Title: Dragonfly
Author: Muse a.k.a. Viorith
Rating: R for sexual content and violence.
Pairing: Will/OFC, Jack/Anna Maria
Feedback: Hell to the yeah!
Archive: Ask first please!
Disclaimer: I own nothing associated with PoTC, I'm just playing with them. I do own Sabine. So please ask if you want to play with her.
Summary: Sabine has loved Will since she was 16, but since his eyes were for Elizabeth only, she settled for his friendship. A year after the curse is lifted, Sabine now needs him to teach her the way of the blade so she can avenge her father's death on a man that once called himself his friend.
Note: "Words in italics inside quotations are spoken in Spanish."
Chapter 3
Gezana Montoyano's store front was usually as dark as the others lining the street after the sun went down, but candles burned bright as the aging woman and her sole customer stirred in the back dressing rooms. Gezana had long been a friend of Diego Arroyo's and thusly a friend of Sabine's. The young girl often wondered if there was more to her father's relationship with the pleasant woman, but never dared ask. The secrets between father and daughter were few, but Sabine had been raised never to question those that existed.
After discovering her mother's dress, Sabine had naturally taken it to Gezana for alterations, as the girl was more slender in the hips than her mother. At the time, she hadn't thought she would be using it, but it seemed a shame to let such a lovely dress go to waste. Now she stared at her reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the person that stared back.
The dress, predominantly a buttercreme hue, made her dark skin almost glow. The bodice contained intricate golden embroidered designs, while the skirt had the same color in a shimmery undercurrent, complimenting the original tone. The corset compressed her breast, and made her cleavage more prominent than her normal dresses. The shading of her face was enhanced by a tasteful amount of make-up; and the expert hands of Gezana also touched her hair.
Always one to be partially self-conscious, Sabine placed her hands over her chest, covering the exposed swells. "I look ridiculous," she commented. "He's going to laugh at me."
"Ah, you are as pretty as a summer sunset," Gezana chastised, and twisted the last bit of Sabine's hair into place. "If he thinks you are anything less than beautiful, he is a fool."
The majority of the curls were piled high upon the crown of her head, but she had left a long tendril free to curl from the top and down her right shoulders.
"You can breathe, still? Your corset is not too tight is it?"
"No," Sabine shook her head, "But perhaps I could have a shawl."
"Don't be silly," Gezana pulled the young woman's hands away, pinning them to her side. "God blessed you with a gift, you should not hide it. You don't see the proper ladies hiding their goods."
"Yes, but—" her words were cut short when a knock sounded on the front door. Gezana's eyes lit up with excitement. Sabine's in turn grew large with fear at the realization of what she was embarking on. "That's Will."
"Of course, you told him to pick you up from here, no?"
Gezana made to head to the front, but found her progress impeded by Sabine grabbing her arm.
"This was a mistake, tell him… tell him that I am ill. Yes, tell him that I am ill and cannot go."
"Silly child," the older woman thumped the hand restricting her movements, then ducked under the curtain, leaving Sabine wringing her hands in nervous anticipation. If Will laughed at her, she doubted she would ever have the guts to repeat it.
On the other side of the door, Will's partial grin grew to encompass his entire face at the sight of the old dressmaker. His dark brown suit, purchased during his time of dating Elizabeth, was the same color of his eyes, save the white shirt underneath. He had only worn it once to dinner at the Governor's mansion. It was his first and only trip to the mansion on pleasurable business. That had been a week before she ended their relationship, and need had not deemed him wear the suit again.
Complete with a coat that held long tails, Will looked every part the gentleman he was to masquerade as. He also bubbled with a barely contained energy. It hadn't been on his mind when he talked Sabine into going, but as the day of the dance grew closer the only thing Will could think about was his dream. He had been dancing with Elizabeth at an event unlike the one he was embarking on. What if his dream had been a window into future events?
His thoughts had been solely focused on Elizabeth. How he would react when he saw her. What he would say to her if fate smiled on him and a moment caught them alone. But all thoughts of Elizabeth were momentarily pushed aside, once he was ushered into the shoppe, and Sabine stepped out from behind the curtain.
His silence stretched, as he stared in complete shock at the woman before him. There was nothing left of the Sabine he had known growing up; she had been replaced by the elegant creature before him. Only her eyes remained the same; large and confident, but so insecure.
He didn't mean to leer at her, but words failed as his eyes devoured her body. No inch of her was left untouched by his close scrutiny, although certain areas, were subject to longer gazes than others. Pride swelled within as he envisioned the envious looks he would receive. Her breasts are perfect, he pondered. I wonder if they feel as soft and supple as they look? He immediately chastised himself for his thoughts. This was his Sabine, yet… she wasn't.
"I told you he would think I look ridiculous," Sabine stated to Gezana, after taking his frown as a sign of disappointment.
"No," Will's voice stopped her from a speedy retreat. His grasp of the Spanish language was pathetic at best, but there were a few words, that were impossible not to translate. "You look… you look… you're breath taking," he finally finished.
A strong blush raged through her cheeks as she demurely lowered her gaze. For the past four years she'd longed for him to stare at her like that. The way he used to stare at Elizabeth.
"Will you do me the honor?" he questioned offering his arm.
Sabine crossed the room to him, her dress whispering with her movement. She paused long enough to receive a kiss on the cheek from Gezana, before closing the distance between her and Will and slipping her hand through his offered arm. Her second surprise came at the carriage waiting for them outside. A soft gasp from her lips had Will turning his attention to her, his bright smile already in place as he waited for her predicted reaction.
"You… this is for me?"
"For tonight only, a loan from an associate," his smile softened as his eyes once again took in the woman before him. He'd never had a desire to kiss Sabine, never being before that night. Then again, he'd never seen his friend quite like this, with the moon lighting her, she looked more than breath taking, but descriptive words failed him. "I wanted this night to be special for you."
The coach driver descended from the seat and opened the door for the two riders. Sabine turned to Will, memorizing every detail about him. The way his dark skin looked under the light of the moon. His brown hair was pulled mostly into a low ponytail, but several tendril around the front still managed to break free and frame his face. The way his facial hair made him look older, but underneath he was still Will. My Will, she repeated internally, her heart fluttering at the prospect that now, more than ever before, seemed to be a possibility of her future.
She moved forward, hesitated, then moved back to place a tender kiss his on the left corner of his mouth, before allowing the driver to help her inside. She would forever remember this, as the night she felt like a fairy tale princess.
~~~
Everything had been going so smoothly. Will had convinced himself, finally convinced himself that he had moved past his feelings for Elizabeth. He was proud to have Sabine on his arm, even though he knew some of the looks they received were those wondering what the pair were doing there, not awing at her beauty. He had convinced himself he was perfectly content with the woman that had been his best friend, and was even beginning to wonder how the night would end.
Her father had yet to return, so his night's were still spent at her house. He wondered if he would be so bold as to kiss her, if she would be so bold as to let him. Yes, everything had been going so smoothly… until he saw Elizabeth.
Everything he felt, everything he had worked through and thought he had gotten over, came rushing to the surface like the tide to the beach. The love he thought dead was in fact just lying dormant, and had been awaken with a burning desire. As if it had been yesterday, his eyes picked up the easy pattern of watching her, secretly following her every move.
He wanted to approach her, to say something, anything, but her father, and Norrington never left her side long enough for him to make an approach. He was also keenly aware that Sabine more than likely was picking up on his vibe. In the back of his mind he heard the warning issued, that he was treading on the fibers of their friendship, but it was only a quiet voice, especially in comparison to the voice screaming his love for Elizabeth.
"Will," Sabine touched his arm, "Will perhaps it is time for us to go. They have unveiled the portrait, and I have been given my thanks. There is really no other reason for us to linger."
"I cannot leave yet," he answered softly.
"Will, you're only hurting yourself."
"You don't know what it's like, Sabine," he replied. "You've never loved someone with your heart, your soul, your very being. You've never loved someone to the point where they were your only cause for existence."
"This is a dangerous game you are playing," she warned, "She is no longer yours to worship."
Silently, Will continued to watch. He moved through the crowd to afford him a better view. Unaware, and not caring if Sabine followed him or not. Her friend moved so fast, the young artist had to lift her skirt to keep from tripping over it as she endeavored to keep up with him. Quietly she watched him watch her, until young Ms. Swann excused herself from her father's company, and momentarily left the party.
It was the chance, the break the blacksmith had been waiting for. Slowly, as to not draw attention to himself he left through the patio doors. He knew the Governor's manor, and knew Elizabeth well enough to know her retreat had been to her room. She would spend a few minutes there, re-collecting herself and her composure before taking on the guests for the continued duration of the party.
"Will!" Sabine called trying to keep the desperation from her voice. "Don't do this. She has made her decision. It was not easy for her, but she has done what she feels is best for her and her family."
"You don't understand," Will gave a shake of his head.
"But I do," she insisted, "And you are making yourself look like a fool. She belongs to Norrington now. Why can't you just let it go? There are others. There are those that are free to love you, who do love you."
She stared at him in the quiet moonlight, willing him to see the truth that was standing before him. He had to see it in her eyes, to see the love she had for him was so much more than the simple love of a childhood friend. "Please see how much I adore you," she whispered softly.
But as he didn't understand her words, nor did he understand the unspoken message in her eyes. He turned, ready to again make his way to Elizabeth's room.
"Will--"
"Sabine please," he snapped loud enough to make her jump, "I must do this. When you are in love, you will understand. There are things you don't have control over."
"I will never be trapped in love's cage," she stated coolly.
"Go home Sabine," he ordered with the same detachment, "I shall be there directly."
She could think of nothing to say that would make him stay, save the one thing she was too frightened to confess. She watched him walk away with her own tears filling her eyes.
~~~
He moved quietly through the house as to not bring attention to himself. Sabine's words echoed in his head, joined by the little voice in his head that told him this was utter and complete madness. He knew his words to her had been cruel… he would apologize for them later. Sabine was the last person on earth that deserved his venom.
He paused outside Elizabeth's door, debating if he should knock or charge in. He pressed his ear to the wood, listening for any signs from inside that she wasn't alone. The last thing he needed was one of the maids reporting his visit to Governor Swann, or worse, to Norrington. But he also paused to work up his nerve. Everything had been so clear on the path to the door, but standing outside it, he wasn't sure what he would say or do.
He thought he should confess his undying love, but she already knew how he felt. He had made that perfectly clear to all parties involved. Hell, most of Port Royale knew of his feelings for the governor's daughter. He thought to tell her that he had gotten over her, that he no longer spent every hour of every day missing her, but he was sure she would see through the lie before it was out of his mouth. And what would it prove?
Whatever you've come here to do, get on with it, mate. He chose not to knock, instead just turned the knob and entered, and his heart soared, if only for a moment, at the sight of her. She sat in a chair near her bed, reading from the light of a candle, more beautiful in the dancing light than she had been in the great room below them. She looked up startled at the intrusion, her brown eyes pinning him to the spot so, that for the longest time, all he could do was stand there and stare at her.
If she was surprised to see him, she didn't say it. She said nothing as she stared on, afraid that if she uttered a word, or made a move he would disappear like the apparition she was sure he was.
Standing there staring at her Will realized what it was he wanted. It wasn't to affirm his love for her, but to affirm her continued love for him. Despite her upcoming marriage to another man. He didn't need for her to say anything, her feelings were plainly written on her face. The way her lips parted, trembling to welcome him with a smile, the way her bosom heaved in a quickening pace against her bodice… It was all the evidence the blacksmith required.
Closing the door behind him, he moved into the room, pulled her roughly from her chair, and crushed his lips against hers. His arms pinned her body to his, holding her tight for fear that if his grip loosened she would slip from him. It wasn't until he realized her lips pressed against his with the same vigor that he lessened his hold.
Her lips parted for his tongue, allowing it to travel inside, playing with hers, touching her deep enough to elicit a soft whimper of pleasure. His hands traveled down to her waist, squeezing her roughly before traveling back around to splay wide against her back. Her fingers clung to his shoulders and twirled the end of his ponytail. She pressed her body to his, crushing her breasts against his chest, wanting to meld through his clothes and into his skin.
Nights she had laid awake, missing his touch, his kiss, the way his eyes would dilate and take on a heated look when his desire for her grew. The one thing she regretted most about their relationship was they had never become lovers before it ended. Will was passionate in everything he did. His kisses were enough to make her knees buckle, a night in his arms would probably have he dying in ecstasy.
His lips crept down her neck, biting and nipping the milky white flesh until he stopped to gently suckle the hammering pulse in her throat. His right hand possessively grabbed her breast, kneading it through the corset and thick material of her dress. His lips ranged lower, his tongue running across the delicate swells as he whispered her name. She wanted this to go on forever, wanted to give into her desires and bed him, or allow herself to be bedded by him, but their baser instincts were interrupted.
"Elizabeth?" her father called, his voice followed by a knocking, "Elizabeth are you in there?"
"Yes father," she answered breathless.
Quietly she shooed Will behind her dressing screen as she quickly smoothed out her hair, hoping her flushed cheeks didn't give her away. The Governor opened the door, his worried expression giving way to mild concern when he saw his daughter standing in the middle of the room.
"Are you alright, darling?"
"Yes," she nodded and forced a smile, "I just needed to get away and breath for a moment."
He smiled then, all traces of his previous concern disappearing, "Of course you did, it has been a rather busy evening for you," he smiled and placed a fatherly kiss on her cheek. "Don't be too long, my dear."
"I won't," she assured him, and wondered how long it would take to convince Will to make love to her.
She knew it was forbidden, but the young woman couldn't help herself. The frightful truth was she loved Will, and would probably love him for the rest of her days. If she couldn't be with him, then at least she would have the memory of his touch to cling to.
Weatherby gave a parting smile before exiting her room, leaving her alone in the middle of it once more. She waited a few seconds before going to the door and opening it a crack to make sure the cost was clear. Satisfied she shut and locked the door.
"Will," she called softly turning into the room. When he didn't answer she called his name again as she moved behind the screen. The window was open, the Port Royale air teasing the white sheers, but her blacksmith had gone.
~~~
Sabine ran flat out, putting as much distance between her and the merriment of the Governor's mansion as possible, until she felt as if her lungs would explode. Will's words, her words, the way he looked at Elizabeth… everytime she thought the quiet tears had passed the thought of what transpired brought them on again. She tried to blame him, tried to be angry with him for his accusations, but as far as he knew, he was right. She had never spoken to him of being in love, she still lacked the courage to tell him she was.
And I can't tell him now, she thought wiping roughly at her eyes. He loves her, all this time and he still loves her. There is no room in his heart for me. She laughed bitterly as she trudged down the path pulling her dress free of the roots that snagged the hem. She had boasted to him she would never be trapped in loves cage, but she realized she was more a prisoner than he was.
At least he has the courage to admit his love, I am nothing but a yellow bellied coward. Hiding behind my friendship, hoping one day he notices me… The young artist was too lost in thought to realize the darkness of her house, or to hear her kittens meowing a warning in the night. Nor did she take note of the sentry style cawing in the trees above. She opened the back door and froze.
She could see the ransacked kitchen, through the light of the moon shining in behind her. What chairs weren't broken, were overturned along with the table. Sabine took a step back and found an arm wrapped tightly around her waist, a dagger's point pressed against the hallow of her throat.
"Ah, the lady of the house has finally returned," a disembodied voice greeted from with in the house. "We've been waiting a long while for you."
She found herself pushed forward, forced into the kitchen with the door closed loudly behind. The darkness slowly gave way as a single candle entered the room carried by a man, who seemed oddly familiar, yet completely foreign to the woman. She tried to struggle against the grip around her waist, but her efforts only earned the knife pressed harder.
"Do not struggle, child. You will only end up hurting yourself, and while we don't want to hurt you, we will if you force us," the man with the candle stated.
"Who are you, what are you doing in my house?" she demanded in a voice that held far less fear than she felt.
"Of course, how rude, where are my manners," he lit several more candles before moving forward to stop less than two feet from her. "I am Dante Jacinto," he gave a deep flourishing bow. "At your service."
Author's notes: Thanks everyone for your reviews and suggestions/insight on the story. I'm thrilled that everyone is enjoying it as much as they are, and although it is still a few chapters off, I want everyone to know Jack is coming. I only hope I do him justice.