Musings
It never failed to amaze Lieutenant Theodore Groves when Sparrow came around. Despite the fact he was a fugitive of justice, albeit one with the Governor's reluctant protection, he strolled around the fort like he owned it. Which, in many figurative ways he did, whittling his way into the hearts of many a Naval man, from officers to soldiers. Even Groves himself, he thought with a wry grin, was a bit dazzled. Just a bit.
"DAMNIT SPARROW, NO MEANS NO!"
Seems Sparrow was trying his luck with the Commodore's favors as well.
A very flustered and livid Naval Officer burst out of his office, wig askew as strands of russet brushed over his enraged eyes. He didn't even glance at Groves's salute as he passed, muttering far more colorfully than any high-ranking officer should. Groves blinked once, then again, watching the Commodore's retreat as a familiar pirate ambled to his side. The two watched the withdrawing figure for a moment before the pirate cocked his head, glancing from the lieutenant to the commodore and back, index fingers swaying with his eyes.
"B'fore ya say it, that wasn' entirely m' fault." Jack said uneasily, wincing when a door down the hall slammed shut. Groves's startled face quickly grew to a smirk as he turned to the grimacing captain.
"Oh, so you didn't try to steal his wig? Again?" the lieutenant asked innocently, placing his hands on his hips. Jack flashed him a bright smile.
"Precisely. An' the men say ya Navy lads can't be taught."
Groves couldn't help but chuckle, the easygoing nature of the infamous outlaw surprisingly contagious. So different from their black and blue world.
"How long are you… visiting, Captain Sparrow?" Theodore asked. Jack's face lit with glee at the proper use of his title.
"Indefinitely. Poor Mister Gibbs has a smidgen of something wicked. South American bug, nasty buggers as they are." He said solemnly, placing a filthy hand over his heart. Groves nodded in sympathetic understanding.
The two started down the hall, Groves with a swift nod to a few stunned midshipmen hastily at attention. They scrambled to salute, staring openly at the wild man in stride with their lieutenant. Groves gave them a sharp glare, dispersing the group with ease. His expression turned incredulous.
"They acted as if they've never seen a pirate before…" he muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Jack patted him kindly on the shoulder.
"Probably haven't lad. Ya have your dear Commodore ta thank for that." He commented, raising his eyebrows with a sardonic smirk. Groves opened his mouth to answer as another voice came down the hall, causing Jack to freeze on the spot, expression one of comical horror.
"Gillette! Well mate, lovely conversin' with y' fine naval self but I must be goin'. Gibbs y'know. Crabby as an expectant wife, as it were." The pirate said hastily, rushing in the opposite direction. Groves's barely had the chance to steal a backward glance when Gillette's rage was upon him, pale face drawn into rigid fury.
"And just WHAT was SPARROW doing here? Enjoying a spot of TEA Lieutenant!" the taller man shouted. Groves smiled sheepishly. 'Never a dull moment' took on new meaning with men like Jack Sparrow.