Chancing Fate - Jack Sparrow x OC

Part 3 - Chapter 17

A/N: Updated

The days after Elizabeth's departure passed more quietly than the ones before them, and by the time Tortuga came into view again, life aboard the Pearl had begun to settle into something familiar. There was no Navy closing in behind them, no immediate disaster waiting ahead, and Lena had almost forgotten what it was like to sail without constantly looking toward the horizon for the next threat.

The crew had barely made it ashore before they began scattering through Tortuga, some disappearing toward familiar taverns while others vanished into the crowded streets with little indication of when they intended to return. Lena hadn't bothered asking. For the moment, no one seemed particularly interested in schedules.

Tortuga was every bit as loud and filthy as Lena remembered, crowded with sailors and pirates spilling between taverns while music fought to be heard over arguments somewhere farther down the street. Usually that alone would've been enough to have her watching where she stepped and wondering how soon they could return to the Pearl, but today she barely cared. Somehow, even the familiar rowdiness felt almost like coming home.

Lena laughed when a man stumbled past them a moment later, apparently oblivious to how close he'd come to knocking straight into Jack. The near collision sent Jack's drink dangerously close to the rim, and his head snapped around after the man until Lena caught him more firmly by the arm and steered him onward. "Forget about him. We're here for a good time, aren't we? Well, aside from supplies. Let's just enjoy ourselves."

Jack's attention slid back to her instead, a smirk pulling at his mouth as he tightened the arm already draped around her shoulders. "How right you are. And I happen to know the perfect establishment for a good time."

Lena caught the look in his eyes and didn't even let him elaborate. "Absolutely not. I'm not going to any questionable buildings just for some alone time."

"I happen to know quite the reputable establishment, thank you very much. Highest standards in all of Tortuga. You'll love it."

"Yes, except the highest standards in Tortuga are still very low." Lena scoffed as she looked at him. "I have no intention of catching some sort of illness because no one here knows how to clean."

"Fine, fine. We'll save that for the ship." Jack waved the objection aside before gesturing farther into town. "But! You're still coming with me to another place I have in mind. Heard it's got a new owner and the best drinks in town."

Lena narrowed her eyes at him. That had been suspiciously easy, but Jack was already turning them farther into Tortuga before she could question it, weaving through the crowded streets with enough certainty that she merely shook her head and let him pull her along.

After several turns through increasingly familiar stretches of town, Jack finally slowed beside a surprisingly clean building. The painted sign above the door quickly offered a likely explanation for that, and Lena's eyes moved from it to him. "I don't believe you'll find drinks at a bakery."

Jack tipped his head back to study the sign as though this development surprised him just as much as it did her. Lena watched him for another second, not entirely convinced, while he gave a small shrug. "Guess not. Could have sworn they said this was the place. How about we grab a bite, then find the next place for a drink?"

"Since when are you interested in bakeries?" Lena asked, still eyeing him suspiciously. "I have never seen you order any sort of baked good unless a drink was coming with it."

"Broadening my horizons, then. Could've sworn you liked them at least."

"I do, but—"

"Then in we go!" Jack declared, turning her toward the door before she could finish and ushering her inside.