Title: Send Her My Love 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: What do I own? A whole ton of work. Not this though.
A/N: Yays to the reviews! Thank you to everyone who did, I really appreciate it. This story now has a series title (as there is going to be two parts to it) and from now on in, I'll be referring to the stories in this series as part of the Kindred Spirit series. As a note, I would like to apologize for being gone for so long, however, I do have excellent excuses! My computer got a rather nasty virus, and we had to get a new one, and now I'm using –shudder- Vista. In addition, it too me forever to get the backed up files (eg. my stories) back from wherever they had been backed up. Next, there were school trips, and summer trips, and finally, emotional distress as I broke up with my previous boyfriend, and started dating a new one. But enough with the excuses, to the reviewers!
HeavenlyKitten, their relationship is annoying to me too (which is really bad, because I'm creating it) because everyone but them knows that they care about each other, and the both of the refuse to do anything about it. Obnoxious, but what I'm trying to do so show that cause and effect exists here. For example, mistreatment causes mistrust. Therefore, I'm not going to have a character where, after she's been wronged, she'll turn back to the person who betrayed her with open arms. Even though it can happen in reality, I don't like it, and I want Payton to be stronger than that.
Sirenne Claire, glad you liked it! I liked it too, not as good as twelve, but cute.
Princess-Maiden, let's just say that they're in the in-between stage – not quite together, but definitely not apart. So, they're working on it. Relationships don't just start up overnight. I want these two to have a strong and lasting connection, therefore, their relationship will take time.
Now, it's high time I got some action and fighting in here! Blood and gore, here we come!
Chapter Fourteen: You Win Some, You Loose Some
Where tensions grow, issues complicate, and a battle occurs between the not so bad guys, and the really bad guys – we shall officially meet our villain! Woo and yay!
Jack pet her hair for a while, not sure what to say, not wanting to leave, but knowing that something had to be said. This had to be discussed, or they would go no further.
He broke the silence tentatively. "What is it that you are so afraid of?"
Jack wasn't sure she had heard, and was going to repeat the question when Payton finally replied, albeit it haltingly, refusing to look at him. "Of caring… of what could happen… of you."
"What do you mean?" He paused, finding the greater question. "What have I done?" He looked down at her for an explanation.
She rolled over slightly, looking up at him. "You abandoned me." She pointed out bluntly.
Jack immediately became defensive. "And I told you that was a mistake! How many times do I have to apologise for the same thing?"
She sighed softly. "It's not an apology I need."
"Then what do you want from me?!" He was getting more and more frustrated with lack of information that she was giving him.
A long silence followed this. "I want to be able to trust you. Understand me Jack, I'm not trying to punish you, or make you suffer. I truly cannot trust you until you have regained that trust."
I cannot love you until I can trust you.
He rubbed his temples, now fully becoming aware of the extent of what he had done. She pulled herself off of him, and was now leaning against his side.
"I need some rum." With that, he got up, offering a hand to her. "Come on darlin'… let's go ta the fire."
She raised an eyebrow sceptically, but took the hand anyway. Jack quickly hoisted Payton to her feet, twirling her around as he did so. She couldn't stop the smile from showing on her face for a few moments before she became serious again.
"Lighten up a bit me darlin'. Ye can't be serious all the time." Still holding her hand, he walked towards the campfire, only dropping her hand when they got close. It was as if he feared she'd run off if he let go of her.
Picking up a bottle of rum, he uncorked it and drank half of it back. Pressing the cork back into the bottle, he dropped it back where he found it. He then gestured to Payton, who was hanging back in the shadows by the trees.
"Come 'ere luv. Let's dance."
"Uh, I'd rather not…!" She tried to back away, but he grabbed her arm and dragged her over to the bonfire, spinning her around as they went. She blushed crimson as she heard the hoots and hollers from some of the crew, and she could have sworn that she heard Anamaria laughing amongst loud clapping.
There were already instruments being played, Payton couldn't discern what they were, it all flowed together. All she knew was that she was being spun around the flickering light of the fire in the arms of the last person she wanted to dance with. Except that was untrue too.
She was so conflicted, and so confused, it was tearing her apart. She was already have trouble thinking straight around him, and it didn't help that he took every opportunity given to him to confuse her more – when she expected him to act one way, he'd act in a totally different fashion, throwing her right off. He was ambiguous, he was arrogant, he was aggravating, and the worst part was that most of the time he was accurate. He knew when she was worried, he knew when she was mad, he knew how to deal with her in every situation. It was annoying to say the least.
And now… now she didn't know what to think. He held her tightly, but gently, guiding her around the fire. It was almost lovingly. She could feel his gaze on her, though she wouldn't meet his eyes. She didn't want to love him. She didn't want to care. But she did. And she knew if she looked at him, she would come undone. It was hard to bear, because she didn't know how he felt, all she did know was that he left her once, and he could do it again just as easily.
In that, she knew she was being paranoid and scared, but she needed some sort of proof that he had really changed. She didn't want to be standing on a dock somewhere, watching him disappear again. Even though she had hit him in the head with a broom when he decided to leave her – which she felt was completely justified - she did go down to the docks to watch the Black Pearl sail off into the distance afterwards.
Payton looked up to see Jack staring down at her, his eyes questioning, questing, boring holes into her soul. She cringed from the intensity, moving herself slightly away from him, looking away. He in response steered her away from the fire and the dancing. He came to a halt under a tree, away from the main crew, mostly out of view.
"Ye seem ta be a bit preoccupied there luv."
She looked out at the water, saying nothing. Payton felt a gentle hand on her chin.
"No no luv, look here, at me."
Grudgingly, she looked at Jack, trying to keep all her emotions in. He looked as though he was genuinely concerned for her, but he said nothing, waiting for her to do the talking.
"I..." She stopped, wishing to say so much to him. She searched his face, looking for a sign to tell her what to do. She wanted to tell him that she still loved him, wanted to tell him that she cared, that she didn't want to leave him, and that she really wanted to try, she wanted to trust him. But she was afraid, so conflicted. Go on... tell him. You can trust him. He won't do anything to you. They both stood there, before she said, "I... I-I'm just thinking" She shook her head, again looking away from him.
He paused, looking her over. Then he tried a different tactic, still trying to persuade her to trust him. "What's got you all up in knots?"
"Nothing... just, nothing." It seemed that she wasn't buying it.
"Ye said that last time, an' it was a lie then too. Come now luv, talk ta me. Ol' Jackie'll help ye out."
Payton sighed, running a hand through her hair absentmindedly, looking away from the pirate captain. She turned back, her eyes serious, and sad. "I doubt you can. I... I appreciate the offer, but..." She waved a hand about helplessly. "I doubt that there's much you can do here."
He cracked his lopsided smile. "Try me, I think ye'll find yerself pleasantly surprised." Jack could see a struggle in her now. He wasn't sure before, but now, now it was as plan as the stars in the sky.
"I... I can't!" She tried to move away, but he wouldn't let her. He firmly, yet gently, held her arms, holding her in place in front of him.
"Don't fight it. Relax, enjoy yourself. You could end up liking it."
The subtle innuendo was either ignored or missed by Payton. "No. I... you don't care!" She then clasped her hands over her mouth in shock at what she had said, again.
Jack looked at her intently, scrutinizing everything about her. For a stubborn and vibrant woman, Payton was deathly afraid of something, and he wanted to know what it was. He never liked having puzzles he couldn't have the answers to.
Payton could hear her heart hammering in her chest as she felt his eyes bore through her facade, right to her core. She wet her lips, and swallowed, terrified of his reaction. Finally, he broke the silence.
"Rapid change in topic luv." His voice unreadable, his face blank and his eyes were guarded. Payton couldn't gauge his reaction to her statement. Unexpectedly, he drew her in closer towards him. "What are ye avoiding I wonder..." She nervously wet her lips again, noticing that his eyes rested on them.
"It... it is the topic." She spoke softly, growing in confidence. "You don't care, so I can't do anything Jack. Ye've backed me into a corner, and I've no way out."
He raised his right hand to stroke her cheek, watching her watching his movements. "Ye honestly think that I really don't care?" He seemed incredulous.
She was only able to nod in response.
He sighed, and moved back away from her. "Would I be here if I didn't care? Would I have come back if I didn't care?" He seemed to be at a loss of words, unsure what to say to her.
Payton wanted nothing more than to go over to him, to reach out and give him a hug. "I don't know what to think with any of this Jack. You are far to confusing." At that, she smiled slightly.
He chuckled. "Thanks for that luv." He then grew more serious, and let out a sigh, looking up at the plethora of stars in the sky. "But I do care for you. I wouldn't still be about if I didn't care." He paused, looking at her weary form. "Well, perhaps we should save this for another day. Tis late, and ye'll need yer sleep." He sat on the ground, and motioned for her to join him.
"A-aye." She nodded back at him, sitting beside him stiffly. Moments later she relaxed, and shortly thereafter, she slept, with her head leaning against his shoulder.
Jack moved his arm around Payton, bringing her towards him. Surprisingly for him, she moved closer, making a sound of contentment. A slight smile appeared on his face for a moment, before he continued to stare out at the ocean. It was doubtful he was going to get any sleep at all tonight...
The morning arrived, bright and clear, earlier than anyone wanted. Payton awoke alone, Jack long gone, already on the Pearl. Across the beach, pirates were getting up, some with hangovers, some still drunk. Standing up, she stretched and winced. Despite the fact her bruise had been healing nicely, it still existed, and still caused her pain. It was usually easy to ignore it, however, it hindered her from doing a lot of things that she normally was able to. With a sigh, she headed over to the ship to see if there was anything her captain wanted her to do to help fix the Pearl.
The captain was currently standing in the middle of the deck, looking at absolutely nothing. He didn't move as he heard footsteps on the deck, nor did he turn to look behind him when the stopped.
"Captain?" Payton's voice came from behind him, unsure.
Abruptly, he swivelled, and smiled at her lopsidedly. "The damage has been repaired."
She cocked her head to the side. "So soon?"
"There wasn't very much damage." He waved his hand dismissively. "But how are you doing luv? Yer bruise alright?"
"Well, it still hurts a bit, but, other than that, it's alright." She smiled slightly at him.
"Good ta hear. We'll be heading out today, so I'll need you ta be checking our stocks and seeing that nothing was damaged by water, savvy?"
"Aye aye Capt'n!" She mock saluted, and he just smiled before turning away to see that the rest of the crew was getting up and ready to leave.
Payton slipped below to the galley as the crew boarded, preparing the Black Pearl to sail.
They had left the small island a few hours ago, and Payton was hard at work going through all the supplies in the galley, when she heard a ruckus on the deck. She faintly heard someone shout "Ship ahoy!" Dropping everything she was working on, she rushed up the stairs to the deck.
"Raise the colours!" Payton turned to see Jack at the helm, looking every inch an intimidating pirate vagabond. She then turned to view the opposing ship, noting, as Jack obviously had, the Jolly Roger flying from the main mast.
The two ships sailed closer together, and tensions rose. Though neither ship had run out the cannons, the crew of the Pearl was aware that something was about to happen.
"Who is she?" Asked Payton to Mister Gibbs in a hushed voice. She had moved to stand near him after seeing the ship.
"The Helio." He supplied.
"It's Calico Jacques ship." Jack clarified darkly, watching as a shudder ran through Payton's body. The crew's expressions darkened upon hearing the name of the ship, and it's captain.
"He wants to talk to us." Gibbs spoke up, looking over at the Helio.
"Let's see what the murderous scum has to say." Jack leant on the helm as the Helio steadily inched closer to the Black Pearl. "Weigh anchor!" He ordered. He then looked over at Payton, and gestured for her to come speak with him.
Moments later, two gangplanks were balanced between the two ships, and both crews watched as Calico Jacques crossed with two of his men. The captain was fairly tall, and very bulky. He was wearing very foppish clothes, all in the Parisian style, with an oversized hat which was completed with an oversized feather. Nothing matched, and it was all brightly coloured, especially the turquoise feather. The hair that could be seen was dirty blond, and looked dirty. It hung lankly around his face, and it did nothing to disguise the dark birthmark over his left eye.
Calico approached Jack. "Jack Sparrow. I 'ave been informed zat you 'ad sommat zat you were transportin' fer me, euh?" His French accent was prominent as he spoke. He was standing just a few feet away from Payton, who was leaning against the railing of the stairs. He hadn't seemed to have noticed her yet.
"Aye, I suppose I did. 'Owever, Capt'n, the chit got stupid one night, an' threw herself into the sea. Couldn't stop her." Jack shrugged his shoulders. "She's long dead."
"You were told ta bring ze fille to me!" Calico took a step toward Jack, his eyes glaring.
"An' I tried to mate, but she jumped in the ocean!" Jack sounded like he was explaining this to a three year old. "Nothin' we could do."
Calico's eyes narrowed. "So why did you not tell me Sparrow?"
Jack smirked. "Nowhere in our accord did ye state that I had ta inform ye should the girl decide ta kill herself. Sorry fer yer loss an' all mate, but it's not my responsibility. Now, if that's all-"
Calico interrupted, furious. "Zen perhaps I should take one of your crew to make up for ze fille!" His eyes swept the deck, and landed on Payton. With angry strides, he closed the distance between the two of them in mere moments. She was paying no attention to him at all. "You! Fille! What is your name?"
"Anne." Came her bored response, as she still didn't look at him.
He grasped her upper arm in an vice-like grip. "Anne what?" His voice was dangerous, his expression murderous.
Payton looked over at him. "Anne Smith" She then looked at his hand on her arm, then back at him. Though she seemed confident on the outside, on the inside she was shaking, terrified.
"Fine zen Mizz Smith... you will come wif me." He started to drag Payton with him to the gangplank as she protested and dragged her heels. This had no effect until Jack moved to block their path, and Payton was able to wrench her arm out of Calico's grasp.
"Ye'll not be taking me crew Calico." His voice was soft, cold and deadly.
Calico growled in response. "I'll not stand for your trickery Sparrow! She comes wif me!"
Still in the deadly calm, Jack responded. "She's not the girl ye be wantin'. I'll give ye the money, five hundred crowns as we agreed, but ye'll not be takin' the girl."
Calico seemed to be considering to continue insisting, however, he noticed the barely contained anger from the crew – and Jack – he wisely reconsidered. "Fine zen. I want ze money now zough. Keep zis fille. She is most hideous in any case."
Jack turned to Payton. "Anne, go below an' get me the money."
"Aye Captain." She gingerly rubbed her arm as she headed below deck. Tension filled the deck as the two captains watched each other. Payton returned momentarily with a black pouch, which she handed to Jack silently. He counted out the amount of money, then handed the pouch over to Calico.
"Now get off my ship."
The Black Pearl had started to sail away from the Helio when Payton noticed something disturbing. "They're running out the cannons!"
Jack's head snapped up, and he swore. "Run out the cannons!" The Helio had already started firing. Two of the shots went wide, but the third connected with hull of the Pearl, and flew right through, luckily missing the crew members who were rushing about below. As the Pearl attempted to get out of range of the Helio's cannons, the Helio moved closer, peppering the waters around the Pearl with cannon shots. The crew of the Black Pearl returned the shots in earnest, few getting through.
"Payton! Arm yerself, and get off the deck!" Shouted Jack as he turned the Pearl about.
"Aye Capt'n!" She ran into his cabin, and grabbed herself the first sword she saw, securing it around her waist. She then returned to the deck, damned if she'd be kept out of a fight or babied again.
Now the two ships were parallel, still firing their cannons. Luckily, the two ships were too far away from each other to allow for boarding parties, but members of Calico Jacques' crew could be seen attempting to swing across on ropes, to disastrous results. Both crews disregarded the men struggling in the water, paying more attention to avoiding the cannon balls which crashed into both ships.
One such cannon ball whizzed millimetres away from Payton's nose and she nearly shriek in shock. Gunpowder hung thickly in the air, and shouts, and screams of agony, could be heard from crew on both ships.
A cannonball from the Pearl smashed into the main mast of the Helio, and the crew of the Pearl cheered as the mast fell into the sea, taking with it several members of their crew. However, a cannonball from the Helio smashed through the galley, through the stairs to the deck, and then out again, leaving the crew stranded below deck. Jack didn't appear to want to let up on the Helio however, but when a rather large hole appeared in the sails, he seemed to reconsider. Nearly loosing the helm, and his fingers, also helped. He turned the Pearl about, away from the Helio which was stuck dead in the water, and toward Tortuga.
There! Done! I'll get working on chapter fifteen soon. I apologize for this one not living up to standards, I personally didn't think that there was enough action in it, however, more shall follow! I promise, after all, this has only just started.
Review please!