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CHAPTER 6 - Interesting Turn of Events Jack's pace is fast as he searches, almost frantically for his girl. For the moment his swaying step is lost as his strides are now filled with determination to find her. Where are ya luv? Please be okay, if anything has happened to you... His thoughts are laced with worry as he continues searching the town. He traces the alleys of the outskirts of town, knowing that this is where he sent her in search for some rum hours earlier, but his quest is proving to be fruitless. It must be fate then, when he hears a familiar voice, yelling loudly ahead of him. "RED COATS!! RED COATS DOWN BY THE WEST DOCK! PIRATES BE WARNED!! NORRINGTON AND HIS BIG LONG NOSE DOWN BY THE WEST DOCK!!!" He lets out a sigh of relief knowing that his trinket is still alive, at least for now and allows himself a slight grin at the pure nerve of the girl. However he quickens his steps knowing that she is in danger as long as there are red coats and Norrington around. The sight that befalls him upon the west dock, however, makes Jack unsheathe his sword at lightening speed. A red coat is picking up the limp girl's form from the floor and is beginning to carry her down the dock while Norrington and another guard march alongside. Jack's eyes darken slightly at seeing his love being dragged away by the red coats, and before he has a chance to rationalise with himself, he breaks into a run and rushes at Norrington, hungry for the Commodore’s blood. Norrington spins around as soon as he hears Jack's thudding boots and has his sword also unsheathed by the time the two come to blows. "Bad move Commodore, I take none too kindly to these turn of events." Jack's voice is no longer playful or smooth but angered and serious as he goes on the offensive towards Norrington, his sword moving in violent arcs. Norrington is having a hard time defending himself, his ‘well trained’ swordsmanship failing against Jack's skilled style. "Perhaps Mr. Sparrow you shall be more satisfied once there is a noose fit for your head and that of your pirate whore." He says through gritted teeth, obviously trying to retain his concentration. Norrington's comment catches Jack off guard. My girl is no whore! he thinks heatedly, and in that moment Norrington seizes his opportunity and manages to swipe at Jack. Though Jack manages to avoid a serious injury, Norrington's blade scores a thin line on Jack's jaw. "Empty threats Commodore, or have you forgotten I am Captain Jack Sparrow, and thus far you have failed in all your attempts at capturing and or killing me." Jack then makes a quick slash with his blade, grazing Norrington's knuckles, causing him to drop his sword. He smoothly turns Norrington around and stands up behind him, the cool steel edge across Norrington's throat. Up until now the two red coats had been looking on at the fight, unsure of what to do. Now that they see their leader unarmed the one not holding the hostage moves to pull out his sword. Jack sees this movement and presses firmly with his own blade to the skin of Norrington's throat "I would not be doing that if I were you. Not unless you want your dear Commodore to begin bleeding from the throat, profusely and uncontrollably on this very spot." The two men remain in their positions, their eyes darting back and forwards between Jack and Norrington, still not sure as to how to proceed. "Commodore, tell your men to put the girl down and return to their nice little boat." As added incentive Jack slides his blade slightly, creating a small cut to Norrington's neck. "Do it... go... go back to the ship you fools!" Norrington gasps. Their eyes widen as they quickly move to comply with their orders. The girl is laid down on the dock as the two stumble down the dock. Jack leans slightly to Norrington’s ear "If I found out it was you who hurt my girl, be sure on pain of death that I will hunt you down and make it my life's goal to be responsible for your painful demise." Jack says softly and threateningly in a dangerous voice that shows he means his words. Once he is sure the red coats are far away enough he moves, in a fluid motion, bringing his hand back and knocking Norrington sharply on the base of the skull with the hilt of his sword. With that Norrington lets out a high pitched squeal and goes down in an unceremonious heap. Jack steps, not so carefully, over the now unconscious form of the fallen Commodore and goes to the girl. Gently he picks her up, turns, making sure to step on Norrington's head again and makes his way back to the Pearl, now with his trinket safe in his arms. * * * * It is late in the afternoon and on board the Black Pearl most of the crew is busy, storing fresh supplies and getting the boat ready for departure. Captain Jack Sparrow steps aboard, holding the still form of his love. Elizabeth rushes up to greet him but gasps as she sees the unconscious girl. "Oh my god! What happened?" But her question goes unanswered as Jack resolutely heads to his cabin to lay his girl down. Both Elizabeth, and Gibbs, who saw Jack board, follow him in. "Jack..." Elizabeth tries to question him again but Jack, now sitting beside the sleeping girl, interrupts her. "Gibbs tell the men to set out, I want to get as much distance as we can away from this place by first light." His back is facing them, all his focus on the girl. "Aye capt'n" Gibbs quickly leaves, the sooner the Pearl was gone the better. Jack inspects his girls face. On her right side, a red mark has appeared across her eye and her top cheek. Jack traces it very delicately thinking it will probably turn to a nasty bruise before long. The other side of her face is worse. When she had been knocked down her cheek appears to have been scraped across the coarse gravel of the ground, now there were many tiny cuts and scratches along her left side. "Elizabeth, get some cloths and some clean water, I want to tend to these injuries. Then find Will, see if he can do anything about these damn irons around her wrists." Wordlessly Elizabeth leaves the cabin, shutting the door behind her. Jack shifts closer and brings his hand to lightly smooth the hair out of his girl’s face. He says a soft "I love you" and kisses her gently on the forehead. Then leans back to gaze intently at her face once more. "It's alright now Trinket, I'm here." * * * * * CHAPTER 7 - Wake Up... Your head is pounding terribly as you slowly wake up, completely unaware of your surroundings. The last thing you remember is Norrington threatening to hang you. Maybe I'm already on a ship sailing to my death, you think somewhat depressed. As you open your eyes, to your immense relief you find yourself alone in the bed of the captain's quarters of the Pearl. The door creaks slightly as someone comes in and you look up, hoping it is Jack. You hide your disappointment when you find it's only Elizabeth. "Well look who's up, Jack will be most pleased. He's been pacing about in a grump for hours now, maybe you can cheer him up!" She says smilingly and moves to sit in the seat beside the bed. "How are you feeling?" She says now a bit more serious. "I'm fine, my head hurts slightly but I'm sure I'll live. So tell me, what happened? How'd I get here? What happened to Norrington?" you ask quickly, rising to a sitting position. Elizabeth will have none of it though and pushes you to lie flat again. "No getting up young miss. You need more rest, and about your questions I should say Jack would be a better source of information." As if on cue Jack appears in the doorway, his face breaking into a grin upon seeing you waking form. "Hello luv, you had me a bit worried for a moment there." "Silly Jack, you know better than to worry about me." Elizabeth chuckles slightly, before making a discrete exit, leaving the two of you alone. Jack now moves to fill the chair Elizabeth left vacant and picks up one of your hands, which you notice is still incased in irons, and places a kiss on your fingertips. "Please, I beg of you, don't get yourself captured again, ok trinket? It almost gave me a heart attack when I saw Norrington had you." "I did not get myself captured as you put it. I merely stumbled upon Norrington purely by accident," you say poking your tongue out at him. "Whatever did happen to our dear Commodore?" Jack looks away darkly, "The arrogant bastard, he's knocked out and for sometime I should hope." "Jack what did you do?" you see a thin cut on Jack's jaw and you frown slightly. "Jack tells me you didn't just go up to a bunch of red coats and attack Norrington." You look at him disapprovingly. "Luv, they were going to take you away, what would you have me do?" "Jack, they could have caught you! I won't get myself captured again if you swear not to do anything so stupid ever again! If you get yourself arrested or hanged because of me I swear I'll kill you!" You say heatedly. Jack merely smiles at you. "Well it seems you've made a full recovery trinket, that's good to know." You roll your eyes and take a deep breath and calm down. Deciding to change the subject you say "Why is it that I still have these irons on?" Jack scratches his chin thoughtfully, "See I did get Will to come round and see if he could get 'em off, but he reckoned we outta wait till you wake up. Said it'd be easier when the patient wasn't all comatosed, but then now I'm thinking those irons could come in handy." He says the last part with his cute little suggestive grin. "Maybe next time Captain Sparrow." You say with a wink. You use you other hand, the one Jack is not holding, and dig around in your bottom left-hand pocket, coming out with a set of tools good for picking locks. You toss the pouch to Jack, "Care to do the honours?" But Jack makes no move to start unpicking your cuffs. Instead he puts the pouch aside and leans over "Maybe later, I still say these restraints have some potential usefulness." He kisses you slowly, "Unless of course the patient isn't up to strenuous activities yet." In reply you throw your arms around his neck, the chain of the irons now bringing Jack's neck closer, making his lips achingly near to yours. "Potential usefulness did you say? Maybe these damned irons aren't so bad." And you bring him closer biting slightly on his bottom lip before sweeping it with your tongue. Jack shifts himself over you and deepens it to a searing kiss. * * * * * CHAPTER 8 - Jealous, Me? It's early in the morning and you find yourself on a deserted deck, looking out at the water. You had left Jack sleeping in the cabin so that you could stretch your legs a bit, but now you are wondering what ever are you doing out here when the love of your life is in bed, with no clothes on. You grin to yourself and decide to head back when you see a figure emerge from below deck. You pause for a moment, until your mouth drops in recognition. It couldn't be, not here, you think, shocked, before saying "What in hell's name are you doing here?" The girl looks up at you, "My my, if it isn't Jack's little 'trinket'. Gee sweetie did you walk into a wall or something? That bruise you got there is pretty frightful, I don't even know how you can go out looking like that." You scowl at her, where upon her mouth moves into her trademark pout. "Awww poor sweetie, didn't you miss me?" Hate is beaming out of your eyes, "Catherine. Miss Catherine Sloane, the self proclaimed greatest navigator to be found wasn't it?" You ask, your voice veiled in sarcasm. "I thought we had seen the last of you after that terrible incident with Kent, do you remember? When you almost got him killed?" A flash of regret and guilt passes over Catherine’s grey eyes before reverting to their normal coolness. "An accident you know that, he's fine now, off in his little bookstore or what have you." She looks off disinterestedly. "You didn't answer my question, what are you doing here?" Her face now alights with joy. You recognise this look as the one she wears when she knows something you do not. "You mean he hasn't told you? And here I thought you and our Captain Sparrow were still all lovey dovey, all over each other. But if he hasn't told you, maybe he's finally ready to move on to some one better, namely me." You are still staring murderously at the girl in front of you, when Jack appears from the cabin. Funny how he always finds the right moment to make an appearance. (AN: yeah real funny I wonder how that happened?) As you are closer to the cabin door he sees you first and slides himself behind you to place a kiss on your neck. "Morning trinket, you were gone when I woke up. I missed you." He whispers playfully. "Yes, well I was busy bumping into an old friend." Jack looks up at your tight voice and notices Catherine leaning casually against the railing. "Ah... I see you've found our latest arrival," his voice now a bit nervous and he steps away from you and moves to stand between you and Catherine. Perhaps to restrain you from killing the other girl. Catherine, meanwhile simply loves the tension, and is now smirking seductively at Jack. "Hmm, well Jack honey, why don't I leave you and your lady love here for a moment? I'll work on that thing we were talking about earlier." With a wink at you, she turns and goes back down below deck. "Ok luv, Let me explain." "Please do, I want to know what she's doing here Jack, why you let her back on this ship after all she did. Really Jack I want to know how you could even look at her after last time." "Trinket, what happened with Kent was an accident and you know it." He says softly. "Yeah okay maybe, but still she ran, without a backwards glance. She stole all that gold form you then end ups half drowning my friend. I can't help it if I don't trust her." You sigh, "So tell me, what is Miss Sloane doing here? And why didn't you tell me before?" "Well firstly, you were unconscious very recently, then well... there were more pressing matters to attend to when you woke up. Anyway, she happened to be in town when the crew were picking up supplies, she needed a ride out of there, and we needed a navigator." "A navigator, why? Where are we going?" "Well you see ye remember our last delightful passenger Antonia? Well it seems that book she was fussing over turned out to be Barbossa's journal. The short of it is that we gots ourselves some pretty tricky bearings, and we need a proper navigator to maneuver them. It'll lead us to Barbossa's private hoard and I don't need to tell you how momentous that would be. As luck would have it, when we needed a navigator Cathy was available." You think for a second, wondering if you can stand to see Catherine throwing herself all over Jack, but seeing as they needed her and all. "I still don't trust her." you say pointedly. Jack now smiles, knowing that you've understood the situation "No reason why you should luv." He gives you a quick kiss before he turns to go to the helm. "Oh and Jack?" "Hmm?" he looks back at you. "If she starts getting all whore-like and throwing herself at you, don't blame me if I end up slapping her." Jack continues to grin at you "You wouldn't be jealous would you?" You raise your eyebrow at him. "Jealous, me? I would never be jealous. I'm just saying that if she is stupid enough to move in on my guy then she deserves a good slapping." Jack chuckles and winks at you, much more attractive when he did it then Catherine "Whatever you say trinket." * * * * AN: If you would like more back story on the Kent/Sloane plot email korella_may@hotmail.com and ask! However I’m going to write a prequel of ‘A trinket of his own’ after this is finished and that will include the whole Kent/Sloane thing =) * * * * * CHAPTER 9 - Girl Talk And Gauntlets You stare after Jack as he goes to take command at the wheel, your mind still whirling with the knowledge that you have to share the Pearl with Catherine once more. You think for a moment then turn your heels and walk straight to the other side of the deck, in search of the only person who would understand your position. "Ana Maria!" you say calling to the other woman. "We have a problem. I'm guessing you know of our little 'visitor'?" "Aye," she nods gravely. "And believe you me I'm as displeased as you are." You assess by the tone of her voice that she is sincere. Both you and Ana Maria had been very close on your past adventures on the Pearl, though you had not had the time to talk to her lately what with one thing or another. "Girl's a bitch, no other word for her. Let's just hope that Jack knows what he's getting us all into." Ana Maria adds. "I hate this, only bad things can happen if she's here..." you trail off thinking about the last time you had had the pleasure of Catherine's company, she repeatedly tried to steal Jack from you and would no doubt do it again. "Aye, you're right. But not to worry mate, if she makes one wrong move I'll help you to gut her." She says slyly. You grin at your friend "That sounds like fun." "In all seriousness, she gives you trouble, we'll give her trouble. I got your back." You nod and Ana Maria goes to continue her work, leaving you alone. "Are my ears burning? I do believe you fine ladies were talking about me behind my back. Now now that's not nice at all!" You turn at the sound of Catherine’s voice. "So glad you could join me Sloane," You say politely. "Ana Maria and I were just discussing what a joy it will be to have you on the Pearl again." She looks at you apprehensively. "What, that's it? No big warnings about staying away from your man? It seems you've matured sweetie." "Perhaps." you pause looking at her thoughtfully "I think you know what will happen to you if you step out of line." "Idle threats. You'd never actually do anything to me." Her voice is arrogant, just as you had come to expect from her. In the sweetest voice you can manage, you say, "Just let me know darling. Anytime you want I'll show you how idle my threats are when I wipe that smile off your face with my blade." Catherine seems taken aback by your dark tone, probably wondering whether or not you mean it. "You wouldn't do that, I know you sweetie. You don't have it in you." Her tone this time has lost most of its arrogance. This time sounding a bit more hesitant. "Betray us again and you'll find out." You say seriously before smiling and adding, "Have a nice day!" You stride away, leaving Catherine behind. * * * * "There you are I've been looking all over for you." Elizabeth says ushering you into the captain’s quarters and forcing you to sit down on a nearby chair. "Morning Liz, what's all this about then?" you ask as she begins setting out an array of what looks like medical supplies. However you question goes on unanswered. She then brings an alcohol-drenched piece of cloth to your left cheek and proceeds to dab at the small cuts. You hiss at the pain and close your eyes till the pain subsides. "Sorry," she says apologetically. "But I'm under strict orders from Jack not to let these cuts get infected." Elizabeth continues her onslaught. You dig into one of your pockets and find a flask of rum. You take a sip to dull the pain. "Have you met the latest arrival?" You ask, hoping it will distract you from Elizabeth’s ministrations. She nods "Yes, Catherine seemed quite nice. Will and I met her last night." "Don't believe a word she tells you. Sloane is trouble." She raises her eyebrow "Really? But she was quite pleasant when we talked to her." "I'm serious Elizabeth you can't trust her at all." "If you say so," She finishes cleaning you wounds and packs away the rest of her supplies. "You keep those cuts clean or Jack will murder me." "Speaking of Jack I better make sure Catherine isn't flaunting her cleavage in his face again." You roll your eyes and Elizabeth laughs in amusement. "I'm not kidding, if I were you I'd keep my eye on Will too. You never now she might decide to throw herself at him next." Elizabeth simply chuckles again before her eyes widen at the possibility and becomes tinged with worry. She rushes out the door with you trailing behind. As your gaze travels to the helm where Jack is situated you eyes narrow when you see Catherine giggling inanely beside him, trying to give him a flirtatious look. But Jack's eyes lock on yours, his chocolate depths never leaving your face and he gives you his sexy grin. You roll your eyes again at Catherine blatant come ons, and you walk up to the wheel. Jack's eyes are still on you, completely ignoring Catherine who is standing right beside him. Tugging at the collar of his jacket and you bring him close and into a hot kiss, Catherine is fuming but at that moment you don't care, Jack's lips can get very distracting. The kiss deepens and Jack's hand finds itself under your tunic, his warm fingers smooth on your skin. You and Jack continue to make out quite openly long after Catherine has stormed off. Take that Sloane. You: 1 Sloane: 0 * * * * * CHAPTER 10 - No Matter What Minutes that could have been hours have passed but you are still as caught up in Jack’s kiss as ever. His hand at your waist, holding you close, the other entwined within your hand. You begin to realise that Jack and you are making quite a scene on deck, most of the crew having noticed your 'little' display. Not wanting to break the kiss, but also thinking it may be best to retire to the privacy of the captain's quarters you pull back slightly. Jack peers intently into your eyes in an almost curious fashion before you wink knowingly, take his hand, and lead him back to his quarters. With a quick glance back over his shoulder he calls "Ana Maria, do us a favour and take over the helm would ya?" In reply she laughs loudly saying something about "captain's priorities" but obligingly heads to the wheel. Meanwhile you finally get Jack into the cabin, shutting the door and catching his lips once more. * * * * A few hours have passed since you dragged Jack inside and you are now lying in bed on your stomach with Jack propped up on his elbow beside you. His fingertips are lightly tracing your shoulder blade and you close your eyes to savour his touch. "So what was all that on deck about then?" he asks breaking the silence and once again with that adorably curious glint in his eyes. You decide to play innocent, no need to actually admit that you may have been a bit jealous of Catherine for holding Jack's attention, even if it was only for a minute. "I have no idea what you are talking about," you say as you sit up and place a decidedly mischievous kiss on this tip of his nose, causing him to laugh quietly. "Not that I'm complaining, but I was working before you interrupted me." he teases. "Well then," you say you eyes wide in mock-shock "Please don't let me hold you up! Off you go then Captain Sir, back to the helm with you." You usher him out of bed, nudging him with you left hand. He smirks back at you, grasping you hand and placing a light kiss to you inner wrist where his name is stylishly scrawled. But his eyes now flash pensively. "All this... it wasn't about Catherine was it?" His manner is earnest as he asks you. You look down for a second. Jack knows you too well and probably saw your motives coming from a mile off. Jack lets go of you hand to bring his fingertips under your chin to make you meet his gaze. "Luv, you don't have to prove anything you know? Not to Catherine," he pauses for a second "And most certainly not to me. I love you, forever." His utter sincerity makes you smile. "I know. Of course I know. You’re aware I love you too right?" He grins and once again picks up your left hand to trace the dark lines as you continue. "It's just... Catherine... I don't know... It's not what happened to Kent that’s bothering me right now... it's more that I’m reminded of when we first met when I was so sure you would choose her over me. I just don't want to lose you..." "Trinket you won't. I mean it when I say what we have is a forever deal, you're stuck with me no matter what." An abrupt knock disturbs your conversation. "Who the hell is it?" Jack calls slightly annoyed. Catherine's voice filters thought the closed door. "Jack honey, I figured out the first four or so bearings but your expertise would be helpful for these final two." Jack purses his lips, still somewhat displeased at the interruption and mutters, "Speak of the Devil." You still don’t like the fact that she is on board, but you have come to accept that Catherine is no real threat to what you and Jack have. You have complete trust in Jack, even if you still don’t trust Catherine anymore than you did before. "You know you should go, God knows what Miss Sloane would do without you." You smile indicating to the door. Jack seems uncertain for an instant, but you nod reassuringly. "Really go, I want us to get to this damned treasure soon," you say throwing him his tunic that was beside you on the bed. "Not eager to get rid of me are you?" he smirks as he gets dressed. "Course not, only I've got a hot date with Cotton soon and you'd only get in the way.” You say matter of factly. Jack scowls then comes over to the bed and leaning very close to you whispers. “That’s not funny.” In reply you just beam back at him. “I think it’s very funny.” You kiss him once more briefly before he heads out. Now that Jack has left you make your mind up to get dressed again and maybe get something to eat. You realise that it is now perhaps late afternoon and you haven’t eaten anything all day. As you get out of the bed and stretch your arms, your head clouds quickly and you find yourself getting quite dizzy. After a few steadying breaths the faint feeling subsides and you chalk it up to being unconscious not 24 hours ago and the fact that you are starving. You don’t give much more thought to it as you get dressed and go outside. * * * * Elizabeth is standing by the railings of the ship, her arms crossed as she stares daggers towards the helm. As you cross to join her you follow her gaze and see she is meticulously watching Jack, Catherine and Will in particular as they look over some sheets of parchment. “This is just sickening. To think I thought that jezebel was nice!” She sputters as you lean your back to the railing, “How could I not have seen it! She’d throw herself at anything that moves.” She hisses as her eyes once again narrow in Catherine’s direction. You smile understandingly at Elizabeth and begin to try and calm her down. “Maybe I was a bit rash before when I said she would throw herself at Will next.” At that exact moment you both watch as Catherine does a quick appraisal of Will’s body. With his eyes on the coordinates Jack is showing him, Will remains oblivious to Catherine’s obvious attention. “Umm… well… Catherine probably won’t try to steal Will from you, maybe…” Elizabeth looks doubtful. “And what about you? Aren’t you worried about Jack? Wasn’t it you who just a few hours ago dragged Jack into your cabin just to get him away from her?” You smile vaguely. “Not to worry Lizzie, Jack and I have come to an understanding.” “If you say so,” Elizabeth then continues on to say how Catherine’s dress is simply indecent but you barely hear her. Your head rushes and you feel lightheaded again. You grip the railing behind you for support but you feel the world tipping on its axis. You close your eyes and try to collect yourself but your head is spinning terribly and it feels like the floor beneath you is no longer solid. Jack who had looked over at the two of you for a second now sees your evident uneasiness and is walking down the steps, calling your name as he begins to walk faster to the other side of the ship where you and Elizabeth are. Your eyes snap open at the sound of his voice but this only causes the world to tip even more violently, your head throbbing painfully as you feel your knees give way under you. “Jack!” you gasp as the pain washes over you. And in a heartbeat he is there steadying you as he gathers you in his arms. Elizabeth’s face is filled with fear and concern as she watches you face turn very pale. You lean into Jack’s solid chest, finally able to catch your breath as he supports you. It is clear that Jack is worried for you as he holds you in his arms. “Are you alright?” he murmurs to the crown of your head. “Yeah I think so, just need to eat something I guess.” You say still resting in Jack’s arms. “Trinket you gotta tell me if something’s wrong.” He says, worry creeping into his tone. “I mean you were knocked unconscious yesterday, if you’re hurting I need to know.” “I’m sure it’s nothing, maybe you sapped out all my energy earlier.” You say jokingly trying to lighten his mood. But his reaction is anything but light. If anything his eyes flash with guilt, as if blaming himself for you feeling sick. “Hey, it was a joke. Come on I just need to get some food is all. Don’t worry so much.” You’re pleased to see the guilt lift from his face “You’re still looking a touch too pale for my liking,” he murmurs, brushing his thumb under your cheek. “Let’s get some food into ya.” “I’m fine really Jack, besides I have Elizabeth here to help me. You should go back with Will and Catherine. They might need you.” You glance to the side at Elizabeth who still looks as though she expects you to keel right over. “S’alright luv. Will and Catherine have got it under control. Besides, there are more important things to tend to.” He kisses you softly on the forehead before then placing his hand on the lower of your back as he escorts you down below to get something to eat. |