Log:Ongoing

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

When; Evening of the 27th
Rating; PG13
Characters; Jack Sparrow and Agent Sands
Summary; Jack doesn't want to speak to Sands again. He certainly isn't ready for it. But Sands has called him out and so Jack agrees to talk with the man.
Log;
There's no way around it, though. Ignoring Sands would only make things a thousand times worse. Who knows how the man would choose to lash out over it? Jack would much rather be there to gage everything. And so, he pulls on his coat and trudges through the melting snow up the dock to the door of apartment thirteen. Quite a lot of weather to endure to go next door.

He's wet, cold, and wearing his anger and impatience clearly when he finally knocks at Sands' door. As he knocks, his free hand stays on his gun, ready to draw on his twin if need be.

Comments

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

Sands has no intention of hurting, molesting, or killing Jack Sparrow. He wants to keep him close and that means bearing down and saying whatever needs to be said to fix this. In his defense he does start out with the truth.

Sheldon opens the door then holds his hands up to show Jack he's unarmed. His gun holsters are off. Though he has a small gun it's out of sight and only in case the pirate tries to kill him.
"Come in."

He picks up a heavy pea coat from his couch, offering it to Jack.
"I had no idea you would be so upset. I never would have done it if that was the case. I'll clear it with you before grabbing anyone else for Jones' crew and I deeply apologize for what I said and did."
He comes closer to the pirate still holding the coat until that's all between them. Then he starts to layer the truth with lies he thinks will help him. Under the blindfold he's showing every emotion very clearly. Regret, sadness, wanting- trained to not show any he has to choose very carefully what comes through.
"I thought we would deliver a few bodies and go back to the circus to have some fun. I've been thinking about that night a lot. It felt good to have you close like that. It felt right. Don't you forgive me, Sparrow? Don't you like me anymore?"

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

Jack almost laughs when Sands demonstrates his lack of weapons. He'd trusted him to be unarmed really, he just felt foolish for that trust now. Which is exactly how he knows there's a weapon on the man somewhere. Sheldon's far too smart to be wholly unarmed. Still..Jack relaxes.

He steps inside and then he has Sands pressed against him. Jan had said Sands offered himself over to get what he wanted and so Jack knows what the man is capable of. Still, The blindfold is so much nicer than the sunglasses. How often has Jack tied a blindfold on a lover? ... No.. That's not a thing to think about now.
"How could she have struck you as a wise choice? What did you mean by...by balance?" The word has been echoing in his mind. She needed balancing? "Something about condemning an innocent child has a way of ruining my mood, luv. So sorry." He wishes he didn't like Sands anymore. He hates him for what he's done. But he still likes the bastard. And so Jack pushes him away.

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

Sands was listening for sounds of Jack arming himself so he's taken by surprise with the pushing. He stumbles back a few steps as he arranges his very best 'I'm sorry I just tinkled on the carpet' face.
"She was easy to get and useless to Jones." He shrugs wondering how he's going to explain the balance thing. He loves talking about it but it's always been on his terms. He feels put on the spot now.
"You're a pirate. I truly didn't think rape and pillage would be a great lifestyle but taking children is just crossing the line. I didn't know."

"Jack, please forgive me. You're all I have here. Jan wouldn't spit on my nose if my face was on fire at this point. Raphael is gone. Norrington is gone. Ran is a girl...
You were the first one that found me here and I don't want to find out how life works out without you. I can't talk to anyone else. I don't have as much fun with anyone else.
And...
You're the only one I trust to touch me at all. I'm always aware of being slightly disappointing to Ran. That I can't give her what we both want. You get high and lay in my lap and everything is fine as if we really were twins. I can't deal with this place without that. I will never force you into that kind of thing again. I'll swear whatever oath you need."
He holds the coat to his chest worried. He needs Jack for more reasons then he's admitting to. Jack is kind of key in his war plan and he just knows looking like the bastard will come in handy one day. Also he needs to find out what happened to mommy.

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

"My vocation, indeed, would suggest a man rather lacking in morals, but as an agent of your nation's government, should yours not be just a shade higher?"
Mentioning that he doesn't commonly rape, at least not in the strictest sense, would be a rather moot point, so Jack keeps it to himself. He also realizes that a position of upholding the law, does not come with a requirement of strong moral character. He scowls as he leans against the arm of the couch to listen to Sands continue.

The bastard is annoyingly good, and honestly has Sparrow considering that he may be sincere. It's the simplest trick...he's just being told what he wants to hear, but he does so want to believe it. Certainly, Sheldon is mad and quite clearly not to be fully trusted. However, it seems possible that Jack could be his only true friend in this place. Surely, aside from those from his own world, Jack has grown closest to Sands. They are alike enough not to offend each other's sensibilities (or so it had seemed), yet different enough to keep the other interested.

"When I deal in tangible, unquestionable wrongs, mate, I need to know exactly what it is I'm stepping into before the game's got too far. Savvy? Play me for a pawn and make a move in my name without my knowledge again, and I'll have your head mounted from the bowsprit before you so much as know you've soured my mood." Jack's tone does not suggest that this is simply an idle threat. He has been betrayed too many times to let any man wrong him twice. He lets his words hang in the air a moment, hands readied over his weapons, should there me argument.
A voice -which may be something like 'reason', but that is a thing long warped in Jack's mind- screams out to be heard; to be heeded. The best course of action is to deny offers of friendship or favour and return to his ship. The Captain is more than aware of this. But that isn't what he wants to be the answer.

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

Sands needs and likes Jack. This is as sincere as he gets when he's trying to manipulate them. Jack's comment about his career and morals sends him tittering. He cuts himself off quickly but damn that was a trip coming from Jack.

He's not sure at all what a 'bowsprit' is but understands Jack will kill him and not warn him first. He fights to keep his face blank though he wants to spit. That got home to him. Not insisting anymore that he had no idea Jack would be upset about his plan (which is true) he nods and agrees.
Holding out the coat to Jack again his face is placed back in the pitiful and sorry mask. He's pissed as hell at the threats but he's won so he does nothing.
"I apologize. Please forgive me, Jack. I have opium for you as well."
He doesn't care that his attitude is odd. He's rolling over like a dog and expecting Jack to see that.

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

The kicked puppy act from Sands is about as natural as an oral bowel movement, but Jack also knows how damn far the agent is lowering himself to play this game. He took a threat, and a strong one, and didn't retaliate. Whatever Sands is up to, he truly wants close to Jack again. No doubt, there's some advantage in it for Sands, but it's possible that some of it is a legitimate desire for forgiveness.

"Bugger..." Sparrow finally accepts what he's going to do and snatches the coat from Sands with a resigned huff. "Gimme my presents, then, you bastard."

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

Sands gives him a beatific smile and offers the bag of opium from his pocket. He's found Jack's line and he wont cross it unless he's prepared to end their friendship. Quite possibly one of their lives.

"And I love you as well, you prick."
He's so pleased with himself he's nearing a state of giddiness. Sands smacks a loud kiss into the air knowing he's succeeded.

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

"No call to be so bloody proud about it." Jack takes the bag from Sands and gives the contents a good sniff before pocketing it. If his forgiveness is to be bought, it's important that the pay is decent. He then slides out of his usual coat, laying it on the couch while he tries on the new.

"I trust you did try this first? Of course, you're smaller..." Not that this is on a level that's noticeable or a big enough difference to matter. Jack just feels like being a dick. It makes it feel less like he's giving in.

There's some amount of blessing in the fact Sands can't see how damn fruity Jack looks checking himself out in the new coat.

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

He makes no effort to wipe the smile off his face when Jack complains.

The size comment interests him. At first it seemed like Jack was just saying it for the sake of insult. But there's something in his voice that says he believes it. Now Sands is interested. They were very close physically at the circus and he never noticed. He feels the pirate is delusional.
"I'm I really?"

He looks smug again. Though he'd be both horrified and entertained at the image of Jack The Great Sea Poofter he's busy being amused at Jack's view of himself.
"That coat is what sailors from my time wore. The stitches will hold longer, I'm sure."

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

There were no real expectations of Sands meeting the request to stop his grinning. Jack knows he wouldn't, were the positions reversed.

"Yes. Slighter by a bit." Jack has a bit more muscle and, most likely, eats a bit more heartily, but he's wiry, so it fails to make much of a difference in their build. Likely not something easily noticed while clothed.

A few buttons are done up...then quickly undone. The coat is pushed back, then allowed to fall. "I don't know if the length is quite adequate, but it's warm, I'll give it that." He'll also be damned if he's giving it back.

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

Sands still doubts it. For the exact same reason Jack would make it a point to let him how he's a tad smaller. They both employ large men as subordinants. Being a thin build puts them at a disadvantage and makes them seem a lot smaller. Though not short by any means at 5'10 they are men. Things like that matter.
He tilts his head at the pirate wondering how he can figure out the truth for himself.

"Complain complain. I give so much and receive so little in return. It will keep you from getting frost bite where the bacteria ate through your clothes. And we look good in black."
He's just assuming on Jack's part.

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

It is for the reason of a bit of leverage that Jack bothers with mentioning it, as well as leaving it vague and playing up the difference in size where he can. Exaggerated truths will always be a thousand times more useful than full lies.

"Black's jus' a bit boring, an' awful in the sun. I've always preferred blue." Still not giving up a nice gift. Not a chance. "And jus' what is it you expect in return? I thought my forgiveness...such as it is...was worthy payment enough." He won't be in debt for the fancy coat, however. Maybe if it was a bit longer below the waist and a size or two larger to fit more loosely....

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

"Black is not boring. It is traditional. Remembering Mexico- I would have to agree with you about the sun though."

"Your forgiveness was all I was after." He holds his hands up in surrender.
"I'm just worried about the both of us. You never told me if you took the mother to Jones like the girl and I wonder what plan to come up with to save us from this. Your ass is my ass after all..."

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

He shrugs off the hint of actual warmness he feels towards his twin when he uses the nick name, ending the conversation on it.
"No one since she died."
He wouldn't let them if they tried. As it is most others aren't allowed to use hs first name at all. Jack feels like his brother, he'll admit that much to himself. It wont stop him from fucking the guy over one bit but there are genuine feelings there.

The smile on his face as Jack talks about the promise of an American government's beginnings is that of a proud parent.
"My God. You're the American Dream. Thompson can stop looking and Liberty can lift up her skirts. That's beautiful." He toasts again with an evil glee at it all. Right at the moment- Jack is his personal hero.
He points a finger at the pirate, voice raised in joy.
"You're an American, brother man. More so then any of us."
Laughing top himself he sinks into the chair getting his drink on again.

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

The approval and acclaim are totally unexpected, but Jack soaks it up all the same. He smiles gladly and drinks down more of this new kind of booze. Tequila is fun!

He returns the toast, laughing as well, though he has less understanding of what it is he's laughing at.
"I've been called a great many things. I'll not take offense to that one, mate."

"I do think you'd do well aboard a pirate ship as well. You'd be a fabulous pirate, Shel. Though...I'd not have you on my crew. You're a clear threat for mutiny."

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

He makes a disbelieving sound into his glass. "I can't swim. I dislike boats, fish, and sodomy. But you've never been so right about the mutiny. I'm a professional."
He laughs at Jack knowing him so well. Not that he hides what a bastard he is.

"What would a 'fabulous pirate' entail I wonder? Besides having our face at the helm."

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

"Inability to swim is common and not a worry. I've had more than one man on crew that considered the skill an ill omen. We all hate fish. 'Least after the first few months at sea. And buggery is avoidable with a good imagination and care not to drink oneself into too heavy a sleep. Of course, you'll have backstabbed and bargained your way to captaincy before long at all, earning yourself your own quarters and the relative anal safety that does provide."

He lays back, tipping his hat down to shade his eyes as he drinks.

"A great pirate is a man who will work hard for what best serves his wants and needs, and for no other cause. This is whot makes the Captain's position a challenge. You're out to serve yourself, but if in doing you fail to bring the crew what they're after, you'll wake to a sword at your throat. It becomes a balance then of doing what's best for all when it suits you, and convincing the rest of the company that you are serving their needs when you haven't the time or interest to truly bother with it. ... I do think having our face is a help in that, truly."
Jack laughs and wonders how much 'looking' trustworthy does help him. He only looks half innocent, anyway...a liar with sweet eyes.

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

"I thought we chose different paths, Echo. But your anarchy sounds just the same coming from our mouth. We rose in our separate careers in order to be free of... people or positions we would otherwise be trapped under.
You must think me a fool for starting a war with the Gods. It's okay because everyone does. They stand behind me ready to see me killed, or die, because that's all we can do here. I know we will fail. But I will hunt them down just the same.
I'll deliver you the other crew members to go to Jones. With full personal history and familial hardships left behind, if you wish. When you get The Black Peal back in your hands I'll take up the Captain's wheel the the Swann under your command.
Best the knives we wake up to are in our own hands."

Finishing off the rest in his glass he holds it out between them for Jack to fill from his bottle.
"I'm accepting your offer. But I refuse to touch your prick."

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

"Different means to the same end, then. I'd seen what it was to serve under other men's leadership and I found it somehow lacking.
I know you're a fool for this plan...but I've been a fool long enough to recognize it has its benefits and its place. I agreed to be part, did I not? If we're to be trapped here and without death, than it's a foul sort of complacency to simply let our jailers torment us without retaliation."

He's lost a lot of faith in Sands. Jack never believed his twin to be an honest man, he probably wouldn't have liked him if that was the case, but he trusted that he recognized enough of himself in his twin to be able to predict his actions. With that safety lost, he worries. Still...a smile creeps slow across his lips when Sands agrees to Captain the Swann. He'll set Will in position as first mate and watch the personalities clash. Should Will be half as strong as he has capacity for, he'll survive...maybe even rise against Sands. It's cruel, but Jack never pushed Bootstrap to be more opportunistic or aggressive and it ended the man twice cursed and damned.
This is a plan for making amends.

"Excellent, brother. You shall likely never come to regret this agreement. Though, you may feel badly for the choice to avoid having a handshake with my knob. ... Once you hear words of acclaim from others, you understand."

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

Jack might be underestimating his twin as far as brutality toward his men go. But then again- he knows Will well by now.
Though sensitive to changes in mood as part of the job, Sands has always seriously lacked the ability to know when he's pushed a man too far. He thinks that all is well between them- or that he at least has things back to the way they were. He's not expecting retaliation for his part in Lucy's bad day.
He trusts Jack to fuck with him, but since this is what the pirate wanted, he doesn't see that things have changed and he's accepting something that might not only prove to be of no benefit to him, but a danger as well.
Will is a better captain, sailor, and man. Sands might just break a record for how quickly he's mutinied against.

He grabs his own crotch. "I believe I have some idea of the wonder. Unless elephantitis has blessed you with a larger size I'll still pass on the opportunity to be wowed."

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

He may be underestimating, but he's also counting on Sands to be harsh as Captain in ways he would never manage himself. Jack feels Will needs that and it shall be a test for Sands as well. If he can understand the position at all, his methods will change quickly...or he will fall.

Jack laughs, finding it funny and strange that he and Sands (most likely) are as identical below the belt as above. He raises the bottle to take another drink and spots the thing floating in it. Tilting the bottle, the worm is given close consideration.
"Shel? Hate to worry you, mate...but there is some sort of nasty little grub in this bottle."
He takes a swig. "Doesn't much hurt it, I don't imagine."
And he refills Sands' glass.

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

"Oh that. It's an agave worm, which is actually a butterfly larva. The worms bore into the agave plant's pineapple like heart, and quite a few get cooked up in the brew used to make mescal. It's supposed to make you hallucinate but the fact is you have to get to the bottom of the bottle to eat it so you're already there worm or not.
Best thing about the drink."

Sands drinks slower but not enough to fall behind.
"Where would I find a crew here? You were unable to gather enough people to sail the one ship."

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

"Ha. A good story, true or not. The bastards are given a right fair way to die as well." Jack tips the bottle up and drinks with a bit more motivation. He's curious and impatient to get to that worm now.

"I can't say I put all too much effort into the recruiting. After finding few with the skill to sail and being warned time and again of the ocean's boundaries, having a truly functional crew seemed less important. Crewing the Swann with as many hands as she calls for will still be a task, but I can sail the Pearl with ten men...fewer if I'm forced. I know my ship and what can be done when fate demands. I've yet to have the months at sea with my new ship that would be needed to understand her fully."
Jack loves his ship more passionately and with more doting concern than he's ever offered a woman or any living person.

[blind-shot.livejournal.com]

"It is important when we bring this fight to your port. You start training tomorrow, Sparrow. Including me. We'll gather them up. The useless ones go to Jones and we keep the people that can tell the difference between their own asshole and the poop deck.
...Does either of the ships have a poop deck?"
Jack's weirdness is noted. Sands feels he's disturbed and antisocial. The irony escapes him.

[13-year-captain.livejournal.com]

The actual need for a full and functioning crew and to have the ships sea worthy brings a pleased and wicked smile to the pirate's lips. The wrongs Sands has done him are forgotten in this moment; Sands has given Jack purpose.
"Fine, then. I shall inform Will and Elizabeth and they may aid me in training others. I'll put word out that further crew is needed, as well."

Jack tilts his head with a slight, if confused laugh.
"The Pearl has a poop deck, though the Swann has only the quarter (Oddly constructed, truly, with far too much bulk to the sterncastle. Rather surprised she doesn't capsize, actually.) ... Why do you ask?"