The Captain's Cabin Boy

A/N: Welcome back, everyone!

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Now on with the chap. :D

Chapter 24

Josette leaned sleepily over her cup of warm tea while her eyes perused the kitchen. Molly was sitting by her, sipping from a cup of coffee while Ana was quietly murmuring to her baby while he gurgled and wiggled in her arms. The image made her smile really but the smile was wiped from her lips when Brenda entered the kitchen with a grin on her face.
Josette tensed when she remembered the previous night’s events.
“Morning!” Brenda greeted them before she took a seat next to Josette.
“Why are you so happy?” Molly asked while Josette busied herself with her tea.
“Because I finally found a customer who can actually fuck.” Brenda answered bluntly and Josette almost choked on her tea. She pushed the cup away while she coughed and Molly quickly patted her back.
“Are you alright?” she asked and Josette quickly nodded.
“I’m fine. Sorry.” She choked out as she put a hand over her mouth.
“May we ask who that man is, B?” Molly turned her attention back to Brenda who smiled.
“That Captain…John, Jim…The one Josie here told me to go to.” Brenda said with a wave of her hand and Josette felt angry.
“His name’s Jack Sparrow.” She heard herself say quietly and she almost groaned out loud. Why was she even bothering with who he was? And Josie? Really?
“Yes!” Brenda smiled again and for the first time in her life Josette wanted to hurt someone beside Jack.
“Did he pay?” Molly asked plainly and Ana chuckled softly before she stood up and walked out of the kitchen with her baby.
“Of course.” Brenda replied while flicking her auburn hair behind her shoulder, “He called me Freckles.” She said with a silly grin and Josette almost gasped. He used to call her that but then again Brenda was actually beautiful and not…What he had called her? Oh yes, clumsy mouse.
Suddenly the air felt too thick for her and she had to get out before she listened to anymore of this nonsense.
“Excuse me.” She muttered as she pushed her chair back and headed for the door. She turned to the left, passed through the bar and headed straight for the stairs. She climbed the steps that led to the floor in a hurry but as she stepped onto the first floor she bumped against another person. The impact sent her flying to the side, barely missing the stairs and she found herself on her back.
“Jesus Christ!” she exclaimed as sharp pain traveled up her spine to settle at her upper back.
“Bloody hell!”
At the sound of that voice she looked up and she suddenly wanted to cry. Why did he have to be there when she felt like nothing but dirt on his boots?
“What are you still doing here?” she snapped up at him while panting for breath.
“I just woke up…Are you alright?” Jack asked as he looked down at her with…worry?
“I am just grateful I didn’t fall down the stairs.” She said as she sat up and tugged her skirt down her legs.
“Why were you running?” he asked her as he leaned forward and offered her a hand to help her up. She didn’t take it.
“I wasn’t running.” She told him as she slowly stood up. She swayed a bit and he steadied her with a hand on her arm but she wrenched her arm away from him as if burned.
“I don’t need your help.” She hissed and he raised his hands up in surrender. With a last look at him she turned to go but his voice made her stop.
“Can we talk?” he asked and his voice sounded strange. Slowly she turned to look at him.
“No.”
“I was…Last night-…”
“Last night you showed me who you really are, Captain Sparrow. Good day.” She sighed.
“Wait!” he exclaimed as he stepped in front of her, blocking her exit.
“I need to get ready for work.” She told him with patience.
“I don’t think you get the severity of what you’ve done.” He said and she froze.
“I do know it. I just don’t think you’re the one to judge me!” she exploded as she stared into his eyes. The kohl around them was smudged, proof that he had just woken up.
“I am not judging you! Bloody hell, lass! For months I thought I swung towards the other side!” he hissed and she pursed her lips.
“If that is really your problem then I am sure that last night re-established your manhood, sir. It sure made us all aware here, through Brenda’s words of course, that you can fuck. Good day.” She seethed before she pushed past him and headed for the second floor where she proceeded to slam the door quite loudly.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


A month later…

“You’re a little thing, aren’t you?”
The man’s breath reeked of ale and Josette had enough of him cornering her around in dark spots of the tavern. He had her pressed against the wall with his hands on either side of her head while she balanced the tray of empty mugs in her hand. With a roll of her eyes she grabbed his shoulder and brought her knee up, effectively hitting him between the legs. The man cried out and released her but he was too drunk to do anything but clutch at his groin with a dazed expression.
“Pretty little thing but she has claws.” A smooth voice said from behind the man as Josette pushed away from the wall. She raised her eyes and met the blue gaze of Captain Hawk.
“Hello, sir. Can I get you something?” she asked calmly as Hawk walked towards her and pushed the still whimpering man away with a shove of his strong hand.
“Gin…Josette, isn’t it?” he cocked his head to the side and for a moment Josette was mesmerized by his ocean blue eyes.
“Yes…Right away.” She mumbled as she headed for the bar while pushing through customers. She was aware of his presence behind her as she walked and she shook her head, trying to clear it.
She stepped behind the counter and put the tray away before she grabbed a glass.
Hawk took a seat in front of the counter and looked at her.
“How’s work?” he smirked and she frowned.
“Awful…I hate it.” She muttered as she pushed the drink towards him.
“Then why are you here?” he asked as he took a sip, his eyes never leaving hers.
“Because I have to.”
“What’s your age?” he asked with his head tilted to the side and she resisted the urge to flush.
Why was he talking to her?
“Um, nineteen.”
“How did you end up here?”
“Um…I was aboard a ship.” she said quietly and he chuckled.
“Don’t tell me, Sparrow’s ship.” he stated and she looked up at him in surprise.
“Yes…”
“That explains it.”
“Explains what?” she asked him cautiously and he grinned.
“The intimacy between you two-…” he was cut off by Brenda’s loud squeal.
Half the tavern looked up and so did Josette. The woman had thrown herself into a man’s arms and from the trademark hat and hair Josette knew immediately who it was.
Jack.
At the sight of him she stiffened. She hadn’t seen him for a month and she had allowed herself the illusion of having forgotten him but of course she was wrong. Not even the blue gaze of Hawk could erase the memory of the dark chocolate eyes of her former Captain.
She watched as Jack quickly disentangled himself from Brenda’s grip and held her at arms length with an alarmed expression that spoke of confusion and bemusement.
“Sorry, love…I know you?” he asked her and from her place behind the counter Josette could see Brenda’s frown.
“Um…I, we…”
“Never mind that. Nice to meet you, lass. I need a drink.” He pushed her aside and made his way towards the counter much to Josette’s dismay.
Josette looked away and she caught Hawk looking at her with a knowing expression. She grabbed a cloth and wiped at the counter while Jack made his way over and leaned over the counter next to Hawk.
“Hawk.”
“Sparrow.” Hawk said before he took another sip from his gin.
Josette could feel Jack’s eyes on her and she reluctantly looked up. His eyes widened as their eyes locked and he exhaled sharply.
“Hello, love. Missed me?” he asked with a smirk and she rolled her eyes.
“What can I get you?” her question was clipped and brusque but she couldn’t help it.
Good God! He didn’t even remember the women he slept with! Was that even normal?
“Whoa, love. A hello would be appreciated.”
“Hello. Drink?”
At her answer he grinned and leaned lazily against the counter, the fingers of his right hand gently tapping against the wooden surface while his left hand supported his head as he gazed at her.
He was amused!
“Rum,…Josh.” He smirked and she pressed her lips tightly together as she got his drink. She pushed it towards it and he grasped her hand, making Hawk go wide eyed next to him.
“Can you spare a minute for your old Captain?” he asked her and his hand was hot and heavy over her own.
Josette frowned and pulled her hand away, causing his face to fall.
“Not now…My shift’s over in an hour.” She told him and Hawk chuckled.
Jack turned and glared at him before he turned his eyes on Josette.
“Alright, love.” He murmured and then, “I’ll be here.” He winked and then walked away towards a table.
Josette watched him go and sighed.
“Not meaning to be nosy…but is there something going on between you two?” Hawk asked curiously and she looked up at him.
“I don’t see how it’s any of your business, sir.” She told him boldly and he chuckled.
“Fair enough, lass. By the way, if you wish to leave this place, just say the word. We are in need of a good cook.” He winked at her and he finished his drink before he walked away towards the stairs that led to the rooms. It took him a wave of his hand for Brenda to follow him but not after shooting a last longing look towards Jack who was too busy staring at his mug with a frown.
Josette sighed and headed to the kitchen, a feeling of nervousness clawing at her insides as she did so.


oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

When she was done an hour and a half later he was waiting for her outside the kitchen door, his fingers playing with the rings of his left hand. As soon as he heard her he looked up and frowned.
“What’s wrong with your hand?” he murmured and it was obvious by his heavy gaze that he had drunk more rum while she was back cleaning.
“I, um-…”
“Goodnight, Josie.” Anna told her as she stepped from the kitchen and smiled at her.
“Night, Ana.” Josette smiled back and then looked at Jack, “It’s just a splinter.” She mumbled as she shook her head in a ‘forget it’ motion.
“Let me see.”
“It’s fine.”
“Let me see, lass. It’s annoying, I know.” He told her as he outstretched his hand to her. When she didn’t move he clicked his tongue and wriggled his fingers impatiently. Josette looked around the almost empty tavern and with a sigh of defeat before she walked over and placed her hand in his. Immediately he used it to tug her closer.
“What was Hawk talking to you about?” he murmured and she frowned.
“Nothing…”
Jack’s eyes moved from her thumb and he smirked, “You don’t like to be the center of attention, do you?” he asked her as he grasped her thumb between his thumb and forefinger.
“You know I don’t.” she said quietly as she kept her eyes on his hand.
“Hmm, I do.” He answered as he pinched the skin around the splinter with his fingers. The damn thing didn’t get out.
“Ow.” She exclaimed when he suddenly used his nails.
“Done.” He said smugly as he pulled the tiny thing out without releasing her hand.
“Thanks.” She said as she pulled her hand away. He let her and she averted her eyes as they stood still, facing each other.
“You wanted to talk to me?” she cleared her throat and he cocked his head to the side.
“Did I?” he asked with a frown and she furrowed her eyebrows.
“That’s what you said.”
“Huh.” He blinked and looked around, “You like being here?”
“Are you drunk?” she asked him instead of answering his question and he paused.
“Just a little.” He illustrated by putting his thumb and forefinger together and she sighed.
“Where’s John?”
“John?” he growled with narrowed eyes, “You miss John?” he asked her as he walked closer to her and looked down at her, “John’s on watch.”
“Oh.”
“You can always see him through me cabin.” He grinned lasciviously, “He’s just at the right angle if you look through my cabin door. Wanna come?” he murmured and she gaped at him.
“I thought you had something to tell me and here you are, making crude jokes at my expense.” She said as she took a step back.
“You loved my ship. You begged me not to let you go and now you don’t want to be aboard of it again?” he asked hoarsely and Josette faltered.
“That has not changed. But since we can’t even have a normal conversation with each other I don’t think I can accept your offer.” She paused and then continued, “It seems like we could talk more easily while I was in men’s clothes.” She whispered and he grinned.
“That was because before I knew that you had a pair of breasts, love.”
Josette groaned and stomped her foot, “That’s it. I am going to bed.” She informed him as a vicious blush made its way up her neck to her cheeks.
His hand shot out and clasped her elbow; “Mind if I come?” he cocked his head to the side, his eyes mischievous and glimmering.
“No.” she said a little too slowly and he smirked.
“That was a little too slow for someone who doesn’t want something.” He told her as his grip on her became less tight.
“What do you want from me?” she asked him quietly, defeated.
“I don’t know.” He answered with a crease between his eyebrows, his lips barely moving, “I want…” he faltered and growled, “You confuse me so much that I don’t know if I want to hurt you or take you where you stand. Is that good enough of an answer?” he asked her in a strained voice and Josette almost stopped breathing.
“I don’t understand…” she whispered as she felt her stomach twisting into a thousand knots, “I never meant to make you feel like that.” She murmured and he closed his eyes.
Jack seemed to have an inner fight with himself before he quickly let go of her hand and slipped his hand into his coat pocket, “This is for you.” He mumbled as he pressed the letter to her hand and then quickly turned around and walked away without looking back.
Josette watched him until he disappeared before she headed for her room. When she was inside she sat on her narrow bed and opened the note.
John’s handwriting greeted her in a hasty message.

Sorry I could not come. The Captain’s been acting strangely…Do something about it because I am almost certain it has to do with you and your proclivity for men’s clothes.

Xxxx John

Josette inhaled sharply and averted her eyes from the note. She put it on her bed and took a deep breath. She would do something and she would do it fast. After all, eyes that are not seen are easily forgotten, right?


oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
A week later…


Josette gave a final tug at her coat and put on her hat before she quietly exited the room. She tiptoed towards the stairs and quickly headed for the back door of the tavern. As she passed through the kitchen she saw Molly fast asleep at the table with her head on top of her folded hands. Without making too much noise she opened the back door and slipped out of the establishment.
When she was out she breathed a sigh and swallowed thickly before she headed towards the docks. She had mixed feelings about her decision. Part of her was thrilled that she would be out at sea again and a part of her was reluctant to escape the safety the island and the tavern provided. She was not so sure what it would be like to be aboard a ship beside the Black Pearl but even though she had doubts she knew that it would be better than serving alcohol all day long.
After some time she made her way to the docks and looked out for the Dominance, Hawk’s ship. She didn’t need to look long because she noticed its captain’s blond head immediately. She started walking towards it but then she faltered. Docked right next to it was a foreign ship and next to that The Black Pearl. She could even see Jack talking with Gibbs while pointing wildly at the sails.
Her eyes widened and she licked her suddenly dry lips. How as she going to pass unseen?
Jesus, is there nothing easy for me? She thought as she bit her lip.
Hawk had already spotted her however and waved her over with a smile. Taking a deep breath she made her legs move. She had to do it and she didn’t care if Jack saw. It was her life.
Trying to be quiet she passed just a few feet away from Jack and Gibbs but it was in vain; they had seen her.
“The lass!” Gibbs exclaimed and looked at Jack, “Eh, Josh, I mean…” he trailed off but Jack didn’t look at him at all. He stared at Josette as she passed by them and headed for The Dominance. His eyes narrowed but she averted her eyes before she had the chance to see his full reaction. She quickened her footsteps and soon she was standing close to Hawk.
“You’re early, lass. Nice clothes.” Hawk chuckled and she smiled.
“Thank you…They are a bit worn but…”
“So, are you ready for this?” Hawk smiled but before she had the time to answer another voice spoke up.
“Ready for what?” Jack’s voice was low and shocked at the same time and Josette wanted to disappear.
“Sparrow.” Hawk inclined his head, “I thought you were ready to head to Singapore.”
“Change of plans.” Jack said through gritted teeth and then looked at Josette, “What are you doing here?” he asked her with dark eyes and furrowed eyebrows.
“I…I thought you were gone.” She said and he scowled before he reached out and grasped her arm firmly. He pulled her to his side and leaned down to speak lowly in her ear.
“What do you think you’re doing, lass?” his breath hot as it fell on the shell of her ear.
“I think-…” Hawk started but Jack glared at him.
“I think there’s been some mistake.” He told him before his lips formed a grin and his hand tightened around Josette’s arm.
Josette winced as Jack’s fingers bit angrily into the skin of her arm and her wide, shocked eyes went to his smug, arrogant face.
“’Scuse us, Hawk, but the lad’s already employed.” He said as he tugged Josette closer towards his side while Hawk watched them with amusement.
“Pity…But I thought she was a woman.” Hawk replied and Jack’s eyes narrowed.
“Potato, patata. We got to go.” Jack shrugged before he turned on his heel and pulled Josette behind him.
He walked away with quick footsteps and Josette had a hard time keeping up with him.
“Jack!” she hissed but he was relentless, “Jack, you’re hurting me!” she cried out and he immediately stopped and released her by throwing her behind some crates.
“Bloody hell, lass! Tell me you’re not that stupid!” he barked at her and she blinked up at him while rubbing her arm through her shirt.
“Pardon?”
“No, you’re not bloody pardoned! What were you thinking?” he snapped and she was confused.
“I was ready to set sail as a member of his crew. I need to get back.” She told him and his hand snaked around her middle and hauled her back.
“Member of the crew, you say? Aboard Hawk’s ship?” he cocked his head to the side as her green eyes gazed up at him, “As his cabin boy?” his eyes raked her form, “Back to your male clothing is that right?” he murmured as he splayed his hand possessively over her waist.
“I hate the tavern. I had to leave. I need to leave.” She struggled in his grip but his hold was like iron.
Jack grumbled something under his breath before he scoffed, “I want you back.” His words were hurried, almost petulant and she frowned.
“What?”
“I want you back. There. Heard it now?” he snapped at her and she gaped at him.
“As what? Your kept woman?” she snorted as she once again started wiggling in his arms.
“No. As my cabin boy.” He murmured and she froze.
Oh God.
“This is not a time for jokes. I have to go-…”
“It’s no joke, lass. I am serious. Either way, I am not letting you board that ship.” he told her defiantly and she gaped at him.
“You can’t tell me what to do! And what’s wrong with The Dominance?” she seethed and he looked at her as if bored.
“There are a lot of things wrong with that piece of floating wood but suffice it to say that its captain is the main problem.” He told her and she paused.
“You’re just jealous.”
“Jealous?” he chuckled, “I ain’t jealous, love. I know who you belong to.” He smirked and then motioned to himself, “Me,” he grinned and she felt her anger flare.
“You’re delusional.” She informed him but before she could go he caught her hand.
“Wait! Alright, I propose a compromise.” He told her quickly and she paused, “You can come back and I will forgive you.” He told her and once again she was shocked by his arrogance.
“What makes you think that I want to come back?” she asked him but he wasn’t fooled.
“Because I can see your eyes already sparkling at the prospect.” He said quietly and then grinned, “Who can blame you? The Pearl’s a masterpiece…not to mention her Captain.” He wriggled his eyebrows and she couldn’t help but smile a little.
“Her?” she asked as she felt her heart thumping loudly against her ribcage.
“Of course!”
“She is another one of your lovers?” she asked him and his eyes darkened.
“She is my only lover, Josh.” He said and her heart fluttered at the nickname before it quaked loudly, “Up until now at least.” He said and she felt her mouth going dry.
“So? What do you say?” he asked impatiently when he heard Gibbs calling his name.
Josette wrung her hands nervously but she already knew what she wanted.
“Yes.” She breathed and his lips formed the most beautiful smile she had ever seen.
“Good girl.” With those words he grabbed her hand and pulled her from behind the crates and towards The Pearl.


End of chapter 24

Author’s note: I hope I did not disappoint you and that it was worth the wait. And no, their troubles aren’t over yet. :D
Please review and tell me your thoughts! I really want to know what you think. Don’t forget to visit my Facebook page.


Xxx Lina :)