Author's Note: Special thanks to everyone who has reviewed. *blushes at berth mistake* I appreciate your kind compliments and words of encouragement. I have two quick plugs: If you're a fan of Jack Sparrow, please join my fanlisting [the link is in my profile], savvy? ; and I also got my PotC soundtrack today, which is phenomenal. I recommend everyone rush out and buy one. It really helps to get the creative juices flowing. :D

Swords Crossed



Her eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning, love. Have a nice sleep?"

Patrice felt a sharp object pressing against her temple. He had her by gun point. She swallowed, unsure of what to do. No one had ever come after her before.

"You have two things of mine, that I'd very much like back."

She shook her head. "I haven't the slightest clue what you're talking about."

"My ring. And my compass."

She looked around. "How did you get in here?!"

He smirked. "The woman downstairs found my pistol to be very persuasive when we were in the same situation."

"I see...well, I have your items, just in my bureau."

"Get them," he demanded.

"Gladly, if you'll remove the pistol from my head," she snapped.

Jack blinked and put down his weapon. Slowly she moved to her bureau, opening a number of drawers before stopping. She paused for a moment more before she turned around, pointing a sword at his heart.

Jack ran one hand along her blade, while the other slid his sword from its sheath. "Too rash, love. Too rash."

She cocked her head, attacking first. They blades met with a loud "TWANG". Jack's look of confidence suddenly morphed into a look of surprise. Patrice grinned proudly. He moved again, assuming the offensive against her attacks. They fought gallantly about the living quarters, Jack carelessly slashing here and there, hoping to stop Patrice's constant blows.

"You're rather good....for a thief," he said, winking at her.

"Funny...you're terrible for a pirate!" she replied, moving forward again.

It was a comical sight almost, as one thought they had defeated the other, only to be attacked again and the fight would resume. Jack became increasingly irritated at her counter attacks, seeming to come with astonishing ease. He hadn't been this challenged since Will. Or better yet, Barbossa.

He started to back her into the corner of the room, as Patrice desperately tried to ward off his blows. When he had cornered her successfully, their blades pushed up against one another, Jack shoving Patrice, Patrice shoving Jack.

"I think we're getting closer....you and I," he teased.

"We're not nearly close enough," she spat. "There's far too much room between my blade and your throat!" she pushed him off of her, sending Jack backwards and unprepared, where he stumbled over a chair.

Standing up, somewhat confused, he looked at her and scratched his head. "Where did you learn to fight?"

"It's none of your business!" she yelled, coming at him again. Unsuspecting, Jack quickly put up his blade, ready to receive her.

They fought another round until he lowered his weapon and looked at her, clearly spent. "Look love, I don't want to fight ya. How about you and I take our aggressions out in...other ways. I'm an awfully good sport."

Patrice threw her sword onto the floor and slowly moved toward him. "Captain Sparrow...are you trying to bed me?"

He shrugged and tried his best to look convincing. "If that's what you fancy."

She stopped just in front of him, her face inches away from his. "You are the worst pirate, I have ever seen...," and with that, she reached behind him, grabbing the small, wooden jewelry box from the top of her bureau and smashed him atop the head.

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*cringe* That hurt me just writing it. Poor Jack-aroo. Oh, yeah, please review. More on the way.