the commodore before us.
"James?" he stopped turning a great shade of red. "No need to apologize…what is going on?" he frowned seeing all of us watching him expectantly.
"Becket has ordered my men to watch the docks; he says he is sure that Jack Sparrow will be present here eventually. He thinks that Jack intends to disrupt your coming home party." Elizabeth scoffed watching Norrington smile slightly. "I agree Elizabeth…unfortunately he's an evil man with no heart. He also wishes to meet Blair's new friend." I hoped I didn't flinch too noticeably. "She's rather kind, defending pirates and the like…her happiness is a prime thought for me though. She's always been an honest friend and proven more times that she is loyal to those friends." I got a sinking feeling Norrington was buying his time, or something along those lines.
"Thank you James." I immediately wrapped my arm with Jacks turning to follow the others to the house.
--Turner's Residence--
I watched Jack pacing the room that we shared discreetly within the Turner household. Only one maid knew of the truth and that was because we had practically claimed her as our sister when she first came to service at the Governor's manor. He was clearly miffed, Becket not the only possible issue driving him to trudge a hole in the carpet.
He stopped staring out across the ocean. "Norrington knows I'm not what I seem love…" he turned dark eyes watching my every move. "…he will have me clapped in irons and hung, probably before Becket knows I'm here." I wanted to smack him for the imagery I didn't need but resisted the urge.
I couldn't argue his point; even I had seen Norrington was trying to pry something from us the other night. I wasn't functioning yet due to the morning and knew that the party was today. "James wouldn't dare." I knew better though, he would gladly see Jack swing.
"He's suspicious but knowing your exact identity, he's still clueless." He smiled studying my attempt of straightening out the oversized deep emerald green dress Elizabeth had kindly announced was given to me by her father, she had been given a pale mint one. "I hate corsets, dresses, and the Gregorian dressing era." I struggled into the tight fitting garment wondering why on earth I was so willing to please everyone. "At least it isn't pink or frilly."
I felt his fingers easily lacing me into the nightmarish garment, taking away the air I needed desperately to breathe with. "Another fine color on ye darling." I shook my head playing with my hair and situating into a presentable look with the new hairpins that come with the dress. "I am not wearing that Lizzie Turner." Elizabeth marched in with a suit all set for Jack.
"Yes you are Jack…otherwise fooling Becket will be even more difficult. Even with her your side on this whole situation. Dress or I swear I will send Will and the man servants to dress you themselves." She marched from our room with a polite slam of the door.
"Bugger." I continued my preparations hearing him swearing in the background over his suit. "Yer best mate is insane." He ignored the stiff feeling of the suit and watched my eyes scan over the fancy green suit that nearly matched my dress.
"True, but if we have to dress in matching colors like I see here…Will is wearing the same color suit Liz has in her dress." Jack burst out laughing at the imagery of Will running around in a frilly mint colored suit.
Will stepped into the room with a cleared sound from us both, before glancing between us. "I just need the makeup from those movies you showed me." He winced disliking the suit he was wearing because of the mint color and lacey décor. "At least you two look un-doll like." I wanted to tease Will so badly but the crushed expression on his face was too much for me to do so.
"Whelp…I truly feel sorry for ye." Jack wanted to use a eunuch joke so badly but couldn't bring himself to do so for the time being. "I guess we're off then?"
Things were busy with the usual hum of festivities, conversations and guests running amuck with gossip galore. Governor Swan appeared out of his comfort zone offering us both a brief nod, before going off to entertain some of his other guests. Slowly Jack and I started to make our way toward the dance floor, before hearing Lord Becket clear his throat.
"Ms. Wyatt…would you and Mr. Parker kindly join me for a drink over at the bar?" Those calculating eyes made my heart nearly plunge to my toes; he was up to something alright.
"We would be honored Lord Becket…I don't handle heavy alcohol so well." Jack didn't argue already deciding this was a good situation to avoid.
"Ah…I see." He sounded disappointed but I wasn't sure if it was fake or true displeasure. "I assure you then that we shall have some light wine, we wouldn't want you ill at your friends' party." He started off leaving Jack and I with little choice but to follow.
Jack remained silent, his expression unreadable and all I could do was play with my dress fretfully. I wanted nothing more than to run and pull him with me, but that would definitely be suspicious. Becket halted at the table where all the refreshments were offered watching the colorful mass of people swirling in a rainbow of colors, his expression strangely amused. The only saving grace we had was that the whole place was lit with dimmer than usually candle light to give off a relaxed warm evening, which matched the warmer than usual night and all the doors and windows opened to allow a nice breeze.
Carefully he sipped at his drink watching Jack and I over the rim of his glass. "You failed to mention that you were seeing this gentlemen to the commodore, why is that Ms. Wyatt?" I felt like I was going to be sick, something was definitely working behind those cold eyes.
"It was undecided if Mr. Parker had courted me long enough. Due to my father being lost at sea, the decision for what was best fell to my grandfather in England. He does not think the commodore suited for me, or I suited to be a military wife. He favors Mr. Parker; he fancies ships and the merchant trade." I noticed Jack nearly choke on the wine before dark eyes met mine a hidden smile in their depths
"I see…this must have crushed Commodore Norrington. It seemed you favored him over Mr. Parker for a time." I wanted nothing more than to poke him in the nose right then. "I see your heart is fickle…you are much like myself. Always seeking the better business deal." He smirked walking off apparently finding something more appealing across the room.
I growled wishing I could do something very evil to the man, but felt a hand wrap around my waist pulling me back. "I don't think ye would look good in a noose love." I restrained my temper seeing that Becket's suspicions were no longer on us. "Ye must get the temper from yer?" I turned around seeing his laughter reflected in his expression and huffed.
"Mother and you have no idea how mild mine is compared to hers." He grinned gold glinting in the familiar impish grin I had come to love. "Now what do…" I stopped watching Mercer making his way through the crowd toward us; I felt my heart plummet further. "Jack…if he sees me…
His finger was at my lips silencing me, he knew very well that we had kept my identity hidden barely during our fights but had failed to mention that to me. His lips brushed near my ear explaining Mercer was still unsure of who I really was due to shadows, fans, and other events. Elizabeth and Will were beside us in minutes both with dislike reflected in their expressions after Becket's exit.
"What did he do?" Jack turned to the question watching Will's stare meet mine with unease.
"Becket just belittled my choice in men stating I was similar to him, because I changed my affections so easily…" I narrowed my eyes spotting the menace in the crowd. "…he didn't know I never liked James to begin with in the romantic sense anyway." I grasped Jacks arm leaning tight to him, I didn't think I could take much more of this tonight.
"Him and his good business philosophy…that is what got me where I am today." The couple and I winced at his bitter tone, before Jack gently removed his arm from mine and started to one of the double door exits.
He disappeared for the gardens leaving us staring after him. I felt a hand gently rest on my shoulder focusing on an anxious honey colored gaze. I saw Elizabeth nod indicating she would cover for us, lifted my skirts and proceeded to chase after Jack.
I tripped down the familiar marble stairway before catching myself on the cobblestone walkway that led to the maze of gardens. My problem with the gardens and successfully finding Jack was the fact that they were vast, with many turns and crevices to duck into. It could take me forever to find him. I wasn't entirely sure what I would do when I did find him though, being this close to the enemy was obviously dragging up memories and he couldn't turn it around to destroy the menace.
I hissed in pain wondering why I would always find the thorn ridden flowers before turning toward a row of hedges. I tilted my head at the uneven cuts trailing the length of the one hedge and had a feeling I would find Jack hacking his way through the maze, luckily the hedges were easily repaired. I took off again wishing corsets and the period dress wasn't so demanding on my air supply, finally I found him swinging his sword attempting to fight with air, cursing aloud anger in every one of his movements.
Stepping into the garden I allowed my dress to fall into place and clasped my hands eyes watching his graceful, yet furious movements. A caged animal caught in the trap of society without an escape, it wasn't a surprise why he loved the freedom and the Black Pearl so much. Finally he settled replacing his sword to his side breathing heavily.
Gradually he walked around the hidden pond within the clearing, settling himself along one of the stone benches. "Jack?" I saw him tense before relaxing turning those dark eyes to meet mine. "Do you need anything?" I knew better than to ask if he was alright, clearly he wasn't.
He nodded lifting his hand waving me over to him. Alert to his mood I leisurely made my way to his side, settling myself on the bench beside him. He was fixated on the water before him, fish swimming to the surface gathering insects for their nightly ritual and descended to the murky depths again. The sun was nearly set allowing the shadows to conceal us in his clearly haunted world. I hadn't seen him quite this angry since returning to the Pearl and fighting over how I loathed Norrington and only had eyes for him.
"Ye do know being this close to a pirate like meself is bad right love?" there it was again, him trying to push me off knowing that I would fight tooth and nail to get back to him. "Why are ye so determined to be part of…
"My family according to Elizabeth who come to my rescue was happy for me, they didn't care" I decided it was time to end these issues once and for all. "Does Liz or Will care any longer? What about the crew and everything we've been through? When will you learn that I am too stubborn to let you win that easily Jack?" I played my cards right, showing all the evidence contrary to what he was trying to get at.
Those dark eyes were more serious than I had ever seen them. "Ye don't need to get mixed up with Becket…he's heartless and yer getting right in the middle of it with me." He realized he was more afraid for me than himself, an unnerving turn about indeed.
"Jack I'm already there and I have friends fighting for us, you have those same friends." He attempted to try another argument but I cut him off kissing him softly.
I took one of his own tricks turning it around on him; kissing away any argument he attempted and pulled him tightly to me drawing the kiss longer. I could feel the reluctance but finally he gave in returning the kiss, wrapping his arms around me in turn.
"Ye took me own trick and turned it against me darling." His soft smile made me smirk in turn shrugging. "Yer impossibly stubborn…
"But I love you with all my heart Captain Jack Sparrow." Both of us turned to the sound of retreating steps, panic in both our expressions.
I was on my feet running to the opening in the alcove we had settled in, the person stopped hearing me attempt to follow. Jack was beside me sword at the ready in case the person was an unfriendly. Slowly a familiar figure turned medaled suit and proper attire all too visible now that the moon had escaped the clouds to reflect its light down on us.
Jacks breath hitched and my mouth opened a small squeak managing free of my lips. "James." I knew by his expression Jack's secret was out, I would have to endure my pirate being chased all over Port Royal and pray he got to the safety of the ship. "Please…
