Grieving Hearts

Author: Buffy Sparrow

Rating: PG-13

POV: 1st Person

Pairing: You/Jack

Chapters: 4

Category: Romance, Angst, General

Disclaimer: I own nothing; save the 'you' character Natalie. All bow down to Disney, that evil little thing that won't let me keep Jack.

Summary: Post DMC. News of his death finally reaches you after months of wondering where he has been. What do you do now that the keeper of your heart has perished? Sequal to 'Broken Rules'.

Chapter 1

The drunken fool on top of me finally rolls over, his load spent. The quiet promise I had made to yourself last year has been broken for the first time tonight as I look over at the man beside me, now snoring loudly. I roll onto my side and as far away from the man as possible as I try to hold back the tears that are threatening to fall.

'What have I done?' I think to myself, feeling as though I've betrayed the man I love despite what had been told to me tonight in the tavern.

Captain Jack Sparrow, the man who introduced me to the pleasures between a man and a woman right before he stole my heart without realizing it, is dead. Eaten, they say, by a creature under the command of Davey Jones himself.

The pain that washes over me makes me cry out softly, wishing I could sleep it away but I still have a job to do. I remove myself quietly from the bed and dress quickly before searching the man's belt and trousers for his purse. The amount of gold he carries on him is enough to surprise me and enough to free me from being out any longer tonight.

A last glance at the man makes me crings now that the rum in my system has worn off. He looked so much like my precious pirate a few moments ago when my mind was still pleasantly numb from the effects of the alcohol. Now I realize he doesn't hold a candle, his features rough and sickening.

I travel back to my home, expecting to see my Madam at the dining table awaitin the return of her many girls. She almost looks surprised to see me back so early, but the amount of coin in the purse I toss at her is enough to keep her satisfied. Just as I am about to retire to bed, however, she decides to call me back.

"Natalie, darling, how many customers did you have tonight?" she inquires with false sweetness.

"Three, Madam," I reply, hoping the money matches the number.

"Should you not try for more? After all, it's still early."

"Yes, Madam."

I force my body to move back down the stairs and out the door, hating myself for not being able to stand up to the tyrant I have to call my Madam. She's only gotten worse over the last year and how Giselle and Scarlet put up with her, I'll never know. Still, I walk into The Faithful Bride and look around for a man drunk enough to steal from.

Since I had sworn no other would touch me, I've become quite a good little thief in order to keep Madam off my back. As long as I brought in money, she didn't ask questions. Scannng the room I find my eyes drawn to a young pirate sulking in the back corner looking like he's about to fall into his drink and I grab two rums from the bar before walking over to him, a preditory smile on my face.

"You look like you need another drink, love. Not to mention a little bit o' company. My name's Natalie," I murmur, sitting down across from him.

He stares up at me with soft eyes, his expression sad and confused. Still, he accepts my drink and holds it high in his hand.

"To Jack," he toasts before bringing the tankard to his lips.

His words catch me off guard and I stare at him in shock before I recover and cover his hand with my own.

"What do you say we take a walk, hmm? Maybe to that inn down the road a ways. Get better acquainted."

"Lizbeth would kill me," he slurs in protest. "We're supposed to be married, me an' my Lizbeth." There's a pause in is speech as he furrows his brows in thought before continuing. "She saved us all, I suppose. 'Sides, it's not right for a captain to let his ship sink without him."

"If you don't mind my asking," I interrupt very quietly. "You aren't talking about Jack Sparrow, are you?"

My heart beats wildly as I await his answer, the moments passng like years as I stare into his eyes. Only a moment ago I was set on seduction, and now I only hope above all else that this man, who I have decided can be none other than Will Turner, can tell me of my pirate.

"Captain," he corrects with a smile. "Aye. Heard of him?"

"I loved him."

A nostalgic smile crosses my lips as I stare down at v hands, folded neatly on the dirty wooden table. So many wonderful memories pass through my mind... nights spent in his arms, quiet conversations in the moonlight, laughing at all his tall tales. Shaking my head slightly, I chase away the tears that threaten to fall before looking back up at my companion.

"But I guess most of us here on Tortuga have, eh?" I laugh.

"He was never one to pass up a beautiful woman, to be sure. But you're different from the others aren't you, Natalie? Your heart mourns for him."

The words shock me into silence, the sudden sober tone of his voice filling my mind. His serious gaze, the sadness hidden behind his eyes shows me there is no point in responding for he already knows the answer. All I feel I can do is glance away and stare into my still untouched tankard of rum.

"Here. Something besides the memories. Obviously you need it more than I do."

Will slips a hand into his vest and pulls out a folded piece of parchment before handing it to me. The likeness is amazing as I stare down at the drawing in my hand. Before me is a proud Jack at the helm of his beautiful ship, looking like he's got the world at his fingertips and holding... a jar of dirt? I giggle at the spectacle he makes of himself, clutching that thing as if his life depended on it.

"I drew that about three weeks before he went away."

"Than Jack was right. You are still to soft to be a pirate," I joke in order to mask the pain. "Thank you."

He nods before taking my arm and leading me outside. Both of us go our seperate ways, neither looking back at the other as we continue to our destination. Despite not having anything to show for the time spent in the tavern, I begin to make my way home.

I pause momentarily at the beach, watching as the moon caresses the surface of the dark sea and allowing myself to finally weep for him as I fall to the sand. The tears fall silently as my heart breaks inside my chest, filling me with pain. How I am to survive this nght without dieing, I have no idea but Will was right. I have a grieving heart.