A/N: I don't have much to say.except that I'm happy to say that this story
is really really starting to sort itself out. Which makes me happy, I must
say. In regards to this chapter, I wasn't originally going to have Will and
Elizabeth in this story (no offense to their fans but I find them kinda
boring, what with the damsel in distress thing and the I'm-not-a-pirate-I'm-
a-herioc-and-dashing-blacksmith). I don't hate them, I think they work very
well in the movie.just not in this story, which is all about Jack and his
pissed off old girlfriend. But as my friends all love Will (and are
incredibly jealous of Elizabeth) he, (and his wife, sorry to all my fangirl
friends) will be getting a brief cameo. Just one!......Unless someone
convinces me otherwise. Do you know /how/ to convince me? That's right!
REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For every ten reviews I get, Will gets another
part..and his wife, once again to the fangirls, I'm sorry that's just how
the story goes. Now for the next part of the author's note ritual; thanking
reviewers.
Random Character: Once again.interesting review.Lmao well I'm glad you liked it again *grins* and although you didn't spell thesauruses right you did manage to spell favourite right. You wrote it the Canadian way *huggles* and that's all that matters. Oh and next time try not to write a review when you're hungry. Lmao.
Dreamgirl21147: Don't worry you're definitely not a brat! In fact you're rapidly becoming one of my favourite reviewers! Just because you always bother to review after every chapter *huggles*. Guess what, Finn and Sam are back in this chapter as they provide excellent comic relief. The only reason they weren't in the last chappie was cuz they just didn't fit the whole angsty mood. But they're back!! Just for you *winkwink* (well not actually just for you, they're my favourite characters too, but doesn't it make you feel special?) So enjoy!!!!
Sunshine Cammie: Lmao yes I know the tickle fight was random but I felt the story needed at least one. *Sighs* Will is going to be in this chapter, hope you like it. After all, I'm putting him in for you and Jen/Draca. Ttyl, ta.
Jen/Draca: Here you go, this chapter is mostly for you (and Sunshine Cammie of course). And there's plenty more of Finn and Sam as everybody loves them. Anyway as usual, hope you like this chappie and keep reviewing.
Perpetual Masquerade: Oh good you're still there! I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me *pouts*. But you're back!!! So that's good *ceases pouting*. Well I'm glad you think it's so good, I shall do my best to keep impressing you (and my other readers). Catch ya later.
Disclaimer: You know I'm not even going to bother this time, you know the drill.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The usual routine for Captain Jack Sparrow was to wake up around noon, stumble out of his cabin an hour later, order the crew around or set a new course to some random island or port that had suddenly struck his fancy, take the helm or muck about with sails and ropes til evening and drink himself stupid until Anamaria told him to go to bed. This system was repeated without fail everyday and all of Jack's crew had settled into it quite nicely. There was overall a sense of security on the Pearl (odd for a pirate ship) but with a nice taste of chaos that the unpredictable and insane captain provided.
However, Jack's equally crazy and mischievous daughters had other things in mind.
"Come on you lazy sack of bones! Wake up!" yelled Finn and Sam while whacking their father with a pillow.
The hungover pirate (A/N: face it, he's always hungover in the morning.) groaned and tried to roll over. His daughters persisted though and even began singing an impromptu song as they bludgeoned him with cushions.
/This is 'ow we beat our dad Beat our dad, beat our dad This is 'ow we beat our dad All the morning long.
'E's a lazy sack of bones Sack of bones, sack of bones 'E's a lazy sack of bones 'Cause 'e lies in bed all day.
We'll beat 'im from dawn til dusk Dawn til dusk, dawn til dusk We'll beat 'im from dawn til dusk Unless 'e gets up now. /
At the last line of their little ditty, Jack poked his head reluctantly out of the covers and opened one eye.
"This is 'ardly a respectful way to treat yer elders," he mumbled dozily.
The twins shrugged non-commitedly, "Well we say yer only as old as you act so in theory, judgin' from yer level of maturity and ours, we're /yer/ elders."
Jack merely grunted in response and buried his head once more. After Storm's violent exit he had had a bit of a binge (even more rum than usual) and had gone to bed angry, drunk and confused. Altogether he hadn't had enough sleep and was now not in the mood to face a new day.
Finn frowned and decided it was time for desperate measures. Without any warning she jumped on the poor beleaguered pirate captain's chest and commenced torturing him. Mostly by slapping him about the face while Sam maliciously tickled his exposed feet.
"Ouch," Jack cried, "Alright, alright ye fiends disguised as daughters. What do ye want?"
The girls ceased pummeling him for a moment and simultaneously flashed their trademark grin.
"We want to take the helm!" exclaimed Sam excitedly.
"Ye want to take the helm?"
"That's right!"
"My helm?"
"Aye."
"On my ship?"
"Aye."
"Both of you..?"
Finn and Sam shrugged, "We'd take turns," clarified Finn.
A thought seemed to strike Jack and he rose, studying his children warily, "Does yer mother know yer here?"
The twins looked sheepish, then defensive, "Mumsy don't enter into it," Finn said brusquely, "It's yer ship and we're askin' ye." Added Sam matter- of-factly.
"Do ye even know how to use the helm?" Jack asked, he had a sinking feeling that he wasn't going to win this argument.
"No," said the girls brightly, "but ye can teach us."
"And if I don't want to.?"
Jack daughters were expecting this and already had a plan, "We have information you might want," remarked Sam.
"Information.?" Jack sat up slightly.
"About Mumsy," Finn hinted, her dark eyes twinkling.
They'd definitely piqued Jack's curiosity. At the moment he could've used any insight into the moody, unpredictable female pirate's mind.
He sighed, "Alright, what's this information, then?"
Finn shook her head, "Ah ah ah, you have to promise to teach us how to use the helm first."
"Very well," Jack held out his hands, Sam and Finn each took one and shook it solemnly, "We have an accord."
After they had all shaken hands, the twins leaned forward conspiratorally to share their information. Jack found himself unconsciously leaning forward too.
"You know how mumsy said she'd punch you everyday?" began Sam.
Jack nodded and winced at the memories of the last two hits. Storm was quite strong and her punches hurt a lot.
"Well," continued Finn, "We know for a fact that if you apologize everytime you see her, she won't do it."
"Really?"
The girls nodded simultaneously.
"That's all it takes?" Jack asked incredulously. He was amazed, all he needed to do was apologize and Storm wouldn't hit him?
"Yep."
Jack grinned lopsidedly, "Well thank ye luvs. That's quite a help."
"Our bargain?" prodded Finn sternly, hands on hips.
Jack squinted, for a moment she almost seemed like a half-size version of her mother.
He sighed, it seemed he was to get no more sleep today, "I'll honour it."
When the captain still didn't move his daughters barked, "Now!" forcing him unconsciously into action.
"We'll meet you on deck," stated Sam, and the twins departed all-smiles, leaving their father to get dressed reluctantly.
***
Out on deck, a couple of hours and a bottle of rum later, Jack was really enjoying himself. His daughters were amazingly good at the helm and he found that he could even leave them for short spans of time, only occasionnally wandering back to make certain that they were on the proper course.
As he was touring the ship, checking on his crew, he saw Storm approach out of the corner of his eye.
Remembering Finn and Sam's advice he whirled about, bowed his head and as sincerely as he could exclaimed, "sorry!"
Storm lowered her fist-it had been inches from Jack's face-and raised an eyebrow.
Jack whistled in admiration, "excellent control."
The female pirate ignored the compliment, "Have ye been talkin' to me daughters?"
He shrugged, "Our daughters, yes."
In a move that was rapidly becoming routine Storm slugged Jack across the face.
Jack grimaced and clutched his bruising cheek. He realized-vaguely-that she hadn't hit him quite as hard as the previous times.
"Ouch," he hissed, "That was uncalled for!"
Storm looked smug, "That was for exploitin' /my/ daughters."
"I wasn't exploiting them," Jack protested vehemently, "we made a deal!"
Storm merely laughed at his expense and strode off to help with the sails. Jack watched her go and sighed, he'd truly forgotten how much of a mystery Storm really was.
"Oy Anamaria!" he called abruptly.
The dark-skinned woman glanced over her shoulder at the captain, "Aye?"
"What's our position?"
"Oh, I'd say about, two leagues south-east of Port Royal." Said Ana after a moment's thought.
Jack nodded pensively. After a short pause he shouted an order, "Change course for Port Royal." The crew hastened to obey.
"What?" Cried Storm.
"Do you have an objection, Captain?" Somehow, Jack managed to make the title of 'captain' and insult.
The woman stalked angrily up to him, "Stopping in Port Royal will make us lose valuable time."
"We're runnin' a bit low on supplies," explained Jack innocently.
Storm scowled, "Naval officers could be torturin' me brother as we speak and yer more concerned with the fact that yer down to only four barrels of rum??!!?"
"Look," Jack leaned forward, suddenly serious, "Me crew's itchy for some shoreleave. I had to cut short our visit to Tortuga for this venture and we've been pushing them hard for the past fortnight. They need a rest. It'll just be for one night and then we're back on trail. Besides," he added, "I've some business of me own."
"The trail could be cold by the time we get back onto open water!" blurted Storm.
"Do ye want a bloody mutiny on yer hands?" The pirate threw up his hands, "Because I don't, and that's what I'll get if we don't stop for a night. Me crew need rest!"
"Sucks to yer crew!" Storm shouted, "they're not in danger of dying! James is! I am not goin' to abandon him just because yer crew is in whore withdrawal!"
"Just out of curiosity, Captain O'Connor," asked Jack loudly, "whatever happened to the code?"
She glared daggers at him, "When family's involved, the code be hanged. Ye disappoint me Sparrow, I never thought ye'd try to hide behind the code. Ye seemed to have turned coward since I knew ye."
Blinded by rage, Jack shoved Storm against a nearby mast, knocking the wind out of her. The female captain was shocked to discover he had also pressed a pistol barrel against her temple.
"Listen O'Connor," growled Jack, "This is my ship, and my rules. On the Rising Phoenix ye may be captain and ye can do what you bloody well please there. But not 'ere. On the Pearl, yer just a passenger, and a noisy one too I might add. I've taken yer abuse and insults in good humour 'cause I know yer angry at me and scared for yer brother, but I've 'ad enough! From this moment on you will treat me, me crew and me orders with respect! Remember that this entire venture is a favor to you and at any moment I could just turn around and quit, yer brother be damned. Is this clear?"
Storm was livid, her fists were white and quivered at her sides. Almost her whole body was shaking from pent-up emotion. At last, when she had regained some measure of composure, she spat, "Crystal-clear, /Captain/."
Jack stepped back, lowering the pistol. Without another word, he walked off leaving Storm to lean against the mast and stare icily after him.
Above them, Finn and Sam gazed at the two sadly.
Finn turned to her sister, "We've got to do somethin' about this."
***
Some time later, the Pearl had caught sight of the harbour and was making towards it. Jack stood at the bow, reclining heavily on the rail, hoping faintly that the wind and spray would wash away some of his discomposure.
He hadn't meant to blow up at Storm, it had simply...happened. He felt regret for his actions now. She had just made him so angry, that he'd lost control.
Why did I take the out the pistol? Jack silently rebuked himself. I loved her once, and that's how I treat her? Loved, he reflected, or love?
He sighed and shook his head. He felt so confused, more so than usual. In her own odd way, Storm could be more intoxicating than an entire barrel of rum. In this case, not in a good way.
The ship was rapidly nearing the port, Jack decided he should oversee the crew. As he turned, he was more than a little surprised to see a very uncomfortable-looking Storm standing about two feet away from him.
She smiled weakly, "Ye should count yerself, Cap'n Sparrow. Ye've got powerful allies."
Jack cocked his head, not understanding. Storm explained, "Finn and Sam saw our.." She searched for a word, "argument. It upset them. So they convinced me to come 'ere and apologize." The female pirate paused and looked away nervously. "Which I am tryin' to do, but it's a lot 'arder than it seems."
A smirk pulled at Jack's lips, but it was not unfriendly. It was a smirk of empathy, he could relate to how she felt, "Just say yer sorry."
Storm looked vaguely relieved, "I'm sorry...for calling you a coward, I mean, the punches...well you deserved those, and..."
The captain held up his hand, his eyes twinkling, "Just sorry will do." Storm nodded a faint grin in her own grey eyes. "I'm sorry too," Jack added.
Storm gave an odd little half-bow and winked, "Well, cap'n, I'll see you in Port Royal."
As she marched off she stopped and looked over her shoulder, "And Cap'n..." Jack tilted his head, Storm grinned widely, "I'm still goin' to punch ye."
****
"So who is it we're visitin'?" Storm asked as she, Jack, Anamaria, Finn and Sam hurried along the busy port's streets.
Faye, Nicolas, Gibbs and the rest of the crew had been sent off to buy supplies or get drunk or whatever it was they liked to do when on shore.
Finn and Sam kept disappearing from the rest of the little group, returning several minutes later with bulging pockets, new trinkets and wide smiles. Neither of their parents or Anamaria seemed to mind at all.
Jack didn't bother to answer Storm's question. He merely pointed at a small building and quickened his pace.
The black-haired woman squinted to read the sign hanging above the wooden door.
"William Turner," she murmured, "Blacksmith." Indeed she could hear the sound of a hammer striking steel from inside.
A thought occurred to her, "Is this the same Turner that helped you regain the Pearl?" Storm questioned, as she hastened her stride to match Jack's.
"The very same," he replied happily.
They pushed open the door to see a young man, his short wavy brown hair tied back and his brow slicked with sweat, working away at the forge. Jack bounded down the steps with a joyful cry of "Ahoy there eunuch!"
Storm leaned slightly towards Anamaria, "eunuch..?"
Ana shrugged, "Don't ask."
The young blacksmith twisted around to see who had addressed him so strangely. His light brown eyes lit up when he saw the pirate.
"You daft old swashbuckler!" he cried and crossed the room to embrace his friend.
After the two had bantered for awhile and Will had asked about the Pearl and Jack had asked about Elizabeth, Will turned to the women.
He and Anamaria greeted each other and hugged briefly. Obviously they knew each other fairly well. All throughout this Storm stood, a little on the outside. After all, she hadn't shared their adventures and did not know of what they spoke.
When Will turned his eye on her, she jerked back into the conversation.
She offered her hand, "Storm O'Connor."
The blacksmith smiled, "Will Turner."
He took her hand, but instead of shaking it-as she had intended-he bent and kissed it.
Storm raised an eyebrow and glanced at Jack. Her fellow pirate merely shrugged, most likely Will did this sort of thing all the time.
"Um Mr. Turner," Will rose, his gaze questioning. "Yer quite the gentleman and I commend ye, but it's wasted on the likes o'me. I'm no lady."
He laughed warmly, and clapped Storm on the back, "I am a gentleman to everyone, Miss O'Connor. It does not matter who or what they are."
"It used to," interjected Jack.
Before Will could reply to the friendly jibe, a blonde woman appeared from a room in the back, carrying a baby.
"What's all the excitement out here...Jack!" exclaimed the woman running up and seizing the pirate around the neck, "How long has it been?"
"Too long." Said Jack.
"Hello Ana and...oh who's this?" asked the woman, catching sight of Storm.
"Captain Storm O'Connor of the Rising Phoenix," answered the female pirate, "ye must be Elizabeth...Swann, is it?"
Elizabeth smiled at her husband, "Elizabeth Turner now."
"Ah," Storm nodded sagely, "Does that not bother ye?"
"What?"
"Having to change yer name." Clarified Storm, "I never liked the idea. That's why I kept me own name."
Jack wrinkled his forehead in confusion, "Yer married?"
For a long moment Storm just stared at him in disbelief. "Jack," she said at length, "are you /trying/ to be stupid?"
"Eh?"
Storm walked over and placed a hand on each of his shoulders, "Please tell me you remember."
Jack glanced nervously from side to side, "I suddenly...wish...I did."
The female captain sighed heavily, "Jack, we're married."
There was a long pause.
Then from Will, Elizabeth, Anamaria, the twins but most of all Jack, came:
"WHAT?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: There it's finally done. I'm sorry this took so long but exams are coming up and I've been really busy. I hope the next one comes faster but I make no promises. Remember to review! It makes me update faster, really! Til next time, Peace.
Random Character: Once again.interesting review.Lmao well I'm glad you liked it again *grins* and although you didn't spell thesauruses right you did manage to spell favourite right. You wrote it the Canadian way *huggles* and that's all that matters. Oh and next time try not to write a review when you're hungry. Lmao.
Dreamgirl21147: Don't worry you're definitely not a brat! In fact you're rapidly becoming one of my favourite reviewers! Just because you always bother to review after every chapter *huggles*. Guess what, Finn and Sam are back in this chapter as they provide excellent comic relief. The only reason they weren't in the last chappie was cuz they just didn't fit the whole angsty mood. But they're back!! Just for you *winkwink* (well not actually just for you, they're my favourite characters too, but doesn't it make you feel special?) So enjoy!!!!
Sunshine Cammie: Lmao yes I know the tickle fight was random but I felt the story needed at least one. *Sighs* Will is going to be in this chapter, hope you like it. After all, I'm putting him in for you and Jen/Draca. Ttyl, ta.
Jen/Draca: Here you go, this chapter is mostly for you (and Sunshine Cammie of course). And there's plenty more of Finn and Sam as everybody loves them. Anyway as usual, hope you like this chappie and keep reviewing.
Perpetual Masquerade: Oh good you're still there! I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me *pouts*. But you're back!!! So that's good *ceases pouting*. Well I'm glad you think it's so good, I shall do my best to keep impressing you (and my other readers). Catch ya later.
Disclaimer: You know I'm not even going to bother this time, you know the drill.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The usual routine for Captain Jack Sparrow was to wake up around noon, stumble out of his cabin an hour later, order the crew around or set a new course to some random island or port that had suddenly struck his fancy, take the helm or muck about with sails and ropes til evening and drink himself stupid until Anamaria told him to go to bed. This system was repeated without fail everyday and all of Jack's crew had settled into it quite nicely. There was overall a sense of security on the Pearl (odd for a pirate ship) but with a nice taste of chaos that the unpredictable and insane captain provided.
However, Jack's equally crazy and mischievous daughters had other things in mind.
"Come on you lazy sack of bones! Wake up!" yelled Finn and Sam while whacking their father with a pillow.
The hungover pirate (A/N: face it, he's always hungover in the morning.) groaned and tried to roll over. His daughters persisted though and even began singing an impromptu song as they bludgeoned him with cushions.
/This is 'ow we beat our dad Beat our dad, beat our dad This is 'ow we beat our dad All the morning long.
'E's a lazy sack of bones Sack of bones, sack of bones 'E's a lazy sack of bones 'Cause 'e lies in bed all day.
We'll beat 'im from dawn til dusk Dawn til dusk, dawn til dusk We'll beat 'im from dawn til dusk Unless 'e gets up now. /
At the last line of their little ditty, Jack poked his head reluctantly out of the covers and opened one eye.
"This is 'ardly a respectful way to treat yer elders," he mumbled dozily.
The twins shrugged non-commitedly, "Well we say yer only as old as you act so in theory, judgin' from yer level of maturity and ours, we're /yer/ elders."
Jack merely grunted in response and buried his head once more. After Storm's violent exit he had had a bit of a binge (even more rum than usual) and had gone to bed angry, drunk and confused. Altogether he hadn't had enough sleep and was now not in the mood to face a new day.
Finn frowned and decided it was time for desperate measures. Without any warning she jumped on the poor beleaguered pirate captain's chest and commenced torturing him. Mostly by slapping him about the face while Sam maliciously tickled his exposed feet.
"Ouch," Jack cried, "Alright, alright ye fiends disguised as daughters. What do ye want?"
The girls ceased pummeling him for a moment and simultaneously flashed their trademark grin.
"We want to take the helm!" exclaimed Sam excitedly.
"Ye want to take the helm?"
"That's right!"
"My helm?"
"Aye."
"On my ship?"
"Aye."
"Both of you..?"
Finn and Sam shrugged, "We'd take turns," clarified Finn.
A thought seemed to strike Jack and he rose, studying his children warily, "Does yer mother know yer here?"
The twins looked sheepish, then defensive, "Mumsy don't enter into it," Finn said brusquely, "It's yer ship and we're askin' ye." Added Sam matter- of-factly.
"Do ye even know how to use the helm?" Jack asked, he had a sinking feeling that he wasn't going to win this argument.
"No," said the girls brightly, "but ye can teach us."
"And if I don't want to.?"
Jack daughters were expecting this and already had a plan, "We have information you might want," remarked Sam.
"Information.?" Jack sat up slightly.
"About Mumsy," Finn hinted, her dark eyes twinkling.
They'd definitely piqued Jack's curiosity. At the moment he could've used any insight into the moody, unpredictable female pirate's mind.
He sighed, "Alright, what's this information, then?"
Finn shook her head, "Ah ah ah, you have to promise to teach us how to use the helm first."
"Very well," Jack held out his hands, Sam and Finn each took one and shook it solemnly, "We have an accord."
After they had all shaken hands, the twins leaned forward conspiratorally to share their information. Jack found himself unconsciously leaning forward too.
"You know how mumsy said she'd punch you everyday?" began Sam.
Jack nodded and winced at the memories of the last two hits. Storm was quite strong and her punches hurt a lot.
"Well," continued Finn, "We know for a fact that if you apologize everytime you see her, she won't do it."
"Really?"
The girls nodded simultaneously.
"That's all it takes?" Jack asked incredulously. He was amazed, all he needed to do was apologize and Storm wouldn't hit him?
"Yep."
Jack grinned lopsidedly, "Well thank ye luvs. That's quite a help."
"Our bargain?" prodded Finn sternly, hands on hips.
Jack squinted, for a moment she almost seemed like a half-size version of her mother.
He sighed, it seemed he was to get no more sleep today, "I'll honour it."
When the captain still didn't move his daughters barked, "Now!" forcing him unconsciously into action.
"We'll meet you on deck," stated Sam, and the twins departed all-smiles, leaving their father to get dressed reluctantly.
***
Out on deck, a couple of hours and a bottle of rum later, Jack was really enjoying himself. His daughters were amazingly good at the helm and he found that he could even leave them for short spans of time, only occasionnally wandering back to make certain that they were on the proper course.
As he was touring the ship, checking on his crew, he saw Storm approach out of the corner of his eye.
Remembering Finn and Sam's advice he whirled about, bowed his head and as sincerely as he could exclaimed, "sorry!"
Storm lowered her fist-it had been inches from Jack's face-and raised an eyebrow.
Jack whistled in admiration, "excellent control."
The female pirate ignored the compliment, "Have ye been talkin' to me daughters?"
He shrugged, "Our daughters, yes."
In a move that was rapidly becoming routine Storm slugged Jack across the face.
Jack grimaced and clutched his bruising cheek. He realized-vaguely-that she hadn't hit him quite as hard as the previous times.
"Ouch," he hissed, "That was uncalled for!"
Storm looked smug, "That was for exploitin' /my/ daughters."
"I wasn't exploiting them," Jack protested vehemently, "we made a deal!"
Storm merely laughed at his expense and strode off to help with the sails. Jack watched her go and sighed, he'd truly forgotten how much of a mystery Storm really was.
"Oy Anamaria!" he called abruptly.
The dark-skinned woman glanced over her shoulder at the captain, "Aye?"
"What's our position?"
"Oh, I'd say about, two leagues south-east of Port Royal." Said Ana after a moment's thought.
Jack nodded pensively. After a short pause he shouted an order, "Change course for Port Royal." The crew hastened to obey.
"What?" Cried Storm.
"Do you have an objection, Captain?" Somehow, Jack managed to make the title of 'captain' and insult.
The woman stalked angrily up to him, "Stopping in Port Royal will make us lose valuable time."
"We're runnin' a bit low on supplies," explained Jack innocently.
Storm scowled, "Naval officers could be torturin' me brother as we speak and yer more concerned with the fact that yer down to only four barrels of rum??!!?"
"Look," Jack leaned forward, suddenly serious, "Me crew's itchy for some shoreleave. I had to cut short our visit to Tortuga for this venture and we've been pushing them hard for the past fortnight. They need a rest. It'll just be for one night and then we're back on trail. Besides," he added, "I've some business of me own."
"The trail could be cold by the time we get back onto open water!" blurted Storm.
"Do ye want a bloody mutiny on yer hands?" The pirate threw up his hands, "Because I don't, and that's what I'll get if we don't stop for a night. Me crew need rest!"
"Sucks to yer crew!" Storm shouted, "they're not in danger of dying! James is! I am not goin' to abandon him just because yer crew is in whore withdrawal!"
"Just out of curiosity, Captain O'Connor," asked Jack loudly, "whatever happened to the code?"
She glared daggers at him, "When family's involved, the code be hanged. Ye disappoint me Sparrow, I never thought ye'd try to hide behind the code. Ye seemed to have turned coward since I knew ye."
Blinded by rage, Jack shoved Storm against a nearby mast, knocking the wind out of her. The female captain was shocked to discover he had also pressed a pistol barrel against her temple.
"Listen O'Connor," growled Jack, "This is my ship, and my rules. On the Rising Phoenix ye may be captain and ye can do what you bloody well please there. But not 'ere. On the Pearl, yer just a passenger, and a noisy one too I might add. I've taken yer abuse and insults in good humour 'cause I know yer angry at me and scared for yer brother, but I've 'ad enough! From this moment on you will treat me, me crew and me orders with respect! Remember that this entire venture is a favor to you and at any moment I could just turn around and quit, yer brother be damned. Is this clear?"
Storm was livid, her fists were white and quivered at her sides. Almost her whole body was shaking from pent-up emotion. At last, when she had regained some measure of composure, she spat, "Crystal-clear, /Captain/."
Jack stepped back, lowering the pistol. Without another word, he walked off leaving Storm to lean against the mast and stare icily after him.
Above them, Finn and Sam gazed at the two sadly.
Finn turned to her sister, "We've got to do somethin' about this."
***
Some time later, the Pearl had caught sight of the harbour and was making towards it. Jack stood at the bow, reclining heavily on the rail, hoping faintly that the wind and spray would wash away some of his discomposure.
He hadn't meant to blow up at Storm, it had simply...happened. He felt regret for his actions now. She had just made him so angry, that he'd lost control.
Why did I take the out the pistol? Jack silently rebuked himself. I loved her once, and that's how I treat her? Loved, he reflected, or love?
He sighed and shook his head. He felt so confused, more so than usual. In her own odd way, Storm could be more intoxicating than an entire barrel of rum. In this case, not in a good way.
The ship was rapidly nearing the port, Jack decided he should oversee the crew. As he turned, he was more than a little surprised to see a very uncomfortable-looking Storm standing about two feet away from him.
She smiled weakly, "Ye should count yerself, Cap'n Sparrow. Ye've got powerful allies."
Jack cocked his head, not understanding. Storm explained, "Finn and Sam saw our.." She searched for a word, "argument. It upset them. So they convinced me to come 'ere and apologize." The female pirate paused and looked away nervously. "Which I am tryin' to do, but it's a lot 'arder than it seems."
A smirk pulled at Jack's lips, but it was not unfriendly. It was a smirk of empathy, he could relate to how she felt, "Just say yer sorry."
Storm looked vaguely relieved, "I'm sorry...for calling you a coward, I mean, the punches...well you deserved those, and..."
The captain held up his hand, his eyes twinkling, "Just sorry will do." Storm nodded a faint grin in her own grey eyes. "I'm sorry too," Jack added.
Storm gave an odd little half-bow and winked, "Well, cap'n, I'll see you in Port Royal."
As she marched off she stopped and looked over her shoulder, "And Cap'n..." Jack tilted his head, Storm grinned widely, "I'm still goin' to punch ye."
****
"So who is it we're visitin'?" Storm asked as she, Jack, Anamaria, Finn and Sam hurried along the busy port's streets.
Faye, Nicolas, Gibbs and the rest of the crew had been sent off to buy supplies or get drunk or whatever it was they liked to do when on shore.
Finn and Sam kept disappearing from the rest of the little group, returning several minutes later with bulging pockets, new trinkets and wide smiles. Neither of their parents or Anamaria seemed to mind at all.
Jack didn't bother to answer Storm's question. He merely pointed at a small building and quickened his pace.
The black-haired woman squinted to read the sign hanging above the wooden door.
"William Turner," she murmured, "Blacksmith." Indeed she could hear the sound of a hammer striking steel from inside.
A thought occurred to her, "Is this the same Turner that helped you regain the Pearl?" Storm questioned, as she hastened her stride to match Jack's.
"The very same," he replied happily.
They pushed open the door to see a young man, his short wavy brown hair tied back and his brow slicked with sweat, working away at the forge. Jack bounded down the steps with a joyful cry of "Ahoy there eunuch!"
Storm leaned slightly towards Anamaria, "eunuch..?"
Ana shrugged, "Don't ask."
The young blacksmith twisted around to see who had addressed him so strangely. His light brown eyes lit up when he saw the pirate.
"You daft old swashbuckler!" he cried and crossed the room to embrace his friend.
After the two had bantered for awhile and Will had asked about the Pearl and Jack had asked about Elizabeth, Will turned to the women.
He and Anamaria greeted each other and hugged briefly. Obviously they knew each other fairly well. All throughout this Storm stood, a little on the outside. After all, she hadn't shared their adventures and did not know of what they spoke.
When Will turned his eye on her, she jerked back into the conversation.
She offered her hand, "Storm O'Connor."
The blacksmith smiled, "Will Turner."
He took her hand, but instead of shaking it-as she had intended-he bent and kissed it.
Storm raised an eyebrow and glanced at Jack. Her fellow pirate merely shrugged, most likely Will did this sort of thing all the time.
"Um Mr. Turner," Will rose, his gaze questioning. "Yer quite the gentleman and I commend ye, but it's wasted on the likes o'me. I'm no lady."
He laughed warmly, and clapped Storm on the back, "I am a gentleman to everyone, Miss O'Connor. It does not matter who or what they are."
"It used to," interjected Jack.
Before Will could reply to the friendly jibe, a blonde woman appeared from a room in the back, carrying a baby.
"What's all the excitement out here...Jack!" exclaimed the woman running up and seizing the pirate around the neck, "How long has it been?"
"Too long." Said Jack.
"Hello Ana and...oh who's this?" asked the woman, catching sight of Storm.
"Captain Storm O'Connor of the Rising Phoenix," answered the female pirate, "ye must be Elizabeth...Swann, is it?"
Elizabeth smiled at her husband, "Elizabeth Turner now."
"Ah," Storm nodded sagely, "Does that not bother ye?"
"What?"
"Having to change yer name." Clarified Storm, "I never liked the idea. That's why I kept me own name."
Jack wrinkled his forehead in confusion, "Yer married?"
For a long moment Storm just stared at him in disbelief. "Jack," she said at length, "are you /trying/ to be stupid?"
"Eh?"
Storm walked over and placed a hand on each of his shoulders, "Please tell me you remember."
Jack glanced nervously from side to side, "I suddenly...wish...I did."
The female captain sighed heavily, "Jack, we're married."
There was a long pause.
Then from Will, Elizabeth, Anamaria, the twins but most of all Jack, came:
"WHAT?"
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A/N: There it's finally done. I'm sorry this took so long but exams are coming up and I've been really busy. I hope the next one comes faster but I make no promises. Remember to review! It makes me update faster, really! Til next time, Peace.
