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NOTICE ME Author: MrsPitt Disclaimer: I don't own PotC or any of the characters. Summary: You've been in love with Will ever since you were a kid, but find it difficult to tell him how you feel. It's also harder when you're the outcast of the whole town. And Jack Sparrow on your doorstep isn't making things easier, either! * * * * * CHAPTER 1 It was a beautiful day in Port Royale, and you hum quietly to yourself as you put away some books. You own a bookstore on the island, and you love it with your heart and soul. In fact, not only do you read books, you write them. Of course you wrote under a different name, and no one knew you were, in fact, an author. Even if you did decide to tell someone, no one would believe you. You were... well, considered sort of an outcast here. You were somewhat different from the other people, for your mind wasn’t set on money and status. Rather, it was set on books, romance, and friends. Friends... You sigh as you place the last book in your hand onto a shelf nearby, and smile contentedly. Will Turner. Every time that name came up a smile was always pasted on your face. The man’s name alone made your heart soar. But then you frown as reality hits you. He would never like you that way. His heart was set on Elizabeth, and you knew you could never compete. She was perfect in almost every way, and even though you were best friends with Will, he probably thought the same thing everyone else did in this town. You were a total bookworm, and most certainly didn’t have a social life. Of course that wasn’t true, really! You growl as you get off the stool you were standing on, and make your way to the counter in the front of the store. As your mind starts to drift away again, your thoughts were broken as you heard females giggling nearby. You lift your head and glance towards them, while they look at you, sneering. “Good afternoon,” you say automatically. They wrinkle their nose in disgust and look away, chatting to each other as if you ceased to exist. “Have you bought that new book, uh.... what is it... Broken Tides?” you hide a grin, knowing full well enough about that book. Besides, you DID write it. Another woman shakes her head, and they ask you where it is. “To the left, second shelf on your right,” you say, not looking up from the paper you were writing on. They soon disappeared behind the shelves and you sighed, rubbing your forehead. You couldn’t think of any more to write, yet you knew you should write more. As you put your pen down, you hear someone walk through the door. “Good afternoon-oh! Will!” you say happily, seeing his lovely face. He smiles, making his way over to you. “Good afternoon! And how is your day so far?” “Oh... uh… lovely,” you replied, but Will knew that you were lying. “I don’t want to talk about it, Will. But what brings you here?” “Just thought I’d say hello! It’s what friends do from time to time you know,” he says, and you feel your throat tighten as you look into his dark chocolate eyes. No matter how much you’d long for his touch, you knew he’d never be yours. And you knew that he was the only one to fill that large void in your heart. You look away, tears filling your eyes, and you cough nervously. “Are you all right?” he asks worriedly. “Fine, fine...” you say, closing the notebook you were writing in. He just nodded and rubbed your shoulder. “Hope you feel better, but I’ve got to go back to the shop, make some more swords, we’re way behind. But we’ll see each other soon?” “Sure,” you say, smiling a little. As you watched him leave and wave, you couldn’t help but feel a tiny piece of your heart break every time he left. You turn your gaze back to the snobby women who were here earlier, and place on a fake smile, and you glance at their choices of books. YOUR books. “Is that all?” you say. They nod. As you take the money and give them change, you speak to them before they leave. “Those books are very good! You’ll enjoy them!” “We should take her word for it you know,” said one, “she’s read practically every book that’s been written!” their laughs echoed as they left, and you grip onto your pen angrily. “One day I’ll prove them wrong!” you snarl, “one day I will!” * * * * Jack’s eyes widen as his face met with the dirty ground. “And if I ever see yer face in there again, I’ll kill ye!” said a voice behind him, grunting and walking away. Jack groaned and got up shakily, clutching his chest. He had gotten into a fight with a few enemies, no big deal. But he’d get them back! Oh yes, he would! ...as soon as he got his vision back. * * * * You put your hand over your mouth as you hear shouting outside. A brawl was happening right outside your store! “Oh no!” you cry, grabbing a very, very thick book. Pity for them if they came in and tried to get YOU! * * * * As Jack made his way off the ground, he stumbles to the bookstore nearby. He could hear the men coming back and he quickly made his way inside. Sure, he could deal with two, but he pissed off four of them! He was Jack Sparrow, CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow, not God. He sighs thankfully as he hears their footsteps fade, a goofy grin upon his face. However, his grin did not last long as his head met with a large book. Nine hundred twenty-seven pages, in fact. THWACK! * * * * You grin victoriously as you see the man black out, but then you feel guilt run through you. The man was trying to get AWAY from the men, not trying to get you! “Bloody hell!” you mutter, dragging his limp body to your table, and propping him up on a chair. “Uh, sir?” you shake him, but he does not wake. “SIR!” you scream, but alas, he does not wake. You slap him and he falls off the chair, and you groan in frustration. “I guess that wasn’t the smartest move.” your eyes travel to his chest, where blood seems to be flowing freely. “Oh my!” you pick him up, which is very difficult for you, and you go and get bandages upstairs. Jack felt his eyes start to open as he feels hot searing pain in his chest. “AHHH!” he screams, twitching in his chair. You scream and almost drop the bottle of alcohol you were using. “You scared me!” you shout, glaring at the man. Jack glares back. “I scared YE? Yer the one that hit me with a bloody-ah... what did ye hit me with?” “I’m so sorry!” you say, “I hit you with a book!” “What book?” Jack asks. You point to the thickest one nearby, and his eyes widened. “Ye hit me with THAT?!” “I thought you were trying to kill me!” He snorted. “Yer a bit violent for a female, aren’t ye?” he then glances at his shirtless form, and winked. “If ye wanted me that bad, Luv, all ye had to do was ask. Yer not too bad lookin’ yerself.” you blush a dark crimson and dab him with the alcohol, and he shouts. “OW! Bloody ‘ell woman! That hurt!” “Serves you right. I was not trying to... to... well, you know... and stop grinning like that when I’m talking! I was simply attending your wounds that you have recently received.” “Ye didn’t have to do that. Ye know, clean me up.” “Ah, well, after beating you senselessly I thought it was the least I could do.” he chuckles softly, but then winces as you clean another wound. “So, if you don’t mind me asking, why were those men after you?” “Ah, long story.” “Then tell me the short version.” “Well, I stole some things from them, and they got angry.” “Ah, I see. Well, uh...” you stare at his chest for a moment, and then at his cocky grin. “Do you always grin like that?” you ask with a quirked eyebrow. “Only aroun’ women!” he stares at you drunkenly, and then winks, “I think ye fancy me.” “Don’t make me whack you with my book again!” he laughs and gets up from his spot in the chair, his arms waving about. “So whas yer name?” he asks. You tell him yours, and then ask for his in return. “My name is Captain Jack Sparrow!” “Your parents named you Captain?” you ask incredulously. “No, no, you see-” “Because if they named you Captain, then wow, you’re the first-” “I’m a CAPTAIN of a ship thankyouverymuch.” “Ah, pardon me for my mistake.... Captain.” Jack grunts, crazily trying to put on his shirt. You try to help him but he’s moving around too much, so you let him do it himself. “Well, Luv, I’d love to stay and chat a bit, but I’ve got places to go, people to-” he takes one step forward and falls flat on his face, and into a drunken unconsciousness. You stare at his limp body on your floor, and shake your head. “People to see, I know.” * * * * * CHAPTER 2 You grunt as you drag Jack upstairs, his head hitting each step with a loud thud. “Sorry-sorry-sorry,” you say after each step. You make it to the top and place him on a bed in the spare bedroom. “You’re heavy!” you exclaim, shaking your head. He responds by snoring even more loudly, and you take off his hat and coat. “Goodnight, Jack.” * * * * It’s now the next morning, and you are up early writing some more in your notebook. You are filled with many ideas, and you just had to write them down, afraid you would forget them. The store was always opened early, yet you hardly had any visitors in the wee hours of the morning. You hear footsteps and look up, seeing Will. “Will!” you say brightly, smiling. He smiles back, making his way over to you. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?” “Like a baby!” was your reply, as you shut your notebook. Will peered over the counter, trying to read what you were writing. “Ah, ah! Will Turner, you know better than to snoop.” he grinned sheepishly. “Sorry.” “Yeah, right!” “Well, I was wondering...” your heart skips a beat as you wait to hear those words you’ve waited so long to hear..... “...if you want to get together tomorrow night? I haven’t seen you in forever!” Well, those weren’t the exact words you were waiting for, but it was close enough. “You saw me last night,” you joke. “Well, you know what I mean.” “Yeah, I know. Sure!” “Good! Well, see you then? Tomorrow night, after the sun sets.” you nod, and he smiles at you, and you melt. Although this was perfect, perfect moments always come to an end. Your eyes widen as you hear someone coming downstairs, and you feel your mouth drop open. There stood Jack, clad in only pants. He yawned, scratching his bare chest. You try not to look at his muscular form, but you drop your pen. You motion with your eyes for Jack to go back upstairs, and he grins, winking and disappearing. “What’s wrong?” asked Will worriedly. You reluctantly look away from Jack and back to Will. “Nothing, nothing. See you tomorrow!” he takes your hand in his, and looks at you with sincere concern. “Are you sure you’re all right?” he whispers. You gulp, enjoying his hand on yours, but getting awfully tense. “I’m fine,” you reply. You watch as he lets go of your hand and leaves your store. You sigh, and then glare as you see Jack again. “Jack, you come down here with no shirt on! Everyone will think there’s something between you and me!” “And is that so bad, Luv?” he says with a smirk. You growl in frustration, poking him in the chest. “You are such an insufferable-” you realize what you’re doing and remove your hand, leaving Jack only to wink. “You regret takin’ yer hand away?” “All right, now come on! Get dressed!” you say, pushing him back upstairs. “Pushy little thing ye are!” you roll your eyes and go back downstairs, but can’t help but be excited. “So, who was at the door?” Jack asks, coming back into your view. “Oh, just a friend.” “From the way ye were smilin’, I’d say he was more than a friend.” You slammed down a book, and he hides his amusement. “It’s none of your business.” “Sorry, Luv.” “Oh, I’m sure you are.” “Touchy, touchy.” “Don’t you have somewhere to be?” you ask irritably. “Aye, I do. Thank ye fer takin’ care of me.” “No problem,” you say, waving you hand dismissively. He smiles and takes your hand, kissing it softly. “I best be off. Until me meet again...” he tips his hat and sways towards the exit. You glance at your hand and then back at him, and laugh. He was crazy for sure, but you did enjoy his company. “Bye, Jack. Don’t get into anymore trouble!” you quickly rearrange some books nearby, hoping the day would pass quickly. You were seeing Will tomorrow night! * * * * And so the next night came, and you giggle excitedly as you race around to find the perfect dress. “Too ugly-too revealing....ugh!” you exclaim, “that dress will certainly make him think I’m looking for something!” you finally find the right dress, and it was simple, yet classy. It was a light blue, and it was certainly one of your favorites! You quickly put on some makeup and race downstairs, sitting by the counter, waiting for Will to come. Who knows, he might even kiss you! You blush as that thought crosses your mind, and you decide to write in your notebook until Will arrived. * * * * Will finished putting on his shirt and his shoes. He was ready to see you! As he closed the door of his shop, he bumps into a woman, and he quickly apologizes. “I’m so sorry, Miss!” he says, helping the stranger up. The woman laughs, patting him on the shoulder. “Oh, it’s all righ-” she stops in mid-sentence as she sees who ran into her. “Will!” smiles Elizabeth, hugging him, “it’s been such a long time! How are you?” Will feels suddenly nervous, trying not to stutter. “Fine, Miss Swann, and yourself?” “You still haven’t learned to call me by my first name,” she joked, placing her hands on her hips. “Maybe someday I shall learn,” he says softly, a smile tugging at his lips. “Well, you’re out of your shop I see? Why don’t we go somewhere and chat for a bit?” “Oh well, you see-” “Come on, Will! Just for a few minutes!” pleads Elizabeth, knowing he wanted to go with her. Well, it was after all, a few minutes. He can still pick you up! “Well, just for a few minutes,” he says happily. And so Elizabeth and Will walk down the street, catching up in all the things they’ve missed in each other’s lives. * * * * It was now an hour and a half later, and still you sat at the counter, looking at your door, waiting for him to come. But he never did. You bite your lip, trying not to cry. You look at your hands, and they’re now becoming blurry from a fresh batch of tears starting to form. A small sob escapes from your lips, and you quickly cover your mouth, your frame shaking horribly. You got your hopes up, and now he didn’t show. Maybe he got caught up at the shop! Yes, that’s it! He said he was working very hard, and... and... oh what’s the use? You tried to convince yourself that was the reason he didn’t pick you up, but you couldn’t bring yourself to believe it. Why did you even think he would show? He’s probably too embarrassed to be around you anyways, and he just said that because he pitied you. You make yourself get up from the floor and trudge upstairs, and lay on your bed, not bothering to change. You try to stop sobbing, but nothing worked. You felt rejected, and that hurt you so much, especially since it was from a friend. Tears start to flow on your pillow, and you try to fall asleep, trying to not think of Will. * * * * It was now the next morning, and you saw no sign of Will. You sniff and make your way to your front door, and put on the ‘closed’ sign. You didn’t feel like seeing anyone today. You make your way to the counter nearby and take out your notebook, which was starting to get it’s edges creased, but you didn’t care. You were almost done with your new novel, and were hoping to get it published soon. As you grip your pen, familiar ideas start to fill your head, and you write them down quickly, your hand moving with amazing speed. You no longer cared for any matters happening in your life, for you didn’t like them to get in the way of your writing. Later on you decided to go read a book you started on a while ago, and then soon you felt your eyes start to droop, and you fall asleep in your favorite chair. * * * * It was a few hours later and you tiredly rub your eyes, yawning. You see it’s dark outside and you scold yourself for sleeping so long. Your stomach growls, and you get up, trying to find something to eat. Seeing as there were no more apples, you decide to visit your neighbor and ask if they could spare a few. You put on your coat and quickly walk across the street, but stop in horror. There, standing in the almost empty streets was Will and Elizabeth, talking animatedly as he walked back to his shop, not even noticing you. * * * * * CHAPTER 3 You sniffle as you walk back in, quietly closing the door. Your back’s against it, and you slowly slide down until you hit the floor, tears streaming down your face. You start to cry hysterically, and you don’t even try to get up. You feel so hopeless, so unwanted. Why were you crying so hard? You not only cry because of Will, but because of your current life situation. You wish you had a friend to confide in, someone to tell your deepest secrets to. You wish for a better life, where people don’t look at you awkwardly, or dare to not speak to you. Why couldn’t you be NORMAL? What did you do so wrong to deserve this kind of life? Why couldn’t you get the one man you ever truly had feelings for? You finally make yourself get up and head near the bookshelves, and fall to the floor once again. How pitiful, you think, you can’t even make it to your own bedroom before breaking down again. You grab a book that was laying on the ground, and you were holding onto it so tightly that your knuckles were white. You glare at it intensely, and throw it across the room, screaming. Those books ruined your life, yet you loved them so much. You wipe away your tears, wishing you could just be somewhere else. You pick up another book, and slowly run your hand across it. You clutch it tightly, closing your eyes, wishing that this was just one horrible dream. * * * * Jack is swaying merrily down a random street, humming unknown songs to himself. He has a bottle of rum in one hand, and stops as he sees your bookstore. He’s tempted to go in and visit you, particularly to annoy you. He just loves it when you get angry. He squints as he sees your figure near some bookshelves, and he watches you for a few more moments, then decides to make his grand appearance. He opens the door quietly, and creeps his way over to you. “Luv?” he mumbles. You look up, hastily trying to wipe away the tears. “Oh, Jack, it’s you! Uh...” “Luv, you look horrible!” your lip quivers and you start to cry again, and he winces at his bluntness. He quickly sits down next to you, kicking some stray books aside. You were about to scold him, but were too depressed to tell him. “What’s wrong, Luv? Sorry about before....” “It’s okay... it’s true! I do look horrible!” he doesn’t respond for a moment, but looks at his bottle of rum, then back at you. “Well? What’s wrong?” “The man at my bookstore! He’s the one I’m in love with! I-I saw him with... another woman... and... I...” you sob again, and Jack hesitantly puts his arm around you. “There, there, Luv. There’ll be other men, eh?” “No, no! Only him! I’ve loved him since I was twelve years old!” you exclaim, sniffing. “Ah... and ye didn’t tell ‘em?” “No... I... can’t... if I told him, he’d probably wouldn’t want to be friends with me. I’m sure he doesn’t feel that way about me.” “What do ye mean?” “Jack, I’m the outcast of the city! They treat me like a plague.” you sniff again and he pats your shoulder. “Don’t think that way, Luv! Yer not ugly!” “Jack, stop. You’re not making me feel any better.” “What is it with ye women and all yer self-esteem issues....” you look at him with a blank face, and then burst into giggles. “It’s just... I really wish he’d like me, Jack...” Jack didn’t know how to respond to that. So, he did what he thought was right at the moment. “Rum?” You take it quickly, taking a big swig. “Woah, Luv, have ye ever learned to share?” “Heh. Sorry.” About an hour later, you were, very smashed. You giggle as you look at Jack, who’s also snickering. “What is it with these books?” he mumbles, going through several pages of one. “They’re wonderful. I loooooove my books.” “I can tell.” "It must be fun being a pirate." “Why do you say that, Luv?” he asks, his curiosity rising. “Well, you have... freedom. No one to tell you what to do... and your life is always exciting... and to be able to go wherever you want...” you start to giggle, laughing into his shoulder. “Yer amusin’ when yer drunk.” “Why thank you, Jack.” “That’s Captain Jack.” “Oh right... well, I must move on to better things... I’m sick of being some lovesick person.” “Aye, ye need to move on.” “I do, I do..” you sniff and swing a book to the side, and Jack ducks, now afraid of your powerful swing. You laugh, and scoot closer to him. “But what do I move on to? I mean, he’s the only man I love... but I do... need to move on...” you realize how close you are, and you glance at his full lips. You look into his eyes, but couldn’t read them. They held no emotion to them, but they looked right back at you. He didn’t speak from his wonderful lips, he did not stop you from moving closer... You feel his hand move up your arm, and your lips are so close to his, and you move onto his lap. A grin tugs at his lips, and he pulls you closer. “Aye, ye can’t stop hurtin’ yerself.” “You’re right...” you whisper, and just as you’re about to kiss him, you pass out, your head onto his shoulder. * * * * * CHAPTER 4 You groan as you open your eyes, and you now know what it feels like to have a hangover. As you glance at your surroundings, your eyes are wide as saucers. “This... is not my room.....” “Aye, it isn’t, Milady!” you see Jack near the doorway, giving his trademark grin. “Jack? What are you-” you stop, remembering last night. “Oh no...” you moan, a dark blush forming on your cheeks. You pull the covers over your head, not daring to look at him. Jack laughs heartily, and you feel the mattress sink. He was sitting at the end of the bed. “Don’t worry about it, Luv! I always knew ye had feelins’ fer me!” you growl, your face appearing once again, and smack him with your pillow. “Could you be any more egotistical?” “Aye, it’s possible. But aye, ye were very drunk last night. And ye had a wild side to ya! I knew it! Bookworm’s just a cover, eh?” your eyes go into slits and you’re about to hit him, but he flinches and puts his hands up. “Come on now, just a little joke, Luv!” “I’m not laughing!” “I thought it was funny...” “Why am I in your ship.... OH NO!” your gasp, “I SLEPT WITH YOU?!!!” you start to mumble incoherent things, and Jack’s snickering. “No, unfortunately ye haven’t had the opportunity yet to get in the sack with me.” “Yet?...” he doesn’t respond to your last comment and continues, and takes your hand. “I slept somewhere else, relax. But uh... Luv...” “Yes?” you say, wondering why he’s holding your hand. “There was... somethin’.... well...” “Just spit it out, Jack!” “Yer bookstore was attacked by pirates...” “WHAT?!! Jack, why didn’t you stop them?!” you screech, and Jack winces. “Well it was either save yer store and let them take ya, or save ya and let them ruin the store! But I don’t know why they’d want yer books, most of us pirates can’t read OR write...” “But-but-but... oh no! We have to go back!” “What?!” “Yes, we’re going to see why they did that to my bookstore! And when I see them I’ll have them hanged!” you snarl, your fists clenched angrily. “I knew ye had a violent streak...” you ignore his last statement and grab his hand, leading him to the top of the ship. “Where are ye takin’ me, Luv?” he winks suggestively, but he shuts up when you tell him that you’ll smack him with another novel if he does that again. “We’re going to my bookstore.” “Why do I have to go?!” “In case they’re still there, you can protect me!” “Oh... well, lets go...” you quickly hurry back to your bookstore and gasp, seeing all your books on the floor, pages torn and some of them ripped in half. “No...” tears fill your eyes, and you sigh sadly. Jack goes behind a shelf, seeing if there were any pirates around, and ends up tripping on a book, landing on his backside. “Bloody ‘ell! Damn books!” you glance at Jack and roll your eyes. “All my books! They’re... they’re destroyed!!” “Now now, it isn’t that bad, Luv! You can buy new ones!” “Jack, some of these are antiques, old, rare books!” “Oh, well, looks like yer in a fix then.” “My books...” you fall to the ground and heave a long sigh, while Jack takes a seat next to you. Now how could he make a librarian/bookstore owner happy? “Ye want me to buy ye a book?” you look at him, wondering what he’s thinking. “You want to buy me a book?” “Aye! Will it make ye feel better?” you stop and continue to stare at him, not saying a word. He was willing to buy you a book. When was the last time Will bought you something to make you feel better, or just to give you something? Long time. “Why ya lookin’ at me like that?” “Because no one hasn’t bought me anything in a long time...” He grins and puts his arms around you. “Well, Luv, things are about to change.” He doesn’t know how right he is... and neither do you. * * * * It’s now nighttime and you and Jack are cleaning up your store, and you feel your blood pressure go up as Jack throws another book across the room. “Careful!!! That’s a book from the fifteenth century! It’s priceless!” “Ahem. Sorry, Luv. I’ll be more careful.” “I’m sure you will... by the way, thanks for helping clean up. No one would’ve helped!” “Tis not a problem.” he starts to pick up books and you try to clean your counter. * * * * “So that’s where I got this wonderful dress! Every commoner loathes me!” giggles one woman, in fact, it’s the woman who thought you do nothing but read books yet bought the ones you wrote earlier. “Speaking of commoners...” she says, “or maybe ones even lower than that...why don’t we check on our bookworm friend?” she snickers. Her friends laugh. “Well, she’s probably doing the same thing! Although it would be nice to shove it in her face what an outcast she is...” they grin and open the door, but don’t say anything. Perhaps they were going for the element of surprise. But as it turns out, they’re the one that gets surprised. “--Faster!” “Luv, I’m going as fast as I can.” “Well, hurry up, I might have customers. If they come and see us like this, it will not be very good.” “What, ye don’t like it like this?” The woman puts her hand over her mouth, trying not to breathe. She heard you and a man behind the counter, and she wondered what you were doing. She had a pretty good idea. “This isn’t working.” “Well, bend over more a bit.” “I’m not THAT flexible!” “O’ course ye are! Here, lemme help ya...” some shuffling was heard, as well as groaning. “I can’t!” “Yes ye can! Come on now!” “Why don’t you do it? I’m sick of being on the bottom!” The woman gasps again, moving quietly away. “Well, if ye’ll go and grab it, we’ll be done with!” “I can’t see it!” “What do ye mean ye can’t see it? It’s right there!” “Why don’t YOU grab it?” “Easy answer, Luv. Yer hands are smaller.” “Ugh, I hate you.” “Ye know ya can’t resist me, Milady.” “Yes I can... I have willpower.” “Sure, sure.” “I can’t!” “Yes ye can! Luv, please just do it!” “AHH!!!!” your screaming was frightening the women nearby, but they didn’t know if it was a scream of pleasure or pain. “AHH!!” “Push!” “AHH!” “PUSH!” the women gasp and run outside, hearing your scuffle. “You made me suffer all that pain for a stupid BEAD? Honestly, Jack. You can always buy a new one. My hand barely fit in that hole in the floor!” “Hey! These beads have meanin’! Sentimental value, like yer books. Thank ye Luv fer gettin’ it fer me.” he gives you a kiss on the cheek and continues to clean up an area nearby, while placing the bead back in his hair. You roll your eyes and start to grumble about beads and pirates. * * * * You sigh as you finish picking up some of the last books, and Jack yawns. “Come on, Luv, les go back to the ship.” “Ship?” “Well, yer not gonna stay here. Ye might get killed.” “And you care about my well-being?” “Course I do! Yer a fun drunk.” you glare and he smiles innocently, his braids on his chin dangling back and forth. “All right, but we’re NOT sleeping together!” “Awww! Why not?” “Jack! It’s not proper!” “O’ course what we’ll do won’t be proper-” he stops talking at your glaring, but continues, “ye know ye can’t resist me.” “I’m resisting you now.” “Ow, Luv, that hurts.” “Listen, I have to go somewhere. I’ll meet you at your ship.” he grins and tips his hat, swaying away. “I’ll be waitin’ fer ya.” “I’m sure you will.” * * * * You run quickly through the streets, sniffing as you see the blacksmith sign. “I’ve had enough of hiding my secret,” you mumble. Tonight was the night you were going to tell Will you love him. You push open the door and find him making a sword, which wasn’t unusual. You try not to look too much and clear your throat. “Will.” he stops as he hears your voice, his eyes sorrowful and regretful. “I’m so sor-” “Save it, Will. You stood me up.” “I’m-” “No, let me finish. I know you think I’m some dumb outcast like the rest of these people. You think I’m shy, introverted and a bookworm. Well, let me tell you, I’m not an open book. I’ve been hiding a secret from you since we were little. It’s time you know.” He quirks an eyebrow at you, wondering what you are going to say. “What secret?” you come closer, your heart speeding up. I shouldn’t do this! This is wrong! No, go back to Jack, forget you even did this- “I’m in love with you!” you say, then your eyes widen. There, you said it. “What?!” cries Will, dropping his sword. “I said I’m in love with you. Ever since we were kids. I’ve loved you since I can remember.” “I... I see.” “I know you’re not interested, not anyone really’s interested anyways. But, there’s one last thing I wanted to do...” you grab him and kiss him, finally doing what you’ve longed to do for so long. You nibble on his bottom lip, running your fingers through his sweaty hair. The kiss lasts for a few more moments and then you let go. “I’m sorry,” you whisper, “it’s just... I always wanted to know what it felt like to kiss you... even though it wasn’t heartfelt...” you turn around and walk away, not bothering to look back. * * * * * CHAPTER 5 As you make your way back to the Black Pearl, you wonder if what you just did was a smart idea. You kiss your best friend and tell him you love him? It probably won’t turn out the way you want it to. He was shocked to say the least, but wouldn’t you be if you were in his position? “Stupid Will!” you grumble. He will probably go to Elizabeth anyway. Oh well, at least you tried. You sniff as you make your way to Jack’s cabin, and knock softly. “Who is it?” “It’s me!” “Who’s me?” “Jack...” Jack opens the door, grinning flirtatiously. “’Ello, Luv. I’ve been waitin’ fer ya.” “I’m sure you have.” “Well, come on in!” you just nod and walk over to a small table nearby, while Jack follows you from behind. You stare at the table, thinking about Will. You wonder if he’ll say anything to you... maybe he might not talk to you ever again. “Why the long face, Luv?” he purrs, taking a seat next to you. “Everything!” you say, “I told him!” “Told who?” “Him! The man that I’m in love with!” “Oh, that...” “Yes, and well... I kissed him.” Jack’s eyes widen, and he leans in closer. “Did ye now?” “Yes, but... I don’t think he enjoyed it...” “Wanna practice?” “JACK!” “Heh... sorry... thought I should ask... ye never know...” you glare at him while he smiles innocently. Innocently. Pffft. He slowly moves his arm around your shoulders, moving his lips near yours. Before he can say a flirty comment, you fling your arms around him, sniffing. “Oh Jack! He probably hates me!” Jack sighs sadly, knowing that he won’t be able to have any fun tonight. “No one can ever hate ye, Luv. Yer one of the nicest people I know! Except for the time ye hit me with a book...” you giggle, but then whisper to him softly. “I’m invisible, Jack...” “I see ya.” you inhale sharply as his other hand snakes around your waist, his eyes looking at your lips. You now feel torn. You love Will, of course, but now... Jack was here... he was always listening to you... but why do you always go back to a man that will never give you a second glance? Right before Jack kisses you, you start to scream. “What what, what is it?!?!” “Spider! SPIDER!” you screech, jumping away from the table. Jack squints to see a medium sized spider moving across the floor. “Luv, it’s just a spid-” “KILL IT! KILL IT!” Jack smirks, holding back a laugh. “I didn’t know ye felt so strongly about killin’ spiders.” “PLEASE JACK JUST KILL THE DAMN THING!” his eyes widen. “Yer cursin’ now.” “Please!” you squeak, watching as it comes closer to you, “kill it!!” he quickly squishes it with his boot, and you whimper with fright. “S’ok, Luv, he’s dead.” “Are you sure?” Jack lifts up his boot, revealing the spider’s remains. “I’m sure. Heh, sorry bout that. We seem to have a lot of those on here.” “A-A lot?” “Mmmmhmmmm. Well, you can stay here for the night, Luv. I have an extra room. See you in the morning! G’night!” and with that he was gone, leaving you in a paranoid state. “S-Spiders... he expects me to SLEEP?!” * * * * It was now the next morning, and you hardly got a good night’s rest after inspecting the ENTIRE cabin room, which took you about two hours. You find Jack outside, glaring at him. “G’mornin’!” “G’mornin’?!” you spat, “G’MORNIN’? Jack, you left me in a spider infested cabin!” “Hey-” “Well, forget it. Come with me, we’re going back to my store.” “Why?” “We’re going to find out WHY the pirates trashed my store.” “But we checked yesterday, Luv...” “Then we’ll check again!” you say, but frown when he doesn’t move. “I’ll buy you rum.” “Well, ye know we haven’t looked aroun’ that long, we could’ve overlooked somethin’....” you roll your eyes and chuckle, grabbing a hold of his arm that he offered to you. * * * * As you make your way back into the shop, you start to look around again. “Where did we not check?” “Dunno...” Jack disappears behind some shelves, whistling as he makes his way to the end of the room. He glances quickly to see if you’re in view, and grins as he sees you’re not. He sits in a chair nearby and leans back, tipping his hat over his eyes. “Did you find anything, Jack?” “No, Luv, but there’s a lot to look for back here!” he yawns and scratches his chest, trying to fall asleep. “Well, when you find something, tell me!” “Aye!” A few minutes later his eyes widen as he feels the wall move. “What the-” he falls flat on his back as the chair hits the floor, gasping for air. “Jack! Wha-” “Owww....” “Jack, you found a secret passage!” “Oh well that’s just bloody fabulous,” he grumbles, rubbing his sore behind. You giggle and he smirks. “Wanna take care o’ this wound too, Luv?” “Maybe later, Jack,” you say, not really paying attention to him. You make your way into the small space, looking through various things. “It’s all junk,” you whisper, “why would pirates want this? It’s worthless!” As you walk across to the other side, the floor creaks as your foot hit a certain area. You quirk an eyebrow and move your foot in the same area, the sound of wood creaking echoing throughout the space. “I think I found something!” Jack limps over to where you were, leaning over at the loose floorboard. “I’m guessin’ ye want me to rip that floorboard open?” “Yep.” he grunts and looks around, then picks up a very heavy statue. “Jack, uh what are you-” BANG!! You look down at the big hole in your floor where Jack just threw the statue. “Or we could just do that....” “My way’s much easier.” you hastily move the statue after a few moments, and then stick your hand into the hole, pulling out a very dusty book. “I think we found what they were looking for!” you exclaim, looking at a few passages in the book. “Why do you say that, Luv?” “Because it says something about treasure!” Jack forgets about the pain he’s suffering and his eyes glaze at the mere word that you said. “Treasure you say?” “Yes.” “I’d say we’re goin’ on a big adventure, Pet.” “What? No, we’re getting rid of this!” “WHAT!?!!” “Yes! It causes nothing but trouble!” “Fine then, I’ll take it!” “No!” “Yes!” “No!” “Yes!” “No!” “Yes!” “No!” “Yes!” “No!” “Yes!” “NO! And that’s final! I’m not an adventurer, Jack... I’m a bookstore owner.” “And that’s why you’d be perfect fer an adventure, Luv! Yer smart, ye can lead us right to it...” “No.” “Pet, ye have nothin’ here to live fer. That guy doesn’t talk to you, and the town treats ye like an outcast!” you feel your throat tighten as he says this. “I know...” Jack takes your hands in his, whispering to you softly. “Come with me, Luv... where ye can BE somethin’... ye know ye belong to the sea... things will never change, Lass. I know ye wake up, thinkin’ that maybe today, someone will change their mind about ye.” “You’re right,” you whisper back. You glance at the book, then at Jack. This could be your one chance. To go on an extraordinary adventure, a once in a lifetime chance! “We’ll leave tonight.” “I knew ye would come with me!” A familiar ring runs throughout the store and your eyes widen. “Customers!” you say, running back to the counter. You resist rolling your eyes as you see who it is. It’s those snobby women, once again gracing you with their presence. “Hello,” says the leader. “Hello, can I help you with anything?” she doesn’t answer, rather, she just looks around as if looking for something. “I was so foolish,” she mutters evilly. She snickers and so did her friends. You wonder what they were thinking, but chose to ignore it. The real reason they are snickering is because they don’t see the man that was at your place the other day, and this confirm their beliefs of you ever having a social life. “Told you she was an outcast!” whispers one. “A mistake if you ask me!” they snicker and you quickly hide your feelings. Jack watches nearby and makes his grand entrance, slipping his arm around you, kissing your neck softly. “Mornin’ Luv... how did ye sleep?” as he nuzzles his face into your shoulder, you smirk, seeing the women’s reaction. “Like a baby.” “Thas good, considerin’ all the remodelin’ we did yesterday...” the women’s eyes widen. You giggle and give him a soft kiss on the lips. “That’s very good.” the women don’t know how to respond so they leave, wondering how you could ever get such a good looking man in your arms. As you watch them walk away, you smile. “Thank you, Jack!” “Anytime.” He grins and you blush, picking at invisible lint on your dress. Before anything else can happen, he tips his hat. “Got to get me crew! Meet me at the ship tonight, Luv! I’ll think of a plan!” you nod and watch him leave, and as soon as he’s out of sight you drop some of the books you were holding, fanning yourself. * * * * And so nighttime came, and you happily start to pack your bags. You sing a song happily to yourself, but stop as you hear someone come through your store. “We’re clo- oh, Jack! Hello!” “Luv, what are ye doin’?” “Getting ready of course.” “Well hurry up, we don’t have all day!” he grabs your hand and your bag, motioning for you leave. “Oh hold on, my books!” “Books?” he cries, “as in plural?” “Yes! I need them to come with me, I just can’t bare to leave without them!” “Luv, when yer on a ship, especially mine, it’s all about bein’ limited.” “Just a few!” you smile as you place six books in your bags, with Jack muttering curses under his breath as you close the store. As you make your way to the port you see Will from afar, your heart pumping fast. Was he coming to see you? You find your answer as Elizabeth comes into view, hugging him. You glare and turn around, quickly following Jack. * * * * “So, Jack, what are we-” you stop in mid-sentence as you see a few navy officials coming to where you are standing. “Bloody ‘ell...” mutters Jack. “What do we do?” “Well, they can’t see you comin’ with me like this...” “Why not?” “They’ll think yer an accomplice, Luv. They’ll kill ya.” you gulp, your hands shaking. “What do we do?” Jack looks at you, then back at the officers, then at you again. “Don’t know... but we got ta think fast...” |