Alright my lovely readers, here is the next installment! I really do enjoy all the feedback, it is much appreciated. We see many things in this chapter, maybe some relationship building and hints of future jealousy? Hmm? Read and see! Enjoy!
I DO NOT OWN PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, I simply own my OC's.
It was a rush in the morning. Katherine was sleeping soundly one minute, then her door was thrown open another, revealing a frantic Captain Sparrow. He threw her boots onto the bed next to her "Come on love, time to wake up," he called hurriedly.
Katherine raised her head drowsily, confusion on her face. "What's going on?" she asked hoarsely.
He shrugged on his coat "It's time to leave," he told her. "I sent June back to the ship, so I had to wake you up."
She sat up and rubbed her eyes "Why such a hurry?" she questioned as she tugged on her boots.
Sparrow was standing at the door, glancing around suspiciously. "We need to get back on the sea," he replied, she had a feeling that wasn't all of it.
When she stood up her head began to swim, a dull throb set in. "Bloody hell," she grumbled while grasping the night stand.
The captain looked over at her with concern, then a knowing grin wedged its way onto his lips. "Ah, too much to drink perhaps?" he grimaced as he heard a shuffling of feet downstairs, shouts echoed. "Time's up love, we have to move," he said as he grabbed her wrist.
Katherine stumbled with him to the first floor, she had to fight to keep her balance, and stomach. She gasped as she saw three, pirate seeming men standing in front of the door. "Jack," the man in the middle, most likely the captain with a large scar down is left eye, growled.
"Ah, La Buse," Sparrow said with a charismatic smile. "Fancy seein you here," Katherine noticed his eyes flicker to Lulu who was cowering with the bartender behind the bar.
The captain grinned evilly "Take me to me treasure and maybe I'll kill ye quick," he sneered. He began to take threatening steps towards Sparrow and his startled companion.
Sparrow pulled Katherine behind him, his hands raised. "I'll give you whatever you'd like," he swiftly spoke. "As long as me and me crew go free,"
La Buse snorted "We'll see about that," he withdrew his pistol, pointing it between Sparrow's eyes. Katherine gasped in horror.
"Jack! Stop this!" a voice suddenly screamed. Lulu jumped from her crouched spot, she impacted heavily on La Buse's back.
The captain threw the girl easily from him, she landed with a harsh 'thump'. Sparrow growled, hints of possessiveness in his tone "Don't touch her mate," he stepped forwards and shoved his own gun into the face of La Buse.
Katherine's eyes widened as the sound of several pistols clicked filled the air. She realized each man's gun was aimed at them. "Sparrow," she growled to him in warning.
"Ah, I see we can't settle this," Sparrow slowly concluded. "Perhaps another time," he grinned and hit La Buse over the head with the butt of his gun. "Time to go!" he shouted grasping Katherine's wrist as he made for the door.
They sprinted with the other two pirates hot on their heels. Katherine screamed as one of them reached for her shoulder. Sparrow was too fast though, he thrust her ahead just in time. She gave him a grateful glance. Finally the ship came into view, she noticed it was sailing away. "It's leaving us!" she shouted in terror.
Sparrow surged forward once more, pulling her with him. As they neared the edge of the docks where the gangplank was still left for them to jump onto, his grip tightened. The gap was only getting wider. While running, he looked to her "Do you trust me?" he asked between heavy breaths.
Katherine was speechless, did she? She locked his eyes with hers, she nodded hastily "I do," she gasped out.
He grinned, the last step came and he launched them into the air towards the plank. He pressed her body to his, he absorbed the hit as they rolled onto the wood. His hand shot out, gripping it for dear life. Crew members came to their rescue, hauling them onto the deck. Bullets were let loose from the angry pirates left on the dock.
Oliver protected Katherine as one came towards her, she squealed in surprise. He held her, waiting till they had stopped. She looked surprised up into his eyes. His arms were still wrapped around her. Someone cleared their throat.
Both blushed and jumped away from each other. "Thank you," she murmured to him, heat still lingering in her cheeks.
Sparrow observed them through narrowed eyes. "Well," he said coolly "I'm going to the helm," he took strides towards the steps. "Gibbs!" he called his first-mate.
"Wait, Sparrow," Katherine reached out for him, she caught the sleeve of his coat. He turned with a questioning stare. She lost all words as his dark eyes stole her wit. "I-I," she sputtered.
He quirked an eyebrow in amusement "Aye love? Anytime now,"
Katherine scowled "Thank you," she let him go. Her gaze leveled with his.
Sparrow smirked, he made a small gesture with his ringed hand, he bowed "Me pleasure," he replied dryly.
She shook her head, a sigh escaped. "Bloody pirate," she grumbled. She turned on her heel to walk to the cabin. His smoldering stare following the entire way.
XoXo
Katherine lounged in the cabin, writing in her diary, since she had nothing to do. Her pen was moving languidly across the parchment. The boredom was insatiable. She tossed the journal aside, sat up, and frowned at her gloves. Holes had started to form in the palms, loose threads were waiting to be pulled from the bottom. She felt the urge to tear them to shreds, but instead she stood, not a second thought about her discarded journal that lie openly on her cot.
Her mind was far from other thoughts. It was focused on one. What was that in Sparrow's gaze towards Lulu? She repeatedly scolded herself for caring, for wanting to know. She was just his hostage, his way to easy gold. Money was the only thing a pirate like Jack Sparrow cared for, nothing more. Sure, he could make any woman fall for him, or into his bed. But it was nothing more than that for him, so why was he so concerned over Lulu? She was just a barmaid at The Blue Anchor.
Before she knew it, Katherine was standing on the deck. The salty, ocean air rushed to greet her, dusting her with a light mist as the ship hit a harsher wave. She moved along the side to avoid working sailors, she noticed Oliver mopping the deck not too far away. His shirt was discarded, it was reasonable in the Caribbean heat. But his exposed skin wasn't what attracted her eyes, no, it was the large scar that scaled his back. Other small ones were shown here and there, however none were as daunting as the scar that stretched from the nape of his neck to just above the waistband of his trousers.
Swallowing became difficult against the dryness in her throat. "Pains me just to look at the scar," said a startling voice next to her.
Katherine turned to gaze at Gibbs who was swiping a ragged cloth across his brow. She flushed when she realized she had been staring at Oliver. "H-How'd he get it? Do you know?" she asked, recovering quickly.
Gibbs sighed "Sure do," he replied. Then he hesitated "I don't think it's me place to go tellin you about it."
She frowned "Why not? It's not like he's going to talk to me," she pointed out.
He shook his head "Miss," he protested.
"I'm curious, just indulge me this once Gibbs," she huffed as she crossed her arms. It was odd feeling no constriction from a corset. The linen shirt let her move however she pleased.
"Ollie didn't always refuse to speak," another voice spoke up from behind the quarreling pair. They both shifted to see Captain Sparrow, for once he seemed somewhat serious. His eyes were narrowed on Katherine, making her squirm uncomfortable, his stare felt like it was burning her from the inside out, and she wasn't sure if it made her feel bad or something else. "He used to be a cocky lad," his eyes lit in a past amusement. "I'm not sure how long ago it is today, but I once stopped in Puerto Rico. I had me reasons," he waved his ringed hand dismissively. "Anyways, Ollie was a talker, cocky and too confident," he chuckled.
"Hmm, sounds an awfully lot like someone I know," Katherine muttered.
Sparrow moved right along. "Oliver young, and needing money, turned to the streets for aid, he learned of the shillings he could make from fighting. It was entertaining to many, they would put bets on the fighters. I attended one night with Gibbs, we watched when the lad entered the ring. He wasn't much, but he was arrogant, he spoke bravely and foolishly. His opponent was a sore loser," he grimaced. "Ollie talked too much, his challenger was enraged. He pulled a dagger from his boot and hacked away at the lad." He sighed, he didn't like thinking about it. The young woman felt dizzy at the thought of all the blood. "I saved the poor mate, Gibbs helped. Ever since Oliver swore that he wouldn't speak to anyone until he was face to face with the man who gave him the scar. With the exception of me and the first-mate," when finished, he shrugged.
Katherine looked to the boy, barely a man, who was slaving away on the deck. He looked like he had seen many days on the ship, how long had he stayed with Sparrow? How long had he not spoken? "Do you think he will find his attacker?" she asked quietly.
"Not sure, the bugger got away that night," he said "I don't know if he's even alive still,"
She didn't understand why she felt pity for Oliver. Her situation was nothing like his, but she could relate to him. They both had scars. At that, her hands began to burn uncontrollably. She brought them to her lips, brushing them across her knuckles. Sparrow watched with curiosity, it wasn't the first time he had seen her favoring her fingers.
Katherine flushed when she saw him staring. She instantly became defensive "What?" she snapped.
Sparrow raised his hands in mock surrender "Nothin' love, calm yourself," he chuckled.
She frowned "You owe me explanations," she poked a finger at him.
He crossed his arms "I don't owe ye anythin' love," he replied coolly.
"Really? What happened this morning? Who are those people that are chasing you?" she growled, her patience was running thin with him. She was annoyed that he had been on her mind so much, it was his fault. Is it? Now she wanted to stuff her inner voice into a box.
Sparrow grinned deviously "Old friends I suppose," he spun to walk back to the helm that was secured by Bart. Her mood dropped further at the sight of him. She didn't like him.
"Old friends? They were going to kill you!" she exclaimed as she marched beside him.
"You may go Bart," Sparrow dismissed him. He turned to the fuming girl, his smirk was disarming, causing her heart to thump, it didn't help the way he lazily leaned against the helm. It made him even more devilishly handsome. She cursed her thoughts. "I never said we were on good terms," he pointed out.
Katherine set her hands on her hips, her lips turned downward. "What's this treasure you stole from them?" her question was spit out between gritted teeth.
He shook his head "Listen love, don't worry about it," he told her, his voice left no room for negotiation. "All you need to know is I won't let them be gettin' anywhere near me ship or me treasure,"
"If you have all this treasure, why do you need me?" she hissed. She hated her life at home, but at least she wasn't so confused. There her life was planned, never colored outside the lines.
Sparrow brought one hand to his head, rubbing his temple. "Go help in the galley or something, I need to focus," he shooed her.
"Answer-" she protested, but his irritated glare shut her up. His dark eyes were burning holes through hers. Katherine was quick to spin away, she hid the rising blush. "Fine," she complied begrudgingly. Her boot clad feet stomped down towards the galley.
XoXo
"Errgh, you dimwit!" the cook scolded, smacking Katherine over the head with a rag. "Do ye even know how to hold a knife?"
She frowned, holding it up for him to observe her hand. "I didn't know-"
"Right lass, you do not know how to. Ye will cut your fingers to pieces!" he grumbled, roughly taking her gloved hand, shifting it to hold the handle differently. "Now try to cut the carrots," he advised.
His hawk like eyes watched as she unsurely began to chop. At first, her speed was uneven but as she became more confident it evened out. "I think I got it!" she exclaimed happily.
"Just keep up yer choppin', lass," he snapped at her.
Katherine glared for a moment before continuing. The blade had come dangerously close to the tips of her fingers several times and the cook yelled at her to be careful. He wasn't very pleasant, but it was just his intensity about food.
"You halfwit," he smacked her over the head once more. His scowl drew deep lines in his aged face "You have to be easy when handling certain ingredients. No bruising me vegetables or fruit." He grumbled.
She nodded, while carefully picking up a potato to skin. It wasn't as easy as it looked. The cook, Louie, slaved over the large pot of stew. "Do you know our next stop?" she questioned, attempting small talk.
He glanced at her briefly "Not sure, lass," he told her in his rough voice. "Perhaps Jamaica,"
The young woman handed the freshly skinned potato to Louie who began to cut it into chunks. "I see, I'm surprised were stopping. You know, with evil pirates chasing after us n' all," she shrugged with a sarcastic tone.
He chuckled "Jack knows what he be doin, trust him a little more, lass," he said while tossing the potatoes into the pot.
She frowned "Trust him? I think not, he would betray his own mother. I wouldn't bless him with my trust any day,"
"That's not what you said earlier," drawled a voice behind her. She knew who it was.
Katherine turned to glare at him, her breath hitched. His coat was discarded, his shirt untucked, and sweat glistened on his skin. He looked unruly but attractive nonetheless. Her face continued its scowl, her pride wouldn't allow her to show any interest, physically. "You must've heard wrong," she told him.
Sparrow smirked "Love, you were next to me, I heard you right. You said you trusted me," he mocked her.
She fought down a blush "I was desperate," she snapped "We were in danger," perhaps she seemed too defensive.
He shrugged, his smirk only serving to rake on her nerves. "Deny all you want," he stepped up to the cook who, reluctantly, allowed the captain to sip the broth of his stew. "I know what you said," he winked "Maybe one day ye can stop pushin me away and finally admit you're madly in love with me,"
She swallowed the dryness in her throat "You bloody pirate, you pride yourself too much," she growled to him. "The thought of loving such a leech like you disgusts me,"
Sparrow rolled his dark eyes, stretching his arms as he backtracked to the door. "I wait with open arms love," he teased with another wink.
Katherine whirled around, furiously peeling another potato. "He is so infuriating," she grumbled to herself.
It was time for Louie to roll his eyes, "Women," he mumbled while going back to his stew.
XoXo
June couldn't help the small smile on her face as she folded the first-mate's clothes. She absentmindedly reflected on the time they had spent together. He was a pirate, married to the sea, but he had a soft spot for her. She also returned his affection.
The governess wasn't one for relationships with men, she didn't have the time as she raised Katherine. She knew it was wrong for such feelings for a pirate. Even if they settled down, he wouldn't be able to stay with her. She would have to live on the boat or wait long periods of time for him. Not to mention her master and mistress would not approve. She had affections for a man who helped in their daughters kidnapping! Unacceptable.
He had a kind smile though, it warmed her heart thinking about it. He was gentle with her. June remembered as he walked her across the docks, showing her the beautiful view of the sea with the moon in the background. She was in no way young anymore, her 48th birthday was fast approaching. But with Gibbs, she felt like she was just an upcoming woman. He was now a part of her heart.
The door was opened to reveal the man she had previously been thinking about. Gibbs smiled sheepishly at her "Ah, miss," he greeted.
"How has the morning been going?" she questioned with a smile of her own.
He grimaced, he took a seat on his bed. "Not well," he replied honestly.
June frowned at his distress "Is something the matter?"
"La Buse isn't as far as we thought he would be," he confided "I fear we may have a battle with him. That captain is someone I'd rather not tussle with,"
"Captain Sparrow will lead us to safety, correct?" she asked, her frown deepened when she spotted a new hole in a pair of trousers.
Gibbs rubbed a hand down his face, he looked tired. "I'm afraid he's too arrogant to admit we might actually be in danger. We have to hope the Pearl can outrun him." He murmured.
June stood, she went around to him. Her hand rested on his shoulder "What did he do to them? Why are they after us?" she questioned with concern.
He smiled wearily "I shouldn't worry ye so," he waved her away.
"Joshamee," her tone held an edge.
Gibbs chuckled "I can't keep anythin from ye," he sighed, shifting so she could sit next to him. "It all happened when we stumbled upon Virgem Do Capo…" he started.
XoXo
Katherine smiled as she watched dolphins jump from the water in the distance. The animal was majestic and mysterious. She wished she could watch them forever. She had stepped onto the deck only moments ago, the cook had finally released her from her duties. Not that she didn't enjoy his company, he would just hit her over the head much to frequently. In reflex, her hand went up to touch the slightly tender spot on her head. She suppressed a giggle, he was funny.
"Oi, lass, ye want to help?" asked a voice beside her.
She jumped, she looked to a smiling Chuck. He held two fishing poles, bait fish were hanging from the hooks. She was wary "I'm not sure how too," she told him.
Chuck grinned as he plopped down on the side of the ship, dangling his legs over the edge. "It's not that hard," he gestured for her to sit next to him. Katherine was reluctant but did it anyway. He gave her a pole, watching with seriousness as she fumbled with it. "Like this," he instructed, holding his hands up for her to see.
Katherine followed, turning her gloved hands to the right positions. "Now what?" she questioned.
"Cast it off," he replied as he tossed the line into the water.
With uncertainty, Katherine reeled her hand back and launched the line forwards, only serving to tangle it around the pole.
Chuck let out a hoot of laughter "Lass, that was terrible!" he exclaimed.
She scowled "I've never done this before," she huffed. She handed him the fishing pole so he could fix it. For her, he lowered the bait into the water. "That's it?" she asked in confusion.
"Aye, now we wait," he answered. His eyes were transfixed where his hook lie in the ocean.
Katherine glanced every once and awhile at him, unsure. A few minutes passed and her impatience was heightening, when was the fish going to bite? Only seconds later there was a harsh tug on the line, she moved two inches towards the edge. She squeaked in surprise, fighting to pull the pole.
Chuck hollered with excitement, he helped her from falling into the blue sea below. Judging by the darkness the depth was large. It wasn't hard for him to reel in the fish, it wasn't as large as she was hoping, but not that bad.
She beamed with happiness "My first fish!" she stated.
"Good job lass," Chuck praised, checking it over. "Ready for another?"
Katherine nodded her head, it was fun now. She couldn't wait to bring in another "You bet," she replied giddily as he placed a small bait fish on her hook. Fishing was a nice pass time.
XoXo
Jack felt it was time for a few drinks of rum. The heat was starting to get to his head, only his favorite drink could clear it. He spotted Katherine and Chuck tossing their line not far away, he shook his head in amusement as she reeled in a fish. She practically went insane with pride, and she called him proud.
The captain noticed Gibbs' cabin door ajar, he could see June and him in a deep conversation. He smirked to himself, he would have to tease his first-mate later. He knew to leave them be, so he opened his own door.
His cabin was messy, although, it wasn't as bad as it could be. Perhaps he could convince the little minx Katherine to clean up a bit. The chances were slim but it would give him the chance to poke fun at her, she was entertaining all riled up.
Jack chuckled as he reached his desk, taking a long drink from his rum bottle. The liquid felt good, burning down his throat, quenching his thirst. He wiped remnants from his mouth before taking another swig. After feeling a small buzz in his head, he knew to stop.
The pirate spun to leave but something on Katherine's cot caught his eye. He curiously made his way to the neatly made bed. Her sheets were slightly wrinkled and to the side a leather-bound book was discarded. He didn't have a book like this.
Jack picked it up, observing it closely. He remembered the day he walked in and Katherine hid something under her pillow. His fingers pried into the pages, his eyes scanned the parchment. His lips twisted into a smirk.
"Oh, well isn't this a discovery," he hummed, his feet led him back to his desk. He dropped down into a chair, his gaze taking in the information. His smirk only seemed to widen.
Interesting.
Uh-oh! Jack found Katherine's journal, what will he do? Perhaps you'll find out in the next chappie! ;) What do you think about Lulu? What is she to Jack? Aw, don't you just love Gibbs and June, they are so cute! Haha! Oh and La Buse is actually a real pirate captain from the 18th century, although I might've tweaked the time a bit to fit the story. Thanks for reading!
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-LoveToWrite14