Yet again, usual disclaimers apply throughout this tale. If you recognise it, it probably belongs to the Mouse – else it is mine!
Chapter 24 – Return to the Pearl
A rough, weathered hand reached down to help her from the ship's boat. "Kitty!" An enormous grin beamed down at her. "Nice t' see you again!" Joshamee kissed her on the cheek before holding her at arms length. "Wow, look at yer!" he whistled.
"Good to see you too, Joshamee... and in nicer circumstances!" She hugged the gruff pirate before disappearing in an enormous hug from Zeke who picked her up, throwing her in the air in delight. She stumbled as he released her, only to be caught and hugged by yet another – this time Oran. Soon she was dizzy with hugs.
"An' don't I get no welcomin' kiss?" Jack's sour voice echoed from below. "Gee Gibbs, yer disappoint me! Gimme a hand with this bleedin' trunk!"
A small but stout leather trunk with iron banding was pushed upwards. Joshamee Gibbs leaned across and hauled it onto deck. It was rapidly followed by Jack. "Welcome aboard Captain!" He eyed Jack's clothes with surprise, noting the pirate looked like a proper gentleman.
Jack looked around at some new faces, eyes watching him cautiously whilst trying not to be seen leering at the woman. "Yer can introduce me t' th' new men later... I need t' get outta these fancy clothes." He nodded to Joshamee. "Tortuga!"
"Weigh anchor an hoist the sails! Move!" Joshamee ordered and the crew hurried to obey as Jack picked up Catherine's trunk, carrying it through to his cabin.
Jack and Catherine quickly changed from their fine clothes. Jack was glad to be back in his normal clothes that he had squeezed into Catherine's trunk with her clothes, Theodore having kept them safe and secret. Catherine managed to plait and weave some of his beads back into his shorter hair. Her hand reached to his face, tracing the line of his chin. "You'll not have to shave for quite a while if you want me to plait these in." She looked at the remaining beads, before replacing them in the small box whilst Jack re-kohled his eyes.
"I'm back!" Jack grinned delightedly. "An' I got m' hat back too!" He watched appreciatively as Catherine quickly changed into one of his old shirts and the set of breeches that she had worn before. He realised that he would have to get her some sea clothes of her own. She knew that her dress would be unsuitable for living on board and, despite her dislike of wearing breeches, realised the practicality of them. He handed her a pistol. "'Ere, tuck this in yer belt. I don't know th' new crew… savvy?"
She smiled back. "Aye, savvy," she mimicked, kissing him before following him out onto deck.
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