The Captain's Cabin Boy

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean.
Chapter 23

As soon as Josette was off the ship she paused by the dock and looked at her feet. She felt lost and disorientated and her head felt so heavy as if she were sleepy but she knew that it wasn’t because of her lack of sleep.
A few sailors passed by her as she stood motionless and as one of them bumped her shoulder; she woke up from her daze and looked up. She blinked and shook her head while the man grumbled something in a thick Spanish accent.
“Josette!”
She heard her name being called and turned around only to see John sprinting towards her.
“Wait!” By the time he had reached her he was breathless.
“I, um…Sorry.” She whispered and he frowned.
“What for?” he asked and she looked up at him.
“I left without saying goodbye.” She replied and he froze.
“So, he actually threw you off the ship? Jesus Christ, what did you say to him?” he asked her with wide eyes and she sighed.
“Nothing. Just the truth.”
Noise from the Pearl alerted them and they both looked up towards it.
“Listen, he’s given orders. We set sail in half an hour.” John told her as he slipped his hand in his pocket and pulled out a tattered handkerchief. He took her hand and placed it inside. It felt heavy.
“What-…”
“It’s money. Stay here. There is tavern that’s owned by my mother’s sister. Go there and just say my name. Don’t leave this island, do you understand me?” he told her and she blinked up at him.
“I can’t accept the money, John-…”
“Yes, you will if you want to survive.” He told her through gritted teeth and she paused.
“Okay…I’ll pay you back.” She whispered as she put the money away and smiled up at him sadly.
“Good. I have to go or they’ll notice me gone.” He rubbed her arm and then started backing away, “Don’t do anything stupid.” He warned and then pointed behind her, “The tavern’s just beyond the dock. It’s called The Sleepy Tiger. Don’t comment on the name.” he smirked and it managed to make her chuckle.
“I was not planning on it. Thank you.” She told him and with a wink he turned on his heel and ran back to the ship.
Josette remained staring after him until he disappeared. She looked at the Pearl one last time and then turned around and headed for the tavern, forcing her legs to walk away.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
At The Sleepy Tiger
Josette pushed through the heavy crowd of people and slowly made her way towards the counter. An elder plump woman was sitting behind it while a girl was serving the customers that were leaning against it.
Josette looked between the two women and decided to go to the older looking one.
“I’m sorry.” She called and the plump brown haired lady looked at her up and down.
“Good heavens, girl. You are a girl, right?” she asked and her voice sounded low and husky, as if she had a cold.
“Um,” Josette looked down at her clothes, “Yes, I am.” She smiled sheepishly.
“What can I do for you?” the woman quirked an eyebrow at her.
“I…ah, need a room.” Josette tucked a lock of her loose hair behind her ear, “John sent me here.” She mumbled and the woman’s eyes widened.
“John? My nephew John?” she exclaimed and Josette nodded.
“Oh, God!” she laughed, “How’s that boy?” she asked and Josette smiled.
“He is good. He just set sail.” She whispered and then looked up, “I need a place to stay.”
“And you’ve found it. What’s your name, lass?” the woman asked as she walked back towards a drawer and pulled out a key.
“Josette.” She replied.
“My name’s Molly. Here’s your key. Second floor. Don’t stray towards the first floor.” She winked and Josette flushed.
“Okay.” She took the key.
“The rent’s three shillings a night.” Molly said hesitantly, “You do have some money, right?”
“Yes.” Josette quickly pulled out some money and laid it on the counter.
“Ana! Give the girl some gin.” She elbowed the young girl who stood next to her and then turned to Josette.
“How long will you stay?” she asked and Josette bit her lip.
“I don’t know. A while.” She murmured as Ana slipped the glass of gin towards her, “Um, I don’t drink. I’ve had a bad experience.” She said shaking her head.
“It’ll warm you right up. You look a bit pale even behind that tan of yours.” Molly pointed out.
“Um…no, thank you. Good night.” Josette pulled back from the counter with a small smile and then headed for the stairs.
“Night, lass.” Molly murmured as she pocketed the money and looked at her speculatively.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The next morning

Josette climbed down the stairs that led to the bar with a newfound determination. Since she was on her own she should find a way to survive. The sooner she started occupying herself with work the sooner would she forget about Jack and his ship. She was on her own and that was not going to change any time soon.
All night she had been tossing and turning. She missed the sway of the ship, the sound of the waves, her uncomfortable hammock, even Jack’s obnoxious snoring. But she had to forget all those things and focus on the present.
As she stepped foot downstairs her eyes were immediately drawn to the counter. Molly was there, counting last night’s profits.
“Morning, lass.” She looked at Josette from the rim of her glasses, “Slept well?”
“Not really.” Josette admitted as she approached.
“Morning!” a cheery voice called from the stairs and Josette turned and looked at the young woman who had arrived. She had straight auburn hair and brown eyes and she was wearing a smile on her face.
“Brenda.” Molly muttered before she turned to Josette again, “She’s one of my girls.” He winked and Josette flushed slightly.
John’s aunt also ran a brothel business as well then? But then again, who owned a tavern and didn’t.
“I am actually looking for work.” She said as Brenda slipped into a chair and gazed at them with curious eyes.
“Work?” Molly asked and Josette nodded.
“You need anyone here? To serve tables.” She clarified and Molly chuckled.
“Sure, lass. Anna’s ready to burst and I only have one other barmaid.”
“Burst?”
“She’s with child. Didn’t you notice?” Molly blinked and Josette shook her head.
“I was tired last night.” She murmured and then smiled softly, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Brenda, get her some clothes. Customer’s ain’t going to like it if she parades around here in men’s clothes.” Molly wrinkled her nose and Josette perked up at that.
“I’ll pay for them.” She quickly said before Brenda grabbed her hand and hauled her upstairs towards her room.
“You have to be quiet. My client’s still sleeping.” Brenda said as they stepped in.
Josette’s eyes widened at the sight of a blond man who was sprawled on the bed that was situated in the middle of the small room.
“Come.” Brenda said as she fished a dress from a chest and pulled her out of the room again.
“Hope it fits you.” She said as she gazed at her, “You’re so thin.” She commented but Josette only shrugged.
“Put it on while I find you some shoes.” Brenda told her before she slipped back inside.
With a sigh Josette headed back towards her room. This was so not her…

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Two months later…


“Josette!” Molly snapped and Josette quickly looked up at her.
“Sorry.” She said quietly as she straightened behind the counter, stifling a yawn.
“Here’s your earnings for this week.” Molly said with a sigh, “What’s wrong?” she asked as she handed her the money.
“Nothing.”
“Are you sure?” Molly cocked an eyebrow.
“Hmm. I’m just tired.” She lied easily as she placed the money between the folds of her dress and smiled.
“Stay another hour and then you can go to bed. I’ll close up.” Molly told her dubiously and Josette nodded gratefully.
“Okay.”
“These needs washing.” Caitlyn, the other barmaid, said with a scowl as she thrust a tray of mugs on top of the counter.
“Lose the scowl, Cat.” Molly told her and Caitlyn stuck her tongue out at her.
Josette smiled, “I’ll do it.” She mumbled as she picked the tray and headed for the kitchen.
When she arrived outside again she froze.
“Bugger.”
Josette blushed scarlet when John’s eyes almost bugged out of his head as he stared at her.
“Good to see you too.” She mumbled as she placed the tray of clean mugs and then stepped from behind the counter.
She was in his arms a moment after and she felt like time had gone back to the moment she had left.
“You’re in a dress.” He murmured with a chuckle as he squeezed her and touched a lock of her wavy hair.
“Yeah, I am. Sorry for the lack of shoes. They were killing me.” She chuckled as she blinked back rebellious tears.
John pulled back and eyed her, “You look…pale.” He muttered and she shrugged.
“I don’t go out a lot.” She said and then she froze, “Please tell me you’re alone.” She whispered as she looked at the entrance with wide eyes.
“I am.” He nodded, “How have you been?” he asked and she sighed.
“Fine. Let me get you a drink.” She said quietly and he nodded as he sat down in one of the stools.
“Are you okay?” he asked her as she poured him some rum.
“I guess. I am no good at this.” She murmured and he smirked.
“The chickens and goat miss you.”
She chuckled and bit her lip, “I miss them too.”
“The dress suits you.” He said with a grin and she rolled her eyes.
“I don’t like it. It’s stifling.” She mumbled and then looked up at him, “How long are you staying?” she asked him and he shrugged as he took a sip from his rum.
“Captain didn’t say. Not that he says much these days. He just barks orders and sleeps most of the day.”
Josette paused, “Is he okay? Is he sick?” she asked him as her heart dropped to her stomach.
“I think he’s fine…But he’s been idle.” John said and she frowned.
“Idle? How?”
“No raids, no pillaging, no nothing. The crew’s starting to wonder.” He replied and she bit her lip.
“Oh.”
“He hasn’t talked about you.” He told her suddenly and she looked up at him.
“Okay.”
“I’m just saying this because I know you care.” He told her softly and she nodded.
“It’s okay. Why would he talk about me?” she murmured even as she felt her stomach twisting into a thousand knots at the idea of him forgetting her so easily.
“Josette, I am not stupid.” John warned but he was cut off when a man came to stand next to him, demanding ale.
Josette handed him his drink and looked at John, “I never said you were.” She said quietly, “I’ve moved on. In a while I’ll have enough money to rent a proper room at the local inn. I’m good. Even if I hate these clothes.” She tried for a smile.
John shook his head at her and grinned.
“Get us a bottle, Mr. Gibbs and do it quickly.”
At the sound of that voice, Josette froze. So did John.
“You said you were alone.” She gasped and John looked at her with wide eyes.
“I was.” He hissed and Josette looked around her quickly, trying to think of something but Gibbs was already approaching.
“Oh God.” Josette whispered as the older man headed towards her.
“Hey, lass. A bottle of rum and two mugs…” Gibbs trailed off as he gazed at her with curiosity.
“Y-yes.” Josette quickly murmured, thankful of the fact that he hadn’t recognized her yet.
“John?” Gibbs exclaimed and Josette winced, “You didn’t say you were coming here.”
“John!” Molly’s voice exploded and Josette sighed in defeat, “You’re here! Come give me a hug!”
“John?” Jack’s voice spoke up and Josette froze as she turned over and gazed at the scene.
John was wrestling to escape Molly’s arms while Gibbs and Jack were gazing at him with amusement.
He hadn’t noticed her yet.
“Friend of yours?” Jack asked with a smirk and Josette noticed that he looked the same. The scar she had given him that day hadn’t healed and it was an angry red that marred his bronze cheekbone.
“Eh, my aunt.” John quickly said as Molly released him with a loud kiss on his cheek.
Gibbs snorted while Jack grinned, “Hello, love.” He greeted and then quickly turned towards the counter, “Now where’s that…” he trailed off as soon as his eyes fell on Josette who was still standing frozen with the rum bottle in her hand.
“…Rum.” He finished as his eyes swept over her body once and lingered on her cleavage more than it was necessary before they settled onto her face.
John looked at his Captain with shock while Gibbs was still gazing at her with perplexity.
Josette quickly placed the bottle of rum in front of him on the counter and made to step back but his hand shot out and grasped her wrist. He slammed her hand on the counter and held her captive while his eyes flashed dangerously towards John’s direction.
“Something to say, John?” he murmured quietly as Josette tried to pull her hand away.
“No, sir. I simply came for a drink.” John said softly while Molly gazed at Jack with narrowed eyes.
“Is this your Captain, Johnny?” she asked and John nodded.
Jack’s gaze left John and he returned to Josette who was still shocked, “Hello, love. Lovely dress.” He smirked as he looked at her up and down again.
With a strength she didn’t know she possessed she pulled her hand free and stepped back.
“Nice to see you too, Captain Sparrow. Enjoy your rum. My shift’s over, right?” she turned her eyes on Molly who nodded and then proceeded to drag John away with her. Josette quickly discarded her apron and headed for the back room to get her shoes.
Gibbs’ eyes widened in realization at the sound of her voice and he gaped like a fish while Jack started after her.
Josette leaned down to gather her shoes with her heart beating wildly in her chest just as Jack entered the kitchen, startling Ana who had been moping the floor.
“You told me no one knew!” Jack hissed at her as he came to stand in front of her.
“And I told the truth. John just found out.” She told him as she calmly put on her shoes, “And please be quiet. Ana’s baby’s sleeping.” She told him as she looked up at him.
Jack glanced fleetingly towards the wooden crib at the corner before he turned to her, “So you work here.” He stated as he looked at her appraisingly.
“Obviously.” She murmured as she was once again assaulted by his scent. It was making her dizzy. Why did he have to stand so close?
“You’re invading my personal space. Again.” She told him quietly before she sidestepped him and headed for her room.
He followed her with a smirk, “You used to like it.”
“You were my Captain then. Now you’re not.” She reminded him as she started up the stairs.
“Oh, please. If I told you that I take you back you would come running, Josette.” He told her arrogantly and she froze at the third step of the staircase.
Slowly she turned and looked down at him, “I am no longer part of your crew, sir. I don’t take orders from you and I wouldn’t come back. You want to know why?” she asked him and he opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off, taking him by surprise.
“Because I don’t trust you. Just like you don’t trust me. The only thing you want is to make me pay for lying to you. But you forgot something, Jack; you’re here because I took that bullet for you. You owe me, not I you.”
He gaped at her and she felt a little better that she had managed to surprise him. She quickly turned to go but he clasped her arm and pulled her back, knocking her against his chest.
“Is that so?” he murmured huskily as he gazed at her with hooded eyes, “What I think is that we’re two peas in the same pot, darling. You saved me, I saved you. I don’t owe you a bloody thing. You’re here because of me. I made you what you are. When you came to me you were a clumsy little mouse with no talent. I polished you and look at you now. All dressed up like a nice little wench. How’s business going by the way? Hmm?” he asked as his free hand slipped around her waist and stroked her lower back, steadily heading south.
Josette gasped as soon as he touched her and pushed away from him, “You don’t know me at all, do you? It’s a shame because I thought that I-…” she stopped before she could continue, “Goodnight.” She whispered before she walked away from him.
He didn’t follow her.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

The next morning…

“Hey, Josette!” Molly called and Josette sighed.
“I thought it was my day off.” She murmured as she turned to face the older woman.
“It is. My nephew left you this note. Told me not to open it.” She grumbled as she handed her a piece of paper.
“Okay. Thank you.” Josette said quietly as she headed for the door.
Once she was out she paused and unfolded the paper.

I am sorry about last night. I thought no one had followed me.
We set sail tonight.

John

Josette looked up and sighed before she pocketed the note and took off towards the market.
She wasn’t going to see him again. She was sure of it.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


A month later…

She tried to ignore the prickling at the back of her neck, she really did but after a while she was certain that someone was staring at her; persistently.
Slowly she turned her head and searched the crowd until she noticed him.
“John’s Captain is here.” Molly said as she placed a glass of gin and a bottle on the tray.
“I saw him.” Josette murmured as she picked up the tray and looked at Molly questionably.
“To that blond by the corner.” She indicated towards the left side of the tavern, “He is a catch. He’s a captain.” She winked and Josette would have smiled if he hadn’t been there.
What did he want? Didn’t he hate her or something?
Slowly, she made her way over to the customer and smiled softy.
“Here you go, sir.” she murmured quietly as she placed the bottle of gin and the glass down on the table. The blond, blue eyed Captain looked up at her and smiled.
“Thank you, love. I haven’t seen you here before.” He told her as he cocked his head to the side and looked at her.
That was a first. No one had noticed her the entire time she had been working there.
“I um…I’m new here, sir.” She tried to smile but she couldn’t; not when she knew that he was watching her from the other side of the tavern. She could feel his gaze burning her back.
What did he expect? That she would go there and let him humiliate her? No way.
“I see…” the blond Captain murmured as he still stared at her, “My name’s Will Hawk. And you are?” he extended his hand out towards her and Josette blinked.
“I’m, ah-…”
“She is taken.” An arm snaked around her waist almost possessively and she gasped when she smelled the familiar scent; his scent.
“Sparrow.” Hawk smiled and Jack sneered.
“Hawk.” He almost growled and Josette tried to wiggle out of his grasp.
“Didn’t know she was for sale.” Hawk pointed out as he poured himself some gin and smirked.
“Pity.” Jack almost spat out at him before he used his grip around Josette’s waist to haul her away from Hawk and his table.
“What are you doing?” Josette gasped as soon as she realized that he was leading her towards the stairs that led to the rooms.
“Stay away from him.” Was his only response as he half carried her upstairs and pushed her inside a room. Thankfully it was empty.
“What are you doing here?” she repeated her question but he only slipped his hand in his pocket and produced a few gold coins. He slammed them on top of the table that was next to him.
“Paying for your attentions since you decided to so blatantly ignore me.” He told her and Josette’s eyes widened.
“I am not a whore, Captain Sparrow. Nor do I intend to be one for you.” She said before she headed for the door. His hand shot out and prevented her escape while his free hand grasped her skirt.
“Only whores appreciate my company? Is that you’re saying?” he murmured as he used his grip on her skirt to tug her backwards against his chest. His arm snaked around her until his palm was resting against her stomach and he pulled her back, flat against his front.
“You tell me. You tried to pay me.” She gasped as she felt his hard form pressing against her.
“Why are you ignoring me?” he asked and his breath fell hot and wet against her ear.
“You threw me off.” She whispered as if she had just realized how much that had bothered her, hurt her.
He stiffened behind her, “I did.”
“I didn’t do anything.” She almost whimpered as his free hand slid up her arm and pushed her hair away from her neck.
“Yes, you did. You lied to me. I trusted you.” He murmured huskily as he let his lips brush the soft skin of her neck.
“I wanted you to trust me.” She answered back as she shivered.
“So you could lie more easily.” He growled against her skin as he pulled her even tighter to him. His hand left her stomach and trailed upwards slowly.
“No.” she shook her head as his other hand forced her chin up and her head backwards so it rested against his shoulder. His lips found her pulse spot and she groaned in surprise as her knees threatened to give out from under her.
“You were my Captain. Of course I wanted you to trust me.” She said breathlessly as his hand found her breast.
“Bloody hell.” He groaned as his hand flexed around the supple flesh. He hooked two of his fingers into her neckline and tugged until he could slip them easily beneath the fabric.
Josette arched into his arms when his warm fingers encountered her skin and she swallowed hard when his tongue found the spot just below her ear.
She looked up at him and shook her head.
“Jack.” She whispered as he trailed a hand down towards the apex of her thighs and pressed it against her.
“You smell nice.” He murmured as his hand trailed down her leg with urgency, “Your tan’s gone” he husked as his fingers grasped at the fabric of her skirt so he could pull it up.
Josette tensed as he did so and shifted in his arms, “Do you forgive me?” she asked and he shook his head.
“Never.” He murmured and before his hand had the chance to encounter the smooth flesh of her thigh she turned in his arms and pushed away from him.
“What?” she whispered as she stepped away from him.
“You heard me, love.” He looked wary.
“Then what are you doing?” she asked him with wide eyes.
“I don’t mix business with pleasure, darling.” He smirked and she frowned.
“Then you’re with the wrong girl, sir. Goodnight.” She whispered as her fists clenched.
His hand stopped her exit once again as he leaned down to speak into her ear, “If you’re unavailable bring me someone else.” He murmured and she stiffened, “Tell your patron that I’ve already paid, aye? Good girl.” He pulled his arm from her way and lightly slapped her behind as he stepped back from her.
Josette turned and looked at him speechless, “You said I am not the Josh you knew. Well, you’re not my Captain either.” She whispered before she fled the room, slamming the door behind her.

End of chapter 23

Author’s note: And yes, Jack is his usual arrogant self but he is still trying to cope with these…stirrings. :D
As you can see we are reaching the more…ahem, mature chapters. :P
Please review and tell me your thoughts! I would love to hear from you!


Xxx Lina :)