Unforgivable

Thanks again for the reviews!! And apologies for the delay - blame the Easter bunny, and that pesky RL that keeps interfering with my writing time...
Anyway, here's the next chapter - I hope you enjoy it!!


Elizabeth gazed out across the sparkling azure waters, basking in the simple joy of being alive. The sun that warmed her was a rich molten gold, perfectly framed by sapphire-bright sky, and the Pearl’s perpetual shifting, swaying rhythm seemed to spark a heartfelt echo deep within her very soul.

Her fingers snuck beneath the folds of her borrowed shirt to touch the small, swollen place where her unborn child slumbered. These slow and subtle changes to her normally slender frame were an endless source of fascination – and disbelief. Knowing what was happening inside her was one thing – grasping the enormity of it quite another.

Women bore children, gave birth to them every day. It was a common enough event, nothing out of the ordinary. Except that now it was happening to her she saw it for what it truly was; an unprecedented miracle of truly awe-inspiring proportions.

Her thoughts strayed to Jack, last seen on her return from the galley as a sleepy, naked sprawl of sun-darkened limbs and tumbled black locks. She’d been loathe to wake him, all too aware of his restless nights of late – but suddenly the urge to crawl into his unconscious embrace was overwhelming. She darted away from the rail to find him, oblivious to everything but her need to feel his arms around her.

“Ooof!”

“Oh! Mr Gibbs, I’m so sorry!”

Elizabeth stepped hurriedly out of the older man’s unwitting embrace, blushing furiously.

“Should take more care, Miss,” he muttered, fixing her with a steely glare. “’Specially considerin’ yer troubles.”

“I - pardon?”

“Ye know fair well what I mean.”

His gaze did not waver, and she met it defiantly.

“I’m afraid I don’t. Kindly explain.”

“He’s a daft an’ careless bugger, foistin’ such a thing on ye. Warned ‘im t’keep it in his bloody breeches!”

Elizabeth gaped at him, outraged; but by the time she’d found her voice he’d stomped on his way, leaving her to rant at the empty deck.

Or not quite empty, as it turned out; a polite cough cut her off in mid-flow and she swung round to find a fully-dressed, wide-awake Jack Sparrow observing her tirade with wary amusement.

“I wish you wouldn’t DO that!”

He tried and failed to look innocent.

“Can’t think what ye mean, luv. Just happened t’be strolling past on me way t’the galley when I saw Gibbs fly past. Last time I saw him move that quick he were bein’ chased by an amorous old crone wiv no teeth an’ one eye. What did ye do to the poor old bugger?”

“ME? Nothing! It was – he was - so – so - insulting!”

“Upset ye, did he?” He stepped casually out of slapping range, looking mildly surprised. “M’sure he didn’t mean it in a bad way, darlin’. Not Gibbs. M’sure ye must’ve misunderstood-.”

“Oh he meant it alright. And as a matter of fact it was YOU he insulted.”

“Then m’highly flattered ye came t’my defence. But he’s known me long enough t’earn the privilege of an insult or two, Lizzie - there were no need t’frighten the poor old devil THAT much.”

“I didn’t! He said – he thinks you got this child on me by mistake!”

“Ah. Well that’s not very nice.”

“Not NICE? - It’s horrible! It’s – it’s –”

“Disgracefully unfair an’ totally unjustified? Aye, ye could be right. But then again, last time the matter were raised wiv him I were at pains t’avoid such an occurrence occurin’. I’ve not seen fit t’confide in him since that I’ve bin swivin’ ye wiv more than just pleasure in mind these past few months.”

Elizabeth glared at him.

“It’s an awful thing to assume! Our child is no accident, and I’ll not have her seen as one!”

“He’ll not be, I swear it. Mebbe it’s time we announced our young Sparrow’s imminent arrival to th’crew, then? Make it official, like.”

“The sooner the better! I want every last man on board to know how long we’ve wanted this.”

“Do I HAVE t’tell them that bit? Can’t I say I did it quick an’ easy?”

She closed the gap between them before he could react; an instant later her arms were tight around his waist, her head nestled into his shoulder. Jack hurriedly returned the embrace, feeling slightly alarmed - but determined to make the most of it, regardless.

Elizabeth snuggled into him with a contented sigh.

“Tell them it took only one attempt, if you like. If it weren’t for me, that could easily have been the case. He looked at me as if I should be ashamed, Jack, and I’m not! I’m proud to be carrying your child - and I want EVERYONE to know it.”

“S’long as I know it,” he mumbled under his breath, and she raised her head to give him a quizzical look.

“You’ve always known it – haven’t you?”

“T’be perfectly honest – no.” He smiled to take the sting from his words. The last thing in the world he wanted was to ruin this tender moment – but on the other hand, she HAD asked. “S’hard to tell what a person’s feelin’ when they keep ye at a distance. An’ th’distance in itself makes ye wonder if the thing ye both wanted is still wanted by the aforementioned person as much as she thought she wanted it.”

She started as though he’d struck her, and guilt flooded her eyes.

And you thought I – oh Jack! I’ve been ill - it was never about not wanting this!”

“Know ye’ve been ill, darlin’; it’s me that made ye so. Hate seeing ye so pale an’ out o’sorts. Hate knowing I’m the cause of it even more; could’ve hardly blamed ye fer havin’ second thoughts. Makes me wish I could suffer it for ye.” The corner of his mouth quirked upwards then, and the dark eyes gleamed with sudden mischief. “Least it does when ye’re not tryin’ to hit me.”

“Trust me my love, when I find a way to pass ALL this discomfort to you I’ll do it gladly. Meanwhile I’ll bear it as best I can.” She gave his beard braids a gentle tug, then reached up to trace the sensuous curve of his lower lip with one finger. “I’d never push you away, Jack – surely you know that by now? I LOVE you, idiot!”

“Captain Idiot, if you please,” he muttered, and she slanted her mouth over his.

It was the kiss he’d been dreaming of for weeks, dispelling fears and doubts in soft heat and tender sweetness. For those few precious moments he felt invincible; no one and nothing could touch him again – not ever – not while he had Lizzie safe in his arms…

“Stay wiv me a while,” he whispered, when they finally broke apart. “M’in need of yer company.”

Her answering smile told him all he needed to know.

“And I’m in need of yours, Captain Sparrow. As always.”


They were in the galley when Mr Gibbs found them; still decent – just – but so absorbed with each other that neither one noticed his arrival.

Having ascertained the moment was not as yet too inopportune, their visitor pointedly cleared his throat. Elizabeth started violently and wriggled out of Jack’s embrace; Jack himself merely gave the other man an evil glare.

“Someone’d better be dyin’,” he growled. “An’ if they’re not they bloody well will be!”

“Sorry t’disturb ye Cap’n.” Gibbs sounded anything but. “But yer wanted on deck. There’s a –”

“Lizzie, stand up!”

The command was so abrupt that she sprang instinctively to her feet. A firm hand in the small of her back propelled her towards a rather startled Mr Gibbs, provoking a yelp of protest.

Ignoring it, Jack moved in front of her and slid gracefully to his knees.


“What are you - get up! NOW!”


“Shhh!” One long arm snaked round her hips to keep her from bolting. “Need t’have a chat t’me son.”

He leaned into her then, cheek resting comfortably against her belly, and proceeded to address his unborn child in soft, confiding tones.

“Want ye t’meet Mr Gibbs, boy. He’ll be teachin’ ye all kinds o’things, mostly t’do wiv what’s bad luck fer us pirates. Now m’not sayin’ as how there’s no truth in what he says, but ye mustn’t take it all t’heart – specially not the one about havin’ women on board. Ye’ve only t’look at yer mum to know the truth o’that one. ‘Course there were that regrettable sea-beastie incident…but, I digress. Th’point what I really want to make, son, is that this here’s a good man. One that’ll be glad t’welcome ye aboard an’ show proper respect t’the firstborn and meticulously PLANNED-FOR son of Captain an’ Missis Jack Sparrow. Savvy?”

Elizabeth reached for his hand, pressing their entwined fingers hard against her belly, whilst Mr Gibbs stared gravely at them both.

Finally his gaze fell to her midriff, and an oddly shy grin creased his weathered cheeks.

“Be glad t’have ye sail wiv us, young Master Sparrow. Never served under a man as fine as yer father, nor known a woman wiv as much spirit as yer mother. Any child o’such a union’ll be a - a formidable pirate, I reckon; deservin’ of me loyalty.”

“He will be, at that!” Jack beamed - then his grin wavered a little. “Formidable indeed. Ye’ve got me feeling’ a mite nervous, now, mate…”

“I’m sure a wily reprobate like you will have nothing to fear from a son,” Elizabeth said airily. “The daughter I’m actually carrying, on the other hand…”

“No luv, it’s a lad - m’sure of it. I’ll give ye a daughter next if ye like, but this one is most definitely goin’ t’be a –”

“Er- Cap’n?” Gibbs interjected, suddenly remembering what had bought him down here in the first place. “There be a likely-lookin’ lass in our sights, ‘bout two leagues west. The lads an’ I were wonderin’ if ye’d care t’lighten her holds a little?”

Jack pondered the matter for all of two seconds.

“Certainly would seems th’most gentlemanly thing t’do.” The hand on Elizabeth’s hip drifted lower and gave her bottom a proprietary squeeze. “Carry on then – y’know the drill. I’ll be along soon as I’ve finished swiv-”

“Aye, Cap’n,” his first mate interrupted hurriedly. “I’ll be off then, whilst ye….erm – I’ll see ye in a minute then, Sir!”

“A minute?” Jack huffed, as soon as they were alone. “That’s not very flatterin’.”

“You shouldn’t tease him!”

“Who says I were teasin’?”

“I do. You have a ship to plunder –”

“Was about t’plunder somethin’ else afore we were so cruelly interrupted.”

“Later, perhaps - if you’re good.”

“M’always good, darlin’ - so I’ve bin told…”

“Do you WANT me to slap you again?”

Groaning, Jack clambered reluctantly to his feet.

“Ye’re a cruel woman, Lizzie Sparrow, makin’ a man suffer like ye d-mmph!”

It seemed he’d barely settled into the kiss before she slid neatly out of reach. Jack sighed; why must she be so bloody tempting? And did she HAVE to gaze at him like that, with those luminous golden eyes so soft and adoring?

“Thank you, Jack.”

He clenched his fists to stop himself from grabbing her again, and gave her a lopsided grin.

“Yer thanks’d be even more appreciated at a more opportune moment. Preferably whilst yer wearing that dress I’ve still not got in me cabin.” A pointed glance drew her attention downwards. “I’ll have t’think of naked eunuchs now, an' ye know that gives me bellyache.”

Smirking, Elizabeth stepped close enough to press her palm against the hard bulge in his breeches, eliciting a pained groan.

“That really don’t help matters.”

“I’m very sorry.”

“Ye’re a liar.”

“Yes, I probably am.”

Laughing, Jack swatted her hand away and tugged his sash into a more strategic position.

“Go on, shoo, ye evil wench – afore I change me mind an’ bend ye over that table! Straight t’the cabin, mind – an’ lock yerself in. Savvy?”

She obeyed with a smug grin, Jack close on her heels. At the cabin he paused long enough to steal a final kiss before swaggering away, his step jaunty and his grin wide.

Elizabeth watched until he was out of sight, then closed the door with a wistful sigh, already missing his vibrant warmth. The days when she’d taken her place at his side seemed very far away now, and she felt a twinge of envy. Still – the bunk DID look rather inviting.

Jack, she reflected thoughtfully, was not the only one to be affected by their recent encounter. But there was no need for her to wait.

“Wish you were here, my love,” she smirked, padding purposefully across the cabin. “But since you’re not…”

The conquering hero returned some hours later; grubby, tired and triumphant. When the cabin door opened easily under his questing hand he scowled - had he not told her to lock it? His annoyance died, however, the moment he caught sight of her.

“God, Lizzie…”

He moved closer, inexorably drawn to the bewitching angel sleeping in his bunk.

Jack ached to run his fingers through those glorious tawny locks; to bend down and taste those sweetly tempting lips and caress the velvet softness of those long, shapely thighs – but contented himself with a long and lingering inspection. Well-versed by now in the unpredictable mood swings of a pregnant Lizzie, he knew her earlier affection was no guarantee that she’d welcome his advances now.


Finally he yawned and turned away; beauty notwithstanding, the bunk itself was almost as tempting as it’s occupant – who certainly wouldn’t thank him for lying beside her in filthy clothes…

Stripped of all but his bandana, Jack glanced down at himself with a frown. No signs of life as yet, but he knew full well the effect an armful of naked Lizzie had on certain parts of his anatomy.

“Sorry mate, but ye’re best kept under wraps fer now,” he muttered, and bent to retrieve a fresh pair of breeches from the floor.

Elizabeth stirred, opened her eyes – and was met with the diverting sight of a deliciously naked rear, which wiggled suggestively at her appreciative whistle.

“Don’t be covetin’ what ye can’t afford, luv,” its owner chuckled, straightening up. He turned so that she could admire the rest of him – then frowned as she shifted on the pillows. “Try’n hold it in a minute, darlin’- I’ll get ye th’bowl.”

“It’s alright, I don’t need it.”

“Ye don’t?”

“I don’t. I’m fine, really. Wonderful, in fact!”

Jack threw her a doubtful look – then narrowed his eyes.

“What’s that on yer face?”

One hand shot to her cheek.

“What? Where?”

“Right there. Don’t recall seeing such a thing much, of late.”

“What is it? Tell me!”

“A smile, darlin’,” he drawled, and gave her one of his own.

“Wretch!” She held out her arms, grinning. “Come here and tell me all about your latest conquest.”

“Ye want me t’lay there wiv you in all me naked glory an’ TALK?”

“Talking will do for a start. Then we’ll just have to see what comes up…”


“Ah. Well that’ll be me, I expect,” he beamed, gleefully deciding that sleep was highly overrated. “Shift over, then…”


Less than five minutes later he came to the conclusion that it probably wasn’t.

Elizabeth was soft and warm in his arms, and her fingers were dancing across his skin in a way that made it feel as though his very bones had melted.

“Tell ye…rest…later…” he mumbled, and felt her lips brush lightly against his in response.

“Sweet dreams, Jack. I love you.”

He wanted to tell her he loved her too, but forming words suddenly seemed an unbearably complicated affair.

Instead he gave her a drowsy smile, and drifted happily away into rum and naked Lizzie dreams.