THREE'S A CROWD

Author: Charli
Rating: PG-13 - may be some R if I can attempt it but I doubt it!
Pairing: You/Jack
Categories: Action/Adventure, Romance

Disclaimer: I do not, very much to my pity, own anything potc related- it all belongs to Disney. I only own the concept of the ‘you’ character but other then that nada, nothing, zilch- waaaahhh!

Summary: You, Miss Madeline, are one of Jack Sparrow’s finest crew members after joining his crew a year ago. You had a very unpleasant experience in Tortuga which Jack rescued you from and you had stayed with him as a working member. What happens to you when a new girl, Jessica, joins Jacks crew who is as not as great as she seems? How do you cope with Jack’s lack of attention and a rival in the crew who seems to make life as difficult as possible for you?

Author's Note: My first ever fan fiction. So please, please, please be nice and I’m sorry if it sucks! Reviews would be very much appreciated and I will try to update this as soon as I can. Please ignore any typos or spelling mistakes- thankies! Loffs ya!

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CHAPTER 1 – Jack’s Two Joys

You lie contentedly still, swaying slightly as the ship bobs over another wave. You can tell it is early because of the orangey light falling through your cabin window and illuminating your sleepy form. It had been a long time since you were able to just lie there, thinking about the things which affected you and had been important to you over your life. Idly your long fingers start tracing the shapes on the blanket covering your legs, keeping you warm because although it is the Caribbean, it still drops cold at night.

This is one of your rare pleasures as living the life of a pirate is physically extremely tough but you pull your weight, not wanting to be singled out as the weakest female in the crew. Of course your ‘kick your butt’ pirate image helps people respect you and almost take even more care around you. In reality you are not as tough as you seem but over the years your many experiences have taught you not to present your feelings like an open book. They are much easier to hurt that way.

You hadn’t had a very easy life, especially during your childhood but then name a pirate who has! Your mother died when you were only 10 years old leaving you all alone. She had been fortunate enough to work in the Swann Mansion in the popular city, Port Royal. The youngest daughter Elizabeth Swann had become one of your closest friends as a child but as you grew older she was persuaded by her family not to see you as much. They seemed to fear that this connection would damage the family reputation, especially as you were from such a lower class and had a single parent. However, this never seemed to stop Elizabeth, who was almost as headstrong as you and she made regular visits when she could.

You sigh deeply, stopping your fingers movement as you think of your parents. It seems so unfair to you that you only ever knew one parent and for such a cruelly short amount of time. You had never known your father, Richard, for he was a famous pirate in the Caribbean waters and had left Port Royal in rather a hurry, leaving your mother behind. She always said it was one of the hardest things she had ever had to do- saying goodbye to your father like that and knowing that she might never see him again. However you totally understood your father’s reasons for leaving, they were very simple. Commodore Norrington had come into power and all pirates had feared for their lives as he was famous for hating pirates. Because he was so well known, your dad had to leave and say goodbye to everything he had ever loved to protect your family from harm. You had only been about two years old at the time and so never really remembered him, much to your anguish.

You are roused from your thoughts as there is a stirring in the hammock close to yours. It is not an overly big room and even the littlest of noises makes you wake up in the night. The now brighter, almost yellow light shines on the tired form of one of your best friends. You smile slightly as the figure cracks open one sleepy brown eye and moves her mop of dark hair out of her face to look around the cabin. Noticing you and your current thoughtful position she mutters cheekily, “You know, you’re going to ruin your image if you spend much more time brooding like that.”

“Oh, and a good morning to you too Anamaria!” You reply good-naturedly to your friend with a slight smirk. “And how did you know I was thinking anyway?”

Anamaria gives you a look which screams ‘as if I haven’t told you this before’ and states, “You are chewing your bottom lip and I can see it is already bright red from here. Plus you are still sitting in your hammock when normally you’d be outside bossing people around!”

Giving Ana a slight glare but keeping the small smirk on the side of your face you flop back down into your hammock just to defy her. Feeling lenient this morning you let her comment wash over you even though normally she would not get away this easily. You had become well known amongst the crew for your friendly but bitchy word fights and it seemed to fill in for entertainment sometimes on long journeys. She always liked getting a reaction out of you which was mainly why the arguments started in the first place.

”Well I am going to see what I can find for food on this little boat and you might want to think about getting up soon or you will have Jack’s morning bad mood to battle against,” Anamaria broke the silence as she swung herself out of her hammock and started straightening her shirt, “although I’m not sure if Jack would ever get mad at you Maddy.”

“Oh shut it Ana, I swear you get more irritating every morning.” You slung back to the mulatto woman opposite you as you sat up in the hammock. Unfortunately you were not the most graceful person in this crew and as the ship lurched over another big wave you tumble straight out of the hammock and finish sprawled on the floor landing on your stomach. Not the most elegant way to get up in the morning!

You could hear Ana sniggering to herself as you indignantly try to pick yourself up, giving her a deadly glare whilst rubbing your head and muttering, “Oh shut up you.” This just makes her laugh harder and you could still hear her loud guffaws as she went down to the galley. Great, you think, I wonder how long she’s going to keep that a secret this time.

Staring into the grimy piece of glass serving as a mirror you did admit to yourself how lucky you were to have a friend like Ana. Yes, she was infuriating sometimes but she had been your friend ever since you joined Jack’s crew about a year ago. She had welcomed you in and was probably glad to have another working female pirate on board, not just one of Jack’s little friends. “Stop it” you hiss to yourself as again you put that thought to the back of your mind and begin concentrating on Ana instead. You are both quite a fierce sight to someone that didn’t know you well. You both have very strong images among the crew and were equally given the respect you deserve even if it had been a struggle to get that in the first place.

You start pulling the comb through your dark hair. It was an interesting colour, dark brown, almost black but when you look at it closely it is full of lots of different colours streaked through it. Running your thumb fleetingly over your red rose hair tie you pull your dark hair back off your face and straighten your bandana. You did not think you were beautiful but you knew your appearance was very striking here. Your father had been born in London but travelled out to the Caribbean when he was younger. He had the traditional ‘English rose’ look and even though you don’t remember him you had been given those genes.

As you gaze at your reflection your most striking features looked back at you. Your expressive dark brown eyes and hair are contrasted with your very pale skin. It didn’t matter that you had been born in the Caribbean; your skin only ever got a little tanned. You never looked unhealthy though as everyone had noticed your happy glow once you had found a place amongst the crew here. Your mother, Jacqueline had told you about your father and before she died had given you the red rose ring as a reminder of your heritage. It is always in your possession now because it has sentimental value as well. Your ‘rose’ appearance has also been played on as well to continue the family tradition. You wear a white bandana which contrasts against your dark hair and upon it are the outlines of red roses. Of course you have a thin line of kohl around your upper and lower eyelids which is the mark of a pirate as well as your pirate outfit and effects.

Smoothing down your shirt you head for the door and are suddenly hit by the blinding Caribbean sun and salty smell of the sea. The new sun’s rays are being reflected off the calm azure water in bright pinks and oranges. The ocean stretched as far as you could see in all directions and as the warm breeze touches your face you shiver with happiness at the prospect of a new day in this wonderful paradise. If this wasn’t enough for the good mood you were currently in, this glorious ship would have furthered your spirits even more. This ship is one of the most feared and beautiful ships in the whole Caribbean. It is named the Black Pearl or the ‘cursed’ Black Pearl to outsiders. The ship is as well known as its crew of miscreants and of course her infamous captain, Captain Jack Sparrow.

* * * *

Walking across the main deck of the Pearl you take in her amazing beauty. She has been perfectly restored after her last Captain with her dark scrubbed wood and full black sails. She is a very impressive and dominant sight and this added greatly to her reputation. There are a few pirates around at this time doing general work on deck but you could see four crew members were huddled together at the far end playing cards and drinking what looked like rum but you supposed it could not be as Jack would go mad and that was not something you would want from your captain.

Cards are the standard game on board especially in the evenings when crew members can spend some of their wages on bets and gambling for fun. You are not a bad cards player but the master on board is Jack. Although you are sure he never plays properly you can never see what he is doing wrong meaning you can never prove it, which was really frustrating so now you just avoided it if you could.

You wave across at the crew members in the corner who shout their greetings back as you make your way down to the galley for something to eat whilst hoping that Ana saved you something.

After trekking down the first flight of stairs a familiar shape is making his way towards you. He is very much the fatherly figure on board and has taken the role of Quartermaster.

“Morning Gibbs,” You smile cheerfully to one of the Pearl’s best crew mates. You see his face break into an open smile as he replies, “Morning lass, sleep well last night?”

“Aye good thanks and I’m guessing that you did too if the snoring I could hear was anything to judge it on!” you joke with him. “I hope you didn’t have too much of the rum because you know who’s speciality that is!”

“Aye lass, but Jack was the biggest drinker last night though I’m not sure ye’ll be surprised! Gibbs jibes back to you as a frown dents your face.

“You were all drinking and you didn’t ask me and Ana in? Now that’s hardly fair is it now?” You say smiling at the burly figure in front of you, not really minding that much but as you hear a faint singing coming from behind you; you quickly nod to Gibbs and wink. It is one very unmistakable song from one very unmistakeable person and it just happens to be the person you love to joke with the most!

“I wonder, so if Jack knew that we were not there then why did he not come and find us. Do you want to know what I think; well he’s going to have to pay for that isn’t he Gibbs?”

You smile to yourself as the footsteps stop behind you. Although you’d only known Jack for about a year you were starting to notice the changes in his movements which signalled a change in mood and right now he was curious. “Well I think Ana and I are just going to have to break into his rum supply at the dead of night and we’ll put water in it! That’ll show him!”

“WHAT?” Jack’s voice interrupts you. “Now luv, ye know how much that would damage not only my fun but also the crews and if ye do, ye know who will not be a member of my crew for much longer?

You smile to yourself as you turn to face him with a small smirk playing about your lips. Answering coolly but with a sparkle in your eyes “So now who should you always invite to these secret party things? And also… Gotcha!!”

Letting out a small laugh you turn back to Gibbs who is walking away chuckling at the ridiculous situation between his Captain and friend. In the short time he had known you it always amused him how Jack let you be so daring with him but then deep down he knew the reason. Having discussed it several times with Anamaria they were now quite sure that this relationship would not be platonic for much longer. How much longer however was definitely going to decide on your prides and also fears. It has been said that a pirate attached is an easy target and to let this rule your lives would be a big step for both of you.

Jack steps down beside you and casually throws his arm about your shoulders. Curiously looking down at you he says, “So my rum’s safe for now then?”

Staring up into his chocolate eyes you reply with a smirk “Of course it is… well for the moment anyway!” Jack let out a small smile, pauses for a moment in thought and then mutters, “Oh and nice one I hadn’t been expecting you to do that for at least another day as I thought it was my turn to trick you!”

“Ah but where’s the fun in that Jack Sparrow? Besides I’ve got to keep you on your toes, haven’t I! There’s no one else mad enough to do it!” You smile back at him thinking just how gorgeous he looks right then.

“Well I’m not sure about that but just watch your back luv, cos I do believe it’s my turn now!” You laugh up into his face and mutter “Indeed,” as he smiles in his own unique way. There are no words to describe some of his moves and actions- it was just Jack’s way but it did amuse you.

It had always been like this between you and Jack. You regard him as one of your closest friends aboard the Pearl and you hope he felt the same. There were always little jokes between you which no-one else really understood like this one at the moment. Yes, he is the most gorgeous pirate you had ever seen but he is your captain and there is nothing you could do about it. Plus you’d only make a fool of yourself if you did. He’d be back to his little friends straight after and then where would you be, a discarded crew member with nothing but a broken heart. That’s not right for a pirate. But still, even the slightest of touches, like his arm flung carelessly around your shoulders, makes your stomach flutter slightly.

Jack looks down at you looking back at him and smiles to himself. He knew you were not as tough as you made out and there was a very emotional person just underneath this front. He knew however that that façade had been put there through emotional hardship and that he could only bring down that barrier if you really trusted him. He thought you did though, the past events had shown him how much you had depended on him at times but he didn’t like to think about the state you had been in. You do have a very striking look and Jack is very attracted to you. He knew he cared deeply for you as even if another man glanced at you during their stays in places like Tortuga his protective jealously would come forward and it would always be hard to subdue inside him.

A voice from above deck suddenly echoes through the passage you are standing in and it makes you both start out of the silence you were in.

“Land ho! Captain, Tortuga is in sight,” yells a rough voice. Jack sighs slightly and you see something foreign enter his eyes but it was gone as quickly as it had come in. Jack was sorry to end this moment with you but jokes,

”Well luv, as charming as your company is I am in need so I will have to go and boss around my crew of mangy dogs as they can not manage without their dashing Captain!” As he lifts his arm off your shoulders you miss the contact immediately but manage to hold your sigh and call after him,

“Bye Jack, oh sorry, Captain Jack,” and snigger to yourself as he shoots you an exasperated look over his shoulder.

He really was the most handsome man you had ever met and had such a complicated personality which made him so interesting to be around. Jack constantly had an air of confidence around him and his charming swaying step always made you smile. He was almost as stubborn as you but sometimes his wounded puppy look broke down your resistance and of course he always had something cocky to say. His style was almost as unique as yours and you were sure he was the only pirate who had ever thought of hanging beads in the dreadlocks! He was Jack to you and no-one could ever match him.

Leaning back against the wall you think about the oncoming prospect of Tortuga and how exciting that is going to be. You are going to meet old friends and hopefully no more of Jack’s. “Shut up,” you hiss angrily to yourself, squashing that thought.

Tortuga is the pirate’s haven and although you only come back briefly it had been your home for many years.

“Tortuga indeed,” you smile to yourself.

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A/N: please read and review thanks my lovelies!!

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CHAPTER 2

Loud voices and shouts echo down from above as the Pearl creaks her way into this next pirate port. Inquisitively sniffing the air, the forgotten smells greet your nostrils as an unwelcome reminder of the mixture of salty sea and rum combined together under the Caribbean sunshine, which is the Tortugan smell.

Although it would be preferable to you to not visit this place for another lifetime at the very least, Jack seems to have an almost obsessive attraction to this haven. As he so eloquently described to you the other day, “Luv, where else do I have a group of willing women at my feet, all the rum I could possibly drink and a reputation which proceeds me?” You knew it would take some strong persuading to ever change Jack’s views on Tortuga.

After living here for many years you are sure that even if they had not been such difficult times for you, you would still never have enjoyed it. Living alone and working as a Tortugan barmaid where men leered at you as much as they could was not fun especially after family life in the comfort of Port Royal. Yes, you know people who worship the ground it’s built on but the general atmosphere and way of life has never thrilled or excited you. In reality it has had the opposite effect on you and the past event still haunt you to this very day.

You are still paranoid whenever walking down quiet streets late at night after the sun has set. You can still feel the hairs on your back raising and tingling with the feeling of being stared after and you hear your quickened footsteps slapping on the ground you’re hurrying along. You can’t see anything, it’s too dark and your every rasping breath puffs out as mist in front of your eyes. You feel so alone scurrying down the empty backstreets as your heart thumps harder in your chest although it feels as though it is ringing in your ears and you can hear nothing else. A loud creak close by makes you startle and glance back over your shoulder but you can see nothing. There’s an eerie mist obliterating your view and the moon is casting strange shadows onto the shuttered, dilapidated houses making everything distort before your eyes and sending a shudder racing down your spine. Turning your head back you suddenly scream out as you are flung against a cold wall and a pair of hairy hands grips your waist holding you still.

“Luv? LUV?” You hear Jack’s worried voice echoing through your thoughts as you collapse backwards. Fortunately instead of landing on the wooden timbers a pair of strong arms wrap around you as you fall backwards against a muscular chest.

“Luv? What’s wrong?” Opening your eyes and faintly looking around, you focus on the chocolate brown orbs gazing down into yours, anxiety running through them. You realise the arms you had imagine must have been Jack’s as there is a slight pressure around your waist and stomach and both your arms are high on your sides.

“I’m fine” you choke out to Jack still looking straight into his dark eyes as you try sitting up but are still clasped tight in his hold.

“Aye well just stating the obvious here darling but I think you’re far from fine.” Jack’s smooth voice floats down to you, an amused smirk crossing his features. “’Course I’m surprised you want to be leaving Captain Jack’s arms so quickly. I assure you, it’s a very nice place to be in.” He quips down to you as his hands start drawing small circles on the fabric of your shirt making you feel a slight twinge of girly desire and embarrassment as you fully realise how close your actually are to him.

Of course you do not mind having an extremely good-looking man wrap himself around you but it has not escaped your notice that your palms are clammy and your face resembles a ghost in its lack of colour. You would much rather prefer this current situation at a time when you are feeling slightly more relaxed and not wrapped up in your own horrific nightmare.

“What’s wrong luv? I can tell something’s bothering that pretty face of yours; I can see it in your eyes.” The pirate inquires softly from behind you as he moves your body closer to his chest trying to make you feel secure in his own way. You smile softly at this seemly unconscious action knowing that Jack is actually a big softie underneath his pirate façade and does really care about you.

“Oh don’t worry about it, I’m fine really, it was nothing.” You blurt out as the Tortugan subject has always been an extremely difficult subject to talk about even with Jack whose opinions you value so highly.

“Call me daft but nothing doesn’t make people react like that luv,” Jack presses on after a small pause. “Is this your first time back since the events of last time?”

You draw in one shaky breath closing your eyes and pushing yourself out of Jack’s grasp before turning around to face him. Jack extends his arms so one sits on the juncture between your neck and shoulder and the other finds it place at your waist.

“Please tell me luv.” Jack inquires to you after you stay silent for a moment, his brown eyes pleading with yours to confide in him.

Lowering your head you start to mumble, not really sure how to even start telling him how you feel about Tortuga even though you confide in Jack over almost everything else. The things you don’t tell him are always confessed to Ana so between the two of them your whole life is known.

“I don’t know, I hadn’t thought about what happened for a while and it, it just came back to me all in a flood of images and I couldn’t stop thinking until you stopped me. I’m afraid that if I come back here the memories will get even worse or the same thing will happen again.” The words rush out of your mouth as your eyes start to mist up but you blink it away furiously. You already look totally pathetic, you needn’t add to it by crying.

Jack senses your uneasiness now you’ve told him how you are feeling and it makes his heart pang with sorrow at your silent grief. Raising his hand from your neck, Jack brings his fingers up to your jaw and slowly tilts your head up so you are at eye level with him. You try to suppress the small shudder which skates through you as Jack starts stroking your jaw gently.

“Listen here luv; you should feel no shame in what happened to you. It was out of your control and it doesn’t affect any part of your personality or appearance to others. Everyone here still likes you just as much as they did before, well some more then others,” he gives you a small wink but presses on before you can speak. “The events in Tortuga last time were not brought upon you because you look or appear to be different to anyone else nor because you were a barmaid but because of some twisted bastard took the advantage and surprised you.” You see anger flash through Jack’s eyes but disappears as he focuses on you again. “It’ll never happen to you again darling because I won’t let it.” You are startled by Jack’s ferocious voice but comforted at the same time by the determined look on his face which is reflected in his russet eyes.

You begin to smile fully whilst thinking what an idiot you had been not talking to Jack about this before now. He’s the only one who really knew what happened to you anyway.

“That’s better luv,” Jack comments on seeing the smile grace your lips but is caught of guard by your next impromptu action as you slide your arms around his body and you pull yourself close, resting your head on his sculpted chest.

You feel his breathing hitch but then relaxing taking deep comforting breaths as your head rises and falls in time to it. You can hear the beat of his heart just below you and smirk slightly as his arms enclose you in the embrace.

Jack’s closeness intoxicates your thoughts and you can feel his hands playing with your shiny dark hair as he twirls it between his fingers. You feel totally secure as if Jack is right and nothing will ever hurt you again or come between you either. This friendship is too strong and natural to be broken. Sighing deeply you slip your eyes shut in contentment staying still in your Captains arms wondering how great it would feel to stay like this forever.

“What are you thinking about luv?” Jack’s voice caresses your ear as he carefully pulls you up to look into your open face.

“Oh nothing particularly,” you say feeling a slight rush of colour into your cheeks. You’re sure Jack would get some pretty strong ideas if he knew exactly what you were thinking about a moment ago. Not that it wouldn’t be good, in fact it would be fantastic but your views on the Jack subject were that you would be left heartbroken and alone if the truth ever did come out.

Leaning down so his mouth is parallel to your ear his rugged voice drawls slowly, “I’m sure I could guess,” before bringing himself back up to your eye level with a slightly raised brow and a wink.

“I’m sure you could but I won’t tell you, even if you are right,” you mutter back to him with a sassy smirk on your face.

“You’re a feisty one indeed,” Jack murmurs back huskily and opens his mouth to say something more when a shout from above draws his attention away from you.

Carefully plucking yourself out of his grip you stand up smoothing down your shirt and stretching. Jack also rises but doesn’t seem as keen to let you go at the moment. You don’t know whether he wants to make sure you really do feel alright or just likes the contact. Either way you’re not going to object!

“Now to show you that I do not make promises I don’t intend to keep I would honour the privilege of escorting you around this charming port milady.” Jack inquires to you in a surprisingly good posh English accent with an exaggerated bow and much twirling of his hands.

“That would be simply delightful kind sir,” you reply cheekily whilst bending into a small curtsey. Jack extends his arm to you and you slip your smaller hand through with a happy smile. Glancing up at him you see a small smirk gracing Jack’s mouth and a warm buzz clutches your stomach.

* * * * *

Emerging from below deck with your arm looped through Jack’s you can’t help but beam at everyone helping secure the Pearl in port. The Pearl looks absolutely breathtaking compared with the other ships anchored around her. Her dark black wood shines and makes her stand out even more.

Walking over to the side with Jack you can see some of the townsfolk watching and pointing at the ship in awe. You can remember the first time you really explored this amazing ship and just spending hours watching Jack in his element at the helm. After hearing the tales of Captain Barbossa you could not imagine this ship without her eccentric captain. The two fit perfectly together and both seem only happy when in the others presence. Jack will sometimes go berserk if the crew some much as scrape part of the deck and there’s no way he would have ever let her reach the mess she was in under Barbossa’s captaincy.

You feel Jack squeeze your arm and you look up to see him watching you as if sensing how you are feeling after returning to Tortuga for the first time. Smiling up into his face you mutter, “Well shall we go then sir?” in your poshest accent. Having spent many years around Elizabeth you knew your accent was good as on occasions you could trick your way out of many tight spots.

Jack makes a little gesturing motion with his right hand as you fall into step beside him crossing the deck towards the gangplank. Noticing two figures leaning against the side you raise your left hand to wave at them and Jack changes his step so you’re standing straight in front of them and you note he doesn’t remove his arm from your hold.

“Ana, Gibbs are ye coming with us?” you ask them. Anamaria takes a quick glance at the closeness between you and Jack and a flash of smug happiness crosses her face. It was only a slight twitch but you catch it immediately knowing full well how much taunting she will give you when you are alone but at that moment not really caring that much. “Jack teasing” is one of Ana’s favourite taunting subjects when you are alone together and she always seems to take great pleasure in getting a rise out of you.

“Aye lass you think I’d rather stay on the Pearl then visit this crazy rock? Nay, I’d be daft says I.” You look away from Gibbs as he says that trying to hold in your smirk as Gibbs’s phrasing of words has always amused you. His speech usually includes “Aye, lass and says I” whenever you are around him. You feel Jack’s hand brush against your hip and glance up to see him watching his crew nonchalantly ignoring you completely. Feeling slightly confused you pass off the action as just a slight movement.

“So where are you two going looking very close I might add?” Ana’s deep voice breaks into your thoughts by directing a question at you with slightly raised eyebrows and you can see the smirk in her eyes. “Yeah I wish” you think to yourself lightly but before you can reply back with something very sarcastic Jack beats you to it,

“It is my intention to take this feisty young lady around Tortuga as her humble escort thereby preventing anyone troubling her in anyway. Well that doesn’t include me I suppose”. Jack quips in an amused tone as you roll your eyes good-naturedly and Gibbs laughs his deep rumbling, fatherly laugh.

“Well Maddy I don’t think even you could keep Jack anyway from the Bride for that long so I guess you ought to enjoy the ‘troubling’ before Jack gets overly drunk on his precious rum although if you think about it, it might get better after that!” Ana directs to you as you feel your eyes widen at what she’s implying. Not that what she’s implying would be a bad thing, on the contrary actually, but you feel almost embarrassed by the people Ana is saying it in front of. You thought you had an unspoken agreement that this topic would not be aired in the crews hearing; certainly not in front of the person that it involves the most.

Luckily Jack cuts into the conversation before you get a chance to retort to Ana but make a note in your mind that she’s not going to forget that one quickly and you will pay her back. Jack’s voice makes you jump as he shouts,

“For the last time it’s not Jack especially not from you missy.” His voice cuts into your ears from very close range making you turn your head away from him trying to get rid of the ringing in them.

Anamaria and Gibbs look sheepish when you turn back towards them for forgetting the proper title of their captain. It is one of Jacks more important rules to call him by his proper title, Captain, and if anyone, apart from you’ve noticed yourself, they will generally not be able to hear again for at least 3 days afterwards.

“Ah Jack calm down, I don’t actually want my escort that troubled!” you jibe back to him wondering if he will react to the lack of his proper title. You are shown his reaction as Jack lets at a frustrated growl, drops your arm from his grip, turns on his heel and is about to walk away as you wrap you’re fingers around his wrist to stop him. You’re desperately trying to curb the smug smirk which is threatening to pull up the corners of your mouth as that would not go down well at the moment.

Jack swings his arm round as he turns to face you again effectively pulling towards him and as your hands go flailing out in front of you they come into contact with a nicely sculpted chest. You look up into Jack’s chocolate eyes and register the smirk playing about his lips as he jokes back loudly enough for Ana and Gibbs to hear,

“I don’t think I’m the one who’s troubled here darling.”

You wish with every ounce of your body that you were somewhere more private as although it’s in your personality to fight every challenge, it is somewhat more difficult to do that when you are the attention of the whole crew. You can also feel, somewhat unnervingly, Ana’s eyes boring into your back and can already imagine the taunting that will follow later. You also have your hands on a smooth, tanned muscular chest which is slightly distracting you.

Thinking quickly on your feet you know you can’t respond to Jack’s verbal taunting as although you give as good as you get it has always been Jack’s forte. You know you need to do something that will beat him which is not openly obvious to the spectators gathering to watch this amusing sport, so what are Jack’s weaknesses? Well that’s simply rum. Oh and women.

“Ah perfect,” you think to yourself before you look straight into Jack’s eyes, widening them a little. You start to move closer into Jack’s arms hoping beyond all that he will fall for this otherwise you will actually be crowned as the Pearl’s biggest fool.

Moving slowly ever closer you can feel Jack’s eyes burning straight into yours as if he’s transfixed or caught off guard by your puzzling actions especially in front of the whole crew. You are almost caught in his chocolaty depths before pulling yourself together and re-focusing on the task in hand.

Every crewmember seems to have his eyes glued on you and you can feel Ana’s disbelief radiating into your back making your spine quiver. You shift your eyes from Jack’s eyes down to his lips as you run the tip of tongue along your own. Looking back into Jack’s now coal black eyes you can read the evident lust in them as he slowly starts to bring his head down towards your lips.

This is a very public display of affection but Jack’s intrigued. You’ve never come this close to him before and he is relishing in it, plus it’s evident to his crew that Captain Jack Sparrow has the power of wooing the most unexpected ladies and of course, that can never be a bad thing.

Your faces are mere inches apart and the crew seems to hold their breath as Jack smirks at you, shutting his eyes as you move your hands along his chest a bit more. Suddenly his eyes snap open as you apply a slight pressure over his nipples step back and say, “Me troubled, never Captain,” with a sassy smirk and blow him a kiss.

The whole crew dissolve into quiet chuckles trying to stop bellowing laughter as Jack looks at you in disbelief. You feel very smug as you turn away from him and start to step away but your feet get twisted in a rope lying across the deck. Totally losing your balance you go flying ungracefully backwards and land at Jack's feet in a rather ungraceful sprawled heap.

The crew then explode with laughter at your clumsiness having completed their crew entertainment for the day and going back to disembarking from the Pearl for their leave. You open your eyes and look up apologetically into Jack’s face, surprised to see him kneeling down to help you clamber up. Taking his hand you pull yourself up and brush down your shirt, feeling the hotness in your face with your other hand as Jack whispers in your ear, “Ahh Maddy, I do so like a contest!”

He takes your hand and loops it throw his arm as you throw a quick glance to Anamaria who raises her eyebrows quickly at you with a slight smirk but then turns her back to finish her duties as first mate. You walk with Jack over to the gangplank, walk across it with his support; you don’t need any more clumsiness for today, and set your feet on the wooden planks which are the docks. Tortuga invades your mind as you start strolling down the docks with your arm looped through the most popular pirate's arm: your pirate Captain.

* * * * *

Please review thanks to Emma and Ruth who have read and reviewed and also to Emma again for the storyline help!! I’m still working on that bit Em!

* * * * *

CHAPTER 3

The bright sunlight is slowly growing dimmer as you and Jack stride down the narrow tracks towards the main streets of Tortuga. You have your arm glued between Jack’s upper arm and his chest and you can feel the slight expansion of his ribs as he breathes gently next to you. Your quickened pace just matches his although sometimes it’s harder to walk beside Jack because of his hip swaying saunter. Jack’s sea legs seem to increase by 10 times the normal amount when on land and this always amuses you as you are sure it’s not purely natural.

Walking up a backstreet loud shouts and cries hit your ears, showing how near the main hustle and bustle of Tortuga is now. The smell of gunpowder and alcohol infiltrates your nostrils. A bearded extremely drunken man sprints past you, his arms outstretched as you both emerge onto the main streets of Tortuga. This was the area of taverns which were well known for Captain Jack Sparrow’s presence when in town surrounded by hoards of admiring men and wenches giggling in his lap promising a night of fun. It occurs to you that you may look like Jack’s next victim to outsiders even though they might question your choice of outfit and appearance – being somewhat different from the norm.

A horse drawn carriage rushes past dragging a man along the floor behind it- his foot connected to the moving vehicle. You roll your eyes in amusement- he obviously got on the wrong side of someone. Scanning the unfolding scene you notice groups of men fighting over equally drunk adoring women to try and gain supremacy until another contender comes to steal away his “treasure”. There are pirate crews sauntering into bars to look for a night’s entertainment after long voyages at sea and of course, the prostitutes with their hair piled up in curls on their heads rushing in after them.

“Gods,” you mutter to yourself whilst surveying the riotous scene before you, “some places just never change.”

Jack glances down at you with his adorable but infuriatingly smug smirk and drawls “And hopefully will never change.” You roll your eyes good-naturedly at his typical comment.

“Well luv,” Jack continues after seeing your reaction. “Tell me where else a pirate can truly relax without being pursued by some mangy red-coat?” He waves his hand around slightly to exaggerate his point before hitting it smack on a poor unexpecting man’s head running past. And you thought you were the clumsy one.

With your mind engaged on the environment, you mutter “Or blue coat.” This makes Jack pause momentarily and look at you in bewilderment, wondering what on earth you’re talking about. It’s not even as if you are drunk yet but perfectly sane of mind.

“Care to explain that one in more detail luv?” Jack asks you amused. It suddenly dawns upon you that you had vocalised your thought and feeling embarrassed quickly reply, “Commodore Norrington. He wears a blue coat. Jeez Jack you really should know- he has caught you enough times!”

Jack stares at you, a smirk spreading across his tanned face as he jibes, “Ah but I’ve always escaped haven’t I, and do you know why that is luv?” Jack pauses momentarily for added effect, “because I’m Captain Jack Sparrow, savvy.”

You groan loudly, half in exasperation at the smug tones of his voice, half in amazement at this mans pure confidence.

“I must say though luv, that was very observant,” Jack points out as you start weaving your way through the throngs of excitable people, “One may think you have spent a great deal of time watching the good Commodore himself to gain such irrelevant details.”

You let out a large ‘humph’ at his words and bring your arm up to hit him in the chest with your free hand, secretly marvelling at how firm his chest actually is. You quickly wonder whether to do it again but notice he’s giving you an annoyed look at having pushed the infamous captain into a bunch of people.

The beefy man Jack just collided with turns around to confront him but as he recognises the so called ‘cursed captain’ looks very sheepish and whips back round to whisper to his mate who had just pushed him.

Jack's previous words are still ringing in your ears and you splutter, “Commodore Norrington, eurgh Jack why would I waste my time watching a pompous ice-cream with too much power?” You stare up at him thinking just how ridiculously quick you replied and managing to make you appear even more suspicious. Fantastic.

“Ah, so well to do gentlemen are not your fascination then, you are just merely observant. You had me worried for a while there luv, how can I have a Commodore admirer on board the Black Pearl?! The most feared ship in the Caribbean.” Jack jokes giving you a sly wink, “Well at least that gives hope to us common plundering pirates.”

“Aye,” you laugh back simply, sensing the moment was over but wondering if Jack did really know about your previous fleeting fantasies as a small girl in Port Royal. To you Commodore Norrington had epitomised gentlemanly behaviour and respectability which you had found so fascinating. Being such good friends with Elizabeth you could always glimpse the other kind of life through her: a life of fancy dresses, plentiful servants and an army of admiring women and men. It was so different to your own life that you would sometimes sit and daydream about the finer people in life. It was only when Norrington showed his aggressive attitudes towards pirates that this fantasy snapped shut. How could you dream of a man who would hang your whole family if he possibly could?

It was only after meeting Jack Sparrow that you realised your stereotypical attitudes were wrong. Jack shows everything you’d ever look for in a personality as well of having the added bonus of being extremely good looking- not a feature Norrington was openly known for, but then again who would when wearing that ridiculous wig?

Unfortunately a tall ugly but very familiar woman enters your line of vision as she is striding purposefully towards you and Jack. You can feel your spine straighten as your eyes narrow at the sauntering red figure. It idly crosses your mind that she has always reminded you of a man in drag and if your life depended on it you could never name the attraction Jack felt towards her. The red skirts swish to a stop and you hear Jack smugly exclaim “Scarlet” only to receive a stinging slap, the beads in his hair clattering together at the rapid movement. You smirk slightly as you hear Jack’s bemused voice mutter, “Not sure I deserved that,” and bring his hand up to his smarting cheek.

Looking into Scarlet’s face you smirk in smug disgust at having the man you know she wants so badly on your arm. She sneers back at you, raising her brows as she casts her eyes down and back up your outfit a confident smirk on her face as she whines in her infuriating drawl,

“Well look what the cat dragged back if it isn’t Miss Louise Ashley herself. What an unpleasant surprise.” You feel Jack straighten up beside you, cocking his head slightly and glancing between you and Scarlet in a curious manner.

“It’s Miss Madeline actually as you well know.” you grind back in an icy tone making it very clear to Jack that this woman is not number one on your friends list.

“Ah a new nickname now eh? Was the old one tainted after that unfortunate run in?”

Like lightning your pull your arm from Jack’s grip, raising it fiercely to wipe that infuriating smirk off her face and then quickly deciding that after hitting her you would love to rearrange her stupid red her with your cutlass. She had hit a very raw subject and she knew it.

Before you can move your hand towards her face, long fingers effortlessly grasp your wrist halting your swing and Jack slips in to stand between both of the very hostile women. You rip your hand from Jack’s grip breathing heavily and the throwing the coldest glare possible over Jack’s shoulder at this wretched whore.

Jack, thoroughly baffled by your behaviour, turns to you for some kind of explanation but seeing your red face and laboured breathing turns back to face Scarlet knowing not to even attempt the topic right now.

“Oh so sorry I see Ashley here hasn’t told you about her previous life,” Scarlet simpered to Jack. You hate the way she exaggerates the Ashley, drawing it out through her teeth, making the world well aware in case they missed it the first time.

“I think it’s time you left.” Jack responds gruffly to her, troubled by your aggressive response and dieing to know why but he knows you will never give him a straight answer with her standing mere feet away.

“Well if you are looking for any... exciting company tonight Jack you know where to find me.” Slowly Scarlet moves closer to Jack, picking up one of his dreadlocks and twirling it between her fingers, giving him a very flirtatious look before moving away, throwing you a very arrogant look over her shoulder.

‘How dare she’ you scream to yourself, your blood is boiling through your veins with hatred as she saunters away, your eyes fixed on her retreating back.

You barely notice Jack putting his hands on your shoulders and forcing you to move into the shadows, away from the attention of other Tortugan residents who had somehow noticed your display of emotions. You and Scarlet had received quite an audience during your little show.

Jack waves his hand in front of your troubled eyes but gets no response for his actions.

“Maddy,” he shouts into your ear, shaking you roughly by the shoulder. You feel your mind jerk back into concentration from the pressure on your shoulder and focus on Jack’s eyes to try and steady your furious breaths.

“Now what was all that about? Who’s Louise Ashley?” Jack’s inquiring voice speaks carefully to you; his words are murmuring and gentle but holding an underlying firmness.

“How can you stand her,” you scream at him, ignoring the questions, causing a few of the people close by to jump at your voice and look around. You hold your face in your hands trying desperately to get a grip of yourself.

“Calm down.” Jack commands you simply, pulling your hands away from your face to make you look at him. You can still seeing the genuine puzzlement in his eyes and it fills you with realisation and despair as his words sink in.

Jack wants to know your past because of that stupid cow. The secrets you had kept from him were going to spill out and Jack was going to see you in a new light and definitely not a positive one.

You drop your eyes from his intense gaze not able to control your raging emotions as well as you would like to. You feel your limbs start to shake and your eyes appear misty.

Providing Jack with an answer you speak back, proud that your voice only trembles a little, “Not now Jack, I’ll tell you over a drink later but first I need to find some old friends.”

The pirate waits a moment before sliding his hand down your arm to enclose your hands, making you look back up at him at his tender gesture.

“Is that a promise darling?” he murmurs gently, running his calloused thumb over your palm as you suppress a shiver of pleasure.

“Promise,” you murmur back gratefully. Jack grins at you, a true relieved smile showing his gold teeth before reverting back to his usual cheerful self.

“Right,” he drawls causally. “Where will we find these friends of yours then?”

* * * *

The broken door is lying in front of its empty frame, smashed into two pieces and evidently pulled off its hinges. The windows are no better either, the glass is smashed from one of the cracked panes and shattered over the floor. Although the tavern seems to be full from the outsider’s glance, it’s not at all peaceful. Surveying from the outside you can see many fights and glasses smashing against the walls. This fills you with unease and deep uncertainty about the current tavern, wondering if this is the right place. After all, the last time you visited was a whole year ago. What if they’ve packed and moved on? Well, you reason. There’s only one way to find out.

Taking a deep breath of the evening air you nod to Jack who turns and follows you through the smashed door. At once you know it’s not right, the atmosphere isn’t normal and the type of people in the bar doesn’t fit your memory. There are smashed shards on the floor and wherever you tread you hear the crunching under your boots.

Peering through the crowds of people you search to see the bar and the resident staff behind it, trying to see anyone familiar. You dodge carefully around another group of pirates but are rudely interrupted when someone grabs your wrist, slipping their hand around your waist, the other shortly following to the small of your back.

“Oi,” you yell clearly at the strong man restraining your body “get off me!” Your tone gives no room for compromise but this seems to have no effect. The man makes no attempt of moving, merely laughs and tightens his grip of you. You growl menacingly before starting to struggle away from him. You slap him hard across his face, kicking and scratching everything you can reach but nothing has any effect. His eyes start to appear clearer to you as your anger turns to panic. They are transfixing on closer examination; you hadn’t really thought to look before. There had been more important matters to attend to! His eyes are powerful, the brightest blue you had seen. Blue eyes had always unnerved you as they never look right- yours have always been so dark but then so have everyone else’s: Jack’s, Anamaria’s, Will’s etc.

Time seems to slip away as the gaze becomes almost hypnotic. It’s as if you are looking beyond the blue into the space they hold which appears endless. It feels as if you are falling, your feet giving way beneath you to plunge into his grasp. The shouts have faded away and you can hear nothing but the dull thud of your heart, you can hear nothing, feel nothing, taste nothing but see everything. A sudden wave of overwhelming anxiety washes through you. The feeling of uncertainty and that they have some kind of meaning in your future. These eyes are certainly not welcoming, they appear soulless and icy. Your eyes start to burn as you look at the blue, it’s so strong that it makes your eyes sting and the tears start rolling down your pale cheeks. You’re helpless and emotionless just like the eyes before you, totally uncontrolled by your own thoughts.

Suddenly your dreams are broken as you sense Jack’s rough voice and his hand on your shoulder but as much as you would like to you cannot because of his paralysing gaze.

Jack, desperate at getting any response from you and get you away from this man who appears to have such a strong effect, pulls out his cutlass and presses it to the man’s throat, drawing blood.

The man holding you slowly shifts his attention to Jack and you regain your thoughts and feelings in a sudden jolt. Jack comes into focus and the shouts and yells around fill your hearing. You realise with horror the reality of your situation, how you have been moved closer whilst encircled in the strangers arms. His arms have slipped from their previous place and found their way even lower down your back and your own are on his waist and you guess that is probably why Jack is being so abrupt.

Lashing out against him you bring your knee hard into his groin, scrambling out of his reach as your attacker drops you, always careful of the blade tip on his throat. You dive behind Jack regaining your wits quickly and gulping down air to help your shallow breathing. It’s only after a moment that you take in Jack before you, the hardness of his jaw, his straight posture and most alarming of all the blackness, blankness of his eyes.

“That was my girl you were touching mate,” Jack grinds out between his clenched teeth, his eyes showing no emotions.

The man in the chair smirks slightly, nodding and then replies quietly, “Not for much longer, mate.” He exaggerates the mate just as Jack did before and you get an odd jolt in the pit of your stomach. The chills run down your spine, this man unnerved you especially after hearing his voice. It is so smooth and very deep. You let out a small whimper as the man looks at you again, his piercing eyes flashing with leer and you hastily press yourself against Jack, burying your head on his coat.

This breaks Jack’s concentration for a second as your actions surprise him and he can feel your trembling radiating through his layers of clothing.

Looking back sharply at the end of his blade the man has gone. There is only Jack’s cutlass pointing to a space above the stool the man had previously sat on. Hissing slightly Jack lowers his weapon looking through the crowds but seeing no trace of the big man.

You move quickly and press yourself into Jack’s chest, sliding your arms around his waist to make sure he’s really there. Jack brings his arms down around you shoulders and lower back however this time it’s comforting and brings security not fear. Your breath hitches though as he presses his mouth down onto the top of your forehead, kissing it softly and gently.

Jack is still staring through the swarms of people when you bring your head up from his chest. You are not that much smaller then Jack and your eye level is just under his eyes effectively making you look up to search for his gaze. As his eyes meet yours you see his jaw and eyes soften slightly at the evident emotion on your face.

“It’s alright darling,” he murmurs, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face, his roughened pads moving deliberately softly. You try to smile, albeit feebly and nod slightly to show you are ok.

“This place must really hate me,” your voice trembles slightly as the sound strains your tight vocal chords.

“Never,” Jack replies firmly but you see the regret appear in his eyes. “I’m sorry luv, I got stopped by some people at the entrance. I was supposed to be protecting you.”

You lose his eyes as Jack drops his head in disgust, the anger at himself obvious in his stance.

“Don’t be so stupid Jack,” you say to him firmly. “You are looking after me fine and you always have done. You know I owe you so much.” During this reply you casually slide your hand from his back up his chest and cup his cheek in your palm, stroking it slightly whilst tilting his face up.

You expect to have to persuade Jack of your debt so are understandably confused when you are met with his cheeky expression and insolent smirk.

“What?” you question, Jack’s smirk beginning to rub off onto you leaving you smiling like a fool.

“I know exactly how you could repay your debt darling,” he replies huskily, lowering his gaze to your lips.

This makes you tut loudly and roll your eyes at his very predictable comment. Unfortunately for Jack, you hit his arm forcefully, loudly sighing his name.

“Owwwww.” he moans instantly pulling his injured puppy look which is nothing less then adorable, sending butterflies through your stomach. “You’re the one who can’t keep your hands off me.”

You shot him a look of pure amusement secretly hoping he can’t see the lust starting to tinge the brown of your eye. Deliberately pulling away from his grip your body is instantly swept with cold and the hairs on your arms rise slightly. You feel like throwing yourself quickly back into Jack’s arms and actually acting out what he had suggested but instead desperately try to bottle the screaming emotion and turn towards the bar.

There is a greasy man slouched on a stool on the other side as you approach and you seem to spark his interest slightly.

“Hey, I need some information from you,” you shout at the man to get your voice heard.

“It will come at a price sweetheart,” the man leers back at you, showing his yellow teeth. Some are missing and the others produce such a foul stench that you actually start to feel slightly nauseous.

Fumbling in your pocket you locate what you were searching for, sliding the coin across the bar into his filthy grip.

“Now that pleasantry is settled, where are the Brendan’s?” you speak very clearly to the bar keep, “this obviously isn’t there tavern anymore- where did they go?”

He seems to ignore your question completely to continue his leering, his gaze wandering down your body, “Pretty little thing aren’t ye.”

You fix him with the foulest stare you can muster and reply “I don’t know. How pretty are crew members of the Black Pearl?” Subtly pointing at yourself you hear a slight snickering from behind you and turn to see a highly amused Jack watching your little conversation.

Looking back to the barman you raise your eyebrows questioningly and let out a small “hmmm?” noise. He seems to have paled in colour, resembling your natural skin tone and whilst glancing between yourself and Jack Sparrow clears his throat ready to divulge.

“Fine, they moved from here about six months ago. They now have a smaller place called Brendan’s.” Wryly you note the amazing originality of that name. “Go up to the Bride turn left and it’s about five taverns along on the right.”

You smirk, mock curtseying you thanks to his pale face, spin on your heel and face Jack.

“Come on then, we’re going,” you say purposefully.

“Oh but luv,” Jack whines. “You have no idea how thirsty I am and we are in a perfectly good rum serving tavern.” He soon stops babbling by your fierce look and stands to escort you out, wrapping an arm around your waist to help him.

“Your first drink is on me, I promise,” you say, smirking at his delight.

“Excellent,” Jack responds, waving his arm around madly in the air, “two promises in one night, are you feeling alright luv?”

You shoot him an amused withering glare before leaving the tavern, past the smashed door.

* * * * *

Author’s note: Happy New Year everyone! I know the story is moving slowly but it will get up interesting in chapter four with the appearance of the rival crew. I would love your reviews to tell me what you think as this is my first fic and comments are much appreciated! xxx

* * * * *

CHAPTER 4

A heavy booted foot taps repeatedly on the wooden floor, the noise echoing dully through the room. A golden watch is lifted, inspected and then replaced. The tapping increases.

The moon shines into the room illuminating a sitting figure behind a desk. Waiting. The light picks out the light beard, strong posture and a long thin scar that runs from the left eye to the jaw. The arms are folded and the moon glints off a long pointed dagger hanging from the man’s belt.

There is a dim lamp in the corner balanced on a rickety circular table. It casts light onto the furniture of the room. There is a large bed on one side with a dirty hole-strewn blanket tossed carelessly across it and a tall wooden cupboard stands next it. The walls are bleak- a dirty grey colour and reflect no light.

The figure lifts the watch again and quick footsteps are heard outside in the corridor. They thump to a halt outside and a muffled knock is heard- two sharp beats.

“Come in,” the figure in the room orders as the door creaks open to reveal another person. They have a better defined figure but still scurry into the room, closing the door with a swift click.

“Sit down,” the figure commands gruffly and this is hastily obeyed by the other. “You’re late,” he accuses.

The other figure hastily responds. “I’m sorry I got caught up with things.”

There is an intense moment of silence between the two.

“Well, did you make contact?” the dominator asks impatiently moving forward threateningly as the light from the lamps throws shadows across his face. It could only be described as a character face- scars running down and across it, general dirt and grime embedded in every pore and a deep hollowness at the back of the eyes. This was not a friendly face belonging to a friendly person. No, this was an appearance filled with death, horror and worst of all revenge.

“Yes Captain,” the smaller figure responds warily, moving back in his chair.

“Well, what happened you fool?” The Captain snaps back, annoyed by the lack of information to the answer.

The younger man visibly flinches at the Captain’s tone and a flash of blonde hair caught by the lamp.

“The girl was there as you said she would be. She seems harmless enough, completely oblivious to everything and fell for the charms.” The man drawls in his low-pitched voice, “This mad scheme of yours may work if he is taken care of”.

“That’s sorted.” The Captain growls back menacingly. “Go to room 2, tell the girl she can start her task now.”

“Aye Captain.” The figure rises and turns to leave when the Captain remarks, “What happened to your neck?”

Instinctively the muscular man brings his hand up to the cut replying “Sparrow. But don’t worry he may hurt me physically but his pain is yet to come.”

The seated Captain laughs, the unpleasant noise booming across the room before replying “Good.”

The figure turns again to leave, casting a final look at his Captain the light shining on his vividly blue eyes.

* * * *

“Jack, he said turn left not right,” you whine in Jack’s ear.

“No he said turn right and it’s five along on the left.” Jack tells you authoritatively turning to lead you down the alleyway. You, however, are not agreeing with him and stay firmly rooted to your spot.

“Jack, I’m telling you it is left, now come.” You say heading off in the opposite direction.

“Luv, listen to me. I am the Captain here. Actually, no I am not. I’m more then that. I am the immortal Captain Jack Sparrow and I say right, savvy?” Jack’s cocky voice informs you making you secretly look forward to the time when you will be right and he is wrong when you get the directions correct.

“No I don’t savvy!” you reply smirking, “because my navigational skills are much better then yours are and women are always right.”

Jack looks at you, disbelief written all over his tanned face.

“Look Jack,” you begin.

“Captain Jack,” he replies automatically although deliberately irritating you.

“Ok, Captain Jack, if you come my way and I am wrong I will,” you draw in a deep breath and shut your eyes, “swab the deck for a week.” You reply a challenge in your words that you know Jack just can’t resist. Plus you had just agreed to do the task you hated the most and were praying you were right that it was left!

“A month.” He replies carelessly but has an amused glint to his eyes.

“Two weeks.”

“Three weeks.”

“Two and a half weeks,” you compromise knowing you are going no higher in fear you maybe wrong even though you know you are right.

“Deal,” Jack smirks at you. “Let’s go.” Jack says making small hand motions to usher you on.

“Jack,” you begin and Jack looks at you grimacing as he can already hear the questioning in your voice, “So what are you going to do when you find out I am right and it was after all this left not right?”

Jack looks at you replying simply, “You will get the great satisfaction of proving the great Captain wrong!”

You shot Jack an amused look but reply “That just will not do. You should have to erm…”

You trail off thinking hard.

“Buy a round of drinks later?” Jack supplies hopefully making you pause thoughtfully, your eyes narrowed slightly.

“Two rounds of drinks,” you declare.

“Deal,” Jack exclaims extending his right hand to you. You take it hesitantly and shake to seal the deal. Before you can release your hand, Jack pulls up in closed and murmurs, “Be prepared to swab the deck for the next two and a half long weeks luv!”

You roll your eyes and move back from him glancing around and noticing just how dark it now was.

Jack begins to swagger off down the alleyway next to you and you stare at his retreating back in amusement.

“Jack,” you call out loudly. “Left.” You point in the opposite direction to his path and snigger as you see him glance around looking adorably confused, shrug and saunter back in your direction, wrapping his arm around your shoulder as you walk through the crowds beside him.

* * * *

“Five,” you singsong cockily, stopping outside the tavern. You turn slyly to face Jack, the small, pleased grin evident on your face. Jack looks at you groaning instantly at your expression knowing you won’t let this one drop for a while.

“Looks like that’s two rounds of drinks you will be buying then Captain Sparrow!” You say innocently into his face, trying to suppress the smug smirk that is threatening to pull up the corners of your tight mouth. Needless to say, Jack does not cope well with being beaten, especially by you.

“Ah but at least I’m not getting the first round,” Jack replies knowingly and you feel your heart jolt and expression sink at the information that was going to come with that drink.

“Maddy, whatever it is I’m sure I can deal with it.” Jack responds expressively, seeing your sudden decrease in spirits. This makes your stomach wrench harder and you force a small smile turning back to face the tavern looming before you.

This area seemed to be less rowdy then the other end of town and have a slightly higher standard of customers coming in. You can see they have really tried to make the outside appealing and a big sign hangs down with “Brendan’s” scrawled across it. The knot in your stomach unclenches slightly as you contemplate about the happiness these people are going to bring.

“Ready?” you inquire to Jack and he nods to you as you enter through a small blue door.

It’s busy inside but not rowdy and your first impressions are very good. There are no fights or smashed glass like in that other place. Brendan’s has a cosy, intimate feel to it and you feel welcomed at first glance. You feel Jack’s hand on your back pushing you forwards so he can come in behind you. You move forward slightly, giving him a warm happy smile as you finally feel at home in Tortuga.

There are a group of men currently being served as you walk up to the bar beside Jack resting your arms on the wooden surface. A huge beam breaks out onto your face as you recognise the barkeep and shout out, “Ben?”

The figure turns to yet and lets out a very surprised yelp as he looks beyond the pirate to the person underneath, recognising you almost immediately. In an instant he has come round the bar and engulfed you in a warm embrace which you happily return. You look over his shoulder to see Jack leaning on the bar an odd expression gracing his face.

Jack had felt relieved when he came into the tavern and saw your happy smile at the prospect of seeing your friends and was currently overwhelmed by your enthusiastic response. Of course he was pleased you were happy but this was a little over the top. This Ben was a good looking young man and Jack felt slightly intimidated by him and the long embrace. Jack felt as though he should wrench this man of you and a deep longing rushed through him of being able to hold you like that. A wash of jealously washed through him as he began to wonder at the relationship between you two. Needless to say Jack felt very relieved when you had parted from him and started an excitable conversation instead.

“So how are you, looking as beautiful as ever?” Jack heard the other man say to you as you carefully straighten your bandana and brush some stray dark hairs out of your face. A sudden wash of emotion runs through Jack surprising him at wanting to brush the hair out himself with his long fingers. Your face is so alive, so lit up that it makes his heart burn with pleasure.

“Thank you! I’m brilliant, everything has been great on the Pearl.” Jack raises his brows at this comment wondering if you will always put on an act of cheerfulness and optimism.

The man shouts loudly to the room behind the bar and a moment later an older man and woman appear.

“Blooming ‘eck!” the elder lady shouts as she recognises you.

“Maddy!” the man next to her calls as they also start moving around the bar towards you. You quickly shuffle away from the edge of the bar to avoid being smashed against it again by more welcoming hugs! Ben whacked you into it very hard and you could already feel the slight bruise coming up on the bottom of your back.

“Well look at you young lady- all pirate now!” the elder man exclaims after parting from the biggest group hug. You beam back at him but hear a discreet coughing from beside you and look up to see Jack’s expectant introduction.

“Oh, everyone! I’d like to introduce you to my Captain and very good friend Captain Jack Sparrow.” You smile at their slightly dazed expressions at meeting your rescuer for the first time. Turning back to Jack, the only properly sane person at this moment you hastily introduce him to your friends.

“Jack this is Edward Brendan and his wife Ruth. They looked after me for a few happy years here which seem like years ago now!” you say, smiling at their nods of agreement. Jack steps forwards to shake Edward’s hand and then turns to Ruth whom engulfs him in a motherly hug before he has time to react. You chuckle at Jack’s surprised expression and the overwhelming generosity and kindness Ruth always has to offer. Finally after Jack has untangled himself from Ruth’s clutches you happily introduce him to the last Brendan member, “And this is the Ben, Ruth and Edward’s son with whom I spent many a year confusing and annoying!”

Jack laughs out loud at this, knowing exactly what he must have been put through during those years. He offers his hand to Ben who shakes it warmly welcoming him again.

“Well I suppose I should get the first round in,” Edward announces kindly. Quickly you turn opening your mouth to object but Jack beats you to it. Laying one hand casually on his shoulder Jack says, “No. First rounds on me, besides I have a certain bet I agreed to with Maddy which I must now keep.”

You smile discreetly at his words and kindness even though he blames it on your bet you know his real intentions. However, Jack would hate you thinking that about his tough pirate image.

Ben and Ruth walk from the bar gesturing you to follow them through the crowded tavern to the reserved table at the back. You hastily plonk yourself down in the seat, tired by all the things you’ve experienced today. Still things can only get better I guess, you think to yourself brightly.

“So why did you move up here?” Directing the question at Ruth you lean back in your chair heaving your heavy boots up onto the table. This earns a very disapproving look from Ruth and like lightening you remove your dirty boots remembering her fiery temper.

“Edward and I, well we’re getting old see dear and this is slightly quieter and further out. The atmosphere is really dreadful in that other place now.” Ruth informs you and you nod, all too aware of the people and atmosphere in the other place.

Jack returns with everyone’s rum and provides a welcome interruption. Jack swiftly hands you your drink, points to it and mouths ‘one’ with a slightly annoyed expression. You smirk at him as he sits down opposite you, immediately placing his boots up on the table and gaining another stare from Ruth which he seems to be oblivious to. You frantically look between him and his boots trying to make him realise as Ben snorts into his drink. Jack gives you a bemused look before realising and removing his boots, hastily throwing his puppy eyed look at Ruth who immediately softens. That look succeeds in making your own stomach turn to goo every time he pulls it. Jack’s deep brown eyes look so apologetic and do seem to have a large effect on Ruth of all people. You mentally note to watch out for the people around Jack, every female mind is obviously susceptible to his charms no matter how different they are!

“Well I’m sorry we can’t stay and chat sweetie, but Edward and I have this place to run.” Ruth says to you, reluctantly rising out of her seat to join her husband.

“Ruth?” you call hastily before she can go, “you don’t still cook those amazing breakfasts in the morning do you because I may just have to stay to sample it.”

Ruth’s breakfasts are well known for their quality and flavour and are perfect to cure a dreadful hangover from the night before.

“Oh sweetie, of course you can stay - and Captain Sparrow too,” Ruth gushes nodding towards Jack her cheeks tinged a little pink. “You can both have the best of the rooms upstairs. I always keep a few saved for special occasions and this certainly qualifies. It is the first time I have seen you in years and now you’re attached- there could be nothing better. I will go and get the key so you two can go upstairs anytime you feel like.”

A deep flush marks your cheeks scarlet at Ruth’s unwitting words, implying more between Jack and yourself. Out of the corner of your eye you can see Jack smirking broadly to himself and also not objecting, you wryly notice.

“Ruth,” you call out again this time more urgently to the older woman, “we’re going to need two rooms, one for me and one for Jack.” You see the crimson on your cheeks matched by Ruth’s fast flooding face.

“Oh no I’ve put my size 6 feet in again haven’t I,” she mumbles to herself, thoroughly embarrassed. You look at her apologetically feeling very sorry as she was bound to think there was something more between you and Jack. He was the pirate that you sailed away with last year and it was obvious to see you were very close.

“Mrs Brendan, please do not feel embarrassed- I would like to share a room with the charming Miss Madeline here, but alas she rejects me!” Jack quips to Ruth, instantly cheering the atmosphere as you roll your eyes at the lewd pirate.

“Well then I’ll leave the keys behind the bar so you know where to find them,” the kindly woman states, clearly some empty tankards and heads back to the bar, her round plump face as fiery red as the small log fire burning next to you.

You notice Jack looking at you pointedly and realise he is still burning with curiosity over your secrets but Ben is still here to get in the way. There’s always someone, Jack notes, already slightly intimidated by the man sitting near him even though he’s not completely sure why. You seemed so relaxed in Ben’s company that he felt conscious of his knowledge of the life that he did not know. Relief washes through him when you finally understand his meaningful glances and ask, very quietly mind you, if he would mind leaving. You were one of the most polite and compassionate pirates Jack had ever met although when faced by a crisis that fierce competitive streak and iron willed women lay just below the surface always ready when needed.

He watches you as you turn steadily to Ben brushing some stray locks from your face which had slipped from your white bandana. The candles on the table lit up your dark sparkling eyes, shining with happiness at being around old friends and also portraying a youth and vibrancy that shone from your every move. That was not something Jack saw everyday especially today. He smiles slightly to himself as you smile fully at Ben, showing every one of your bright teeth and the small dimples appear in your pale cheeks.

Personal hygiene was something you always took seriously even if the conditions made this hard to achieve on long voyages and generally you were the cleanest and in Jack’s opinion, the most attractive on board but then the choice is very limited. Jack’s only other female companions on the Pearl were Anamaria, who would slap him silly, and very occasionally Elizabeth who was Will’s fiancé so as you can see the list was endless!

You break Jack’s thoughts as the other man leaves and you face him slowly, starting to look anxious.

“Ok,” you begin somewhat reluctantly. “What do you want to know?” You fix Jack with a weary gaze and see him try to stop the questions tumbling from his mouth in one big rush.

“I want to know what troubled you so much with Scarlet luv.” Jack asks you quietly; fully aware this information could not be positive.

Ben makes his way back to your table, plonking down two cups of fresh rum as you hand him the coins with a small smile of thanks.

“The drink I promised you,” you say smiling as his bemused expression turns to one of delight. “And I guess I’ll start at the beginning.”

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A/N so there we go another chapter- hope you enjoyed it and the next will bring all her secrets so make sure you read it!! Please review thanks xxx

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CHAPTER 5

You draw in a long deep breath not really knowing how or when to begin - a lot of things were going to be told.

“I’m sure you remember that as I child I lived a comfortable life in Port Royal with my mother, father and step-sister. My mother worked at the Swann mansion and my father was the infamous pirate who I never knew, only heard rumours and tales of. He left when I was born when the Commodore was hanging more and more pirates. That was Commodore Henson - I don’t know if you ever had the pleasures of meeting him?” Jack shakes his head slowly smirking at your sarcastic tone.

“Aye, well if it is possible to imagine he was even more superior and pompous then the current Commodore.” You pause rolling your eyes.

“I was good friends with Elizabeth at that time and when my mother,” drawing in a steady breath you continue softly. “Passed away, she persuaded her father to look after me. Of course she didn’t mention my pirate blood but I remember her empathising how much my mother had done for them. Eventually the governor gave in to Elizabeth’s pleadings but had one request. I had to become a respectable young lady and be introduced as Elizabeth’s friend from London which was easily believed because of my appearance. I don’t exactly look Caribbean, not with this colour skin anyway!” you pause your tale at the sound of Jack’s muffled sniggers. Fixing him with a deadly glare you demand what is so funny and Jack easily replies,

“You, a respectable woman of Port Royal! Now that’s very interesting. I knew there was a good reason why you had such a good Elizabeth accent!

“Oh, so you do not believe I can be respectable, well sir I must exclaim I am quite shocked by your harmful accusations.” You jibe back showing off the very believable accent causing Jack to burst into more chuckles of delight, the gold in his teeth flashing from the candle light. He does eventually regain his composure and signals for you to continue.

“Everyone believed the Swann’s story and I was easily accepted into the society, becoming good friends with Elizabeth and Will Turner. I watched Lizzie become more attached to Will even though everyone else seemed oblivious to it. She would have new gentlemen introduced to her every week but the attachment was never towards them, only to Will,” you drift off, not noticing the curious glint in Jack’s eyes.

“Did ye ever get a worthy young men introduced to you luv?” Jack asks, his voice smooth but with an underlying seriousness.

“A few,” you admit, horrified by the blush starting to creep into your cheeks.

“Ah, do tell,” Jack’s sharp glance picks out your slight colour change and asks you very bluntly.

“There was one gentleman who became very attached to me. He was in the navy - not very high up at the time but I had admired him as a small child.”

“So what happened to the man got too fed up of that sarcastic tongue of yours?” Jack laughs back his posture conveying a cheerful man but his expressive eyes don’t soften with the laughter.

“No,” you reply abruptly, surprising yourself. Jack stiffens at your sharp tone wondering what he did wrong.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so sharp. He proposed to me but I could never marry him, we were too different and besides he had some ideas that seriously contradicted mine. And of course I could never have married him even if I had wanted to as unfortunately I had another sudden change of luck during the summer of that year.”

“Commodore Henson singled me out one day at a socially gathering. He had discovered my real heritage, the name of my father and of course his profession. Someone had tipped him off but to this day I still do not know who it was.” You pause, the delay adding to the building tension in the air.

“The Commodore said he would expose me, publicly humiliate me so no man, especially not my suitor would ever want anything to do with me. And I can still remember all too vividly his last words to me, “You’ll shortly receive a hanging death just like your wretched father deserves.” I was only 16 at the time and I had no choice but to flee for my life. Elizabeth promised she would tell my lieutenant that I had gone back to London on urgent business and that I was truly sorry. She was amazing- Lizzie. She arranged the ship for me to sail away to Tortuga, of all places to try and find my father.”

You pause again taking a small sip of rum. The substance burning as it slips down your throat.

“The crossing was fine and when I arrived here I didn’t know where to go. I was pretty innocent having just stayed for 6 years in that society. This place seemed like a nightmare but I shyly made my way into the first tavern I saw. Jack, you have to remember that I was vulnerable, young and poor and I had never been away alone before, especially not to a place like this. I found a job in the first tavern, the pay was good but the job was… if I was the person I am today I would never have degraded myself that low but I felt as if I had no other choice.” You rush off at the end, mortified by how your eyes fill with tears.

“You were a bargirl working for the Brendan’s. Luv, there is nothing so bad about that.” Jack seems confused about your rush of tears and wants more then ever to reach out and comfort you but can’t. He’s too engrossed in your story to interrupt it. You shake your head slowly continuing,

“No Jack, I didn’t work for Ruth and Edward because they don’t stand for that type of thing. I worked in the Faithful Bride and not as a barmaid.” Your stomach clenches and your lung contract, feeling so tight that it is hard to breathe. You see Jack’s face drop and a startled expression fills his face in realisation.

“No, Stop luv. Scarlet said the girl was ‘Miss Louise Ashley’ so that’s not you…” Jack trails off hopefully, his own heart sinking as again you shake your dark hair.

“No Jack, you don’t understand. I am Louise Ashley; I couldn’t bear for my…clients to know my real name. It was as if the real me was elsewhere and this other person had this job. Louise is my middle name and my father lived in Ashley in London so I thought up that name instead.”

Jack had sat immobile during your speech, a thousand thoughts running through his head but never vocalised. But there was one thing that didn’t make sense to him.

“No that can’t be right,” Jack begins. “I was in that tavern on occasions and you weren’t one of the wh...girls in there. I would have noticed you luv, you’re far too pretty to miss.”

Your heart jumps a little at his optimism but you know that it’s not true. Sadly contradicting him you murmur, “You did miss me. I always saw you but how could I compete with Giselle and Scarlet and plus I, I didn’t want to ruin my perception of you.” You mumble quickly.

Jack meets your eyes at this surprising comment, his eyes alive with curiosity. “What was your perception of me, Maddy?”

Your body stiffens at Jack’s use of your proper name- he usually only does that when he is being sarcastic or is disappointed or annoyed with you.

“I never wanted to come near you in fright that you’d want me for the night. The moment I saw you, you took my breath away. You were so different to anyone I had ever seen before and had an invincible and mysterious quality about you that was only there because I didn’t know you. I always thought if I did have a pleasurable night with you, everything would be destroyed when you went back to the other whores.” You speak quietly aware of Jack’s jaw dropping slightly at your confessions.

You continue slowly and quietly almost lost in your past memories, “I also didn’t want to come near you because I was young and I hadn’t done my job properly and I didn’t want to start with you.” You see Jack bristle at your words; you had unwittingly managed to offend him.

“Why would you not want to start with me?” he demands angrily his eyes blackening.

“No Jack, that’s not what I mean. I didn’t want to start with you because I would then long for every other man to feel like you and that would only cause me more pain. And I didn’t want to need you because I had left my man in Port Royal whom someday I hoped to return to and he wouldn’t be like the scallywag pirate I met in Tortuga.”

“When you say you hadn’t really done your job properly, what do you mean?” Jack’s imploring eyes search your deep brown ones trying to find some trace of a lie or that you were joking and any minute now would laugh at him for believing you. But your face was too grave and those sparkling eyes that Jack had noted on earlier were now pained and watery. The youth had gone from your face, your excitable posture had drained and Jack saw the woman underneath the charade. The woman who had had her heart ripped too many times to remember and could not put the past behind her as there was always something dragging her back or a sudden wave of bad luck that hit her. Jack knew he should stop asking you these questions but they were still on his mind, running like fire through his body. How could he trust you if there was always an uncertainty about your story before he met you and the men who may have become close to you? The same way she trusts me, a little voice echoes through Jack’s head and a rush of guilt shudders down him. The emotion is there on your face - clear for anyone to see and comfort but Jack can’t bring himself to acknowledge it. There are too many emotions to think properly and digest any of this; it was so different to what he had expected. Your countenance and attitudes towards other whores had always been so blunt that it was impossible for Jack to comprehend your story. It had been just over a year since he found you, saved you after noticing you in one of the taverns. A mysterious girl whom he thought he recognised but didn’t know. At least he now knew why that recognition had occurred.

You’re wiping the palm of your hand furiously across your face as the blasted tears and wetness in your eyes keep emerging. You feel dirty and uncovered facing Jack’s hard penetrating gaze. This was it - the end. Now he would want nothing to do with you and not even your perception of him six years ago would come true. You would just be a heart broken pirate dropped off in some port just like you had always imagined. Well past your sell by date and out of favour with your best friend. Why do bad things keep happening to you? It’s this place; it’s all Tortuga’s fault. If you hadn’t of come back here then Jack would never have known, never have found out.

You debate running from the table but then this agony would most likely be continued at a later date - surely it was just better to get it out in one go so Jack could abandon you now and you could at least stay here with Ruth and Edward. It’s no Pearl but the people are nice.

Who am I trying to kid, I can’t stay here, it’ll be like going back to the past and that’s not the direction I want to go in, you think your overall depression increasing every moment. You can’t answer anymore, your brain is saturated and shutting down, too much has been revealed - much more then you were ever planning on enlightening Jack with. Jack had willed you to go on though with those expressive brown eyes which were now closed behind a blank mask revealing nothing. He looks disappointed, disgusted, hating you and as if he can not wait for you to go. Just when you think you can’t bear anymore of your silent agony, Jack speaks again bringing a whole fresh set of tears and a deep longing to go back to the silence.

“What was the name of your lieutenant in Port Royal?” Jack stares at you unblinkingly. His eyes are a concealed mask and a perfect performer. The mutiny had scarred him for life but it would eternally help him in these types of situations. He could hide his emotions by just looking blank whilst the anger, disappointment, jealously and pain at your grief coursed and bubbled through his veins. It felt as if it was burning and invisible hole straight through his heart the pain far worse then he had ever experienced.

You whimper, your breathing coming out in ragged sobs. It’s so bad you can hardly think - let alone talk as Jack expects you to. This is the end, the end of your friendship with Jack. How could you let this happen, you stupid girl? How can you let this happen?

You can’t do it, moreover you won’t do it. The fear causes you to panic, hyperventilating and your hands grasp at your chest trying to calm your breathing. You can’t let this happen and begin shaking your head violently.

“Maddy, the name,” Jack’s tone brings no argument. His mind is physically ripping at watching your choking torment. You’re convulsing, shaking, your breathing so fast you could collapse.

You feel your head spinning, the room turn upside down, the world literally blurring before your eyes. You have to get out, to get away from the stare and words before this mental torture actually kills you.

You barely hear your lips make a sound, the faintest of whispers leaving your dry throat, tongue and lips. It barely reaches Jack but his sharp ears pick out the two small words,

“Commodore Norrington.”

At once it becomes too much for you to handle. You can’t face Jack anymore, it’s killing you to have to tell him these personal secrets and destroy the friendship you had so carefully built.

You jump from your seat startling Jack by your sudden actions. Your vision is blurry and you can taste the salt on your lips from your tears that still roll down your pale face. The chair you had been rocking on falls backwards, hitting the floor with a loud bang as you blindly force your way through the people to the bar trying to locate the key to your room. You fumble around trying to find the key as the shouts and laughs echo around head making you feel claustrophobic. You don’t hear Jack’s shouts of ‘Maddy’ calling behind you after some confused and startled moments.

You finally find the key, grasping the cool metal between your fingers and force your way through the group of leering men towards the stairs at the back of the tavern. You upset tables and chairs but they don’t register in your mind. All you can think about is that Jack knows and you can’t ever go back on the Pearl and live the life you adore. After all Jack said himself that he couldn’t have a Commodore admirer on the most feared ship of the Caribbean. You were not even an admirer but almost engaged to the man. You were going to have to stay in this horrible town which had cursed you with so much bad luck.

The stairs are dark and you stumble, tripping on them as the tears continue to roll down your face, dripping off your chin to your damp clothes. Making the top of the stairs you turn staggering down the narrow corridor to the last room. The moonlight is shining in through the small window at the end and your legs are barely supporting you and on cue they begin to buckle. You force the key into the lock but can’t work out how to make it open, your body desperately exhausted. It needs to sit and cry and not have to think of anything more. After a moment of slamming your weight against the lock it finally gives and you fall through the doorway into your room. Exhausted you lean back against the door trying to shut it with your back but you feel a resistance as it pushes against you causing your legs to collapse and end up crouched on the floor your back to the door and your legs folded in front of you. You barely notice the man slip in through the open door and shut it with a swift click. Your eyes are closed but the tears still manage to slide from under your sodden lids, making their way down your red cheeks and sliding past your sobbing mouth.

Suddenly you feel a strong pair of arms reach under your own lifting you up to stand before them but your knees buckle, not having the energy to hold your weight. Your arms instinctively wrap around his neck and he slides his strong arms down to your waist, effectively picking you up. You don’t even bother to open your eyes and wrap your long legs around him making the carrying easier. You know the pirate instantly before he even touched you. With your face buried in his neck you can smell the rum and salt from the sea on his skin, although the salt could be from your tears, the two seeming to have merged. His long dreadlocks and charms chink on your head and cascade over your shoulders and down your shaking back.

Jack had sat in stunned silence after the ghost of a name had left your lips. That had been the vague thought about the identity of the man but hearing you admit it threw him altogether. A couple of seconds had passed before he chased after you, trying to rapidly fight his way through the destruction you had left behind and the increasingly angry people which slowed his journey somewhat. Ben had gone to follow you but Jack had protectively barked at him that he would be the one to comfort you and Ben had hastily directed him up the stairs. Jack spotted you slamming against the door, falling through it painfully, your shaking legs left hanging outside the door frame. Jack hurried down the corridor faster before you shut the door, barring his way in. The door was almost closed as he reached it and swiftly forced it forwards, instantly feeling guilt as he heard the dull thud on the other side as you fell against the door.

Now your muffled tears tickled Jack’s neck as they run down his bare neck or drip onto his shoulder. Jack carries you scooped up in his arms across the room to the grand bed, perching down on the end of it as your weight collapses onto him. He listens to your sobs against his neck holding you perfectly still against his chest waiting patiently for the end of your tears.

You feel so confused, the tears running freely down your cheeks - why was Jack here? You thought he would abandon you not hold you in his arms comforting your trembling body. Eventually you reach the stage when there are no more tears to be wept; you hiccup and choke but feel your emotions begin to settle and your breathing become easier. Unwinding one hand to wipe your eyes, you hate yourself for looking so pathetic in front of Jack who never shows any emotions and you have always tried to do the same. A pirate can not show her true feelings- they then become weak and an easy target. Your face would be so streaked with black kohl and your eyes would be glistening - the red marks standing out from your pale skin.

Jack senses your discomfort and reaches down into his pocket searching for his handkerchief, carefully passing it to you so you don’t have to look up at him. He feels you smile against his neck and a wash of relief gushes through him as you start wiping at your eyes. The tip of the white bandana, that you always wear, appears before his eyes as you shift your head. This is then followed by your dark straight hair and delicate white skin. Your eyes are displaying a small amount of hope and the pale pink mouth has a very small smile lingering around it.

“Maddy,” Jack begins but stops abruptly, sensing your change in mood as you instantly look down into your lap.

“Luv?” He tries again hopefully and this kind gesture makes you smile at him before noticing the telling marks you had left on his clothing.

“Oh gods!” you exclaim feeling very embarrassed dabbing at his wet shoulder with his handkerchief . “Jack I’m so sorry.” He slowly reaches up to your moving hand pulling it away from his neck as it is beginning to rub frantically. You meet his eyes feeling so ashamed by your behaviour before, “I’m so sorry for everything. I didn’t think…” you are paused mid sentence by Jack’s long fingers on your lips, his tanned face intense in front of yours.

“First, Thank you for telling me all those things but I have a few matters I must make clear to you,” Jack continues hastily before you have a chance to speak again.

“You said that you were not able to compete with Giselle and Scarlet.” At this comment you drop your head from his searching gaze your body filling with anger at that annoying red cow. “Luv, that is so far from being true. You are truly beautiful.”

You look up surprised at his kind words and Jack’s honest gaze takes in the small smile gracing your lips and then up your cheeks to your open eyes. You quietly laugh back, feeling confused but immensely happy about Jack’s softly spoken words. They touch you deep down inside and a warm fuzzy feeling flows gently through you - making your toes tingle a little. Jack carefully moves his fingers down from your lips, brushing them along the side of your neck almost lovingly. “Although, not particularly at the moment I would imagine!”

The tears had dried onto your face and made it difficult to properly move your cheeks, the skin not seeming to stretch far enough. You are well aware that your eyes are looking red and sore but at that moment, engulfed in Jack’s arms you don’t really care.

“Never,” Jack replies simply and quickly leans in towards you, capturing your lips in the most searingly beautiful kiss. His soft lips brushing against your fill you will elation and joy and although initially being surprised you match Jack’s kiss, his beard tickling across your face making you smile against him. The kiss is lingering and your eyes flutter firmly shut at the sensation. Your head feels as light as a feather and Jack’s kiss is filled with romance and extreme passion.

Breaking the breath-taking moment you drop your head down to rest on his shoulder, your breathing quickened and your pale arms tighten around him. The left is looped closely behind his neck under the copious amount of dreadlocks and the other is tucked under his arm underneath his blue coat. You feel unbelievably relaxed and content sitting here enclosed in Jack’s gentle embrace and the soothing of Jack’s hands lightly stroking the length of your back makes your head lull and your mind happily sink into his soft caresses. You gently breathe in Jack’s unique scent before losing consciousness, your body slipping into a sweet slumber exhausted by all your intense emotions.

Jack waits patiently as your breathing becomes deeper and more regular against his neck before sighing loudly. He slowly licks his lips enjoying your lingering taste and sniffs the sweet perfume of your hair tucked just beneath his face. The kiss had been so gentle and romantic that it made Jack feel unbelievably relaxed as well and tired even though he wanted to enjoy every second you were safe in his arms like this, holding on to him as if you had no intention of ever letting go.

The blankets on the bed are rolled down to the bottom showing the crisp, inviting sheets and comfortable pillows. Jack feels immensely tired, your weight against him soothing his body as you are pressed so closely to him but he knows he must move before the sleep can come. You body is so invitingly warm and smooth against him that it is difficult to even begin to find the desire to move. Jack is as trapped in your arms as you are in his and going to his own room is impossible. Firstly because your vice-like grip on him is so tight that he can’t prise you off, secondly there is no way he will leave you after experiencing all the emotion of the day and thirdly because he simply doesn’t want to. However he can’t rest comfortably like this.

Your overcoat has slipped from your shoulders and carefully Jack picks up each arm to pluck the material off before replacing the arm in its original position. Your breathing doesn’t vary which fills Jack will encouragement and gently moves onto the next task. Sliding his arm behind his body to your boots he runs his hands up the bottom of your breeches to the top of each boot before slowly pulling them off, marvelling at the softness of the skin beneath his fingers. Placing these on the floor at the base of the bed, Jack entwines his arms about you again, carefully standing up and moves around to the edge of the four poster bed. After quickly kicking off his boots, he kneels on the bed laying your back down onto the mattress, your pretty head lolling back into the pillows. Jack gently removes your arms from around him and with the up most care places them next to your body so as not to wake you up from your peaceful sleep.

The pirate then hastily climbs off the bed removing his long coat, then belt and effects. He unwinds the long sash and waistcoat leaving them in a puddle by the floor, his tri-corned hat shortly following the procession until he is left standing in his dark breeches and white shirt. The shirt is quickly pulled off past his dreads and discarded on the floor next to the other items. He then climbs over you into the empty space next to you, pulling the blankets up the bed taking care to completely cover your smaller body. He smiles softly to himself as enclosed in your top hand is his handkerchief, his initials standing out clearly from the white as if he is your possession. Fully satisfied that you are comfortable and fast asleep, Jack rolls onto his back, his hands behind his head and his dark eyes shut to block out the light from the moon.

Jack doesn’t spend long lying still like this before he too falls into a deep sleep much the same as yours. You lie side by side, both dreaming of the other in such close proximity and that thrillingly romantic kiss from earlier.

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Author's note: Well there we go another update and a little more interest and depth into the life of Miss Madeline! Please tell me what you think- thank you everyone x

CHAPTERS 6-10

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