Nothing to Fear

Ficdom- Bloody Jack: Under the Jolly Rodger

Pairings? JarrodxJacky

Warnings? Minor Language

Summary- Jacky awakens from a nightmare only to discover that her fear hasn't left her.

Disclaimers- I do not own The Bloody Jack series, so please don't sue a poor American high school student…

The waves pound against the beach and the noose tightens around my neck. I scream and scream and scream, but no sound is coming from me mouth, and not a soul comes to rescue me…

I awaken with a gasp, sitting ramrod straight in my bed, my chest a-heaving in fearful, hitching gasps, and my hair plastered to my forehead. Shivering, I peer around my room, as if looking for remnants of my nightmares. No one looks back at me, but terror squeezes at my chest and lungs, immobilizing me. I think I see shadows and nightmares creepin' about the edges of my vision, and I think I can hear whispers just beyond the brink of my hearing.

My nightmare has left me, but my fear has not.

I start to tremble, tears flowing down my face. I feel like the walls are a-closing in around me. At every creak and bump, and there's a lot on this bark, I jump, my nerves stretched taut.

I breathe heavily, mortal fear still clutching my chest. It is strange… I have been awake for several minutes now, but it is as my mind is still is caught up in my nightmare.

I moan despairingly, the shadows are twisting and turning, becoming figures from my past… I squeak and hide under the covers, but that makes the feeling worse.

I sob quietly, trembling, imagining a pair of strong arms around me, fighting back the demons and stroking my hair, my face buried in their shoulder, them telling me softly

Its okay Jacky, now you just calm now. There, there little girl, I got you, ain't nothing going to happen, oh no, I'll fight those nightmares away, don't you believe it. There you go, just relax little one, don't cry now, I ain't going to leave you, I got you, kid, I got you…

I gasp out another sob, I had to get out of this room. But where to go? On the Dolphin I defiantly would have crawled in with him, or possibly Liam. And in Boston I woulda already fled to Amy.

But they were all gone.

The Wolverine jerks and I nearly fly through the room, only by gripping the bed sheets so my fingers turn white saves me from that fate. It is settled, I have to leave this room.

I mean to sneak out as quietly as not to wake up Higgins, sorry old chap, but I can't stay here tonight, but as soon as my bare feet hit the ground, I fly to the door, sodding my shoes.

I creep about in the chilly starlight, fixing my trouser and jacket so they hung properly… I hadn't changed into nightshirt yet, being dead tired when I finally stumbled down.

I didn't want to stand out here in the cold for much longer, and in my room alone was no option. If I wear to jump into someone's bed, who would it be? Robin I consider for the longest time, but I was leading the poor lad off in so many directions… I don't think he would be able to not see it as an advance. Who else? Jared maybe? He was unpredictable… but he might understand. I flush as I remembered the kiss, but he might be kind to me, and not try a thing.

I weigh my two options for the longest time before making my choice and creeping off through the shadows again.

I creep up to the door and pop it open a crack. He was lying on his mattress, thankfully clothed. I was scared about the awkwardness of the situation if he hadn't been wearing naught but his drawers or less. He must have been as tired as I was, to stumble in and fall asleep in the clothes on his back. He looks wary, even at rest, muscles coiled and tense, brows furrowed. I slid in quietly and close the door with a slight snap. Instantly he is alert, sitting up with a shiv in hand.

Joseph Jared's eyes narrow when he sees me.

"What the hell Puss?" he growls.

My resolve crumbles right then and there.

"I… um… I…" I stammers out weakly.

I was cut off by another swell hitting the boat, and rocking the cabin. I squeak, losing my balance, and careen around the cabin. Jared catches my elbows as I sail past him and keeps me standing upright until my knees stiffen.

He looks at me now with concern on his face. Damn!

"I… I had a nightmare." I manages to gasp out. The shadows are back again, dancing in my vision. "And it's a-following me… I can't get it out…"

I hear whisperings behind the veil. I bite back a sob.

"Will you think badly of me if I ask I can stay here tonight?"

Jared stares at me for a long time, I begin to think he's going to boot me, but no, when he does finally move, it's to make room.

I jump beside him gladly, and snuggle up to his warmth, his arms encircling my back, drawing me close.

I got you now girl, you ain't got nothing to fear now little one…

He strokes my hair, and rubs my back; I bury my face in his shoulder and chest. Deep in his chest, I can hear him humming a slow lullaby. Slowly, my terror ebbs away, leaving me feeling warm and content. I close my eyes, Jared's song and the lull of the ship drawing me to oblivion.

I sleep 'til dawn, and my nightmares do not return.

/Yes. I am aware that this is a short baby. ;;

Concrit 3

Flames : (

Thank you, InuYashaRockOn for the title. :) 3

And thank to the other kind reviewers and readers. Your kind comments have helped me greatly, thanks. 3