Fic: Second Chances: A Clandestine Arrangement (2/?)

[dwgm]

Here's another little bit continuing that post-AWE Norrington A/U I wrote a while back. The original story is here.



~ A Clandestine Arrangement ~


"Hullo, former-admiral," said an all-too-familiar voice.

James looked up from his drink and narrowed his eyes. "Sparrow. I'd ask, To what do I owe this pleasure?, but that would seem too facetious."

The man only grinned and slid into a chair, setting a bottle of the tavern's finest rum on the table. "Thought I'd stand you a drink," he said, apparently determined to be amiable. "Haven't seen much of you since Will brought you back."

"I've been busy."

"As have I. Her nibs keeps us hoppin', don't she?"

"She does," James said, more mildly. Elizabeth had asked him to take a thorough survey of Shipwreck Island, using modern scientific methods, and he was aware that Sparrow had been working hard, too, sorting out the Cove's extensive library of maps and charts. "I’m surprised at the evidence of industry you've displayed these last weeks."

Jack shrugged. “I like cartography, hydrography, lots of those 'ographies. And no one's put a hand to that library in years. Bloody disgraceful, if you ask me."

James couldn't help quirking a smile at Sparrow's disgust. The pirate took note of it and scowled in return.

But he only said, "It's been weeks of work, and I've had it. For the moment at least. The Pearl's off at dawn."

"Off? Where?"

"Holiday, mate. Fishin' by day, feasting and rumfustian by night. There's a little scrap of an island about fifteen leagues from here that's a perfect paradise, good hunting, nice wide white sand beaches. Even a hot springs where one can bathe. What do you think?"

"It sounds delightful." It really did. James knew a pang of envy.

"Aye, of course, but what do you think? Are you coming or not?"

James stared. "You're inviting me?"

"Haven't I just been saying so?"

James stared some more. Felt his color rise and cleared his throat. Picked up his tankard and drank deep, then met Sparrow's eyes again, which were laughing now.

He was going to regret this.

"All right. At dawn?"

"Good man!" Sparrow exclaimed, and reached across to slap James on the shoulder. But then, settling in his chair again, the pirate looked about surreptitiously. "Just don't tell Lizzie, eh? We'll be back in a week -- she'll barely notice we're gone."

James had his doubts on that score, but he raised his tankard in a toast, anyway. "Mum's the word, I believe."


~.~

Comments

[ophelivia.livejournal.com]

Very cute! I've missed your stories

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[pearlseed.livejournal.com]

"apparently determined to be amiable." Sounds just like Jack--when he decides he's going to be your friend--he's just like my cats--you just might as well let him be in your lap!

"James couldn't help quirking a smile at Sparrow's disgust." There were in so many of their scenes together such a pleasant boyishness--the outtake where Mr. Depp gets the hair out of Mr. Davenport's face-
too cute.

"It sounds delightful." It really did. James knew a pang of envy." so cute when he's being all hang dog, I wanna go play too!

"Are you coming or not?"
James stared. "You're inviting me?"
"Haven't I just been saying so?"
He was going to regret this. This is the sweetest exchange as rare and fine as some of the conversations Jack had with Lady Harry. You have such facility with conversations, sounds like the beloveds and is never too much, always just enough! And so the boys escape to an island paradise where there is no pirate king to rag on them and boss them around. Although, I'm thinkin' James is right--he's going to feel very sad when Lizzie unloads on him, even thought he could lay it off on Jack's influence. Love this new round, pretty pirates indeed--feels so nice to have lots of cherry reads to indulge in.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

There is something really endearing about Jack & James together, and it's a lot of fun to write. "Beloveds" indeed -- there never were such beloved characters before, at least for me. I'm so glad you enjoyed this. It's likely there will be more to this story. I can imagine all kinds of adventures. ;) Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

[p0wdermonkey.livejournal.com]

I somehow missed the first one before, so this has been a double treat! I love your rock-steady Bill in the first, but this is even better, especially Jack being amiable and enthusing about 'ographies.

I want more of this story, but I get the feeling this is going to be one of those times, just like school. Wild kid who bunks off all the time persuades good kid to try it just once. Who gets in trouble? Not the wild one.

[porridgebird.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is lovely!! Thank you!

[florencia7.livejournal.com]

It's great to see such a bright side of pirate's life! (Well, at least until Lizzie finds out ^^)

That was wonderful! :)

[therumjournals.livejournal.com]

can i go with them? ;-)

[griffndor.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed reading. :) Thanks for sharing.

[amenirdis.livejournal.com]

OH no! Why am I full of fear and trepidation? Why do I fear this will result in the debauching of a certain former admiral? Oh bring it on!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I love your rock-steady Bill

I do think Bill would be rock-steady, he's always fun to write as a contrast to Jack, as you know.

Who gets in trouble? Not the wild one.

Difficult to say, at this point. It could go either way. *g*

Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I appreciate it so much.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Thank you for reading and commenting!

*hugs*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I expect Lizzie will insist on going too, another time.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Mmmm... wouldn't that be fun! Thank you for reading and commenting -- so glad you enjoyed!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. Thank you for reading and commenting!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

LOL! The plot is definitely thickening. Thank you for reading and commenting, I shall do my best to bring it. *g*

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

Fishin' by day, feasting and rumfustian by night

I love this, Jack and James sneaking off to a piratey Club Med! Loved the little details, too, Cove housekeeping and Jack's 'ographies (of course he likes them) and the hot springs :-)

Thanks for another lovely installment ♥

[felaine.livejournal.com]

Mmmm, lovely and just what I want from that 'verse.
Missed the first one, so was pleased to go back and enjoy that also.
Good work. Can just see Jack's look when Norrington held onto him a bit too long. Shades of the past
Any chance there will ever be more of Lady Harry and her minions?
*bats eyes like Bambi*
Felaine

[ladymora.livejournal.com]

Awesome! I love James...even as a pirate, he's so...*sigh*

Now I am contemplating how he and James Kirk would get along.

Ooh, the crossover plot bunnies are eating me! Sparrington and Spirk! Ahhahaha, ftw.

[luvvycat.livejournal.com]

Love this! (((James!!!))) And I, too, somehow missed the original story for this post-AWE A/U, so thanks for posting the link! I would have been wondering how James had been "resurrected" otherwise. ;-)

I love Norrington's sort of incredulous reaction to Jack's invitation ... a bit reminiscent of the class geek being asked to a cool party by the most popular kid in school! (And YAY to James, for accepting! About time he channeled his own "inner pirate" again, which we glimpsed in DMC.) Though, if authoritarian Lizzie finds out, the "naughty boys" may ALL have cause to regret it! ;-)

Wonderful ficlet! Your Muse seems lately to be making up for lost time! :-)

-- Cat

[hereswith.livejournal.com]

James! James alive and well and sarcastic. I'm happy :-) Wonderful scene between them, and funny too!

"Hullo, former-admiral," said an all-too-familiar voice. Great beginning line and I loved James' answer. Also, the detail with their respective tasks, and Jack's "I like cartography, hydrography, lots of those 'ographies."

It sounds like a nice holiday, for sure, but Jack is a bit reckless here. "Just don't tell Lizzie, eh? We'll be back in a week -- she'll barely notice we're gone." James had his doubts on that score... I'm with James, she'll notice. And they will be in trouble. *g*

[viva-lla-gloria.livejournal.com]

This little scene makes me happy. :) I love how you write Norrington - still snarky even while living amongst pirates! And your Jack is just spot on as usual.

[smithkingsley.livejournal.com]

I like Jack's disgust at the library being neglected! (And James noticing it.)

Thanks for this!

[sharklady35.livejournal.com]

> (James) was aware that Sparrow had been working hard, too, sorting out the Cove's extensive library of maps and charts. <

Jack the Librarian- who'd of thought he had that talent?

Ah, Sparrow and Norrington going off on an excursion together- there's a scenario that seldom disappoints! I'll be most interested to see what ensues.

[lilfluffykitten.livejournal.com]

"I like cartography, hydrography, lots of those 'ographies..."

I can see Jack having a particular fondness for those sorts of 'ographies.

I think I must have missed the first part before, but I liked the set up - James deserves another chance after all. This is a sweet little follow on, I love these 'Jack and James go and have adventures' plots so I'm looking forward to the next part!

[ladymouse2.livejournal.com]

>It's likely there will be more to this story. I can imagine all kinds of adventures. ;)<

YES, PLEASE!!!!!!

I've been remiss on commenting lately but still reading avidly though I've managed to miss the first of this one, I think. But this and "Moral Advantage" have had me a very happy pirate to see you carrying the flag on in this fandom. I'm here for the duration (I was thirty years in original Star Wars)so it's wonderful to have you continuing to create great stuff to read!

[ladymouse2.livejournal.com]

Wait, wait, I DID read the first installment and fell in love with it and wanted that for the end of AWE. You see, you just take too long to come back to them to continue *she said limbering the bull whip*

But yummmmmmm!!!!!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I am so happy you enjoyed this. There will indeed be more, it's a fun scenario, but yes, I tend to take too long, mea culpa.

I hope you are feeling better, btw. You have been under the weather for too long!

*hugs*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

A piratey Club Med is just what the doctor ordered, for them and us. However, complications may ensue. You know how that goes. ;)

Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I truly appreciate it!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Any chance there will ever be more of Lady Harry and her minions?
*bats eyes like Bambi*

How can I resist the Bambi eyes? I shall do my best. I'm entered in mini_nanowrimo, after all, so there's plenty of room to play there.

I'm so glad you liked this bit of story. Thank you for letting me know!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Oooh, crossovers! I've done a touch of that myself, of course. *g* I'm so glad you enjoyed this. And yes, James is most sigh-worthy. Thank you for commenting!!

*big hugs*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I would have been wondering how James had been "resurrected"

It had to be done. So I did it, lol! Most everyone seems to agree.

I love Norrington's sort of incredulous reaction to Jack's invitation ... a bit reminiscent of the class geek being asked to a cool party by the most popular kid in school!

That's pretty much what I was aiming for there, although James can hold his own in any company, that "inner pirate" again.

Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I'm with James, she'll notice.

Wishful thinking on Jack's part, certainly. Hard to forget either of them, much less both!

Alive, well, and sarcastic is how it should be. Thank goodness for fanfic, eh?

Thank you so much for commenting, and for looking this over, too. I'll try not to be so impatient about posting next time. After all, half of this was on my hard drive for months before I was suddenly inspired to finish it up (I think, like Jack, I needed a break from much-needed, yet repetative work).

*big hugs*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I'm glad Jack seemed in character, and snarky!Norrington is always a treat to write.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Jack is a man of many talents, as you know. If he can be made to hold still long enough. I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Thank you for commenting here and on ff.net, too!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I see navigation and its attendant charts, maps, and instruments, as being a favorite Jack thing: freedom to roam, freedom to not die due to errors in dead reckoning, lol! Glad you enjoyed this. Thank you so much for commenting!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

James does deserve another chance, and there can never be too much Sparrington Snark. So glad you enjoyed! Thank you for commenting!!

[jaekayelle.livejournal.com]

Sneaky boys! Shh! Don't tell Lizzie. Although I suspect James will be a much changed man when he returns. I hope... ;-)

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I suspect James will be a much changed man when he returns.

We shall see... Glad you liked this part!!

[emerald-happy.livejournal.com]

Oh this is so utterly adorable. I love James and Jack together and James is alive! Yaaaaaaaay! I watched the movies the other day and it's so sad he dies and now I'm reading up on all the fandom stuff I missed when the movies first came out. Heck there's a lot of it and it's all so fun. Your fics sound like a whole lot of fun and I can't wait to start reading the Harry and Jack ones properly.

[emerald-happy.livejournal.com]

ack, that should have been: rewatched the movies the other day.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Please forgive my late reply, I was really thrilled to receive this review -- so happy you enjoyed this bit of the story. I'll pick it up again one of these days, they are too fun to write. Thank you very much for the comment, and I do hope you enjoy Harry and the Pirate if you happen to read it. :)

[emerald-happy.livejournal.com]

Wooot! I was up til 2am reading the first two Harry and the Pirate stories. Wow. Just wow. I LOVE IT! *squee* It was just what I was craving to read right now too. Are you by any chance related to Georgette Heyer? :-)

I read it so fast because I couldn't wait to see what would happen next and now I can go back and reread it and comment. I wish I was on lj and in fandom back when the CotBP came out. It seems I've missed so much good stuff. OTOH *runs around in circles reading stuff*

Sorry - I get like this when I'm excited. :-)

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

2 am, oh my goodness! I'm so glad you found it to be a real page-turner, so to speak. I am not related to Georgette Heyer, but I have read all her historical novels far too many times and the phrasing has become ingrained, I'm afraid. But it's always seemed to work for PotC, and particularly Harry & the Pirate, even though CotBP is set about fifty or sixty years before the Regency period (we think -- one can be rather hand-wavy about the whole thing as the producers of CotBP weren't real precise about the time periods of some of the props and fashions).

I would love to hear what you liked in more detail, but don't feel obligated, just knowing that you read and enjoyed makes me so happy! Thank you very much for letting me know.

ETA: I'm so glad you've joined us at blackpearlsails, btw, just in time to join in the squee over PotC4, too. We've been having a good time with the pretty pirates since 2004 (and some since mid-2003 when CotBP came out -- I was a bit late to the party) and there's some amazingly good fanfic that's been produced over the years. If you ever want any recs, I'd be happy to oblige. :)

[emerald-happy.livejournal.com]

Haha. I remember asking a friend who studied history what period PoTC was set in and she thought about it for 10 seconds and said "the one with undead monkies" and we lol-ed.

I saw all the posts you did with PotC4 news. Exciting!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

"the one with undead monkies"

Laughing with you. That's about as accurate as it gets, really. *g* But yay! Pretty pirates (not to mention navy men).

Glad you're enjoying the PotC4 news, it's fun to see the new pix as they come out. I feel impelled to share the squee.

[emerald-happy.livejournal.com]

Verrrry pretty. (Even if the navy men have ice-cream-mardi-gra-float get up XD)

Hey hey I was going to ask you what your favourite Heyer book was. I haven't read many of them but my favourites are These Old Shades and Devil's Cub.

Also, are you the same Geek Mama Willow once wrote a yuletide story for about Leonie giving birth at Christmas time? Willow's a friend of mine in real life and lj so if you are: wow! small world!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I am indeed that geek mama, and you're so right, it's a very small world -- *cues Disney music* -- lol! I would have a difficult time picking just one Heyer novel, but the first one I ever read was Devil's Cub and it really hooked me. I love historical novels in general and also nonfiction, but Heyer's appeal to me on so many levels.