the Dalaverse

Drabble/ficlet batch #3. And btw, I do apologize for taking so long. Things have been...well, things.


Masquerade Jack, Will, makeover (smut accomplished); misskass

The speed with which Jack put together a suitable pirate's wardrobe for Will was only exceeded by his speed in taking it off.

At least such things as could be taken off -- "Oh," Will cried sharply as Jack's teeth closed on the gold ring in his ear. He uttered a much softer, much lower exclamation when Jack soothed the sting with a delicate swipe of tongue. His lids felt heavy beneath the unaccustomed weight of kohl, which had already been smudged at the corners by Jack's nose as he ranged kisses over Will's face.

"No worries, love," Jack panted, tugging at the stiff new laces of Will's breeches and wrapping fingers around the stiff length of his cock, which was also new, at least to Jack. He was fairly certain the sounds Will was making were not from distress as they sounded, but he kissed the boy in reassurance nonetheless, tweaking a nipple with his free hand. "I had you done up proper, an' I'll have y'laid down proper too."


Raja Jack, James, tiger cub; tiggothy

"Jack, I cannot possibly keep this," James protested, trying to shove the bundle back into the pirate's arms.

"He's a gift!" Jack pushed the bundle back, roughly enough to earn himself a fierce, tiny growl.

James rolled his eyes. "No, 'he' is a burden you are trying to foist on me, no doubt stolen from some abominably wealthy lord with a menagerie." He feared for a moment that perhaps it had been meant for the King's menagerie, but surely Jack wouldn't have dared...or James would have heard of it by now, at least.

To his surprise Jack dropped the wounded rooster impression and shrugged, his mouth firming into a grim line. "That's true enough, but the man in port I tried to sell 'im to was a nasty sort -- all his beasts were sickly and dull-eyed. I just couldn't leave the little fellow there."

"I never would have thought you such a soft touch for the animal kingdom, Jack," said James, finding the discovery endearing despite all the trouble.

Jack rubbed the cub under its chin, smiling at its rumbly pleased sounds and the paw it batted at his arm. "Aye, well, it must be age and influence." Before James could say a word, he added wryly, "I've stepped on all three tails in that house o' yours, Jamie."

The cub was certainly heavier than any of his cats, even at such a young age. "I suppose I've room for a cage in the garden, but why didn't you return him from whence he came? Surely there is plunder aplenty in Indian waters."

"Too far to sail," said Jack quietly, running his fingertips over the cub's striped head.


For All Our Sakes Groves, Jack, naked!Norrington; greenabsinthe

James Norrington was not the flogging type, and had only resorted to the cat twice in the eight years he'd had command, when he had been certain of no other recourse. He preferred to lead by example rather than punishment, and as far as he could tell, his men were the better for it.

Except one.

"Teddy, my lad!" Jack Sparrow said warmly, clapping Theodore Groves on the back and winking at James, who blushed even deeper and grumbled into his gag. "I don't believe I've ever been brought a finer gift."

The list of people allowed to see James in the nude was extremely short; Groves had practically written a petition months upon months ago, but had only recently been rewarded for his obvious intentions. James certainly hoped he had enjoyed the brief interlude, because after tonight's little performance --

"You'll thank me in the morning, sir," Groves whispered in his ear with a self-satisfied grin, kneeling on the bed. One of Sparrow's hands patted his cheek while the other stroked James's thigh, and up -- up --

Well. Yes, he probably would. Provided they removed the gag at some point.


Everything Old Is New Again Elizabeth, Norrington, hope; classics_lover

At first the days had flowed like wine, cut with fresh water so that she could drink freely, sweetened with honey for her delight. But in time the bitterness ran over, and the taste became too heavy and stale for either of them to stand it. She wore dark colors after he left -- black on Sundays -- and the town collectively accepted her as a widow. Even amongst themselves whispered his name as though he were dead. For all they knew, he could be.

Exactly one year later, she set off for the day wearing a pale green gown sprigged with cream-colored lilies. James knew it well, for it had been the dress she wore when first they danced in the governor's ballroom. The sleeves were frayed, but the colors were true.

She waited by the fort for an hour that morning, fanning herself from time to time, unaware that he had changed offices and could see her clearly beneath his window. When the sun rose high, he took pity and went down to cross her path.

"Good morning, Miss Swann. You look well in that color," he said with a short bow.

"Thank you, James. It seems forever since I have worn it." She met his eyes and smiled a smile at once familiar and utterly different. Modesty would never suit her, but a softening of pride, a weathering of heart -- he liked that countenance very much.