Author's Note: Thanks to my loyal readers. You make this worth writing. This is unbeta-ed. All mistakes are mine.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in." Jaquelyn called out and Gallagher entered the cabin. "Ladies." He said with a bow of his head. "I've come down to inform you, that we are about to dock for supplies, if there is anything you are needing..." Jacquelyn looked at Davina. "Um... Would it be to much trouble to just have a look around?" She asked Gallagher. Gallagher smiled. "As long as you're not alone, Miss Blackwell." She nodded. "I'll go with you." Jacquelyn said with a smile of her own. They followed Gallagher up on to deck.
Jack was giving orders and saw Gallagher emerge with Jacquelyn and Davina. Her hair, which was usually up, was loose and laying down her back. It stretched past her waist. And he found himself staring at her. It seemed that every time he saw her, he became more enamored with her and deep down, he was a bit afraid to let it continue, afraid of where it might lead. Gallagher led the two young women to the bow of the ship. Davina leaned on the railing, watching as the Pearl docked gracefully.
When they were anchored and the gang plank down, Gallagher turned to Jacquelyn. "I wont be that far away, if you need me..." Jacquelyn hushed him. "I'm more then capable of looking after Davina, and I'm sure we're not going to end up in any trouble." Gallagher leaned forward and kissed Jacquelyn on the forehead. "Just stay out of trouble, dove. I know you." He gave her a pointed look. Jacquelyn gave him a look, and started for the gang plank.
"Eh, where do ya think yer goin'?" Jack cut Jacquelyn and Davina off. "For a walk." Jacquelyn said simply. "You can't keep her stuck on the ship, Sparrow." Jacquelyn said with a tone. Davina got the feeling that their bickering didn't have any thing to do with her. "I'm not, I just don't think it's a good idea, for her t' be runnin' around by herself." Jack replied. "She wont be by herself!" Jacquelyn snapped. "I'm going with her." "The hell ya are..." Jack growled.
"What is going on?" Gallagher came over, giving both Jack and his wife a look. "Jack is forbidding me from taking Davina into port." Jacquelyn hissed, glaring at Jack. Gallagher rolled his eyes and looked at Jack. "Would you rather do it, Captain?" Jack glared back at Gallagher was about to retort. But he decided, that this might be a chance to talk to Davina ALONE, with out prying ears. "Aye, I think I will, Miss Blackwell." He gestured to the gang plank. Jacquelyn glared hotly. Gallagher looked at Davina and told her silently, to go with Jack, he'd deal with Jacquelyn. Davina nodded and followed Jack with out a word.
They walked through the market place, side by side. Jack's hands were linked behind his back and he was watching Davina as much as he was watching for risks. "How old are ye?" He asked after a bit of silence. "24," She answered, glancing at him. "You?" Jack grinned and made a gesture. "30...something. I don't keep count. Not THAT old though." He said, his dark eyes sparkling mischievously. "Shouldn't a lass of yer age be married?" He asked her. Davina stopped at a stand that sold material. "I was supposed to be, to the Commodore." "Supposed t' be?" "I have no intention of marrying a man I do not know or love, Captain Saprrow." Davina stated fiercely, her eyes on the material. "How come yer not married already?" He asked carefully.
Davina didn't answer for a long time. And Jack thought he saw a trace of hurt in her face. "My father wanted my marriage to be to a high ranking noble. Who better then the Commodore of Port Royal." "And yer da didn't care that ya didn't want t'?" Davina shoved away from the stand and started walking with out him. Jack strolled quickly to catch up to her side. "My father has never cared about what I think, Captain Sparrow. I am...was...am nothing more then a bargaining chip to bring him power." Jack studied her. "What about yer mum?" "What about her, Captain Sparrow? She's dead. She died giving birth to me." Her eyes were forward, but Jack could still see the tears threatening and he grimaced. "I'm sorry, didn't mean t' pry." Davina gestured it off. "It hardly bothers me any more."
Jack was about to say something else, when Davina spun around. A little boy stopped dead in his tracks, his hand reaching for Davina's purse. Jack looked at the boy, for a moment, he remembered being in his place, a boy in the streets of Tortuga, cutting purses and running. He grabbed the boy's wrist before he could run off. "Ya should learn yer marks better." Jack said. The boy began hitting and kicking at Jack. "Hold up boy!" Jack said sternly, crouching to be eye level with the child. "Who ya flimpin' for?" "I ain't a blower!" The boy cried.
The boy stopped fighting all at once. "How da ya know wha flimpin' is?" The boy peered curiously at Jack. Jack grinned. "Used to do the same me self at yer age." "Aww! Danny's gonna dewskitch me!" The boy cried, startin' to fight again. "No one's gonna do such thing." Jack replied sternly. "Who's the don 'ere?" Jack asked, standing again, but he didn't let go of the boy. "Aww, can't ya jest let me go!? They'll box all our ears if we don't get 'em enough shillin's?" Jack frowned deeply. "Is that so. Me thinks I'll be payin' yer family a visit." The boy swallowed and stared at Jack wide eyed. "They'll kill ya!" Jack grinned. "Son, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow." He pulled the boy around in front of him and grabbed him by the back of the shirt. "Lead on laddy." The boy looked at both Jack and Davina but turned and began walkin'.
"Stay close t' me." Jack whispered to Davina. He would have rather she gone back to the ship, but she chose not to. The little boy, who's name they learned was Rodger led them into the alley ways. The sun was blocked out and the space narrow. Whores stood in the door way of some of the buildings and began offering their wares to Jack as he passed. Jack politely declined, informing them he was on business. But he was watching Davina out of the corner of his eye. He expected a high breed lady to be disgusted, even afraid, but she was neither. She walked a step behind Jack, her eyes forward, glancing around once in a while and there was a thoughtful look in them. Not fear or disgust.
"Yer a pretty one." A woman with blonde hair grabbed Davina's arm. Davina looked up. "I'm afraid you have me confused with someone else." She replied simply. "A proper too." The woman called out to the other whores who laughed. "A bit t' proper t' be a accompanyin' a gentleman such as that. Think that could change though." The woman pulled Davina a little closer. Jack stopped, an irritated look on his face. He pulled on the boy's collar and the boy stopped as well. "That's Mag." The boy whispered. "She's the abbess in this area." "Aye." Jack nodded his understanding and he and the boy walked back up the short distance.
Jack laid a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Let her go." He said simply. The woman looked at Jack. "She belong to ya? Cause if not, she's fair game." Jack gave the woman a look. "Aye, she belongs t' me and I'd rather her not be soiled by yer hands." The woman glared at Jack, but let go of Davina. "Roddy Fingers, what ya doin' with these two?" The woman asked the child. "He wants t' see Danny!" Rodger said, eyes still wide. "Does he now?" The woman looked around at the other whores who laughed out right. "Well I'm sure we'll be seein' your head hangin' from the rack later. Shame, yer right handsome." Jack gave her a patronizing smile. "Thank ye." He turned and pushed the boy ahead. Davina fell in step behind him. "Ye alright?" Jack asked him. "Not the first time." Davina answered. Jack looked her, an eyebrow raised. She gestured it off.
Rodger led them down a flight of stairs. At the bottem were two large bashers. "Eh, what's all this?" "They're wantin' to see Danny!" Rodger said. "Why ya little squealer!" One of the men went to reach for Rodger, when Jack grabbed his hand. "Lay off." Jack growled. The man glared Jack. "Ye wantin' to see Danny are ya. Aye, you'll see him. Shouldn't have brought your wench though. Danny's got a thing for red heads." Jack saw Davina out of the corner of his eye, steel her self and meet the man's eyes. She had the spark, he had to admit that. But if she didn't know how to fight, it wouldn't be of any use. "Wait here." He told her. "Nah, ya both wanna see him, ya both go." The man opened the door and shoved Davina in. Jack growled but followed.
He let go of Rodger's shirt once they were inside. The boy looked at him, silently begging for Jack to let him go. Jack nodded and the boy ran off into the darkness. "That way." The man said, pointing. Jack took the lead, he took Davina's hand, an action that surprised even him, but if he didnt' keep her close, it could mean trouble. They followed the dark hall, lit by torches and came to a door where another guard stood. "They wanna see Danny." The basher behind them told the guard. The guard glared, but opened the door.
It opened up to a large circular room. The room was only half full of thieves and cut throats. And at one end of the room was a dais, which upon sit a young man with black hair. "What is this?" The man asked as Jack and Davina entered with the basher behind them. "They've come t' see ya, Danny!" The basher called out. Danny stood from the dais and walked down it slowly. "Come t' see me? And what for?" "How ye've been treatin' your pickpockets." Jack said simply. Danny came forward, looking Jack up and down. "What's it to you, gov'ner?" Jack gave the young man a bored look. "Call it a personal matter." "One of those brats yers?" Jack rolled his eyes. "If he was, he wouldn't be here." "So then wha ya wanna be interested in how I treat me picks?" "Because I used to be one." Jack replied, a steely look in his eyes. Danny laughed, and circled them.
"Is she yours?" Danny asked, nodding to Davina. "Aye." Jack answered. "I tell ya whats, I'll makes ya a deal. We'll duel. Should I win, I gets the girl and you leave," There was some hisses in the darkness, others didn't agree with letting Jack go alive. "And if I win?" Jack questioned. "Then I'll step down from the throne, and it's yers." Danny answered. "Agreed." Jack answered.
Danny moved off to prepare. Jack stripped out of his sea coat and drew his saber. "Are you serious? You're gambling with my life." Davina hissed. Jack tossed her a grin. "No faith in me, Davina?" "I've never seen you fight, I can't honestly say I have any." Jack faked a pout. "Have SOME faith in me, me dear." Jack said. He moved off to confront Danny, but was stopped by her small delicate hand on the crook of his arm. "Be careful Jack, please." He stared at her a moment, he hadn't expected her to show him this kindness. But here it was, and his heart lept. "Aye, I will." He answered with nod.
Danny circled Jack, his cutlass in a offensive position. Jack kept on the balls of his feet, for speed and his saber was in a defensive position. "So me hearty." Danny said with a wicked grin. "Have ye said goodbye to her?" Jack didn't answer. He knew this trick well. From time to time, he even employed it. Danny frowned, and lashed out. Jack parried expertly and stepped to the side, causing Danny to stumbled forward. Danny spun and lashed out again, swinging his cutlass around above his head in a move designed to decapitate Jack. Jack ran his saber down Danny's blade to the hilt and shoved Danny backwards, lunging as he did, and caught Danny in the shoulder.
Danny growled in anger and kicked Jack in the knee. Jack stumbled but turned with grace, paring. "Is that how ye wanna play?" Jack growled, before lashing out. As he knocked Danny's blade away, he swung his free fist, punching Danny in the face. Danny struck back and cut Jack across the chest. Jack drew in a breath, but parried Danny's next move and slipped his feet between Danny's and knocked him to the ground.
In a few short minutes, Jack was standing over Danny with his saber to Danny's neck. "Do ye yield?" Jack demanded. Danny glared, and Jack pressed the tip of his saber to Danny's throat. "Do ye yield!?" "Yes!" Danny snapped. Jack stepped back, but didn't sheath his saber. "Take yer self and go. And don't ever return." Jack commanded. Danny glared and got to his feet. He stumbled from the room. Jack looked around the room. "If any of ye have a problem, speak up now!" Jack yelled around the room. But no one spoke against him. Finally Jack turnend to look for Davina.
She came from the side lines where she had been standing and made her way slowly to him. "You're bleeding." She said softly, looking at his chest. Jack looked down. The wound was deep, but not deep enough to effect him. Though it would have to be cleaned and bandaged soon. "It could have been worse." He remarked. The look in his eyes, told her to remain by his side. And he turned, moving towards the throne on the dais. "There are going to be some changes around here." He called out. The thieves were beginning to come into the light and Jack looked around the room. "For the better." He added.
Jack had made the necessary arrangements with some of the guilds top members. Then Jack had been shown the chambers that would serve as his. Davina had followed and gotten one of the boys to bring her some bandages. "Here." She said softly as Jack stripped out of his shirt. She tried to keep from staring, but he had a number of gruesome scars, and a variety of intricate tattoos. Jack watched her closely as she sit down before him. He watched her green eyes drift over the scared bullet wounds. The scars on his left arm. Her eyes lingered on the branded P and the Sparrow tattoo on his right. "Is this where you get your name?" Her finger tips lightly caressed the sparrow, his stomach turned with butterflies. He wanted her to touch him in more ways. "The other way round really." Jack answered. "I got the tattoo, BECAUSE of me name." He answered her. "And this?" She touched the P. "East India Trade company. When they caught pirates, they branded them." "I'm sorry..." She muttered. Jack grinned. "I'm not." She looked up at him, and their eyes met. "I am, a pirate after all." He said, still grinning, but he didn't break eye contact with her.
When she finally did, she rang the water out of the cloth and began wiping the blood off his chest. Jack watched her, drawing in a breath as the water stung. When she rang the cloth out again, Jack made his move. He reached up and pushed a lock of red hair from her face. Her hand stopped and she raised her eyes slowly, to look at him. Her hand was trembling. Jack leaned forward slowly. The fire light in the room glistened off them, casting their shadows on the walls. "Have ya ever been kissed?" Jack asked softly. "Not by someone who cared." She answered. Jack cocked his head to the side slightly, but he let his fingers linger in her hair. "How else does someone kiss?" He asked. She sighed, her eyes lowering. "It's no secret Jack..." She whispered. "I was...abused by my father...I was his play thing." The tears rolled down her cheeks. She never thought she'd tell anyone, especially a man. "Abused how?" Jack asked softly. "I...he...raped me, for most of my life." Jack's free hand clenched and he bit down a rush of anger. He leaned forward and kissed Davina on the forehead. He felt her tears hitting his arm and ran his fingers under her chin, lifting her face up to his. "I'm sorry Dav." He gave her a nickname. "If you trust me...I'll protect you from him." He said softly. He watched her eyes fill with love and gratitude. "Thank you Jack. Thank you so much." Jack smiled warmly, but he found they were both leaning into each other and he didn't stop it as their lips met. He kissed her tenderly, but passionately. He wouldn't push it, until he was sure that was what she wanted.