OOC: Heh, just got back from seeing PotC two seconds ago. (third time =D) I am refreshed with new inspiration for our dearest Jack XD

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Chapter 3: The Drunken Captain

Diana Rose emerged from below deck hesitantly. She was garbed with a white shirt, a steel blue vest, striped trousers that came to the middle of her calves, and a length of cloth that served as a belt. Her long brown hair was tied loosely behind her head with a red bandana, falling to her waist. The crewmembers hooted mockingly as she stepped into the sunlight. Jack, who had been aloft, slid down from his perch on the crow's nest to greet her.

"Ah, milady." He said grinning at her. "Ye look simply wonderful. I must say pirate attire is completely you."

Diana simply glared.

"But something's missing..." Jack said with false concern. "Ah yes, of course."

Leaning over, he clipped a large hoop earring to her ear.

"There ye'are, love." He said, giving her one of his odd smiles. "You'll make a fine pirate."

"I am not a pirate." Diana said with superiority. "Nor will I ever become one."

"Said the same thing when I was a lad, I did." Jack rambled. "And look at me now!" He waved his arms about as he spoke. It looked as if he'd been drinking.

"I presume you aren't sober, Captain." Diana said slowly.

"Sober?" He repeated, quirking and eyebrow. "'Course I am! You should see me when I'm drunk!" He gave a hoarse laugh that ended in a cough. Diana rolled her eyes.

"So how you been likin' me ship?" Jack slurred.

"It's very beautiful." The girl said simply.

"Aye, 'tis a beautiful ship. She be me pride and glory- only love of me life."

The pirate looked fondly up at the rippling sales. Even when he was drunk, Jack had a certain aura about him. Diana couldn't help but admire the way the ocean environment seemed to agree so perfectly with him.

"Just how long do you plan on keeping me here, Mr. Sparrow?" Diana asked suddenly.

" It's 'Captain', if you'd be so kind." Jack said slightly irritated. "An' that all depends."

"Depends on what?" Pressed Diana.

Jack gave her one of his trademark grins. "On you."

Diana blinked uneasily. Jack, however, wavered a bit.

"Now if you'll excuse me, love. I'm gonna get me a drink."

He began staggering off, tossing an empty bottle of rum over the side of the ship.

"Captain Sparrow!" Diana called out. The idea of hanging around on deck with a bunch of scoundrel pirates didn't suite well with her. The drunken pirate turned leisurely.

"Aye, lass?"

"Do you mind showing me to my room?"

Jack paused a moment, as if to process what she just said.

"Yer room? Er...right." He repeated, his lips pursed. He hadn't thought of that. "Yeah, come with me."

Diana trotted over to Jack, avoiding any eye contact with the crew members. Jack clutched her shoulder for support and led her below deck. They entered a small yet elegant cabin that was furnished tastefully. Barbossa, who was sitting at a writing desk, looked over to see who had entered.

Seeing Jack and Diana, he rose quickly and addressed him formally. "Cap'n, May I be of some assistance?"

"Aye, Mr. Barbossa," Jack said, swallowing. "I be just showin' Miss Rose to her room."

Barbossa raised an eyebrow.

"Her room?" He repeated.

"Aye."

"This room?" The first mate asked heavily, evidently annoyed.

"Aye." Jack said sharply, giving him a stern look. "This room." He spoke very slowly and defined. "Savvy?"

Barbossa, thoroughly irritated, stood up.

"Of course, Cap'n." He said with a forged smile. Jack, however, was to drunk to notice his first mate's displeasure.

"There's a good lad!" He said, smiling naively and patting the grumbling man on the back. Barbossa stalked out of the cabin muttering gibberish that Diana couldn't quite pick up. Although she could have sworn she heard 'bloody woman' mentioned somewhere among his ramblings.

"There ya have it, love." Jack said, obviously pleased with himself. "Ye are welcome to go about the ship as ye fancy." He paused. "But mind the crew, will ye?" He added, his tone slightly quieter. "Not too keen on havin' a woman on board. S'posed to be terrible bad luck, see."

As he made his way out of the cabin, he looked over his shoulder.

"An' Miss Rose, I'd be much obliged if ye were to join me for dinner this evenin'."

"Fine." Diana said, who seemed more occupied with the elegant draperies and tapestries that decorated the room then with what the pirate was saying. Jack, however, took no notice and staggered out of the cabin, singing in a deep gruff voice, "Drink up me hearties! and.. a Yo Ho.....er...Bad Eggs and Ham!...no wait...bad eggs and milk....bad eggs and sausages...."

Diana gave short snigger as Jack's slurring voice trailed off.



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Special thanx to me wonderful editor and co-writer, Alisha ^.^