Disclaimer: I own nothing
A/N: Same universe as WHY and WE'RE SQUARE. please R&R
Enjoy
Bootstraps
"Why do your boots have straps?"
The question came from Jack. Him and Bootstrap took a break from working on the sails. Jack had been on the Pearl for a few months. He was now eight and gaining some weight. He actually looked healthy.
"So they don't fall off."
"Why don't you use laces?"
"Cuz you have to tie them."
"Why don't you have boots like mine? They don't fall off."
"You ask a lot of questions, you know that?"
"I'm an ekisit…iquis…equestive…"
"Inquisitive?" Bill tried helping.
"Yeah…I'm an inquisitive eight year old."
"That you are, kid."
It was true. Jack would ask questions about everything. He was so eager to learn. He did whatever the crew needed and never complained. He was also very smart. He would talk and make up grand stories that would force everyone to listen just because they were so entertaining. The crew really did like him so they didn't give him a hard time. Other times Jack would just talk. He was able to talk himself out of anything. On the rare occasions he did something wrong, he found a way out of punishment. He could talk anybody into circles.
"So why don't you have boots like mine?"
"I'm not really sure.I guess I just like them."
"I like them without. No laces or bootstraps."
"Well you have that right."
It was quiet for a minute. They were sitting down in Bill's cabin. Jack shared it with him. He was still to young to sleep with the crew. Bill got him a cot to sleep on and put it in the room. It took up a lot of space, so it was good they weren't down there often. The silence was broken by Jack.
"Heeeey…"
"What?"
"Bootstraps."
"Yeah…what about them?"
"That's your new name, Bootstraps."
Bill found this funny. "Hah. Bootstrap Bill Turner. It has a ring to it. Well, we need to get back to work."
Jack jumped up and got ready to go. "Alright. Let's go Bootstrap."
