Setting Sail

[bringmethatnpc]

The ragged sail still manages to snap briskly in the wind, and leaky or not, the dinghy isn't taking on water fast enough for it to be an issue.

Humming softly to himself, Jack leans against the stern and pulls out the stolen map. He spreads it flat on the seat in front of him and carefully turns the middle ring, looking down at the new words and shapes formed by sinuous lines and curves.

(Agua de Vida)

The corners of his lips turn up in a smile. Jack pulls out his compass and checks it-- then takes a drink of rum and checks a second time.

As the needle settles and points the new heading, he pulls a line, tacking with the wind, then settles back comfortably.


It's been a long while since he's been this uncomplicatedly content.

Happy, even.

Comments

[pirate_jack]

"I know that laugh."

Even with the sudden flicker of wariness in the black eyes, he can't help the wickedly delighted, half-enchanted grin that appears.

"Hello, luv."

It's directed into the air, half toward the wind and half to the dancing waves just beyond the nearest railing.

[touch-destiny.livejournal.com]

"Ye know me."

Her voice is as slow and wicked and molasses-sweet as it ever was, or is, or will be, and it whispers into his ear like a secret that comes from all around him: one that's between just Jack and the boundless blue sea. "My magpie. Gwine off for more treasure, hm?"

The breeze coils around him like playful arms, and the wavelets nudge his dinghy from side to side, rocking it gently.

[pirate_jack]

"Always did, when you come right down to it," Jack agrees.

(first and only)

He keeps his balance easily, swaying from side to side with the boat's shifting motion.

"Aye, and a very special treasure this time."

Again.

[touch-destiny.livejournal.com]

"Hm?" Curiosity is clear and hungry in the voice. "Someting precious? A hidden secret, maybe, some trinkets fit for a Pirate Lord, ay?"

The boat rocks suddenly further to one side, but that is hardly surprising given the weight that has appeared, sitting demure and intent on the little dinghy's starboard seat, and smiling fondly at Jack as though he were a naughty little boy. Her voice teases as lightly as that breeze that plays with the tattered black flag atop the mast.

"Ye've misplaced your Pearl, Jack Sparrow. Are ye in need of bartering for her again?"

[pirate_jack]

He lets out a startled yelp and snatches at the map lying spread out on the wooden brace before them as the dinghy's sudden movement threatens to send it flying from its precarious rest.

With one hand flattened securely against the brightly-colored bamboo circles, Jack tosses her a quick grin.

"All manner of mischief, you are." A beat. "She's not lost! Only happens as she's been temporarily stolen for the time being."

[touch-destiny.livejournal.com]

Her eyebrows lift, and in the water a school of bright fish flash by in a sudden gleam of silver.

"Stolen from the thief himself," she scolds. "An ye're no better."

Her eyes fall on the map with interest, and she reaches forward, imperiously lifting Jack's hand so she can see the map beneath, and it is either what she sees or the sudden splash that is a leaping dolphin nearby that makes her suck in a breath and then laugh, throwing her head back and giving herself up to the sound.

"Ah, magpie," she says when she has breath again, and the little boat leaps forward, "still searching for such a prize?"

[pirate_jack]

"And why not?" Jack counters, still grinning-- but with something far-off and wistful in his eyes.

"The immortal Captain Jack Sparrow. I like the sound of that."

[touch-destiny.livejournal.com]

"An' what will ye do with it, hm?" She curves an eyebrow at him, and then leans over the side to run her hands through the water.

"Ye had the chance to take eternity. Ye'd rather steal it instead, ay? Sail the seas forever?"

[pirate_jack]

"Could have, aye."

There's a wry twist to his smile now, as he watches her.

"But if I'd stabbed the heart meself, luv, where would young William be now?"

[touch-destiny.livejournal.com]

She smiles, swift and sharp.

"In your care."

[pirate_jack]

He shrugs, a little uncomfortably, and looks out over the water.

"He's a good man, is William. Much like his father."

[touch-destiny.livejournal.com]

"Hmmm. An' a better choice to Captain the Dutchman, ay? True to his word an' his duty, young William."

She looks out over the horizon, with a little fond smile, her expression softening from its fierce, free delight.

[pirate_jack]

"Aye, there's no doubt of that."

Jack slants a glance at her.

"The lad always was a determined sort. He's done what's right by his father, and he'll do what's right by you, luv."

[touch-destiny.livejournal.com]

A sweet sort of ache flits across her face, and she nods, smiling to herself, her attention for the moment cast across miles of unrestricted ocean, listening as though to a far-off voice.

(if only you'll bring him back)

"Much better Captain," she repeats, and laughs before leaning over to caress Jack's face, trailing fingertips down to his chin. "An' leaving you free to wander where you will, magpie. With me, again."

[pirate_jack]

"With you, that's right."

He doesn't pull away, and in this moment Jack Sparrow's sudden smile is almost heartbreakingly sweet.

"Always said me first and only love was the sea."

[touch-destiny.livejournal.com]

"Ay," she sighs, and smiles, and leans forward so he can taste the salt breeze on his mouth in a kiss that's fierce and sweet and possessive. Her hand traces along his jaw, and then it's only the wild sea wind that toys with heavy twists of black hair, and Jack is alone with naught but the rolling waves and the glittering fish...and a stretch of blue-green water that leads straight to the horizon like a pathway.


I must go down to the seas again O my laughing fellow rover

The current is swift and easy to follow, while around the little boat waves cap white and green, and Someone keeps easy speed alongside him.

Yo, ho, haul together,
hoist the colors high
The seas be ours
and by the powers
where we will we'll roam.