So that was how it was done.
Elizabeth had been puzzled at first when Jack pulled himself out of her body, spilling his seed on the ground below. Then she realized that it was to prevent a pregnancy. At first she was relieved, but in her first post-lovemaking moment, she was also saddened. She thought that it was his way of allowing himself freedom to move on. She almost wished in that moment she were pregnant, anything to bind him to her permanently. This was not how it was supposed to be...this was to be shared with her husband on her wedding night. They were supposed to be free to express themselves in this way.
The tears came again.
Jack, remembering his younger days knew that crying was a possible reaction, especially for an inexperienced woman. Loss of virginity, feelings of love, general confusion--it could all contribute. He did not wish her to be unhappy. He wished to hold her, protect her, perhaps call her his.
He gently pulled her upwards into him and whispered in her ear.
"Please don't cry, Elizabeth."
She held on to his shoulders more tightly and kissed the side of his neck.
"Don't cry, luv," he spoke again.
"I--I'm sorry Jack," she spoke, her voice hushed. "I-," she started to continue but was at a loss for words. The sensation, the feelings...everything was so...new.
"I'ts alright," he said gently rocking her. "It's alright, Elizabeth."
Her tears subsided and she loosened her grasp on Jack. He lay her gently back on the sand and suddenly said, "be right back."
She was unsure of why he was leaving so quickly until she noticed the dried blood caked on the insides of her thighs. She exhaled slowly and laid her head back down against the sand.
It had been so...intimate. The weight of him upon her, and the feeling of another person inside her. She involuntarily shuddered, recalling the sensation.
Then he was standing over her again, smiling his lopsided smile so she could see the glint off his gold tooth. He knelt beside her and she closed her eyes.
She felt coldness being pressed to her legs and sat up. Jack was pressing a wet rag to wipe away the blood. She reached down, covering his hand with hers until he let her take the rag.
"I can manage," she said, blushing as she sat up.
He covered her hand with his once more, gently coaxing her fingers, and whispered. "Let me."
Something in his eyes made her stop and let him. It was almost as if the black irises were clouded. He was suddenly serious again. Slowly he brought his free hand to the back of her head and brought her in slowly until her lips touched his once more.
Gone was the heated fervor of before; no, this was something different. It was tender, his lips gently slanting against hers, never daring to part.
She reached her hand to the back of his head as well, drawing him nearer to her. She would never forget the salty smell of his skin, she thought as she timidly parted her lips, opening herself to his kiss.
His hand which lay dormant near her thigh rose slightly and he began to stroke the soft skin of her inner thigh. Elizabeth let out a small sigh as Jack slowly touched his tongue to hers. His hand traveled farther still, to the juncture of her legs and touched her...there.
She let out a small cry and arched her back as he laid her back softly into the sand, following until he rested atop her. And quietly, tenderly they began to explore each other's bodies; taking enough time to memorize every line and curve.
"Jack...," she gasped as his fingers continued to explore her.
Eyes closed, head thrown back she continued, " Jack...I love you."