The Captain's Cabin Boy

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean.

 

Chapter 9

 

Josette slowly opened her eyes and shifted a bit upon her hammock. It swayed lightly and it caused her to awake fully from her deep slumber. She hissed as pain shot up her hand and she looked down at her abdomen. Her hand was resting horizontally upon her stomach and her hurt wrist was supported by a white cloth that was tied over neck. She sighed and let her head fall back down on the hammock as she closed her eyes again. She moved her legs and she detected a slight ache on her ankle. Her entire body was slightly sore but other than her wrist nothing hurt too badly.

Footsteps caused her eyes to snap open as John made his way inside.

“Hey, finally awake? The Cap’n asked me to come and check on you.” he asked and she sat up.

“Yes…How long have I been asleep?” she asked.

“A day.” He answered and she grimaced, “How’s your hand?”

“Um…it hurts.” She answered honestly and he nodded.

“I suppose it’s supposed to hurt. I hope you don’t mind that I used the sheet I got you.” He pointed at the sling around her neck and she looked down at it.

“I guess not.”

“I only used a part of it. The rest is there.” He pointed at a chair, “Why did you need it for anyway?” he asked.

“I wanted to put it under me while I slept. So the hammock wouldn’t dig into my skin.” She explained and he nodded.

“Sorry then.”

“That’s okay…Um, what am I supposed to do?” she asked as she slowly stood up.

“Eh…” he rubbed the back of his neck before he shrugged, “I don’t know. You have to ask the Cap’n for that. He’s at the helm.” He replied and she nodded as she took slow but measured footsteps towards the door. John followed her out and got back to work while she climbed up the stairs that led to the helm.

Jack was studying his compass with Gibbs.

She cleared her throat and Gibbs was the first to look up.

“Ey, Josh. You’re awake! How are you feeling?” he asked as Jack slowly raised his head and regarded her carefully.

“I’m fine. I mean not really fine but my wrist hurts.” She replied and Gibbs nodded sympathetically.

“I know, lad. It’ll take some time for it to heal.” He said and she looked down at her bandaged wrist.

“Yes, I know.” She murmured.

“Just please do not ever scream like that again near my ear, mate. My eardrum still hurts from it.” Jack commented as he fingers his ear.

“Sorry.” Josette apologized with embarrassment.

“He’s right. Men don’t scream like that, lad.” Gibbs said but his eyes were shining with mirth.

Josette scowled and looked at Jack who just blinked at her innocently while turning the helm slightly to the left. A small smirk upon his lips. Josette chose to ignore their obvious teasing and looked around the ship.

Biting the inside of her cheek she spoke, “What am I do to?”

Jack looked at her before he waved her off, “Just rest. Everything’s under control.” He shrugged and Josette blinked, confused by his words.

“But I have to work…” she trailed off and Gibbs patted her shoulder gently.

“Just rest.”

“But-…”

“You’re no good with one hand, Josh. Just…go tidy my desk if you want something to do but stay away from the rigging, savvy?” Jack cut her off and she closed her mouth.

“Aye, Captain.” She muttered before she walked away and back towards the cabin.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

 

A month later…

 

Josette watched as Jack touched her wrist and turned it slightly from side to side. His fingers gently pressed onto her skin, trying to feel the bone underneath and gratefully it didn’t hurt. He looked up at her and she blinked before averting her eyes from his face. She tried hard not to blush in sheer embarrassment at having been caught staring at him.

“I take it that it doesn’t hurt anymore?” he asked and at her nod he released her wrist. Josette tried not to show her disappointment and pulled her hand on her lap as he walked back to his seat and sat down. Josette rubbed her hands together and she almost frowned at the feeling of her rough fingertips. She hadn’t noticed that they had become so calloused before.

Jack reached for the half empty bottle of rum and took a sip before he offered it to her.

Josette looked at it and she was ready to decline but then she thought better of it. She took the bottle from his roughened hand and took a sip, trying to ignore the fact that his lips had been touching the same spot just a few seconds ago. Once she was done she handed it back and he brought it to his lips again while gazing at her.

“Um…can I ask a question?” she asked him and he pulled the bottle away from his mouth. Jack regarded her with interest while holding the rum to his mouth for a moment longer. He finally swallowed and nodded in reply.

“Aye.”

“Why do you keep a journal?” she blurted out and he raised an eyebrow.

“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked and she frowned.

“I don’t…know.” She replied and he chuckled.

“You should have seen your face, lad!” he laughed and she scowled, “You were so surprised.” He chuckled.

“Well…I haven’t seen anyone else keeping one.” She said and his eyes shone with amusement.

“That’s because they don’t know how to read or write…apart from Gibbs and John.” He told her and her mouth parted in realization. She hadn’t thought of that.

“Oh.”

“Do you know how?” Jack asked and she felt a slightly bit offended.

“Of course!” she almost growled.

Jack raised his hands up in surrender while still holding onto the bottle. It was obvious that he was trying to keep his laughter in check. Josette scowled and crossed her arms over her chest.

She remained quiet for a moment but she couldn’t help but ask more questions.

“What do you write in it?” she asked and he shifted in his chair.

“What do I write in it?” he repeated and she nodded, “Memories.” He said with a lopsided grin.

“Memories.” She murmured.

“Hmm.”

“Thoughts as well.” He shrugged and Josette was curious.

“What kind of thoughts?” she couldn’t help but ask and he chuckled.

“You ask a lot of questions.” He commented with slightly narrowed eyes.

“Sorry, sir.” She said quickly, quietly and he sighed.

“You should be.” He added and Josette could feel the heat rising on her cheeks. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair while he took another long sip from his bottle.

She heard him sigh but didn’t look up, “Damn you and your pouting.” He muttered and Josette looked up surprised.

“What? When something doesn’t go your way you get that look on your face. You remind me of one dog I had when I was a lad. When he would get kicked by my father he would get that look in his eyes…” He said with a scowl and Josette flinched.

“I remind you of a dog?” she asked and he paused before he shook his head.

“That’s not the point.” He said and Josette shut her mouth quickly, “Anyway, to satisfy your curiosity, I write about everything.” He said and Josette felt uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For prying…and for reminding you of a dog.” She added and Jack barked out a laugh.

“Apology accepted.” He said as he looked out of the windows, “Now, it’s time for your watch I fear.” He stated and Josette quickly stood up from the chair.

“Oh!” she stumbled in her haste to get up.

“Watch your feet, boy.” Jack mumbled and Josette felt even more inadequate to be in his presence. He was always graceful in his movements, especially when he was steering the Pearl. Even if he was a pirate.

She nodded quickly and hurriedly slipped out of the cabin.

“Stupid, ungraceful mouse.” She mumbled to herself as she walked towards David who was waiting for her to relieve him.

You’re pretending to be a boy! You’re not allowed to be graceful anyway. She thought angrily as she stepped up to David who turned to look at her while stifling a yawn.

“Finally.” He said as he turned and patted her shoulder, “Four-hour watch.” He reminded her and she nodded.

David shook his head and walked away towards the men’s quarters.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

Josette wiped her brow and turned to look at John who was silently approaching her while rubbing his eyes.

“What took you so long?” she muttered and he yawned.

“I fell asleep. Sorry.” He mumbled, “Hell, it’s hot tonight.” He commented and Josette couldn’t agree more.

“I’ll go and wash my face.” She said and he nodded absentmindedly.

Quietly she made her way towards the hold where she knew that no one would bother her. She had to wash all that sweat from her face and body. She filled a bucket of water up to the middle and then took it with her in the hold. She unlocked the door and stepped inside. She shut the door but didn’t bother locking it.

She quickly removed her shirt and cloth from around her chest and proceeded to get cleaned up. She undid her braid and poured some water over her head, relishing in the coolness of it. When she had wrung the water from her locks she put on the cloth firmly and sighed as it was the one that added to the warmth of the hot night.

Josette ran her fingers through her hair, trying to free the knots before she dropped her hand with a sigh. It was of no use. She needed a brush. Frustrated, she leaned down and picked up her shirt from the hold’s ground but a sound from behind her made her pause. She stilled as footsteps approached and her eyes widened when someone started clapping loudly. She quickly turned around to face the person and she froze.

“Well, well…” Greg drawled as he kept on clapping his hands, “Look what I just discovered.” He smirked darkly as he started approaching her. Josette pressed her shirt tightly against her chest but it was of no use. He had already seen everything.

“It turns out that the captain’s bitch is in fact a bitch.” He said as he raked his eyes greedily up and down her body.

“Tell me, little girl, did you really think that no one would find out?” he asked as he got even closer, “I always knew that there was something about you.” He murmured and Josette took a fearful step back.

“What do you think our dear Captain will do once he finds out how you played him, hmm? Or do you think that his soft spot for women will stop him from making you walk the plank?” he asked huskily and Josette’s breath hitched as he reached out and touched her cheek with his calloused hand. His dark eyes were eagerly taking the bare skin of her neck and shoulders in as he slid even closer, so close that she could feel his breath on her face.

“Unless…unless you decide to be good to me, of course.” He grinned and she flinched.

“What?” she whispered.

“Be good to me and I will not tell your little secret. Deny me and I’ll let everyone know what a deceitful little wench you are.” He hissed at her and Josette stared up at him horror.

“You’re out of your mind.” She whispered as she pulled backwards and away from him.

“Am I?” he quirked an eyebrow.

“How…how did you know I was here?” Josette asked as she felt her heart pounding against her ribcage.

“I am quiet when I want to find out something. Quiet as a cat in fact. No wonder you didn’t hear me following you and coming in. You should learn to watch out for enemies, little girl.”

“Don’t call me that!” she hissed when he tried to touch her again, “And I didn’t know you were my enemy.” She said and he grinned.

“And I won’t be if you’re nice.” He told her and she swallowed hard.

“What do you want?” she asked and his eyes lit up with delight. She could almost hear the wheels already turning in his head.

“That’s a question with many possible answers, lass.” He started, “But I think you know what I want.” He said as he cocked his head to the side and stared at her.

“You want me to tell the truth to Jack.” She said and his eyes darkened.

“Jack, is it?” he murmured darkly and Josette swallowed thickly at the look on his face.

“Has he allowed you to call him that or do you fancy him, hmm?”

“What? No!” she exclaimed and he sneered.

“Wouldn’t be surprised if you did. Wouldn’t be surprised if he fancied you too. He does have the tendency of fucking everything with two legs. Is that why he coddles you all the time?” Greg almost growled and Josette’s hands tightened around the material of her shirt.

“Does he know that you hate him?” she asked, ignoring his insults and Greg rolled his eyes.

“I wouldn’t be the first.” He said, “Now, what’s it going to be?” he asked and she looked around the hold.

“I’d rather tell him the truth than have you touch me.” She whispered firmly at last and his face darkened.

“Is that so?” he took a step closer and she stepped back. She gasped when her back collided with the bulkhead. He closed in on her grabbed her by the throat.

“Either you do it willingly or…” he trailed off as he slipped his hand in his boot and produced a knife. Josette’s eyes widened at the sight of the dagger. She knew that dagger. It was the one Jack had in his cabin from pillaging that ship; the one with the silver handle.

“Where did you get that?” she whispered and he smirked, “You stole it?”

“Why wouldn’t I? The shares ain’t fair anyway.” He shrugged and her anger flared. She pressed her hands on his chest and pushed him back with all her might. He stumbled but he managed to grab her again, this time by the hair. She cried out and he slapped his hand over her mouth.

“You have one day, love. Decide soon because I’ll tell him everything and then…then he’ll throw you off the ship in a heartbeat. He’s done it before.” He hissed and exhaled through her nose before she raised her knee towards his crotch in retaliation. He released her with a groan and glared at her before he smirked.

“Feisty, I-…”

“Why me? I haven’t done anything to you!” she cried as she took the opportunity to pull her shirt over her body.

“I hate long discussions, little one. But to answer your question…” he took a step closer and she stepped further out of his reach. He chuckled at that and stopped trying to follow her.

“I rather like you…From what I’ve seen at least. Not all of us have the choice to choose wenches in every port.”

“You’re disgusting.” She whispered and he shrugged.

“Perhaps.” He took a few steps away and towards the door, “One day.” He called before he slipped out of the hold.

Josette stood there for a few moments before she pulled her hair back. Her movements were jerky as she did so and her breath was coming out in short gasps. She stood still for a while before she too exited the hold and walked towards the cabin.

Oh God. Oh God. Oh God…

She stepped in front of the cabin and without dallying she opened the door and walked in.

“Josh?” Jack’s voice made her look up. When she did, she wished that she hadn’t. He was standing just next to the bed and he was ready to slip under the sheet; naked. His bronzed skin looked smooth in the dim light of the cabin and his hair was slightly wet, a sign that he had just recently washed up.

She quickly averted her eyes.

“Sorry, sir.” She said but her current situation didn’t allow her the luxury of embarrassment.

“What took you so long? Your watch was over an hour ago.” He said without a hint of shame. On the contrary his movements were slow as he finally slipped under the sheet. It fell low on his hips and Josette looked away.

“I got delayed.”

“You’re wet.” He commented and Josette touched her neck. It was wet. Water from her hair and her cold sweat were mingling together but she didn’t feel it.

Oh my God, what if he tells him?

“It’s hot.” She replied shakily before she started walking towards the side cabin.

“Wait.” Jack called and she slowly turned to face him.

His eyes were narrowed and he was tapping his fingers on his covered thigh rhythmically as he stared at her.

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked her at last and she shrugged.

“Nothing. I’m just tired.”

“Hmm.” He hummed as he gazed at her with curiosity.

“Goodnight, sir.” She said hastily, eager to be alone. She needed to think.

“Night, lad.” Jack called at her retreating back with a small frown.

 

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

 

 

Once morning had come, Josette finally knew what she had to do. So, as she left the cabin for her morning chores in the galley she approached John who was heading towards the galley as well.

“John?” she called to his back and he paused.

“Hey, Josh.” He greeted sleepily with a small smile.

“Can I talk to you for a moment? In private.” She said quietly and he nodded.

Together they made their way into the galley and Josette shut the old wooden door. John frowned at that.

“What’s wrong?” he asked and Josette turned to him.

 Slowly she removed her hat, undid her braid and lifted the hem of her shirt slightly. John’s eyes widened and he sputtered.

“What…what are you doing?” he whispered until he noticed the tight bandage around her chest, “Oh, shit.” He whispered as he looked up at her face with shock written all over his handsome features.

“I need your help.” Josette said quietly, softly and he blinked rapidly before he collapsed in the nearest chair.

 

End of chapter 9

 

 

Author’s note: Thank you for reading! So…? Did you like it? Please review and tell me!

 

Xxx Lina :)