Disclaimer: *finishes typing rapidly on her laptop and pulls a key out of her pocket* Finally! *puts her laptop away and maneuvers her arm through the bars, putting the key in and grinning as it unlocks the door* Home free…
*other authoress makes a silent cheer of encouragement* Yeah!
*the two sneak up to deck…*
Authors Note: Sorry, not too much action…but I hope you like! And…I know you guys like the idea of a Sparrow/Kendra couple…but I would like to note that my "genre" thingy is Action/Adventure/Humor…no romance involved there. Not that romantic elements aren't there…they just aren't the focus. As time goes on…I see this as…a time of growth for everybody. Janette especially. *smirks* Oh!!! Before I forget…my yahoo group is in desperate need of a good Jack. If…any of you know a good rpg Jack (who won't go OOC or fall for some random girl…plus be willing for some slight changes to his situation, like he has a half sister, but nothing really drastic…etc.) For more info, e-mail me. Or…put it in your review. *grins* Reviews are always good… But on with the story!
Four-Sided Eyes
(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)
Chapter 26: Observations
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(Janette's POV…)
Life outside of France is strange. I don't know if I will ever be comfortable here. The weather is atrocious, my current accommodations are unbelievably filthy, and the company is…quite unruly.
A loud belch rang through the still night air, followed with raucous laughter from the galley. I let out a sigh, "Pirates…"
Being on deck without all of the crew swarming it felt…somehow soothing.
Pierre had spoken of the sea being her refuge. Perhaps this is what she had meant. The air is so clear here, enough so that I can finally think.
"What are you doing up so late?" Pierre asked from behind me.
Where did she come from? And how did she learn to walk so quietly?
"You startled me," I tensed and turned to face the small pirate. "Shouldn't you be asleep? You got tired very quickly this afternoon, you should be resting. Your strength-"
"Will come back with time and hot food. I've had more than my share of sleep. What are you up to, Fluff? Taken to staring out to sea?"
Fluff…what a strange nickname to have given me. It must be her way of being affectionate, yet she maintained her usual level of condescension. Strange how it doesn't bother me… And I'm sure my lifestyle was considerably more gentle than Pierre's as a child. That could be the rationale behind the name.
"Pierre," I hesitated, she had not been very open with me before the incident, but seemed far more talkative earlier today.
She looked to me expectantly. "Aye? Spit it out, Janette."
I looked to the never-ending ocean and regained my nerve. "If it is not too bold of me, may I inquire as to the conditions of your rearing? I…I cannot help but be curious how a young girl was raised to survive, and apparently thrive, in such an environment."
She came up beside me and leaned on the railing. "Raised on a pirate ship."
I nodded slowly. I suppose that makes sense. Pierre is much calmer aboard the ship than at the one port I had been at during my captivity. I can see the masculine influence in her, perhaps an overabundance of it, but…the feminine seemed to be lacking. Quite severally.
"So, your mother was a pirate then?"
Pierre looked over with a bored expression. "Never met her. Or my father for that matter."
She's never met her parents? How…intolerably inconceivable. How very cruel. Pierre is an orphan, raised on a pirate ship. How could she live without any knowledge of where she came from? And likely never have any interaction with a woman as a child. "But," I took a breath, "do you ever wonder about what happened to your parents? What they were like? How they met?"
Her expression stayed level. "No, actually I haven't. Now I know this little delve into my past is to your fancy, but it really doesn't interest me."
"Oh, well…" she was staying nice still. Normally she would have snapped or scowled, or…done something irritated. Amazing…especially after I had brought up such a personal subject.
"It's late enough for little French lasses to be out of their quarters. Ye'll want to be safely locked in soon. The part of the crew that gets, as you would probably put it, disreputable when drunk will be coming above deck soon. The Captain picked his crew well, but a little too much rum in any woman-starved pirate can have negative results. Now get, before my attempt to warn you becomes a wasted effort."
Pierre was looking out for me again. I suppose that she always has been. Whether she was assigned to do so by Captain Sparrow or not. She's defended me on several occasions, boarded me, even taken care of my every whim, or at least the ones she found reasonable enough. "What about you? Aren't you just as much of a target for them?"
She sneered and gently took my arm, forcing me towards my assigned quarters. "They won't see me as anything but what everyone sees in me."
"But, Pierre…" I began to protest.
"Quiet, Janette. I can fend for myself. I don't like to repeat myself. And I'm in no mood to go fightin' off drunken pirates."
I did not bother to speak up again as she led me into my room and then released my arm, nodding and murmuring a 'good night' before closing the door behind her. Pierre's words rang through my mind. "They won't see me as anything but what everyone sees in me." She had been so adamant in keeping her true sex hidden, but why? Was it because she does not look so feminine? Or… does she lack the grace to appear as a woman? She still has time to fill out a bit more, she could easily grow into a beautiful woman. Her eyes were certainly interesting enough. I'd never seen eyes so expressive and…so full of life. But still…the reason for her secret puzzled me.
Wait…women aboard pirate ships are vulnerable. Pierre had practically spelled that out when she had warned me of the impending entrance of more of the crew. And if Pierre shows herself to be a young girl…then she makes herself vulnerable. She may be able to defend herself, but she can still be outnumbered. But that other woman pirate… Anamaria, she mingled with the crew without fear.
And had likely fought off her share of drunken or lustful men to gain that privilege. Sad that such a thing could be considered a privilege and not an innate right.
Sighing again, I prepared myself for bed and let my mind wander. I wonder what Mother is doing. Likely preparing to leave France. The one place I long to be…how I miss Father and Mother.
Pierre has never known her parents. And she had stated it so…nonchalantly. How could a person do that? Either she is so numb as not to care, or she kept herself disconnected from her emotions. She keeps up such a strong front. So confident, almost… aloof on occasions. Yet she still has her mischievous streak. That first session of talking with Captain Sparrow… Pierre had made a game out of it. And to think I had been so afraid of the man because of that. I suppose Pierre has gotten good at deception. She lives a lie every day. Pretending to be a boy, while she is a girl. Was she taught to live in such a way? To hide the very basic essence her identity?
I doubt she's ever worn a dress. And if I had not seen her…half-naked - there comes a blush - I doubt I would have believed it even if there had been several witnesses to confirm the tale.
What would it be like to live and look like Pierre does? Let alone have a name like that… she could at least have a name that could belong to a girl or boy. Or perhaps… she does have a feminine name and simply chooses to go by the name 'Pierre'. It does help the front she puts up. I'll have to inquire further about that.
Sitting on my bed, I sighed again and felt the longing for some of the more worldly, or as Pierre would likely put it, petty comforts. A brush…a mirror to look in and brush my hair in front of. To rinse off the grime of the day and have a soft towel to dry off with.
Hot, fresh cuisine…
My stomach growled and I bit my lip lightly, hoping I would be able to go to sleep and worry about eating in the morning. If I gave in…Pierre would be infuriated with me for ignoring her warnings and putting myself in danger.
But I'm so hungry…Perhaps if I'm quick, I could slip into the galley and grab an apple or something. Just a little something to tide me over until tomorrow.
Gently easing open the door I poked my head out and spotted Pierre talking to one of the cabin boys. It seemed like they were having a pleasant conversation; Pierre was to make a reply to a comment made by the cabin boy only to pause as she noticed me and raise an eyebrow in my direction.
"What is it, mademoiselle? I already told ye it ain't safe out here right now. Close that door and don't open it until after the sun's been up for at least an hour."
"But Pierre…I'm starving."
She sighed and scowled. "And I don't feel like getting you anything, now do as I told you. Or would you rather I direct the drunkards in your direction?"
Pierre wouldn't…would she? Looking to her dark expression, I felt it wise not to test her. So I nodded, said a quick "good night" and closed the door, blockading it as best I could. At least the crew was still talking to her, or part of it was. Perhaps she could find solace in their company, since I seemed unable to provide her with any.
And I had been trying so hard to make up for my awful mistake…biting my lip, I curled up in my bed and fought off tears as I drifted off.
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(Kendra's POV…)
She inquired about my parents. I never thought that subject would come up, but apparently I was proven wrong again.
Leave it to a French woman to bring up the oddest things.
And her reaction…why should I care which wench had been with which pirate to produce me? I probably wasn't even a desired child.
But then again…the crew had always told me that a beautiful woman dressed in middle-class clothing had been found half-submerged, half-floating on a piece of driftwood, her last dying effort obviously keeping my infantile self alive and above water. So, perhaps I had been loved.
And that made me more curious. Curse Fluff for making me even think of it.
I gritted my teeth, only to hear someone walking up to me. The steps were steady, and relatively light. Likely a cabin boy. But which one? Adam and Bartholomew were both sixteen by now, and much taller than I. But Wesley…he was near my size. About a half-head taller and a little thicker set, but still could easily fill out to become a handsome man.
At least someone would look their part.
"Pierre? Are ye all right?" Wesley asked once he reached my side, keeping his voice low enough so that no one else would hear him but I.
I shrugged, leaning against some particularly tall boxes, staring at Janette's door aimlessly. "Well enough considering the circumstances."
Wesley nodded and leaned against the box beside me.
Silence loomed over us, and I was not desirous enough of a conversation to break it.
Finally Wesley glanced over. "The crew knows."
A sigh came of its own free will and I returned the glance. "Aye, as I knew it would in time. And the consensus?"
"Ye'll be allowed to keep your duties, and…Anamaria actually warned some of the crew to leave ye alone. Seems ye have allies in high places."
I allowed a small smile. "She always was a good sparring partner. What be yer thoughts on the shocking news?"
He leaned his head back and rested it on the wood. "Well, I knew it would come eventually too."
What? I slowly turned my head to him. "What are ye talking about?"
His eyes were closed and he kept his expression unreadable. "Exactly what I said."
So…I had been found out for much longer than even I had known. Good news for Wesley that he didn't tell anyone…or else I might have made the boy suffer.
I narrowed my eyes, "How long have ye known?"
"A few weeks after you got on. Small things made me wonder, and well…it didn't help that I kept finding meself near blushing whene'er ye complimented me."
Wesley? Wesley, of all people, has an inkling of feelings for me? That was… completely unexpected. But…he kept my secret. And, likely is hoping to perhaps find himself some companionship in the little cabin lass who's secret he's been keeping. At least he had no way to blackmail me with his observations. No need to lead the boy on though. Funny…first boy to like me. At least that I know of. And it's one of Sparrow's cabin boys. Never would have suspected.
"I'm not yer type, Wesley." I kept my gaze to the deck below me. "Best not to waste idle words on me."
"Who says they would be idle words?" he shifted and faced me, his lips curved up into a confident smile, now leaning his shoulder on the ever-present box. Likely trying to make himself look more attractive somehow. Poor lad.
My lips hesitated, and I was glad there was a slight creak. I looked over and raised an eyebrow as I saw Janette poking her head out of her door. I'm sure I told her to stay in there…
"What is it, mademoiselle? I already told ye it ain't safe out here right now. Close that door and don't open it until after the sun's been up for at least an hour."
Janette started to pout. "But Pierre…I'm starving."
The woman won't give up…and won't stop finding things to complain about, really. The excuse of getting her something to eat would get me away from Wesley temporarily, but then I'd have the issue looming over me and he could always follow me and try to…'woo' me further.
So, I sighed and scowled. "And I don't feel like getting you anything, now do as I told you. Or would you rather I direct the drunkards in your direction?"
That ought to shut her up for the night. If that doesn't work, I don't know what will.
There was a momentary hesitation, but Janette nodded, "Good night, Pierre," and closed the door, with the accompanying scraping of chair legs as she pulled them in front of the door.
Good girl. She does learn.
"What was that about?" Wesley asked.
"Oh," I shrugged, "she was just hungry but I told her to just wait until morning. I'd already warned her to get to her room. I don't want to have to keep the crew off her any more than I have to, especially while drunk.
This earned another smile from the lad. "And about my proposal?"
"Well," I need to think of something quick. Definitely don't want to lead the boy on, but don't want to crush a potential friendship either. "I'll have to consider it. Not in the mood for a man just yet, but me mind may change."
He stood up straight, took a step back and gave me a wiry grin, bowing with a flourish. "As you wish, m'lady."
Wesley was just much too cute for his own good. Charming almost. I'm sure the girls at the ports think him a charmer, if they don't soon. Though…I'm sure he had hoped I'd take it a little differently.
I bowed in return. "See you in the morning, daring suitor," I flashed him a grin.
With that, I headed to the crew's quarters and found my cot unoccupied, pulling off my boots and climbing in. As I curled up with the blanket, I found the desire to hide my head under it overpowering.
Somehow…with having the entire crew knowing my secret - part of it at least - I felt strangely vulnerable. Cursed storm.
Cursed Fluff.
Cursed Sparrow.
Sighing, I pulled the blanket over my head and tried to go to sleep.
Another day lays ahead…and I can only imagine just how much more trying this one will be than most any other.
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Reviewer section! Wheee!
TheSiriusSparrow: Here be your update! Hope you enjoy! And don't wear out your dancing shoes too fast. I hear those things are expensive…
rythmteck: *grins* Here's more Wesley for you! Though…I spelled it wrong for the "exact" Princess Bride spelling…it's like "Westley" I think… And good luck on your next chapter for CbtP! Kendra and I are rootin' for ya!
Thing that goes bump: Hey, no prob! But, if you keep up the reviewing…well…I might like that better. *grins* You love my dialogue? Wow…I thought it was…cool, but…wow. Er…I can't really give too many tips unless I have a better idea of specific examples, but I'll see what I can do in a few sentences. Well…what I usually do is reread my stuff ten billion times. And…sometimes…*glances around for a moment* I read it out loud to make sure it'll flow better. Well…I do it all the time actually. I get funny looks occasionally, but if you do it quiet enough, or people know just what you're up to…then it isn't so strange for other people. But…*scratches head* I could give you more tips if I saw your stuff, but you don't have any up. And…I've also been goofing around for a long time. My earlier stuff is awful…*blanches* But…just keep at it. 1. Get the idea 2. write 3. reread 4. revise, and 5. follow step 2-4 as much as needed. *grins* Good luck!
KawaiiRyu: Well…not much action here either. But I do have quite a bit of fun stuff planned to come up. And…it shouldn't take too long to get to it. But, I make no promises about kisses…or at least, plural kisses, or…well…*throws up hands* you get the point!
AAR Rocks My Socks: Sorry to peeve you…but I can't tell you anything more specific than well…before the very end. Come now, if I don't tell you and if you don't expect it, then it will be a much better surprise when it does happen. Undoubtedly, logic would tell you that Jack finds out, but…okay, I'll stop playing with your head. Sorry…I just start to have fun doing that…
PED-sarah: And here's another author alert for you! Well…update actually, but since I assume you pay that five bucks monthly you'll get the alert because I updated… I didn't consider the last one a cliffy really…and I don't think this one is too bad. But don't worry…plenty more of those to come. *evil grin*
HealerAriel: *blinks at the making out* Okay…well, anyways…um… *sighs with a twinge of jealousy* I was hoping you'd feel some pity for Janette, and well…that hope for pity continues in this chapter too, I suppose. Kendra eventually comes to understand the Fluff a bit…and maybe you readers will too.
Buritsutsunei: Kendra does act mature on occasion…but generally not. Except when she's wearing her captain persona…*sigh* I swear all my main characters have some kind of issue…*shakes head* Anyways…But who says that Kendra won't win her respect back? She can hold her own…and if they'd take her word…well…*grin* She'll show them.
