The Captain's Cabin Boy

A/N: Hello and welcome back!


Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean.

Chapter 28


Josette hissed as the ship’s physician wrapped up her arm with careful movements. No matter how tentative he was, every brush and pull made her wince in pain.
She looked up and from over the old physician’s shoulder she could see Jack’s dark eyes. He was leaning against the bulkhead with his arms crossed over his chest and a frown on his face.
Her mouth was dry after so many days without sufficient waters and she was certain that she even heard Jack’s stomach growl a few times.
“There. All done. Just keep changing the bandage every day and it’ll heal just fine. Although it will leave a scar…” The physician told her and she nodded, feeling exhausted.
“What about the fever?” Jack spoke up as he pushed away from the wall.
The physician turned and looked at him up and down with obvious distaste before he answered.
“The fever will disappear after a few hours. A bath would be nice…But just keep her arm out of the water.” He said as Josette hopped down from the seat and stood.
“Come on, love.” Jack outstretched his hand for her to take and she quickly did so.
“Officer Downer is waiting for you outside.” The man said as Jack pulled Josette out of the cabin.
“Let’s go before he accused us of sullying his perfect cabin.” Jack muttered into her ear and she would have laughed if she wasn’t in so much pain.
As they stepped out of the cabin Downer was there alright.
“Everything taken cared of?” he quirked an eyebrow.
“Aye. Where’s the Pearl?” Jack went straight to the point and Downer smirked.
“She’s close. We’ll meet up with her till dawn.” He answered and Josette gaped at him.
“You had this planned?” she asked and Jack’s eyes narrowed while his hand tightened around her fingers.
“Of course! I knew he’d do anything for his beloved Pearl and as I found out, you, my dear.”
“Do shut it, mate.” Jack hissed and Downer chuckled.
“Touchy subject, Mr. Sparrow? Why?”
“Are you going to give us food anytime soon?” Jack asked instead through gritted teeth and Downer inclined his head.
“Of course. The…lady will be given a cot for the night too.”
Josette froze and gazed at Jack.
“In the brig?” Jack asked carefully.
“In the cabin next to mine.”
“No way.”
“Jealous?” Downer cocked an eyebrow and Jack sneered.
“I don’t trust you, mate.”
“You should. Unlike your kind I am honest.”
Jack groaned, “You wound me. The thing is I ain’t trusting her with you.”
“Fine. She can stay in the brig then.” Downer shrugged and Jack smirked.
“Or you can let us share the cot. Surely you want the welfare of your partners.” He grinned and Downer gazed at him dully.
“If you don’t mind being locked in with guards outside, then fine.”
“Excellent. Now about that food?” Jack waved his arms about and Josette breathed a sigh of relief.
No more wet ground for them to sleep in. That was a start.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Jack lazily licked his fingers after he dropped the chicken leg and winked at Josette who was looking at him in shock.
“What?” he frowned at her stare.
“You ate an entire chicken.” She said in a quiet voice, knowing full well that the guards were gazing at them dumbfounded.
“You helped.” He shrugged as he forked the last potato on his plate.
“I only ate a wing and a leg.”
“It was a small chicken, love.” He said as he outstretched the fork with the potato and wiggled his eyebrows at her, “Last one?”
Josette looked around before she leaned forward and ate the potato. Jack’s eyes were immediately drawn to her mouth and she gently kicked his shin.
He blinked and smirked before he leaned back and sipped some water. His eyes narrowed and he looked at the guards.
“No chance for some rum, gents?” he grinned and the guards proceeded to ignore him. He grimaced, “Pity.” He muttered just as the door opened and Downer walked in.
Josette looked up at the man while Jack scowled at him.
“Finished? Good.”
“Why is that wench so important by the way?” Jack asked and Downer frowned.
“Wench?”
“The wealthy lass Hawk has with him.” He waved his hand around while Josette tried hard to keep her eyes open.
“Why, Mr. Sparrow-…”
“Captain.” Jack muttered under his breath and Josette smiled. He smirked when he saw her.
“What I was saying, Mr. Sparrow is that she is very important.” Downer said quietly and Jack raised both of his eyebrows up.
“She be your lass?”
“My fiancee to be exact.” Downer said with an air of satisfaction. An air that was quickly evaporated by Jack’s laughter.
Josette bit her lip to hold in her giggles.
“Smug much? I hate to tell you the news, mate, but your betrothed,” he chuckled and then continued, “Just took off with a pirate.”
“She’d never do that. She was forced.” Downer said with a small frown and Josette suddenly felt sorry for him.
“Are you sure? I guess we’ll have to wait and see…” Jack shrugged as he stood up and stretched, “I’m off to bed.” He smirked and headed for the cot.
Josette stood up as well and followed him while Downer glared at them.
“Be up at dawn.” He muttered as he waved at his men who also exited.
They shut and locked the door on their way out.
Once they were gone Josette turned and looked at Jack as he plopped down on the bed and grinned in bliss.
“Finally.” He murmured and opened his eyes, “Come here, love. Plenty of room.” He grinned lopsidedly up at her and she frowned.
“How can you be so calm?” she asked him as she removed her shoes and lay down next to him. He immediately turned towards her and slid closer to her.
“Can’t do anything more right now.” He said quietly as his gaze fell at the window across from them.
“You think we’ll find him?” she murmured as she turned onto her side, her nose brushing his chest as she did so.
Jack took her hurt arm and draped it over his waist before he placed his hand on her cheek, his thumb grazing her lip, “We will.” He said simply and she closed her eyes, relishing in the feeling of the soft cot under her tense muscles.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


Jack jumped onto the Black Pearl’s deck with a smile and briefly glanced up at his ship’s magnificent black sails. When he heard footsteps he turned and offered his hand to Josette who jumped down from the gangplank connecting the two vessels. She grabbed his hand and he turned to look at Downer who followed them.
“My crew?” he asked and Downer brushed imaginary dust from his lapels.
“Will be here soon.” Downer replied and Jack sneered.
“I hope so.”
“Your compass, Mr. Sparrow?”
Jack pointed to his belt where his compass was, “Good.” Downer nodded, seemingly satisfied, “Ah, your crew. Didn’t manage to catch all of them but here’s the majority.”
Josette looked as members of their crew appeared and her eyes frantically searched for John. Gibbs smiled and waved at her while the rest of the men gaped at her; Dave included.
“Oh yes, this is Josette, lads. She’s a girl.” Jack said as if it was the most opportune moment. Josette glared at him and he smiled innocently.
Gibbs covered his face with his shackled hands while Dave cleared his throat to cover his laugh.
“Release them.” Josette said and Downer smirked.
“Who are you to give me orders?” he asked her with his head tilted to the side.
“Who are you to give me?” she told him with determined eyes and he grinned as his eyes scanned her form appraisingly.
Jack seethed, “Exactly. Be nice to us because you need me, mate.” He said and Downer removed his eyes from Josette to look at Jack.
“Duly noted.” He said quietly and then turned to his men, “Unshackle them.”
“Where’s John?” Josette murmured and Gibbs winced.
“In the brig. They shot him in the leg and he can’t walk on his own.”
Before he managed to finish, Josette was already running towards the stairs that led to the brig.
Jack watched her until she disappeared before he pursed his lips.
“These men will stay with you. You are to give them specific details about our course and don’t do anything stupid. You understand?”
Jack crossed his arms over his chest, “We’ve been over this before.” He said simply before he headed towards the brig, “Man the helm, Gibbs. I’ll be right there.” He called and Downer smirked before he turned and headed for The Defense.


oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

“Come on, sit up.” Josette said gently as she grabbed John’s hand and tried to lift him up.
“Wait, wait!” he gasped as pain shot up his leg, “I can’t. I’ll crush you.” He said breathlessly.
“Move.” Jack’s voice reached her ears and she turned her head.
“I can’t lift him.” She said and he looked at her.
“That’s obvious, love.” He said as he grabbed John’s arm, “Come on, mate.” He said as he hauled John up. They both groaned.
“Did you put on weight?” Jack gasped and John frowned.
“Nay, Cap’n.”
“Well come on, then. To your hammock. Gibbs will take care of your leg.” Jack said as Josette followed them, cradling her arm close.
“I removed the bullet but I can’t stop the bleeding.” John said hoarsely as he craned his neck to look at Josette who smiled and waved. His eyes were on her bandaged arm though.
“Yes, yes! She is not going anywhere. Now move it.” Jack growled and John smirked.
“Sorry, Cap’n.” he said softly and Josette bit her lip to hide her amusement.
She had missed this. The Pearl, John, the smells, the image of Jack on his precious ship…
As Jack deposited John on his hammock Josette looked at him, “Shall I bring Gibbs?” she asked and he nodded.
“Aye. Then come to the cabin.” He said as he patted John’s shoulder and walked away.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


When Josette returned to the cabin as she had been told she found Downer there.
“Ah, the lady has joined us. Come, I have something for you to see.” he said and Jack looked at Josette with furious eyes.
“What is it?”
“I don’t know.” Jack said through his teeth.
“Just wait a few moments. I wish to know if this belongs to you or not.” Downer said as he gazed at the door.
Josette looked at Jack who looked back at her while leaning over his desk.
“Ah here we are.” Downer waved a hand towards the door.
Jack and Josette looked towards the entrance expectantly.
Josette watched with a frown as one of Downer’s guards entered the cabin while dragging another person with him. Her eyes widened when she realized who the person was.
“Adele?” Jack frowned as he looked at the tired looking woman in front of him, “What’s this?” he turned dark eyes on Downer who merely shrugged.
“My men were perusing the ship earlier and found her hiding in the hold. No idea who she is or what she’s doing here but I thought you might know her. We’ve been keeping her in the galley.” He smirked.
“Aye, I do. Kindly let her go.” Jack said calmly and Josette watched as he gazed at Adele in a peculiar way.
“Of course. Let the woman go.” Downer waved a hand in dismissal and the guard threw Adele towards Jack who grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to him, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Josette gazed at them as Adele sagged in Jack’s arms and pressed her face into his chest. She felt something twinge inside of her but she tried to fight it off. They could not possibly leave Adele in their clutches when she was with child. She was not that selfish.
“Now enough of this dallying. Set sail, Captain Sparrow. Oh and don’t let the two ladies…distract you much.” Downer smirked and Jack scowled as he gently but firmly pushed Adele away and thrust her towards Josette who held her up.
“I expect you to be gone soon then.” Jack sneered and Downer frowned as if in mock confusion.
“Why, Mr. Sparrow, you don’t expect me to trust you, do you? The guards will remain here while we are following the Pearl. I expect you to honor our agreement. If I see even a small mistake, I will take the girl with me on my ship. Is that understood?” Downer raised an eyebrow and Adele looked at Josette with angry eyes before she pushed away from her.
“Crystal clear, mate. Crystal clear.” Jack said lowly while glaring daggers at the man.
When Downer was gone Jack turned to look at Josette, “Is John alright?”
“Yes.” She replied shortly while shooting gazes at Adele who was standing between them with her arms around herself.
“How did you get in here, Adele?” he asked as he turned his attention to the brown haired woman.
“I sneaked in.” she answered and Josette looked away.
“Why did you come?” Jack asked her in a strained voice.
“I wanted to talk to you.” Adele started as she shot a glance towards Josette. Clearly she didn’t want Josette there.
“I-I’ll be helping in the galley. The men are hungry.” Josette stammered and Jack gazed at her for a long time, as if he wanted to tell her something but she broke the eye contact when she turned around and left.
She stepped out of the cabin and closed the door behind her. She leaned against it momentarily until she heard her name.
“Josh!!! Eh, lass?” Gibbs’ voice came from the helm and she stepped out to look up at him.
“Mr. Gibbs?” she climbed up the stairs to reach him.
“Where’s the Captain?” he asked, “I need him.”
“He’s talking to Adele.” Josette murmured as she gazed at the horizon, the wind clearing up her mind.
“Oh, right.” Gibbs muttered, “What happened to your arm?” he asked with a frown.
“Um…” she shrugged, “Someone didn’t like my answers. But now, I match our Captain.” She said sheepishly, trying to ignore the fact that said Captain was in his cabin with Adele; alone.
“I’m sorry.”
“It will hurt for a while is all.” She shrugged.
“Did you check on John?” he asked her as he turned the helm to starboard.
“I am going now. Then I am going to help with dinner.” She said as she stepped back and smiled at him.
She headed for the men’s quarters with an apple in her hand and smiled as she came to stand next to John’s hammock.
“Brought you this.” She said as she handed him the apple.
“Thanks. Does it hurt?” he asked as he looked at her arm.
“A lot.” She nodded, “Does that hurt?” she looked at his leg.
“Like hell.” He smirked and she chuckled, “I missed you. Are you alright?” he asked her softly as he took a bite from the apple.
“I’m fine.”
“What happened with the Navy? What did they ask in return of our freedom?”
“Hawk.” She replied laconically.
“Hawk?”
“Hmm. His ship belongs to Downer. His supposed fiancee is in there too.”
“He has a fiancee?” John snorted and Josette remembered how at ease she was around him; unlike Jack.
“Yes. And you’ll never guess who we’re after.” She smiled at him and he blinked.
“Who?”
“The daughter of the Duchess of Kent.”
“Woah. Come again?” John sat up excitedly and she laughed.
“Apparently she either eloped with Hawk or he kidnapped her.”
“That’s a lot to take in while having a wounded leg.” He groaned and she nodded.
“Indeed.”
“How did the Captain agree? To hunt Hawk.”
“Simple. Downer offered him the Pearl back.” She whispered and John needed no more explanation.

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By the time night had come Josette was sitting exhausted in the galley, eating from a bowl. Boiled potatoes and some soup was not much but it was better than nothing. Her arm tingled when she moved it and she knew that it was time to change her bandage. She finished up with her food and then headed for the cabin where she could surely find some fresh clothes. When she arrived at the door she hesitated though. Was she supposed to go in?
Her question was answered when the door opened and a wide eyed Jack faced her.
“Bloody hell, lass!” he exclaimed as he tucked his shirt in his freshly changed breeches. Josette tried to think nothing of it but she could see Adele moving in the background.
“Where have you been all day?” he asked her and she stammered out a response.
“Helping around. I need to change my clothes.”
“I figured. Clothes are waiting for you on your mattress.” He said as he stepped aside to let her in.
Josette entered and she came face to face with the hard stare of Adele who was dressed in a clean dress.
Josette froze. She looked at Jack who actually looked guilty. That was supposed to be her dress. The one he had asked her to wear for him that day.
“Eh-…”
“It’ll only take a moment.” She cut him off before she turned and scurried into the side cabin.
She tried to keep her emotions in check as she quickly changed her soiled clothes and washed up a bit. He had even left her a thin bar of soap to clean up with.
Atonement for the news that were to come for certain.
It didn’t take him long to come knocking.
“Love?” he asked quietly and she froze in the process of buttoning up her shirt.
He opened the door and peered inside, “Shall I help you with the bandage?” he asked and she nodded mutely.
He walked in with a fresh cloth and kneeled in front of her. His eyes travelled to the naked patch of skin visible through her half buttoned shirt but when she cleared her throat he focused on the task at hand.
“I can’t possibly throw her off now.” He murmured and she swallowed thickly.
“Of course.”
“I mean, we are in the middle of the sea.”
“Understood.”
“Is it?” he gazed up at her behind thick eyelashes.
“Ouch!” she protested when he pulled a little too hard on the bandage, “Yes, it is.” She added and he looked at her hand.
“And she’s with child so…”
“Jack, why are you telling me this? Are you explaining yourself to me? Were you thinking about this while you were sleeping with her, making babies?” she snapped and he flinched.
“I guess I was not. But you weren’t here.”
“You had thrown me off.”
“I was angry.”
“Well, I am too.” She snatched her arm back as soon as he was finished.
“I didn’t invite her here.”
“Alright.”
“I’ll get you another dress. A better one.” He said and she could sense that he was earnest.
“I don’t care about the dress.” She said quietly before she grabbed her pillow and stood up, “I’ll sleep with John tonight.” She murmured before she walked out.
Adele’s dark gaze followed her out of the cabin.

End of chapter 28

Author’s note: Thank you for reading! Feedback is always welcome! Review and I’ll update soon. Come on, people! Give this poor author some love!!!
If you want to see what Adele looks like go to my FB page. :D

Xxx Lina :)