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Hope you enjoy!
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She ran her dainty hands through his matted deep brown hair, along those thick dreads, and sighed. His appearance would need a bit of freshening up if he wanted to clearly be the best man. Jack sat in the creaky wooden chair in the galley and sighed in annoyance, getting restless like a small child wanting to finish his studies and go outside to play.
"I don't know what I am going to do with you," Belle said lightly, her eyes alert and her lips turned downward in a concentrated little frown, "Something has to be done."
Sparrow replied wearily, "I don't know what ye mean, luv. I'm in tip top condition! The perfect example of masculine handsomeness! The hero of..."
She yanked on his hair and he yelped, immediately quieting. "Maybe if we take these out," she commented, running a finger along his trinkets, causing them to jingle, "You will actually look a bit more civilized."
"But I like those," he pouted, crossing his arms and looking cross. His brown eyes held mock sadness in them, as if he couldn't bear to part with the tiny treasures nestled away in his bird's nest he called hair.
"Let me remind you," Belle stated, putting a finger under his chin and turning his head so he would face her, "The Royal Navy in Port Royal has a fair amount of money offered for your head, Captain Jack Sparrow, the biggest pirate threat in the Caribbean."
"It's not me fault that they dislike me so," he muttered, "They have sticks shoved up their asses, the lot of them..."
"And something has to be done with your dialect," she murmured, smiling at his uneasy demeanor. He was practically writhing under her stare.
"I don't like it when ye look at me like that," he grumbled, "It's like ye are picturin' me in a dress and reciting poetry."
She laughed then, tickled at his remark. "Who said I wasn't?" she answered, cocking an eyebrow.
He made a grab for her and she screeched, jumping away. Belle wagged a finger at him. "We are not finished."
"How long does this bloody take?" Jack sighed, "It's not fun with ye standin' here, analyzin' me and me barbaric ways."
"I don't think you a barbarian, Captain. Just a drunken idiot."
He crinkled his nose at Belle, showing her that he didn't find her insult very amusing. Jack sighed then and polished his interesting rings on his fingers onto his coat, slouching farther down into his chair.
"Sit up," she demanded, "A gentleman always has perfect posture."
He rolled his eyes and did as he was told, even folding his dirty hands in his lap. "Oh, Belle, this main course is so extravagant!" he mocked in a high, stuffy accent, "The cooks are absolutely divine."
"Cut that out," she said, eyes twinkling, "Now, I suppose there will be dancing involved. You will have to learn. And..."
"Hold up there one minute!" he cried, putting up his hands to stop her mid-sentence, "Who said I couldn't dance?"
"Well..." she replied, flustered a bit, "I just assumed..."
"Never assume, luv," he winked, standing up and stroking his goatee, "This calls for a demonstration."
"I don't think that is absolutely necessarYYYY!" she stammered but the end of her sentence sounded like a war cry when he grabbed Belle by the hands and whirled her around before setting her flush against his body.
One hand on her waist, the other entwined with her own, he began to twirl her around without any sense of rhythm or gracefulness. Belle couldn't help but wince.
He stepped on her foot and she cried, "Ow! Watch it!"
He snorted, "Well watch where ye are goin', lass!"
She giggled and pointed to the chair, stepping away from him in order to save herself from any more clumsy incidents. "Sit down," she ordered, feeling frazzled by his spastic dancing.
"What? Too exhausted for more?" Jack frowned.
"We are going to have to put dancing on the list of things to work on," she huffed, "I'd rather not dance with you and end up with a fatal concussion!"
"Well I never!" he retorted, his high pitched snobbish accent coming back to haunt her.
"Now, we are going to have to work on table manners," she said a loud and he groaned, "For yours are simply atrocious. Waltzing will come next and perhaps..."
"Land ho!" interrupted the shout from above, "Tortuga's on the horizon!"
Jack jumped out of his seat and ran for the stairs. "Duty calls!" he yelled over his shoulder.
"I'm not through with you yet!" she shouted back, grinning. These lessons were going to take a lot out of her, and knowing that in advance made her a bit timid about the whole process of teaching Sparrow chivalry and plain good old fashioned manners. In fact, Belle thought with her smile widening, as long as that process involved Sparrow, she was going to look forward to it.
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A half hour later, Sparrow was steering the Black Pearl carefully into Tortuga's small bay.
"Let down the anchor!" he bellowed.
"Aye aye!" the crew hollered back and immediately began to deliver out that task. Belle emerged from below to watch what was going on. The wind had picked up, and her golden locks were flying over her eyes. She grabbed at her tresses and managed to create a sloppy bun at the back of her head. Jack caught her eye and winked at her in reassurance.
Ana Maria said, "Ye think you'll be able to handle it, dearie?" as she walked casually up to Belle, noticing her concerned gaze towards the island. It was growing dark and lights from windows and streetlamps were causing the town to glow.
"I'll manage," Belle replied with a weak smile. And to do that, I'll have to stick close to someone who actually knows how to really defend themselves from delinquents and thieves, she thought with an inner grimace.
Belle looked down at her simple lavender dress with lace trimming. "I do not think I am dressed the part," she added with worry. Ana Maria laughed and said, "How about you come with me? Ye need to get dressed back into those clothes ye were wearing a week or two ago. Jack's are too big for ye. I may have somethin' ye can borrow."
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Once Belle stepped out onto deck again, she felt relieved and ready to face Tortuga and its excitement, its raw ruggedness. She wore black boots similar to Jack's light brown ones, with dark forest green breeches tucked into them, and a cotton off white shirt that fit her wonderfully. Ana Maria and Belle shared the same size in clothing. A floppy black hat topped off the ensemble with a tiny red feather extended from it.
"There ye go," Ana commented with a smile, "Ye fit the part. Now it's all up to you to be a good actress, aye?"
"Thank you, Ana," she replied, staring down at herself in awe, "It's perfect!"
Jack walked up to them both and eyed Ana Maria curiously. "Ye two on good terms now, I hope?"
"I suppose," Ana said gruffly and Belle nodded in agreement. It was nice to talk to a woman, even if Belle had to get past Ana's rough exterior first. She sighed in relief. She passed Ana's test. After giving her weeks and weeks of hell, Ana finally realized Belle was strong enough and therefore able to be accepted.
"Ye look quite delicious, luv," Jack murmured in Belle's ear, causing her to flush, "And if we weren't in front of the crew I wouldn't hesitate to eat you up." He leaned back, clearly pleased with the blush covering her cheeks. She did look quite dangerous, a pirate lass down to a T. Jack groaned inwardly, knowing that dreams of her wearing nothing but those boots were going to haunt his perverse mind for many sleepless nights.
"Stop trying to charm me," she whispered back and actually ran her lips over the side of his cheek as she backed away from him. Belle was teasing him! Jack Sparrow grinned and held out his arm to her.
"Shall we get going, me darling pirate lass?" he asked as innocently as he could.
"Indeed, Captain Sparrow," she replied with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I think that would be most wise."
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Gunshots, screaming, wild laughter and slurred talking reached her ears. By instinct, she stepped a little closer to Sparrow, who noticed and instantly felt the alarming responsibility to protect her from danger. It swelled within him and he put an arm around her in comfort. She grinned and looked up at him.
Women and men alike were running about, some drinking merrily, some fighting dirtily, others stumbling around, clearly already shit-faced drunk.
"So this is Tortuga?" Belle said with a chuckle, "This is...interesting."
"The most interesting town in the Caribbean, luv!" Sparrow replied with a dramatic flourish. The square bustled with activity as people were trying to sell different items at low prices, whores were calling out their worth, unrespectable men were having a jolly good time, and vengeful pirates were looking to right some wrongs.
"Are we going to get a drink or stand here oglin' at the sights?" Ana Maria asked from behind. Jack sighed in annoyance and Mr. Gibbs added, "Today's a full moon, Captain...we best be careful."
Jack doubled his sigh in annoyance and Belle smothered a gasp of laughter. He certainly had the most amusing crew she's ever laid eyes on.
"We shall try to be, Gibbs," he replied, glancing at Belle with an apologetic look. He faced Gibbs and Ana Maria, saying, "You two are to get the supplies o' the evening, savvy? Ye know what we need?"
"Food, preferably spices and meat, fruit..."
"And most importantly?" Jack quizzed.
"Rum," Ana Maria replied with a roll of her eyes.
"That's me girl!" he said ecstatically, patting her on the back. She snorted and walked off, Gibbs desperately trying to keep up with her long strides.
"So, Sparrow," Belle questioned loudly, trying to carry her voice over the bustling mayhem, "Where will the night take us?"
"I have a place to show ye that I think ye will like," he replied mysteriously, "And then we will meet Gibbs and Ana Maria for a drink later. After that, who knows?" Except Sparrow had a pretty good idea what he would be looking for after a couple mugs of his favorite rum. A willing woman. He craved it tonight like no other night...for here he was, with the woman he lusted after most and he wasn't allowed to touch her for the sake of her dignity and innocence. If he took that away from her, he didn't know if she would ever forgive him. Jack could look, just not touch. And he damned her for it, for teasing him so and then reminding him he couldn't have her.
Sparrow tugged on her arm and led her through the crowd. "I think...it's this way," he murmured to himself, looking unsure.
"Oh great," Belle said, "We are going to get lost, aren't we?"
"Don't be silly," Jack scoffed, "I am the master of good direction!" He turned the corner into a dark alley, causing Belle to become a bit nervous.
"Ah ha, here it is!" Jack said with a triumphant glance her way. He stepped up to a worn brown door and grabbed the silver engraved handle, pushing it open. Jack disappeared inside and she had no choice but to follow.
She took off her hat as she closed the door solidly behind her. The room was dimly lit, and there were home built shelves against three of the walls. The walls were painted a vivid blue, and on the wall that held the desk of the owner, there were maps of faraway lands. A spiral staircase went up to a second story that held more written pleasures.
"How did you find such a place?" she breathed, taking in the musty smell. She loved the smell of aging ink and parchment, and Belle was swept away by such a noble place hidden in such a scandalous town.
"It's amazin' what a bit o' venturin' can do to ye," Sparrow said with a smile and began to examine the shelves, gently running his hands over the covers, reading the titles.
A bell jingled and Belle spun around. A plump older woman emerged from the back storage room and grinned as she caught sight of Jack Sparrow. She swept a few tendrils of white hair from her face with a wrinkled hand and exclaimed, "Captain Jack Sparrow! Why, it's been forever!"
"Bess!" he cried and pulled the laughing woman into a big hug, "How I've missed ye! Ye are as beautiful as ever, me darling."
"Oh, stop that, Sparrow," she smirked, "Flattery does nothing to get past me."
"When will ye leave this place and run away with me?" Jack teased and smacked her in the rump. She jumped and gently hit him in the arm, clearly tickled as well. Bess then noticed Belle standing in the back, watching in amusement.
"Ah, where are your manners, Jack? Who's the pretty lass?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.
"This is me friend Miss Belle Blake. She has been travelin' with us for a couple months now," Jack remarked and motioned for Belle to come out of the shadows.
"Come, come dear. Let me have a good look at you." Bess put on her bifocals that were tucked into the bosom of her cream colored dress and examined her.
"This lad here hasn't been givin' you any trouble has he?" she asked, pointing a finger to Jack, who grinned at Belle.
"Not much, m'am, but it is nice to make your acquaintance," Belle replied warmly, "I've been keeping an eye on him."
"Well Jack, I like her already!" Bess laughed, "Well don't let me keep you, look around, look around! Please, it would be my pleasure."
"Thank you," Belle said with a small smile and turned to the nearest shelf, instantly entranced by the assortment of reading material. She glanced Jack's way to find Bess and him whispering to each other. He caught her gaze and reddened, and Bess grew quiet, an impish smile flickering across her jovial face. They must have been conversing about her.
Belle made her way up the stairs carefully and immediately noticed the table in the middle of the room as well as a small, elegant chair. The windows were open and letting in the cool breeze. Candles lit her way as she went to another shelf and picked out a book full of maps. She wondered if Jack had a book such as this one? It was quite large, and the maps were hand drawn with perfect detail. Jack was such a reckless soul, and this book practically screamed 'adventure and freedom'. Feeling inside her pocket, she felt the coins she had taken from her dresser at home. Belle brought the money for emergencies, yet there hadn't been any emergencies present. Her fingers ran over the cover and she immediately knew she had to get this for him.
"Need help with anything?" Bess questioned from behind her. Belle peered around. Jack wasn't present.
"He's downstairs," Bess commented as if she were reading her mind. She nodded towards the book, "That's a very good selection you've made there. Yet I have a feeling that's not for you."
Belle blushed, replying, "Um, no. I wanted it to be a surprise."
Bess smiled warmly and replied, "That book is going to be ten shillings, Miss Blake. But for you I'll make it eight and wrap it up special."
"That is extremely kind of you," Belle said, her face lighting up. Bess went to the small cupboard upstairs and got out some brown paper and string. Belle handed her the large book and the eight shillings.
"How long have you known Jack?" Belle asked, trying to make small talk.
Bess pushed the bifocals up her nose and said as she wrapped carefully, "Oh, for about ten years or so. He stops by every six months or so. Never brought a girl before, though." She looked up and gazed at her with a grin. "You don't seem like his type."
"Oh," Belle stammered, not knowing how to reply.
"No, don't take it the wrong way, dear," Bess chuckled, "You have to realize that Jack has had whores decorating his arms for years. It is a joy to finally see him with a proper young woman such as yourself. Especially if you keep him in line. You must be quite the challenge for him."
"We are friends, Bess..." she stated with embarrassment, "Nothing more."
Bess clucked at her with her tongue, "I've been around a while, Miss Blake. Quite a while." She handed the wrapped package to her, "I can see how you adore him so. I wish you luck on your travels...and on other things."
"Thank you," Belle remarked, putting the wrapped parcel under her arm, "It must be quite exciting to own a shop such as this."
"Ah, only one of life's rewards," she commented wisely, following Belle down the stairs, "You see so many different people come in and out of here, each day is a new adventure."
Jack was busy stacking a few books in his arms when he noticed them approaching him. "Ah," he murmured, noticing the wrapped book under Belle's arm, "What is this? Did a bit of shopping, did we?"
"You are quite the nosy pirate," Bess retorted.
"It's a surprise," Belle informed him, head held high, "And the secret shall be revealed later."
"Hmm, sounds like fun," he grinned, gold teeth shining, "Now I want to buy some for you so choose a couple, luv."
"No, I really couldn't, Jack," she said with a wave of her hand, "You don't have to get me anything."
"No, it's me gift to ye. My pleasure. Go on," he coaxed, motioning towards the shelves.
After a few minutes of searching, Belle and Jack set down a small pile of books on Bess's desk. Belle ended up with a novel about a murder mystery set in London, and a guide to fencing. Jack was pleased with her findings and even more pleased that she allowed him to buy her a gift or two. He handed Bess the money gratefully and took the small bag from her.
"Have fun!" Bess called as they exited the store, "Hope to see you soon, Captain! You too, Miss Blake!"
"Don't ye worry, me darling, I'll be back for you!" Jack said to her dramatically, as if he were wooing her.
A small "pfft" was Bess's reply.
"That was delightful, Jack, thank you for bringing me," Belle said as they began to walk to the tavern. They were late to their meeting with Gibbs and Ana Maria.
"It was nice to see Bess again," Jack said with a smile, "And even nicer to see that look on yer face when ye walked in there. Now stick close to me, luv, for things get a bit rowdy."
"What is the place called?" she questioned.
"Look an' see for yerself," he replied and pointed in front of them. She followed his gaze and noticed the sign swinging in the wind. "Devil's Dare" tavern.
"Sounds enchanting," Belle commented sarcastically.
"Believe me, me dear, it is," Jack teased, "And I don't think you'll fit in with that attire ye got on. Usually women in there wear a bit less than ye've got on at the moment."
"Well you'll have to live with it," she huffed, "For walking around wearing a napkin is not my cup of tea."
Jack chuckled and led her inside. They were greeted with roughhousing pirates punching one another not even three feet away from them, a drunk vomiting in the corner, and a face-painted whore straddling some horny bloke in the front table, lifting her skirts for him. Belle's eyes widened, trying to take in the scene laid out before her.
"Enchanting, aye?" Jack said, knowing she would have that reaction of utter astonishment.
She couldn't even begin to describe the curiosity and horror she felt from witnessing such vile acts.
Sparrow took her by the arm and led her over to the back table where Gibbs and Ana were already enjoying their forth mug.
"Where the hell were you two?" Ana Maria asked with a smile. She peered over at Sparrow and added suspiciously, "Are ye're breeches buttoned?"
Belle gasped in disbelief. Gibbs grimaced and said, "Don't mind her. She's drunk."
"Am not!" Ana Maria slurred, "Okay, okay...perhaps a lil'."
"It's getting late," Jack said, stating the obvious, "I have a bit o' business to take care of. Will I count on you..." he paused, sighing as Ana stared at the reflection of herself in the mug. He turned his gaze to the sober Mr. Gibbs. "I'll trust you to take care of Miss Blake?"
"Aye, captain. I'll keep a watchful eye on her."
"Good." Jack's stare cut to Belle, "Because she's one to cause trouble." He put a few shillings on the table and said, "Buy the lass a drink, she's thirsty," and pulled out a chair for Belle to sit in.
"Where are ye goin'?" she questioned innocently.
He winced and replied shortly, "None of your business. Here, take the bag." He set the bag of books in her lap once she was seated and pushed in her chair for her. Jack then turned on his heel and left quickly, his coat billowing around him as he walked through the door and out of her sight.
"Gibbs," she said, turning to him, "Do you know where he is heading?"
"I have no idea, lass," he stammered. Clearly he knew something. He was a horrible liar. She guessed she was to remain out of the loop for her well being.
"I'd like water," she added instead of further questioning him, which she would have liked to do just to see him squirm, but she was feeling generous tonight.
"They don't have water here," Ana Maria smirked, gazing at her with her glazed over eyes.
"Fine," Belle rolled her eyes, "One rum, please."
Gibbs called over a wench and soon a mug was set in front of her, the amber liquid sloshing everywhere and the mug it was in looked a bit unclean.
She ran her sleeve over the rim, as if cleaning it before placing her lips on it would help.
"Drink up me 'earties," she muttered and shut her eyes before taking a drink. It burned all the way down.
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Belle felt a bit light headed as Gibbs shepherded her and Ana Maria back onto the Pearl. She wasn't completely drunk, but she felt oddly hazy, like she was a bit fuzzy around the edges.
"Good night, Belle," Gibbs called as he headed below and into the crew's barracks. Ana Maria stumbled after him, looking ready to pass out from the excess of alcohol.
Belle looked at the bag in her hands and the wrapped present for Jack. She placed the bag next to the helm and noticed that there was light coming out from underneath Jack's cabin door. Grinning, she realized that it was the opportune moment to give him his gift.
Sneakily, she crept up to the door and slowly opened it, not making a sound.
Her eyes widened and she dropped the book, it making a loud banging noise on the wood floor.
Jack's head lifted from the prostitute's neck and his jaw dropped. He looked like a dog that had been caught eating off of the dinner table. There were two women, one with a scarlet dress on and her black curls piled on top of her head. She sat behind him and had her hands on his shoulders. The other was sitting next to him, her brown hair falling like a waterfall to her buttocks, her dark green dress lifted to her thighs, her lips full and plump from kissing. Her brown eyes rimmed with kohl were studying her with distaste.
Jack sat there, shirtless, looking utterly speechless.
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She ran her dainty hands through his matted deep brown hair, along those thick dreads, and sighed. His appearance would need a bit of freshening up if he wanted to clearly be the best man. Jack sat in the creaky wooden chair in the galley and sighed in annoyance, getting restless like a small child wanting to finish his studies and go outside to play.
"I don't know what I am going to do with you," Belle said lightly, her eyes alert and her lips turned downward in a concentrated little frown, "Something has to be done."
Sparrow replied wearily, "I don't know what ye mean, luv. I'm in tip top condition! The perfect example of masculine handsomeness! The hero of..."
She yanked on his hair and he yelped, immediately quieting. "Maybe if we take these out," she commented, running a finger along his trinkets, causing them to jingle, "You will actually look a bit more civilized."
"But I like those," he pouted, crossing his arms and looking cross. His brown eyes held mock sadness in them, as if he couldn't bear to part with the tiny treasures nestled away in his bird's nest he called hair.
"Let me remind you," Belle stated, putting a finger under his chin and turning his head so he would face her, "The Royal Navy in Port Royal has a fair amount of money offered for your head, Captain Jack Sparrow, the biggest pirate threat in the Caribbean."
"It's not me fault that they dislike me so," he muttered, "They have sticks shoved up their asses, the lot of them..."
"And something has to be done with your dialect," she murmured, smiling at his uneasy demeanor. He was practically writhing under her stare.
"I don't like it when ye look at me like that," he grumbled, "It's like ye are picturin' me in a dress and reciting poetry."
She laughed then, tickled at his remark. "Who said I wasn't?" she answered, cocking an eyebrow.
He made a grab for her and she screeched, jumping away. Belle wagged a finger at him. "We are not finished."
"How long does this bloody take?" Jack sighed, "It's not fun with ye standin' here, analyzin' me and me barbaric ways."
"I don't think you a barbarian, Captain. Just a drunken idiot."
He crinkled his nose at Belle, showing her that he didn't find her insult very amusing. Jack sighed then and polished his interesting rings on his fingers onto his coat, slouching farther down into his chair.
"Sit up," she demanded, "A gentleman always has perfect posture."
He rolled his eyes and did as he was told, even folding his dirty hands in his lap. "Oh, Belle, this main course is so extravagant!" he mocked in a high, stuffy accent, "The cooks are absolutely divine."
"Cut that out," she said, eyes twinkling, "Now, I suppose there will be dancing involved. You will have to learn. And..."
"Hold up there one minute!" he cried, putting up his hands to stop her mid-sentence, "Who said I couldn't dance?"
"Well..." she replied, flustered a bit, "I just assumed..."
"Never assume, luv," he winked, standing up and stroking his goatee, "This calls for a demonstration."
"I don't think that is absolutely necessarYYYY!" she stammered but the end of her sentence sounded like a war cry when he grabbed Belle by the hands and whirled her around before setting her flush against his body.
One hand on her waist, the other entwined with her own, he began to twirl her around without any sense of rhythm or gracefulness. Belle couldn't help but wince.
He stepped on her foot and she cried, "Ow! Watch it!"
He snorted, "Well watch where ye are goin', lass!"
She giggled and pointed to the chair, stepping away from him in order to save herself from any more clumsy incidents. "Sit down," she ordered, feeling frazzled by his spastic dancing.
"What? Too exhausted for more?" Jack frowned.
"We are going to have to put dancing on the list of things to work on," she huffed, "I'd rather not dance with you and end up with a fatal concussion!"
"Well I never!" he retorted, his high pitched snobbish accent coming back to haunt her.
"Now, we are going to have to work on table manners," she said a loud and he groaned, "For yours are simply atrocious. Waltzing will come next and perhaps..."
"Land ho!" interrupted the shout from above, "Tortuga's on the horizon!"
Jack jumped out of his seat and ran for the stairs. "Duty calls!" he yelled over his shoulder.
"I'm not through with you yet!" she shouted back, grinning. These lessons were going to take a lot out of her, and knowing that in advance made her a bit timid about the whole process of teaching Sparrow chivalry and plain good old fashioned manners. In fact, Belle thought with her smile widening, as long as that process involved Sparrow, she was going to look forward to it.
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A half hour later, Sparrow was steering the Black Pearl carefully into Tortuga's small bay.
"Let down the anchor!" he bellowed.
"Aye aye!" the crew hollered back and immediately began to deliver out that task. Belle emerged from below to watch what was going on. The wind had picked up, and her golden locks were flying over her eyes. She grabbed at her tresses and managed to create a sloppy bun at the back of her head. Jack caught her eye and winked at her in reassurance.
Ana Maria said, "Ye think you'll be able to handle it, dearie?" as she walked casually up to Belle, noticing her concerned gaze towards the island. It was growing dark and lights from windows and streetlamps were causing the town to glow.
"I'll manage," Belle replied with a weak smile. And to do that, I'll have to stick close to someone who actually knows how to really defend themselves from delinquents and thieves, she thought with an inner grimace.
Belle looked down at her simple lavender dress with lace trimming. "I do not think I am dressed the part," she added with worry. Ana Maria laughed and said, "How about you come with me? Ye need to get dressed back into those clothes ye were wearing a week or two ago. Jack's are too big for ye. I may have somethin' ye can borrow."
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Once Belle stepped out onto deck again, she felt relieved and ready to face Tortuga and its excitement, its raw ruggedness. She wore black boots similar to Jack's light brown ones, with dark forest green breeches tucked into them, and a cotton off white shirt that fit her wonderfully. Ana Maria and Belle shared the same size in clothing. A floppy black hat topped off the ensemble with a tiny red feather extended from it.
"There ye go," Ana commented with a smile, "Ye fit the part. Now it's all up to you to be a good actress, aye?"
"Thank you, Ana," she replied, staring down at herself in awe, "It's perfect!"
Jack walked up to them both and eyed Ana Maria curiously. "Ye two on good terms now, I hope?"
"I suppose," Ana said gruffly and Belle nodded in agreement. It was nice to talk to a woman, even if Belle had to get past Ana's rough exterior first. She sighed in relief. She passed Ana's test. After giving her weeks and weeks of hell, Ana finally realized Belle was strong enough and therefore able to be accepted.
"Ye look quite delicious, luv," Jack murmured in Belle's ear, causing her to flush, "And if we weren't in front of the crew I wouldn't hesitate to eat you up." He leaned back, clearly pleased with the blush covering her cheeks. She did look quite dangerous, a pirate lass down to a T. Jack groaned inwardly, knowing that dreams of her wearing nothing but those boots were going to haunt his perverse mind for many sleepless nights.
"Stop trying to charm me," she whispered back and actually ran her lips over the side of his cheek as she backed away from him. Belle was teasing him! Jack Sparrow grinned and held out his arm to her.
"Shall we get going, me darling pirate lass?" he asked as innocently as he could.
"Indeed, Captain Sparrow," she replied with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I think that would be most wise."
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Gunshots, screaming, wild laughter and slurred talking reached her ears. By instinct, she stepped a little closer to Sparrow, who noticed and instantly felt the alarming responsibility to protect her from danger. It swelled within him and he put an arm around her in comfort. She grinned and looked up at him.
Women and men alike were running about, some drinking merrily, some fighting dirtily, others stumbling around, clearly already shit-faced drunk.
"So this is Tortuga?" Belle said with a chuckle, "This is...interesting."
"The most interesting town in the Caribbean, luv!" Sparrow replied with a dramatic flourish. The square bustled with activity as people were trying to sell different items at low prices, whores were calling out their worth, unrespectable men were having a jolly good time, and vengeful pirates were looking to right some wrongs.
"Are we going to get a drink or stand here oglin' at the sights?" Ana Maria asked from behind. Jack sighed in annoyance and Mr. Gibbs added, "Today's a full moon, Captain...we best be careful."
Jack doubled his sigh in annoyance and Belle smothered a gasp of laughter. He certainly had the most amusing crew she's ever laid eyes on.
"We shall try to be, Gibbs," he replied, glancing at Belle with an apologetic look. He faced Gibbs and Ana Maria, saying, "You two are to get the supplies o' the evening, savvy? Ye know what we need?"
"Food, preferably spices and meat, fruit..."
"And most importantly?" Jack quizzed.
"Rum," Ana Maria replied with a roll of her eyes.
"That's me girl!" he said ecstatically, patting her on the back. She snorted and walked off, Gibbs desperately trying to keep up with her long strides.
"So, Sparrow," Belle questioned loudly, trying to carry her voice over the bustling mayhem, "Where will the night take us?"
"I have a place to show ye that I think ye will like," he replied mysteriously, "And then we will meet Gibbs and Ana Maria for a drink later. After that, who knows?" Except Sparrow had a pretty good idea what he would be looking for after a couple mugs of his favorite rum. A willing woman. He craved it tonight like no other night...for here he was, with the woman he lusted after most and he wasn't allowed to touch her for the sake of her dignity and innocence. If he took that away from her, he didn't know if she would ever forgive him. Jack could look, just not touch. And he damned her for it, for teasing him so and then reminding him he couldn't have her.
Sparrow tugged on her arm and led her through the crowd. "I think...it's this way," he murmured to himself, looking unsure.
"Oh great," Belle said, "We are going to get lost, aren't we?"
"Don't be silly," Jack scoffed, "I am the master of good direction!" He turned the corner into a dark alley, causing Belle to become a bit nervous.
"Ah ha, here it is!" Jack said with a triumphant glance her way. He stepped up to a worn brown door and grabbed the silver engraved handle, pushing it open. Jack disappeared inside and she had no choice but to follow.
She took off her hat as she closed the door solidly behind her. The room was dimly lit, and there were home built shelves against three of the walls. The walls were painted a vivid blue, and on the wall that held the desk of the owner, there were maps of faraway lands. A spiral staircase went up to a second story that held more written pleasures.
"How did you find such a place?" she breathed, taking in the musty smell. She loved the smell of aging ink and parchment, and Belle was swept away by such a noble place hidden in such a scandalous town.
"It's amazin' what a bit o' venturin' can do to ye," Sparrow said with a smile and began to examine the shelves, gently running his hands over the covers, reading the titles.
A bell jingled and Belle spun around. A plump older woman emerged from the back storage room and grinned as she caught sight of Jack Sparrow. She swept a few tendrils of white hair from her face with a wrinkled hand and exclaimed, "Captain Jack Sparrow! Why, it's been forever!"
"Bess!" he cried and pulled the laughing woman into a big hug, "How I've missed ye! Ye are as beautiful as ever, me darling."
"Oh, stop that, Sparrow," she smirked, "Flattery does nothing to get past me."
"When will ye leave this place and run away with me?" Jack teased and smacked her in the rump. She jumped and gently hit him in the arm, clearly tickled as well. Bess then noticed Belle standing in the back, watching in amusement.
"Ah, where are your manners, Jack? Who's the pretty lass?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.
"This is me friend Miss Belle Blake. She has been travelin' with us for a couple months now," Jack remarked and motioned for Belle to come out of the shadows.
"Come, come dear. Let me have a good look at you." Bess put on her bifocals that were tucked into the bosom of her cream colored dress and examined her.
"This lad here hasn't been givin' you any trouble has he?" she asked, pointing a finger to Jack, who grinned at Belle.
"Not much, m'am, but it is nice to make your acquaintance," Belle replied warmly, "I've been keeping an eye on him."
"Well Jack, I like her already!" Bess laughed, "Well don't let me keep you, look around, look around! Please, it would be my pleasure."
"Thank you," Belle said with a small smile and turned to the nearest shelf, instantly entranced by the assortment of reading material. She glanced Jack's way to find Bess and him whispering to each other. He caught her gaze and reddened, and Bess grew quiet, an impish smile flickering across her jovial face. They must have been conversing about her.
Belle made her way up the stairs carefully and immediately noticed the table in the middle of the room as well as a small, elegant chair. The windows were open and letting in the cool breeze. Candles lit her way as she went to another shelf and picked out a book full of maps. She wondered if Jack had a book such as this one? It was quite large, and the maps were hand drawn with perfect detail. Jack was such a reckless soul, and this book practically screamed 'adventure and freedom'. Feeling inside her pocket, she felt the coins she had taken from her dresser at home. Belle brought the money for emergencies, yet there hadn't been any emergencies present. Her fingers ran over the cover and she immediately knew she had to get this for him.
"Need help with anything?" Bess questioned from behind her. Belle peered around. Jack wasn't present.
"He's downstairs," Bess commented as if she were reading her mind. She nodded towards the book, "That's a very good selection you've made there. Yet I have a feeling that's not for you."
Belle blushed, replying, "Um, no. I wanted it to be a surprise."
Bess smiled warmly and replied, "That book is going to be ten shillings, Miss Blake. But for you I'll make it eight and wrap it up special."
"That is extremely kind of you," Belle said, her face lighting up. Bess went to the small cupboard upstairs and got out some brown paper and string. Belle handed her the large book and the eight shillings.
"How long have you known Jack?" Belle asked, trying to make small talk.
Bess pushed the bifocals up her nose and said as she wrapped carefully, "Oh, for about ten years or so. He stops by every six months or so. Never brought a girl before, though." She looked up and gazed at her with a grin. "You don't seem like his type."
"Oh," Belle stammered, not knowing how to reply.
"No, don't take it the wrong way, dear," Bess chuckled, "You have to realize that Jack has had whores decorating his arms for years. It is a joy to finally see him with a proper young woman such as yourself. Especially if you keep him in line. You must be quite the challenge for him."
"We are friends, Bess..." she stated with embarrassment, "Nothing more."
Bess clucked at her with her tongue, "I've been around a while, Miss Blake. Quite a while." She handed the wrapped package to her, "I can see how you adore him so. I wish you luck on your travels...and on other things."
"Thank you," Belle remarked, putting the wrapped parcel under her arm, "It must be quite exciting to own a shop such as this."
"Ah, only one of life's rewards," she commented wisely, following Belle down the stairs, "You see so many different people come in and out of here, each day is a new adventure."
Jack was busy stacking a few books in his arms when he noticed them approaching him. "Ah," he murmured, noticing the wrapped book under Belle's arm, "What is this? Did a bit of shopping, did we?"
"You are quite the nosy pirate," Bess retorted.
"It's a surprise," Belle informed him, head held high, "And the secret shall be revealed later."
"Hmm, sounds like fun," he grinned, gold teeth shining, "Now I want to buy some for you so choose a couple, luv."
"No, I really couldn't, Jack," she said with a wave of her hand, "You don't have to get me anything."
"No, it's me gift to ye. My pleasure. Go on," he coaxed, motioning towards the shelves.
After a few minutes of searching, Belle and Jack set down a small pile of books on Bess's desk. Belle ended up with a novel about a murder mystery set in London, and a guide to fencing. Jack was pleased with her findings and even more pleased that she allowed him to buy her a gift or two. He handed Bess the money gratefully and took the small bag from her.
"Have fun!" Bess called as they exited the store, "Hope to see you soon, Captain! You too, Miss Blake!"
"Don't ye worry, me darling, I'll be back for you!" Jack said to her dramatically, as if he were wooing her.
A small "pfft" was Bess's reply.
"That was delightful, Jack, thank you for bringing me," Belle said as they began to walk to the tavern. They were late to their meeting with Gibbs and Ana Maria.
"It was nice to see Bess again," Jack said with a smile, "And even nicer to see that look on yer face when ye walked in there. Now stick close to me, luv, for things get a bit rowdy."
"What is the place called?" she questioned.
"Look an' see for yerself," he replied and pointed in front of them. She followed his gaze and noticed the sign swinging in the wind. "Devil's Dare" tavern.
"Sounds enchanting," Belle commented sarcastically.
"Believe me, me dear, it is," Jack teased, "And I don't think you'll fit in with that attire ye got on. Usually women in there wear a bit less than ye've got on at the moment."
"Well you'll have to live with it," she huffed, "For walking around wearing a napkin is not my cup of tea."
Jack chuckled and led her inside. They were greeted with roughhousing pirates punching one another not even three feet away from them, a drunk vomiting in the corner, and a face-painted whore straddling some horny bloke in the front table, lifting her skirts for him. Belle's eyes widened, trying to take in the scene laid out before her.
"Enchanting, aye?" Jack said, knowing she would have that reaction of utter astonishment.
She couldn't even begin to describe the curiosity and horror she felt from witnessing such vile acts.
Sparrow took her by the arm and led her over to the back table where Gibbs and Ana were already enjoying their forth mug.
"Where the hell were you two?" Ana Maria asked with a smile. She peered over at Sparrow and added suspiciously, "Are ye're breeches buttoned?"
Belle gasped in disbelief. Gibbs grimaced and said, "Don't mind her. She's drunk."
"Am not!" Ana Maria slurred, "Okay, okay...perhaps a lil'."
"It's getting late," Jack said, stating the obvious, "I have a bit o' business to take care of. Will I count on you..." he paused, sighing as Ana stared at the reflection of herself in the mug. He turned his gaze to the sober Mr. Gibbs. "I'll trust you to take care of Miss Blake?"
"Aye, captain. I'll keep a watchful eye on her."
"Good." Jack's stare cut to Belle, "Because she's one to cause trouble." He put a few shillings on the table and said, "Buy the lass a drink, she's thirsty," and pulled out a chair for Belle to sit in.
"Where are ye goin'?" she questioned innocently.
He winced and replied shortly, "None of your business. Here, take the bag." He set the bag of books in her lap once she was seated and pushed in her chair for her. Jack then turned on his heel and left quickly, his coat billowing around him as he walked through the door and out of her sight.
"Gibbs," she said, turning to him, "Do you know where he is heading?"
"I have no idea, lass," he stammered. Clearly he knew something. He was a horrible liar. She guessed she was to remain out of the loop for her well being.
"I'd like water," she added instead of further questioning him, which she would have liked to do just to see him squirm, but she was feeling generous tonight.
"They don't have water here," Ana Maria smirked, gazing at her with her glazed over eyes.
"Fine," Belle rolled her eyes, "One rum, please."
Gibbs called over a wench and soon a mug was set in front of her, the amber liquid sloshing everywhere and the mug it was in looked a bit unclean.
She ran her sleeve over the rim, as if cleaning it before placing her lips on it would help.
"Drink up me 'earties," she muttered and shut her eyes before taking a drink. It burned all the way down.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Belle felt a bit light headed as Gibbs shepherded her and Ana Maria back onto the Pearl. She wasn't completely drunk, but she felt oddly hazy, like she was a bit fuzzy around the edges.
"Good night, Belle," Gibbs called as he headed below and into the crew's barracks. Ana Maria stumbled after him, looking ready to pass out from the excess of alcohol.
Belle looked at the bag in her hands and the wrapped present for Jack. She placed the bag next to the helm and noticed that there was light coming out from underneath Jack's cabin door. Grinning, she realized that it was the opportune moment to give him his gift.
Sneakily, she crept up to the door and slowly opened it, not making a sound.
Her eyes widened and she dropped the book, it making a loud banging noise on the wood floor.
Jack's head lifted from the prostitute's neck and his jaw dropped. He looked like a dog that had been caught eating off of the dinner table. There were two women, one with a scarlet dress on and her black curls piled on top of her head. She sat behind him and had her hands on his shoulders. The other was sitting next to him, her brown hair falling like a waterfall to her buttocks, her dark green dress lifted to her thighs, her lips full and plump from kissing. Her brown eyes rimmed with kohl were studying her with distaste.
Jack sat there, shirtless, looking utterly speechless.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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