Ok, so here's the deal. Jack stopped by last night after his date with
jackfan2. (Which between you and me must have gone pretty well judging
from his complete state of exhaustion - cough cough). ANYWAY- in light of
some of my recent, more sentimental chapters, he seems a little concerned
over what this story is doing for his ego. Therefore, upon request this
next chapter is not sappy, sad, or sentimental (how's that for
alliteration?)
Quick note though, readers be warned. This chapter started off as an attempt at humor to lighten up the last few stories, but somehow took at turn in another direction. I suppose its one of those "guess you had to be there" deals, but please be warned, lesbianism abounds.
Also, don't get confused on chronology here either. None of these stories are in any order, though I'm sure most of you have figured that out.
So without further ado, I present to you the next little vignette in our ongoing story.
**************************************************************************** ******
A strange grin began to spread across Jack's face and immediately Julianne wished she hadn't just given him free reign over their conversation.
"What's in yer head Jack", she asked with a questioning tone.
"I've a story for ye", he answered, but not to Julianne. "Ye might particularly like this one Lizzie", he continued moving towards her, his grin deepening.
"Uh oh", Elizabeth said aloud, leaning into Will as Jack came closer. Just as he was within distance enough to kiss her if he wanted, he abruptly turned and made the same move on Julianne. In contrast to the younger woman, Julianne did not shy away, but leaned into him playing his game.
"We're waiting captain", she said with arched eyebrows when there was less than an inch between their faces. Jack's grin broke into a cheesy, gold and white smile and he cocked his head. Walking around Julianne so that he came to stand behind her, he put his hands over hers on the wheel and leaned backwards.
"I'll have ye all know, this 'ere is one o' me personal favorites." This caught the attention of all three listeners. Will and Elizabeth quickly hushed up the whispered conversation they were having and Julianne's face gave way to suspicion.
"I'm not sure I like where this is going", she commented as Jack swung around to look her in the face, ridiculous smile still plastered on his lips.
"So then", Jack continued ignoring her remark. "Ye've already 'eard about our big raid of San Domingo. Now I'm gonna tell ya what happened next."
Still not registering what he was talking about, Julianne looked at him with furrowed brows.
"As any self-respecting pirate knows, there's only place better than Tortuga to go and squander yer loot at after a big gig, and that is the mainland."
"Oh no you don't", Julianne cut him off whirling around and clapping a hand over his mouth. "Will and Elizabeth do not want to hear this story."
"Oh I think we do", Will interjected.
"Well I think you don't", Julianne shot back.
"Why wouldn't we", Elizabeth asked.
"Because it is a horribly indecent story not meant for the ears of proper ladies and gentlemen like yerselves."
"Which means", Jack cut her off, "Julianne is about to be seriously humiliated.
"I'm not humiliated", she retorted. "I might 'ave made an ass of meself but at least I was good at it."
"Aye that ye were."
"ANYWAY", Will urged.
"Right, anyway", Jack agreed. "Back to me story. So like I said, after any good raid most pirates often find themselves headed for the mainland. Upper class of pirate society these little towns are. And full of various fantastic ways to fret all your takings away. So, after the Pearl left Devil's Den, naturally that's where she headed. Made dock at Port Arbor. Always liked to stop home now and again and irritate the old brother. Hated me he did, but never came after me for some reason or another."
~~~
Jack sat at the desk in his quarters. With a grimy piece of paper in front of him and a quill in his hand, he quickly jotted something down. Satisfied with his work, he folded the paper up and walked out onto the deck of the Pearl. Scanning the dock below, he found what he was looking for.
"You there", he called to a man, slightly younger than himself, who was standing next to a small boat.
"Yes sir?"
"How much would it cost me to have a message run to Bay Harbor?"
"Oh, well I don't really know sir", the man answered, having never been asked such a thing before.
"Ok, well, d'ye suppose you'd do it for this", Jack continued holding out a decent sized pouch of gold.
The man's eyes widened, having never seen so much gold in one place before.
"Well I'll have to check with my partners, but I don't think they'll be any problem."
"Very good", Jack approved. "That's me ship over there", he pointed to the Black Pearl. "Just stop over when ye've got yer answer, and tell anyone who asks that Captain Sparrow asked for ye."
The man nodded, trying to hide his amazement at both Jack and his ship. As soon as Jack had turned around to walk back from whence he came, the man took off running to the town shouting for his partners.
Twenty minutes later there came a knock on the door to Jack's cabin.
"What", he yelled gruffly, deeply involved in a mess of papers that littered his desk.
"Umm, Cap'n Sparrow", a timid voice asked through the barely opened door.
Looking up, Jack recognized the man from earlier, along with two others. "Aye, come on in. Have ye made a decision about my proposal then?"
The man nodded. "We'll about do it."
"Excellent", Jack said happily. "Then here's the deal. You'll get 'alf of yer payment now, and 'alf upon yer return. Fair enough?"
All three men shook their heads vigorously.
"Right, then what I need you to do is, sail over to Bay Harbor. I'm assuming ye've been there before, it's not far at all, less than a day away. When you get there, there will be a pirate ship docked called the Renegade. I want you to find the captain of this ship and give her this", he finished holding out the note.
"Her sir", one of the men asked confused.
"That's what I said", Jack answered. "Tread lightly, she's not what ye'd expect."
"Aye sir, ye have our word."
"Good. Find me on yer return for the rest", Jack replied handing them a bag of coins.
***
Julianne sat in Bay Harbor's musty tavern with several of her crew. Drinking heavily, they all talked and laughed loudly. It was good to be with her crew for awhile. Since they had gotten there she spent the last week taking care of things for the ship and with Marcus. Tonight was a nice break from work, and quite frankly Marcus was beginning to get on her nerves.
Listening intently to one of her younger crewmen recount a hilarious take of his first night with a prostitute, Julianne did not even notice when three strange men approached their table.
"Umm, excuse me", one of them spoke up timidly after a few minutes of being ignored.
Simultaneously, every pirate at the table turned and looked at the men with curiosity.
"Can we help you", Dipst asked after another minute.
"Are you the captain of the Renegade", the man asked Julianne.
"Who wants to know?" she replied.
"We have a message for you", he answered pulling out the note and handing it to her. Not taking her eyes from his, Julianne reached and took it from him.
Opening it carefully, she read its contents, then refolded it and shoved it into her pocket.
"I trust you were rewarded for your efforts", she turned her attention back to the men. All three nodded.
"Very well. Thank you much."
Once they had gone, Dipst turned to his captain and asked, "what was that all about?"
Snapping out of her momentary daze, Julianne whipped around to face him. "We're headin to Port Arbor. Have everyone ready to go by Friday", she answered and stood up. "I'll see you boys later, and you too Dori", she added before walking out of the tavern.
Heading back through the town, Julianne noticed the light shining from her and Marcus' room. Walking right past the inn, she continued on her way down to the dock and onto her ship.
"Evenin' Cap'n", the man on duty greeted her. She regarded him with a nod then proceeded to her cabin. Sitting down on her bed, she kicked her boots and pulled the scrap of paper back out of her pocket.
Having fun in Port Arbor.
Wish you were here.
-Jack
It was a sorry excuse for an apology, anyone would have agreed. But to Julianne those two lines spoke volumes. Fine, apology accepted. She would go to Port Arbor, but not quite yet. She'd let him sweat it out a few days first.
The rest of that week trudged by slowly, and Julianne wished she hadn't decided to leave so late. Marcus was driving her crazy, as he usually did after more than a few days. But it worse this time, it was always worse wherever Jack was concerned. Reminded her of the fact that the boy was just a temporary replacement for the real thing. When Friday morning finally came, Julianne was relieved to be leaving, and even happier when her entire crew was ready to go first thing. The trip between the two little port towns was a short one, not quite a day. And Julianne wanted to get there before all of the night's fun began. Port Arbor was a notoriously fun town.
Having been given a few days notice, Marcus said goodbye without putting up much of a fight like he usually did. So much the better as far as the captain was concerned. After bidding him her goodbyes, Julianne practically sprinted down to the dock.
The trip passed peacefully, everyone was in a good mood. They had all had a good time in Bay Harbor, and looked forward to the fun that was yet in store. Silently Dipst wondered to himself what could have caused the sudden change of plans, but wisely kept his queries to himself. Besides, the second that the Renegade pulled into dock between the Pearl and the Noche Negra, it was obvious what the answer was.
"Don't spend all yer loot in one night mates", Julianne called to the crew, who were all dying to jump overboard the minute the town was in sight. "Who knows how long we'll be here, you don't wanna end up broke for 'alf our stay."
"Aye, aye Cap'n", they cheered.
"Alright, be off with ye then ya mangy dogs", she called back. After a few whoops and hollers, the Renegade's crew scrambled to the shores. Julianne, who never actually got into her whole captain get up since they last left, strolled off the ship among them.
Heading directly for the town tavern, in usual pirate fashion, Julianne stepped inside and surveyed her surroundings. Port Arbor wasn't a pirate's haven for nothing, and the Dark Mistress tavern was the epitome of that fact. Just like every other tavern it had a bar, an ever philosophical and clever bartender, several bar wenches, tables, chairs, booths, and rum, lots of rum. But unlike any other tavern, the Dark Mistress had something of its very own. A mix of pub and burlesque house, the Mistress came fully equipped with a full stage that spanned one entire wall of the place. Periodically throughout the evening sassy wenches and talented sailor boys grazed its surface providing some of the finest entertainment available in the Caribbean. Currently, a group of four women seemed to be performing some kind of can-can, which resulted in their constantly kicking up their skirts to give the audience a nice view of their bloomers.
Smiling in spite of herself, Julianne turned her attention back to the crowd. Scanning the faces of several laughing men, and the occasional woman, her eyes finally settled on a table right up in front of the stage. *I should have known* she thought to herself as she began to weave her way over to it.
Plopping herself down in a chair she was greeted by the table's many inhabitants.
"Juli, we weren't expectin to see you", the captain of the Noche Negra spoke up.
"Well you know me Marco, always full of surprises after all", she smiled back.
Next to her Anamaria eyed her skeptically. "Don't even try and pull that coincidence stuff with me", she whispered quietly into her friend's ear. Julianne simply shot her a knowing look in return. Turning to her other side where Jack sat, she raised her eyebrows and regarded him with a cocky smirk.
"Cap'n Sparrow."
For a minute, the look of surprise at her arrival still marked his face. Realizing that everyone was watching him, he abruptly shook himself from his wonder, sat up tipping his hat and replied, "Cap'n Amaris, a pleasure as always."
Juli rolled her eyes, but was quickly appeased when a large mug of rum was placed in front of her.
***
Several hours later, and a good many drinks later, every pirate and all three captains at the front table were roaring drunk. Between the lot of them, they had consumed rum enough for half of the people in the bar. In all of their intoxication, Julianne and Ana had begun to seriously slip into femininity, and were now giggling hysterically between the two of them. However, everyone hushed considerably when the music began to play indicating the start of another show. As several scantily clad women made their dramatic entrance onto the stage, it was clear that this was to be the headliner of the evening.
As the show progressed, and the level of clothing the women wore gradually decreased, Julianne and Ana's faces began to twist in disgust.
"What's the matter ladies", Jack asked with a silly grin. "Don't' like what yer seein."
Both shot him a defiant look. Not to say he wasn't right, because in fact neither woman really fancied watching a bunch of prostitutes strip down in front of a crowd of aroused pirate men, but they weren't going to allow Jack to be right. Besides, in their drunken state, they were both feeling particularly risky, bold, and invincible.
"That's not it at all my dear Cap'n", Julianne replied smartly. "Anamaria and I just feel that for a bunch of women who make their livelihoods pleasuring men, they sure don't 'ave much to show for it."
"What are you getting at", Jack asked back. "Ye sayin ye could do a better job up there?"
"Damn right I could."
"Yeah, damn right we could", Anamaria added.
"Fine, why don't ye put yer money where yer mouth is then", Jack dared. Grinning like a Chesire cat with his hand outstretched should she choose to accept his offer, he figured either way she chose he got something out of it. Though he really rather expected her to decline.
After considering for a moment, then giving Ana a questioning look, Julianne turned to Jack, chin high and shook his hand. "Fine. But I'm setting the prize." Jack and Marco nodded. "Ana and I win, the two of you are at our every whim and command for the duration of our stay here. And ye can't leave early just to get out of it either. Yer bound to at least 5 days."
"And if we win", Marco cut her off.
"If you win, it's reversed", she replied matter-of-factly.
Before either man could say another word about the stipulations of their agreement, Julianne turned back to Ana, grabbed her hand and pulled her from the table back to the stage entrance.
"Jules, what are we going to do?"
"How many layers ye get on", Julianne asked ignoring her question.
"What?"
"I said how many layers ye got on?"
"The usual", Ana answered, a little unsure of herself. "Why?"
"Got to know how many we can be takin off eh?"
At this, Ana unexpectedly burst into hysterical laughter. "Let's show these boys what real women can do", she finally replied after calming a bit.
Whether it really was the alcohol, or they both just used it as an excuse later, Julianne and Anamaria and did exactly that. While the first number was finishing, they quickly made up a few choreographed steps to start off with, and as the music ended Julianne strode purposefully out onto the stage and stood among the wenches.
"That was all well and good ladies, but how would you all like to see what a coupla pirate women can do under the circumstances."
Her announcement received nothing but cheers and screaming and satisfied she went back offstage and waited for the music to begin.
The insulted bar wenches quickly marched themselves off stage, dejected at having received not a single offer after their show. As far as the audience was concerned, they were second class. Prostitute shows were one thing, common and everyday, but two female pirates, that was a totally different story.
Finally the music began to play, and just as they had planned, Julianne and Ana made their debut as barroom entertainers. And for whatever it was worth, Julianne was right, for the two of them showed that they knew quite a bit more in the ways of men than any woman who had been on stage the entire evening.
When the music first began, two tanned and shining legs protruded from between the musty red carpet. Having discarded their boots earlier, it was nothing but skin and breeches pulled high. One leg soon turned into the full body of Anamaria, followed closely by Julianne. Moving with a grace that no one ever would have guessed they could have possessed, they spun slowly around the outer edges of the stage, bending down to touch the hands of hopeful admirers.
Coming back to the center, each began to slowly remove the top most shirt they were wearing. Pulling down one sleeve at a time in an absolutely teasing manner, the shirts were quickly cast aside. The two women pulled close to each other, wrapping their arms around one another seductively. Running her hands through Anamaria's hair, Julianne coyly removed the bandana that held back the other woman's long raven colored locks. At the same time, Anamaria removed the long sash that was tied tightly around Julianne's waist. Both proceeded to massage the other's body, and each now tugged at the others pants. Removing them one at a time, it was soon discovered that both were wearing very skimpy, baggy pantaloons underneath, closely resembling what men would wear. Simultaneously kicking the breeches off of their back leg, the women promptly broke apart and took a moment to observe their audience.
Every man in the bar had their attention fixed on the stage. Mouths gaping and frozen still, their eyes were wide with disbelief, and most could barely contain themselves. But the best part was yet to come. As both women shed yet another of their various shirts to reveal only two very inadequate tight camisoles, they walked to the very front of the stage and lowered themselves to the floor. Rolling around in various positions, massaging themselves all the while, they rolled to the center and enveloped each other once again. Planting a kiss on the other's lips, they promptly pulled apart and rose to their hands and knees.
Just a few feet from the table they had previously been sitting at, Julianne and Ana crawled over and lowered themselves onto the table top. It was time for the grand finale. Each women moved to her respective partner, Ana to her captain and Julianne to Jack. Kneeling on straddled legs, they pulled themselves up tight against the two men and wrapped their arms around them.
At this point, Jack stared at Julianne in total shock. It wasn't as though he had never seen her like this before, but in front of all these people, she held the power to control every man in the place. Looking into her eyes, fire and lust blazed within them as her gaze overwhelmed him. From where he sat, they were the only two people in the room. As she pulled herself close to him, his hands went instinctively to her waist, and he struggled to contain himself as she pressed hard against him. Moving her body slowly across his, her lips grazing his, it was all Jack could do to keep from yelling. Making a line of kisses starting at his collarbone, she worked her way slowly up his neck to his ear. By now Jack was beginning to sweat, and wished on anything that he could be within the confines of some bedroom somewhere alone with Julianne right now. Touching her lips to his ear gently, she leaned into him and whispered softly.
"Told ye I could do it betta", she said with a sly grin. Immediately afterward, she pulled herself back sharply and stood up, leaving Jack hanging as it were. Behind her, Ana did the same. Taking each other by the hand, they walked to the center of the stage just as the music came to an end and took a bow. For a second, it was so silent in the tavern that one could clearly hear the sounds from outside. As the two women rose from their bow, the tavern erupted into a huge commotion of cheering, screaming, whistling, hooting, applause, and the banging of mugs on the table tops. Men rushed to the front, hoping to catch the beautiful and saucy young pirate women, but both quickly turned and exited the stage. Waiting a few minutes until the scene out front died down, Julianne and Anamaria threw their clothes back on and peered out the door.
In light of their little performance, the bar owner had ordered three more shows be put for the night, hoping to make an extra buck on patrons who now wanted to hang around. When they next performance finally began, and both women were satisfied that it was safe to go back out, they quietly crept along the front of the tavern, ducking beneath everyone's view, and slid back into their seats at the front table.
"I'd like another rum Cap'n Sparrow", Julianne said triumphantly turning to him. Jack, who was still quite red in the face looked at her questioningly for a minute then understood. Getting up from his seat without a word, he made his way to the bar and returned with an entire jug of rum enough for everyone. Pouring Juli a drink she quickly downed it in almost one full gulp then slammed her mug down meaningfully.
"And now, I want to leave", she said turning back to Jack. Again, he rose without a word.
"See you all tomorrow", Julianne said cheerfully to the rest of the table. "Have fun tonight with dear Marco Ana", she added with a wink before grabbing Jack by the arm and dragging him from the tavern. She pulled him along behind her all the way back to the Renegade, and into her cabin. Locking the door behind her she turned to the still silent Jack, an amused look playing on her face.
"Pretty awful of me to leave ye hangin like that wouldn't you agree?" she asked making her way towards him.
Afraid it was a trap, he nodded silently.
"How bout we do somethin remedy that eh?"
Again Jack just nodded. Taking him by the hand this time, she pulled him back into the bedroom and fell onto the bed pulling him on top of her.
"Anything ye want luv", Jack finally spoke. "After all, I am at your every whim and command for the duration of our stay."
~~~
Jack finished his story grinning madly. Looking around to gauge the reactions of his audience, he found that Julianne was standing with one hand on the wheel and one covering her face in embarrassment, but then thought better of it when he noticed that she was really hiding a smile that spread from one ear to the other. In front of her, Will and Elizabeth gaped in disbelief. "YOU DID THAT?" Elizabeth finally stuttered.
"Aye, I did it", Julianne answered sheepishly.
"I can't believe that", Elizabeth went on.
"Any why not? What's so unbelievable about me being a completely talented seductress?"
"Seductress? Is that what you call it?" Jack cut in. "Sure wasn't what you were sayin the day after yer little stunt."
At this Julianne's cheeks reddened a bit. "Alright fine. So I made a complete ass of meself in front of a coupla hundred people. What's the big deal? I proved my point didn't I?"
"Aye, you proved it alright", he answered with a chuckle.
Quick note though, readers be warned. This chapter started off as an attempt at humor to lighten up the last few stories, but somehow took at turn in another direction. I suppose its one of those "guess you had to be there" deals, but please be warned, lesbianism abounds.
Also, don't get confused on chronology here either. None of these stories are in any order, though I'm sure most of you have figured that out.
So without further ado, I present to you the next little vignette in our ongoing story.
**************************************************************************** ******
A strange grin began to spread across Jack's face and immediately Julianne wished she hadn't just given him free reign over their conversation.
"What's in yer head Jack", she asked with a questioning tone.
"I've a story for ye", he answered, but not to Julianne. "Ye might particularly like this one Lizzie", he continued moving towards her, his grin deepening.
"Uh oh", Elizabeth said aloud, leaning into Will as Jack came closer. Just as he was within distance enough to kiss her if he wanted, he abruptly turned and made the same move on Julianne. In contrast to the younger woman, Julianne did not shy away, but leaned into him playing his game.
"We're waiting captain", she said with arched eyebrows when there was less than an inch between their faces. Jack's grin broke into a cheesy, gold and white smile and he cocked his head. Walking around Julianne so that he came to stand behind her, he put his hands over hers on the wheel and leaned backwards.
"I'll have ye all know, this 'ere is one o' me personal favorites." This caught the attention of all three listeners. Will and Elizabeth quickly hushed up the whispered conversation they were having and Julianne's face gave way to suspicion.
"I'm not sure I like where this is going", she commented as Jack swung around to look her in the face, ridiculous smile still plastered on his lips.
"So then", Jack continued ignoring her remark. "Ye've already 'eard about our big raid of San Domingo. Now I'm gonna tell ya what happened next."
Still not registering what he was talking about, Julianne looked at him with furrowed brows.
"As any self-respecting pirate knows, there's only place better than Tortuga to go and squander yer loot at after a big gig, and that is the mainland."
"Oh no you don't", Julianne cut him off whirling around and clapping a hand over his mouth. "Will and Elizabeth do not want to hear this story."
"Oh I think we do", Will interjected.
"Well I think you don't", Julianne shot back.
"Why wouldn't we", Elizabeth asked.
"Because it is a horribly indecent story not meant for the ears of proper ladies and gentlemen like yerselves."
"Which means", Jack cut her off, "Julianne is about to be seriously humiliated.
"I'm not humiliated", she retorted. "I might 'ave made an ass of meself but at least I was good at it."
"Aye that ye were."
"ANYWAY", Will urged.
"Right, anyway", Jack agreed. "Back to me story. So like I said, after any good raid most pirates often find themselves headed for the mainland. Upper class of pirate society these little towns are. And full of various fantastic ways to fret all your takings away. So, after the Pearl left Devil's Den, naturally that's where she headed. Made dock at Port Arbor. Always liked to stop home now and again and irritate the old brother. Hated me he did, but never came after me for some reason or another."
~~~
Jack sat at the desk in his quarters. With a grimy piece of paper in front of him and a quill in his hand, he quickly jotted something down. Satisfied with his work, he folded the paper up and walked out onto the deck of the Pearl. Scanning the dock below, he found what he was looking for.
"You there", he called to a man, slightly younger than himself, who was standing next to a small boat.
"Yes sir?"
"How much would it cost me to have a message run to Bay Harbor?"
"Oh, well I don't really know sir", the man answered, having never been asked such a thing before.
"Ok, well, d'ye suppose you'd do it for this", Jack continued holding out a decent sized pouch of gold.
The man's eyes widened, having never seen so much gold in one place before.
"Well I'll have to check with my partners, but I don't think they'll be any problem."
"Very good", Jack approved. "That's me ship over there", he pointed to the Black Pearl. "Just stop over when ye've got yer answer, and tell anyone who asks that Captain Sparrow asked for ye."
The man nodded, trying to hide his amazement at both Jack and his ship. As soon as Jack had turned around to walk back from whence he came, the man took off running to the town shouting for his partners.
Twenty minutes later there came a knock on the door to Jack's cabin.
"What", he yelled gruffly, deeply involved in a mess of papers that littered his desk.
"Umm, Cap'n Sparrow", a timid voice asked through the barely opened door.
Looking up, Jack recognized the man from earlier, along with two others. "Aye, come on in. Have ye made a decision about my proposal then?"
The man nodded. "We'll about do it."
"Excellent", Jack said happily. "Then here's the deal. You'll get 'alf of yer payment now, and 'alf upon yer return. Fair enough?"
All three men shook their heads vigorously.
"Right, then what I need you to do is, sail over to Bay Harbor. I'm assuming ye've been there before, it's not far at all, less than a day away. When you get there, there will be a pirate ship docked called the Renegade. I want you to find the captain of this ship and give her this", he finished holding out the note.
"Her sir", one of the men asked confused.
"That's what I said", Jack answered. "Tread lightly, she's not what ye'd expect."
"Aye sir, ye have our word."
"Good. Find me on yer return for the rest", Jack replied handing them a bag of coins.
***
Julianne sat in Bay Harbor's musty tavern with several of her crew. Drinking heavily, they all talked and laughed loudly. It was good to be with her crew for awhile. Since they had gotten there she spent the last week taking care of things for the ship and with Marcus. Tonight was a nice break from work, and quite frankly Marcus was beginning to get on her nerves.
Listening intently to one of her younger crewmen recount a hilarious take of his first night with a prostitute, Julianne did not even notice when three strange men approached their table.
"Umm, excuse me", one of them spoke up timidly after a few minutes of being ignored.
Simultaneously, every pirate at the table turned and looked at the men with curiosity.
"Can we help you", Dipst asked after another minute.
"Are you the captain of the Renegade", the man asked Julianne.
"Who wants to know?" she replied.
"We have a message for you", he answered pulling out the note and handing it to her. Not taking her eyes from his, Julianne reached and took it from him.
Opening it carefully, she read its contents, then refolded it and shoved it into her pocket.
"I trust you were rewarded for your efforts", she turned her attention back to the men. All three nodded.
"Very well. Thank you much."
Once they had gone, Dipst turned to his captain and asked, "what was that all about?"
Snapping out of her momentary daze, Julianne whipped around to face him. "We're headin to Port Arbor. Have everyone ready to go by Friday", she answered and stood up. "I'll see you boys later, and you too Dori", she added before walking out of the tavern.
Heading back through the town, Julianne noticed the light shining from her and Marcus' room. Walking right past the inn, she continued on her way down to the dock and onto her ship.
"Evenin' Cap'n", the man on duty greeted her. She regarded him with a nod then proceeded to her cabin. Sitting down on her bed, she kicked her boots and pulled the scrap of paper back out of her pocket.
Having fun in Port Arbor.
Wish you were here.
-Jack
It was a sorry excuse for an apology, anyone would have agreed. But to Julianne those two lines spoke volumes. Fine, apology accepted. She would go to Port Arbor, but not quite yet. She'd let him sweat it out a few days first.
The rest of that week trudged by slowly, and Julianne wished she hadn't decided to leave so late. Marcus was driving her crazy, as he usually did after more than a few days. But it worse this time, it was always worse wherever Jack was concerned. Reminded her of the fact that the boy was just a temporary replacement for the real thing. When Friday morning finally came, Julianne was relieved to be leaving, and even happier when her entire crew was ready to go first thing. The trip between the two little port towns was a short one, not quite a day. And Julianne wanted to get there before all of the night's fun began. Port Arbor was a notoriously fun town.
Having been given a few days notice, Marcus said goodbye without putting up much of a fight like he usually did. So much the better as far as the captain was concerned. After bidding him her goodbyes, Julianne practically sprinted down to the dock.
The trip passed peacefully, everyone was in a good mood. They had all had a good time in Bay Harbor, and looked forward to the fun that was yet in store. Silently Dipst wondered to himself what could have caused the sudden change of plans, but wisely kept his queries to himself. Besides, the second that the Renegade pulled into dock between the Pearl and the Noche Negra, it was obvious what the answer was.
"Don't spend all yer loot in one night mates", Julianne called to the crew, who were all dying to jump overboard the minute the town was in sight. "Who knows how long we'll be here, you don't wanna end up broke for 'alf our stay."
"Aye, aye Cap'n", they cheered.
"Alright, be off with ye then ya mangy dogs", she called back. After a few whoops and hollers, the Renegade's crew scrambled to the shores. Julianne, who never actually got into her whole captain get up since they last left, strolled off the ship among them.
Heading directly for the town tavern, in usual pirate fashion, Julianne stepped inside and surveyed her surroundings. Port Arbor wasn't a pirate's haven for nothing, and the Dark Mistress tavern was the epitome of that fact. Just like every other tavern it had a bar, an ever philosophical and clever bartender, several bar wenches, tables, chairs, booths, and rum, lots of rum. But unlike any other tavern, the Dark Mistress had something of its very own. A mix of pub and burlesque house, the Mistress came fully equipped with a full stage that spanned one entire wall of the place. Periodically throughout the evening sassy wenches and talented sailor boys grazed its surface providing some of the finest entertainment available in the Caribbean. Currently, a group of four women seemed to be performing some kind of can-can, which resulted in their constantly kicking up their skirts to give the audience a nice view of their bloomers.
Smiling in spite of herself, Julianne turned her attention back to the crowd. Scanning the faces of several laughing men, and the occasional woman, her eyes finally settled on a table right up in front of the stage. *I should have known* she thought to herself as she began to weave her way over to it.
Plopping herself down in a chair she was greeted by the table's many inhabitants.
"Juli, we weren't expectin to see you", the captain of the Noche Negra spoke up.
"Well you know me Marco, always full of surprises after all", she smiled back.
Next to her Anamaria eyed her skeptically. "Don't even try and pull that coincidence stuff with me", she whispered quietly into her friend's ear. Julianne simply shot her a knowing look in return. Turning to her other side where Jack sat, she raised her eyebrows and regarded him with a cocky smirk.
"Cap'n Sparrow."
For a minute, the look of surprise at her arrival still marked his face. Realizing that everyone was watching him, he abruptly shook himself from his wonder, sat up tipping his hat and replied, "Cap'n Amaris, a pleasure as always."
Juli rolled her eyes, but was quickly appeased when a large mug of rum was placed in front of her.
***
Several hours later, and a good many drinks later, every pirate and all three captains at the front table were roaring drunk. Between the lot of them, they had consumed rum enough for half of the people in the bar. In all of their intoxication, Julianne and Ana had begun to seriously slip into femininity, and were now giggling hysterically between the two of them. However, everyone hushed considerably when the music began to play indicating the start of another show. As several scantily clad women made their dramatic entrance onto the stage, it was clear that this was to be the headliner of the evening.
As the show progressed, and the level of clothing the women wore gradually decreased, Julianne and Ana's faces began to twist in disgust.
"What's the matter ladies", Jack asked with a silly grin. "Don't' like what yer seein."
Both shot him a defiant look. Not to say he wasn't right, because in fact neither woman really fancied watching a bunch of prostitutes strip down in front of a crowd of aroused pirate men, but they weren't going to allow Jack to be right. Besides, in their drunken state, they were both feeling particularly risky, bold, and invincible.
"That's not it at all my dear Cap'n", Julianne replied smartly. "Anamaria and I just feel that for a bunch of women who make their livelihoods pleasuring men, they sure don't 'ave much to show for it."
"What are you getting at", Jack asked back. "Ye sayin ye could do a better job up there?"
"Damn right I could."
"Yeah, damn right we could", Anamaria added.
"Fine, why don't ye put yer money where yer mouth is then", Jack dared. Grinning like a Chesire cat with his hand outstretched should she choose to accept his offer, he figured either way she chose he got something out of it. Though he really rather expected her to decline.
After considering for a moment, then giving Ana a questioning look, Julianne turned to Jack, chin high and shook his hand. "Fine. But I'm setting the prize." Jack and Marco nodded. "Ana and I win, the two of you are at our every whim and command for the duration of our stay here. And ye can't leave early just to get out of it either. Yer bound to at least 5 days."
"And if we win", Marco cut her off.
"If you win, it's reversed", she replied matter-of-factly.
Before either man could say another word about the stipulations of their agreement, Julianne turned back to Ana, grabbed her hand and pulled her from the table back to the stage entrance.
"Jules, what are we going to do?"
"How many layers ye get on", Julianne asked ignoring her question.
"What?"
"I said how many layers ye got on?"
"The usual", Ana answered, a little unsure of herself. "Why?"
"Got to know how many we can be takin off eh?"
At this, Ana unexpectedly burst into hysterical laughter. "Let's show these boys what real women can do", she finally replied after calming a bit.
Whether it really was the alcohol, or they both just used it as an excuse later, Julianne and Anamaria and did exactly that. While the first number was finishing, they quickly made up a few choreographed steps to start off with, and as the music ended Julianne strode purposefully out onto the stage and stood among the wenches.
"That was all well and good ladies, but how would you all like to see what a coupla pirate women can do under the circumstances."
Her announcement received nothing but cheers and screaming and satisfied she went back offstage and waited for the music to begin.
The insulted bar wenches quickly marched themselves off stage, dejected at having received not a single offer after their show. As far as the audience was concerned, they were second class. Prostitute shows were one thing, common and everyday, but two female pirates, that was a totally different story.
Finally the music began to play, and just as they had planned, Julianne and Ana made their debut as barroom entertainers. And for whatever it was worth, Julianne was right, for the two of them showed that they knew quite a bit more in the ways of men than any woman who had been on stage the entire evening.
When the music first began, two tanned and shining legs protruded from between the musty red carpet. Having discarded their boots earlier, it was nothing but skin and breeches pulled high. One leg soon turned into the full body of Anamaria, followed closely by Julianne. Moving with a grace that no one ever would have guessed they could have possessed, they spun slowly around the outer edges of the stage, bending down to touch the hands of hopeful admirers.
Coming back to the center, each began to slowly remove the top most shirt they were wearing. Pulling down one sleeve at a time in an absolutely teasing manner, the shirts were quickly cast aside. The two women pulled close to each other, wrapping their arms around one another seductively. Running her hands through Anamaria's hair, Julianne coyly removed the bandana that held back the other woman's long raven colored locks. At the same time, Anamaria removed the long sash that was tied tightly around Julianne's waist. Both proceeded to massage the other's body, and each now tugged at the others pants. Removing them one at a time, it was soon discovered that both were wearing very skimpy, baggy pantaloons underneath, closely resembling what men would wear. Simultaneously kicking the breeches off of their back leg, the women promptly broke apart and took a moment to observe their audience.
Every man in the bar had their attention fixed on the stage. Mouths gaping and frozen still, their eyes were wide with disbelief, and most could barely contain themselves. But the best part was yet to come. As both women shed yet another of their various shirts to reveal only two very inadequate tight camisoles, they walked to the very front of the stage and lowered themselves to the floor. Rolling around in various positions, massaging themselves all the while, they rolled to the center and enveloped each other once again. Planting a kiss on the other's lips, they promptly pulled apart and rose to their hands and knees.
Just a few feet from the table they had previously been sitting at, Julianne and Ana crawled over and lowered themselves onto the table top. It was time for the grand finale. Each women moved to her respective partner, Ana to her captain and Julianne to Jack. Kneeling on straddled legs, they pulled themselves up tight against the two men and wrapped their arms around them.
At this point, Jack stared at Julianne in total shock. It wasn't as though he had never seen her like this before, but in front of all these people, she held the power to control every man in the place. Looking into her eyes, fire and lust blazed within them as her gaze overwhelmed him. From where he sat, they were the only two people in the room. As she pulled herself close to him, his hands went instinctively to her waist, and he struggled to contain himself as she pressed hard against him. Moving her body slowly across his, her lips grazing his, it was all Jack could do to keep from yelling. Making a line of kisses starting at his collarbone, she worked her way slowly up his neck to his ear. By now Jack was beginning to sweat, and wished on anything that he could be within the confines of some bedroom somewhere alone with Julianne right now. Touching her lips to his ear gently, she leaned into him and whispered softly.
"Told ye I could do it betta", she said with a sly grin. Immediately afterward, she pulled herself back sharply and stood up, leaving Jack hanging as it were. Behind her, Ana did the same. Taking each other by the hand, they walked to the center of the stage just as the music came to an end and took a bow. For a second, it was so silent in the tavern that one could clearly hear the sounds from outside. As the two women rose from their bow, the tavern erupted into a huge commotion of cheering, screaming, whistling, hooting, applause, and the banging of mugs on the table tops. Men rushed to the front, hoping to catch the beautiful and saucy young pirate women, but both quickly turned and exited the stage. Waiting a few minutes until the scene out front died down, Julianne and Anamaria threw their clothes back on and peered out the door.
In light of their little performance, the bar owner had ordered three more shows be put for the night, hoping to make an extra buck on patrons who now wanted to hang around. When they next performance finally began, and both women were satisfied that it was safe to go back out, they quietly crept along the front of the tavern, ducking beneath everyone's view, and slid back into their seats at the front table.
"I'd like another rum Cap'n Sparrow", Julianne said triumphantly turning to him. Jack, who was still quite red in the face looked at her questioningly for a minute then understood. Getting up from his seat without a word, he made his way to the bar and returned with an entire jug of rum enough for everyone. Pouring Juli a drink she quickly downed it in almost one full gulp then slammed her mug down meaningfully.
"And now, I want to leave", she said turning back to Jack. Again, he rose without a word.
"See you all tomorrow", Julianne said cheerfully to the rest of the table. "Have fun tonight with dear Marco Ana", she added with a wink before grabbing Jack by the arm and dragging him from the tavern. She pulled him along behind her all the way back to the Renegade, and into her cabin. Locking the door behind her she turned to the still silent Jack, an amused look playing on her face.
"Pretty awful of me to leave ye hangin like that wouldn't you agree?" she asked making her way towards him.
Afraid it was a trap, he nodded silently.
"How bout we do somethin remedy that eh?"
Again Jack just nodded. Taking him by the hand this time, she pulled him back into the bedroom and fell onto the bed pulling him on top of her.
"Anything ye want luv", Jack finally spoke. "After all, I am at your every whim and command for the duration of our stay."
~~~
Jack finished his story grinning madly. Looking around to gauge the reactions of his audience, he found that Julianne was standing with one hand on the wheel and one covering her face in embarrassment, but then thought better of it when he noticed that she was really hiding a smile that spread from one ear to the other. In front of her, Will and Elizabeth gaped in disbelief. "YOU DID THAT?" Elizabeth finally stuttered.
"Aye, I did it", Julianne answered sheepishly.
"I can't believe that", Elizabeth went on.
"Any why not? What's so unbelievable about me being a completely talented seductress?"
"Seductress? Is that what you call it?" Jack cut in. "Sure wasn't what you were sayin the day after yer little stunt."
At this Julianne's cheeks reddened a bit. "Alright fine. So I made a complete ass of meself in front of a coupla hundred people. What's the big deal? I proved my point didn't I?"
"Aye, you proved it alright", he answered with a chuckle.