Disclaimer: I own nothing from Pirates of the Caribbean. sigh
Author's Note: Reviews to reviews at the end of the chapter! Thanks for reading, me dears! And this story is definitely staying PG13. I know that may disappoint some and bring relief to others. Mwahaha! Can you dig it? Enjoy the chapter!
PineAppleLint
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An hour later, Jack and Terrence were running up the steps of Governor Swann's luxurious mansion.
Jack was about to knock on the door when she grabbed his hand and said, "I still can't believe you did this. Everyone's goin' to notice."
"That's the whole point, luv," he replied with a wink, swiping a few fingers along the bottom of her collarbone, "It shows your mine and mine only, savvy?"
She glanced down, desperately trying to get another look at the love bite Jack had graced her with less than an hour ago. It had turned a sort of purplish color, and there was no way she was going to be able to cover it up with her low cut dress.
Jack Sparrow looked like quite the gentleman to her surprise. He had finally agreed in the midst of their wild rush to get ready that he would allow her to help. He wore plain black pants and a clean white shirt with a black overcoat, and his hair was unnaturally tied back, lacking the red bandanna.
Terrence, on the other hand, found herself into another corset again, over her black dress. Not many women wore black, for it usually meant they were in mourning, but Terrence fancied the color, for it matched her hair and odd grey eyes. Her locks were pinned atop of her head, some curls framing her face gracefully.
"Do I look nice?" Jack pouted, staring down at himself in disgust. He put up a real fight when she had showed him the ensemble he was going to wear.
"Ye look distinguished," she said with a laugh, adding, "Ugh, don't make me laugh too hard, o' you'll have to rescue me out o' this corset like ye did with Lizzie."
"I don't find cuttin' ye out of clothes a hassle, darlin'," he whispered into her ear before caressing her bare shoulder.
"We're in front o' the Swann household," she pointed out, "With people comin' up the steps as we speak. Do we want them seein' this?"
"Why not?" he asked, about to place his lips roughly onto her throat when there was a cough coming from the doorway.
"Someone told me there were pirates outside and I should investigate," Norrington informed them with a roll of his eyes, "Come in before I arrest you both for unneeded displays of affection."
"That is a crime I will gladly commit," Jack said with a grin. Terrence bit the inside of her cheek to keep from adding to his comment, and they both followed the Commodore inside. He was dressed in a cream-colored suit with gold buttons and lace. The prim and proper example of the perfect military pansy.
They went through the corridor, which occupied many family portraits on the pale walls and large assorted bouquets in expensive antique vases sitting on polished redwood end tables. Jack offered Gallagher his arm, and she took it appreciatively before pointing at a painting. There was a young girl in the portrait, sitting next to Governor Swann. Terrence could tell those innocent brown eyes and fair skin from anywhere. It was a youthful Elizabeth, and she was perhaps eight or so.
The butlers opened the doors after eyeing the pirates in distaste, revealing the largest room Gallagher had ever seen. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the high, exquisite ceiling. The floor was a mosaic of colored tiles. At one end, there were doors leading to an outside balcony overlooking the ocean. On the other, chairs and tables were set up for guests, as well as a large display of distinguished-looking food sitting out for the taking. Servants were moseying around with trays of crystal glasses, each filled to the brim with bubbling wine. In the middle of all this, couples were dancing…a plethora of billowing petticoats and jacket lapels, of swirling men and women enjoying themselves.
The crowd of wealthy aristocrats grew hushed as they entered, and they stared upon the pirates in shock and horror. Who dare invite such miscreants to such a social occasion?! Jack waved to them wildly, crying such things as "What an extravagant dress!" or "Nice party, eh?", causing gasps to hiss through the room at his 'appalling' behavior.
"You're so subtle," Terrence whispered into his ear, smirking up at him.
"I try," he replied, watching the violins, cellos, and bass play avidly before saying, "Would me lady want a drink? Or two? It's a shame really that they do not supply rum at such an event."
"I know what ye mean," she replied as Jack jumped in front of a middle-aged servant, practically making him pee his pants, and scooped two glasses from the tray, handing one to her. She took a sip as Jack threw his head back, slipping it all down his throat in less than a matter of seconds.
"Easy…now's not the time to be intoxicated, darling," she teased. Turning her head around, she noticed one young blonde eyeing her love bite in repulsion before turning and gossiping about it with her equally repulsed friends. Norrington was standing near the glass doors to the balcony, holding an empty wine glass, watching the dancers with mild interest.
"Do ye see the Turners yet?" she asked Jack.
"Nah. Maybe they're havin' themselves a nice tumble like we did right before…"
She placed a finger to his lips and said impishly, "Not in mixed company. Now ye keep yourself occupied while I have a bit o' fun with our dear Commdore, aye?"
"Why would ye try to have fun with him? That whelp has no personality," Jack argued, wrinkling his nose, "Don't leave me alone wit' these people! What kind o' gel are you, eh? Leavin' poor Jack by his onesies?"
"Have another drink and I'll be back before you know it," Terrence said with a smile, "I promise." And she turned, heading off to where Norrington stood, grabbing more full glasses in the process.
Norrington immediately saw her coming over and scowled. "What do you think you are doing?"
She handed him the full glass, taking his empty one and placing it on the nearest table. "Loosen up, James. Can I call ye James? It's a party, everyone's invited! So why aren't ye havin' any fun?"
He snorted. "I'm having fun," he replied arrogantly, "I'm just resting, is all."
She snorted back, answering, "I'm so sure, luv. Now dance wit' me, all right? I don't want to look stupid standin' here. I haven't even gotten to dance yet."
Norrington turned red and said in surprise, "You want to dance with me? You're a pirate."
"And you're a Commodore. Why does it matter? Really, James, for once can we just push aside our differences? We hardly know each other. What harm can one lil' dance do?"
"I do not dance with women scoundrels such as…" but he choked on his own words when she grabbed him by the front of his jacket and pulled him out onto the dance floor.
"Sparrow will not be pleased…" he gasped out as she whirled him around and placed his hand on her waist and clasped the other with her own. She grinned at him, watching his face flush, but he obediently began to lead her into a waltz.
"I don't care what Sparrow thinks. There ye go! I knew you'd be a damn good dancer," she mused with a nod as he twirled her around.
He nodded towards her chest and said, "What is that? A battle wound?"
Terrence almost burst out laughing. Clearly this man had never been given love bites, nor had he given them to any girl. Poor lad. He had so much to experience, so little time. "Ye could say that," she said, eyes twinkling. Someone tapped Norrington's shoulder and they stopped amidst their dance. Suddenly, she came face to face with who she guessed was Governor Swann. At least, from the portrait in the hallway, she came to that logical conclusion.
"Commodore Norrington! Who is this lovely young lady?" he pressed with a warm smile, "Is this the woman you're escorting tonight?"
Terrence smiled as Norrington sputtered, "No, Governor. Mister Sparrow is escorting her."
"I'm Captain Terrence Gallagher, at your service," she replied politely, sticking out her hand, "The Commodore was just being a gentleman and asked me to dance."
"Jack Sparrow?" Governor Swann questioned, eyes wide, "He's here? On the premises? And how are you associated with that rogue?"
"I am…"
"His bonny lass!" Jack responded gleefully from behind, grabbing her by the hands and twirling her around in a circle before saying breathlessly, "Nice to see ye again, Governor. How long has it been…?"
"About two years…did my daughter invite you?" he asked, trying to sound respectful but forceful simultaneously. Governor Swann adjusted the wig on his head in an unorganized manner as the Commodore narrowed his eyes at the two pirates. So now he knew the truth. They weren't really there to be Guests of Honor. Whoops.
"Have ye been tryin' to make me jealous, luv?" Jack murmured to Terrence, a smile tugging at his lips, "Lettin' the Commodore whisk you off of your feet?"
"Not at all…and I turned down his request that he be allowed to make wild love to me."
"If he ever touches ye, I swear I'll…"
"How noble o' you," she teased, "Tryin' to protect me. But let me remind you, Jack…I don't need protecting. Especially not from a cad like Norrington."
"I would really like to know what you both are doing here. I'd love to hear an explanation," Governor Swann said pleasantly, interrupting their private whispering.
"And I second that notion," Norrington said with a glare, "Governor, your daughter led me to believe that these two troublemakers were Guests of Honor."
Before the Governor could reply, Elizabeth bound up to the four of them and cried, "Oh Father! We finally made it!" and wrapped her arms around him, gently kissing him on the cheek. Mr. Swann seemed to lose the tension he had attained before as he positively beamed upon his only daughter.
"My dear! How wonderful of you to arrive! Now where is you're husband?"
"With Michael at the table. I see you have met our Guests of Honor?" she said delightedly, motioning towards the two frozen pirates.
"Guests of Honor…? Oh!" he exclaimed after Elizabeth gently elbowed him, widening her eyes a bit to get the point across that he should play along, "Oh yes! The Guests of Honor! Now the party has finally started since Mister Sparrow and Miss Gallagher have arrived," he said hastily.
"Jack has agreed to help deliver goods to Oxbay," Elizabeth said excitedly, "Isn't that grand of him?"
"Indeed! What a fine fellow!" Governor Swann patted Jack on the back a couple times before saying, "Once Governor Crowe has arrived, we shall discuss these matters in greater detail, hmm?"
"Of course, sir. I wouldn't miss that discussion for all the world. Now if you'll excuse me, I do believe I owe milady a dance," Sparrow said with a cheeky grin before escorting Gallagher away from the hubbub, leaving a peeved Norrington, curious Governor, and relieved Elizabeth in their wake.
"Bloody hell, what a mess," Terrence mused as he began spinning her around expertly, "That Mrs. Turner is quite the clever little minx, ain't she?"
"We certainly owe her one," Jack agreed, dipping her extravagantly to the floor before whipping her back up into his arms yet again, "And you, luv, owe me one as well!"
"How so?" she questioned with a mock frown.
"For savin' us from the Governor, of course! If we stayed any longer, I bet he would've yakked our ears off!"
"So that's who Elizabeth gets it from," Terrence said thoughtfully, keeping up with Jack's intricate waltzing, "Say Jack, ye certainly are good on your feet. Have I told ye that before?"
"But I'm even better off me feet, don't ye agree?" he replied slyly. She grinned and rested more solidly in his arms, leaning her head on his shoulder. Terrence could sense him breathing in her sweet scent before he kissed the top of her head. Will stepped up to the two of them, cradling a sleeping Michael in his arms.
"I was wondering if you could watch Michael while I dance with Elizabeth…" he said with a knowing grin, "But if I'm interrupting anything…"
"Will, you look so handsome!" Terrence said and embraced him, being careful as to not suffocate the baby, "Of course, ye always look handsome so what am I sayin'?"
"You're too kind. It will only be for a couple minutes," Will said reassuringly before gently lying Michael in Terrence's arms, "I will be back to get him soon."
"You two enjoy yourselves," Terrence said calmly, "We'll be fine. Get Lizzie a drink and romance her to death, aye?"
Will cast her a warm smile, softly touched Michael's tiny cheek, and walked off to find his wife.
The baby squirmed and Terrence stared down at the tiny bundle hesitantly, "Does it need somethin'?"
"I don't think so," Jack said curiously, poking it on the nose lightly, "Maybe it just needs some fresh air."
"That sounds like a mighty fine idea," she agreed, but before she could begin her journey to the balcony, Governor Swann returned with a younger man in tow. They just couldn't win tonight!
"Jack Sparrow? Terrence Gallagher? This is Governor Crowe of Oxbay," Mr. Swann said politely, ushering the stranger forth. He was in his forties, Terrence thought while studying him, with broad shoulders and a large chest. Mr. Crowe was about a foot taller than Governor Swann, and had a black moustache with a matching wig.
"Pleased to meet you," Terrence said with a nod, and Jack shook his hand. The man had a towering presence that seemed to make everyone around him nervous. Jack Sparrow and Terrence Gallagher weren't the least bit intimidated, and that seemed to aggravate Mr. Crowe.
"The pleasure's all mine," he replied in a deep voice, "So you're the infamous Jack Sparrow. I've heard all about you."
"You're making me blush," Jack said with a grin, placing a fluttering hand over his heart.
"And I see that you have kidnapped my grandson," Governor Swann said playfully, looking at the sleeping babe in Terrence's arms.
"Just for a while as your daughter and her husband have themselves a bit of fun," Terrence replied, motioning with one hand over to where Elizabeth and Will were dancing and chatting leisurely across the room.
"And you are Captain Gallagher?" Governor Crowe mentioned flatly, eyeing her emotionlessly, "There's quite a price on your head, young lady, and here you are in Governor Swann's household, indulging in life's little splendors right in front of the military. I do not think they appreciate that. Not at all."
"Have to keep them on their toes somehow, hmm?" she answered with a wink.
"Well now," Crowe responded without amusement, "I believe we have some things to discuss with you, Captain Sparrow. Come, get a drink and have a chat with Mr. Swann and me. I'd like to hear how you are going to benefit Port Royal and Oxbay's healthy alliance."
Jack shot Gallagher a sympathetic look over his shoulder before the two men led him across the room and out of her sight. She sighed and walked slowly through the glass doors, breathing in the fresh, salty air as she took the first steps outside onto the balcony. Michael moved a little in his sleep and curled up close to her breasts.
"You're not so bad," she said to little Michael thoughtfully, running a finger through his wispy brown hair, "Just don't soil yourself anytime soon, all right, mate? Wait until your mum comes and takes ye off o' me hands."
He yawned a little baby yawn and Gallagher couldn't help but grin. "So damn helpless," she murmured, rocking him a bit, "But I guess I can see how you've grown on the Turners."
"Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation…"
Gallagher glanced up, clearly startled from where she rested against a marble pillar, and came face to face with one of the most dangerous looking men she had ever seen. His piercing green eyes seemed to look straight through her, his curly black hair was unruly in the slight breeze, and he wore a midnight blue suit. It was a nice suit, but it seemed foreboding, threatening. He was of Hispanic background; she knew that much for sure because of the olive complexion and chiseled face sculpture. He just stood there, wine glass loosely in his hand, studying her.
"If ye call talkin' to a lil' babe actually holdin' a conversation with someone," she said with a smile, "Who might you be?"
"Everett Malvado."
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Oh boy. Cliffhanger time! I know how you all hate cliffhanger time, and my deepest apologies. Now it's time for reviewer responses!
DaydreamBeliever14: Thank you so much for reading. I love getting your reviews. (gasps) My chapters aren't only good, they're savvy! (feels tears coming on) Thanks again!
Goth Princess: Hey, me dear! Love talkin' to ye online! I hope your story is going splendidly and I can't wait to read it. Here's your update, and if I don't update soon I hope Jack punishes me. Mwahahaha!
Belinda: Thank you so much for liking the shanty! Isn't it so much fun just making up random songs?
Belind-a…..
You're a cool review-a….
Sorry for the cliffhanger don't sue-a…
Hope you enjoyed the chapt-a!
(musical interlude)
Loony: I thought you went comatose since I haven't heard from you for a while! Yeah that video rocked my socks, there were some parts where you'd go "yeah, that's definitely NOT Johnny" but hey, it's all good. You are such a wacky reviewer. Thanks so much for reading!
Emma436: LoL didn't that video rock? I love steamy chapters! Drinks all around! Aw, thanks for liking the shanty. You are such an awesome reviewer, I always get one from you. Thank you for being such a hip up-to-date reviewer! For that I present to you a lovely, polished tricorne hat identical to Jack's…(strokes chin evilly) Or perhaps it is Jack's?
VagrantCandy: Hello, luv! Yay, thanks for liking the shanty! Aw, I bet you could come up with something like that. Cool reviewers such as ye have to be mucho creative. (salutes)
Jeyke: Hey me darlin'! Aw, you're making me blush. I'm glad you liked it. Don't worry, the rating isn't going to change, and things aren't going to get any 'worse' than what you've already read. (crinkles nose) 'Descriptive' romance stories just ain't me style. Thanks again!
TheSiriusSparrow: Alex! What's up, gal? Don't worry, you're not a lazy reviewer. I appreciate this one! I think 'kinky' is Jack Sparrow's middle name, and boy, if I was Gallagher…rowr!
Turtlecrazy53: Yay! I love quick updates too. This quick update's for you, dearie! LoL the video, I still can't get over that…I watched CMT for an hour and a half just to see it so I could tape it. I preferred the grape part. (wink) Sparrow plus grapes equals Yum!
Louisefamesavvy: One word for you: Wow. I cannot express how much gratitude I feel for such kind words…I got your review in the email and my jaw dropped. You almost made me cry. : ) In a good way, of course. I am so glad you like "Trade with the Devil" and I hope it certainly lives up to your expectations during the chapters to come. My friend and I (she's one of my good critics lol) were on the phone until about midnight last night talking this story over, and we basically talked over the whole plot. So this story does have a direction and I'm particularly pleased with the outline I've created for it so far. It's people like you I write it for. So part of it is officially dedicated to you, me dearie! Thank you so much for reading and simply enjoying it. May you always have beautiful horizons and brilliant adventures at sea!
Katie: You rock, Katie! You have helped me so much and given me such a confidence booster as a writer. As I said to Louisefamesavvy, you are one of my good critics and I'll always value your opinions and ideas. The grape part is awesome in the video…after I got off the phone with you I walked around with grapes and pretended I was having a Jack Sparrow moment. (ahem) Maybe I shouldn't admit that in cyber public. You ARE corrupting me. STOP IT! LoL Actually, it's fun! Whee!
Delly: Yay! My avid reviewer! You are so awesome, and I love hearing from you…hope you enjoyed the chapter!
The Dutchess of Doom: Mwahahaha! (fans self) So it is hot in here and it isn't just me! You're so great, gal. Yeah, I particularly love the relationships where they can fight like hell and then totally forget what they were fighting about and give into their…(whispers) desires! That's why I love Devon so much…she kicks major arse. Aw, I'm glad you liked the shanty. Just say the word, and I won't hesitate to make a raunchy one for Devon herself! LoL Okay, so maybe not TOO raunchy, but it has to have a little kick to it if Devon's singing it, aye? Good luck writing, dearie, and thank you for reading!
LuckySparrow: Haha. Nekkid. I love that word now. Nekkid. And I love it even better when 'Jack Sparrow' is in the same sentence as nekkid. I love hearin' from you, lass!
Pirate Gyrl: I just read your new "Silver and Gold" chapter and it kicks so much arse there are no words. (of course I am going to review later but I'm just getting over the initial shock of Lor and Jack finally meeting up again) Yay! You loved the shanty! That makes me gleeful. Full of glee! Now scoot, you lovely writer you! You have more chapters to concoct. Thank you so much for reviewing, I appreciate every single word.
Kello287: Here's another quick update for you, me dear! You are a bloody awesome reviewer. Thank you so much for enjoying the story. Now go pillage and plunder and loot! You've earned it!
For everyone else who has reviewed this chapter after I posted this, thank you so much. You rock my socks!