Usual disclaimers... blah!
No Linnie - this is more important than your homework... I thought we'd decided that by now! {wink}
***
It was just before dawn when the Black Pearl pulled into the bay and Jean Claude ordered the anchor lowered and the sails furled. He had managed to snatch a few hours sleep that night but was grateful to stagger in search of a hammock. The beauty of the bay could wait until later, when he was more in the mood to appreciate it. He ordered a watch set and knocked on Jack's door. "We're at the bay Captain," he called quietly, surprised to find Jack opening the door already half dressed.
"I know," Jack smiled. "I want a watch kept with m' spy glass from th' crows nest just in case those frigates turn up early. Best not be caught nappin' like." He looked shrewdly at Jean Claude. "Speakin' of which, get some sleep - nothin' will be happenin' until breakfast anyway!"
"Aye Captain." Jean Claude headed towards the gun deck to find a spare hammock. With the watch due to change shortly there would be one free without him having to rig his own.
Jack handed his spy glass to the man going aloft before returning to his cabin, the chill morning air giving him goosebumps. Not that it was cold, nothing ever really was in the Caribbean unless you got hit by a storm. There certainly was nothing that came close to a snowy winter's morning in London where your breath froze on your lips as you spoke. For a moment he stopped, remembering as he stroked the timbers of the doorframe. Catherine and the Black Pearl were his life now - and in that order. The past was exactly that - past.
As he locked the cabin doors again he could hear Catherine stirring. He had hoped to sneak back to bed without waking her, but obviously she had felt his absence. He slid back in beside her, smiling as she automatically snuggled against him. He slipped his arm beneath her, holding her tightly to him. "Mornin' luv," he smiled as she opened her eyes, leaning down to kiss her. He watched her as she blinked, waking more fully.
"We've stopped," she murmured. "I take it we've arrived?"
"Dropped anchor only a few minutes ago," he confirmed. "Want t' see?"
"If you'll help me dress..." She stretched, wincing as she moved her leg.
Jack slipped out of bed again, searching for her clothes where he had dropped them the night before. The laces up the side worked brilliantly and she quickly dressed. He passed her the crutches and she hobbled out onto deck, pausing to look at the bay in the dim light.
"Bring back memories luv?" he said quietly. He stood behind her, his arms around her as he nuzzled her neck, remembering their fourth wedding anniversary and the riotous beach party that she had arranged for him and all the crew.
She smiled up at him. "Yes, and very pleasant memories too... but right now I need a cup of tea!"
"I'll get th' stove lit fer yer," Jack offered, realising that she would not be able to do it herself with her leg. "An' then we'll see if th' sluggards are awake yet!"
They made their way to the galley, but they did not go in search of the others, preferring to share their meal quietly alone. Jack helped her with the heavy lifting whilst she prepared a large pot of breakfast that would serve the entire crew. Their peace remained until Hawker poked his scarred face around the doorframe. "Is that breakfast I smell?" he smiled, reaching for a bowl.
"Get the trestles set!" Catherine laughed. "There is enough for everyone!"
The queue appeared from nowhere and soon most of the crew were waiting in line, bantering happily. Jack sat quietly in the corner of the galley on top of the drinking water barrel as he finished off a second bowl, listening to and carefully noticing the expressions on the faces of the crew as she served them breakfast. More than a few touched or hugged her, not having had the chance of a private word since she had come back aboard. To many she was daughter, sister, mother, depending on their age but when the time came she was First Mate and they obeyed without question..
He was surprised to find Franklin Davies still aboard and realised that he had completely forgotten about the man and the fight he had had with Oran over his suggestive comments about Catherine. Jack frowned as he touched Catherine's arm and welcomed her back aboard. He had meant to kick him off the ship when they reached Tortuga but the meeting with Jeremiah Hallam and finding Theodore there had taken precedence. He stared, pleased when Franklin looked up, paling when he noticed his gaze. Perhaps he would work out after all, even if his nose would never be the same again. Jack nodded, smiling to himself and turned his attention back to his breakfast. He would watch him for a while and see if he had learned from his time in the brig.
"Morning Jack!" Will's bright voice brought him back from his daydreaming.
"Eh? Oh, morning Will..." He noticed a small red head. "And Eilis! Where are the others?"
"Billy's here but Elizabeth and Richael are helping Theo with Charlotte. They'll be along in a minute... um, who was cooking?"
"It's okay Will, Cotton's taken the morning off!" Catherine chided, smiling at his look of relief. "Hey, I'd like to see you cook as well as he can without being able to taste it!"
"Can James have some breakfast?" Eilis asked.
"He'll be ashore soon enough, an' he'll have grass aplenty then luv," Jack smiled, eager to rid himself of the beast. He definitely did not like animals on his beloved ship, especially if they did nothing but foul it. He had occasionally thought of presenting Catherine with a surprise animal - a kitten or a puppy or something when he walked through the varied island markets, but the thought of any animal aboard reminded him of that damned monkey. He wished he knew what had happened to it but it had disappeared the day that Barbossa had died. Smiling ruefully he realised he would never know.
He stood up, stretching from his cramped position. The water barrel had not been the most comfortable seat to have breakfast, but it had been the most revealing - and he was pleased with what had been revealed about his crew.
He tousled Eilis' hair as he walked by. "Finish yer breakfast an' yer can see yer new home..." he promised. "Comin' luv?" He handed Catherine her crutches and they climbed back onto the main deck together. She still had problems with stairs, but was slowly getting the hang of them.
***
Will, Elizabeth and the children emerged a short time later to find Jack and Catherine on the quarter deck, his arms wrapped around her, oblivious to their presence as they stared out towards the sea. Elizabeth started towards them, but Will placed his hand on her arm. "Leave them," he cautioned. He worried a little about Jack for he had been quieter, more contemplative than normal these past few days, but he was not surprised. He knew that behind the carefree façade Jack cared deeply for his wife and had been frantic at the thought of her hanging. "Let them be together a while Elizabeth, they deserve it..."
However, Eilis had already scrambled up the steps, squealing her delight at seeing the bay and wanting to go ashore. Will looked apologetically at his friend, Jack's mask slipping a moment before he grinned in delight at Eilis.
"Of course yer can luv!" Jack smiled. "You go find Booth an' ask him t' rustle up a crew for th' boat an' we'll go ashore immediately!" He turned to Catherine. "Would yer like t' come luv?" he asked.
"Yes," Catherine smiled. "Although the sand might be a bit awkward."
"Well, I can always carry yer," Jack suggested, before spotting Oran emerging from below, Eilis tugging determinedly on his hand. "Ah, Booth! I need a boat readied t' ferry eight t' shore an' tell Jean Claude he can get that thing of my ship now!"
"James isn't a thing!" Eilis protested.
"Thing!" Jack teased.
"Donkey!" she screeched.
"Thing!" Jack retorted, his eyes dancing merrily as she stamped her feet.
"Children!" Catherine interrupted. "And that comment especially includes you Jack!" She frowned at him with mock severity. "Eilis, whilst James is on board he is in Jack's territory and Jack may call him whatever he wishes. However, once James is ashore then that is your territory and Jack will call him a donkey - won't you dear?" Catherine glared at him, although her eyes were laughing, causing Eilis to giggle with delight.
"Eh? Oh, yeah, sure..." Jack frowned, still trying to decide if Will would go for throwing the creature overboard. Sadly he accepted that Will would not.
"Captain?" Jean Claude stood before him. "Booth said you wanted me?"
Jack pointed to the donkey. "That thing! Off!" He bowed to Eilis. "Nicely though!"
"Aye Captain!" Jean Claude turned to find the men to rig a hoist to lower the donkey into the water. He would be glad to see the back of the thing too, especially to see the end of his duties cleaning up after it. He passed Oran on the stairs, Isaac and William with him and Theodore carrying Charlotte just behind them. "See you ashore," he smiled.
Jack smiled as he saw them emerge, grateful that Theodore was with them. "Ready t' play catch again Booth?"
"Aye Captain," Oran smiled as the boat was quickly lowered. He climbed down with Isaac and William. "Steady it boys!"
"An' none of that kissin' mate!" Jack warned. "I'm watchin'!"
"Yes Captain, I mean no Captain..." he grinned as he took the crutches from Jack.
Jack frowned as he picked up Catherine, leaning across the ships rail. "Ready luv?" he smiled as he dropped her, laughing as she squealed in delight. Again the boat rocked wildly as he caught her before he eased her down into the boat. He went to kiss her on the nose.
"Oi!" Jack barked, watching in disbelief as Catherine kissed Oran on the nose instead. He turned to Theodore, blinking. "Is she allowed to do that?" he spluttered indignantly.
Catherine laughed up at him from the boat. "Climb down Jack and I promise to kiss you too!" she teased.
"You'll pay for that Missy!" he threatened.
"I'm so scared!" She tried to keep a straight face, but failed, bursting into giggles. "And don't call me Missy!"
Jack handed the children down to Will, his braids dangling. "Missy!"
"Last warning Jack! Don't call me Missy!" she threatened. Will looked in confusion at the two of them, not understanding their banter.
"Missy! Missy! Missy!" Jack taunted, laughing at her as he helped Elizabeth and Theodore climb down before beginning to climb down into the boat himself.
Catherine shrugged, winking at those before her in the boat as she leaned across to Oran. She whispered something to Oran that Jack could not quite catch before putting her arms around him and kissing him full on the lips.
"Oi!" Jack squealed, losing his grip as turned, frantically twisting to avoid hitting the boat. He hit the water with a splash, drenching all those within. The children giggled with delight and everyone laughed at him. He ducked under the boat, coming up alongside where Catherine sat. "Once your leg is better, you will pay for that!" He trod water, aware of the crew on deck staring and laughing too. "Missy!" he hissed as he started towards the shore.
No Linnie - this is more important than your homework... I thought we'd decided that by now! {wink}
***
It was just before dawn when the Black Pearl pulled into the bay and Jean Claude ordered the anchor lowered and the sails furled. He had managed to snatch a few hours sleep that night but was grateful to stagger in search of a hammock. The beauty of the bay could wait until later, when he was more in the mood to appreciate it. He ordered a watch set and knocked on Jack's door. "We're at the bay Captain," he called quietly, surprised to find Jack opening the door already half dressed.
"I know," Jack smiled. "I want a watch kept with m' spy glass from th' crows nest just in case those frigates turn up early. Best not be caught nappin' like." He looked shrewdly at Jean Claude. "Speakin' of which, get some sleep - nothin' will be happenin' until breakfast anyway!"
"Aye Captain." Jean Claude headed towards the gun deck to find a spare hammock. With the watch due to change shortly there would be one free without him having to rig his own.
Jack handed his spy glass to the man going aloft before returning to his cabin, the chill morning air giving him goosebumps. Not that it was cold, nothing ever really was in the Caribbean unless you got hit by a storm. There certainly was nothing that came close to a snowy winter's morning in London where your breath froze on your lips as you spoke. For a moment he stopped, remembering as he stroked the timbers of the doorframe. Catherine and the Black Pearl were his life now - and in that order. The past was exactly that - past.
As he locked the cabin doors again he could hear Catherine stirring. He had hoped to sneak back to bed without waking her, but obviously she had felt his absence. He slid back in beside her, smiling as she automatically snuggled against him. He slipped his arm beneath her, holding her tightly to him. "Mornin' luv," he smiled as she opened her eyes, leaning down to kiss her. He watched her as she blinked, waking more fully.
"We've stopped," she murmured. "I take it we've arrived?"
"Dropped anchor only a few minutes ago," he confirmed. "Want t' see?"
"If you'll help me dress..." She stretched, wincing as she moved her leg.
Jack slipped out of bed again, searching for her clothes where he had dropped them the night before. The laces up the side worked brilliantly and she quickly dressed. He passed her the crutches and she hobbled out onto deck, pausing to look at the bay in the dim light.
"Bring back memories luv?" he said quietly. He stood behind her, his arms around her as he nuzzled her neck, remembering their fourth wedding anniversary and the riotous beach party that she had arranged for him and all the crew.
She smiled up at him. "Yes, and very pleasant memories too... but right now I need a cup of tea!"
"I'll get th' stove lit fer yer," Jack offered, realising that she would not be able to do it herself with her leg. "An' then we'll see if th' sluggards are awake yet!"
They made their way to the galley, but they did not go in search of the others, preferring to share their meal quietly alone. Jack helped her with the heavy lifting whilst she prepared a large pot of breakfast that would serve the entire crew. Their peace remained until Hawker poked his scarred face around the doorframe. "Is that breakfast I smell?" he smiled, reaching for a bowl.
"Get the trestles set!" Catherine laughed. "There is enough for everyone!"
The queue appeared from nowhere and soon most of the crew were waiting in line, bantering happily. Jack sat quietly in the corner of the galley on top of the drinking water barrel as he finished off a second bowl, listening to and carefully noticing the expressions on the faces of the crew as she served them breakfast. More than a few touched or hugged her, not having had the chance of a private word since she had come back aboard. To many she was daughter, sister, mother, depending on their age but when the time came she was First Mate and they obeyed without question..
He was surprised to find Franklin Davies still aboard and realised that he had completely forgotten about the man and the fight he had had with Oran over his suggestive comments about Catherine. Jack frowned as he touched Catherine's arm and welcomed her back aboard. He had meant to kick him off the ship when they reached Tortuga but the meeting with Jeremiah Hallam and finding Theodore there had taken precedence. He stared, pleased when Franklin looked up, paling when he noticed his gaze. Perhaps he would work out after all, even if his nose would never be the same again. Jack nodded, smiling to himself and turned his attention back to his breakfast. He would watch him for a while and see if he had learned from his time in the brig.
"Morning Jack!" Will's bright voice brought him back from his daydreaming.
"Eh? Oh, morning Will..." He noticed a small red head. "And Eilis! Where are the others?"
"Billy's here but Elizabeth and Richael are helping Theo with Charlotte. They'll be along in a minute... um, who was cooking?"
"It's okay Will, Cotton's taken the morning off!" Catherine chided, smiling at his look of relief. "Hey, I'd like to see you cook as well as he can without being able to taste it!"
"Can James have some breakfast?" Eilis asked.
"He'll be ashore soon enough, an' he'll have grass aplenty then luv," Jack smiled, eager to rid himself of the beast. He definitely did not like animals on his beloved ship, especially if they did nothing but foul it. He had occasionally thought of presenting Catherine with a surprise animal - a kitten or a puppy or something when he walked through the varied island markets, but the thought of any animal aboard reminded him of that damned monkey. He wished he knew what had happened to it but it had disappeared the day that Barbossa had died. Smiling ruefully he realised he would never know.
He stood up, stretching from his cramped position. The water barrel had not been the most comfortable seat to have breakfast, but it had been the most revealing - and he was pleased with what had been revealed about his crew.
He tousled Eilis' hair as he walked by. "Finish yer breakfast an' yer can see yer new home..." he promised. "Comin' luv?" He handed Catherine her crutches and they climbed back onto the main deck together. She still had problems with stairs, but was slowly getting the hang of them.
***
Will, Elizabeth and the children emerged a short time later to find Jack and Catherine on the quarter deck, his arms wrapped around her, oblivious to their presence as they stared out towards the sea. Elizabeth started towards them, but Will placed his hand on her arm. "Leave them," he cautioned. He worried a little about Jack for he had been quieter, more contemplative than normal these past few days, but he was not surprised. He knew that behind the carefree façade Jack cared deeply for his wife and had been frantic at the thought of her hanging. "Let them be together a while Elizabeth, they deserve it..."
However, Eilis had already scrambled up the steps, squealing her delight at seeing the bay and wanting to go ashore. Will looked apologetically at his friend, Jack's mask slipping a moment before he grinned in delight at Eilis.
"Of course yer can luv!" Jack smiled. "You go find Booth an' ask him t' rustle up a crew for th' boat an' we'll go ashore immediately!" He turned to Catherine. "Would yer like t' come luv?" he asked.
"Yes," Catherine smiled. "Although the sand might be a bit awkward."
"Well, I can always carry yer," Jack suggested, before spotting Oran emerging from below, Eilis tugging determinedly on his hand. "Ah, Booth! I need a boat readied t' ferry eight t' shore an' tell Jean Claude he can get that thing of my ship now!"
"James isn't a thing!" Eilis protested.
"Thing!" Jack teased.
"Donkey!" she screeched.
"Thing!" Jack retorted, his eyes dancing merrily as she stamped her feet.
"Children!" Catherine interrupted. "And that comment especially includes you Jack!" She frowned at him with mock severity. "Eilis, whilst James is on board he is in Jack's territory and Jack may call him whatever he wishes. However, once James is ashore then that is your territory and Jack will call him a donkey - won't you dear?" Catherine glared at him, although her eyes were laughing, causing Eilis to giggle with delight.
"Eh? Oh, yeah, sure..." Jack frowned, still trying to decide if Will would go for throwing the creature overboard. Sadly he accepted that Will would not.
"Captain?" Jean Claude stood before him. "Booth said you wanted me?"
Jack pointed to the donkey. "That thing! Off!" He bowed to Eilis. "Nicely though!"
"Aye Captain!" Jean Claude turned to find the men to rig a hoist to lower the donkey into the water. He would be glad to see the back of the thing too, especially to see the end of his duties cleaning up after it. He passed Oran on the stairs, Isaac and William with him and Theodore carrying Charlotte just behind them. "See you ashore," he smiled.
Jack smiled as he saw them emerge, grateful that Theodore was with them. "Ready t' play catch again Booth?"
"Aye Captain," Oran smiled as the boat was quickly lowered. He climbed down with Isaac and William. "Steady it boys!"
"An' none of that kissin' mate!" Jack warned. "I'm watchin'!"
"Yes Captain, I mean no Captain..." he grinned as he took the crutches from Jack.
Jack frowned as he picked up Catherine, leaning across the ships rail. "Ready luv?" he smiled as he dropped her, laughing as she squealed in delight. Again the boat rocked wildly as he caught her before he eased her down into the boat. He went to kiss her on the nose.
"Oi!" Jack barked, watching in disbelief as Catherine kissed Oran on the nose instead. He turned to Theodore, blinking. "Is she allowed to do that?" he spluttered indignantly.
Catherine laughed up at him from the boat. "Climb down Jack and I promise to kiss you too!" she teased.
"You'll pay for that Missy!" he threatened.
"I'm so scared!" She tried to keep a straight face, but failed, bursting into giggles. "And don't call me Missy!"
Jack handed the children down to Will, his braids dangling. "Missy!"
"Last warning Jack! Don't call me Missy!" she threatened. Will looked in confusion at the two of them, not understanding their banter.
"Missy! Missy! Missy!" Jack taunted, laughing at her as he helped Elizabeth and Theodore climb down before beginning to climb down into the boat himself.
Catherine shrugged, winking at those before her in the boat as she leaned across to Oran. She whispered something to Oran that Jack could not quite catch before putting her arms around him and kissing him full on the lips.
"Oi!" Jack squealed, losing his grip as turned, frantically twisting to avoid hitting the boat. He hit the water with a splash, drenching all those within. The children giggled with delight and everyone laughed at him. He ducked under the boat, coming up alongside where Catherine sat. "Once your leg is better, you will pay for that!" He trod water, aware of the crew on deck staring and laughing too. "Missy!" he hissed as he started towards the shore.