Author's Notes: Once again, my apologies for the delay of updating.
Please do not hurt me with your sharp cutlasses or stinky sea boots.
Jack: And a big thank you to Seom and Jack n' Will Fan for reviewing practically every day, encouraging PineAppleLint to update! Much appreciated, young missys.
PaL: Now as you know, when we left off Jack was shocked from discovering the truth about his emotions towards Gallagher. Would you like to enlighten us, Jack?
Jack: (silence)
PaL: Very well then. Why don't we let the story explain it all, hmmmm? Enjoy, my wonderful, stupendous, extravagant reviewers!
Quote of the Chapter! Yippee!
Norrington: You are, without doubt, the worst pirate I've ever heard of.
Jack: But you HAVE heard of me............
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tension. There was only one word that could describe the mood on the Black Pearl. The adventure was over, the treasure and victory was theirs, yet it seemed as if a big ominous cloud of black smoke was suffocating them all. Their futures lay scattered before them, the riches making it unclear. The Pearl crew watched as the jewels molded the dreams and thoughts of everyone on board. They had one day left until they returned to Port Royal, and the weeks before had been Hell. Sparrow had been irritable and oddly quiet. Gallagher had been defensive and thoughtful: the quick glances she gave Jack when he wasn't looking were enough to confirm everyone's suspicions. One question wafted through everyone's minds:
Once at Port Royal, what would be Sparrow's course of action?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I was packing my things, the items I had managed to pick up on our little 'adventure' in a tiny sack that used to be for potatoes in the storage room. A gust of salty wind blew through the open window and scattered my maps and papers, throwing them to the floor.
I cursed and dived after them, accidentally knocking my head on the corner of my cot in the process. I massaged my aching head and sat on the weak cot. Just as I rested my full weight on the damn flimsy thing, I heard a crack and the whole thing broke, sending me to the wooden floor with a crash.
"Dammit!" I shouted, "Stupid piece o' shit!"
"Problem here?" someone asked from the doorway. I looked up, finding William watching me with a big grin on his face.
"Wipe that smirk off o' yer face, Mr. Turner," I ordered, "Or else that smirk is goin' to become real friendly with me fist."
He stopped smiling, but the corners of his mouth twitched in amusement as he watched me get up and brush myself off, trying to regain my cool composure.
"What did ye want, anyhow?" I asked, massaging my sore bum.
"Captain Jack Sparrow wishes to see you in his cabin," he said, the devilish grin returning.
I sighed and watched as another gust of wind blew the candle out, the flame being snuffed and the room being enveloped in darkness.
"Windy night," Will said thoughtfully.
"Thank ye so much for that lil' fact, Captain Obvious," I retorted irritably.
"What is wrong with you, Gallagher? You've been acting like this for weeks. I don't find it fair that you be treating the whole crew with so much disrespect," Will stated, crossing his arms in a defensive position before adding, "You know what? Forget I asked. I know you wouldn't tell me the truth."
"Then enlighten me, Mr. Turner," I spat out, running a few fingers through my hair to untangle the locks, "Tell me why I'm acting like such a bitch since ye seem to be big on stickin' yer nose in other people's business."
"You're scared," he said quietly, leaning up against the doorframe in a calm manner, "Tomorrow around noon we will reach Port Royal and your life could head in many different directions."
"Yeah, that's kind of what happens when ye leave yer crew and Captain behind," I said with a shrug, "I need to start me a new life, Will. I need to rebuild what I have lost."
"But that isn't it. Your fears all revolve around Captain Sparrow," he pointed out, standing up straighter and walking towards me as I raised an eyebrow.
"Whether he will leave you," he continued, picking up a few scattered maps from the floor and returning them to my bed stand, "Whether he will ask you to stay. In the end, it all depends on the decision of Jack Sparrow."
I bit my lip and glared at him. His dark brown hair was tied back into a respectable ponytail, but the wind was making some stray strands dance around his tanned face.
"Ye have no right to barge in here and start makin' all these accusations," I growled, "Now get the hell out."
I am sorry, Gallagher," he said with a nod of his head, "You are right. I'll leave you to your thoughts, then." Will shut the door slowly behind him and I heard his footsteps as he headed up the stairs.
Was I that predictable? The Turner lad had read me like a book, showing me in vivid color the things I was going to have to face in Port Royal.
That was why I half wished a storm would blow us off course. I didn't feel ready to face the truth.
The other half of me wanted to get off of the Pearl, walk down the streets of Port Royal and never look back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Come in," Jack mumbled from inside his cabin. I walked in slowly, saying, "You wanted to see me?"
Jack stared at me for a moment. I froze as his kohl rimmed eyes slowly skimmed my body, taking me in. Finally his eyes met mine.
"About the treasure............"he began.
"What about it?" I asked with an annoyed frown, "We split it 50/50. There is nothing left for us to discuss."
"Ana Maria told me the other day that ye have given away most of your portion to her and me crew," he said carefully, watching my reaction, "Is this true?"
"What I do with my share is none of your damned business."
"Ah, I thought as much," Jack replied with a cocky smile, getting up from his desk, "But how are ye going to afford yourself a ship when you have just enough loot to buy yourself a helm and some sails?"
"I'll figure somethin' out," I said, "Once we reach Port Royal."
"Ye sound so calm about all o' this, luv," he replied, "I imagined ye would be anxious to start over. Excited to get a ship, pick up a crew and then raid and pillage to your heart's desire."
I laughed bitterly at the sound of Jack mentioning my heart.
"I have no heart," I mentioned, "I'm a pirate."
"Ye do have a heart, Gallagher," he said with a curious frown, "Perhaps ye even own a bigger one than any other pirate I have ever had the fortune to come across."
I smiled sadly at him and shook my head, walking out of his quarters and leaving him staring after me in confusion
I climbed up the crow's nest and sat there, wondering what Port Royal had in store for me as Jack's words ran through my head once more.
Sparrow had misunderstood me.
The reason I didn't have a heart was because he stole it from me. And the cad didn't even know he had done so.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"LAND HO!" Skip shouted that morning and Jack began to bark out orders.
"Get ready to dock!" he ordered, adjusting his tricorne hat on his head and beginning to concentrate on steering the ship into the bay.
We all ran about, working to take the sails down, tying ropes and untying them in a mad frenzy. Will was helping out and Elizabeth was staring at the approaching land with a smile on her face while gathering up her things in a hurry. Ana Maria was readying the anchor.
I paused and watched as Jack calmly maneuvered the giant, gallant ship gracefully to the docks and the anchor was released with a splash.
Elizabeth looked relieved as she stood there, clutching her things to her chest. I walked over to her and said, "Don't worry, Elizabeth. Jack can steer a ship better than any pirate in the Caribbean."
"It's not that," she said with a laugh, "For I don't doubt that for a second, but it feels so good to be home. Do you know what I mean?"
"I really have no home, Mrs. Turner, but I suppose I get what yer saying," I said with a warm smile, "I feel that way when I head to Tortuga."
She laughed and said, "I am not surprised."
"Crew!" Jack said loudly and everyone fell silent, "The Turners, Gallagher, and meself are to go ashore. Ye all have a good time, but I want ye all back at sunset to guard the ship, savvy? Don't want anyone taking off with me precious Pearl!"
Every man muttered in agreement.
"Will Gallagher be returning?" someone shouted.
Silence ensued and I gazed at Sparrow. He looked at me before saying gently, "That is yet to be determined, mate. She and I have to have a lil' talk."
Elizabeth and Will said their goodbyes to the crew and Jack looked a little impatient, standing there and sighing loudly. I was just about to make my way off of the Pearl when Ana Maria walked up to me and said, "If ye don't come back, this will be me goodbye."
"Oh, quit your wallowing. So what's in store for you now? Are ye going to stay on the Pearl for a bit?"
"For a little while, before I manage to buy meself a ship. Tis not so bad sailing under Sparrow's command. He's one good captain, that man is."
"And when he does act like a stupid idiot ye can whip his arse into shape," I said with a grin, "It was nice to see ye again."
"Same here. And I thank ye for actually sharin' yer portion. Jack is too daft to part with his."
"There need be no thanks. Part belonged to ye, anyway. Jack deserves to keep his."
"And why is that?" Ana Maria said softly, "He has put you through so much."
"But without his help, we wouldn't even have these riches," I informed her.
"Point taken. Now go on before Sparrow explodes," she replied and slapped me on the back once. I pulled her into a hug and she stiffened at first, for Ana Maria was never one for being touchy feely and neither was I, but she had always been so kind to me.
"Take what ye can," she said and hugged me back, then let go.
"Give nothin' back," I replied with a wink and followed the Turners down the gangplank, making way to their household, trying to remain unseen.
The soldiers were out and on active duty, and Sparrow and I tensely made it down the streets by Elizabeth and Will's sides. Some folks selling in the market and conversing in the streets caught sight of us and grew silent, knowing who we were immediately. Our presence in Port Royal was not going to remain a secret for long.
"Why didn't we make a more quiet and secretive entrance?" I asked with a groan as I saw a blonde haired woman stare at us and order her two playing children to go inside the house.
"Because if Norrington did come after you, he would have to go through us first," Will replied with a smile, holding Elizabeth's hand as they walked side by side.
"Aw, Jack, we have body guards," I teased.
Jack grinned pulled the Turners into a big group hug, saying dramatically, "Oh, how can I ever repay you?"
Will rolled his eyes and Elizabeth proclaimed, "We are almost there! Stop making a scene in the middle of the street!"
I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him along, causing him to a little before regaining his balance.
"Come come, dear, we don't have all day," I said sweetly.
Sparrow stared at me strangely before walking briskly in front of me, taking the lead once more.
We walked a ways and I listened to Will and Elizabeth's discussion on the Blacksmith business when Jack stopped walking, causing me to run right into him.
"What the hell are you doing?" I asked when I caught him staring in front of us with narrowed eyes.
I looked ahead, seeing him gaze at a young man exiting his house. What was the big deal?
"Will! Elizabeth! Someone was in your house!" Sparrow said and started to run, unsheathing his sword.
Will and Elizabeth glanced up with a confused look, watching Jack run off in a crazy fashion.
"You there! Stop!" Jack shouted and the young man glanced over at Sparrow, then froze in fear.
Jack held the blade to the man's throat and said harshly, "What were you doing in the Turner household?"
"Wha.....what, sir?" the trembling man choked out.
Jack pointed a finger to the house the man just came from. "What were you doing? Pillaging and plundering? Thought you were going to make a bit o' money off of Elizabeth's pearls, eh?"
Elizabeth, Will and I ran up to Jack and I said with a disgusted tone, "Jack, that isn't Will and Elizabeth's house." I pointed to the cottage right next to it and said with a sigh, "Now THAT is their house."
Jack stared at both houses and it dawned on him. The man said in a squeaky voice, "This is my house, sir! Honest! I don't lie!"
"Ah, um, very well. Run along," Jack said hurriedly and the man ran up the steps and leapt inside, slamming the door shut.
Will and Elizabeth laughed and said, "That was our neighbor, Mr. Tate."
"Something tells me he isn't going to stay your neighbor for long," I said and Jack glared at all of us.
"It was an honest mistake," he said, sheathing his sword with a frown.
Elizabeth got out a key and unlocked the door to their cottage, then with a little force, pushed it open.
It was dark inside and smelled a little musty. A thin layer of dust settled over everything.
"This is what happens when you're away for a couple o' months," I said with a smile, "Now think o' all the housework there is to be done."
"Yes, I suppose Will and I will get started on that tomorrow."
When Elizabeth turned her back to Will, he made a face, showing me he wasn't looking forward to cleaning. I stifled a laugh.
"I bet you both are tired," Elizabeth said, "You can have the guest room for the night."
"ONE guest room?" I said, raising one eyebrow.
"Ah, yes. I guess you and Jack will have to share," she said with a smile.
Jack glanced at me, giving me a toothy grin. I flushed and turned away from his gaze.
"Will and I will go buy some items at the market for dinner," Elizabeth replied, "We won't be long."
"Want me to go with you?" I said frantically, not wanting to be stuck alone with Sparrow.
"I think we can handle it," Will informed me, "Now when we come back I don't want to see this place burned to the ground."
"We shall try to stay out o' trouble," I said innocently, a bit too innocently for Will's liking.
He gave me this look that said 'if you do anything to my house I will hurt you', for he knew I was mad that they were keeping me here to 'entertain' Captain Sparrow.
"Make yourselves at home," Elizabeth called before she and Will slipped through the front door.
The house was quiet. Too quiet. I missed the bustling and shouting of the crew, the loud noises, the steady groaning of the Black Pearl as she made her way over the waves.
Now all I faced was Jack Sparrow, who had his hands clasped behind his back, staring at me intently. The man who could be so witty and seductive and egotistical, yet at the same time the man who could be compassionate and solemn. A generous lover, a caring friend. Perhaps he was the one person I feared now, for he had a hold over me that was too powerful for words.
"Luv," he said, his smile calm and easy, "Do ye think the Turners have alcohol in their household?"
I laughed at the silly question. "Probably not. I am starting to wonder if the Will lad really is a eunuch or not. Haven't seen him down one drop of rum since our trip started."
"Damn," Jack sighed, "I was hoping ye wouldn't say that."
"Well what did you want me to say?"
"Lie to me. Tell me there's rum. Sweet rum," he said in that daze of his.
"Yes, Sparrow. Right behind that door," I pointed to the guest room, "There is a whole stash of rum in there that could keep yeh happy and drunk for years to come."
Sparrow opened the door in a child-like giddy manner and frowned, staring at the common guest room.
"There is none. You lied," he said, pouting innocently.
"Ye told me to lie!" I said in exasperation.
"Ah. So I did," he said thoughtfully, waltzing around the kitchen and examining what was in the cabinets.
I sat on the table and watched him for a moment or two before saying, "You don't want me to come back, do ye?"
He paused in the midst of pocketing some fine silverware.
"Is that what ye think?" Jack said softly.
"Why don't ye tell me and stop with the word games," I replied.
"I love games," he said impishly, "Are ye up to another game?"
He turned to me and watched my reaction.
"What are the rules?" I finally asked.
"We ask each other one question. Just one. And the person receiving the question has to answer truthfully."
"All right, that sounds fair," I said and nodded, "I'll go first."
He motioned me with his hands to continue.
"I repeat: Do ye want me off of the Black Pearl? What have I done to ye to make you act so strange lately?"
"That's two questions," he said in annoyance.
I narrowed my eyes at him and he held up his hands, telling me that he would answer them.
"First o' all, any man who wouldn't want ye to work on their ship would be a stupid bastard, for ye are a hard worker. I'll give ye that. Ever since ye stepped onto the Pearl ye have earned yer keep. Besides, the Pearl likes you."
"And did 'The Pearl' tell you that herself?" I scoffed.
"Aye. So where was I? Ah, yes. So here I was with an attractive woman giving me a hard time and needless to say I hated her." When I shot him a look he added, "At first. But then after a while, I'd always get this funny feelin' in me gut every time she insulted me, every time she accidentally touched me, and I had to contain meself."
"Ye are not answering the ques............"
He held up a hand and continued, "So one night when she was sick I tended to her and watched her sleep for a while. At that moment I knew I had to have her."
I opened my mouth in shock and he said with a devilish grin, "So I did, thinking that would calm my lust, soothe my desire." He took off his hat and placed it on the counter, "I was wrong, luv. Horribly wrong. It was like an addiction. After that night, I had to have more."
"That isn't very proper to be sayin' such things in front o'........"
"And I was confused and didn't want to admit it. Captain Jack Sparrow? Confused? That was not a common occurrence."
I snorted and he glared at me.
"A different lass for every port, isn't that right, Gallagher? Isn't that the way of Captain Sparrow?" Jack winced and closed his eyes, as if trying to sort out his thoughts, "So I grew angry, not liking the fact that this woman had such an affect on me, for I always thought of myself as a free man and not tied down to anyone."
"I am sorry if I am such a hassle to you........." I grounded out but he interrupted me.
"William and Elizabeth saw it before I did. I tried to drown out these feelings by using me beloved rum, but that didn't work." Sparrow laughed bitterly before saying, "A couple of weeks ago Will opened my eyes a little. Hell, he opened my eyes a lot. He is perhaps me only civilized male friend and he insulted me bonny lass one night. I punched him right in the jaw."
It dawned on me what had been going on that night and my eyes widened.
He nodded, "Oh yes, me bonny lass. Ye are a bigger danger to me than you will ever know."
"Jack..........."
"And now I'm torn both ways. I want to see ye happy," Sparrow commented, his fingers running over his goatee braids, "I want to see you as a Captain on yer own ship. I want to see ye with a helm of yer very own. I don't see ye happy being a simple crew member."
"I see," I said quietly, "Our futures do not coincide if we both are captains."
"And that's what we both are happy doin', luv," he replied, "It's as simple as that. Now did I answer the question?"
"Yes," I croaked, half in surprise and half in disbelief.
"So, Miss Gallagher, how are ye goin' to be getting enough money for a ship o' yer very own now that ye gave most o' yer riches to me able- bodied crew?"
"Find a job," I said with a small smile.
Jack feigned shock and said, "But you are a pirate! Pillage and plunder! Loot without mercy!"
"I'm done with takin' innocent people's loot. I am going to work hard for me ship just so I can call it me own."
"Good point, Gallagher. So where will ye be workin'?"
"The Red Rogue," I answered.
"A tavern? I can't have me bonny lass workin' in a tavern!"
"I worked at one before, and I'll do it again."
"You'll be a bar wench!" Jack said with a grin, "Fancy that."
"Shut yer hole, Sparrow," I said miserably.
"Not tryin' to offend ye, Gallagher," Jack said with a smirk, "But I am imaginin' ye in one of those tight bar wench dresses............"
"And if they try to make me wear such a thing I will shoot them in the foot," I said defiantly.
Sparrow laughed and then grew quiet.
"So what about you? Ye didn't ask yer question," I pointed out.
He smiled and leaned towards me, saying, "It's only fair that I get to ask two questions just because you did."
"All right, go ahead."
"May I kiss ye now?"
I paused and I saw my hesitant reflection in his chocolate brown eyes. He was smiling seductively, his lips slightly parted.
"Yes," I said and he closed the space between us, his lips finding mine instantly. He took small sips at my mouth then dipped his head, running a few along my jaw. His hands went to my buttocks and pushed me into him so that there was no space between us. Sparrow broke away softly after a bit and said huskily, "Second question."
"And that question would be.........?"
"What side of the bed do ye want?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the middle of the night I woke up in the soft bed, finding his arms wrapped around me, his warm body against mine. I turned to face him, finding him watching me with a small smile.
"You still awake?" I asked with a tiny yawn, running a few fingers along his cheek.
"Being awake is usually the case of people who are not yet asleep," he informed me and I grinned sleepily, moving closer to him. Jack kissed me on the shoulder before getting comfortable beside me.
"I love you, you know, even if you are a mangy cad," I whispered, my eyes slowly drifting shut.
I could hear him hesitate before he whispered back, "I know. Get some sleep, luv. Dream about really bad eggs and such."
And then I floated into the darkness of my dreamland.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That morning I awoke to find myself alone. The rumpled sheets pooled around me as I stretched and stared at the room. Sparrow's hat and coat were gone.
Where could he have gone? I smiled as the smell of cooking food hit my nose. Perhaps he was indulging himself to a hearty breakfast.
I moved to the right and a glint of something green caught my eye. It was coming from the bed stand. I leaned closer to see what it was.
It was one of Snidely's rings. The emerald one with the silver band. I picked it up and held it in my palm, then slipped it onto my finger. It was too big. I thought I told Sparrow to keep them...........?
Then a thought hit me like a horse carriage going full speed.
I pulled on my clothes frantically, yanking on my breeches, accidentally putting both legs into one pant leg and crashing to the floor.
Once I got myself situated I ran into the kitchen to find Will and Elizabeth eating eggs solemnly.
"Where's Sparrow?" I asked, my eyes darting around the room.
"What..........you mean, he didn't tell you he was leaving?" Will said with a frown.
I stared at the ring in my palm and they were silent.
"Leaving?" I whispered. Before they could answer I shot out of the front door and ran down the cobblestone streets, bumping into people, not even bothering to apologize.
I reached the dock, breathing hard and laboriously, clutching the ring so hard in my hand that the jewel was leaving an imprint.
I shielded my eyes from the golden rising sun and stared at what lay before me.
I saw a blue sky, a calm ocean.
And the Black Pearl sailing off into the horizon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Don't scream just yet! More surprises on the way! I just wanted to say that there is ONE more chapter to go. The end is near! (sob) I love all of you pirate homies! You are wonderful! Please review and tell me what you think!
Jack: And a big thank you to Seom and Jack n' Will Fan for reviewing practically every day, encouraging PineAppleLint to update! Much appreciated, young missys.
PaL: Now as you know, when we left off Jack was shocked from discovering the truth about his emotions towards Gallagher. Would you like to enlighten us, Jack?
Jack: (silence)
PaL: Very well then. Why don't we let the story explain it all, hmmmm? Enjoy, my wonderful, stupendous, extravagant reviewers!
Quote of the Chapter! Yippee!
Norrington: You are, without doubt, the worst pirate I've ever heard of.
Jack: But you HAVE heard of me............
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tension. There was only one word that could describe the mood on the Black Pearl. The adventure was over, the treasure and victory was theirs, yet it seemed as if a big ominous cloud of black smoke was suffocating them all. Their futures lay scattered before them, the riches making it unclear. The Pearl crew watched as the jewels molded the dreams and thoughts of everyone on board. They had one day left until they returned to Port Royal, and the weeks before had been Hell. Sparrow had been irritable and oddly quiet. Gallagher had been defensive and thoughtful: the quick glances she gave Jack when he wasn't looking were enough to confirm everyone's suspicions. One question wafted through everyone's minds:
Once at Port Royal, what would be Sparrow's course of action?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I was packing my things, the items I had managed to pick up on our little 'adventure' in a tiny sack that used to be for potatoes in the storage room. A gust of salty wind blew through the open window and scattered my maps and papers, throwing them to the floor.
I cursed and dived after them, accidentally knocking my head on the corner of my cot in the process. I massaged my aching head and sat on the weak cot. Just as I rested my full weight on the damn flimsy thing, I heard a crack and the whole thing broke, sending me to the wooden floor with a crash.
"Dammit!" I shouted, "Stupid piece o' shit!"
"Problem here?" someone asked from the doorway. I looked up, finding William watching me with a big grin on his face.
"Wipe that smirk off o' yer face, Mr. Turner," I ordered, "Or else that smirk is goin' to become real friendly with me fist."
He stopped smiling, but the corners of his mouth twitched in amusement as he watched me get up and brush myself off, trying to regain my cool composure.
"What did ye want, anyhow?" I asked, massaging my sore bum.
"Captain Jack Sparrow wishes to see you in his cabin," he said, the devilish grin returning.
I sighed and watched as another gust of wind blew the candle out, the flame being snuffed and the room being enveloped in darkness.
"Windy night," Will said thoughtfully.
"Thank ye so much for that lil' fact, Captain Obvious," I retorted irritably.
"What is wrong with you, Gallagher? You've been acting like this for weeks. I don't find it fair that you be treating the whole crew with so much disrespect," Will stated, crossing his arms in a defensive position before adding, "You know what? Forget I asked. I know you wouldn't tell me the truth."
"Then enlighten me, Mr. Turner," I spat out, running a few fingers through my hair to untangle the locks, "Tell me why I'm acting like such a bitch since ye seem to be big on stickin' yer nose in other people's business."
"You're scared," he said quietly, leaning up against the doorframe in a calm manner, "Tomorrow around noon we will reach Port Royal and your life could head in many different directions."
"Yeah, that's kind of what happens when ye leave yer crew and Captain behind," I said with a shrug, "I need to start me a new life, Will. I need to rebuild what I have lost."
"But that isn't it. Your fears all revolve around Captain Sparrow," he pointed out, standing up straighter and walking towards me as I raised an eyebrow.
"Whether he will leave you," he continued, picking up a few scattered maps from the floor and returning them to my bed stand, "Whether he will ask you to stay. In the end, it all depends on the decision of Jack Sparrow."
I bit my lip and glared at him. His dark brown hair was tied back into a respectable ponytail, but the wind was making some stray strands dance around his tanned face.
"Ye have no right to barge in here and start makin' all these accusations," I growled, "Now get the hell out."
I am sorry, Gallagher," he said with a nod of his head, "You are right. I'll leave you to your thoughts, then." Will shut the door slowly behind him and I heard his footsteps as he headed up the stairs.
Was I that predictable? The Turner lad had read me like a book, showing me in vivid color the things I was going to have to face in Port Royal.
That was why I half wished a storm would blow us off course. I didn't feel ready to face the truth.
The other half of me wanted to get off of the Pearl, walk down the streets of Port Royal and never look back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Come in," Jack mumbled from inside his cabin. I walked in slowly, saying, "You wanted to see me?"
Jack stared at me for a moment. I froze as his kohl rimmed eyes slowly skimmed my body, taking me in. Finally his eyes met mine.
"About the treasure............"he began.
"What about it?" I asked with an annoyed frown, "We split it 50/50. There is nothing left for us to discuss."
"Ana Maria told me the other day that ye have given away most of your portion to her and me crew," he said carefully, watching my reaction, "Is this true?"
"What I do with my share is none of your damned business."
"Ah, I thought as much," Jack replied with a cocky smile, getting up from his desk, "But how are ye going to afford yourself a ship when you have just enough loot to buy yourself a helm and some sails?"
"I'll figure somethin' out," I said, "Once we reach Port Royal."
"Ye sound so calm about all o' this, luv," he replied, "I imagined ye would be anxious to start over. Excited to get a ship, pick up a crew and then raid and pillage to your heart's desire."
I laughed bitterly at the sound of Jack mentioning my heart.
"I have no heart," I mentioned, "I'm a pirate."
"Ye do have a heart, Gallagher," he said with a curious frown, "Perhaps ye even own a bigger one than any other pirate I have ever had the fortune to come across."
I smiled sadly at him and shook my head, walking out of his quarters and leaving him staring after me in confusion
I climbed up the crow's nest and sat there, wondering what Port Royal had in store for me as Jack's words ran through my head once more.
Sparrow had misunderstood me.
The reason I didn't have a heart was because he stole it from me. And the cad didn't even know he had done so.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"LAND HO!" Skip shouted that morning and Jack began to bark out orders.
"Get ready to dock!" he ordered, adjusting his tricorne hat on his head and beginning to concentrate on steering the ship into the bay.
We all ran about, working to take the sails down, tying ropes and untying them in a mad frenzy. Will was helping out and Elizabeth was staring at the approaching land with a smile on her face while gathering up her things in a hurry. Ana Maria was readying the anchor.
I paused and watched as Jack calmly maneuvered the giant, gallant ship gracefully to the docks and the anchor was released with a splash.
Elizabeth looked relieved as she stood there, clutching her things to her chest. I walked over to her and said, "Don't worry, Elizabeth. Jack can steer a ship better than any pirate in the Caribbean."
"It's not that," she said with a laugh, "For I don't doubt that for a second, but it feels so good to be home. Do you know what I mean?"
"I really have no home, Mrs. Turner, but I suppose I get what yer saying," I said with a warm smile, "I feel that way when I head to Tortuga."
She laughed and said, "I am not surprised."
"Crew!" Jack said loudly and everyone fell silent, "The Turners, Gallagher, and meself are to go ashore. Ye all have a good time, but I want ye all back at sunset to guard the ship, savvy? Don't want anyone taking off with me precious Pearl!"
Every man muttered in agreement.
"Will Gallagher be returning?" someone shouted.
Silence ensued and I gazed at Sparrow. He looked at me before saying gently, "That is yet to be determined, mate. She and I have to have a lil' talk."
Elizabeth and Will said their goodbyes to the crew and Jack looked a little impatient, standing there and sighing loudly. I was just about to make my way off of the Pearl when Ana Maria walked up to me and said, "If ye don't come back, this will be me goodbye."
"Oh, quit your wallowing. So what's in store for you now? Are ye going to stay on the Pearl for a bit?"
"For a little while, before I manage to buy meself a ship. Tis not so bad sailing under Sparrow's command. He's one good captain, that man is."
"And when he does act like a stupid idiot ye can whip his arse into shape," I said with a grin, "It was nice to see ye again."
"Same here. And I thank ye for actually sharin' yer portion. Jack is too daft to part with his."
"There need be no thanks. Part belonged to ye, anyway. Jack deserves to keep his."
"And why is that?" Ana Maria said softly, "He has put you through so much."
"But without his help, we wouldn't even have these riches," I informed her.
"Point taken. Now go on before Sparrow explodes," she replied and slapped me on the back once. I pulled her into a hug and she stiffened at first, for Ana Maria was never one for being touchy feely and neither was I, but she had always been so kind to me.
"Take what ye can," she said and hugged me back, then let go.
"Give nothin' back," I replied with a wink and followed the Turners down the gangplank, making way to their household, trying to remain unseen.
The soldiers were out and on active duty, and Sparrow and I tensely made it down the streets by Elizabeth and Will's sides. Some folks selling in the market and conversing in the streets caught sight of us and grew silent, knowing who we were immediately. Our presence in Port Royal was not going to remain a secret for long.
"Why didn't we make a more quiet and secretive entrance?" I asked with a groan as I saw a blonde haired woman stare at us and order her two playing children to go inside the house.
"Because if Norrington did come after you, he would have to go through us first," Will replied with a smile, holding Elizabeth's hand as they walked side by side.
"Aw, Jack, we have body guards," I teased.
Jack grinned pulled the Turners into a big group hug, saying dramatically, "Oh, how can I ever repay you?"
Will rolled his eyes and Elizabeth proclaimed, "We are almost there! Stop making a scene in the middle of the street!"
I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him along, causing him to a little before regaining his balance.
"Come come, dear, we don't have all day," I said sweetly.
Sparrow stared at me strangely before walking briskly in front of me, taking the lead once more.
We walked a ways and I listened to Will and Elizabeth's discussion on the Blacksmith business when Jack stopped walking, causing me to run right into him.
"What the hell are you doing?" I asked when I caught him staring in front of us with narrowed eyes.
I looked ahead, seeing him gaze at a young man exiting his house. What was the big deal?
"Will! Elizabeth! Someone was in your house!" Sparrow said and started to run, unsheathing his sword.
Will and Elizabeth glanced up with a confused look, watching Jack run off in a crazy fashion.
"You there! Stop!" Jack shouted and the young man glanced over at Sparrow, then froze in fear.
Jack held the blade to the man's throat and said harshly, "What were you doing in the Turner household?"
"Wha.....what, sir?" the trembling man choked out.
Jack pointed a finger to the house the man just came from. "What were you doing? Pillaging and plundering? Thought you were going to make a bit o' money off of Elizabeth's pearls, eh?"
Elizabeth, Will and I ran up to Jack and I said with a disgusted tone, "Jack, that isn't Will and Elizabeth's house." I pointed to the cottage right next to it and said with a sigh, "Now THAT is their house."
Jack stared at both houses and it dawned on him. The man said in a squeaky voice, "This is my house, sir! Honest! I don't lie!"
"Ah, um, very well. Run along," Jack said hurriedly and the man ran up the steps and leapt inside, slamming the door shut.
Will and Elizabeth laughed and said, "That was our neighbor, Mr. Tate."
"Something tells me he isn't going to stay your neighbor for long," I said and Jack glared at all of us.
"It was an honest mistake," he said, sheathing his sword with a frown.
Elizabeth got out a key and unlocked the door to their cottage, then with a little force, pushed it open.
It was dark inside and smelled a little musty. A thin layer of dust settled over everything.
"This is what happens when you're away for a couple o' months," I said with a smile, "Now think o' all the housework there is to be done."
"Yes, I suppose Will and I will get started on that tomorrow."
When Elizabeth turned her back to Will, he made a face, showing me he wasn't looking forward to cleaning. I stifled a laugh.
"I bet you both are tired," Elizabeth said, "You can have the guest room for the night."
"ONE guest room?" I said, raising one eyebrow.
"Ah, yes. I guess you and Jack will have to share," she said with a smile.
Jack glanced at me, giving me a toothy grin. I flushed and turned away from his gaze.
"Will and I will go buy some items at the market for dinner," Elizabeth replied, "We won't be long."
"Want me to go with you?" I said frantically, not wanting to be stuck alone with Sparrow.
"I think we can handle it," Will informed me, "Now when we come back I don't want to see this place burned to the ground."
"We shall try to stay out o' trouble," I said innocently, a bit too innocently for Will's liking.
He gave me this look that said 'if you do anything to my house I will hurt you', for he knew I was mad that they were keeping me here to 'entertain' Captain Sparrow.
"Make yourselves at home," Elizabeth called before she and Will slipped through the front door.
The house was quiet. Too quiet. I missed the bustling and shouting of the crew, the loud noises, the steady groaning of the Black Pearl as she made her way over the waves.
Now all I faced was Jack Sparrow, who had his hands clasped behind his back, staring at me intently. The man who could be so witty and seductive and egotistical, yet at the same time the man who could be compassionate and solemn. A generous lover, a caring friend. Perhaps he was the one person I feared now, for he had a hold over me that was too powerful for words.
"Luv," he said, his smile calm and easy, "Do ye think the Turners have alcohol in their household?"
I laughed at the silly question. "Probably not. I am starting to wonder if the Will lad really is a eunuch or not. Haven't seen him down one drop of rum since our trip started."
"Damn," Jack sighed, "I was hoping ye wouldn't say that."
"Well what did you want me to say?"
"Lie to me. Tell me there's rum. Sweet rum," he said in that daze of his.
"Yes, Sparrow. Right behind that door," I pointed to the guest room, "There is a whole stash of rum in there that could keep yeh happy and drunk for years to come."
Sparrow opened the door in a child-like giddy manner and frowned, staring at the common guest room.
"There is none. You lied," he said, pouting innocently.
"Ye told me to lie!" I said in exasperation.
"Ah. So I did," he said thoughtfully, waltzing around the kitchen and examining what was in the cabinets.
I sat on the table and watched him for a moment or two before saying, "You don't want me to come back, do ye?"
He paused in the midst of pocketing some fine silverware.
"Is that what ye think?" Jack said softly.
"Why don't ye tell me and stop with the word games," I replied.
"I love games," he said impishly, "Are ye up to another game?"
He turned to me and watched my reaction.
"What are the rules?" I finally asked.
"We ask each other one question. Just one. And the person receiving the question has to answer truthfully."
"All right, that sounds fair," I said and nodded, "I'll go first."
He motioned me with his hands to continue.
"I repeat: Do ye want me off of the Black Pearl? What have I done to ye to make you act so strange lately?"
"That's two questions," he said in annoyance.
I narrowed my eyes at him and he held up his hands, telling me that he would answer them.
"First o' all, any man who wouldn't want ye to work on their ship would be a stupid bastard, for ye are a hard worker. I'll give ye that. Ever since ye stepped onto the Pearl ye have earned yer keep. Besides, the Pearl likes you."
"And did 'The Pearl' tell you that herself?" I scoffed.
"Aye. So where was I? Ah, yes. So here I was with an attractive woman giving me a hard time and needless to say I hated her." When I shot him a look he added, "At first. But then after a while, I'd always get this funny feelin' in me gut every time she insulted me, every time she accidentally touched me, and I had to contain meself."
"Ye are not answering the ques............"
He held up a hand and continued, "So one night when she was sick I tended to her and watched her sleep for a while. At that moment I knew I had to have her."
I opened my mouth in shock and he said with a devilish grin, "So I did, thinking that would calm my lust, soothe my desire." He took off his hat and placed it on the counter, "I was wrong, luv. Horribly wrong. It was like an addiction. After that night, I had to have more."
"That isn't very proper to be sayin' such things in front o'........"
"And I was confused and didn't want to admit it. Captain Jack Sparrow? Confused? That was not a common occurrence."
I snorted and he glared at me.
"A different lass for every port, isn't that right, Gallagher? Isn't that the way of Captain Sparrow?" Jack winced and closed his eyes, as if trying to sort out his thoughts, "So I grew angry, not liking the fact that this woman had such an affect on me, for I always thought of myself as a free man and not tied down to anyone."
"I am sorry if I am such a hassle to you........." I grounded out but he interrupted me.
"William and Elizabeth saw it before I did. I tried to drown out these feelings by using me beloved rum, but that didn't work." Sparrow laughed bitterly before saying, "A couple of weeks ago Will opened my eyes a little. Hell, he opened my eyes a lot. He is perhaps me only civilized male friend and he insulted me bonny lass one night. I punched him right in the jaw."
It dawned on me what had been going on that night and my eyes widened.
He nodded, "Oh yes, me bonny lass. Ye are a bigger danger to me than you will ever know."
"Jack..........."
"And now I'm torn both ways. I want to see ye happy," Sparrow commented, his fingers running over his goatee braids, "I want to see you as a Captain on yer own ship. I want to see ye with a helm of yer very own. I don't see ye happy being a simple crew member."
"I see," I said quietly, "Our futures do not coincide if we both are captains."
"And that's what we both are happy doin', luv," he replied, "It's as simple as that. Now did I answer the question?"
"Yes," I croaked, half in surprise and half in disbelief.
"So, Miss Gallagher, how are ye goin' to be getting enough money for a ship o' yer very own now that ye gave most o' yer riches to me able- bodied crew?"
"Find a job," I said with a small smile.
Jack feigned shock and said, "But you are a pirate! Pillage and plunder! Loot without mercy!"
"I'm done with takin' innocent people's loot. I am going to work hard for me ship just so I can call it me own."
"Good point, Gallagher. So where will ye be workin'?"
"The Red Rogue," I answered.
"A tavern? I can't have me bonny lass workin' in a tavern!"
"I worked at one before, and I'll do it again."
"You'll be a bar wench!" Jack said with a grin, "Fancy that."
"Shut yer hole, Sparrow," I said miserably.
"Not tryin' to offend ye, Gallagher," Jack said with a smirk, "But I am imaginin' ye in one of those tight bar wench dresses............"
"And if they try to make me wear such a thing I will shoot them in the foot," I said defiantly.
Sparrow laughed and then grew quiet.
"So what about you? Ye didn't ask yer question," I pointed out.
He smiled and leaned towards me, saying, "It's only fair that I get to ask two questions just because you did."
"All right, go ahead."
"May I kiss ye now?"
I paused and I saw my hesitant reflection in his chocolate brown eyes. He was smiling seductively, his lips slightly parted.
"Yes," I said and he closed the space between us, his lips finding mine instantly. He took small sips at my mouth then dipped his head, running a few along my jaw. His hands went to my buttocks and pushed me into him so that there was no space between us. Sparrow broke away softly after a bit and said huskily, "Second question."
"And that question would be.........?"
"What side of the bed do ye want?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the middle of the night I woke up in the soft bed, finding his arms wrapped around me, his warm body against mine. I turned to face him, finding him watching me with a small smile.
"You still awake?" I asked with a tiny yawn, running a few fingers along his cheek.
"Being awake is usually the case of people who are not yet asleep," he informed me and I grinned sleepily, moving closer to him. Jack kissed me on the shoulder before getting comfortable beside me.
"I love you, you know, even if you are a mangy cad," I whispered, my eyes slowly drifting shut.
I could hear him hesitate before he whispered back, "I know. Get some sleep, luv. Dream about really bad eggs and such."
And then I floated into the darkness of my dreamland.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That morning I awoke to find myself alone. The rumpled sheets pooled around me as I stretched and stared at the room. Sparrow's hat and coat were gone.
Where could he have gone? I smiled as the smell of cooking food hit my nose. Perhaps he was indulging himself to a hearty breakfast.
I moved to the right and a glint of something green caught my eye. It was coming from the bed stand. I leaned closer to see what it was.
It was one of Snidely's rings. The emerald one with the silver band. I picked it up and held it in my palm, then slipped it onto my finger. It was too big. I thought I told Sparrow to keep them...........?
Then a thought hit me like a horse carriage going full speed.
I pulled on my clothes frantically, yanking on my breeches, accidentally putting both legs into one pant leg and crashing to the floor.
Once I got myself situated I ran into the kitchen to find Will and Elizabeth eating eggs solemnly.
"Where's Sparrow?" I asked, my eyes darting around the room.
"What..........you mean, he didn't tell you he was leaving?" Will said with a frown.
I stared at the ring in my palm and they were silent.
"Leaving?" I whispered. Before they could answer I shot out of the front door and ran down the cobblestone streets, bumping into people, not even bothering to apologize.
I reached the dock, breathing hard and laboriously, clutching the ring so hard in my hand that the jewel was leaving an imprint.
I shielded my eyes from the golden rising sun and stared at what lay before me.
I saw a blue sky, a calm ocean.
And the Black Pearl sailing off into the horizon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Don't scream just yet! More surprises on the way! I just wanted to say that there is ONE more chapter to go. The end is near! (sob) I love all of you pirate homies! You are wonderful! Please review and tell me what you think!