Chapter 20: The Love of a Pirate
Faith awoke the next morning to Jack gently shaking her. "Faith- wake up lass!" he whispered.
"What?" Faith asked groggily as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"I think that I should take care of Abbi for the day. You've been in here three days already, even going so far as to spend the night in here. You need some fresh air. Go man... woman the helm for a while and I'll take care of everythin' 'ere."
"Are you sure Jack?" Faith asked while trying to stifle a yawn.
"Very," Jack replied, looking over to Abbi's sleeping figure. Faith could tell that Jack was not just being courteous- he wanted time alone with her once she was awake.
Faith nodded in return and stepped out of the room onto the deck. The sun was just starting to rise among the horizon, casting beautiful golds and oranges across the sky. She went up to the helm to see a very tired Gibbs still steering the ship. "I'll take it from here- Captain's orders," Faith told him.
Gibbs breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank ye lass. I'll be in the quarters sleepin' if anyone should need me."
Faith took the wheel from Gibbs as he made his way down below deck. It felt wonderful to be out in the crisp morning air, the wind blowing through her hair. She smiled as she directed the ship instinctively. Faith was grateful that Abbi was no longer in what seemed to be in a coma. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. She had an innate feeling that today was going to be a good day.
Suddenly, she felt two arms wrapping around her waist. She sharply turned her head to look behind her and saw Thomas smiling warmly at her. She smiled in return and relaxed in his arms. "So, where have you been?" she asked.
"The crow's nest. It's rather hard to miss any action from way up there," he replied with a hint of sarcasm in the last sentence. "I heard that Abbi is doing better. Can you give me an update?"
"Well, last night she woke up and talked to us for about twenty minutes. She was her usual playful and sarcastic self, but she is still in a great deal of pain. She's got a long way to go, but the progress she is making is wonderful."
"So there is hope?"
"Oh yes, plenty of it." Faith let out a deep sigh. Thomas started to gently kiss her neck when he whispered, "I've missed you."
"What do you mean? I haven't gone anywhere!" Faith said smiling, but still utterly perplexed.
"Not physically, but you haven't been the same since Abbi was hurt. You've been a nervous wreck and I've hardly ever seen you smile recently. I'm just glad you're back," Thomas explained.
Faith turned and looked deeply into Thomas' eyes. "Thomas," she began, "I want to thank you."
"For what?"
"For being here for me. I mean, not just during the last few days, but for always being here. Even on the first day when you stood up to Scarsdale. Nobody else would have done that for me."
"I was just doing the right thing-"
"Yes, but it takes a great deal of courage to do that among pirates. You are different than them- special. And you're special to me." Faith paused, deciding whether or not to say what she was thinking. "I..."
"You what?" Thomas asked, his voice soft and tender.
Faith took a deep breath before saying, "I love you." Her heart stopped as she said these words, waiting for Thomas' reply. She looked down at her feet, slightly embarrassed. Thomas put his hand under her chin and lifted her head so that her eyes met his.
Faith looked up to see him smiling sweetly at her. "Me too," was all he said before they both pulled into a passionate kiss, unlike either of them had ever experienced before. They both pulled away reluctantly.
"I wish I could spend the rest of my life with you," Faith said as she rested her head on his chest.
Thomas looked at her, an idea popping into his head. "Do you really mean that?"
"I do."
"Then what is stopping us?"
Faith looked up into Thomas' eyes, her own growing wide. She knew what Thomas was implying, but it was too good to be true. "Are you suggesting-" she began but was cut off by Thomas giving her another short-but-sweet kiss.
"What if I am?" he asked, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Faith just smiled in return. She was too happy and surprised to say anything, so she just stood there in Thomas' arms, letting the sun bask them in their joy.
Abbi awoke to see Jack leaning over his desk, pouring over the atlases and other maps that usually cluttered his desk. "Mornin' Captain!" she said cheerfully.
Jack turned his head sharply toward Abbi. He smiled. "Mornin' to you too love." He took a seat beside her and asked, "So, 'ow you feelin'?"
"I'm still hurting some, but I am better. Much better."
"Oh... wonderful!"
They sat in awkward silence for a few moments before Jack said, "We probably ought to change the gauze on your wound."
"Umm... all right," Abbi said, her mouth suddenly going dry. Jack helped her sit up a little and he pulled up her shirt just enough to uncover the wound. Abbi felt her face flush a brilliant red as he started to unwrap her injury. As he finished, he gently rubbed his hand over the wound and studied it for any infections. This just made Abbi blush all the greater.
"Well, no infections seem to 'ave appeared. That's good news," Jack said, still looking at Abbi's stomach. When he looked at her face, she was quite possibly the reddest he had ever seen her. He grinned widely as he started to wrap her back up.
"Jack?" Abbi began.
"Yes love?"
"How has the crew fared without me?"
Jack quirked his eyebrow and asked, "Want me to be honest?"
Abbi simply nodded.
"The crew just ain't the same without you. Everyone's quiet and somber. It's odd not 'avin' your big mouth to break the silence every now and then." Abbi playfully glared at Jack. He noticed her reaction and chuckled. "But in all seriousness," he began again, "we 'ave all missed you. Faith herself has been frettin' somethin' terrible over you. She's the one who has been in here constantly takin' care of you. I thought she could use a little freedom; that's why I'm here." Jack gave a deep, thoughtful sigh. "Yeah, she's been a nervous wreck all week." Jack paused before almost inaudibly saying, "And she's not alone."
Abbi's eyes grew wide as she started at her hands. She cautiously looked back at Jack. "Jack..."
But before she could say what she was thinking, Jack put a finger to her lips. "Shhh. I... I've been worried about you too Abbi. I didn't think you were gonna make it in the first couple days. I do care what happens to you."
Abbi swallowed hard. "Jack, let's be reasonable. We're creatures of the underworld. We can't afford to love."
Jack leaned in to Abbi. Their faces were only centimeters apart. "I'd give up everything for you," he said, running his fingers through her hair.
Abbi inhaled sharply. "Jack, you can't mean that. I... I can't possibly be worth that much."
Jack cupped her face in his both of his hands. "But you are."
Abbi smiled, tears coming to her eyes. She had never felt the state of ecstasy that she was in at that moment. There was one small voice that told her everything Jack had just said was a lie, but as she looked into his eyes, she saw no trace of any lie. Jack wiped away the tears falling down Abbi's face. "I love you," he said.
"Oh, Jack-"Abbi began, but was suddenly interrupted by a rapt knocking at the door.
Jack sighed, frustrated, before saying, "Come in." Abbi quickly rubbed away the tears from her eyes as the door opened.
Faith and Thomas quickly filed in. "Captain Sparrow," Thomas began, "We... uh... need to kidnap somebody at our next port raid."
Jack and Abbi both looked at Faith and Thomas dumbfounded. "Who?" Jack asked, not believing his ears.
"A... a priest..." Faith piped up apprehensively.
Abbi cocked her head to one side, completely confused. Jack was apparently just as lost as Abbi. "A priest? Why do we need a bloody priest?!?" Jack exclaimed.
Thomas cleared his throat and looked down. It was then Abbi noticed the two holding hands, fingers interlaced with each other. It suddenly dawned on Abbi. Her expression changed from one of perplexity to one of shock and excitement. Jack saw Abbi's face glow with happiness before asking, "Am I missin' somethin' here?"
Abbi brought her hand to her head, not believing that their Captain could be so oblivious to the obvious. "Jack!" she said sharply and pointing to Faith and Thomas' hands. Jack looked toward where Abbi was pointing and his eyes grew wide with comprehension.
"OH," he said, looking back up at Thomas. "Lad, I must say: I've never 'eard of a married pirate."
"What about Will?" Faith said.
"Eh... he's only half-pirate. He don't count."
"Well, now you've not only heard of one, but you'll soon have one on your ship!" Thomas said with a smile.
Jack smiled at the couple before saying, "I'll see what I can do. Now, you two- back to work!"
Faith smiled at Jack. "Thank you Jack."
"CAPTAIN! It's captain! ... And you're welcome."
With that, the happy couple left. Jack turned back to Abbi and leaned in close to her again. "Now... where were we?"
Abbi smiled slightly. She leaned in closer to him and quietly said, "Right here." With that, she put her hand behind her head and pulled him into a sensual kiss. Abbi felt her heart do back flips. They pulled away, not wishing the moment to end.
Jack looked deep into Abbi's eyes, a slight grin on his face. "What was that for, love?"
Abbi smiled in return. "Because... I love you."
And with that, they both pulled into another fiery kiss, feeling their love burn for one another. Abbi no longer felt like part of her was missing; she felt whole. She knew that Jack would never let her go, and she was determined to do the same for him for as long as she lived. "I love you," she repeated, "I always have."
"I love you too, more than you'll ever know."
AHHHH! It's done! Well, except for the epilogue, but that's pretty much it. The sequel should be underway pretty soon hopefully, but we've still got a few kinks to work out in the plot.
Psychotic kitten: We've got action this chapter! You like? I had SO much fun writing this chapter. It's a bittersweet chappy, only because Abbi and Jack FINALLY get together, but it's also the end of the story! WAHH! Oh well, we still have a sequel to write!
The perfect one: Exactly how perfect are you? J/k! Glad you're hooked! Keep an eye out for the sequel! I promise it'll be good!
Charmed kitty: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
The Light of Earendil: YES! Jack DOES love Abbi, as we see in this chapter. The feeling's mutual. Get ready for the sequel! It's gonna be a doozy!
Foxgirlangie: This really is the side of Jack that no one has ever seen before, isn't it? SO happy that you liked this story! Thanks for reviewing!
Mizzy: Yes, we must go, but only for a short while. We'll be back with a sequel sometime soon. I LOVE JACK TOO! LONG LIVE JACK!
Barbara: Here it is: the end you've been waiting for so badly! You like? I hope so! I hope that in the epilogue of the story, we'll be able to release the title of the sequel, but there's no guarantee in that. Glad you liked it so much!
Margo: WHOA! Two reviews in one time frame! I'm impressed! I know, it's a bittersweet moment for both of us, but this isn't the end! It's only a little break. Jack, Abbi, Faith, and Thomas will be back in the next story, along with a few new characters and a whole new adventure! And yes, Jack and Abbi are going to be SO much fun to write- I've got something really funny planned for those two! But I can't tell you... sorry! You'll just have to wait and see! Trust me though- it's gonna be good!
I just want to say one last thanks to all our reviewers (ARY AND I LOVE YOU ALL!!!) and to all our readers who didn't review (We'd love y'all more if you did review, but we love you nonetheless)! It's been a blast! The epilogue will come soon, followed by the sequel!
Keep R&R!
Joey and Ary
Faith awoke the next morning to Jack gently shaking her. "Faith- wake up lass!" he whispered.
"What?" Faith asked groggily as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"I think that I should take care of Abbi for the day. You've been in here three days already, even going so far as to spend the night in here. You need some fresh air. Go man... woman the helm for a while and I'll take care of everythin' 'ere."
"Are you sure Jack?" Faith asked while trying to stifle a yawn.
"Very," Jack replied, looking over to Abbi's sleeping figure. Faith could tell that Jack was not just being courteous- he wanted time alone with her once she was awake.
Faith nodded in return and stepped out of the room onto the deck. The sun was just starting to rise among the horizon, casting beautiful golds and oranges across the sky. She went up to the helm to see a very tired Gibbs still steering the ship. "I'll take it from here- Captain's orders," Faith told him.
Gibbs breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank ye lass. I'll be in the quarters sleepin' if anyone should need me."
Faith took the wheel from Gibbs as he made his way down below deck. It felt wonderful to be out in the crisp morning air, the wind blowing through her hair. She smiled as she directed the ship instinctively. Faith was grateful that Abbi was no longer in what seemed to be in a coma. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. She had an innate feeling that today was going to be a good day.
Suddenly, she felt two arms wrapping around her waist. She sharply turned her head to look behind her and saw Thomas smiling warmly at her. She smiled in return and relaxed in his arms. "So, where have you been?" she asked.
"The crow's nest. It's rather hard to miss any action from way up there," he replied with a hint of sarcasm in the last sentence. "I heard that Abbi is doing better. Can you give me an update?"
"Well, last night she woke up and talked to us for about twenty minutes. She was her usual playful and sarcastic self, but she is still in a great deal of pain. She's got a long way to go, but the progress she is making is wonderful."
"So there is hope?"
"Oh yes, plenty of it." Faith let out a deep sigh. Thomas started to gently kiss her neck when he whispered, "I've missed you."
"What do you mean? I haven't gone anywhere!" Faith said smiling, but still utterly perplexed.
"Not physically, but you haven't been the same since Abbi was hurt. You've been a nervous wreck and I've hardly ever seen you smile recently. I'm just glad you're back," Thomas explained.
Faith turned and looked deeply into Thomas' eyes. "Thomas," she began, "I want to thank you."
"For what?"
"For being here for me. I mean, not just during the last few days, but for always being here. Even on the first day when you stood up to Scarsdale. Nobody else would have done that for me."
"I was just doing the right thing-"
"Yes, but it takes a great deal of courage to do that among pirates. You are different than them- special. And you're special to me." Faith paused, deciding whether or not to say what she was thinking. "I..."
"You what?" Thomas asked, his voice soft and tender.
Faith took a deep breath before saying, "I love you." Her heart stopped as she said these words, waiting for Thomas' reply. She looked down at her feet, slightly embarrassed. Thomas put his hand under her chin and lifted her head so that her eyes met his.
Faith looked up to see him smiling sweetly at her. "Me too," was all he said before they both pulled into a passionate kiss, unlike either of them had ever experienced before. They both pulled away reluctantly.
"I wish I could spend the rest of my life with you," Faith said as she rested her head on his chest.
Thomas looked at her, an idea popping into his head. "Do you really mean that?"
"I do."
"Then what is stopping us?"
Faith looked up into Thomas' eyes, her own growing wide. She knew what Thomas was implying, but it was too good to be true. "Are you suggesting-" she began but was cut off by Thomas giving her another short-but-sweet kiss.
"What if I am?" he asked, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Faith just smiled in return. She was too happy and surprised to say anything, so she just stood there in Thomas' arms, letting the sun bask them in their joy.
Abbi awoke to see Jack leaning over his desk, pouring over the atlases and other maps that usually cluttered his desk. "Mornin' Captain!" she said cheerfully.
Jack turned his head sharply toward Abbi. He smiled. "Mornin' to you too love." He took a seat beside her and asked, "So, 'ow you feelin'?"
"I'm still hurting some, but I am better. Much better."
"Oh... wonderful!"
They sat in awkward silence for a few moments before Jack said, "We probably ought to change the gauze on your wound."
"Umm... all right," Abbi said, her mouth suddenly going dry. Jack helped her sit up a little and he pulled up her shirt just enough to uncover the wound. Abbi felt her face flush a brilliant red as he started to unwrap her injury. As he finished, he gently rubbed his hand over the wound and studied it for any infections. This just made Abbi blush all the greater.
"Well, no infections seem to 'ave appeared. That's good news," Jack said, still looking at Abbi's stomach. When he looked at her face, she was quite possibly the reddest he had ever seen her. He grinned widely as he started to wrap her back up.
"Jack?" Abbi began.
"Yes love?"
"How has the crew fared without me?"
Jack quirked his eyebrow and asked, "Want me to be honest?"
Abbi simply nodded.
"The crew just ain't the same without you. Everyone's quiet and somber. It's odd not 'avin' your big mouth to break the silence every now and then." Abbi playfully glared at Jack. He noticed her reaction and chuckled. "But in all seriousness," he began again, "we 'ave all missed you. Faith herself has been frettin' somethin' terrible over you. She's the one who has been in here constantly takin' care of you. I thought she could use a little freedom; that's why I'm here." Jack gave a deep, thoughtful sigh. "Yeah, she's been a nervous wreck all week." Jack paused before almost inaudibly saying, "And she's not alone."
Abbi's eyes grew wide as she started at her hands. She cautiously looked back at Jack. "Jack..."
But before she could say what she was thinking, Jack put a finger to her lips. "Shhh. I... I've been worried about you too Abbi. I didn't think you were gonna make it in the first couple days. I do care what happens to you."
Abbi swallowed hard. "Jack, let's be reasonable. We're creatures of the underworld. We can't afford to love."
Jack leaned in to Abbi. Their faces were only centimeters apart. "I'd give up everything for you," he said, running his fingers through her hair.
Abbi inhaled sharply. "Jack, you can't mean that. I... I can't possibly be worth that much."
Jack cupped her face in his both of his hands. "But you are."
Abbi smiled, tears coming to her eyes. She had never felt the state of ecstasy that she was in at that moment. There was one small voice that told her everything Jack had just said was a lie, but as she looked into his eyes, she saw no trace of any lie. Jack wiped away the tears falling down Abbi's face. "I love you," he said.
"Oh, Jack-"Abbi began, but was suddenly interrupted by a rapt knocking at the door.
Jack sighed, frustrated, before saying, "Come in." Abbi quickly rubbed away the tears from her eyes as the door opened.
Faith and Thomas quickly filed in. "Captain Sparrow," Thomas began, "We... uh... need to kidnap somebody at our next port raid."
Jack and Abbi both looked at Faith and Thomas dumbfounded. "Who?" Jack asked, not believing his ears.
"A... a priest..." Faith piped up apprehensively.
Abbi cocked her head to one side, completely confused. Jack was apparently just as lost as Abbi. "A priest? Why do we need a bloody priest?!?" Jack exclaimed.
Thomas cleared his throat and looked down. It was then Abbi noticed the two holding hands, fingers interlaced with each other. It suddenly dawned on Abbi. Her expression changed from one of perplexity to one of shock and excitement. Jack saw Abbi's face glow with happiness before asking, "Am I missin' somethin' here?"
Abbi brought her hand to her head, not believing that their Captain could be so oblivious to the obvious. "Jack!" she said sharply and pointing to Faith and Thomas' hands. Jack looked toward where Abbi was pointing and his eyes grew wide with comprehension.
"OH," he said, looking back up at Thomas. "Lad, I must say: I've never 'eard of a married pirate."
"What about Will?" Faith said.
"Eh... he's only half-pirate. He don't count."
"Well, now you've not only heard of one, but you'll soon have one on your ship!" Thomas said with a smile.
Jack smiled at the couple before saying, "I'll see what I can do. Now, you two- back to work!"
Faith smiled at Jack. "Thank you Jack."
"CAPTAIN! It's captain! ... And you're welcome."
With that, the happy couple left. Jack turned back to Abbi and leaned in close to her again. "Now... where were we?"
Abbi smiled slightly. She leaned in closer to him and quietly said, "Right here." With that, she put her hand behind her head and pulled him into a sensual kiss. Abbi felt her heart do back flips. They pulled away, not wishing the moment to end.
Jack looked deep into Abbi's eyes, a slight grin on his face. "What was that for, love?"
Abbi smiled in return. "Because... I love you."
And with that, they both pulled into another fiery kiss, feeling their love burn for one another. Abbi no longer felt like part of her was missing; she felt whole. She knew that Jack would never let her go, and she was determined to do the same for him for as long as she lived. "I love you," she repeated, "I always have."
"I love you too, more than you'll ever know."
AHHHH! It's done! Well, except for the epilogue, but that's pretty much it. The sequel should be underway pretty soon hopefully, but we've still got a few kinks to work out in the plot.
Psychotic kitten: We've got action this chapter! You like? I had SO much fun writing this chapter. It's a bittersweet chappy, only because Abbi and Jack FINALLY get together, but it's also the end of the story! WAHH! Oh well, we still have a sequel to write!
The perfect one: Exactly how perfect are you? J/k! Glad you're hooked! Keep an eye out for the sequel! I promise it'll be good!
Charmed kitty: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
The Light of Earendil: YES! Jack DOES love Abbi, as we see in this chapter. The feeling's mutual. Get ready for the sequel! It's gonna be a doozy!
Foxgirlangie: This really is the side of Jack that no one has ever seen before, isn't it? SO happy that you liked this story! Thanks for reviewing!
Mizzy: Yes, we must go, but only for a short while. We'll be back with a sequel sometime soon. I LOVE JACK TOO! LONG LIVE JACK!
Barbara: Here it is: the end you've been waiting for so badly! You like? I hope so! I hope that in the epilogue of the story, we'll be able to release the title of the sequel, but there's no guarantee in that. Glad you liked it so much!
Margo: WHOA! Two reviews in one time frame! I'm impressed! I know, it's a bittersweet moment for both of us, but this isn't the end! It's only a little break. Jack, Abbi, Faith, and Thomas will be back in the next story, along with a few new characters and a whole new adventure! And yes, Jack and Abbi are going to be SO much fun to write- I've got something really funny planned for those two! But I can't tell you... sorry! You'll just have to wait and see! Trust me though- it's gonna be good!
I just want to say one last thanks to all our reviewers (ARY AND I LOVE YOU ALL!!!) and to all our readers who didn't review (We'd love y'all more if you did review, but we love you nonetheless)! It's been a blast! The epilogue will come soon, followed by the sequel!
Keep R&R!
Joey and Ary