Title: Send Her My Love

Pairings: JS/OC, WT/ES

Overview: The Infamous Captain Jack Sparrow has had interesting acquaintances and activities in the past. This story is of a chain of many events that have gone awry, and come back to haunt him.

Disclaimer: All I own is Payton and the plot!

A/N: Alrighty, thankies for the reviews! I was seriously tempted to leave the story there for a bit, it is a minor cliffy, I mean, if it was myself reading the chapter, I'd be chanting, "go after her!" to Jack, and then looking for the button to head to the next chapter. I do so hate it when you have a situation like that, and there's no next chapter to go to. Stinks.

First, cookies to my reviewers! –gives out delicious cookies of yumminess-

Sirenne Claire, glad you liked the kiss! Personally, I think I could've done more with it, but my dad came downstairs and decided to be inconvenient. Cannot write with parental units there.

CaptainESavvy, tis okay you didn't put in reviews, I'm glad with what I can get. Thanks for your input, I'm glad you think it's good. And yes, Payton and Jack are getting closer. Just wait till you see the end chapter.

On that note, yes, I have the FINAL SCENE for the FINAL CHAPTER written up, ready to go – in rough copy format, of course.

But trust me, you won't like it. –evil grin-

So that all you know, if this isn't a particularly good chapter, my muse deserted me for the chapter, the only thing it aided me with is the chapter title and the synopsis. Aside from that, I was on my own. –sigh- Stupid fickle creatures…

Musical inspiration for this chapter was songs from the anime show Claymore! Watch it, download it, find it! It is fantastic!

Chapter Eight: Scum

Where our villain shows his face (finally), Payton talks to Jack, and a treasure hunt begins.

Jack had begun to get frustrated with the increasing frequency in which he was being kicked out of his own cabin. He walked to his door to open it, paused, looking down at his hand that overlapped the handle, almost touching the knob to open the door. A long pause occurred – he seemed to be considering something – then he turned around entirely, and walked the other way. He paused at the railing, looking out over the sea, stroking his beard speculatively. The party was still in full swing below deck, and Jack could hear that it was getting more and more rowdy. Jack paid little mind to it, knowing that his crew would be fine by tomorrow. He brooked no patience for slothful crewmembers, and they all knew it well.

However, what was occupying his mind at this moment in time was more perplexing than his crew. And certainly more interesting as well.

What he had received from their encounter did nothing to quiet his lusting over her. What he had been expecting was a slap, and several remarks about his integrity. What he was given in its stead was shock, then fear from Payton. That was the last thing he would have expected, the last thing he would have wanted. He stroked his goatee, looking off at the horizon.

Women…

Puzzling creatures, never easy to decode. It was worse when they were devious, one could never tell what exactly was their purpose. But even then, one could assume that they were being devious, and therefore to not take everything that they were doing at face value. So, it was the natural ones that were more difficult. Jack shook his head. They were all pretty deceptive, saying one thing and meaning it's polar opposite. Payton was especially tough, despite his grasp on the nuances of the female creature. He looked over at his cabin, there were no lights on, and no noises coming from inside.

It was as if she wasn't in there.

He had entered the room. She had been sitting shell-shocked on his bed, her legs crossed Indian style, staring off into nothingness.

"My extensive knowledge of the female creature tells me that you are distressed about something luv."

There was no response. Jack sashayed over to his bed, and sat down beside her. She didn't move, nor did she seem to notice that he was there.

"Luv… what's bothering ye?" He stroked her arm, his face showing his concern.

She looked at him, an odd expression on her face. Silence stole over the cabin. He watched, entranced, as she nervously wet her lips with her tongue.

"I'm… not sure Jack." She was quiet, barely audible.

He looked at her, puzzled. She seemed awfully small and weak at that moment. He got an urge to envelop her in his arms, telling her that she'd be fine. He shook his head, Captain Jack Sparrow may be many things, but a wimp was not one of them. It more suited the whelp.

The eerie expression in her eyes haunted him though. He gently rubbed her shoulder, which seemed to calm her. "Luv… whatever is worrying ye… it'll look better in the light of morning, savvy? Get some sleep."

She nodded, laying down, her boots already off her feet and on the floor. Jack made to get up, but she quickly grabbed his arm. "Stay. Please?"

He grudgingly sat back down on the edge of the bed beside her – he couldn't say no to her, not when she looked like that. She smiled at him, and curled up to fall asleep.

The morning came, bright and clear. Payton awoke to find a weight by her right side, and an arm draped over her waist. Groggily, she looked over, and saw Jack sleeping beside her. Either she wasn't fully awake, or she truly didn't mind it, because she did not instantly scream, shout, or make any loud noises about it. In fact, all she did was stare at the pirate captain. The two of them had shifted in the night, Payton now laying on the far left of the bed, and Jack laying comfortably beside her.

A few drowsy thoughts went through her head.

What time is it? Why isn't he up? Why is he laying beside me? … Why don't I care?

Carefully, as not to wake Jack up, she attempted to scoot off the side of the bed. The arm around her middle however had other ideas. It clamped down with surprising strength, and pulled her back towards the sleeping pirate, eliciting a startled noise to come from Payton. She lay flush against his warm body, unable to get away.

This… will be awkward.

She was assuming that Jack was still asleep. However, Jack had been awake for a while now. Not wanting to disturb the sleeping girl, he hadn't moved. Now he was quite pleased with that decision. He could feel Payton trying to remove his arm from across her, only to have her pulled in closer to him. She squirmed while up against him, obviously trying to get away, oblivious to the other effects she was having on him.

"I think luv," She stiffened at his voice, and he smirked. "I think that ye may be wantin' ta stop that before I turn ye over an' ravish ye." She attempted to move away from him, now fully aware of the prodding she felt in the small of her back. His arm still held her in place, and she sighed, giving up on her bid for freedom at that moment in time. She rolled over to face him, a mixture of confusion, annoyance, and … longing. He couldn't be sure. They were close, her body pinned to his, their forms moulding together. He smirked at her, moving his face closer to hers. He felt the shiver go through her.

"Cold luv?" His voice was a whisper, teasing her. His hand caressed her back, running slow circles over the shirt.

"A-aye Captain." The look in her eyes said otherwise. Jack didn't press it, continuing to rub circles on her back with his fingertips.

Payton was having difficulty thinking straight. She could feel the heat from his body radiating off of him. Her cheeks were flushed, she could feel that too. Warmth had begun to pool in her stomach and between her legs, which she ignored.

I am not attracted to this man!

"Jack…" Her resolve nearly vanished as his eyes settled on hers.

"Aye luv?" He moved even closer to her.

"We should get up." She didn't sound entirely convinced.

"Ye sure luv? Tis nice and comfortable here."

She avoided his eyes.

If he keeps looking at me like that… I don't know what I'll end up doing.

"Jack, we have to." Her voice held a pleading note to it, and Jack smirked, knowing he was holding power over her. With feather-light touches, he ran his hand down her side, causing her to squirm slightly.

"Nay luv, we don't have to."

Her resolve was weakening by every second. He moved closer, their faces nearly touching, bringing his lips to claim hers again –

"Capt'n!" A loud knocking came at the door. Inwardly, Jack groaned. He rolled over off the bed, and walked to the cabin door, not pausing to put on a shirt. He opened the door aggressively, and looked at his first mate.
"Yes Mister Gibbs?" The aggravation was clear in his voice.

"Capt'n, land's in sight."

"Thank you Mister Gibbs. I'll be out in a moment."

"Aye Capt'n." Gibbs left, and Jack shut the door, seeing that Payton had already collected her things, and was already dressed, ready to go. She nodded to him. "See you on deck Captain."

She exited the cabin, and once the door was firmly shut, Jack did in fact let out an aggravated growl.

So close!

Moments later, dressed, and in a better temperament, Captain Jack Sparrow walked onto the deck of his ship. Climbing up to the helm, he dismissed Mr. Cotton who had been steering while Jack had been away in his cabin. Payton was no where to be seen, probably went below deck to the galley already. Pulling out the spyglass from his belt, he opened it and peered ahead at the mass of land on the horizon.

Jack spoke to Gibbs, who had stood beside him. "We should make it there by mid-afternoon, aye?"

"Aye Capt'n." the stocky man nodded.

"Very well. Head to land!"

Upon making the decision, Jack had headed below deck to check supplies. Payton had nodded to him as he passed towards the bowels of the ship, not thinking much of what was going on. She was still preparing lunch – sandwiches and such – when Jack silently returned.

Payton turned, and nearly dropped what she had been holding in shock. Jack had been hovering behind her, a smirk on his features.

"Christ Jack! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

He chuckled lowly. "Now luv, don't fret. We'll be reaching land shortly, I wanted ta know if there was anything that ye need for cooking."

She placed down the dish she had been holding, placing her hands on her hips instead. "Does this land have settlement on it, or just wilderness?"

"There may have been a settlement on it, but I'm not sure." He sniffed the air. "What are ye making luv?"

"Sandwiches. In any case, I'd be needing more fresh water, some more herbs, some fruits, vegetables…" She ticked off things on her fingers, looking up as if there was some list written on the roof. "It would be easier if I was to go with you though Captain."

Victory! "Aye, that would probably be best luv. I'll let ye know when the party is headin' ta the shore."

"Alright Captain." Payton shook her head as her captain left. Things were getting distinctly awkward. She was having a hard time looking at him, and she knew that he knew. She was afraid of what else he might know though. In addition, he was acting as if nothing had happened.

Perhaps to him it was nothing…

She paused in what she was doing, then shook her head. It too much time and effort to go into thought such as these, especially when thoughts such as these should be left alone where they'd do no one any harm. She had better things to do with her time then pine away for a pirate captain.

It was nearly dark when they moored the ship off shore of the island. It was actually quite large, and most of the crew was camping out on the beach. Payton was one of them, watching from beneath a tree as the crew danced and got drunk. Anamaria remained on the ship, along with Mr. Cotton and a few others. Jack was also watching, a bottle of rum in his hand. He had been dancing earlier, but had flopped down in the sand not far from Payton, after searching out another bottle for him to enjoy.

She felt the burn of his gaze on her, but she was trying very hard to ignore him. He was trying very hard to get her to notice him. Her eyes were defiant, flickering over to look at him at the slightest provocation, despite what she wanted. From the growing smirk on his face, she knew that he knew. He stood up, and her eyes followed his movements, which brought him closer and closer to the tree she was sitting under.

"Good evenin' luv." He loomed over her nonchalantly, seeing how it made her back up a bit further against the tree.

"Hello Jack." She tried to hide her anxiety due to his proximity, but wasn't terribly effective.

He sat down beside her, leaning back against the tree. He was close, but far enough away that she had space. She shivered slightly, the evening was getting cold. He wrapped her arm around her shoulders, drawing her close to him. She instinctively moved towards the warmth.

"Why aren't ye dancin' with the rest of the crew luv?"

His breath ruffled her hair, and she smiled somewhat. "Just not interested right now Jack. I'm a bit tired actually."

He looked down at her, inspecting her. She seemed unsure with the power of his gaze, but he merely nodded. "Rest well then luv, I'll make sure naught harms ye."

She didn't say anything, she just leant against his shoulder. Shortly Jack could feel her drawing even breaths, signifying that she was sleeping. He looked across the water to where his Pearl sat in the water, a serene look on his face. Staring up at the stars through the gaps in the leaves above him, Jack contemplated a few things.

Over the past few days, ever since he practically kidnapped Payton from her room in the Faithful Bride, he had begun to feel more at peace. His mind was less on worries, and more on what the fretful girl was doing. In fact, his only worries seemed to be for her safety, or in concern to whatever she was doing.

Not that he'd tell her that.

He felt more in control. He no longer had nagging feeling tugging at his mind, no longer wondering what it was that he had misplaced or had forgotten.

Perhaps the Whelp was right… perhaps I have grown accustomed to her.

Needless to say, it was several more hours until Captain Jack Sparrow fell asleep, long after the crew had fallen down in a drunken stupor, long after the fire had burned down to nothingness.

The sun was high in the sky when the captain realized that he was being poked. By a stick. He cracked his eye open to see the grinning face of Payton, as she prodded him once again in the chest with a rather long stick.

"Come on now Captain! Wake up, morning is upon you!" She seemed overly cheery this morning.

He made an attempt to wrest the stick from her grasp, but she was too quick for him, continuing to prod him in the chest. With a frustrated growl, he grabbed onto the end, and pulled the stick. Payton came with it, landing on his chest with a thud, the stick falling beside them. A rosy blush appeared on her cheeks as she attempted to get up, Jack's hands securely hold her wrists.
"Jack, let go!"

He chuckled, letting go of the girl as she made a particularly strong heave, causing her to fall onto the ground behind her. "No problem luv." He stood up and dusted off his clothing. He offered a hand to her, which she glared at. Jack backed away from her, holding his hands up in a placating fashion. He then wandered towards where the bonfire was to find some more rum.

Payton watched as he left, then stood up, dusting off her clothing. She was pretty sure her hair was a mess, and she desperately wanted a bath.

Note to self… ask Jack for time for this when we get to the settlement.

Jack had taken that moment to inform the remainder of the crew what was going to be happening today, Payton could hear him as he began to get in earshot.

"For the ones who will be comin' with us on this expedition, ye'll be havin' ta keep a low profile. Asides from that, make sure ye're all back here by tomorrow mornin' at the latest." A chorus of 'aye's greeted his comment and he nodded, turning to greet Payton who was standing a short distance behind him.

"'Ello luv. Up for a trip ta town today?" He toyed with his goatee, out of habit or anxiety Payton couldn't tell. She smiled at him, nodding.

"Aye Captain."

"Let's be off then." He looped his arm around her, and the two of them, with six other pirates, wandered off in the direction of town through the foliage.

It had taken a few hours before they had stumbled upon the small town which counted for civilization on this island. Jack had picked a landing spot which was just out of view of the town, but not out of range. He had stuck to her the whole time, telling her this and that of a pirate's life. She had laughed at his animated stories, punctuated by his large gestures and bizarre faces.

At this point in time, she was busy haggling with a woman at the small market over prices, while Jack stood a few feet away, 'taking in the scenery' as he had put it. She had a suspicion he was guarding her, but she really didn't want to have another argument so soon over whether or not she could defend herself.

She was grateful he was there regardless, some of the individuals seemed … off. She couldn't place it, but something about the settlement made her feel… itchy. Like she should be watching out for something. She felt a prickling at back of her neck, and whatever it was seemed to have Jack on edge too.

Finally agreeing on a price, she put away the spices she had purchased – with Jack's money of course. A bit of cinnamon, some sage, oregano, basil, mace, allspice, nothing too fancy, much to her disdain. She rejoined Jack, and moved onto a man who was selling fresh produce – right next to a woman selling fresh produce. The two seemed to be bickering, so Payton started to look over the man's fruits. She jumped when the woman started yelling at her in Spanish.

"Uh, I don't understand, sorry."

The man, who seemed to speak at least halting English smirked at the woman. "See, girl don't understand you stupid face."

Payton blinked, but said nothing, looking back over the fruits and vegetables. The woman was fuming. Payton purchased a few things from the man's stall, to which he thanked her many times, but he became displeased when Payton then purchased a few things from the woman's stall.

The man became so distressed that Jack took a step between the stall owner and Payton. After that, the man backed off, apologising.

Jack shook his head, and indicated to Payton that they should continue moving. She nodded curtly, and continued walking with the pirate.

"What was that about?" She hissed quietly.

Jack responded equally as quietly. "He was going to hurt you."

"He wouldn't have. He was just… irrationally enraged that I was shopping at the competition." She knew she was making up excuses, but she didn't want Jack to know that he was probably right.

Jack shook his head. "Don't be naïve. He was more than just 'irrationally enraged' Payton."

She sighed. "Can we not do this here Jack? I'd rather fight with you when there are less people around."

Given the look on her face, Jack grudgingly acquiesced. They walked to the edge of town, and Payton sighed, looking at the steadily falling sun.

"Jack… d'you think I could spend the night here?" She looked at him hopefully, to which he raised an eyebrow curiously.

"Ye can do what ye like luv, but I'd like ta know why."

She muttered something under her breath, something that caused her to turn pink.

"What was that luv? Didn't quite catch it." He smirked at her, and she repeated, louder this time.

"I said that I'd like to have a bath, since you don't have one on the Pearl."

"Not a problem luv… 'cept for the fact that ye don't have any money."

She seemed downcast at that. "Right."

He grinned. "Not ta worry luv, I know the perfect spot near camp, a little waterfall… ye'll love it."

She looked at him sceptically. "This isn't one of your tricks Sparrow?"

He held a hand to his chest, a look of shock on his face. "Why must they all impugn my honour?"

She laughed, and pushed against his arm. "Because you're a pirate."

"Aye, that I am. A pirate captain."

A bulky man was sitting at a desk in a dimly lit room. An oil lamp was the only source of illumination in the entire room, the only sound was that of a pen scratching across a page.

A knock on the door.

"Sir?"

The man looked up, raising an eyebrow.

"Sir, we've found her."

A sickly grin crept across his face as he stood. "Very good. Now, where was the wench?"

"A remote island, a few hundred miles from Tortuga."

The man made an appreciative noise. "Good to know. Set in a course."

"Captain?" A tentative question.

"What else?" the tone was sharp.

"She was with Jack Sparrow sir."

A growl arose from the bulky man's throat. "Bastard stole my property. Find him! Sink his ship!"

"Aye Captain. I'll tell the helm."

The door was shut, with the man still raging inside. He picked up a glass bottle, and threw it against the wall of his cabin. It shattered, making him feel a bit better. He sat back down.
"Soon ye will pay Sparrow. No one touches what is mine. No one!"

Woooo! A lot longer than my others, nearly 4000 words! Please review!