Title: Sense of Demand
Rating: R
Summary: A year after Calypso's rage, Elizabeth had been working on a project to make the cove a better place. Jack had been looting and pirating in the Caribbean Sea, his father's words still ringing in his ears. On a trip out, Elizabeth is arrested and set to trial. Should Jack take heed to Teague's words, and set to action?
A/N: I know I said that I would not write a sequel to Sense of Duty, but I couldn't help myself. I thought up a (simple!) plot and ran with it!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLORENCIA7 MY LOVE. Even though it is way past her birthday. I was supposed to post this a while ago. Though she is beta-ing this for me, she does not know that it is her birthday present too! *hugs* Thanks for being you, dear!
CHAPTER ONE: Broken Trunks and Lifted Smiles
He hummed under his breath. "Yo ho, yo ho..." Setting down a small trunk on his desk, the pirate Captain smiled as he peeled a glued envelope off of it.
Dear Jack, - the letter began,
No doubt that you've noticed the lock gone on this trunk. I suspect the innkeeper at the Bride has rummaged through it, looking for a small pence or a jewel. No mind, it is only full of 'boring' paper he most probably cannot read.
It was such joys to see a letter from you arrive the other day! I thought I had lost you forever; it had been six months since your last letter. I admit, like the woman I am, once I was alone with your letter I wept a little. So the next time I see you, and you receive a black eye from them, you will know why. I know what you are thinking- violent!
Jack could hear her laughter through her words. He smiled, and leaned further back into his chair and continued reading.
I have a new project now, anything to break up the monotony here. No-Eye wants to continue those blasted lessons, but I put a stop to it. It's not necessary. By the way, he found a young man by the name of Jim Gibbs to teach, to become the Keeper- any relation to a certain Gibbs we know?
Anyway, my project. One day I met some children, and they showed me their area. It is so dilapidated, and the women and children there afraid of the passing travelers. I decided to move them up to safer levels, next to me, and am now trying to get them a suitable education.
It actually is a lot tougher than it seems. Many men are traveling the Cove, looking for someone to... 'relieve'... themselves with. So- you are going to love this- there are now more whores at the Cove. I personally went to Tortuga and the outskirts of Port Royal and 'invited' them. I apparently have two of your favorites- do the names Scarlet and Giselle ring any bells?
Jack groaned in displeasure and rubbed his temples. Even their names gave him a headache.
I do hope you write back soon, or better yet visit- I miss your face more than I thought I would. Probably more than I should.
I hope you enjoy your gift.
Much affection,
Lizzy Swann
Jack smiled. In her last two letters he had received from her, she had dropped the name "Turner". This one, she used the informal pet name he once called her.
He stared at her name for a few more seconds, a warm smile on his lips. Fierce and caring, she was. A strong ally to have, Jack continually reminded himself. But to him, he was glad to have her as a friend- if nothing more.
Curious now as to what the broken trunk held, Jack lifted the lid. It was a surprise for him to walk into his favorite tavern in Tortuga, and find a parcel for him there.
He peeked inside and smiled. Nothing seemed to escape her notice- the box was full of Teague's journals. Carefully, as if they were fragile, Jack pulled out a book and opened it to its first page.
The Definition of Demand
Demand. To want now, to have now. To have power to dictate what you want. Terrifying enough, you can rule whole countries.
It's also a body reaction. Your body demands food, you eat. It demands sex, you fuck. Demand is a pull toward something, someone- anything, anyone. You might not even realize what you need- until it is demanded.
Jack quickly closed the book. Even from the grave, Teague was haunting him. His words were prophetic, always, and Jack's mind flashed to Elizabeth.
It had been a year since he last saw her, and from where he was he would be at the Cove in three days time. He felt a need to see her. A demand to be with her.
(J)(E)(J)(E)
"Look out the winder." No-Eye Barty gruffed, pointing with his walking stick towards said window. "I hear some noises."
Elizabeth bit her tongue. She was about to demand some respect from the crotchety old man, but decided it was not worth her time. She ignored the lack of 'please' and went to the large window.
Down below, a new shop had pulled into the main port. It's black sails curled upwards. For a total of five seconds, Elizabeth was not interested- until she recognized the ship.
"THE PEARL!" Elizabeth shrieked with excitement, and ignoring Barty's vulgar words about the 'sharp, piercing noise', hurried down one flight of stairs to a door. She opened it, and went to another door hidden by a tapestry. She ended up walking out a window and down some steps leading to the pier. Halfway down, she watched as the Captain stepped onto the dock and screamed out his name.
"JACK!""
The aforementioned man turned around and smiled, opening his arms just in time for the blonde beauty to jump on him and wrap him up with her own arms. Laughing, Jack lifted Elizabeth up and gave her a hard squeeze.
Elizabeth felt safe, and happy. She was still smiling when the pirate let her down, but did not let go of him yet. Excitement of her friend's arrival warmed with her love as he placed a kiss on her forehead.
"How are you, my friend?" Jack asked, keeping his arm around Elizabeth's shoulders.
Taking a step back to be by his side, Elizabeth secured an arm around Jack's waist and began walking with him. They made their way to a door that would lead them to a kitchen.
"Very well. Very happy now, too." Elizabeth gave Jack a little squeeze.
(J)(E)(J)(E)
Walking into the cooler hallway, Jack was reminded of all the distraught and the revelations of many things, all he kept close to his heart. But none matched up to her, who was now walking in front of him.
Demand, Jack recalled from an entry in Teague's journal, is sometimes considered a bad thing. A sin. It's seen as greedy, needy. It can also be seen as violent.
I fail to think so. I believe it not to be a sin or a virtue. I believe that it is simply human nature, a human act.
Jack felt like he had to touch Elizabeth. So, he put his arm around her shoulder again. He felt the need to smile at her. So he did.
"You seem glad to see me." Elizabeth stated, the smile never leaving her face. She paused in her travels, moving to look at him.
Jack paused with her, following her actions and facing her. "I am."
Very gently, Jack pressed his lips to hers, and was glad when Elizabeth accepted his kiss with her own. It was a short kiss, but when they broke apart they both felt it on their lips for hours.