Julianne and Elizabeth returned home to find Will rummaging through orders
he received while away and Jack playing with Gabrielle in the living room.
"Ouch", the pirate captain yelped from where he lay sprawled on the floor, little girl on top of him. Picking her up he put her face close to his, "ye've really got to learn yer own strength luv, yer liable to rip me hair right out!"
In response the little girl only giggled and reached out to grab another clump.
"Ah, ah", Jack laughed, holding her up and out of reach. Behind him he heard the sound of laughing, and sat up and turned around to find the two women watching from the doorway.
"I'm glad you're so taken with each other", Elizabeth began. "Juli and I still have some things to do so I'll need you to watch her just a bit longer."
"And what is it that you two have to do?"
"We've a big occasion to get ready for, and between the two of use I'm going to have a lot of work on my hands", she answered.
Content with this, Jack nodded and turned his attention back to the little girl.
"I'll be down in a bit to take her so you have time to get yourself ready", Elizabeth called to him as she ascended the stairs behind Julianne.
"Yeah, yeah", Jack huffed.
On her way upstairs Julianne became aware of an uneasy feeling growing in the pit of her stomach. She had been through the beautification process with Elizabeth once before, and by all accounts ranked it among her worst life experiences. Swalling hard, she tried to put these things out of her mind as she made her way to put the new dress in her room.
"Why don't you put that in the nursery", Elizabeth suggested just as she was about to enter the guest room.
"Why?"
"Don't want to ruin the surprise."
Julianne considered this with raised eyebrows. "Good point", she agreed then headed for the baby's room.
"Now", Elizabeth went on. "Go bathe, and when you're finished I'll do your hair and make-up."
At this Julianne made a face but obeyed.
"And don't take all day", the younger woman called into the bathroom after Julianne had shut the door. "The rest of us still have to get ready."
Inside the bathroom Julianne threw her clothes into a ball in the corner and allowed herself to sink into the warmth of the tub. She enjoyed the relaxation for only a few minutes, knowing that if she took too long Elizabeth would surely have no problem storming in and pulling her out by force. Sitting back up she quickly proceeded to scrub herself down and washed her hair with whatever bottle of junk had been left for her. Just as the last time Elizabeth had given her the "treatment", Julianne made sure to remove the beads from her hair and carefully collected them together so they would not be lost. Getting out and drying herself off, she threw a robe around herself and yelled out into the hall for Elizabeth.
Momentarily the younger woman was there. Directing Julianne to the chair in front of the mirror she set to work pulling out everything that she would need. Grabbing a towel from the wall she rubbed the pirate's hair dry and got the curling iron ready before beginning with the brush.
"Now, I don't want any complaints this time", she ordered.
Julianne nodded and gripped the sides of her chair, preparing for the worst. Thankfully, whatever Elizabeth had given her earlier to put in her hair had made it smooth and helped the process along. Her mess of tangles came out much easier and the whole ordeal did not last long.
"Alright. So, is there anything in particular you'd like me to do?"
Julianne thought for a moment. "I don't want it too proper, ye know. Just do it to match the dress."
Elizabeth nodded and considered her options. "I've got it", she exclaimed.
"What are ye gonna do?"
"Just sit still, its going to take awhile", she was hushed.
And take awhile it did. Julianne must have sat still in that chair for over an hour while Elizabeth twirled strand after strand of her hair around the hot cylinder. She had even gone so far as to make her face away from the mirror so she wouldn't see herself until everything was finished. After hair came make up. Something Julianne had certainly never experienced before. She sat like a statue as Elizabeth painted her up, flinching slightly whenever she came to close to her eyes.
"All finished", Elizabeth announced proudly when she was done.
"So I can look now?"
"Nope! You've got to get dressed first. Then you can see yourself."
Julianne groaned but was amused at all the effort Elizabeth was going through to make her happy.
"Come along and I'll help you with your dress."
Ten minutes later Julianne stood in front of the full length mirror admiring the person who stared back at her.
"Well what do you think", Elizabeth asked.
"I'm almost tempted to dress like this everyday", the pirate laughed. "I love it", she exclaimed hugging the younger woman.
"Good. Now I'm going to get myself ready. You ought to stay put because Jack and Will will be up before too long themselves."
Julianne sat herself down in the room's chair delicately. She was going to great lengths to keep her extravagant look in tact. Unable to resist she got back up and examined herself again. Truth be told, she really did look amazing. Elizabeth had styled her hair to match her dress perfectly. A wild mess of curls, some was pinned up while the rest hung loose. Her make up was dark, but tasteful. The dress fit her perfectly and she looked beautiful in it while its style still allowed her personality to shine through, revealing toned muscles, several scars, her brand and her tattoo.
Hearing a rustle outside the door, she made her way to it and leaned against it to her what was going on. From the sound of things it seemed as though Jack was protesting about one or two parts of his new wardrobe and Will was doing his best to straighten him out. When it appeared Jack was sorted and settled and Will had retreated to his bedroom, Julianne decided she'd had enough of hiding in wait and she was ready to reveal her surprise. Mostly, she just wanted to see how Jack looked in his new get up.
Opening the door quietly, to avoid giving Jack any head's up, she slipped silently across the hall and opened the door to the guest room with equal stealth. Inside she found Jack staring at the bed stewing over whether or not he really intended to wear cuff links. Taking him in a smile spread across her face. He too, looked amazing. He wore the suit of black she had seen hanging up earlier and coincidentally enough, it was accented in red. The bandana and beading had all been removed from his hair, which was pulled back into a sleekly brushed ponytail under a new black tri-cornered hat. And all of the dirt that typically covered his skin had been washed clean.
Stepping inside she closed the door behind her and locked it with a click. This was enough to get Jack's attention and he whirled around caught a bit off guard. When he saw Julianne he sucked in a breath.
"Not bad Cap'n", she teased seductively, coming toward him. "Not bad at all", she added stepping up close to him and running a hand down his face.
Upon closer examination she discovered that the kohl that typically lined his eyes was gone, and he had even shaved the stray scuff that escaped his braided goatee. He did not respond to her comment, but he didn't have to. Putting a hand behind her neck he pulled her to him in a rough kiss.
It was a heated moment. One in which it took all of Julianne's self- restraint not to give into the overwhelming urge to rip off all of his clothes right then and there. But the thought of invoking Elizabeth's wrath remained clear in her mind, and she pulled herself away from Jack's passion before either of them got too carried away.
"Later luv", she assured him as she straightened her now slightly disheveled dress.
"Jules", Jack whispered close to her ear. "You look absolutely amazing. That dress, is, well its perfect."
"As is this", she replied indicating his own attire. "Though I must admit, I think it'll look much betta lying in a heap on the floor later tonight."
"Ah", Jack sighed back. "How lucky am I to have found such a perfect woman?"
"We are a rare breed, no question about it", she laughed in response.
***
The carriage came for the five party goers at promptly 6:45 to take them up to the fort. Stepping up and inside, Elizabeth found her father already seated and waiting for them. She climbed in first followed by Will holding Gabby, then Julianne and Jack. Governor Swann stared at the two pirates for a moment, not recognizing either of them. Just as he was about to question his daughter as to who their companions were, he took a better look at Julianne's dress, saw her brand, and realized their identities.
"See somethin ye like Governor", Jack asked him with a cheeky grin as he noticed the other man's attention focused on his woman.
Weatherby cleared his throat and averted his gaze. "Of course not" he stammered.
"Well aren't you a charmer", Julianne chuckled with rolled eyes.
Her comment caused the governor to rethink his quick response to Jack. "Sorry, that's not what I meant", he tried to explain, while his daughter laughed quietly at his discomfort.
"No worries mate", Julianne assured him, enjoying the fact that it was he who was feeling uncomfortable instead of her.
The rest of the short trip passed in silence. Julianne fidgeted nervously, cracking her fingers and incessantly rapping them against her seat, much to the annoyance of the other riders. Sensing her discomfort, Jack placed one hand reassuringly over hers, both in comfort and to make her stop. The governor made note of this, but refrained from inquiry. He had heard his daughter's tales of her two captain friends before, and would ask her later if she had left out any of the more intimate details in their telling.
When they finally came to a stop in front of the fort's large wooden doors, the carriage door was opened and each rider stepped out. Governor Swann took his granddaughter in his arms, allowing his son-in-law to escort his wife, and Jack took Julianne by the arm.
"I shall be the perfect gentleman my dear", he said to her softly in perfect English, when she gave him a sidewards glance.
The double doors were promptly opened for the group by two soldiers and they walked down the long stone corridor towards the large open courtyard. Upon reaching it they were greeted by a finely dressed Commodore Norrington, who then escorted them to the head table at front at center where they were all to be seated. Julianne suppressed a snicker as she heard the unmistakable sound of gasping as the other guests, crews included, beheld the sight of she and Jack. Looking around, she was impressed to see that each of them had also cleaned themselves up nicely, all wearing new clothes. She wondered about this, unaware that Jack had requested that all of them do it.
Once everyone had taken their seats and dinner had been served, Governor Swann stood, cleared his throat, and raised his glass.
"I just want to take a moment, to extend my thanks and overwhelming gratitude to the crews of both the Black Pearl and the Renegade, and to Captain Sparrow and Captain Amaris, for braving extreme danger and near death, to return Commodore Norrington and my darling granddaughter home, safely and sound. Port Royale is truly indebted to you for your service, and you are most welcome here any time you wish. A toast, to the Black Pearl and the Renegade and their two wonderful captains."
Upon his finishing the rest of the guests in attendance clinked their glasses, downed their wine, and erupted into applause.
Dinner came to an end and soon servers were clearing plates from tables and the musicians came forward and changed from playing background tunes to lively dance music. From where she sat, Julianne smiled to herself at the sight of the crowd of dancers who had gathered in the center of the courtyard. Among the townspeople who had been invited, several of the crew had made their way to the dance floor, either with the few of their fellow lady comrades or those single party goers who were more than happy to provide dance partners. She waved slightly at Anamaria who was being swung around gracefully by Gibbs, who had apparently been quite the gentleman is his days sailing for the navy. Will and Elizabeth moved together slowly, holding each other tight, eyes closed and obviously in love. Even Norrington had made his way out accompanied by a lovely woman who appeared to more than just another acquaintance.
Totally absorbed in watching the scene before here, Julianne was unaware that Jack had leaned in close to watch her. "Care to dance love?"
Caught off guard, she turned to him in wonder. "Are you serious?"
"I told you, perfect gentleman", he answered with proud grin, standing up and extending a hand to her.
His smiled was returned as Julianne took his hand, stood, and followed him out onto the floor. For a second, she aware that every pair of eyes was on here as Jack wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Her insecurities were soon forgotten however as she became lost in moment, a world that only consisted of her and Jack.
Resting her head on his shoulder, her eyes closed, Julianne held him tight and whispered, "thank you".
"Oh don't thank me yet luv", he replied, reverting back to his typical idiolect. "I'll be sure to get me revenge tonight", he added with a cocky grin and gleam in his eye.
"How many times do I 'ave to tell ye. It's not revenge if the receiver enjoys it. Ye can't rape the willin after all."
"In that case", Jack laughed at her explanation. "We'll consider it payment for services rendered."
****************************************************************************
Another one down, who knows how many more to go. Hope you all enjoyed it. The ending wasn't all what I had hoped for, but I must admit that at the end there I just lost my mojo. Though I've found that's not so uncommon when bringing things to a close. Hopefully the creative juices will start flowing again as I pick up with my current story "Here Without You". If you liked any of my previous works, this included, check it out. It's totally unrelated to my little trilogy thus far, but I hope for it be to just as good. And on a final note, thanks to all of you who reviewed. Your comments have been beyond inspiring, and knowing you like my writing really is what drives me to keep going. I especially would like to say a HUGE thank you to jackfan2, whose reviews, advice, and helpful hints have been appreciated more than I can say here. Her stories are great, check them out.
In closing. [Sounds so formal doesn't it?] I sincerely hope you look into my new story and as always I would love to hear your thoughts.
-Angie
"Ouch", the pirate captain yelped from where he lay sprawled on the floor, little girl on top of him. Picking her up he put her face close to his, "ye've really got to learn yer own strength luv, yer liable to rip me hair right out!"
In response the little girl only giggled and reached out to grab another clump.
"Ah, ah", Jack laughed, holding her up and out of reach. Behind him he heard the sound of laughing, and sat up and turned around to find the two women watching from the doorway.
"I'm glad you're so taken with each other", Elizabeth began. "Juli and I still have some things to do so I'll need you to watch her just a bit longer."
"And what is it that you two have to do?"
"We've a big occasion to get ready for, and between the two of use I'm going to have a lot of work on my hands", she answered.
Content with this, Jack nodded and turned his attention back to the little girl.
"I'll be down in a bit to take her so you have time to get yourself ready", Elizabeth called to him as she ascended the stairs behind Julianne.
"Yeah, yeah", Jack huffed.
On her way upstairs Julianne became aware of an uneasy feeling growing in the pit of her stomach. She had been through the beautification process with Elizabeth once before, and by all accounts ranked it among her worst life experiences. Swalling hard, she tried to put these things out of her mind as she made her way to put the new dress in her room.
"Why don't you put that in the nursery", Elizabeth suggested just as she was about to enter the guest room.
"Why?"
"Don't want to ruin the surprise."
Julianne considered this with raised eyebrows. "Good point", she agreed then headed for the baby's room.
"Now", Elizabeth went on. "Go bathe, and when you're finished I'll do your hair and make-up."
At this Julianne made a face but obeyed.
"And don't take all day", the younger woman called into the bathroom after Julianne had shut the door. "The rest of us still have to get ready."
Inside the bathroom Julianne threw her clothes into a ball in the corner and allowed herself to sink into the warmth of the tub. She enjoyed the relaxation for only a few minutes, knowing that if she took too long Elizabeth would surely have no problem storming in and pulling her out by force. Sitting back up she quickly proceeded to scrub herself down and washed her hair with whatever bottle of junk had been left for her. Just as the last time Elizabeth had given her the "treatment", Julianne made sure to remove the beads from her hair and carefully collected them together so they would not be lost. Getting out and drying herself off, she threw a robe around herself and yelled out into the hall for Elizabeth.
Momentarily the younger woman was there. Directing Julianne to the chair in front of the mirror she set to work pulling out everything that she would need. Grabbing a towel from the wall she rubbed the pirate's hair dry and got the curling iron ready before beginning with the brush.
"Now, I don't want any complaints this time", she ordered.
Julianne nodded and gripped the sides of her chair, preparing for the worst. Thankfully, whatever Elizabeth had given her earlier to put in her hair had made it smooth and helped the process along. Her mess of tangles came out much easier and the whole ordeal did not last long.
"Alright. So, is there anything in particular you'd like me to do?"
Julianne thought for a moment. "I don't want it too proper, ye know. Just do it to match the dress."
Elizabeth nodded and considered her options. "I've got it", she exclaimed.
"What are ye gonna do?"
"Just sit still, its going to take awhile", she was hushed.
And take awhile it did. Julianne must have sat still in that chair for over an hour while Elizabeth twirled strand after strand of her hair around the hot cylinder. She had even gone so far as to make her face away from the mirror so she wouldn't see herself until everything was finished. After hair came make up. Something Julianne had certainly never experienced before. She sat like a statue as Elizabeth painted her up, flinching slightly whenever she came to close to her eyes.
"All finished", Elizabeth announced proudly when she was done.
"So I can look now?"
"Nope! You've got to get dressed first. Then you can see yourself."
Julianne groaned but was amused at all the effort Elizabeth was going through to make her happy.
"Come along and I'll help you with your dress."
Ten minutes later Julianne stood in front of the full length mirror admiring the person who stared back at her.
"Well what do you think", Elizabeth asked.
"I'm almost tempted to dress like this everyday", the pirate laughed. "I love it", she exclaimed hugging the younger woman.
"Good. Now I'm going to get myself ready. You ought to stay put because Jack and Will will be up before too long themselves."
Julianne sat herself down in the room's chair delicately. She was going to great lengths to keep her extravagant look in tact. Unable to resist she got back up and examined herself again. Truth be told, she really did look amazing. Elizabeth had styled her hair to match her dress perfectly. A wild mess of curls, some was pinned up while the rest hung loose. Her make up was dark, but tasteful. The dress fit her perfectly and she looked beautiful in it while its style still allowed her personality to shine through, revealing toned muscles, several scars, her brand and her tattoo.
Hearing a rustle outside the door, she made her way to it and leaned against it to her what was going on. From the sound of things it seemed as though Jack was protesting about one or two parts of his new wardrobe and Will was doing his best to straighten him out. When it appeared Jack was sorted and settled and Will had retreated to his bedroom, Julianne decided she'd had enough of hiding in wait and she was ready to reveal her surprise. Mostly, she just wanted to see how Jack looked in his new get up.
Opening the door quietly, to avoid giving Jack any head's up, she slipped silently across the hall and opened the door to the guest room with equal stealth. Inside she found Jack staring at the bed stewing over whether or not he really intended to wear cuff links. Taking him in a smile spread across her face. He too, looked amazing. He wore the suit of black she had seen hanging up earlier and coincidentally enough, it was accented in red. The bandana and beading had all been removed from his hair, which was pulled back into a sleekly brushed ponytail under a new black tri-cornered hat. And all of the dirt that typically covered his skin had been washed clean.
Stepping inside she closed the door behind her and locked it with a click. This was enough to get Jack's attention and he whirled around caught a bit off guard. When he saw Julianne he sucked in a breath.
"Not bad Cap'n", she teased seductively, coming toward him. "Not bad at all", she added stepping up close to him and running a hand down his face.
Upon closer examination she discovered that the kohl that typically lined his eyes was gone, and he had even shaved the stray scuff that escaped his braided goatee. He did not respond to her comment, but he didn't have to. Putting a hand behind her neck he pulled her to him in a rough kiss.
It was a heated moment. One in which it took all of Julianne's self- restraint not to give into the overwhelming urge to rip off all of his clothes right then and there. But the thought of invoking Elizabeth's wrath remained clear in her mind, and she pulled herself away from Jack's passion before either of them got too carried away.
"Later luv", she assured him as she straightened her now slightly disheveled dress.
"Jules", Jack whispered close to her ear. "You look absolutely amazing. That dress, is, well its perfect."
"As is this", she replied indicating his own attire. "Though I must admit, I think it'll look much betta lying in a heap on the floor later tonight."
"Ah", Jack sighed back. "How lucky am I to have found such a perfect woman?"
"We are a rare breed, no question about it", she laughed in response.
***
The carriage came for the five party goers at promptly 6:45 to take them up to the fort. Stepping up and inside, Elizabeth found her father already seated and waiting for them. She climbed in first followed by Will holding Gabby, then Julianne and Jack. Governor Swann stared at the two pirates for a moment, not recognizing either of them. Just as he was about to question his daughter as to who their companions were, he took a better look at Julianne's dress, saw her brand, and realized their identities.
"See somethin ye like Governor", Jack asked him with a cheeky grin as he noticed the other man's attention focused on his woman.
Weatherby cleared his throat and averted his gaze. "Of course not" he stammered.
"Well aren't you a charmer", Julianne chuckled with rolled eyes.
Her comment caused the governor to rethink his quick response to Jack. "Sorry, that's not what I meant", he tried to explain, while his daughter laughed quietly at his discomfort.
"No worries mate", Julianne assured him, enjoying the fact that it was he who was feeling uncomfortable instead of her.
The rest of the short trip passed in silence. Julianne fidgeted nervously, cracking her fingers and incessantly rapping them against her seat, much to the annoyance of the other riders. Sensing her discomfort, Jack placed one hand reassuringly over hers, both in comfort and to make her stop. The governor made note of this, but refrained from inquiry. He had heard his daughter's tales of her two captain friends before, and would ask her later if she had left out any of the more intimate details in their telling.
When they finally came to a stop in front of the fort's large wooden doors, the carriage door was opened and each rider stepped out. Governor Swann took his granddaughter in his arms, allowing his son-in-law to escort his wife, and Jack took Julianne by the arm.
"I shall be the perfect gentleman my dear", he said to her softly in perfect English, when she gave him a sidewards glance.
The double doors were promptly opened for the group by two soldiers and they walked down the long stone corridor towards the large open courtyard. Upon reaching it they were greeted by a finely dressed Commodore Norrington, who then escorted them to the head table at front at center where they were all to be seated. Julianne suppressed a snicker as she heard the unmistakable sound of gasping as the other guests, crews included, beheld the sight of she and Jack. Looking around, she was impressed to see that each of them had also cleaned themselves up nicely, all wearing new clothes. She wondered about this, unaware that Jack had requested that all of them do it.
Once everyone had taken their seats and dinner had been served, Governor Swann stood, cleared his throat, and raised his glass.
"I just want to take a moment, to extend my thanks and overwhelming gratitude to the crews of both the Black Pearl and the Renegade, and to Captain Sparrow and Captain Amaris, for braving extreme danger and near death, to return Commodore Norrington and my darling granddaughter home, safely and sound. Port Royale is truly indebted to you for your service, and you are most welcome here any time you wish. A toast, to the Black Pearl and the Renegade and their two wonderful captains."
Upon his finishing the rest of the guests in attendance clinked their glasses, downed their wine, and erupted into applause.
Dinner came to an end and soon servers were clearing plates from tables and the musicians came forward and changed from playing background tunes to lively dance music. From where she sat, Julianne smiled to herself at the sight of the crowd of dancers who had gathered in the center of the courtyard. Among the townspeople who had been invited, several of the crew had made their way to the dance floor, either with the few of their fellow lady comrades or those single party goers who were more than happy to provide dance partners. She waved slightly at Anamaria who was being swung around gracefully by Gibbs, who had apparently been quite the gentleman is his days sailing for the navy. Will and Elizabeth moved together slowly, holding each other tight, eyes closed and obviously in love. Even Norrington had made his way out accompanied by a lovely woman who appeared to more than just another acquaintance.
Totally absorbed in watching the scene before here, Julianne was unaware that Jack had leaned in close to watch her. "Care to dance love?"
Caught off guard, she turned to him in wonder. "Are you serious?"
"I told you, perfect gentleman", he answered with proud grin, standing up and extending a hand to her.
His smiled was returned as Julianne took his hand, stood, and followed him out onto the floor. For a second, she aware that every pair of eyes was on here as Jack wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Her insecurities were soon forgotten however as she became lost in moment, a world that only consisted of her and Jack.
Resting her head on his shoulder, her eyes closed, Julianne held him tight and whispered, "thank you".
"Oh don't thank me yet luv", he replied, reverting back to his typical idiolect. "I'll be sure to get me revenge tonight", he added with a cocky grin and gleam in his eye.
"How many times do I 'ave to tell ye. It's not revenge if the receiver enjoys it. Ye can't rape the willin after all."
"In that case", Jack laughed at her explanation. "We'll consider it payment for services rendered."
****************************************************************************
Another one down, who knows how many more to go. Hope you all enjoyed it. The ending wasn't all what I had hoped for, but I must admit that at the end there I just lost my mojo. Though I've found that's not so uncommon when bringing things to a close. Hopefully the creative juices will start flowing again as I pick up with my current story "Here Without You". If you liked any of my previous works, this included, check it out. It's totally unrelated to my little trilogy thus far, but I hope for it be to just as good. And on a final note, thanks to all of you who reviewed. Your comments have been beyond inspiring, and knowing you like my writing really is what drives me to keep going. I especially would like to say a HUGE thank you to jackfan2, whose reviews, advice, and helpful hints have been appreciated more than I can say here. Her stories are great, check them out.
In closing. [Sounds so formal doesn't it?] I sincerely hope you look into my new story and as always I would love to hear your thoughts.
-Angie