Tortuga. A town who's bay was surrounded by the island, a small eyelet being the only entrance. The sound of gun shots and shouting could be heard from the entrance of the harbour. It seemed to me that you came here without a guarantee of leaving.
Will and I followed Jack off the ship and to the docks as I looked around. The docks themselves were littered with bodies, most passed out as a few hiccuped and others snored or slurred in their sleep.
Further into the town was not much better, everywhere I turned there were drunk men and women everywhere. I flinched a few times as gun fire sounded frequently and bodies fell from the balconies above.
Prostitutes walked everywhere. I must say, wearing such big and heavy dresses and managing to show so much cleavage and look appealing surprised me. Yes dresses were proper and gorgeous, but the way these women flaunted themselves you'd think they'd prefer to just walk around in nothing instead.
"More importantly," I tuned back into what Jack was rambling about "It is indeed a sad life that had never breathed deep this sweet, proliferous bouquet that is Tortuga, savvy?" he said
"Or moral decency." I disagreed. He sent me a look before turning to Will
"What do you think?" Jack opened his arms as if presenting a surprise. Will looked at a man lying on the floor absolutely covered in rum and still drinking, a big women sat on top of the barrel drinking also.
"It'll linger." Will muttered.
"I tell you, if every town was like this one, no man would ever feel unwanted." Jack grinned
"I wonder why," I mumbled as three women walked past. Jack didn't hear me as his attention was taken to elsewhere. A red haired women was walking over to him. He beamed at her and walked forwards.
"Scarlet!" Scarlet slapped him across the face. I placed a hand over my mouth as I smirked, chuckling slightly.
"Not sure I deserved that…" Jack muttered as his face had turned to Will. He turned around to see a blonde women walked towards him next.
"Giselle." he greeted
"Who was she?" Giselle wondered nodding her head after Scarlett. She noticed me and sneered before Jack drew her attention back.
"What?" he asked confused. Giselle slapped him also, maybe a little harder as his head snapped around to me and Will behind him.
"I may have deserved that." Jack muttered.
"I didn't think prostitutes were capable of feeling heart break." I said with pity. Jack looked at me almost offended. "They're not prostitutes?" I wondered surprised. He didn't answer but turned to continue walking. I rolled my eyes.
"We should escape this retched pit as quickly as possible." Jack decided, probably hoping not to get slapped again
"With a crew?" Will said
"Ah yes." Jack said as if he'd forgotten "Well it just so happens that you know the man, who knows the man who knows the finest sailors in all Tortuga."
"I'd hate to know the worst." I said as Jack threw his cain to Will who gave it to a man by the doorway Jack had walked through. The man then used it to hit the guy standing before him and take the girl he'd been kissing.
We followed the pirate to a pub. Inside was a mess. People flew everywhere, more gun shots were fired and everyone had a drink in their hands. If the drink was spilt or broken, another fight would brake out.
I kept a straight face as I saw several men turn their attentions towards me. They sneered as their eyes traveled over my body. The tight breeches were apparently doing their job at showing my figure. I guess the tight corset didn't help my case either.
Jack suddenly placed a hand around my waist, his hand sitting lower on my hip then necessary. I looked up at him questionably.
"They wont touch you if they think you're taken lass." he said, I smiled at his thoughtfulness and let him guide me.
Despite Jack, I still kept my attention forwards as I let the pirate lead me through the pub and to the back, ignoring the few hands that managed to brushed over me. I shivered when I stepped outside, and not from the cold. Jack gave me a comforting squeeze before releasing me and walking forwards.
There was a pigsty before us, and it wasn't occupied just by pigs. A man lay sleeping against the swines. I blinked surprised.
"Mr Gibbs." I muttered, both Jack and Will looked at me surprised.
"You know him?" Will asked
"Barely, he was on the Dauntless when Elizabeth and I first came to Port Royal, when we saved you." I admitted "I guess it's no surprise he ended up here." now that I thought about it, he had pirate written all over him then.
Jack turned and grabbed a bucket of water before throwing it over Gibbs, splashing him.
"Curse you for breathing you slack-jawed idiot!" Gibbs shouted angrily holding a dagger as he sat up. He looked up to see Jack, Will and I standing before him.
"Mother's love. Jack!" he smiled "You should know better then to wake a men when he's sleeping. It's bad luck."
"Fortunately I know how to counter it." Jack crouched down "The man who did the waking buys the man who was sleeping a drink. The man who was sleeping drinks it while listening to a preposition from the man who did the waking." Jack finished, I had to repeat his words in my head before understanding.
Why can't he just ask the man to share a drink normally? I wondered. Gibbs went over his words also before smiling.
"Aye, that'll about do it." And Gibbs got to his feet. When he did Will threw another bucket of water on him.
"Blast it, I'm already awake!" Gibbs shouted
"That was for the smell." Will said, glancing at Jack. Gibbs opened his mouth to argue before sighing in agreement.
And we returned to the pub. I walked between Jack and Will and seemed to avoid the lingering hands from before. Eyes still watched me and I just walked proudly ignoring them. They could gaze all they wanted, I wasn't going anywhere near any of them.
Gibbs sat down at a table and Will leaned against a pole near it. I stood next to Will as Jack disappeared to get a pair of drinks for him and Gibbs.
He stopped next to Will on his return who was watching around us wearily. The amount of fighting that continued to occur, I couldn't blame him.
"Keep a sharp eye." Jack warned before going to sit opposite Gibbs. Will looked at the mess around him looking rather uncomfortable.
"Why did we have to come along?" I wondered in a curious tone.
"Probably didn't trust us on the Interceptor alone." Will answered
"Yeah, cause we're going to burn our only escape of this place." I muttered looking around. An arm suddenly sneaked it's way around my waist and I turned to see a drunk man staring down at me greedily. I grabbed his arm, twisted it the wrong way and kicked him away from me. He spun around angrily as I pulled my pistol from my belt and pointed it at him.
"Touch me again and I swear I'll pull the trigger." I threatened.
From the man's demeanour, I wouldn't be surprised if he tried again anyway. The problem with that was that I'd never shot someone… could I actually do it?
I kept my face hard and annoyed as the gun stayed still. I managed to keep my hand from shaking at the thought of possibly killing a man.
I might be able to sword fight and stab a few pirates threatening to kill me or my townspeople, but, shooting a person felt different. Not that I believed anyone would miss him much from his toothless grin and leering eyes.
I took a deep breath hoping he wouldn't try anything, now that I'd threatened him, I'd have to go through with it somehow, otherwise I wouldn't be taken seriously. Something that's obvious; don't make a threat if you can't follow through. I wouldn't be that person who's threats were empty. Especially in this place.
But could I pull the trigger?
The man completely ignored me with a smirk and he moved around the gun to place a hand on my ass. I ground my teeth in anger.
That's it. I might not be able to kill him but I wasn't going to let the threat fall through.
A shot rang out and my hand raised slightly from the force before the man hit the floor holding his shoulder. He glared at me angrily as I lowered the gun.
"I told you. Don't touch me." I said lowly. I was shocked at how strong my voice was. That was terrifying. I just shot a person.
Despite my inner turmoil, outside I stayed strong and confident.
No one came near me again and I placed the gun back in it's holder before turning back to Will who looked at me shocked. I ignored him as my heart raced.
To think I could have killed him, just for touching me.
I was glad to be out of that pub. Jack had a drink in his hand as he led the way back to the ship. As soon as we were on it, I sat on the deck and let out a long shaky breath.
"Oh gods." I muttered. Both men turned to me "I just shot a guy." I said, more of a fact then surprise.
"Was a good shot lass," Jack grinned "Surprised you did it actually,"
"I had too, no one would take me seriously if I made a threat then didn't abide by it." I muttered "At least I didn't say something about killing him," I muttered
"You seemed a lot stronger inside." Will admitted as he crouched next to me
"It's called bottle up the surprise till you're not in view." I muttered "I cannot believe I shot someone, I could have just slapped him or something instead." But no, I shot him.
"Love," Jack walked towards me and towered over me "If you're going to come on this voyage, you may want to get used to it." he said
"I know." I nodded "Had to break the ice at some point… maybe it's easier under different circumstances." I muttered "I mean the thought didn't even cross my mind in Port Royal." I took a deep breath and raised my hand to Jack, he looked at it with a raised eyebrow before taking it and helping me to my feet.
"I'm okay." I assured. I glanced at the two of them "But I bags the captains courters." and I ran to the door
"No!" Jack disagreed and ran after me, stumbling a lot as he did. I reached the door, opened it and gave a curtsey before closing it in his face.
He banged on the door and I opened it again.
"My courters, I'm captain." he said
"And here I thought you'd be out partying before heading to the sea." I admitted, he looked at me as if thinking it over and I closed the door again. I'm not sure if he noticed but I just pulled my boots off and collapsed onto the bed. I'd never slept in a hammock and I was sure I'd end up on the floor with many bruises.
Plus, messing with Jack was turning out to be amusing.
For once, I wasn't awoken when the door went. When I did wake up, Jack was sitting at the desk looking over some charts. I just looked at him for a while. Seeing as I'd left the door shut last night he'd have to have opened it at some stage.
Strange I slept through it.
"What are you doing?" I wondered, Jack glanced at me, his eyes travelling down my body.
"Gibbs' is bringing us a crew today, need to determine our heading."
"I meant in here." I muttered
"Captains courters, I'm captain." he repeated from last night. I just sighed and closed my eyes before sitting up.
"Don't you already know it?" I wondered
"Know what?" he asked
"Our heading." I clarified
"Roughly." he nodded. I sighed as I stood up. I ran a hand through my hair and reached out to undo my corset. I hadn't even bothered to take it off last night and now it was sitting slightly off and the laces had loosened.
"What are you doing?" Jack asked, I looked at him as he watched me
"Fixing my corset." I said simply. I then paused with my hands and smirked "Why?"
"Nothing lass," his expression mirrored mine and I shrugged innocently before I repositioned the corset, fixed my shirt and began to retighten the laces behind my back.
I pulled my boots on — momentarily removing the dagger as to not stab my foot — before walking over to Jack. I stood behind him and peered over his shoulder at the maps. My hair hung to my side as Jack glanced at me.
"So, where's this mysterious island." I asked softly looking over the maps, my head close to his.
"Trade secret, Love." Jack declared, I looked at him confused
"Why? What's so special about it?"
"Have you not read the stories?" Jack asked looking at up at me with a smirk.
"Majority of the interesting ones aren't in books." I said simply as I gazed at him. His brown eyes locked on my blue and I couldn't seem to look away, as if getting lost in them.
"It seems to me as if you have a bit of a trust issue." I said softly
"Pirate." he said simply
"Ahh, can't trust the lot of them." I removed my gaze and looked at the map before I turned to the door, leaving him.
"Next time, knock before you enter the room." I said as I opened the door
"Next time?" he asked
"I wont be able to sleep in a hammock." I said simply
"If you're going to sleep in the captain's cabin you should expect the captain to be in it." he said with a smirk
"Who ever said I didn't?" I shrugged.
Gibbs was on the deck talking to Will as I came out. The sun was shining beautifully and the sky was clear blue. I stood with my eyes closed, soaking up the sun gladly before approaching the two.
"Morning Will. Mr Gibbs." I greeted
"Miss Langford, been a while." Gibbs nodded
"A long while." I nodded "Hows the crew hunt going?"
"All finished."
"That was fast." I said impressed and turned to go back to the cabin. I opened the door and leaned on the frame as Jack looked up at me, his compass in his hand.
"You could knock." he said
"You didn't." I shrugged with a grin "Gibbs has your crew for you." I informed and left the doorway, leaving the door open.
Will, Gibbs and I stood on the deck just from the long boat as we waited for Jack. He eventually came out of his cabin and we all climbed in. Jack grabbed the back of my breeches and pulled me to sit down next to him. I landed with a thump and turned to send him a glare. He just smirked at me.
Great, apparently I'd started something, what I wasn't sure, but it probably wasn't going to turn out good.
"Feast your eyes Cap'n." Gibbs introduced. Before us was a line of people as we stood on the dock near the long boat. "All of them faithful hands before the mast. Every man worth his salt… And crazy to boot."
"So this is your able-bodied crew?" Will wondered. Jack raised his eyebrows and walked along looking at the men, I followed behind him with Will as we looked over everyone.
Jack stopped at a man who had a blue and yellow parrot on his shoulder.
"You sailor." Jack addressed him
"Cotton sir." Gibbs introduced
"Mr Cotton, do you have the courage and fortitude to follow orders and stay true in the face of danger and almost certain death?" Jack asked quickly. I raised an eyebrow at him. Seeing as he always seemed hungover I'm surprised he could get the words out clearly that fast.
Jack didn't receive an answer as Cotton glanced at Gibbs.
"Mr Cotton! Answer man."
"Er, he's a mute sir." Gibbs admitted, Jack glanced at him annoyed for not being informed before hand. "Poor devil has his tongue cut out," Cotton opened his mouth to show the stub for a tongue he had and Jack shied away slightly, playing with his own tongue gratefully "So he trained the bird to talk for him." Gibbs finished "No one's yet figured how." he confessed. Jack turned to continued walking but decided against it.
"Mr Cotton's parrot," Jack said feeling slightly ridiculous "Same question."
"Wind in the sail! Wind in the sail!" the bird answered. Jack turned to Gibbs
"Mostly we figure that means yes." Gibbs said
"Course it does." Jack said obviously. He then turned to Will "Satisfied?"
"Well you've proved they're all mad." Will admitted.
"I think they're fine." I shrugged, the two looked at me.
"And what's the benefit for us?" a voice sounded. We turned to see a person with a big black hat covering their face. Jack walked towards them and tried to look under the hat. He gave up quickly and removed the hat to reveal a tall strong women.
"AnaMaria." he greeted. She slapped him hard across the face and I sighed. Another one?
"I suppose you didn't deserve that one either?" Will asked
"No, that one I deserved." Jack admitted as AnaMaria nodded
"You stole my boat!" she snapped
"Actually I—" she slapped him a second time "Borrowed." Jack corrected "Borrowed but without permission, but with ever intention on brining it back to you."
"But you didn't!" she reminded him
"You'll get another one." he said. She raised her hand and was about to slap him again when she pointed at him instead.
"I will." she nodded threatening
"A better one." Will said
"A better one." Jack nodded with a smile. I tapped Will and pointed to the Interceptor, Will nodded agreeing.
"That one." Will pointed around Jack to the ship.
"What one?" Jack asked and Will nodded his head. Jack looked at the Interceptor "That one?!" he asked disagreeing.
"Yes." I nodded. He looked like he was going to argue as Will and I gave him a stern look
"Aye. That one." he agreed turning to AnaMaria. "What say you?" he asked
"Aye!" AnaMaria, plus all the other members, chorused. They all turned to board the long boat as AnaMaria grabbed her hat and put it on her head.
"No, no, no," Gibbs disagreed "It's frightfully bad luck to bring a women aboard." Gibbs disagreed, I rolled my eyes and turned to the long boat "Much less two." I heard him mutter, I turned and crossed my arms.
"It would be far worse not to have them." Jack said looking up at the sky. Gibbs and Will followed his gaze as Jack turned towards me and grinned, I smiled and turned to the long boat before he caught up to me.
"Let's see if I can be a good luck charm instead." I smiled
"You're already on your way to doing so darlin'." he smirked
"Good." I smiled as I hopped into the long boat.
The second we got on deck, Jack began to bark orders. I moved to the helm and looked over the ship as Gibbs ordered the new crew around also.
"This is better." I nodded
"What is?" Jack asked as he appeared to take the helm.
"People running around working. The ship feels more like a ship now." I admitted with a smile. I then pouted and turned to look at him.
"Maybe I should leave the captain's cabin to you then, seeing as you're more of a captain with a crew to boss around." I sighed. Me having the cabin hadn't been a problem before Tortuga because Jack had stayed up and steered the ship, now he had someone he could boss to do it for him.
"Or," Jack walked around the wheel, leaving it for a second to come and stand noticeably close to me. "You could just make room for another."
"I get the choice huh?" I smirked, amused by his behaviour.
"Not really." he shook his head. I rolled my eyes and looked back over the ship, the first thing I noticed was the dark clouds on the horizon
"I might consider it, if we make it through that storm," I nodded my head and Jack looked at it like it was nothing.
"We'll be right." he said. "You might want to hide in the cabin though." he smirked
"I'm not going to go and hide somewhere just because of a storm." I rolled my eyes at him
"Lass, you wont be much help here." he said
"How do you know?" I wondered with a raised eyebrow, daring him to answer. Jack just took my hands and looked down at them.
"Love, you don't have the hands for it, you'll be bleeding in no time." he said
"Then give me something else to do that doesn't involve ropes." I said leaning forwards
"You'll get washed over board otherwise." he ignored my request
"Are you giving me an order captain?" I wondered
"Aye." he nodded and I raised an eyebrow.
"I'm going to have to disincline to your request." I said. He looked down at me and his arm snaked around my waist again
"Then you stay close." he ordered, his voice stern.
"I think I can handle that much." I nodded.
The waves crashed down on the Interceptor. The wind hurled through the sails and the wind crashed down, adding to the water on deck. The waves crashed over the side and soaked everyone on board. No ones footing stayed steady except for Jack's. And in turn my own. Jack refused to let me leave his side. He had a tight arm around my waist still that refused to give any leverage.
Unfortunately for Jack, he needed both his arms, one to hold the compass, one to steer the ship. As holding me prevented that, he had me steering the helm. He glanced at his compass and directed me to turn the wheel. It was difficult as the sea water fought with me as I turned the rudder, but I managed to keep my hands on the wheel and the wheel itself from spinning out of control. It had been difficult at first, as much as I liked to think myself independent, I wasn't strong. Not yet anyway, so Jack had been opening and closing the compass several times to give me a hand.
"Why don't you just let me hold the compass?" I questioned
"Can you read it?" Jack asked, shouting over the wind and rain
"It can't be harder to teach then how to steer a ship!" I thought to which Jack had just smirked, though I knew the workings of a ship before Jack had summed it up in his words so I understood his instructions. Of course, the compass didn't point north so he would have to explain, unfortunately for me, he didn't seem to want to.
I watched as the waves washed onto the deck of the ship and caused everyone to fall over, a few unlucky members were drawn into the sea by the waves and I frowned in pity. This was our fault in a way, making them board our ship without telling them the destination. Then again, they knew the price of sailing at sea, with a captain most thought to be jinxed.
I watched as Will was knocked over and held my breath before he stood back up and helped Gibbs with some rigging. The two stumbled as they shouted at one another over the wind, the rocking boat making steady footing difficult.
Gibbs smirked at Will over something before he left the blacksmith and walked over to Jack and I.
"We should drop the canvas sir." Gibbs said above the raging sea
"She can hold a bit longer." Jack said as his face was showered in water as he told me to turn slightly again.
I gave him a look as if he was mad. The crew could hardly keep their feet, let alone keep a ship above water, could we not drop the canvas and let the ship idle slightly? It wouldn't sink against a storm, ships were built to withstand as much and this was the Royal Navy's second best ship. The 'supposed' fastest of the caribbean. Other then the Pearl in Jack's claims.
"What's in your head to put you in such a fine mood Cap'n?" Gibbs wondered and he glanced at me
"Beats me." I shouted annoyed
"We're catching up." Jack grinned. To the Pearl? Well it obviously wasn't as fast as he believed then… then again the crew of the Peal didn't know we were chasing them and weren't in a hurry to beat anyone.
"If we're catching up now, I'm sure we'd catch up when the storm's ended too." I shouted at him and turned the wheel as I watched the compass move, not even giving Jack the opportunity to order me to change course slightly.
He looked at me slightly impressed by my actions and grinned.
"It's the wind, Lass." he shouted
"What a surprise." I grumbled, the wind too loud for him to hear me as the boat shook again and Jack's arm tightened… if that was possible. Naturally he was trying to kill us in a storm just to utilise the power of the wind. How am I not surprised.
The storm eventually subsided, somewhere around the very early morning and Jack allowed the canvas to be dropped. I released the wheel and clenched my hands a few times, trying to remove the stiffness from clinging to the helm so tightly. Jack checked his compass and hook a noose over a handle of the wheel to hold it in place.
Cotton arrived, not seeming as exhausted as the majority of the crew and took the duty of watching the helm.
I left out a sigh, battling the elements was a difficult business and I was exhausted. My clothes were soaked and I just wanted to lie down somewhere. Even the wet deck would do.
Jack, his arm still around me — he obviously enjoyed it too much — led me down the stairs after allowing the crew a break and to have a nice long rest for their efforts. It was strongly nice of him but I guess he needed them.
For once Jack didn't make an argue about the captains cabin and lead me into it. I finally removed his arm from my waist, my skin tingling from the sudden cold and went to flop onto the bed, only to have Jack catch me before I could.
"Oh no. You're soaked. You sleep in wet clothes on wet sheets you'll catch a cold love." Jack said as he straightened me up
"I really don't care. But if the sheets matter so much, I'll sleep on the floor." I pointed, Jack raised an eyebrow
"Don't make me undress you darlin'." he half threatened, I didn't miss his eyes travel over me as he said it
"Not that you wouldn't enjoy that." I rolled my eyes. Jack released me as I moved to the draws within the room and found some clothes. I didn't care what they where, just checked the sizing so they'd stay put while I slept, and then began to remove all but the last layers of my clothes.
I turned to Jack to find him looking over some papers at his desk, but caught him as he removed his gaze.
"Jack." I said. He looked at me and I made a circle with my finger, telling him to turn around. He raised his hands in defence and did so to look out the window behind him at the now calm waters.
I quickly removed my shirt and replaced it, glancing at Jack, before removed the breeches and replacing them too. I grabbed a band and began to braid my hair.
"Alright." I allowed, Jack turned around to look at me. "I prefer the other look." he said
"Better then the dress?" I wondered with a smirk. When I was done with my hair I moved to pick my clothes up and hang them in the room.
"As you said, the breeches flatter your curves better."
"Which you've taken great notice too." I said amused. He only gave me a grin and removed his hat, jacket and vest, along with his belt, effects and boots.
I rolled my eyes and collapsed onto the comfy sheets contently. Only to flinch away when something cold hit the fabric of my back. The springs of the bed moved and I turned to see Jack lying next to me. I sat up and realised he was still in his wet things.
"Oh no." I said strongly and he turned to look at me in the darkness. I guess he expected me to tell him to get out but I only picked up the sleeve of his wet shirt, his arm with it.
"If I have to change out of my wet things, so do you. Especially as I'm now dry and you're going to make the sheets wet." I ordered. Jack looked at me amused "Come on, there'll be some clothes here for you too." I stood on the mattress and stepped over Jack towards the draws as he sat up.
I found a pair of bleachers and held them out to Jack
"Are these too big?" I asked without turning to him. My hand hit his chest lightly and I turned to him. I rose an eyebrow
"Would you like me to find a shirt first?" I wondered. He'd taken his off.
Jack smirked at me and I just rolled my eyes. That's such a Jack thing to do.
I couldn't notice all the scars over Jack's body. He had the branded P on his wrist, a large scar in the crook of his left elbow and two bullet wounds on his right shoulder, one almost close to his chest.
He'd been through a war zone.
I raised one of my hands and ran the tips of my fingers over his bullet wounds.
"Ouch," was all I said "You really have luck on your side don't you." I smirked slightly. He raised an eyebrow "So far it's seemed as such." I shrugged and turned back to the draw. I pulled out a shirt and held it up to Jack.
"That one should work." I shrugged and threw it over his head with a smirk. He sent me a mock glare as he pulled it off. I shrugged innocently as I threw the pants into his arms also.
I walked around him, feeling his eyes follow me before I flopped back onto the bed, hugging one of the pillows.
After a minute or so, Jack joined me. I didn't mind, the bed was big enough. But I did hit his hand when his arms snaked around my waist again.
"You haven't let me go all night." I claimed, not bothering to look at him "Give a girl some space." I could practically feel him smirking but he didn't touch me again.
When I woke up, I was no longer hugging the pillow, but Jack. My arms were around his waist, my head on his shoulder as his hand rested on mine.
I sighed at the realisation. Well, I said he couldn't touch me, I said nothing about me touching him.
"Couldn't resist ay?" Jack suddenly said
"Apparently, given the option while sleeping, I take it." I answered not bothering to open my eyes
"And now?" he questioned "You're no longer asleep, what's the excuse for not letting go?"
"It's comfortable." I pulled myself closer
"And if I disagree?" he wondered
"Someone who had trouble keep his hands off me all night I doubt would argue." I pressed my body much closer as if to prove my point. He didn't argue. Shockingly. Though I did think he'd push me away to prove me wrong.
"I have to say, it's not even strings if you're allowed to… press flesh and I can't lay a finger." Jack began
"You can make your own rules." I said, half shrugging "Plus, it was only for the night as my waist was sore from your arm never releasing me."
"How else were you to stay standing?" he questioned
"I'd have survived." I thought
"I doubt it love." I opened my eyes narrowing them and released the pirate. I sat up and looked at him. His eyes were examining me.
"I've been meaning to ask you something." I began, repeating his words when he asked them to me.
"Hmm?" he pressed his lips together
"Why were you so willing to help us?" I wondered
"Freedom, love." he said obviously. I shook my head
"There's something else. Something to do with Will?" Jack eyed me, wondering what to say "Or his father?" Jack still didn't speak "What's so important about his father?"
"Who ever said it to do with his name?" Jack asked
"Cause it peaked your interest."
"I learnt yours too."
"You learnt my last." I corrected
"Isn't that enough?"
"In order to gain help from you apparently, but I don't believe you, a pirate, helped out of your own free will." I admitted "So, why agree because of a name?" I asked leaning close to intimidate him.
Jack smirked and began to sit up, not intimidated but perhaps tempted.
And then an idea occurred to me.
"You need him." I muttered, Jack paused "You could have killed him by letting him drown, an excuse about docking in Tortuga alone — despite me — excluded, but you didn't." I said "And you agreed to help thanks to a name that related to a man you once knew." I thought "And unfortunately for the rest of us, you don't seem the type to do anything unless you gain a sum." I listed.
Jack was up to something selfish, the question was, what was it?
"You want something Jack." I muttered nodding, certain of that fact "But what could it be that you want most?" Jack smirked
"Isn't that just the question."
"The question is, why wont you answer me?" I wondered "You can't even seem to give me a witty remark." I didn't understand, he always had some comeback for everything so far. No matter what anyone said, he had a counter for it. So why was he suddenly tongue tied?
"I don't have a witty remark to give you." Jack answered
"Well, why not? You have one for everyone else."
"You'd see right through it." Jack said
"Possibly not." I shrugged. I knew Jack wasn't going to answer, he wasn't even going to try and confuse me with backwards words.
I got up and moved to where I'd left my clothes. Feeling them, I was glad they were dry, just stiff. I smiled thankfully, they were a lot nicer then my current clothes. I unbuttoned the shirt and loosened the corset before moving to the one I was wearing.
I kept my back to him as I removed the shirt and just replaced it with the recently dry one. I pulled the corset on over the top and fiddled with the laces until it was tight enough to show my figure but not enough to suffocate me. I didn't need a 'Lizzie incident'.
I unbuttoned the bleachers to replace them with the breeches but remembered Jack still in the room. I turned to see him watching me amused.
"See something you like Captain?" I asked already knowing the answer. I turned and grabbed his clothes before then throwing them at him. I grabbed my breeches and pulled the bleachers off, replacing them quickly. I grabbed my effects and immediately drew the pistol turning to point it at Jack.
He raised his hands in surrender.
"It's very disrespectful of you to watch Sparrow." I said in mock disappointment. "Should you be put down for your sins?" I wondered
"I'd prefer it if you didn't, Love." he answered
"Isn't that what they all say?" my voice was sweet with a fake smile.
Fortunately for Jack, there was a knock on the door. I wouldn't shoot him anyway but the thought that it was possible… I think after Tortuga, he believed I'd be able to do it too.
"Captain, we're approaching the Island." Gibbs' voice sounded. I cocked an eyebrow and Jack glanced at me before I pointed the gun to the roof and clicked the safety back on. He smiled at me as I put it in it's holder and moved to the door.
Gibbs looked surprised.
"How close are we?" I wondered. He recovered
"The fog is thickening, Miss Langford." That didn't mean anything to me but I turned to Jack who apparently did know the meaning. He hurried to grab his effects — having already changed at some point — as well as his hat and jacket before moving past me and Gibbs to the helm. Gibbs looked at me and I shrugged before following the captain.