CHAPTER IV

As Eve, Thomas and Will were led, partially dragged, down the dimly lit hallways of the cellar of the fortress the soldiers were all cheering – very proud of their newest capture. Beckett would definitely be pleased that they had caught not only the rogue pirate lover but also one of the pirates AND Will Turner, who Beckett had hated right from the moment he had laid eyes on him. Not to mention the joy that Norrington would feel when he saw his biggest rival behind barres, awaiting the noose. The wax candles decorating the rocky walls started to flicker when the group passed by – and the soldiers came to a hold next to the nearest empty cell, turning their prisoners around and making them face their new home… behind solid iron barres. Will didn't like this one bit… he felt frustrated and helpless. He felt as if he really had let Eve and Thomas down… like a snitch. Even though deep down he knew that he hadn't. He had tried his best… it just hadn't been good enough. Will bit his lip as the officer took the bundle of keys from the dog, which immediately came running – curious by the noise and the well known foot steps. Shoving the key in the big lock the red coat turned towards Will:

"Well, enjoy your stay… it will be short. Tomorrow morning you are facing the hangman's noose… don't worry, we got a new one", he said as he stared angrily at Eve, remembering clearly how she had severed the hangman's head from his body in the middle of the ceremony.

"Aren't we to be read our rights?", Eve said as she stared back at the red coat, who just tilted his head with a skew smile on his dry lips:

"You have none, bitch", he just said as he violently shoved her into the cell, where she landed on the hay covered floor with a light thud. Will immediately started squirming in the soldiers' grasp:

"You have no heart…! Sir!", Will hissed as he was shoved inside the cell as well. Losing his balance he landed right beside Eve on the dirty floor. Seconds later Will caught Thomas, who had also been thrown inside the cell with a loud laugh from the soldiers.

"Sing him a good lullabye, it will be his last", the officer said as he turned the key in the lock, making the mechanism inside give a loud 'smack' as it trapped Will, Eve and Thomas inside the cell.

"You bastard!! I swear you will be dead by dawn!", Eve burst out as she got to her feet and grabbed the barres, staring directly into the face of the officer, who merely let out a sarcastic laugh:

"I think you've got it reversed, miss. YOU will be dead by dawn… don't forget", he whsipered and winked at her before turning on his heels, sticking the bundle of keys in the dog's mouth and left with his men.

"Oh, I won't forget…", Eve hissed as she turned around to face Will and Thomas. The sight that met her actually warmed her heart – Will was crouching on the floor, holding Thomas in his arms, stroking his curly hair as he whispered something incoherent. For a moment she just stared at them… obviously Thomas was upset… when she listened carefully she thought she could hear small sobs coming from the small boy. Joining them on the floor, Eve reached out her hand to stroke Thomas' head… for a few seconds she hesitated… she had never really experienced something like this before. But none the less her hand started playing carefully with Thomas' curls as she stroked his head. Teary eyed the boy looked up at her:

"I want my mommy", he just said and buried his face in Eve's chest. For a moment she froze… but then something inside her gave in and she cuddled him and held him tight. Will looked at her and smiled a sad smile… there was awfully quiet… as Will looked around he noticed that they were actually the only ones here. Except the dog. From the cell next to their own Will was able to get his hands on a dirty duvet through the barres and pull it into their own cell… carefully he wrapped it around Thomas' shivering body:

"You should sleep… here, use this as a pillow", Will said as he pulled off his white cotton shirt and folded it, reaching it to Eve. She couldn't help but notice Will's muscular, hairless torso… but she grabbed the shirt and helped Thomas lay down on the hay covered by the duvet and with his head resting on the shirt. For a moment both Will and Eve just looked at Thomas as he squirmed a bit and then placed his small hands under his chin. A few minutes passed… and incredibly enough Thomas was vast asleep.

"Thank you", Will whispered to Eve, who just stared at him questioningly:

"For what?", she asked as her glance explored his upper body once more. Will merely smiled:

"For being so kind to Thomas… he needed it", Will said as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. For a few seconds Eve just stared at Will's sad hazel eyes… and slowly she leaned towards him. He leaned towards her as well – it was as if everything happened in slow motion. And their lips met in a deep kiss. She placed her hand on his naked shoulder and pressed him into her chest – and she could feel how his heart beat started to escalate as he grabbed both of her shoulders and hugged her tightly, brushing his lips against hers. As their lips parted they were both gasping for air and Eve looked at him:

"You need some kindness too", she smiled and bit her lip lightly as she started to take off her green, low cut 

shirt.

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