Saying that it has been a while is not even close, and I apologize for that. Hopefully you can all understand that interests shift and change over time. I've still always enjoyed the character of Danielle, however. She's stuck with me through my years of non-writing.
This chapter has been a very long work-in-progress, just to inform you all. When summer picks up, I hope to get back into this. I'm hitting the last few weeks of school, so I'll try to get to work on the next chapter, but no promises of a chapter for a while…for at least a month, I'm afraid. I gotta concentrate on my studies first, I hope you understand.
Well, hopefully you'll be seeing more of me in the future. Until then, enjoy this chapter. Please read the last few chapters to recall what happened last if need be.
Chapter 10: A Night's Voyage
Will watched her silently from across the deck. She went about her menial tasks like always, but a hidden sadness—nervousness—was held in her eyes. Whatever that had been bothering her and causing her to keep her distance from him was worsening. She appeared even more distraught and uncomfortable to Will's utmost annoyance. What did Tia Dalma say to her? he could not help but wonder. What secret words and thoughts had the gypsy provoked to cause such discomfort in Danielle?
His gaze shifted to view the Black Pearl's captain, standing tall and proud at the wheel as he steered his beloved vessel. A scowl graced the young man's face at the sight of Jack Sparrow. He was the reason behind Danielle's strange, aloof behavior. Tia Dalma had even aluded to it. "Or, do know, bu' are loathe ta claim it as yar own." He could hear the woman's tantalizing voice in his ear, almost as if she stood right beside him. Will shook his head to rid himself of the eerie feeling that he was not alone. The only point of importance was that Jack was disturbing and frightening Danielle in some way. Will had seen as much when Danielle appeared the other night on deck slightly drunk with a bottle of rum; that had occurred only after a talk with Jack. The captain had pushed her to go through with a number of wild stunts previously: to pose as a shipwrecked civilian, to act like a French translator, not to mention nearly sell her away in a poker game.
"The bloody pirate," Will muttered under his breath vehemently. All the signs were there; he was certain Jack had a part to play regarding Danielle's behavior. What else could the trouble be to pull her down to such a state of discomfort, dread, and avoidance? She shied away from company, his especially. She was no doubt afraid to come speak to him about Jack, but why? What was there to be afraid of? Sure, he would pull Jack apart limb from limb if his fears were confirmed, but that would only better her situation, wouldn't it? He had to confirm his suspicions. If Jack were harming her in any way, Will realized he had to put a stop to it.
Will offered one last glare at Jack, watching as the captain descended the steps to the main deck, before turning on his heel and disappearing down below…likely to his cabin. He took the opportunity to confront Danielle. In only a few long strides, he crossed the length of the ship and came to stand before her as she picked up a coil of rope. At the sight of a long shadow hovering over her, she stopped dead, anxiously glancing up to look into his eyes. There was minute fear there, but she quickly shrugged off her moment of hesitance and continued with her action, hauling the massive line onto her shoulder.
"Hello," she offered quietly with only the slightest of smiles. She stepped around him and continued on.
"I know what's been bothering you," he stated without introduction, his eyes resting on her back. For the second time in mere seconds, she stopped in her tracks. She turned to face him.
"Wh-what?" she whispered wordlessly.
"I know why you've been so distant, what you've been so worried about," Will repeated. Her face blanched—a peculiar sight to see when standing in the shining Caribbean sun—and her eyes widened. The rope slid from her grip and slipped down the length of her shoulder, finally thudding to the deck. Oh my God! she silently cursed to herself, dread immediately seizing her entire being. He knows!
"You do?" she managed to stammer out. Perhaps she was misunderstanding, assuming the worst of a situation…maybe he was speaking of something completely different; nothing at all related to the secret emotions she harbored toward him! It was a slim possibility, but she clung to it. His next words, however, shattered any such notion.
"I just don't understand why you did not tell me," he muttered, staring into her hazel orbs, only to break eye contact and run a hand through his hair. With a sigh, he looked at her again. "Why didn't you say anything? At least answer me that." Danielle was struck dumb; she had no answer to that question. Her mouth gaped open like a fish on land as she sought for a proper response.
"Did you actually think my opinion of you would change if you told me?" Will pressed, watching her struggle to come up with a suitable reply. Her mouth opened and closed multiple times before any such sound came out.
"I-I thought you would take it a little differently," she admitted meekly, confusion clouding her mind. She felt weak and inferior under his gaze, like any reason or excuse she offered in response to his question would not do. He was not angry, only frustrated, but that dampened her spirits all the more. She could manage his anger; that was emotion and feeling, but the soft, disappointed tone he used hurt so much more than any harsh words he could fling at her.
"Differently?' he exclaimed incredulously with a hint of amusement. A minor smile came to his features, but not the smile she was so accustomed to. "What reaction were you expecting?" His mind envisioned Jack goading Danielle on, his hands playing with her hair as he made risqué comments. "Were you expecting me to be pleased?" Danielle visibly winced at the stinging remark, silently wishing he had taken the news better.
"F-fine," she stammered weakly, feeling the start of tears in her eyes. "I see your point." She tried her hardest to keep a firm face, but he had never spoken to her in such a manner before. She never expected him to treat her in such a way regardless of the fact that the information had the potential to forever change their relationship. "We-we could just remain friends if you'd prefer."
"Yes, I'd like that very much," he snapped back. His teeth gritted at the insinuation she had just made. She actually gave into Jack's wily, no doubt crude attempts! His previous vision of a disgusted, innocent Danielle being hounded by a sexually-driven Jack shifted to create a more flirtatious persona of Danielle. He could see the two of them standing in some dark hallway as she toyed and teased the rowdy pirate, Jack only smirking and countering her advances. The entire scene infuriated Will. What would posses her?!? He vocalized the thought. "I do not know what would cause you to think such a thing!" He was visibly growing angrier; his eyes were flashing and his nostrils flaring. To put it brief, it frightened Danielle. She had expected shock, maybe discomfort when he found out her secret but never this!
"I'm sorry, if that helps out all!" she cried, outstretching her hands. He was about to come back with a sharp retort, but bit it back at her shaken expression. He took a breath.
"Yes, you are," he quietly agreed, "and I forgive you for not telling me, but I'm only looking for what would prove best for you." He pent in his initial anger and it was helping; the fire smoldered and died excruciatingly slow, but nonetheless did so. His voice softened and returned to its normal volume, yet retained its clipped manner.
What would prove best for me? He hates even the notion of us together I should have seen it from the beginning. He deserves Elizabeth…I don't deserve him.
A minute or so of silence reined in which both parties calmed and regained themselves. Danielle swiftly pulled herself together and kept her strong features prominent as Will mellowed down. They stared at one another briefly, unsure of what to do or where to go. What could be done after such a scene? The air was thick and tense, electricity sizzled between their locked gazes; neither came to realize, however, that their conversation had, in fact, covered two completely unrelated topics. Unable to let the silence control them any longer, Danielle asked the one question burning on her lips.
"How did you find out?" He had already crushed and demolished her silent dreams, the secret she had harbored in her heart for over a year…what could one more question hurt?
"Jack," said Will menacingly, staring at a crate stamped "RUM" a short distance away. He glanced back up to her. "Now, I must go have a word with him." His voice was cool, but his eyes burned like fire. Danielle was wrong; that question hurt almost worst than the rest. Her trust had been betrayed. As soon as his back turned to face her she knew there was nothing she could say that would stop him. Every word out of her mouth he would quickly dismiss…even if she ran up and literally begged him she doubted he would change his mind. Through all of her years of knowing Will, she knew when he had something on his mind, nothing could distract him; any attempt she made would end up fruitless. All she could was pray that Jack had some form of dignity and would not cause their situation to worsen any more.
Will stormed down the steps, his boots thumping rhythmically on the wooden planks as his coat flared out behind him. He ignored the thick beads of sweat slipping down the back of his neck, a typical effect from the blazing Caribbean sun he had just abandoned. The dark, coolness of the Black Pearl's cramped hall contrasted blatantly to the bright warmth he had just left; an involuntary shiver climbed up his spine as his body adjusted to the lack of heat. The sweat slowly crept down his back, causing a certain degree of discomfort. Nevertheless, his mind was on a mission, and he would not be easily swayed from his final goal. In a few long strides, he approached Jack's door, and without so much as a knock, wrenched it open. Inside, he found the captain sitting idly with a customary bottle of rum in hand. At the intrusion, he looked up.
"'ey, Will—"
"What have you done to Danielle?" Will cut across, advancing on Jack with fiery eyes. The blade of his sword was swiftly placed on the captain's left shoulder. Curiously, Jack's eyes shifted to take in the sight of the sword. With a finger he pushed the blade from his shoulder.
"I've done nothin' to 'er," he answered truthfully. In a flash, the sword was pressed against his throat.
"Don't lie, Jack," breathed Will, his eyes darkening a shade. "My temper is not to be tested now. How have you touched her? How long has this been occurring?" His hand visibly began shaking in his fury, yet his sword somehow remained still and precise. "What else have you done?"
Stubbornly still handling his rum bottle, Jack attempted to push the sword away once more. Will's grip was a strong one, however.
"I believe ye're mistaken, mate," replied Jack lightly, though with a frown. "I ain't touched Danielle…" he paused, a small smile appearing instead, "at leas' no' sexually-speakin'."
"Don't play games with me, Jack!" Will growled, pushing his sword into the captain's neck. Jack felt the bite of the blade, but did not react to it. Instead, a feisty grin came to his lips.
"Standin' up for yer lovely, darlin' Danielle, eh?" He raised the rum to his lips, maneuvering his arm around Will's blade.
"You don't care at all?" Will demanded. "You've seen her! Look at the state she has been in! What have you done?" Jack tried to push the young man's sword from his neck once more, though futilely. The fun in the situation was slowly dying away.
"I told ye already, mate," he said agitatedly. "I haven' touched Danielle…in any way. Now, lower yer bloody sword 'fore I get annoyed an' decide to send a bullet through ye." He prepared to take another swig of rum, but in a matter of seconds the bottle flew from his hand and smashed to the ground. His hand became limp as he stared at the damage done, the glass shards scattered against the floor boards as his beloved rum seeped into the bowels of the ship. In the few seconds it took for his mind to register what had happened, his head spun to face a furious Will.
"Bloody hell!" Jack roared, matching Will's obvious rage. "I though' ye bloody eunuchs knew better than to swipe a bottle o' rum from a man." He glanced sorrowfully at the shattered debris to his right. "Wha' the bloody hell did ye do tha' for?"
"I can deal with you being annoyed," said Will smoothly, his sword still positioned at Jack's throat. "Perhaps then I'll get some answers."
"Ye bloody, stupid eunuch! I told ye, I ain' touched Danielle at all! Ye 'ad no reason to go an' destroy me rum! No man ever touches Cap'n Jack Sparrow's rum!" He was fuming now, and that was a rare sight indeed given his typical casual demeanor.
"I guess I'm the exception to the rule," replied Will.
"Ye bloody…!" Jack was without words. Grabbing Will's arm, he wrenched the man's sword from his throat. "Ge' off me!" Before Will had a chance to resume his position and pin him down once more, the captain jumped to his feet and ripped open the door. "One of ye bloody fools send Danielle down 'ere NOW!" he hollered up to the deck before returning to his seat sullenly and crossing his arms. Will glared at Jack briefly as he sheathed his sword, awaiting Danielle's arrival.
"She has already told me what's happened. How will speaking to her help?" Will muttered after a moment of silence.
"She'll get yer bloody story straight," growled Jack.
Danielle hastily retied the knot holding the rigging in place to the deck. It had been loosening up recently and the last thing they needed was half a dozen men falling and breaking their necks due to a faulty knot. Unintentionally, she fouled the job, her fingers clumsily fumbling with the rope. "Damn," she cursed, correcting her mistake and reworking the rope. Once finished, she tested her knot's durability by giving the rigging a firm tug. Satisfied with her handiwork, she looked over her shoulder.
"She'll hold now. Go ahead and climb up." A nearby crewmate nodded appreciatively and scurried up the line. She watched the man for a few seconds and prepared to pull herself to her feet. Considering what state I'm in, I will probably botch standing as well, she thought bitterly to herself. Nonetheless, raising a hand to the rigging she pulled at it. Why in the world did Jack have to tell Will? Why couldn't he have left things as they were? She quietly groaned to herself, wondering what conversation Will and Jack were currently having below deck.
"Oi, Danielle," a voice suddenly called. She eased her knees back down to the deck floor and turned to see a lad about a few years younger than her running in her direction. She knew his name to be Jonathon.
"Yes?" she replied only halfheartedly, getting a feeling his news would not be the most pleasing. He stopped in front of her.
"The Captain wants to see you in his cabin. Sounds in a right fit state, though, I'll warn you, the way he hollered for you." Danielle closed her eyes; it was the only way she could prepare herself to confront Jack. She took a breath and resumed in pulling herself to her feet. Jonathon offered a hand to steady her. "I sure would not want to be in your shoes," he grinned lightly, hoping to ease the newly found worries shrouding her face. With a sigh, she turned to him.
"I appreciate the gesture, Jonathon, but that does nothing for my nerves." He smiled meekly.
"Sorry, Danielle, I thought it would help." She nodded lightly.
"I understand," she admitted, giving him a pat on the back. "You get back to work. I need to go find Jack." Leaving Jonathon to his tasks, Danielle crossed the deck, dreading each step she took, and walked down below.
Coming to Jack's door, she knocked, and before a reply was heard, she opened it. The sight inside did not lift her spirits in the least. They're both here! she groaned silently to herself. My day keeps getting better and better…. Will stood to one side, arms crossed and furious by the looks of it. Jack was seated in his chair, an equal look of rage on his features. Danielle allowed herself to take a few deep breaths. The entire ordeal would be over faster if she were calm. Finally, she stepped into the room and shut the door behind her.
"You called for me, Jack."
"Aye," said Jack with a nod. "I wan' ye to answer a question. Don' go off into a rant, jus' answer it. Mr. Turner needs to 'ave somethin' straightened out." His eyes shifted to glance momentarily at Will then returned to Danielle.
Danielle felt as though she was going to be sick. What did they want to ask? Was there something she had said that neither of them really liked? Had Will said something to Jack regarding their earlier conversation, something that annoyed Jack? But then again, Jack had originally told Will her secret, so was Jack supporting her or against her? Seeing no other option, Danielle nodded to Jack's requests and waited for the infamous question, her heart pounding in her chest. A beat of silence passed only increasing the tension in the room. Would Jack just ask and get it over with?! He took in a breath…the seconds seemed to go on forever. She watched his lips begin to form the first word, and Danielle closed her eyes. It felt like her death was being sentenced and she just wanted it over with. No sooner had she thought this than Jack's words escaped his mouth.
"'ave I ever touched ye in any way?" Danielle involuntarily took in a breath, but as his question registered into her mind, she released it. Her eyes flew open. Was this a joke? Her brow wrinkled as she looked from Jack to Will and back again.
"What?" she voiced. All her anxiety and fear melted away to confusion. "N-no. No, you've never touched me." Jack grinned a little and stood to his feet.
"There ye are, mate," he said to Will. "Told ye I never touched 'er. Now fetch me another bottle o' rum an' ge' out o' me cabin."
"Wait a moment," snapped Will as he turned to Danielle, pointing. "You told me he had touched you. You just told me that!"
"What?" questioned Danielle again. "No, I didn't." She glanced over at Jack briefly. "He's never touched me…at least in the way you mean," she added as an afterthought.
"We just spoke of it on the deck. You admitted to the fact that he has been touching you. You said that you would just remain friends if I wanted. That gave me the impression that you were goading on his advances."
"Me goad on Jack!" She pointed to herself then Jack. "Never!" The sheer absurdity of the thought nearly made her laugh, but there were more important issues to be dealt with. "What would make you think such a thing?" Will sighed in frustration. Hadn't he explained that already?!
"You told me so," he said once more, quickly getting tired of explaining himself, "…or at least that's what I thought you had meant…that you had been goading Jack on…." Danielle pointed a finger at Will as her mind tried to connect the pieces together.
"Wait…" she muttered as what he was saying suddenly began to click. "You thought I'd been talking about Jack…?"
"Obviously, or I wouldn't be here right now." Before the situation could get any more convoluted and waste any more of his time, Jack stepped between the two of them.
"Would ye two please go up on deck to finish up yer little couple issue, 'ere, an' let me ge' back to me rum?"
"No," they chorused, their minds still focused on the misunderstanding. Jack scowled.
"Fine, bu' make it quick 'fore I kick the both o' ye ou' o' here." He turned on his heel and dropped back into his chair, crossing his arms and waiting for the pair to leave. They picked up their conversation just where it had left off as if there had been no interruption.
"That explains it," said Danielle to herself. She thought over what she had said earlier and saw exactly how it could be taken out of context. Now that's strange, she mused to herself. As the thoughts faded away, she focused her concentration on Will once more.
"I apologize for the misunderstanding," she said softly, not knowing exactly how to mend up the issue. "I had not been speaking about Jack…or him, uh, seducing me….. "
"Wha'? No apology for me," Jack cut in again. His frown deepened. "I didn' even bloody well seduce ye!" he hollered jumping to his feet, receiving not an ounce of attention. It was almost as if he didn't exist. "No, dear ol' Jack gets nothin', no' even when a bloody whelp bursts into 'is room and shatters 'is rum," he grumbled to himself, collapsing back into his chair.
"Well obviously what I said made sense to you in some manner," remarked Will, risking a minute glance to Jack, "and apparently it upset you for whatever reason…so the question then becomes what did you think I had been talking about?" Danielle blinked. Nothing came to mind. She couldn't just suddenly come clean and say she had thought he had found about her being in love with him and was requesting that they only be friends because the thought of them being anything more than friends was atrocious to him. No…she could not say that. Seeing no other option, she smiled weakly and shook her head, opting for playing naive.
"It was nothing, Will. I thought you had been referring to something entirely different. Now that I realize you hadn't meant that, all is alright now." Will appeared skeptical. He quirked an eyebrow.
"Are you certain? You seemed really upset." Danielle's smile widened and she waved away the comment.
"Yes, it is nothing important." Will took in the over-exuberant expression on her face and scrutinized her carefully. His face became set in a frown.
"You're lying." Danielle was caught off guard with his blatant remark; her surprise was shown through her features only briefly before she hastily masked her face and smiled all-too-happily again.
"I have no idea what you mean," she said in what she hoped sounded innocent. Will had to exercise all his willpower not to roll his eyes at her pitiful act. Hoping to jolt her back to reality, he adopted a stern tone. He stared down at her through hard, cold eyes.
"Come now, Danielle. You've never been good at lying, least of all to me. Something was bothering you…." Her lips parted to speak. "Do not even attempt to deny it!" he retorted, and immediately her mouth clamped shut. She groaned, hating to be backed into a corner as she was. Will saw through her lie and knowing him, he would want the truth. How the hell was she supposed to get around actually telling him the truth, though? She let her façade drop and her smile crumpled.
"Alright, Will. I'll admit that I was lying and yes, you did upset me." Will crossed his arms. Finally they were getting somewhere.
"Why? What did you think I'd been talking about?" Danielle released a sigh and pulled her hands through her hair.
"I'd tell you, Will…but…," she searched fruitlessly for her words, "I need some time to figure out what I was thinking myself. I've been a bit rattled as of late." Will nodded.
"So I've seen. But you know you can tell me if anything is wrong." He lowered his hands, taking on a less intimidating position and his eyes softened some.
"I know, Will. Trust me, I do!" replied Danielle with a weak smile. "I just need to get things straightened out first, alright?"Will pondered over the plea for a moment, allowing a few seconds to pass in silence.
"Alright," he finally agreed. "I do hope you intend on telling me one day though."
"I do!" Danielle replied in a heartbeat. "Just not right away." Will nodded again and put a hand to her shoulder.
"I can accept that." He offered a smile to which Danielle grinned back. Without a thought, she hugged him. She hadn't got everything off her chest yet, but at least Will would stop worrying and checking on her. She would have time where she could think rationally about her true feelings. It simply felt so good to know that there would be no more misunderstandings and secrets between herself and Will. It was one less thing to worry about.
Will affectionately accepted the hug.
"Oh joy!" garbled a voice to their right. "Now tha' all is righ' once more in lovey dovey Will an' Danielle land, maybe ye two can leave me to me rum!" Jack stared at them looking none-to-pleased. "I swear, with the way ye two fight an' bicker, folks woul' think ye're married." Will laughed lightly as he released Danielle.
"I suppose I should take that as a compliment. Whoever gets Danielle as his wife is a lucky man." Danielle's cheeks turned rouge as she silently vowed to kill Jack.
"If I remember rightly, you've said something like that before, Will," she mumbled, though not knowing why. A few beats of silence followed. It was not hard for the memory to resurface in Will's mind. He remembered the night on the Dauntless vividly and recalled exactly what took place.
"I hope you're not beginning to doubt me," he said with a frown. "It's only been a year."
"Well, seeing as I have not yet met the right man, it is hard to affirm your belief, Will." She sighed. "However, I shouldn't be so morbid. It will do me no good." A ghost of a smile played at Will's lips.
"You'll be fine, Danielle. Just be patient. Soon enough you'll be wed, you just have to be patient."
"I suppose you're right," she muttered. "It is just—"
"Bloody hell! I 'ad no intention wha'soever o' startin' another conversation with tha' comment," groaned Jack from his seat. "Jus' ge' me another bottle o' rum. I'll be needin' one seeing as William destroyed me last one." He shot a minute glare in Will's direction. The young blacksmith smirked briefly before returning to his somber state.
"Yes, well, you'll be fine, Danielle. Have no worries." Feeling the need to offer more than a few kind words, Will bent forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "I best be getting back up on deck" he said.
"Of course," she murmured, looking to the doorway.
"Oh, I wan' a quick word with ye before ye go love," said Jack. Danielle turned back to her captain.
"Alright, Jack." Will looked a bit quizzical. Jack, meanwhile, grinned in his typical manner.
"Nothin' to worry abou', mate," he replied with ease. "Jus' need to talk to Danielle abou' giving misinformed information to some people abou' other people, particularly abou' me." Will smirked and turned once more to Danielle.
"I'll see you on deck, then?"
"Yeah," she nodded, as he crossed the room and shut the cabin door. She smiled. Whew, it felt good for Will to behave normally for once. No more suspicious sidelong glances or constant questions. He was giving her the time she needed to herself and she was extremely appreciative. Now she wouldn't have to constantly worry about his next prying question; she could tell him her secret on her own time. A great weight had been lifted from her shoulders and she felt just marvelous!
"Ye can stop starin' at me door, love. Ye migh' burn a 'ole into it." Danielle looked at Jack who sat grinning cockily at her. Suddenly attempting to act disinterested, he checked his cuticles. "I'd also appreciate it if ye'd stop fawnin' over 'im, 'specially when I'm 'ere." Crossing her arms, she turned to face Jack fully.
"I wasn't fawning over him." Jack looked up from his nails.
"Please, love, ye can 'ardly keep yerself off 'im." Danielle frowned.
"I might have hugged him, but that means nothing! As for the kiss, I played no part in that."
"Say wha' ye wan', darlin'. Ye know ye liked it. Oh, an' fetch me a bottle o' rum!" He grinned at the thought of his beloved drink. Danielle marched to the door and grabbed a bottle, talking all the way.
"Though I might have hugged him, it does not mean I was fawning over him." Jack's eyes sparkled at the sight of his rum.
"I'm sure ye wanted to do much more than hug the lad, aye? Possibly return tha' kiss o' his?" Danielle stopped in front of him. Jack, meanwhile went for the bottle, but she pulled it out of his reach, offering a minute glare.
"Even if that were true, I have too much respect for him to actually commit such an act, unlike you!"
"I don' know if I'd call tha' respect for the lad; I'd call tha' havin' a strong resolve." He reached up for his rum again, but she pulled it away a second time. She smiled sweetly at him.
"Do you want this rum?" Jack grinned.
"Very much so." Danielle ripped the cork out and took a swig, feeling the rum's bite in the back of her throat. Jamming the cork back into the bottle neck, she thrust it at Jack.
"Then I recommend you shut it! You have no place in these matters between Will and I!" Jack laughed outright as he pulled the cork from the bottle for himself.
"Feisty today, aren' we?" He took a long drink. Danielle folded her arms and stared down at her captain.
"Is this the only reason you wanted to speak to me, Jack? To poke fun at me?" As he lowered the bottle, rum dripped down his chin. He hastily wiped it away.
"No, love, no!" Unable to resist his rum, he put the bottle to his lips again. Danielle sighed.
"I thought you told him." she whispered. "That's why I was so worried when I first came in." Jack slowly lowered his rum in a rare, serious moment.
"No, I didn', darlin'. Wasn' ever plannin' on tellin' 'im. I 'as leavin' tha' to ye." Danielle smiled.
"Well, I appreciate that." She leaned down and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Jack's brows knitted together.
"Ye sure yer 'eart's set on the whelp. I coul' always use someone warm in me bed." He offered a sly grin. Danielle chuckled.
"A fine attempt, Jack, but you can't get me that easily." She winked and walked toward the door.
Danielle leaned back and perched her legs up against the ship's rail. It was her watch and there was little else to do. The waters were relatively calm that night; it was tranquil, peaceful, and dark, just as it ought to be so late at night. Dropping her booted feet to the deck floor she bent over and picked up the mug of water she had set beside the crate she was sitting on and took a sip. She returned the mug to its rightful place and resumed her previous position.
"It's a quiet night," she mused to herself looking across the barren deck.
"Though not completely silent," a voice replied from behind her. Danielle's spine straightened in an instant and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Her feet slammed once more to the deck, upsetting the mug sitting next to her. Upon looking in the direction of the voice, she visibly calmed at recognizing the silhouette of the man approaching her.
"Bloody hell, Will," she garbled. "You don't do that when I am on watch."
"Sorry," came his reply as he appeared at her side. He offered a smile. Danielle merely smirked in return as she bent over to pick up her fallen drink. There was still some water left and she took a drink.
"So what are you doing up on deck at this time?" asked Danielle between gulps of water. "It's the middle of the night." Will shrugged.
"No specific reason." Danielle glanced over at him skeptically.
"There has to be a reason. I suspect one of these two: you cannot sleep or you came here specifically to see me." She ticked the reasons off on her fingers as she spoke. "Did you know it was my watch?" He smiled sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. That was a telltale sign if ever Danielle saw one. She chuckled lightly to herself as she slouched lower in her seat. Will looked over at her, quirking a brow in question.
"Are you alright?" Danielle smiled up at him.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a bit tired." She rubbed her eyes with a pointer finger and thumb, wiping away the sleep that had settled there. Will cocked his head to one side.
"Do you want me to take over your watch as you get some sleep?" Danielle's face broke into a smile and she laughed.
"No, Will. It's fine. You can't always take my watch. And this time I'm not intoxicated." She tapped the mug with a finger. "This is water, I promise." She took another drink and grinned up at him. He eyed the mug before his face broke into a lighthearted smile.
"In that case, I have another question to ask of you." He paused for a moment as he waited for Danielle's full attention. Hastily, she set her water to one side and looked at him in rapt interest. After locking eyes with her for a brief moment, he sighed. "I do not know how to go about asking this," he mumbled, turning away from her to face the warm Caribbean waters. Danielle craned her neck forward to catch his softly spoken words.
"Will," she whispered, "you know you—" she immediately quieted as he raised his right hand to silence her. Out of the corner of his eye, she noticed him peering at her. He licked his lips.
"Well, then I suppose I must outright say it." Slowly, he ran his hand along the ship's wooden rail. Under other circumstances Danielle would have thought Will's behavior strange, but considering how seriously he was speaking, she noted it with little worry. Will spoke again. "What I must ask is…" Danielle leaned forward in interest, waiting anxiously for him to complete his thought, but that did not happen; without warning he spun around, his blade slicing through the air toward her. With hardly a thought to the action, she grabbed at her sword's hilt and skillfully blocked the oncoming attack. She stared wide-eyed at the sword that clashed with hers until raising her eyes to Will unwavering figure as he loomed over her. He smirked cheekily.
"…have you been practicing?" he finished, drawing his blade back from hers. Her jaw practically dropped open.
"What the bloody—what are you getting at, Will?" she breathed, slowly getting over the shock of her friend unexpectedly attacking her.
"I'm sorry," he grinned, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I had to see if you were on your guard or not. I wanted to see if your skill as a swordsman has improved at all."
"So you have to bloody well frighten me to death?!" she all but shouted. "You could have just bloody asked to duel if you wanted to see my sword skills!" Will grinned at the prospect.
"A fine idea! Care for a duel, then?" He offered her a hand. Danielle let out a huff and took a gulp of water.
"Ah, why not? There's nothing better to do." She grabbed Will's hand and he hoisted her to her feet. They crossed to the center of the deck and each adopted a fighting stance. Will's smirked as the exhilaration of competition flashed across his eyes.
"Are you ready?" Danielle grinned in response, feeling an adrenaline rush about to begin.
"I believe so." Will chuckled.
"Then prepare yourself." As fast as a cat, he lunged forward and the sound of steel-on-steel rung through the silence. Will dueled with ferocity, but each attack he attempted was quickly foiled. Danielle stood firmly on the spot, refusing to move her feet about. Her balance was already shaky as it was; with each successive parry of Will's attacks, her balance wavered and she feared falling. To dare move her feet would ultimately end in her defeat.
"You've improved. I see that much already," said Will between sword strokes. Danielle nodded curtly before cutting her sword across Will's stomach. He easily blocked the maneuver however.
"I've had to improve. It's necessary for survival when living a life of piracy," she eventually responded, but just as she hit the last syllable of her sentence, her sword was knocked from her hand. They both looked at the fallen blade.
"You could stand for a bit more improvement, though," Will antagonized, lowering his sword for the briefest of moments. Danielle's mildly-offended gaze swiveled to meet his. He shrugged. In a fleeting second, Danielle whipped her pistol out and took aim.
"You were saying?" Will looked slightly taken aback, but still remained extremely calm. He frowned.
"I would hardly consider that fair, Danielle." She simply smiled impishly at him.
"A little compensation for the occurrences from earlier tonight…namely you frightening me half to death twice." She slowly stepped nearer to him until her pistol barrel rest only a few inches from his forehead. Her eyes remained trained on his face. Sincerity flitted across her face. "It's not cocked in case you are worried." Will was as calm as ever. He shook his head.
"I never assumed it was." As he spoke, he stealthily popped a button from the front of his jacket and palmed it. Danielle looked smug.
"So am I to be declared the winner?" Just as the silence settled around them once more, Will tossed the button from his hand. A faint clatter was heard as the piece struck the deck. Danielle's gaze drew away from him for a second, but it was all he needed. He took the opportunity to shove the barrel of Danielle's pistol away from him as he circled behind her in one easy stride. He wrapped his left arm around her, pinning her arms to her front as he lightly placed the blade of his sword to her bare throat.
"You are not the winner yet," he whispered in her ear. "You must watch out for distraction. It could lead to your death one day." He tightened his grip about her causing her to limply hold her pistol. "I recommend you drop it." Seeing no other option open to her, she did as he said and let it clatter to the deck. He smirked in victory. "Now how are you going to get out of this?" Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed his smug look.
"Simple," she replied with a smile. Will's smirk faded as he noted her confidence. Danielle, using Will as balance support, leaned back slightly before raising her foot into the air. It dawned on Will exactly what she was doing as her heel came to slam sharply onto the front of his boot. He could not help the grimace that flashed across his face. His grip on her went lax for a second and she took the opportunity to quickly scurry away from him and retrieve her fallen sword. By the time she turned around to face him, he had recovered and was ready for the next stage of the duel.
Danielle set herself into position, but Will silently requested a moment. He began to take off his heavy leather jacket, first removing his left arm, then the right. He allowed the coat to fall to the floor, but did not let it go. Glancing up to Danielle, a smile played at his lips. Her guard immediately went up, her sword rising slightly. That was the exactly reaction he wanted. Without a second's notice, Will whipped the coat back behind him and cast it forward. The heavy fabric draped over Danielle's sword, and following through with his motion, he whipped it back once more. Just as he predicted, Danielle's blade glided from her hand and crashed to the floor. No longer needing his coat, he tossed it to one side as he brandished his sword at Danielle and advanced forward. She had no other weapons she could rely on. She slowly stepped back as he drew ever closer, but finally her footing gave out on her. She stumbled backwards and fell. Will came to stand over her, his sword lazily pointed at her. There were only two possible choices: admit defeat or…. Vouching for the risky move, she swung her leg forward and it just caught his feet, knocking them out from under him. He groaned as his body made contact with the cold, unwelcoming wood of the deck. Taking his second's vulnerability, Danielle snatched up his fallen sword and pointed it at him while kneeling. With a chuckle, Will offered a surprised, but impressed smile. Danielle grinned in return.
"So, am I the victor?" Will had one last trick up his sleeve.
"Not quite yet." With his right foot, he kicked the sword from Danielle's hand, then quickly sat up, grabbed her about the shoulders, and pinned her down to the deck beside him.
"I believe I am the victor," he declared with a grin glancing at Danielle. All sense of competition gone from within her, she rolled onto her back and let out a sigh.
"Fine." Will laughed aloud and sat up.
"Come now, you came in close second." Danielle pulled herself upright and offered Will a mock glare. "You did fabulously. You've improved tremendously, Danielle," he complimented her with a smile. She tried to keep her glare in place but it faltered and she could not help the grin that appeared on her face.
"Bloody hell…what power do you have over me, Will?" she asked, breaking into a fit of laughter. His smile widened.
"The power of knowing you, Danielle." He jumped to his feet and turned about. "I know you and therefore know your weaknesses." He proffered a hand with a sly smile; she rolled her eyes, but took his hand nonetheless.
"I would say you have a unique sense of charm," she countered as she was hoisted to her feet. "I bet you could get a woman to do just about anything with just a smile." Will offered her an intrigued look before turning to retrieve Danielle's sword and pistol.
"Does this 'unique sense of charm' work on you, might I ask?" he questioned, his back to Danielle as he bowed low to pick up the fallen weaponry. In a few seconds he turned on his heel and faced her. She held out his sword, offering it back to him.
"If you are not careful, we may have yet another duel tonight." She met his gaze and held it there. "To ask a woman such a question is to reveal a dear secret." Will let out a soft laugh and took his sword, handing back Danielle's sword and pistol with his remaining hand. He smiled lightly, admiring the blade in his hand before his gaze returned to Danielle.
"I'd be willing to have another duel." He smirked. Danielle let out a sarcastic laugh. With a flourish, she sheathed her sword and belted her pistol.
"Ah, not tonight, Mr. Turner!" She turned about and returned to her post, slumping down onto the crate and propping up her feet once more. "You see, I have a duty I must keep to." She grinned cheekily up at Will.
"If you're sure…." He looked slyly over to her, but she paid him no mind. Danielle retrieved her mug of water, peered in to see if anything remained, and took a drink.
"I'm positive, Mr. Turner, but thank you for asking." Will fluidly sheathed his sword before leaning back against the rail of the ship.
"You are welcome," he nodded politely, but already the light of competition was fading from his eyes.
A mild wind picked up, pushing against the sails of the ship. Will's gaze followed the course of the wind: it blew in the direction they were headed—to the Flying Dutchman. His previously soft features hardened. Fingering her mug, Danielle watched Will, trying to read his features. The playfulness his eyes had held a few moments before had died away. A resolve now shone through them—a determination fueled by anger and frustration. Slowly, Danielle bent to one side and set her mug down on the planks of the deck. Will did not move. She found the silence to be uncomfortable and claustrophobic—all trace of the light-hearted duel they had had moments before was gone. Feeling as if she was invading upon a precious moment, yet unable to stand the quiet, Danielle broke the silence.
"Try not to worry. We'll get Elizabeth out of danger. We have done it once, we can do it once more." Will turned.
"I can't help but worry," he said slowly, as if carefully choosing his words. "She's locked in the brig at Port Royal by that madman Beckett." The pace of his words quickened. "And yes, we did save her before, but how many times must I place Elizabeth in these drastically life-threatening situations?" Danielle stared at him incredulously.
"Will, you're doing no such thing!"
"Yes, I am, Danielle! Why was she captured by Barbossa? Because she had taken my medallion. Why is she in the brig now? Because I assisted in the rescue of Jack."
"I had a hand in that rescue as well," countered Danielle. "You cannot take the full blame for that situation." A low growl rent through Will's throat.
"If only Jack would give me his compass, I could have the situation behind us—I could have Elizabeth free." His slammed a fist against the rail. Danielle looked at him in wonderment.
"You're sense of duty is overwhelming, Will."
"What?" he said sharply, but biting back his tone.
"You blame yourself for this entire situation when it is the farthest thing from the truth. You are not at fault for the way things have turned out."
"Of course I am," muttered Will acidly. "Elizabeth and I have warrants out for our arrest. I put her in that situation." Danielle's feet crashed to the ship floor as she shot upright.
"Bloody hell, Will! You didn't do a damn thing wrong! Elizabeth put herself in that situation! She stood by you, and I stood by you. You cannot take the blame for every damn thing that goes wrong!" Danielle's eyes flashed. "Sometimes you must accept the consequences of your own actions."
"Are you saying that Elizabeth is to blame for this?" Will questioned harshly. Danielle took a breath.
"I am saying that Elizabeth probably knew the dangers of standing beside you when we rescued Jack," she said slowly, annunciating each word. "She is a smart girl who can take care of herself." She took another breath to calm herself further. "You cannot take the blame for the situations others have placed themselves in."
"How can I not?" asked Will seriously. "I'm her fiancé. I'm meant to protect her, help her, keep her safe. And here I have done the opposite of that." Danielle slumped back onto the crate.
"I can't help you with the guilt you feel, Will," she responded truthfully. "You have to figure that one out alone." Trust me, she added silently, musing on the feelings of guilt she was grappling with regarding her resurfaced emotions for Will. That, too, was something that would have to be dealt with alone. Assuming Jack keeps his nose out of my business. "I can help you," she continued without a beat, "with trying to rescue Elizabeth, however." Will looked at her in confusion.
"You are already doing that," he said. Danielle nodded.
"And I will continue to, but you should know that Jack is not acting like himself."
"Jack?" muttered Will, perplexed. His brows furrowed suspiciously.
"He's been acting bizarre of late—more different than usual—even before you returned. He refused to tell anyone about Davy Jones' key until that conversation with Tia Dalma. I don't trust him. He's up to something, I think." Will nodded thoughtfully.
"I'll take that into account, but plan or not, I have to get this key in order to save Elizabeth. I'll have to risk it." Danielle rolled her eyes.
"There's that overwhelming sense of duty again…."
"What else do you expect of me?" Danielle smiled lightly in attempt to gloss over their earlier fight.
"Nothing less."
Shouts could be heard…and footsteps, fast-moving footsteps clanking and clambering along floorboards. They were nearby…and very annoying! Danielle rolled over in her hammock, pulling her coarse sheet with her. She had just left her shift a few hours earlier; could they not quiet down? What could possibly incite so much ruckus? She whisked open one eye; the room was just as dark as always, and no hint of light peeked through the hull of the ship as it occasionally did in the morning. As the pounding of feet continued, Danielle flipped over and faced her doorway. Light creeped through a crack at the bottom of the door…candlelight, not sunlight. She half-considered getting up, if only to see what all the noise was about when a sharp knock shook her door on its hinges.
"Danielle," she heard a muffled voice call through the wood. "We've found the Dutchman."
The Dutchman! Now that certainly would incite a crowd! Danielle's eyes lit up and she scrambled from her hammock.
Throwing on her coat, she climbed the steps onto the upper deck. A storm had set in since she had been on watch. She squinted through the downpour at a ship wrecked on some rocks. It was smaller than she had thought it would be. Carefully, she maneuvered her way to where Jack, Will, and Gibbs conversed.
"That's the Flying Dutchman?" she heard Will ask as he peered through the rain at the scuttled ship. "She doesn't look like much."
"Neither do ye," replied Jack nonchalantly. "Do no' underestimate 'er!" As she stepped over to them, she noticed Jack give Gibbs an obvious glance. Immediately her guard was up. Gibbs' words only increased her suspicion:
"Must've run afoul o' the reef."
"Strange," voiced Danielle over the storm as she appeared behind the three. "I would have that the Dutchman to be larger, especially considering your stories, Gibbs." She shot him a glare; it was far too easy to sense when Gibbs was bluffing. Jack attempted to smooth over the comment.
"Well, love, ye know Gibbs…tends to exaggerate." Danielle considered his statement.
"Yes, I tend to recall a ridiculous story involving sea turtles."
"Now, tha' one was true, love," countered Jack with a smile. "Bu', William." He turned to Will. "So, wha's yer plan, then?"
"I cut down anyone in my path," replied Will resolutely with a nod.
"I like it," approved Jack with a curt nod and a smile. "Simple, easy to remember."
"Wait," muttered Danielle, stepping between the two of them, her eyes trained on Jack. "his plan? You expect him to board that ship alone?"
"He wants to save 'is bonnie lass." Danielle glared daggers at him. Jack's words rushed together as he noted the look in her eyes. "I specifically tol' 'im he'd 'ave to fin' the key. He knew it was comin'."
"Jack, I refuse to let you allow him to go out there alone!" She pointed out to the awaiting Dutchman.
"I'll be fine, Danielle," said Will lightly. "I'll row out there, fetch the key, then return." Danielle rounded on him.
"No, you aren't!" She turned back to Jack. "May I speak with you?"
"Cer'ainly, love," he replied with a grin. With a sigh, she grabbed him by the arm and walked him off a few paces.
"Jack, what the bloody hell are you planning?!"
"Nothin', love. I'm simply allowin' Will to do as he said he was goin' to do," he replied innocently. Danielle easily saw through the act, however.
"I swear that isn't the Dutchman. Gibbs told me some stories. That is not what the ship looks like."
"Pirate's honor, love," replied Jack, putting a hand to his heart. "Tha' is the Dutchman." Danielle's nostrils flared.
"I'm joining him, then." Jack's eyes widened.
"Wha'?!" he said dumbstruck. "No, no, no, love. Tha's no' necessary! He'll be fine." Will stepped toward them from one side.
"Couldn't help but overhear," he interrupted. "And, no, Danielle, you don't need to join me." He grinned. "It will be simple. I'll board the Dutchman, get the key, then be back quickly."
"See!" said Jack exuberantly. "You don't—"
"No, Will," Danielle cut across. "I'm coming with you."
"Danielle," muttered Will shaking his head, "if you come, I'll be far too worried for you. I would not be able to concentrate on my task. Have you seen what the weather is like today?" He gestured out to the storm that was rocking the Pearl about. She paid it no mind.
"Yes, I noticed to weather," she muttered dismissively with a wave of her hand. "I'm not worried about that, though. I refuse to let you do this alone."
"Danielle," Will pleaded a final time. "Don't worry."
"Yeah," said Jack. "Listen to the whelp for once." Danielle looked from Will to Jack and narrowed her eyes.
"No," she said with finality. "Let's go, Will."
Well, I admit that I'm not too fond of the ending…too much dialogue if you ask me, so I might go back and revise that in the future.
But, as I like to say after every chapter, please review and give me critiques/criticisms. They always make one a better writer! Until next time!