Disclaimer: Anything created by Disney is not mine.
A/N: Jeez Louise, I thought that glitch on FanFiction would never get cleaned up! Huzzah, for smart computer fixer uppers, huzzah! Where we last left off, Jack was caught in the act of saying some pretty dirty and personal stuff. What's a gal to do? Enjoy Chapter 4!
PineAppleLint
* * *
Jack let out a slow breath. "She's standin' right behind me, isn't she?" He turned slowly in his seat and his kohl-rimmed eyes widened when he met her gaze. There she was standing confidently before him, hands on her hips with an amused smile plastered onto her tanned, lovely face.
God, how he had missed her. She seemed taller than he remembered her last. Her raven hair was a bit shorter, cut to her mid-back, but still as curly as ever. She had it tied up in a navy rag, a black hat perched lopsided on her head with a tiny midnight blue feather extending from it. She wore black sea boots up to her knees, and dark forest green breeches were tucked into them. Her off-white shirt was slightly smudged with dirt, and her large black coat pulled the whole ensemble together. Gallagher had her pistol tucked into her large belt, and her sword sheathed in a handcrafted holder with the Dancing Horizon's symbol engraved into it. Her piercing grey eyes were full of humor and barely contained lust.
"Terrence," he said a bit hoarsely, "It's a pleasure to see ye again." He felt a certain heat, one he experienced only with her, burst through his body and flow on the current of his bloodstream.
"The pleasure's all mine, Jack," she replied in that honey-rich, feminine tone of hers, "I see ye have been entertain' yer crew with a few stories."
She glanced at the crew, who was eyeing her with smiles on their faces or staring at the table in embarrassment. Jack flushed and stood up from his chair, feeling awkward sitting and having to look up at her.
"Why don't ye kiss her already, Jack?" Gibbs asked with a snort, "After all, that's all you've been fantasizing about for the last couple o' months!" The crew chuckled in agreement, then waited patiently for Jack to carry out that task.
Gallagher raised her eyebrows at Sparrow, who shot Gibbs a murderous look for putting him on the spot. He couldn't deny it though...he had been fantasizing lately. A lot. After all, he was a pirate.
"A couple months, eh?" she teased as he moved closer to her, sliding shaky hands across her slim hips.
"Don't ruin the moment," he murmured with a grin, and his mouth descended onto hers. The crew cheered and they smiled against each other's lips. Terrence had missed the way his goatee and mustache tickled her skin as he kissed her rather expertly, the way his brown eyes would darken when he became aroused. If that wasn't his sword poking her at the moment, his eyes must have been very dark if they had been open in the midst of their kiss.
He felt like he would explode when he felt her fingers slowly slide underneath his shirt and touch the burning skin of abdomen. Jack broke away from her and nuzzled the side of her face so he could whisper and no one would hear: "If we don't stop now, I won't be able to contain meself. And we have to set a good example, hmm?"
She bit her lip, for she was about to cry out, "Screw good example!" but thought better of it.
"Get a room!" Anamaria commented gruffly from behind. Gallagher turned and slid gently out of Jack's embrace in order to greet her dear friend.
"Ana! Stayin' out o' trouble, I hope," Terrence winked, patting the young woman on the back.
She replied with a flick of her hand, "Oh, ye know. It comes and goes. How about ye?"
"Mmm, lot's of trouble," Gallagher said mysteriously, "And not so much trying to stay out o' it."
"This is a story I HAVE to hear," Anamaria informed her, "But later. Dear Captain's getting pretty anxious to get ye alone."
Terrence rolled her eyes and said, "That can wait." Actually, she was trying to convince herself that. The slight wavering in her voice gave her need away, causing Anamaria to flash a cat-like smile.
"Mr. Gibbs!" Gallagher said warmly, "How are ye holdin' up?"
"I'm alright, lass," he responded just as good-naturedly, "Got me rum, so I'm a happy bastard."
She tipped her hat to rest of the crew, who nodded, acknowledging her existence as well as sneaking some curious glances her way when they thought she wasn't looking. Some of the newer members did not know her personally, but heard about her from other crew members or from stories of the adventures she took part in that Jack had enjoyed telling. Jack was always a good story-teller. He would always use the right dramatic emphasis, sometimes acting out insane little physical actions to make them laugh.
"Would ye want to sit down and have a drink, Captain Gallagher?" Linus, an older blond-haired pirate, suggested, "On the house."
Gallagher was about to open her mouth and reply but she felt Jack's hands slide up her back softly, and his warm, entrancing voice saying, "We really must get goin'. Ye know, need a chance to catch up and all."
The crew nodded, some actually having the nerve to reply sarcastically, "Sure, if that's what ye want to call it" or "Have fun. Don't tire out."
He shot them an I'll-deal-with-you-later look, took Gallagher's callused hand in his own, and led her out into the rough streets of Tortuga.
It felt so natural to be walking right next to his swaggering form, and for a minute they didn't talk, just snuck little glimpses of each other as if they wanted to make sure the other was actually real and standing right there next to them. His fingers stroked hers lazily and she said, "Ye look good, Jack. I think ye're swagger has actually worsened since I last saw ye."
"It's because I'm overcome by me own handsomeness luv," he replied, eyes twinkling, "I'd expect ye to start swaggerin' soon yerself."
"Don't get yer hopes up," she retorted, keeping up with his uneven strides. One of his rings were brushing against her palm, so she glanced down to see. It was Snidely's, the one identical to her own. The emerald winked up at her in the hazy moonlight.
Jack caught her peeking at it and grinned. "Ye mean ye didn't barter it off in Singapore or wherever ye have been?" she asked with a smirk, "Jack, I'm thoroughly impressed."
"Would I do that to me bonny lass? Never."
"Where have ye been, Jack? Wouldn't ye like to enlighten me?" she wondered aloud.
"Hmm..." he stroked his goatee and tiny braids, reminiscing about his travels, "We stayed in the Spanish Main, luv. Many merchant ships run through there this time o' year."
"And did it pay off?"
"Beautifully," he said impishly, "Managed to become a bit richer. Used a lot o' it to fix up the Pearl."
"How is she?" she questioned.
He slid an arm around her casually as they walked down a side street, ignoring the gunfight going on at the end of the road. "She's doing dashingly, luv," he answered, getting that far off look in his eyes whenever he talked about his ship, "Just a few injuries during a storm, but other than that she's fine." He paused, then added, "She misses ye."
"Well tell her I missed her too," she smiled.
"Tomorrow ye can come tell her personally," Jack offered, his eyes lighting up like a boy getting a rather large package for his birthday.
"I'd like that."
"So what about you, Terrence? Go off on an adventure without me?"
"Let's just say I ran into one unexpectedly and I don't know what to make of it," she said sheepishly. He pouted, but motioned for her to continue explaining her situation.
"We visited Isla de Fuego about two weeks ago, and there I managed to get a hold o' this." After looking around hesitantly, she slid the chain out from underneath her shirt and showed him what hung from it. He instantly recognized the ring he gave her, the flicker of pleasure in his eyes told her that, then he frowned when his stare rested on the key.
"What the hell is that?" he asked, leaning in closer, "And why are ye so careful with it?"
"Jack, there's somethin' goin' on that I don't know anythin' about. I hate that feeling. The old Spanish woman who gave this to me said to keep it safe, that something bad would happen, and a half hour after we set sail, the whole island was aflame."
Jack sucked in a breath and stated, "That can never be good."
"Yeah. And I'm not sure but I think it's cursed. I was standin' under that tiny chandelier in me cabin the other day and it came crashin' down, barely missin' me head and getting me in the leg."
His gaze softened with concern and he questioned, "Coincidence?"
"Too many bad things have been happening for it to be purely a coincidence."
Jack's eyes roamed the key and he said, "What is the snake supposed to mean?"
"One o' me crewmembers says it represents the devil."
He licked his lips in thought and murmured, "That's very interestin'..." Sparrow, curiosity getting the better of him, reached out to touch it. As his fingers connected with the silver key, he yelped and drew his hand back to his side, then examined it as if he were cut.
"What? What happened?" she asked with worry, reaching for his hand and studying it. There was a burn welt on his finger.
"That son of a bitch burned me!" he cried, "What the hell have ye gotten yourself into, Gallagher?" He stared in amazement as she tucked the key back into her shirt where it clearly touched her own skin but didn't inflict any wound at all.
She shrugged, "I'm not sure, but I'm willin' to find out."
"I have a friend in town," Jack suggested, "That specializes in artifacts. We could go and see him tomorrow if ye want. His store will be closed now."
Gallagher grinned, "So I suppose I should count you in?"
"I suppose. It isn't everyday I have a bonny lass that messes with Lucifer himself."
"Should I take that as a compliment?" she joked before pressing a kiss to his burned finger, then entwining them into his, settling their embraced hands in between their bodies as they walked.
"Luv, I have yet to figure that out," he informed her, flashing his wicked gold teeth, "After all, I have all night, aye?"
As soon as he uttered that last sentence, they found themselves at the doorstep of their favorite inn. Opening the door, he said, "After you" and bowed like a pompous gentleman. She breathed in the sweet scent of lavender and chamomile tea, and had her eyes adjust to the dim lamplight. Jack swayed over to the desk and talked to the plump woman about getting a room.
Gallagher stared at the old paintings hanging on the walls, which were covered with fresh cream paint. Beautiful oak furniture was rearranged by a lit, cracking fireplace, and fresh cut sunflowers were perched in a china vase. This was certainly a more respectable building of Tortuga.
She felt Jack wrap his arms around her from behind and murmur, "Our quarters awaits, luv." Terrence turned around and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, then followed him up the sleek wooden stairs. Room 13. She felt her breathing quicken in anticipation as he jammed the key into the lock and clicked open the door.
It was pitch dark, except for the moonlight streaming in through the open window. All she could make out was a big four poster bed with clean white sheets arranged neatly on the mattress. A long body length mirror stood at the opposite wall, and adjacent to that was a dresser with a water pitcher and bowl set on top of it.
Once Jack locked the door, he threw the keys to the floor and pressed her roughly up against the wall. He couldn't contain himself any longer. Terrence met his kiss with equal feverish passion, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him closer so that she could barely breathe. Jack's smell made her lightheaded, in a good way of course. That salty ocean scent laced with rum had haunted her dreams for nights on end.
He ran his hands to her neck and unclasped her necklace, tossing it gently to the floor, not wanting any more injuries caused by cursed keys. He wanted no boundaries from her tonight. Their lips met again and she fisted a hand in his hair as he whispered her name.
"So," she teased breathlessly, "Is this what you'd call 'getting straight to business'?"
* * *
"Eli, you're a smart lad, aren't ye?"
The young boy looked down at the ground, flushing instantly.
"Do ye remember anythin' about the conversation ye overheard that night in Isla de Fuego, boy?"
"The one with Captain Gallagher, sir?"
"Aye, that's the one," he said with a slow, cruel smile, "Tell me what you heard."
"All I heard was them mention Jack Sparrow and Tortuga."
Captain Malvado's eyes lit up instantly. "Thank ye, Eli. Ye go get some shut eye. We're off to an early start tomorrow."
"Aye, sir." The boy scampered off, pleased to have gotten approval from the captain himself.
So it was true. All the rumors he heard when he walked into some tavern in the middle of the night. Gallagher and Sparrow were lovers. Sightings of them together had been the talk of the town they had been in last. Women and men alike marveled at the romance of it all, two well to do captains walking together arm in arm late at night, sharing kisses as well as a full bottle of rum.
If it didn't all but make him sick.
That whore had something of his and he wanted it back, dammit. He would kill her and everyone she loved to get it back. That was the price to pay if he didn't get what he wanted.
Captain Malvado laughed to himself. He was a heartless bastard, he knew, but that just made it all the more easier to acquire the power and wealth he so craved.
Tortuga was their next destination, he decided. It would take another week and they would probably leave by that time, but he would stay hot on their trail. Bar wenches and greedy pirates would tell any kind of information for a couple of shillings. Or if they had a pistol aimed at their head. Malvado preferred the latter. That was the thing he loved about piracy...most men didn't give a shit about what they squealed about, even if it means someone else's life, as long as they saved their own ass.
It was a cruel world, but he was an even crueler man.
* * *
Reviews are splendid!
* * *
A/N: Jeez Louise, I thought that glitch on FanFiction would never get cleaned up! Huzzah, for smart computer fixer uppers, huzzah! Where we last left off, Jack was caught in the act of saying some pretty dirty and personal stuff. What's a gal to do? Enjoy Chapter 4!
PineAppleLint
* * *
Jack let out a slow breath. "She's standin' right behind me, isn't she?" He turned slowly in his seat and his kohl-rimmed eyes widened when he met her gaze. There she was standing confidently before him, hands on her hips with an amused smile plastered onto her tanned, lovely face.
God, how he had missed her. She seemed taller than he remembered her last. Her raven hair was a bit shorter, cut to her mid-back, but still as curly as ever. She had it tied up in a navy rag, a black hat perched lopsided on her head with a tiny midnight blue feather extending from it. She wore black sea boots up to her knees, and dark forest green breeches were tucked into them. Her off-white shirt was slightly smudged with dirt, and her large black coat pulled the whole ensemble together. Gallagher had her pistol tucked into her large belt, and her sword sheathed in a handcrafted holder with the Dancing Horizon's symbol engraved into it. Her piercing grey eyes were full of humor and barely contained lust.
"Terrence," he said a bit hoarsely, "It's a pleasure to see ye again." He felt a certain heat, one he experienced only with her, burst through his body and flow on the current of his bloodstream.
"The pleasure's all mine, Jack," she replied in that honey-rich, feminine tone of hers, "I see ye have been entertain' yer crew with a few stories."
She glanced at the crew, who was eyeing her with smiles on their faces or staring at the table in embarrassment. Jack flushed and stood up from his chair, feeling awkward sitting and having to look up at her.
"Why don't ye kiss her already, Jack?" Gibbs asked with a snort, "After all, that's all you've been fantasizing about for the last couple o' months!" The crew chuckled in agreement, then waited patiently for Jack to carry out that task.
Gallagher raised her eyebrows at Sparrow, who shot Gibbs a murderous look for putting him on the spot. He couldn't deny it though...he had been fantasizing lately. A lot. After all, he was a pirate.
"A couple months, eh?" she teased as he moved closer to her, sliding shaky hands across her slim hips.
"Don't ruin the moment," he murmured with a grin, and his mouth descended onto hers. The crew cheered and they smiled against each other's lips. Terrence had missed the way his goatee and mustache tickled her skin as he kissed her rather expertly, the way his brown eyes would darken when he became aroused. If that wasn't his sword poking her at the moment, his eyes must have been very dark if they had been open in the midst of their kiss.
He felt like he would explode when he felt her fingers slowly slide underneath his shirt and touch the burning skin of abdomen. Jack broke away from her and nuzzled the side of her face so he could whisper and no one would hear: "If we don't stop now, I won't be able to contain meself. And we have to set a good example, hmm?"
She bit her lip, for she was about to cry out, "Screw good example!" but thought better of it.
"Get a room!" Anamaria commented gruffly from behind. Gallagher turned and slid gently out of Jack's embrace in order to greet her dear friend.
"Ana! Stayin' out o' trouble, I hope," Terrence winked, patting the young woman on the back.
She replied with a flick of her hand, "Oh, ye know. It comes and goes. How about ye?"
"Mmm, lot's of trouble," Gallagher said mysteriously, "And not so much trying to stay out o' it."
"This is a story I HAVE to hear," Anamaria informed her, "But later. Dear Captain's getting pretty anxious to get ye alone."
Terrence rolled her eyes and said, "That can wait." Actually, she was trying to convince herself that. The slight wavering in her voice gave her need away, causing Anamaria to flash a cat-like smile.
"Mr. Gibbs!" Gallagher said warmly, "How are ye holdin' up?"
"I'm alright, lass," he responded just as good-naturedly, "Got me rum, so I'm a happy bastard."
She tipped her hat to rest of the crew, who nodded, acknowledging her existence as well as sneaking some curious glances her way when they thought she wasn't looking. Some of the newer members did not know her personally, but heard about her from other crew members or from stories of the adventures she took part in that Jack had enjoyed telling. Jack was always a good story-teller. He would always use the right dramatic emphasis, sometimes acting out insane little physical actions to make them laugh.
"Would ye want to sit down and have a drink, Captain Gallagher?" Linus, an older blond-haired pirate, suggested, "On the house."
Gallagher was about to open her mouth and reply but she felt Jack's hands slide up her back softly, and his warm, entrancing voice saying, "We really must get goin'. Ye know, need a chance to catch up and all."
The crew nodded, some actually having the nerve to reply sarcastically, "Sure, if that's what ye want to call it" or "Have fun. Don't tire out."
He shot them an I'll-deal-with-you-later look, took Gallagher's callused hand in his own, and led her out into the rough streets of Tortuga.
It felt so natural to be walking right next to his swaggering form, and for a minute they didn't talk, just snuck little glimpses of each other as if they wanted to make sure the other was actually real and standing right there next to them. His fingers stroked hers lazily and she said, "Ye look good, Jack. I think ye're swagger has actually worsened since I last saw ye."
"It's because I'm overcome by me own handsomeness luv," he replied, eyes twinkling, "I'd expect ye to start swaggerin' soon yerself."
"Don't get yer hopes up," she retorted, keeping up with his uneven strides. One of his rings were brushing against her palm, so she glanced down to see. It was Snidely's, the one identical to her own. The emerald winked up at her in the hazy moonlight.
Jack caught her peeking at it and grinned. "Ye mean ye didn't barter it off in Singapore or wherever ye have been?" she asked with a smirk, "Jack, I'm thoroughly impressed."
"Would I do that to me bonny lass? Never."
"Where have ye been, Jack? Wouldn't ye like to enlighten me?" she wondered aloud.
"Hmm..." he stroked his goatee and tiny braids, reminiscing about his travels, "We stayed in the Spanish Main, luv. Many merchant ships run through there this time o' year."
"And did it pay off?"
"Beautifully," he said impishly, "Managed to become a bit richer. Used a lot o' it to fix up the Pearl."
"How is she?" she questioned.
He slid an arm around her casually as they walked down a side street, ignoring the gunfight going on at the end of the road. "She's doing dashingly, luv," he answered, getting that far off look in his eyes whenever he talked about his ship, "Just a few injuries during a storm, but other than that she's fine." He paused, then added, "She misses ye."
"Well tell her I missed her too," she smiled.
"Tomorrow ye can come tell her personally," Jack offered, his eyes lighting up like a boy getting a rather large package for his birthday.
"I'd like that."
"So what about you, Terrence? Go off on an adventure without me?"
"Let's just say I ran into one unexpectedly and I don't know what to make of it," she said sheepishly. He pouted, but motioned for her to continue explaining her situation.
"We visited Isla de Fuego about two weeks ago, and there I managed to get a hold o' this." After looking around hesitantly, she slid the chain out from underneath her shirt and showed him what hung from it. He instantly recognized the ring he gave her, the flicker of pleasure in his eyes told her that, then he frowned when his stare rested on the key.
"What the hell is that?" he asked, leaning in closer, "And why are ye so careful with it?"
"Jack, there's somethin' goin' on that I don't know anythin' about. I hate that feeling. The old Spanish woman who gave this to me said to keep it safe, that something bad would happen, and a half hour after we set sail, the whole island was aflame."
Jack sucked in a breath and stated, "That can never be good."
"Yeah. And I'm not sure but I think it's cursed. I was standin' under that tiny chandelier in me cabin the other day and it came crashin' down, barely missin' me head and getting me in the leg."
His gaze softened with concern and he questioned, "Coincidence?"
"Too many bad things have been happening for it to be purely a coincidence."
Jack's eyes roamed the key and he said, "What is the snake supposed to mean?"
"One o' me crewmembers says it represents the devil."
He licked his lips in thought and murmured, "That's very interestin'..." Sparrow, curiosity getting the better of him, reached out to touch it. As his fingers connected with the silver key, he yelped and drew his hand back to his side, then examined it as if he were cut.
"What? What happened?" she asked with worry, reaching for his hand and studying it. There was a burn welt on his finger.
"That son of a bitch burned me!" he cried, "What the hell have ye gotten yourself into, Gallagher?" He stared in amazement as she tucked the key back into her shirt where it clearly touched her own skin but didn't inflict any wound at all.
She shrugged, "I'm not sure, but I'm willin' to find out."
"I have a friend in town," Jack suggested, "That specializes in artifacts. We could go and see him tomorrow if ye want. His store will be closed now."
Gallagher grinned, "So I suppose I should count you in?"
"I suppose. It isn't everyday I have a bonny lass that messes with Lucifer himself."
"Should I take that as a compliment?" she joked before pressing a kiss to his burned finger, then entwining them into his, settling their embraced hands in between their bodies as they walked.
"Luv, I have yet to figure that out," he informed her, flashing his wicked gold teeth, "After all, I have all night, aye?"
As soon as he uttered that last sentence, they found themselves at the doorstep of their favorite inn. Opening the door, he said, "After you" and bowed like a pompous gentleman. She breathed in the sweet scent of lavender and chamomile tea, and had her eyes adjust to the dim lamplight. Jack swayed over to the desk and talked to the plump woman about getting a room.
Gallagher stared at the old paintings hanging on the walls, which were covered with fresh cream paint. Beautiful oak furniture was rearranged by a lit, cracking fireplace, and fresh cut sunflowers were perched in a china vase. This was certainly a more respectable building of Tortuga.
She felt Jack wrap his arms around her from behind and murmur, "Our quarters awaits, luv." Terrence turned around and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, then followed him up the sleek wooden stairs. Room 13. She felt her breathing quicken in anticipation as he jammed the key into the lock and clicked open the door.
It was pitch dark, except for the moonlight streaming in through the open window. All she could make out was a big four poster bed with clean white sheets arranged neatly on the mattress. A long body length mirror stood at the opposite wall, and adjacent to that was a dresser with a water pitcher and bowl set on top of it.
Once Jack locked the door, he threw the keys to the floor and pressed her roughly up against the wall. He couldn't contain himself any longer. Terrence met his kiss with equal feverish passion, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him closer so that she could barely breathe. Jack's smell made her lightheaded, in a good way of course. That salty ocean scent laced with rum had haunted her dreams for nights on end.
He ran his hands to her neck and unclasped her necklace, tossing it gently to the floor, not wanting any more injuries caused by cursed keys. He wanted no boundaries from her tonight. Their lips met again and she fisted a hand in his hair as he whispered her name.
"So," she teased breathlessly, "Is this what you'd call 'getting straight to business'?"
* * *
"Eli, you're a smart lad, aren't ye?"
The young boy looked down at the ground, flushing instantly.
"Do ye remember anythin' about the conversation ye overheard that night in Isla de Fuego, boy?"
"The one with Captain Gallagher, sir?"
"Aye, that's the one," he said with a slow, cruel smile, "Tell me what you heard."
"All I heard was them mention Jack Sparrow and Tortuga."
Captain Malvado's eyes lit up instantly. "Thank ye, Eli. Ye go get some shut eye. We're off to an early start tomorrow."
"Aye, sir." The boy scampered off, pleased to have gotten approval from the captain himself.
So it was true. All the rumors he heard when he walked into some tavern in the middle of the night. Gallagher and Sparrow were lovers. Sightings of them together had been the talk of the town they had been in last. Women and men alike marveled at the romance of it all, two well to do captains walking together arm in arm late at night, sharing kisses as well as a full bottle of rum.
If it didn't all but make him sick.
That whore had something of his and he wanted it back, dammit. He would kill her and everyone she loved to get it back. That was the price to pay if he didn't get what he wanted.
Captain Malvado laughed to himself. He was a heartless bastard, he knew, but that just made it all the more easier to acquire the power and wealth he so craved.
Tortuga was their next destination, he decided. It would take another week and they would probably leave by that time, but he would stay hot on their trail. Bar wenches and greedy pirates would tell any kind of information for a couple of shillings. Or if they had a pistol aimed at their head. Malvado preferred the latter. That was the thing he loved about piracy...most men didn't give a shit about what they squealed about, even if it means someone else's life, as long as they saved their own ass.
It was a cruel world, but he was an even crueler man.
* * *
Reviews are splendid!
* * *