There'll be no livin' with her after this
Chapter 28-The past doesn't matter
Disclaimer: No, I don't own POTC...
Commodore Norrington led her to a small table, and pushed the chair out for her to sit, then sat down himself.
"So", he began, as he scooted his chair in. "This looks familiar."
Belle smiled blushingly. "Indeed."
She looked around at the recognizable place; the tables, the dimmed lighting, the same bar. Same bartender, at that. Same types of drinks as well.
"Well, it got us to where we are today." She laughed a bit. "Do you know how awful that sounds?"
He smiled at her, and touched her hand. "Quite, but it's no heed. So, I'm finally to meet Miss Rochet."
"Mm-hmm. She should be arriving any moment now."
They both sighed, and then laughed a bit, staying.
"Um, do I detect an air of nervousness, or is this just..."
"You know, I think it might be just nerves, because well, it's like we're being introduced to our past again."
The Commodore cleared his throat and nodded at these words.
"You know, Jade went to a wedding while she was away."
"Did she?"
"Yes. I...don't know if you know them—a Mr. Will Turner and Miss Elizabeth Swann?"
"Yes, I know them very well, in fact. As I am a friend of the Governor, she is, of course, his daughter, so we were...acquainted in various ways. And, since this, of course I know Will Turner."
"Really? Well, it seems everyone's connected."
"Yes. Small world." He cleared his throat. "Uh, there's something I've neglected to tell you, and you should know."
"What's that?"
"I was in love with Miss Swann, and asked her to marry me a year and a half ago."
Belle gasped, then looked sympathetic.
"I respect Mr. Turner and Miss Swann's decisions—they are meant for each other. There's just a lot of history, you're right. But let's put the past behind us, shall we? I know it can be a hard task, especially, I must say, it was hard for me to let go, but I've moved on. And you needn't know of the whole of Port Royal's past, my dear. It's been interesting—life.
"But we're in the present, and we can move ahead. Yes, everyone is tied; quite closely, really. And I've lost a love, and I know you had too. Mr. Turner, you said? Well, see? Another tie. You weren't aware with his involvement with Elizabeth at the time. Your friend was on top of things, then. Surprised she went to the wedding. I can't really find any ties there, unless there's something amiss. A piece of the puzzle of life missing, perhaps? And I know I have told you much about my past, all except for everything that happened in the last two years. And piracy has been an issue, as always. It should not be permitted. You wouldn't believe how much crime they commit."
Belle listened to his discourse thoughtfully. "How enlightening. Thank you. And yes, you told me about almost hanging a pirate, and everyone was involved."
"Did I tell you who it was? No, I didn't. It was one of the worst pirates you'll ever hear of. Captain Jack Sparrow."
Belle gasped.
"Someone call me?" at that point Jack strolled up, Jade on his arm. Jack acted in the same manner as Norrington had a few minutes earlier; well-mannered, and not too obvious, for Jade's sake.
"Speak of the devil!", Belle exclaimed.
Commodore Norrington sat in subdued shock.
"Well, this is Miss Jade Rochet..."
Jade nodded.
"And..."
"Yes. Mr. Sparrow", Norrington interjected.
"Captain", he corrected.
Norrington glared angrily, not up for his crudeness, as usual. Everyone was quiet for a few moments, until Belle perkily spoke up.
"As James was enlightening me earlier, let's not think about our past; let's live for today..."
"Sha, la, la, la, la, la, live for today...", Jack hummed lightly.
"Jack!", Jade muttered under her breath, slapping his hand. He just grinned at her.
'Oh, God, has he been drinking?' Jade thought to herself in morbidity.
Belle cleared her throat. "...and have a good time."
"So, Commodore...", Jade started.
"Aye! So, Commodore!", Jack repeated.
"Jack, I thought I told you to be sober!" she whispered.
"I am sober; I'm just pullin' his gullet."
"Anyway!", he continued in a louder voice. He gave that small bow, putting his hands together.
"You and Miss Berneray. Congratulations. An' Commodore, ye know I rooted for you last time, and I'm doin' it all the way this go 'round. Jus' to let ye know, I hold no grudges. As, uh, the lass said. Brilliant."
He looked around at the table; Belle was smiling politely, James was subdued, and Jade was looking positive enough; just annoyed at Jack's arrogance.
"How was your voyage, Captain?" Norrington uttered.
"Oh, bloody well, mate. Weather's good. Got me good luck charm." He looked over at Jade, who laughed politely.
"He's...no. The voyage was quite nice. Captain Sparrow was kind enough to be of escort, and we went to the wedding, as you know. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are the happiest I've ever seen, and we've become good friends."
"Ah, good", James returned.
"I...", she looked at Jack. "Thank you for being my escort."
She looked back at Belle and James. "I except Captain Sparrow will be off on his ship to sail grand adventures..."
She looked back at Jack, an obvious please-don't-blow-the-cover look.
"Course not", he said. As he did, he moved his hand on her leg, moving his hand lightly. Jade grabbed his hand abruptly, but he took hold of her wrist, gripping it.
"You excuse us fer a moment, aye?", Jack said, and got up, hauling Jade with him, without waiting for an answer.
He took her to the corner of the bar, where James and Belle could not see them.
"Jack, what do you think you're doing?"
"This", he said, and kissed her.
"Jack, stop", she said. "No. You want them to find out?"
"They'll find out soon enough, anyway, lass."
She rolled her eyes. "I suppose you're right, but this is not what we discussed."
"We made a bet."
"Quoi?"
"If I win the competition...then beat you..."
"You wouldn't dare!", she exclaimed.
Jack smirked, that I'd-like-to-see-you-try-to-stop-me smirk, and led her back.
"Sorry, Commodore, we..." They walked in on the couple kissing.
"Oh, sorry", Belle said, as she scooted away.
Jack acted as if nothing had occurred. "As I was sayin', Commodore, ye up for a lih-le competition?"
He was in better humor now, and said more tolerably, "Of what kind, Captain Sparrow?"
"What I be best at."
"Well, if that has anything to do with commandeering..."
"Nah, Commodore, mate." He strolled over to the bar. "As much rum an' such as ye got!"
"Right away, Captain", the bartender answered.
"Come, now!" Belle and Jade both exclaimed at the same time, looking at the men.
Jack went over, seizing Jade around the waist, and kissed her again, in full view.
"There ye are!" he exclaimed, and released her. "Sooner better 'an later."
Jade sat down, half-bewildered, half-not. She should have expected Jack to do something like this.
Belle looked from her to Jack, then back at James. "You're going along with all this?"
"For tonight—yes. Tomorrow—probably not. It's a reunion; and we're getting married—what the hell?"
Belle gasped at Norrington's sudden audacity, and both the lasses watched as they sat at the bar, filling their mugs.
"Jade", Belle said to her.
"Don't even, Belle", she sighed. "I know you're my best friend, but..."
"It's okay! That's what makes it even juicier!"
Jade looked at her in mild surprise. "Wow, Belle."