Disclaimer: *clings tighter to Sparrow* Just wanted to give ye a hug!

Sparrow: *raises an eyebrow* A hug? Don't ye landlubbers have anything better to do in- *gasps for air*

*giggles in delight and squeezes tighter*

Authors Note: Arrr! Chapter 13! *grins* Hope I get ye scurvy dogs' laughin' hard! (Sad how my notes get progressively less humorous…hmm….)

Four-Sided Eyes

(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)

Chapter 13: Landlubbers

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(Kendra's POV…)

Dinner was a very interesting affair.

Especially when forced to eat with Janette. Surely, I could have left her alone for an hour or so to go find a place more to my liking, but I was given extra money by Sparrow to keep her happy…might as well use a bit of it myself. Plus it made little sense to pay for Janette's meal, and then leave her for an hour, only to come back and have her likely cling to me as she had become frightened and lonely.

But the very way in which she ate…it made me almost…

Feel guilty.

And that was certainly not a desirable feeling. Least of all getting it from her actions. I knew she wasn't meaning to do anything of the sort…but…

Why should I care anyway? Really, I'm a pirate, she's a French noble. Or she had been recently…perhaps her father's continued income depended on a relocation? That could very well be it.

Either way…eating across from her, and watching her take demure little bites after cutting up her food properly just…made me hesitate in my eating. And such an action does not please me. Food is meant to be enjoyed, to be consumed and keep a person content and happy. Not…become a work of art or to prove one's skill at performing the act of having such grace and cleanliness.

Sent shudders down my spine, the very thought of having to be trained in such a thing.

"So there you are!" a cheerful girlish voice called out, a set of feet hurrying behind it.

Experience and instinct told me to ignore it…but the set of feet was coming straight for me. But I don't know any other girls here…perhaps she thinks I'm someone else…

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" the voice continued. "Really, why must you be so hard to find!"

Every fiber of my being told me to draw my cutlass and tear down this obvious landlubber… but… I can't do that here. I clenched my fork tighter and turned in my seat. "Excuse me?"

Before me stood something…quite…disturbing. A bright, chipper - I never thought I'd see the word embodied, but had now been proven wrong - girl stood there, nearly radiating sunlight.

I'm surprised I didn't have to squint.

"I found you! You're such a wonderful boy, I said to myself, and I just can't help but introduce myself. I'm Beatrice-"

I can't take anymore of this…

"Belay just a moment, lass," I turned in my chair and set down the fork, slowly getting to my feet. Now that I was standing, the girl was about my height, was of a slight build, and she was just starting to look like a woman. Something that I was never going to even resemble. A spare few of her blond ringlets hung alongside her cheeks, while the rest were pulled back in some kind of imitation of an elaborate style. A sad one, I think.

Beatrice's hazel eyes flickered with excitement. "Lass? Surely that is a term of endearment!"

I couldn't hold back a sneer. "What is yer business with me?" I put on a gruff tone. I don't need a same-size bit of fluff in my company too. "I'm sure I've ne'er talked to ye 'fore. Smartly now, wench."

She seemed slightly puzzled.

Was I not clear enough? Really…how else can I demand for her to tell me what she wants with me…?

"Well…I…I saw what you did for that woman over there and wanted to tell you of my sincere admiration. It's not everyday that I get to see a kind soul such as you save a woman in distress-"

That was it. I snapped. A pirate can only take so many blows to one's honor in a day…I'd more than taken my fill.

"Now hold on jus' a second, squiffy! I be a pirate, now don't ye forget it! And that bit a' fluff over there, is not a "woman in distress" as ye say…she's me charge, and I only care about keeping me cap'n happy and in turn keeping me pockets well filled and stayin' as far from a rope's end as possible!"

She blinked slowly, proving that harsh words were something she was not used to… judging from her attire - that of the working class- and her location, I would expect that she had endured such things. Unless she had been relocated here…and obviously not been here long. If she did not leave me in peace soon, I'm not sure how drastic things may have to become.

Janette…she was saying something to me. I'd forgotten about her.

Just what I need…another distraction. At least Beatrice will have time to either run along or let my words sink in. I pivoted and looked to Janette, forcing a smile, but somehow managing to make myself look calmly at her.

French is really not the language I'm in the mood for…

"You said something, Janette? I'm sorry, I missed it. Would you be so kind as to repeat it?"

She looked to Beatrice for a moment, contemplating something…I really don't like it when I can't read her.

"Well, I just asked what the matter was. And…why you were sounding so angry."

I softened my smile again. Amazing the parts I can play…

"Just a small tiff, go ahead and keep eating. I'll be done talking to her soon."

Nodding curtly, I turned my back and darkened my expression as soon as my face was out of Janette's eyesight. No reason to set the girl off…especially after I'd put on such a kind façade only seconds before.

"Do ye understand me, sprog?" I sneered at the miniature fluff. "I don't want none of yer gratitude or admiration. I only want ye to leave me in peace. Now off with ye."

"But…" she seemed close to tears. Just what I need… "Why are you so angry at me? I…I just wanted to tell you that I…" she trailed off and looked to her feet.

And the pathetic sight pulled at my heart.

Letting out a sigh, I slumped into my chair. "Out with it, lass. And do it smartly, I'm already hangin' the jib."

"I merely wished to tell you of my affections for you."

I had just grabbed my mug and was glad I had not started to take a drink. Otherwise I would have spit all over myself. No need to waste good rum.

"What?" I stuttered, setting down the mug, not noticing that it slid across the table from the force. "Ye mean that ye…"

She nodded, taking on a somewhat demure appearance. Not that I hadn't seen enough of that sitting just across the table… I glanced over at Janette and saw that she was working furiously to understand the interactions going on in a language foreign to her.

"I…well…" Great, a girl expresses her affections for Pierre…and I can't do anything better than pull off the puzzled boy act that she would expect.

This had better not get any worse…

And then it did.

In walked Sparrow, the one man I truly didn't want to see.

"Good evening, Pierre, Janette," he tipped his hat. Spotting Beatrice the annoyance, he gained a grin. "And who might this lass be, Pierre?"

His tone…he thinks that…

Am I blushing?

Oh please no…I really don't need this right now…

"Just Beatrice Cap'n, she…she only wanted to-"

"Tell Pierre of my affections," she smiled and latched onto my arm.

If I hadn't been blushing before, I'm sure I am now…

Must get away…must get away…

Sparrow's wicked grin made me freeze, and I could do little more than watch in horror.

"Something the matter, Pierre?" He scanned over Beatrice, making her blush as well.

And then giggle as he winked.

"Stick with this one for a bit Pierre, she isn't one to ignore. Go along, lad," he patted me on the back and leaned down to whisper in my ear. "Prove yourself to be a man."

Things are getting well out of hand…

I reacted and darted my eyes over just in time to see his gold teeth glint mischievously.

"But Cap'n, what about Janette-"

His grin only broadened. "Smartly now lad, I'll entertain this beauty while ye can take Janette up to her room. Lock her in, she'll be fine for a few hours. Just enough time for you to have a bit of fun."

I'm sure my face was resembling a blazin' fire by this point in time.

"But Cap'n…" my voice came out as a croak.

And there was the sniffle at my side, along with the smaller arm clinging to my tensed one even harder. "You don't like me, Pierre?"

I gulped. "Well…just…" glancing between the three different challenges of my current situation, I decided to handle one at a time. And perhaps Sparrow would be drunk enough to make a pass at Beatrice and then I would be free of her too…

I can only hope.

"Nay, lass." I smiled weakly. "Just…just a bit shy, that be all." I disentangled myself for a moment. "But I must deal with me charge first, if ye'll 'scuse me. Cap'n Sparrow has most kindly agreed to keep ye entertained while I take Miss Graton to her room for the evening."

Beatrice had somehow managed to smile and look even more happy than when I had first seen her. Amazing since she embodied the word 'chipper'. "Don't be too long, Pierre."

"I won't," I forced the same smile I used on Janette. I slipped past Sparrow and was glad that Janette seemed to be done eating. I cleared my throat, it did seem very dry… "Miss Graton, it is late. I hope you enjoyed your meal, but I must be escorting you back to your room now. If you would?" I put out my arm, thankfully maintaining the façade.

How I bless the weeks of practice… they'd better keep paying off.

She blinked in surprise. "Go to bed…already?"

What is going on?! First I'm forced to save Janette's scrawny neck, then I gain an admirer, Sparrow shows himself at the most inopportune time, and now Janette doesn't speak about propriety incessantly?

"Yes, I must insist. The pirates in town only get more rowdy as the night proceeds."

That did it.

Janette hurriedly scooted her chair back and took my arm. "Let us go then, Pierre."

Nodding, I walked at a comfortable pace back towards her room. As we exited the room I let out a soft breath, hoping that Janette would miss it. She glanced over.

Curses.

"Is something the matter Pierre? And…may I inquire about what that girl wanted with you?" She smiled. "Does she fancy you?"

I gulped and looked to her with wide eyes. "W-why do you say that?"

Janette's eyes twinkled deviously. "I know of romance Pierre, if you would like some tips."

"I…I thank you, but I really will not be in need of the assistance. But…" I looked to the side. "The girl does take a fancy to me." My eye twitched unrepentantly.

"Do you think her ugly?"

"N-no, I just…she does not suit me in other ways. And I am far too busy with my duties aboard the Pearl."

Janette cocked her head, and I started to wonder if she'd had some of my rum…

"You deny your first romance?"

The red that had begun to fade resurfaced. "J-Janette, really. Can we please change the subject? Would this not be improper for a lady such as yourself to discuss?"

She gasped and put her free hand to her mouth. "Oh my…I'm not sure what's come over me…"

Good. She's no longer on the offensive.

"Did you drink anything other than your water?"

"Well…" she thought to herself and nearly missed a step.

Great, a drunk bit of French fluff. Odd that her mannerisms and high standard of conduct seemed to slip, but not her speech…though I'm sure she would have been stared at in court. But then again…so would I. And I still have to deal with Sparrow and the other fluff, Beatrice.

"I expect you will have a headache in the mornin'. Why did you drink from my glass anyway?"

She became sheepish and put more of her weight on me. "Those awful men were just s-so t-terrible…and then when you came and rescued me…" Janette let out a pleased sigh, one that made me want to shudder, especially since I was the supposed hero.

When had I gone soft?

"The food was so good, and the water tasted dingy…or…moldy…or…well, it failed to please my delicate taste. And so I reasoned for a time, all the while watchin' you devour your plate - in the most distasteful manner I might add - and took a sip. It had an odd flavor at first, and it made me calm. I was still so jit- er…jit-ttery that I really needed something to make me feel happy." Her grin was taking on a drunken quality.

I paused at the top of the stairs and put my arm around her waist. Surprisingly, she didn't make a comment and merely slung her arm over my shoulders. It was discouraging to see how well my shoulders served as a rest for her arm.

"Tomorrow ye'll get to see what a hang-over feels like firsthand," we finally reached her room and I pulled the key out of my pocket, glad to put it in the lock and open it. I maneuvered her into the room and had her sit on the bed. I pocketed the key, and scanned the room for anything that would make for an easy entrance for a drunken pirate.

Janette hummed happily to herself. It was a rather annoying ditty that I'd never heard before. Hopefully I'd never have to hear it ever again, either.

"All right, Miss Graton," I looked over at her and was dismayed to see her still quite drunk and awake. "You need to sleep. Otherwise I can't leave you here and be sure that you won't attract some rather unpleasant visitors." Striding over to the bed, I pulled her back to her feet and had her lean on me, pulling back the sheets and then re-positioning her onto the bed, slowly persuading her into a laying position. "Now go to sleep, Janette."

She puckered up, and mumbled about wanting a kiss goodnight. I turned to walk away, but she whimpered.

This is the end of it…it has to be.

Taking a deep breath, I walked back over and she closed her eyes as I leaned over her and pulled the sheets over her, hesitantly kissing her forehead.

"Sleep well, Fluff."

She grinned and hummed again, her eyes closed. I slowly walked to the door, and was glad that her ditty was inaudible as I reached the door. I glanced back once more, and closed the door, locking it tightly behind me and slipping the key back into my pocket.

"Finally," I sighed.

"'ello lad."

Lifting my gaze, I sighed at the sight of a large, drunken pirate grinning at me. "What is it?"

"I saw ye leavin' a rather tipsy lass in that room," his expression turned lecherous. "I be wanting that key now, lad."

Narrowing my eyes, I put my hands on my hips. I had not put Janette in that room to be assaulted in her drunken slumber. I may not like that fluff, but this was an act that disgusted me.

"I can't be doin' that sir." Gripping my cutlass, I smirked. "Cap'n Sparrow would be most disappointed if his woman was touched 'fore he could. Now I recommend you leave and forget you saw anything. Savvy?"

He chuckled and summed me up. From the grin on his face, he obviously underestimated me.

The slight buzz from the rum made me sharpen my senses.

"Hand over the key, lad. If you want I can leave you with nothing else but a sore neck. Otherwise…" he drew his cutlass and I watched him carefully.

He was far more intoxicated than I. Unless he was very skilled, his balance would be easily upset. I drew my cutlass and eased myself into a more sturdy stance.

"Leave now, and ye'll not be nursin' a wound."

He observed me for a moment, and seeing that I had accepted his challenge, he jerked forward, swinging his cutlass in a broad sweep. I retreated a step and parried He swung again; I dodged and then rushed forward, nicking his wrist.

Ignoring the string of curses, I darted to the side and dodged his cutlass once more, glad that my height made it especially easy to do so.

I paused in my retreat and watched him growl at the sight of his wrist dripping crimson blood.

"Ye little bilge rat! Hold still!"

Flashing I grin, I gave my retort. Of course, my cutlass spoke for me and I left a small gash on his thigh.

"Filthy cur!" He roared and charged once more.

I danced around his stumbling form and kicked him in the rear, pleased when he stumbled and fell on his face, his cutlass still in his hand. I proceeded to step on his injured wrist, receiving a yell from him. I then grabbed his cutlass and stepped back, allowing him to get to his feet.

"Ready to leave yet, swab?"

He clenched his fists and I smirked broader, swinging the two cutlasses with ease.

"Are ye sure it's wise to be tempting me to attack again? Seeing as though ye have no weapon…and I have both cutlasses…"

"I'll leave ye cur, just return me cutlass."

"Lead the way outside," I pointed to the stairs and he turned, grumbling.

The jaunt down the stairs went much faster than the walk up, and I ignored Sparrow and Beatrice's confused gazes as I walked past them, both cutlasses to the pirate's back.

Reaching the outside air, he turned and seemed about ready to kill.

I flashed him another grin. "Turn around and I'll put it back in your sheath."

He started to argue back, but looked to the blades, deciding against it. Turning around again, I waited a moment before slipping his own cutlass back in it's sheath and then stepping in front of him, jerking my fist up and hitting him hard under the chin. Sad how much of a struggle it was to reach it.

After a short sound of surprise, he fell on his back and didn't move. Grinning, I sheathed my cutlass and headed back into the inn, feeling rather pleased with myself.

And then I saw Sparrow and Beatrice…almost forgotten them.

There went my smile…

The things a pirate must deal with.

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Reviewer Section: Yeah! Two new reviewers!

PED-sarah: I love new reviewers! I'm glad ye like the French. Actually…my French in person is awful, but when given access to the internet which has free-of-charge translators…well…I can get ye any sentence in French ye need…*blush* But say it? Oh no, we don't need to hear that…And about that other suggestion. *grins* Hope this chapter works out well enough for ye…lookin' over the situation…Janette just really wouldn't have gone for Pierre…

Yoshiko-Rae: Yeah! Kendra likes having a kindred spirit…but she's not so sure she likes the pity. *shrugs* Don't take it personal, a' course. She's just…a bit tetchy as of late…lot going on to irritate her.

Urebriviel: Glad you like. And thanks for reading!

KawaiiRyu: I'm flattered. *blush* I was afraid I was losing my touch. And her plan will come in time…just have patience.

Keep 'em comin' me 'earties!