'Don't be afraid' A Jack Sparrow x Reader story

Chapter 1: Life in Port Royal

For Elizabeth, this would turn into a fascination and she would soon teach herself about real-life pirates and their escapades. Y/N, however, would much rather keep her head in her storybook than seek out the jealousy that would come from others having the adventures she longed to have herself.

Elizabeth was there for Y/N from the moment they met. She became a great friend and confidant. When Y/N missed her parents and home, Elizabeth was there; and when Elizabeth felt unsure of herself in the face of the public, Y/N was there to reassure her without fail. The girls shared a love for the Caribbean, pirates, fashion and dancing. They were inseparable.

Y/N had also developed a relationship with Will Turner. They had started their Port Royal journey together when he was saved from his ship's wreck, which seemed to create a strong bond between them. They would always check in with each other when they could, have long talks at the harbour and any spare minute they had they learned to sword fight. Since Will lived and worked at the blacksmiths, he made swords for both of them. They would practice with each other three hours a day in the hot sun till they were out of breath and drenched in sweat. Y/N learnt from day one that dresses and sword fighting didn't go hand in hand. Will would lend Y/N a pair of his trousers and a linen shirt to spar in. It was freeing and Y/N much preferred this to tight corsets. The pair kept this up for years and hardly missed a day of training.

Whilst Y/N had developed her own bonds with Elizabeth and Will, she could see one forming between her two best friends.

Elizabeth and Will loved each other; though they wouldn't admit or act upon their feelings. Elizabeth had told Y/N her how she felt and Y/N encouraged her sister to persue them. It was a smart match; they way they looked at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking, the heat that would rise to their cheeks when either name was mentioned to the other. Sadly, the governor's daughter and a blacksmith's apprentice couldn't be together. It would be unheard of and against Elizabeth's duty. Y/N hated to see her friends go through such hardship, but nothing could be done. For now, passing glances and lingering hellos was all it could be for the couple.

Another hardship that Y/N could relate to; for she had found companionship in an unexpected place.

One afternoon, several years since Y/N was picked up and taken to Port Royal, the girl was taken by surprise.

The sun was shining harshly and Y/N was about to leave the beach after a long sparring session with Will. She was exhausted and sweaty. Will had left a while ago, while Y/N had to sit and catch her breath.

She was about to leave when a loud yet smooth voice behind her caught her attention.

"Miss Y/L/N."

Y/N turned to see who it was, but the shining sun blinded her. She covered her eyes with her hand and looked up to see the shaded figure of James Norrington. He was looking down at her with the same stone face he had the day they met.

"Captain Norrington. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Y/N questioned for James had hardly ever spoken two words to her.

"I saw your sparring with Mr Turner."

Y/N held her breath, for she was certain he would say it was improper for a woman to learn to fight. But what he did say was a shock that few could predict.

"Your form is impressive. However, your footwork needs improvement."

The words reached Y/N's ears. She had heard him correctly, but all she could do was stand frozen looking at him, mouth agape.

"May I?" James asked as he unsheathed his own sword.

Y/N didn't say a word, only nodded her head and followed James to the middle of the beach. There, they sparred for a couple hours, James showed Y/N the correct footwork along with teaching her new techniques that she hadn't learnt from Will.

By the end of the intense session, the pair were breathless; swords still pressed together while their faces were inches apart. In that moment, Y/N didn't know why, but a strange and confusing feeling started to grow in her stomach as she stared into his bright blue eyes. Her face became hot and she immediately backed away, breathing heavily. Noticing this, a smile took over James' face. Y/N didn't think he knew how to smile, but as it turned out, he had a gorgeous smile. Y/N was determined to see it more often.

Slowly, as time went on, the two started to spend more and more time together. They practised sword fighting, took long walks along the sandy beach and spent hours talking; sometimes into the night when all was quiet and it was just them two and the stars above them.

Over time, the butterflies in Y/N's belly only grew. She came to care for James and he came to care for the beautiful woman. Their romance grew behind closed doors and the prying eyes of the public. Due to both of their statuses, they had to put their duties before their relationship. Only Elizabeth knew about this secret affair.

The moments they had together were worth the secrecy and hiding. Was it love? Y/N didn't know, for she had never felt like this before. It was scary, fascinating and unexpected but altogether remarkable.

It was during a rainstorm during one of their walks that they finally crossed the borders of intimacy. Running for shelter from the downpour, they found themselves in the protection of the tall palm trees. They were soaked from the rain but full of giggles from the euphoria of it all.

James had taken off his powdered wig to reveal his soft chestnut hair and removed his heavy, navy coat to show his dripping wet shirt that clung to his broad chest and abdomen. At the sight, Y/N's eyes widened and her face flushed pink. James didn't laugh but only gazed at her with adoration in his eyes.

He reached forward and brushed back the wet hair that stuck to Y/N's forehead. His hand lingered at her cheek as he studied her face. The face he had grown to admire and was desperate to see every day.

Slowly, quickly, forever and all at once, James leaned down and pushed his lips against the girl's plump pink ones. This was it, Y/N's first kiss. This was a moment, a feeling and a man she discovered she loved dearly. The kiss was gentle and full of longing as if both parties had been wanting to do that for an eternity. They closed their eyes and got lost in each other's embrace. The couple couldn't be happier. They were smitten.

But sometimes good things have to come to an end.

It wasn't long after that kiss had James received the news that he was to be named commador in the years to come. This was a high honour for him as all his hard work had finally paid off.

Y/N couldn't be more proud and knew how much this must have meant to James. Tragically, they both knew what this meant for them...

"Y/N..." The pain was evident in James' voice. He cared deeply for the girl beside him; she was extraordinary and unlike anyone he had ever met before. Y/N took a deep breath,

"Duty before anything, James. We've always said that."

They were sitting on the sand, the beach was grey and sad, like it knew this day would be an upsetting one.

"I know." James hung his head defeated. He knew Y/N wouldn't hear of him giving up this position for her. She knew what this life entailed.

"You will make a fine commador. You will prove that in these next couple of years." Her voice nearly broke at this next statement. "It is expected of you to marry the governor's daughter."

"But you are his daughter!" James said, his voice raised in the anger of the situation. Neither one could look at each other.

"Not by blood." Y/N whispered.

Silence fell between them. After a beat, James' strained voice broke out,

"I love you, Y/N."

Y/N turned to James to see he was already looking at her. His once bright eyes were dull and full of regret.

"Don't." Was all the girl could say before the tears started to pour. She couldn't stay for she feared it would be too much and she would ask him to choose her over his future. It would be selfish of her and refused to let that thought win. She wouldn't do that to him. Little did she know that James wanted her to be in that future. But instead of challenging Y/N's dismissal, he said nothing.

Y/N stood up and ran back to the Fort. James got up to follow but his feet were frozen in place as he watched the light of his life go out. And here Y/N was running from the first man she loved.

Which brings us to today. The day of James Norrington's promotional ceremony.