A Pirate's life for Me

Sixteen

"Ruby? Are you ok?" The younger Gibbs approached where she was working hard with the rigging. She stood up straight and rubbed the back of her hand across her brow. She had worked up a sweat with her hard work since the conversation with her parents. "I'm fine. Why?" She said rather bluntly. "Oh no reason. You just look a little put out." "I'm fine." She said with a smile before grabbing a crate and heading towards the stairs that led to the hold. "Allow me?" "No honestly it's fine I've got it." They bickered for a while before the man yanked the crate out the woman's arms, as she pulled it back the contents spilled across the deck. "Now look!!!" She said flustered bending down to collect the items and piling them back into the crate. "I apologise Miss. it's entirely my fault." Ruby scoffed. "Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I'm not capable ok??" She said raising her voice resulting in the majority of the crew on deck stopping and looking at her. "Ruby!!" She heard being yelled. She looked at the helm and saw her father with a blank expression on his face, he opened his mouth to call for her again before she scurried towards him abandoning the crate and Thomas Gibbs.

"What was that all about?" Her father asked never taking his eye from the horizon. "Nothing father. I could have managed but he thought he knew best. Like most men, he didn't." She said with a smirk. "Less of the cheek luv. Go apologise for your outburst." "What?!!" She said shocked. "You were quite rude to him Little Sparrow." "Daaad. I'm a pirate. Since when have you cared for my manners?" "Well it means a lot to your mother so just do it. We did raise you to be semi ladylike." Ruby rolled her eyes and stomped down the stairs towards Thomas who had just finished collecting the scattered items from the deck. "Master Gibbs..." she said in her best well to do British accent voice. Elizabeth had often spoken about being a high society lady and Ruby had learnt from her. "I sincerely apologise for my emotional outburst earlier on today. I must express how upset one is at the thought of upsetting you so I do beg for your forgiveness." She said standing tall. Thomas slowly stood and put the crate on the floor. "Why Miss Sparrow, you're forgiven, don't mention it. I know women have these moments, it can't be helped." He slowly grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. Her jaw went slack as he maintained eye contact and although if anyone had ever dare mention hormones to her before she would have bitten their head off, now with his lips upon her skin she couldn't bring herself to care.

"Land Ho!!!!" Mr Gibbs yelled. The crew did what they needed to do and docked at the port. Splitting into small groups heading onto land, Angelica spotted her daughter lingering to the side. It was evident that Henry and Carina were courting and desperate to spend time together away from watching eyes, she saw the couple head down the gangplank and Ruby watch from afar. Jack approached sliding an arm around his wife. "Ready darlin?" He purred and she nodded keeping her eyes on their daughter.

"I thought I might go explore. Would you care to accompany me?" Thomas said nervously as he moved from one foot to another stood beside Ruby. The woman smiled. "Scared you'll get lost?" She teased. "No... well maybe." He smirked back. "Yes I'll join you. Hurry though. My mother has eyes on us and I'm sure she would love to ask us to join her and my father." Thomas' eyes widened. Although he admired the Captain, he was doing his best to stay well out the protective father's way. Especially after being accused of doing the unmentionable in the hold.

The pair made their way down the gangplank, and were almost clear of the crew when they heard "Ruby!!!" The daughter sighed slowly turning on the spot. "Yes father." She replied simply, she saw him take a deep breath before looking at his wife. "Take care of yourself and be back before sundown." She smiled at him trusting her and nodded. "Aye Captain." "And you young Gibbs. You protect her with your life, she's my greatest treasure, savvy?" Thomas' jaw went slack before replying. "Certainly Captain. It would be my honour." Angelica smiled before the pair continued their walk into town.

"It's hard ain't it." Hector approached a pouting Jack. "What is?" He replied coldly. "Letting go." "I haven't let go of anything Hector.." "Oh you have.. and your heart feels like it's been ripped out and stomped on by the devil 'imself." "And how do you know how I feel? You left your girl in an orphanage." "Still the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I'd change it all if I thought I could have protected her. Look how hard you've hidden Ruby over the years. It ain't easy being one of us." Jack nodded before the older pirate made his way down the gangplank with the monkey firmly on his shoulder. "Luv... let's go find some rum." Angelica rolled her eyes before taking her husband's offered arm. "Jack Sparrow.. I never thought I'd see the day." "What luv?" "The day you'd love anything more than your precious Pearl.." "That is where you're mistake darlin' there ain't nothing more important than my Angel or my Ruby. Savvy?"

As Thomas and Ruby wandered around the port they were chatting animatedly. It seemed being away from the ship and parents had done them good. They were relaxed in one another's company. As they approached a nearby market stall, Thomas watched as Ruby admired a dainty necklace. Her fingertips brushed against it and he saw how she smiled whilst shimmering the jewels in the sunlight. "How much?" He asked the stall keeper putting his hand in his pocket to pull out some silver. "5 silver pieces." The man replied, Thomas' eyebrows shot up into his forehead. "Five?" He questioned nervously. "Three..." he bargained and the stall holder rolled his eyes before nodding. The younger Gibbs handed over the pieces and smiled at Ruby. "It's yours." "Thomas... you didn't need to do that." She said softly still in shock. "I wanted to. A pretty lass should have pretty things." This made the young Sparrow blush. "Allow me?" He asked and she turned holding her hair up. Thomas gently placed the necklace round her neck and clasped it. Her hand immediately reached for it as she turned. "Why thank you Master Gibbs." "You're extremely welcome Miss Sparrow." He said with a smile as he offered his arm to continue their walk.

Nearby a man had overheard the conversation, and was acting coyly. His eyes went wide as he heard the surnames. Gently placing the pot down on the stall he was stood beside he made to follow the young couple.