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An Eye for a Bargain	By : Nimue Category: Pirates of the Caribbean (All) > General Views: 6089 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Title: An Eye for a Bargain 10/?

Genre: Action/Romance

Pairing: J/OC, W/E, N/OC

Rating: R/NC-17

Disclaimer: I own nothing. I am serious. Even this machine is a rental. Pirates of the Caribbean, all its characters/places/things belongs to Disney. I take no credit for the recognizable. I make no profit from this. Yes, I’m using song lyrics again. The one line in the last scene comes from Sarah McLachlan’s “Time,” taken from her new album, Afterglow. Now everyone rush out and buy it.
Summary: A romance of sorts for Jack Sparrow.
Notes: Italicized words denote thoughts.

Important for the Commodore fans: I KNOW Norrington’s first name is James, but I already established him as Theodore in the first few chapters, so to compromise, he’ll be Theodore James Norrington. Don’t kill me, just try and remember that I’m already in canon hell for fucking with his character in the first place;)

Comments: Thanks once again goes to the mighty Quinn for keeping me inspired.

~*~*~*~

“And it is on this day, in the year of our Lord, 1724, that I pronounce the union between your two houses to be secured through the bonds of marriage. May God bless your union with plentiful fruit and much joy.” Slowly, the blushing bride turned to face her husband, who quickly captured her lips in a tender kiss, the first to mark their union as husband and wife. The groom, standing tall and proud, offered his arm to his new wife, and together, the two traveled forth to the greeting and well wishes of their loved ones.

Drawing her from the depths of her sweet slumber was a harsh, rough sound. It faded in and out with her rapidly changing state of consciousness, grating her weakened nerves with its severity. Harsh sunlight pierced through the fog of her slumber, fully awakening both Abiageal and her dormant headache. Groaning, she blinked rapidly to restore sight to her sleep filled eyes. She glanced about the cabin, trying to assemble her surroundings, and make use of her tortured mind. Looking for the source of her rude awakening, she wasn’t surprised to discover it to be her husband. She was however, concerned with the method of his doing so.
Captain Jack Sparrow was knelt at the head of his desk, doubled over in a fit of coughing, struggling for his breath in the manner of a drowning man. Concerned, Abby made to sit up, but found herself tangled within the bedclothes and unable to move. “Are you alright Jack?” She askede ree received no oral response, but when he seated himself in his chair a moment later, he seemed in good health. T’was odd, as he’d seemed in perfect health the last two mornings. Must be a result of too much drink. She was slightly relieved that he hadn’t heard her inquiry, and lay back down, feigning sleep. She watched him through half-shut eyes, as he ss his his desk with the appearance of what looked to be working. Jack works? Indeed, he was poring over various documents, his attention completely focused on the task before him. In contrast with the sight he’d made last night, the vision before her was almost comical.

She stifled the giggle before it issued from her lips, and slowly began re-adjusting her position in the lumpy bunk. Her attempt to avoid drawing attention to herself however, was in vain, as said miserable bunk gave a loud “creak” with her miniscule movement, alerting Sparrow to her restored state of consciousness. “It’s about time you awoke, luv. Tis almost midday.” There was a hint of a scratch in his voice, no doubt the leftovers from his coughing fit. “How’s your head this morning, darling?” She glanced up suspiciously at his inquiry, unsure as to how he’d come to know of her condition. He’s being far too nice this morning.

“Don’t address me as such! I am by no means your darling. And while I can’t see how it’s any concern of yours, my head feels quite fine.” She winced even as she said it, her temples throbbing dangerously. When was the last time you ate, Abby?

Jack sat back in his chair, his brows scrunching together in a pout. “I was worried about you. That was quite the tumble you took last night. I wasn’t sure you’d ever wake up.”

Tumble? What the devil is he talking about? She was fairly certain the Captain had been too into his cups last night, and proceeded to tell him as much. Jack took a defensive stance in his chair, smiling widely. “I didn’t drink too much, how could one ever drink too much? Provided O’course, that the situation be appropriate.”

Ignoring the comment, Abby steered the conversation back to the night’s events. “I still don’t understand what you’re talking about, Captain. What tumble? That last thing I remember was you getting the idea in your head that you deserved what is normally an activity reserved for the, ah, closest of people, and then I must have fallen asleep.” She paled at her revelation. Oh dear, did he have his way with you, and you simply blacked out? Tumble? “What happened last night, Captain?”

Jack threw his head back and laughed, the charms and beads strung in his hair clinking musically as he did so. She was disturbed to note the wheeze in his breath while he laughed, but the thought was lost when he returned his gaze to her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Nay, lass. Relax. Ol’ Jack may be a dog, but if I’m to have ye, I’ll have ye with yer consent, savvy? I’ll not take ye unless yer begging me for it.”

Abby nodded weakly, her cheeks scorched crimson at the very idea. “That will never happen, Captain Sparrow.”

“Never say never, luv.” He winked, returning to the parchment in his hands.

“What the devil happened then? If not my rape?” She all but screamed in frustration.

Sighing, he made to re-assure her, his voice gentle. “You scrambled away from me when I tried to kiss ya. Took a mean ol’ tumble off the bunk, and smacked yer head,” he slapped his hand loudly on thble ble for effect, “somethin’ fierce on the floor. Out like a light. I put ye to bed and made myself scarce this morning. Lady Luck however, seems I’m not in her best graces today, as when I returned to my administrative duties, you were still abed. Forgive me luv, but even Captain Jack Sparrow knows better than to risk the wrath O’ his lady.” He smiled as he said the last bit, a smug grin marking his weathered face. “Ye sure made a funny sight though, tumbling head o’er heels onto the floor. Very graceful.”

She tensed somewhat at his referring to her as a possession, but her cheeks colored with embarrassment at his teasing. She’d never been the most graceful of women. Having a pirate of all people point that out to her was less than amusing. It damned well hurt her pride. “Fear not Captain, this lady’s wrath has abated somewhat.” She sighed, looking upon her disheveled self, and once again noticing her horrid state of dress. The garments condition, if it were possible, had lessened somewhat during the night, to a point where she wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing it before a dressing maid, much less any man. “Captain?”

Jack looked up from his work distractedly. “Eh?”

“I don’t suppose you have some suitable clothing for me in your possession?” She hated having to ask anything of him, but she certainly couldn’t parade around in her current condition.

“Aye, give me but a moment.” Nodding distractedly, he retrieved a writing instrument from his drawer, and quickly made some notes on the parchment that had captured his interest. Abiageal barely registered that he was actually writing before tucking the thought away for further analysis later. With a flourish, Jack rose from his seat and swaggered over to the bureau on the far side of the room. “We don’t keep much in the way of ladies swag onboard.” He explained as he withdrew a worn pair of trousers, tunic, and vest. ‘These however, should do the trick until I can provide you with more suitable garments.”
Abby raised a brow at the pro-ofd itd items, but took them without question. Not appropriate perhaps, but certainly better than nothing. “I’ll be at the helm. Ye get yerself dressed, and I’ll be by later with some means of keeping ye amused.”

“I’m still not to leave these quarters then?” Abby made to protest, but the pirate cut her off.

“Nay, lass. I don’t need ye attracting unwanted attention.” His tone was firm, the gentleness she’d awoken to gone from his person.

She sighed. “Understood.”

Nodding his approval, he made to leave, but not before taking up the contents of his desk and locking them away in the cabinet. Obviously, the devil had something to hide. Just as he reached the casement, his knees buckled, and a new fit of coughing took over, shaking his frame violently. “Jack, are you not well?” She made as to help him sit, but he pulled away.

“I’ll be fine. Just too much time spent on land. Give me’ a few days on the Pearl, an’ I’ll be right as rain.”

A frown creased her brow, but she let him go. Despite his ill treatment of her, she wasn’t one to condone the suffering of others. Well, unless of course, his suffering came by her hand, but that was another matter. She made a solemn vow to herself, as she changed from her soiled clothes, to discover what secrets her husband was hiding.

Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?

“I s’pose so..”

~*~*~*~

“Jack, I mean no disrespect, but ye got some explainin’ ta be doin’.”

Sparrow, one hand caressing The Pearl’s wheel, the other adjusting his sash, merely glared at his first mate in defiance. “I’m the captain of this vessel, eh mate? Therefore, I’ll be doin’ no explaining unless I see fit, savvy?”

Gibbs put his foot down, folding his arms across his chest, and just begging said “Captain” to further ignore his request. He was pleased when Annamaria came to stand beside him, looking just as interested in what Jack had to say. “No Cap’n, t’aint, savvy. Ye see, I wants to know what ye think yer doin’ bringin’ any ol’ strumpet aboard the ship. Ye know as well’s I do that women, no fence’ to you ‘Maria,” he nodded towards the woman in question, “is bad luck on board. And not just in a mythical sense either. With a woman on board, God only knows what sort’a ideas yer crew are bound ta git, Jack. Ye know as well as I that it be against the code.” Jack nodded, but said nothing. “Fer Christ sake Jack, why’d ye marry the girl? Why?”

Still, the Captain held his tongue.

Shaking his head in defeat, Gibbs trotted off in search of something to do. T’was obvious the answers would not be coming anytime soon. Annamaria held her ground, searching jack’s eyes for some hint of the truth, but found only the mask he often wore in such circumstances. She shook her head warily and moved away to her post. Jack sighed and turned his attention to the horizon, his eyes un-focusing as his mind traveled away…

~*~*~*~

“I don’t suppose you know anything about this?” NorrNorrington glanced over at the enraged Lawrence Montgomery, and closed his eyes in frustration. “Sir, would it not be logical to say that had I known of the pirates intentions, I may have taken actions to prevent this from happening in the first place?”

Montgomery said nothing, so great was his pain. “What are we going to do about this, Commodore? Surely you must have some plan of action?” The Commodore’s face was grim. In short, he didn’t know what to do. Sparrow had come and gone before, and he certainly hadn’t allowed himself to be captured easily. Or had he?
“There may be some means of tracking him down sir. I just need to reach a few contacts of mine.”

“What kind of contacts are these, Commodore? They’re reliable of course? How long will it take to reach them/ god only knows what that scoundrel has done to my daughter.”

Yes, god only knew indeed. Norrington’s thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a guard troop, escorting what appeared to be a priest. The man was white as a ghost, and appeared to be carrying official documents of some sort. “How can we help you sir?” Norrington inquired.

“I’m afraid he’s got some bad news, Commodore.”

~*~*~*~

“Married? Lawrence, you can’t be serious? What would a pirate be doing marrying our daughter, and how can that be legal? She surely didn’t give her consent?” Laura was on the verge of hysteria, and only settled into a nearby chair when all but forced into it br sor son in law.

“I’m afraid it’s true. The Commodore has the papers now. They’re perfectly binding and legal, though at least a decade old.”

“Surely there must have been some mistake? Why would Jack Sparrow take Abiageal as his wife? The idea is ridiculous.” Cate interrupted, soothing her mothers back with tired hands. The room sat in silence before the crushed sobs of Laura broke the moment.

“He’s taken my baby. She’s of no good to anyone now. What man would have her, after she’d been in the custody of a pirate?” While she had been the first to voice this truth, all had had it on their minds. “What did Norrington say, Lawrence? Will he search for her?”

Pursing his lips, her husband delivered the blow. “He’s not certain if Sparrow will ever be found, but is making attempts to contact those that managed his capture the first time. Unfortunately, he didn’t appear too eager to resume any discussion about our marriage arrangement.”

“Do you blame the man, darling?” Laura hissed bitterly.

“Come mother, be fair.” Soothed Cate. “Do you think, father, that it’s possible Captain Sparrow knew of Abby’s marriage arrangement with the Commodore?”

“I don’t see how. Not unless Norrington had told him himself. No one knew, the announcement was set to take place after Sparrow’s execution, but was thrown aside after his escape.”

“But is may have been a possibility? It’s the only reason I can think of. Jack Sparrow married Abiageal in an attempt to ensure that the Commodore never could. They are old enemies, aren’t they? It seems the only logical course.”

“Logical? Jack Sparrow by no means operates in terms of logic, darling. But it may be a clue. For now, let’s drop the focus on the why and concentrate on returning Abby safe and sound. I know I won’t rest until she’s safe at home.”

~*~*~*~

It was almost midnight when the knock sounded at their door, drawing the Turner’s from their bed. “Good Lord, Will, who could be calling at this hour?” Elizabeth asked angrily, drawing her robe on with haste, even as her husband pulled dup his trousers. Picking a loose shirt from the floor, he moved to the chamber door.

“I honestly have no idea. Stay here, darling. I promise I’ll call for you. Put something on in the meantime.”

She nodded reluctantly, but turned to the wardrobe for wares. She had to admit to herself that she was slightly miffed at the interruption. She and Will rarely made love anymore, what with his spending so much time in the workshop to fill the high volume of orders. Tonight had been the one night he’d set aside specially for her, and it had been wonderful. Yet they’d barely had a moment to bask in the Afterglow of their passion before the interruption. Whoever was so bold to knock on their door at this time of night had better be worth it. Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she left the room, stalking downstairs angrily. Her glare softened when she entered the parlor, and turned to outright shock when she discovered Commodore Norrington, looking slightly distressed, seated with Will and rambling on about pirates. “He took her, Turner. He took her, but he wasn’t satisfied with merely kidnapping her away from me. No, the bastard had to go and dishonor by rite of marriage.”

“Hold on Theodore, what are you saying?” Elizabeth interrupted. “Are you saying that Jack married Abby? You know the idea itself is ridiculous! Jack Sparrow would never do such a thing. The only way Jack would ever get married was if he could wed his damn boat!”

Norrington shook his head sadly. “Nay, Elizabeth, I speak the truth.” He removed the papers from his coat, handing them to Will with shaking hands.

“Bloody he Wil Will whispered in alarm. “That bastard’s gone and done it this time.”

“Why would he do such a thing, Will?” She shrieked, bewildered at Jack’s wild behavior.

“Only Jack knows, darling. I can’t even explain it myself.” Will’s eyes were widened in disbelief, and he had to sit himself as this new piece of information was digested. “What the hell are you thinking, Jack?” He muttered softly to himself.

“Abiageal and I were going to be married.” Norrington revealed. “We were going tke tke the announcement after Sparrow’s execution, but it never came to pass. Perhaps she resented me for tarnishing what should have been a happy occasion and ran away with him willingly?”

“I doubt that,” Will replied. “She seemed quite terrified of him when I found her on the beach.”

“Abiageal McLeod is a lady. I have no reason to believe Sparrow’s abduction of her was anything but that: and abduction.” Norrington swallowed before continuing. It was obvious this conversation was making him uncomfortable. “The point is, yet again, my betrothed has been lost to me. Mr. Turner, while I mean no ill toward you or your wife, I’m finding it considerably difficult to do my duty of late. My recent promotion to my current station has thrown into sharp relief that which I haven’t yet achieved; I want to be married, I desire a family. In short, I want what you have Turner, but it seems I’m not meant for such things, now does it?”

“Commodore, please don’t talk like that. You’re a fine man, and are destined for great things.” He looked at Elizabeth warily, as though he had no reason to trust her, much as he wanted to.

“Forgive me for rousing you from your bed at this late hour. I’ve taken too much of your time as it is. I merely came here seeking insight as to why Sparrow would have done this. Yet, I can see you know about as much as any of us does. I offer my apologies. Allow me to take my leave.” He stood and rushed to the door, eager for solitude. “Please, if you think of anything, keep me informed.”
He pushed the door open before they could protest, and stepped into the blackened streets.

“Oh God Will, what has Jack done? I don’t understand it.” She moved into her husband’s arms, seeking solace in the warmth of his embrace.

Tenderly, he kissed her brow. “I wish I knew, Liz. But you know how Jack is, he only ever does something if there is a personal benefit to be gained.”

“What’s so special about Abiageal McLeod? There must be more to this than meets the eye. It just doesn’t make any sense!”

“Come to bed, luv. Perhaps things will look clearer in the morning.”

~*~*~*~

He stumbled in the dark, his thoughts fragmented and unclear. The streets were hazy, unsafe in the limited light cast by the moon. He planned to look into lighting as soon as the opportunity arose. He could not help the bitter anger than arose in his heart, here in the silence of the night, were there were none to see the shadow that fell over his features. For too long, he’d done his duty, been satisfied with the glory that a job done right could provide. He felt a weariness creeping over his heart, over his soul. He felt alone. For so many years he’d lived behind an iron mask, built a wall around his person as a means of protection from the outside world.

Why is it that I am so alone? Because you choose to serve others before serving yourself, you fool.

There had been so much to gain by a marriage to Abiageal. The stability he’d been lacking emotionally of late would have been provided. She would have born him children, securing airs for their combined fortunes. Her money had helped to decide that she was the right woman for him, just as Elizabeth’s had before her. It was no secret that he desired a bride of good blood, rearing and family wealth. A man of his stature deserved no less, and it wasn’t as though he’d had much of an opportunity to marry for love.

Love? Folly is that thing called love. I certainly don’t need it to be happy, do I? Of course I don’t.

The truth of it was, Sparrow had had him again. He was always one step ahead, bastard that he was. Norrington smiled. “Jack, Jack, Jack. Jack Sparrow. What the devil am I going to do with you?” His smile turned into a smirk as a plan formed in his head. While he didn’t hate Jack, the pirate had now stepped beyond the point of being a nuisance. Something had to be done about him, and this time, done right.

~*~*~*~

“Strike three, mate. You’re out….”

She was waiting for him to go to her, let her know what she was to be d onb onboard his ship. Truth be told, he had no bloody idea what to do with her. All he knew, was that he wanted her away from the rest of the crew, at least until things were settled, and they had it firm in their heads exactly who she belonged to.
Being she belongs to you, right Jack?

Yes of course.

Handing the helm to Annamaria, he quickly made his way to his cabin door, standing outside, debating with himself whether or not to go in. It wasn’t that he was afraid, nay. He was lost. What the hell does one do with a woman onboard their ship, besides bed her? This one didn’t look like she was going to be bedded anytime soon, at least by him. He listened carefully, shocked to hear her singing within:

“To have me, to hold me, a token for all the see, captured to be yours alone.”

Well the, perhaps there was hope after all. Was she taking to her place sooner than expected? He’d best go in and check. He noted mildly that he liked her voice. She did sing a great deal, now that he thought about it. Perhaps that voice of hers could be put to good use. He pushed the door open, shutting it behind him just as quickly. “So good to see you back, Captain. I was about ready to pull my hair out.”

He smiled one of those warm smiles. The type that made her knees weak, despite her reservations about his character. Raising an eyebrow, he surveyed his cabin. “Bloody hell, you cleaned the place up.”

“That I did.” She stood, crossing her arms over her chest in defiance. “You honestly didn’t expect me to sit in here all day doing nothing?”

Jack shook his head. “Nay, luv. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I certainly didn’t expect…..” He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, one that he couldn’t quell. It had happened all afternoon, but while manning the wheel, at least he’d had something to hold onto until it passed. He felt something ill rise from his chest, barreling through his throat and begging for release. When it tore from his lips, it sounded more atrocious than it felt, though it still felt awful. Captain jack Sparrow sank to his knees in defeat, struggling for breath, even as the last wave of his previous pneumonia took hold of his body. Too much exertion in too few days after his mild recovery, and the illness had come back full force. Nothing he could have done would have prevented it. He choked and coughed, gasping for air on the cabin floor, silently begging for her assistance. You’re a goddamn fool, Jack. This woman has no reason to help you, not after what you’ve done to her.

“Jack!” Abby flew to his side, anxiousness building in her as she helped him to his bed. “Someone help!” She called, frantically begging for someone to hear. “Your Captain is sick!”

“I need to rest, luv.” Came the weak response from the bed. He wheezed between words. “I’ll be fine, just need to sleep.”

‘Sleep then, Captain. Sleep.” She tired not to think about how afraid she’d been, seeing him sink to his knees before her. She tried not to think about how dependant she’d become on him, even in such little time. Most of all, she tried not to think about what losing him would entail. It was simply not something she wanted to consider.

Wilt thou love him, obey him, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

“I will.”

~*~*~*~

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An Eye for a Bargain