Disclaimer: The mouse owns all.
Author's Note: Bah. I think I'm as confused as Elizabeth is, at the moment. But I like it. I don't know. I've decided to just follow my muse and not be all wrapped up in what everyone wants, cos ya can't please em all. Cos some people are like JE! and some are like WE! But my summary does now say that its 'possible JE' so s'not like everyone should be all suprised. So at the moment my muse is telling me that Elizabeth needs to, by some means, figure out what her feelings are for both men. Makes sense, right? This is, after all, *fan* *fiction*. So if people can put.. Jack and Norrington together - shudder -, then this isn't much a stretch. Here's yer JE-ness, Erinya ;]
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Ragetti's one good eye widened, and he took on the appearance of a stunned animal. Shooting a warning 'keep your mouth shut' look at Will and Elizabeth he slowly walked over to his companions, noticeably nervous. Pintel's hand was resting on his pistol, and Bo'sun looked as if he was ready to attack the next person who moved.
"We weren't doin' nothin'," A nervous giggle escaped the man as he tried to think up a suitable excuse within seconds, "Just wanted ta have a chat with `em, is all."
Bo'sun took a menacing step forward, causing Ragetti to flinch. Pintel, who was still curious, began his line of questioning.
"Talk about what, mate?" He kept his voice unthreatening, but that only added to the tension.
Shrugging Ragetti continued his story, hoping it sounded convincing. "Nothin' much, the lass was scared an` I was just puttin' `er mind ta rest."
"How thoughtful of you.. what, pray tell, did ye do to make her so restful?"
"I just told `er that if Sparrow bein' dead works for us then there's a good chance she won't hafta die."
All eyes turned to Elizabeth for verification, and she nodded in agreement with the story. It wasn't really a lie, Ragetti had told them that, but he did conveniently leave out the part where he'd offered to help them escape. Understandably so. Though there were some in the group who were still skeptical.
"Well," Pintel began, "if that be the case, then you won't mind all comin' with us, so that ye can all get yer story straight.." he smirked at them, "ta make sure things add up. Can't be havin' traitors aboard, mutiny is no ones friend. Ye understand, right, lad?" The question was directed towards Will, who took a defensive position in front of Elizabeth.
"I'll answer your questions, but leave Elizabeth alone. She's already agreed with the story you were told.. and she's already been through enough." Which wasn't true, out of all three in their company, Elizabeth had been through the least, but perhaps they'd momentarily forget and take uncharacteristic pity. Stranger things have happened.
As the crew mumbled amongst themselves, deciding, Elizabeth placed a protective hand on Will's arm, smiling silently. He was always trying to keep her safe. Though, she was afraid to let Will go through interrogation alone, after all, that had been what got him wounded in the first place.
"These questions don't involve lots of kicks, do they?" She sounded almost like a mother who was scolding her sons for playing too rough.
"Only if we don't like the answers, miss." Twigg spoke up from his position behind Bo'sun. The man looked tiny in comparison.
"Well, then I'll be sure to keep the answers truthful." Will shot them all a winning smile, "Are you going to return her to the brig?"
Pintel took a moment to think it over, he looked to Bo'sun at his side, and then to the rest of crew, for approval. Rolling his eyes at the heroics of a young boy in love, he nodded.
"Aye," but quickly added, "but if ye don't cooperate, then we'll `ave ta bring her into it."
Will didn't protest. It probably wouldn't be that big of a deal, they'd simply have Ragetti tell his story again, and have Will do the same, separately. Just to make sure there were no holes. It shouldn't be too hard, all he'd have to do was relay exactly what happened, only leaving out the bit that involved them escaping. That way no one would killed, and they still had a shot. He wasn't entirely ruling out the pirate's offer, if it was the only means of getting Elizabeth to safety. How the plan would work though, was beyond Will, there was no other ship besides the one they were on. Where would they be escaping to, and by what means? Shrugging off the thoughts he waited to be led away.
An older pirate, of who's name she wasn't sure, took Elizabeth by the arm, as Will was being led in the opposite direction. He led her back down halls and around corners until they reached the brig again. Once she was unceremoniously shoved back into the cell, door locked behind her, Jack, who was now awake, spoke.
"Ah, Elizabeth, good of you to join me. Have a seat," he patted the patch of floor next to him, "I was beginnin' to entertain the idea that you and young Mr. Turner had made yer darin' escape without ole` Jack."
That last statement, though it was simply Jack being Jack, made her tense a bit. Hadn't that been Ragetti's plan? To leave him... but there was no way she'd ever do that. He'd saved her too many times for her not to return the favor.
"You know I'd never.."
Her reply sounded a bit too serious for the Captain's taste and, with a wave of his hand, he cut her off before she could finish.
"Yes, yes, I know, was only jokin', dearest." He smiled to himself and then added, slightly less audible, "knew ye were smitten by me.."
Rolling her eyes, she decided it was best to ignore that last comment, and she sat down next to him, leaning her head against the wall, closing her eyes. Tryring to ignore the worries that were plaguing her, she kept reminding herself that there was no reason at all that any harm should come to Will now. He'd comply, and there'd motive for violence. Jack, who had obviously noticed the absence of Will, looked around, as if expecting to see him.
"And where is our dear William?"
She opened her eyes.
"He's above, not sure where.. they had some questions for him, or so they said.." She wasn't worried, nope, no reason at all for worry.
"Questions? What sort of questions would they `ave for him?"
She shrugged, not wanting to tell Jack had happened. If he knew that they had a way of escaping, but didn't because of caring for him, he'd probably feel guilty. Of course he'd never show the guilt, he'd only tell them they were stupid for not going, and remind them of the code. 'They done what's right by them.. can't expect more than that.' she remembered what he'd said when his crew abandoned him for the gallows.
"I'm not sure.." Without actually saying it, she was trying to make it clear she didn't like this line of conversation. Jack, who was always one to take a hint, understood. They sat in silence for a few seconds, as they usually ended up doing, before Elizabeth remembered the previous day.
"How are you feeling?" Without thinking she made a move to touch the place where she'd wrapped him, but caught her hand in midair, "Any better?"
Jack also noticed how she hesitated before touching him, and shook his head, having decide against pointing out her shyness.
"Less likely to pass out at any moment.." he shrugged, "so yes.. I suppose I'm better, all things considered."
She took that to mean that he still wasn't up to fighting. But it didn't much matter now, as long as both of her men were safe for the time being. No, they weren't both her men, why did she think that? It was only Will, always Will. Will. Will. Will. Elizabeth noticed a line of bruises on Jack's jaw that had obviously appeared over night, reaching up she traced the line with her fingers, this time not stopping before she made contact with his face.
"How about these? Does that hurt?"
He was content under her touch for a moment, which he inwardly scolded himself about. 'What in hell are ye doin', Jack? She's yer best mate's girl..' Then she reached a more painful area. Batting her hand away, fingers fluttering, he stiffened in pain.
"Yes! Ow! Bloody--" She withdrew her hand quickly, laughing to herself at the baby he was being.
"And just what is so funny, missy?" He asked, growing irritated.
She stifled her laughter and took on a serious face, "Oh, nothing.." but quietly added, "baby.."
It was amazing what just being around Jack could do for her. Take her mind off all her worries and transport her into almost an entirely different world. She was eternally grateful for that, especially in a situation where impending death and doom was a very real possibility. But was there anything more it than that? Than friends? There was also, she'd admit, curiosity. Perhaps in some small way all of her confused feelings stemmed from her childhood fascination, or perhaps, they were real. Maybe both. But as a betrothed woman, as a woman in love, there was no way she could find out. She hated herself for even toying with the idea, but she felt it was something almost undeniable, it was something she knew everytime he looked at her. But she was kidding herself. Even if there was no confusion, even if Will didn't exist - was Jack even capable of love? Love, that is, beyond the Pearl and the sea? There were pirates who married, mainly other pirates, but still, and Jack had proven that he cared for her. NO! Her mind screamed, she shouldn't even be thinking about this. At first, she thought it all very innocent, the fact that she wondered sometimes if his beard would tickle during a kiss.. wondered what he smelled like. But now she knew, and it wouldn't let go. She wouldn't call it love, she couldn't. Fascination maybe, infatuation, but not love. It couldn't be love. Elizabeth Swann was in love with William Turner, it was something that was very simple, something she'd always known. Though, there were times when she couldn't help but wonder if that was the only reason for her love.. because she didn't know anything else.
"I am not a baby!" Jack being indignant was quite possibly either the most adorable, or most hilarious thing on the face of the earth.
"Of course not. You're the terror the seven seas." She reassured. Her tone was almost patronizing.
He seemed appeased by her statement and settled back down again. Elizabeth studied his face and damned him for ever kissing her, because there were times when she wanted it to happen again. But, Jack was too busy assuring himself that he was not a baby, to notice. When he finally had his fill of muttering, he looked up and met Elizabeth's stare.
"What? Don't tell me I've got more bruises..." Hands shot to his face, feeling for any sort of disfiguration, "Oy! What will the women say?!"
She wanted to tell him exactly what any woman with eyes would say, but instead,
"No, you're fine.. its nothing.."
"Ah, so ye just like ta stare at me cos of the lovely scenery then, eh?"
She felt her face grow hot, how was it that he knew absolutely everything all the time?
"You could say that.."
"Uh-huh," No, she wasn't giving him a big head, no siree, nope. "And what would Will say about that?"
"Well, I don't know how attracted he'd be to you, but I'll ask if you like."
She was being sarcastic, of course. Why did Jack have to say that name? There was something about the pirate's entire being that made you want to stare, that's just the way it was. There was part of her that had to know. Had to know if the daze she was in was simply because of a strange infatuation, or the fact that they would all probably die. What could one little taste hurt, if it would answer her questions and quench her curiosity?
She took his face in her hands, this time careful of the sore area, and leaned in. Leaving a trail of kisses up his jaw, just over the bruises, doctoring them in her own way. A hand was wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her closer, yet Jack's eyes were wide with shock.
"Erm -- luv?" He hesitated,"Hate to interrupt," understatement of the century, "but what are you doing?"
She stopped and sat upright, looking at him. His arm was still draped over her shoulder.
"Jack," She replied, placing a finger over his lips, "you talk entirely too much."
This time it was she who initiated the kiss. But he eagerly kissed back, 'I'm a bad, bad, evil man..' he thought, but didn't let it stop him. Wrapping both arms around her, his hands slid down her back. Her hands were wrapped around his neck, both parties were trying to decide just how far this should go. Her teeth grazed his bottom lip, which he seemed to enjoy. Jack broke the kiss and turned his attentions to her neck, nipping and sucking as he went. A soft moan escaped her, but before she could say his name, he returned to her lips, this time the kiss was more passionate. It was awhile before either heard the snickering behind them, Jack opened his eyes, and gently pushed Elizabeth away. Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hand, the crew was returning Will. She wondered for a moment how much they'd seen, but judging by the comments that were made, and the fists clenched at Will's side - it was enough.
"Will!" she gasped, "I'm--"
He held up a hand to silence her. The look on his face was enough to make her wish she was dead.
"Shut up, Elizabeth... just.. shut up." He didn't sound angry. He sounded hurt, and that made matters even worse.
Author's Note: Bah. I think I'm as confused as Elizabeth is, at the moment. But I like it. I don't know. I've decided to just follow my muse and not be all wrapped up in what everyone wants, cos ya can't please em all. Cos some people are like JE! and some are like WE! But my summary does now say that its 'possible JE' so s'not like everyone should be all suprised. So at the moment my muse is telling me that Elizabeth needs to, by some means, figure out what her feelings are for both men. Makes sense, right? This is, after all, *fan* *fiction*. So if people can put.. Jack and Norrington together - shudder -, then this isn't much a stretch. Here's yer JE-ness, Erinya ;]
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Ragetti's one good eye widened, and he took on the appearance of a stunned animal. Shooting a warning 'keep your mouth shut' look at Will and Elizabeth he slowly walked over to his companions, noticeably nervous. Pintel's hand was resting on his pistol, and Bo'sun looked as if he was ready to attack the next person who moved.
"We weren't doin' nothin'," A nervous giggle escaped the man as he tried to think up a suitable excuse within seconds, "Just wanted ta have a chat with `em, is all."
Bo'sun took a menacing step forward, causing Ragetti to flinch. Pintel, who was still curious, began his line of questioning.
"Talk about what, mate?" He kept his voice unthreatening, but that only added to the tension.
Shrugging Ragetti continued his story, hoping it sounded convincing. "Nothin' much, the lass was scared an` I was just puttin' `er mind ta rest."
"How thoughtful of you.. what, pray tell, did ye do to make her so restful?"
"I just told `er that if Sparrow bein' dead works for us then there's a good chance she won't hafta die."
All eyes turned to Elizabeth for verification, and she nodded in agreement with the story. It wasn't really a lie, Ragetti had told them that, but he did conveniently leave out the part where he'd offered to help them escape. Understandably so. Though there were some in the group who were still skeptical.
"Well," Pintel began, "if that be the case, then you won't mind all comin' with us, so that ye can all get yer story straight.." he smirked at them, "ta make sure things add up. Can't be havin' traitors aboard, mutiny is no ones friend. Ye understand, right, lad?" The question was directed towards Will, who took a defensive position in front of Elizabeth.
"I'll answer your questions, but leave Elizabeth alone. She's already agreed with the story you were told.. and she's already been through enough." Which wasn't true, out of all three in their company, Elizabeth had been through the least, but perhaps they'd momentarily forget and take uncharacteristic pity. Stranger things have happened.
As the crew mumbled amongst themselves, deciding, Elizabeth placed a protective hand on Will's arm, smiling silently. He was always trying to keep her safe. Though, she was afraid to let Will go through interrogation alone, after all, that had been what got him wounded in the first place.
"These questions don't involve lots of kicks, do they?" She sounded almost like a mother who was scolding her sons for playing too rough.
"Only if we don't like the answers, miss." Twigg spoke up from his position behind Bo'sun. The man looked tiny in comparison.
"Well, then I'll be sure to keep the answers truthful." Will shot them all a winning smile, "Are you going to return her to the brig?"
Pintel took a moment to think it over, he looked to Bo'sun at his side, and then to the rest of crew, for approval. Rolling his eyes at the heroics of a young boy in love, he nodded.
"Aye," but quickly added, "but if ye don't cooperate, then we'll `ave ta bring her into it."
Will didn't protest. It probably wouldn't be that big of a deal, they'd simply have Ragetti tell his story again, and have Will do the same, separately. Just to make sure there were no holes. It shouldn't be too hard, all he'd have to do was relay exactly what happened, only leaving out the bit that involved them escaping. That way no one would killed, and they still had a shot. He wasn't entirely ruling out the pirate's offer, if it was the only means of getting Elizabeth to safety. How the plan would work though, was beyond Will, there was no other ship besides the one they were on. Where would they be escaping to, and by what means? Shrugging off the thoughts he waited to be led away.
An older pirate, of who's name she wasn't sure, took Elizabeth by the arm, as Will was being led in the opposite direction. He led her back down halls and around corners until they reached the brig again. Once she was unceremoniously shoved back into the cell, door locked behind her, Jack, who was now awake, spoke.
"Ah, Elizabeth, good of you to join me. Have a seat," he patted the patch of floor next to him, "I was beginnin' to entertain the idea that you and young Mr. Turner had made yer darin' escape without ole` Jack."
That last statement, though it was simply Jack being Jack, made her tense a bit. Hadn't that been Ragetti's plan? To leave him... but there was no way she'd ever do that. He'd saved her too many times for her not to return the favor.
"You know I'd never.."
Her reply sounded a bit too serious for the Captain's taste and, with a wave of his hand, he cut her off before she could finish.
"Yes, yes, I know, was only jokin', dearest." He smiled to himself and then added, slightly less audible, "knew ye were smitten by me.."
Rolling her eyes, she decided it was best to ignore that last comment, and she sat down next to him, leaning her head against the wall, closing her eyes. Tryring to ignore the worries that were plaguing her, she kept reminding herself that there was no reason at all that any harm should come to Will now. He'd comply, and there'd motive for violence. Jack, who had obviously noticed the absence of Will, looked around, as if expecting to see him.
"And where is our dear William?"
She opened her eyes.
"He's above, not sure where.. they had some questions for him, or so they said.." She wasn't worried, nope, no reason at all for worry.
"Questions? What sort of questions would they `ave for him?"
She shrugged, not wanting to tell Jack had happened. If he knew that they had a way of escaping, but didn't because of caring for him, he'd probably feel guilty. Of course he'd never show the guilt, he'd only tell them they were stupid for not going, and remind them of the code. 'They done what's right by them.. can't expect more than that.' she remembered what he'd said when his crew abandoned him for the gallows.
"I'm not sure.." Without actually saying it, she was trying to make it clear she didn't like this line of conversation. Jack, who was always one to take a hint, understood. They sat in silence for a few seconds, as they usually ended up doing, before Elizabeth remembered the previous day.
"How are you feeling?" Without thinking she made a move to touch the place where she'd wrapped him, but caught her hand in midair, "Any better?"
Jack also noticed how she hesitated before touching him, and shook his head, having decide against pointing out her shyness.
"Less likely to pass out at any moment.." he shrugged, "so yes.. I suppose I'm better, all things considered."
She took that to mean that he still wasn't up to fighting. But it didn't much matter now, as long as both of her men were safe for the time being. No, they weren't both her men, why did she think that? It was only Will, always Will. Will. Will. Will. Elizabeth noticed a line of bruises on Jack's jaw that had obviously appeared over night, reaching up she traced the line with her fingers, this time not stopping before she made contact with his face.
"How about these? Does that hurt?"
He was content under her touch for a moment, which he inwardly scolded himself about. 'What in hell are ye doin', Jack? She's yer best mate's girl..' Then she reached a more painful area. Batting her hand away, fingers fluttering, he stiffened in pain.
"Yes! Ow! Bloody--" She withdrew her hand quickly, laughing to herself at the baby he was being.
"And just what is so funny, missy?" He asked, growing irritated.
She stifled her laughter and took on a serious face, "Oh, nothing.." but quietly added, "baby.."
It was amazing what just being around Jack could do for her. Take her mind off all her worries and transport her into almost an entirely different world. She was eternally grateful for that, especially in a situation where impending death and doom was a very real possibility. But was there anything more it than that? Than friends? There was also, she'd admit, curiosity. Perhaps in some small way all of her confused feelings stemmed from her childhood fascination, or perhaps, they were real. Maybe both. But as a betrothed woman, as a woman in love, there was no way she could find out. She hated herself for even toying with the idea, but she felt it was something almost undeniable, it was something she knew everytime he looked at her. But she was kidding herself. Even if there was no confusion, even if Will didn't exist - was Jack even capable of love? Love, that is, beyond the Pearl and the sea? There were pirates who married, mainly other pirates, but still, and Jack had proven that he cared for her. NO! Her mind screamed, she shouldn't even be thinking about this. At first, she thought it all very innocent, the fact that she wondered sometimes if his beard would tickle during a kiss.. wondered what he smelled like. But now she knew, and it wouldn't let go. She wouldn't call it love, she couldn't. Fascination maybe, infatuation, but not love. It couldn't be love. Elizabeth Swann was in love with William Turner, it was something that was very simple, something she'd always known. Though, there were times when she couldn't help but wonder if that was the only reason for her love.. because she didn't know anything else.
"I am not a baby!" Jack being indignant was quite possibly either the most adorable, or most hilarious thing on the face of the earth.
"Of course not. You're the terror the seven seas." She reassured. Her tone was almost patronizing.
He seemed appeased by her statement and settled back down again. Elizabeth studied his face and damned him for ever kissing her, because there were times when she wanted it to happen again. But, Jack was too busy assuring himself that he was not a baby, to notice. When he finally had his fill of muttering, he looked up and met Elizabeth's stare.
"What? Don't tell me I've got more bruises..." Hands shot to his face, feeling for any sort of disfiguration, "Oy! What will the women say?!"
She wanted to tell him exactly what any woman with eyes would say, but instead,
"No, you're fine.. its nothing.."
"Ah, so ye just like ta stare at me cos of the lovely scenery then, eh?"
She felt her face grow hot, how was it that he knew absolutely everything all the time?
"You could say that.."
"Uh-huh," No, she wasn't giving him a big head, no siree, nope. "And what would Will say about that?"
"Well, I don't know how attracted he'd be to you, but I'll ask if you like."
She was being sarcastic, of course. Why did Jack have to say that name? There was something about the pirate's entire being that made you want to stare, that's just the way it was. There was part of her that had to know. Had to know if the daze she was in was simply because of a strange infatuation, or the fact that they would all probably die. What could one little taste hurt, if it would answer her questions and quench her curiosity?
She took his face in her hands, this time careful of the sore area, and leaned in. Leaving a trail of kisses up his jaw, just over the bruises, doctoring them in her own way. A hand was wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her closer, yet Jack's eyes were wide with shock.
"Erm -- luv?" He hesitated,"Hate to interrupt," understatement of the century, "but what are you doing?"
She stopped and sat upright, looking at him. His arm was still draped over her shoulder.
"Jack," She replied, placing a finger over his lips, "you talk entirely too much."
This time it was she who initiated the kiss. But he eagerly kissed back, 'I'm a bad, bad, evil man..' he thought, but didn't let it stop him. Wrapping both arms around her, his hands slid down her back. Her hands were wrapped around his neck, both parties were trying to decide just how far this should go. Her teeth grazed his bottom lip, which he seemed to enjoy. Jack broke the kiss and turned his attentions to her neck, nipping and sucking as he went. A soft moan escaped her, but before she could say his name, he returned to her lips, this time the kiss was more passionate. It was awhile before either heard the snickering behind them, Jack opened his eyes, and gently pushed Elizabeth away. Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hand, the crew was returning Will. She wondered for a moment how much they'd seen, but judging by the comments that were made, and the fists clenched at Will's side - it was enough.
"Will!" she gasped, "I'm--"
He held up a hand to silence her. The look on his face was enough to make her wish she was dead.
"Shut up, Elizabeth... just.. shut up." He didn't sound angry. He sounded hurt, and that made matters even worse.