tampered | Log:Complete

When; Evening of the 22nd
Rating; PG?
Characters; Jack Sparrow (

10thdiv_haineko)
Summary; Jack made the plans to talk with Ran a few days ago. Since then, what he plans to say has changed a good deal. He's not even fully sure what to say anymore. Still, she deserves to know things.
Log;

Unqualified as he feels to be in this position, Jack has somehow become the voice of reason for Sheldon Sands. To that end, it falls to the pirate to explain what Sands can't or won't. The problem with choosing to see a person as your own blood when they are not, is that you don't know them as well as a real relation. You don't know what they're capable of or how they think until they see fit to show you. By the time Jack came to see how different he and Sheldon really are, he had already come to feel some amount of responsibility for the man. Maybe it's just that they share the same face. Whatever it is, it puts Jack here.

'Here' is standing on the deck of his ship, waiting for Rangiku and a conversation he isn't sure how to have.

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The amused smile that's been gracing her expression most of the day slides away as she realizes why she's been called. It's irritating, yes, but not entirely unexpected when she thinks about it. Her lips flatten as she stares at Jack in silence for several seconds. Fianlly, she shakes her head and looks down.

"So he put you up to this... I'm not shocked at all, really. My main issue is his willingness to lie and hurt people that don't need it. He thinks to question me about things he doesn't have the right to ask, but he won't answer the same questions when I ask them."

Her gaze rises to rest on Jack, face even.

"I know that life, nor death, is fair, but I've already dealt with one man that was more than willing to deceive and hurt me and mine for his own selfish gains. I look at Sands and I see my past. Perhaps I'm just a glutton for punishment, or maybe I'm just trying to correct my own mistakes."

"I was far from surprised by the request, myself." He strikes a match and lights the carefully rolled fag, letting the smoke curl slowly from his lungs after the first drag. "Though it does give me further cause to question his judgement."

Jack sighs and and meets Ran's gaze, not letting his eyes waver or drift anywhere more suggestive.
"He only asks you those things to put you on edge -where you no doubt have him, by no fault of your own- and to keep you from having clear enough thought to question him in return. The fool hasn't the faintest clue of what to do with you, Ran, but I think he's clear enough on knowing he wants you. That's quite a leap, given his struggle so far. ... Still, lost as he is, I think that makes the more important question: What do you want? ... As you said...you've been through this before. And Sands... he's only going to get worse, luv. I can tell you that."

Jack shakes his head and pushes from the rail to stand up properly in front of Ran.
"He's been through a great deal -more than just the scars tell of, I'll wager- and it would be foolish to think it's not had its toll on him. ... I think the lad may be losing his mind, Ran. I'll not say you have any responsibility to him, nor shall I tell you to leave. You're a grown woman and more than capable of your own decisions. I just think it's best you know, he's not simply playing games or, so far as he is, they may not be of his own intentional design. Savvy?"

"So...what is it you want? And how badly do you want it? Because I don't know just how long either of you can survive the other's indecision."

Her arms end up crossed over her chest as she scowls down at her feet, suddenly unable to look Jack in the eyes. "Everything about him puts me on edge. He might be blind, but he sees through me far too easily, just like Gin did... He's so much like him in so many ways, and that is my weakness."

A sandaled foot scuffs at the deck as she tries to re-order her thoughts. "I've seen so much in my time, Jack. I've seen countries fall and been there to take their souls. I failed with Gin. I wasn't able to save him from himself or from Aizen. No, instead I lay myself at the feet of one of the greatest traitors in Seireitei and prayed that the rumors were wrong... I don't want to fail again."

Long fingers moved to stroke Haineko's tsuba, taking comfort in the surge of warmth from her silent companion.

"I promised him I'd protect him, and that I'd take his soul if and when the time comes. I'll stay by his side until that time, or until we're free of this misbegotten madhouse."

At least the shinigami is sure of where she stands to some degree. Someone should be. Jack is usually very sure of himself. It's his job to set others off their footing to improve his own advantage. Somehow, though, this City and Sands have left him at a loss.

"If you arere so dedicated as you say, than Sands is a remarkably lucky man. I believe he truly does care for you -as best as he is capable, perhaps- and that is why I keep my distance. Not because the man threatens me, but because of what drives him to make such threats."

Jack looks Ran over, taking in her shape in the most respectful way a man can make obvious his appreciation for a woman's body.
"You're a beautiful woman, Ran. And far more than just a fine thing to look upon. But I can appreciate that fact and satisfy my more carnal desires elsewhere if it means less complications to my life and yours. Savvy? You wanted to know. And so there you have it. I'll not be one more you have to suffer refusing to answer your questions."

"If it's your wish to be there for Sheldon and to save him from himself, then by all means. But do be careful, luv."

Jack lowers his eyes and takes a long drag from his cigarette before returning to using that glowing cherry to visually punctuate his speech. "I was a fool to think he and I were alike simply due to our resemblance. ... He's dangerous, Ran. Not to say I am not, but me I understand. That one's gone round the bend. ... Help him if you can. But don't let him drag you down with him, eh?"

She waves a hand negligently. "He cares about himself more than anything or anyone else. Yet another trait he shares with my former lover." Her attention is caught by the once over Jack gives her, and as usual, her lips curl into a wicked smile, knowing she has his attention, if for but a moment. She takes a step towards him, then another, until she's right in front of him, still grinning that wicked little grin.

"I like dangerous men, but I won't let another one almost destroy me. If he becomes too dangerous... I might have to fulfil my promise early."

The hand that was still stroking Haineko rose to trace over Jack's cheek for a brief instant before dropping to rest by her side. "What a shame... I would've liked a romp with you, but I understand why it's not a good idea."

Jack matches Ran's grin as she moves close, that wicked edge only softening when she runs her fingers over his cheek. Such a pity that Sands has every chance with such a woman and fails to take the opportunity.

"Mmmm... You've no idea the depth of my regret, luv. Still... it would seem my twin and I do have some things in common. I never could resist a strong woman." He brings his hand up to cover the back of hers, keeping it near his face so he may turn and kiss her fingers. "I've every faith that you can handle yourself with him. You are the stronger here, by far. Don't let him fool you to believing otherwise."

Ran laughs softly, the grin dimming down to an honest smile, one that few people see much of anymore. She moves away a little, looking off to one side suddenly, before she laughs again and glances back to Jack.

"That's the thing, Jack. Real strength is being able to admit to weakness... and I know I'm not as strong as most might think, but that's alright."

With a wink, she steps back even further and bows low at the waist; a sign of trust and respect from one that doesn't give either easily.

"I'm sure you grow tired of my company, good sir."

"Sometimes, it's what others will believe that matters. Just know what to believe yourself, and know what's true. You'll be a step ahead every time."

Jack takes his hat from his head and holds it to his chest as he returns her bow.

"You are not so easy to tire of, Ran. I've my own matters to worry over, though, it's true."

She can see why so many women are charmed by this man. With a wink, she waves and turns to leave, but pauses a moment, looking over her shoulder.

"If you happen to talk to Sands before I do, tell him I'll see him tomorrow sometimes. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm still tired from all my activity the last few days."

Another smile and she vanishes into the night air.

Log:Complete

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