A/N: Sorry about the lack of updates in FOREVER, but school has completely devoured my life, lol. I don't own POTC, or anything Disney related, this is all in the name of fun. Read and Review PLEASE!
"Take him on deck, but don't hurt him," James said to Camron as Ragetti struggled against their grasp. "Let him roam, as long as he doesn't try and communicate with the Servant." The men heaved the pirate upon deck, and James rowed back. Sneaking aboard the ship, he watched Barbossa and Ginny on the deck, with small glasses of brandy in their hands. His nostrils flared as Barbossa pushed a stray hair off of Ginny's face. She laughed, looking slightly discomforted. James made to step forward, but watched a chubby, balding pirate rush up to the Captain.
"Cap'n, Ragetti ne're came back!"
"What?" Barbossa hissed. The pirate pointed across the sea.
"He went in the longboat and ne're came back," the pirate nearly shouted. Barbossa began to stride forward, as if to yell to the Damned Dishonor. Suddenly, James let out a shout.
"I'm 'ere Cap'n! I need to relieve meself, I'll return shortly," he cried. Barbossa truned to the pirate.
"There, satisfied? Now remove yourself from me sight," he yelled, then spun back to Ginny.
"My apologies, miss," he smiled, while she just laughed.
"Oh please, captain. You have your duties, don't let me distract you from them," Ginny beamed. James let out a soft hiss.
"Miss Shields, I must say, ye are a beautiful young woman…it's nice to see a woman other than the young Miss Swann aboard, for I must constantly deal with her arguing with young William. They're young and foolhardy and don't know what they want…I suppose ye know the feeling?" Barbossa smiled. "I imagine ye have yerself a suitor?" he asked. Ginny winced.
"Well actually…not exactly, Captain," she bit her lip, and continued apprehensively. "I'm not exactly connected with anyone at the moment." Barbossa's eyes lit up, and he smiled.
"Ye know, Miss Shields, a pirate's wife is a smart option for any young lady such as yourself," he began. James jaw nearly hit the deck, while Ginny shook her head.
"Captain, I must decline," she said, but this didn't sit well.
"Please, Miss, I insist, let me be your supporter…unless of course your mind is on someone else?" he cackled. Ginny whimpered.
"No...no, it's not like that, I just…I need some time to consider this generous offer, captain. Engagement is quite a major decision, and it's not that I am not honored, it is simply such a commitment, and I quite enjoy my adventure," she fanned herself, feeling slightly overheated. "It's hot, isn't it?" she questioned.
"Are ye feeling well, Miss Shields?" he took her hand. James' nails dug into his palm, while Ginny's cheeks glowed.
"I'm well, Captain, my goodness, it's late, isn't it? As I need time to think about such an…unexpected turn of events, I must be getting back," she said. James nodded, begging to turn, when Barbossa shook his head.
"Stay on board me ship, Miss Shields. It is indeed late, we wouldn't need ye to be lost at sea."
"Oh but…Jam—the captain will worry," she countered. Barbossa waves his hand idly.
"He knows you're in good hands. Please, I insist," he took her arm and led her to an empty cabin.
"Well…er…thank you, Captain," she smiled graciously, while Barbossa chortled.
"Please, m'lady, call me Hector," he leaned forward and kissed her cheek, then closed the door. It took every bit of self restraint for James not to attempt murder right then and there. As he watched Barbossa stride away, James' mind began to spin. Had he really just witnessed a proposal? The leeway time he was giving for Barbossa to leave and for Ginny to change felt more like hours than mere minutes, and finally, James snuck forward and nearly knocked down her door.
"Ye…oh James!" she gasped, throwing her arms around him. He walked into the dim cabin and Ginny closed the door.
"One question, did he violate you in any way?" James asked, and she shook her head.
"No, he was a perfect gentleman. Oh James, he proposed, and I simply couldn't answer. It's not that I couldn't see myself as the wife of a pirate captain, hell; I'd simply adore it, but not him! I've hardly known him a day! But if I decline, he may not allow us to continue the voyage, but oh James, I can't marry him! I simply can't!" she cried, collapsing to the bed. James sat next to her, a comforting arm about her.
"Hush hush now, everything's fine," he said as Ginny turned and began crying into his shoulder.
How long they sat there, James didn't know, but he awoke the following morning beside Ginny once again, his arms around her. She had burrowed her head under his arm and was fast asleep. He sighed and gasped as he heard approaching footsteps. He rolled out of the bed and rushed into the closet just as a knock was placed upon her door.
"Miss Shields," came Barbossa's voice. She didn't move. James bit his lip. "Miss Shields," the voice repeated, becoming alarmed.
"Oh please wake up, please," James mumbled. If Barbossa thought she had run away, he might set fire upon the Dishonor.
"Miss Shields," Barbossa nearly screamed, and Ginny bolted upright.
"AH! Yes, I'm awake! Give me a moment to find my robe!" she jumped up, and James held it out, motioning for her to keep quiet. She opened the door. "Good morning, Captain," she smiled. He took her hands.
"Best of mornings to you, m'lady. Please, I beg for ye to accompany me at breakfast once ye have changed from your sleeping clothes," he smiled and kissed her hand. James' fist clenched, while Ginny simply smiled halfheartedly.
"Of course, give me just a moment to dress, Captain," she smiled and shut her door. James stepped out from the closet.
"Well now what?" he asked, and she sighed.
"I'm eating breakfast with Captain Barbossa, that's all. Nothing suspicious. I'll take care of myself…you ought to get back to the Dishonor, you've been gone far too long," she said as she stepped behind her changing screen to put on her undergarments
"No, I cannot let you be here alone. Imagine if he tries to take advantage of you! How will you take care of yourself?" James stood defiantly. Ginny peeked out.
"He's quite a gentleman, even if he is a pirate! I doubt he'll even lay a finger on me!" she scowled, lacing up her gown. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to breakfast," she stormed away, James following, and hiding behind a coil of rope, positioning himself to pounce.
