Disclaimer: This story is AU, since there is at least 100 years difference
between POTC and SH, so I played with the time line a bit. This chapter is
dedicated to Cap'n Blood Shot Etta, IST and Jack Sparrow for helping me
understand what a bootstrap really is and giving me inspiration for the
story!
Jack and Will were sitting around the Captain's table, full of trepidation, as usual. They spared a quick, frightened glance at each other, before Elizabeth walked in, carrying a steaming pot. They both plastered smiles on their faces.
"It smells good," Will smiled tightly at his wife. She set the pot down in the middle and sat down.
"Oh I know!" Elizabeth said, smiling excitingly. "It took me a while, but I think this is the one!"
Jack snorted quietly. Elizabeth stared daggers at him and he covered it with a cough. The Lass has been trying to cook for the last two weeks of their voyage. He and Will were both glad they were half way there; otherwise they would starve to death. They would smile and pretend to eat it, finding new ways of getting rid of food, until Elizabeth would go rest, and Jack could fix them something up from scrap, to last them till morning.
"Well?" Elizabeth asked slightly annoyed, as no one made a move to try her stew. Jack and Will glanced at each other, silently conveying to the other to go first. Elizabeth glared at Will, and so he caved first, as usual. He stared murder at the smirking Jack, before taking a huge, long gulp.
"Blimey!" Will gasped, his eyes wide. He looked up shocked at his wife. "This is fantastic!" Elizabeth smiled, before remembering suddenly: "I forgot the Rum!" She hurried out, feeling very proud of herself. As soon as she left, Jack raised a skeptical eyebrow at Will.
"Try it," Will said smiling. Jack took the ladle, and swallowed a mouthful. He cocked his head to the side, contemplating.
"It is eatable," Jack said, sighing contently.
"It is not half bad," Will smiled, proud for Elizabeth's achievements.
"Perhaps now she can take over cooking us Breakfast and Lunch?" Jack asked Will teasingly.
The man's eyes nearly bulged out. "Oh no! I think it's best we don't get ahead of ourselves, you should keep cooking those meals, until Elizabeth is ready."
"Until I'm ready to do what?" Elizabeth asked, standing in the doorway, her arms crossed. Will stammered, he was afraid she might swing the bottle of rum at him.
"Will here was just telling me to keep my filthy hands off dinner, until you are ready to join us," Jack said easily, a lazy grin crossing his face. "I tasted it and could not get enough of it."
"Oh Jack!" Elizabeth rushed over and hugged him. "Do you really mean that?"
"Aye, of course I do," Jack said, petting her shoulder. "You've come a long way Lass." Elizabeth grinned at him, before slowly walking back to her seat. Will sighed and shook his head. A moment ago, Elizabeth seemed about to explode on them, but then Jack came up with a story and suddenly it's 'oh Jack!' He couldn't for the life of him understand how he did that. And if he could do that, why did he seem to have the worst luck when it came to the fairer sex?
"Elizabeth, dear," Jack said slowly. "The rum?"
"Oh, right!" Elizabeth said and produced the item in question. Jack's smile grew.
"Ahh, I could use a Clap of Thunder right about now." He said and took the bottle from her.
"Well, I don't know about that," Will said earnestly, "But I could use some strong grog." Jack froze, the bottle inches from his mouth. He put it down and gave Will an exasperated look, nearly rolling his eyes.
"A Clap of Thunder IS a strong drink," Jack sighed, shaking his head. "Honest to God, Lad, you are such a Swab- a lout," he corrected, seeing his confused face. "A Pirate must live-breathe-act-think and TALK like a Pirate." He finished his admonishing. A slight grin crossed his face, but he hid it with the bottle. "Perhaps I shall teach you a phrase or two beside 'Avast!'" Jack smiled and took a gulp of the rum. He spat it out.
"What is the meaning of this?!" He asked Elizabeth outraged.
"What do you mean, Jack?" Elizabeth asked innocently, trying to distance herself from the enraged Captain.
"What do you mean, Jack?" He imitated her voice. "I MEAN this poor excuse for rum!"
"Oh, that," Elizabeth said, blushing slightly. "I took the liberty to dilute the rum, slightly, with water." Will looked at Elizabeth horrified, knowing one should not get in between Jack Sparrow and his rum.
"Why on earth would you DO that?" Will asked her, peaking at the fuming pirate from the corner of his eye.
"I- I thought," Elizabeth stuttered for a moment, before taking a deep breath and finding her voice and strength. "You two drink rum every meal!" She accused them, pointing a finger in their faces. "Half of the time you can't find your bearings and can't function well. I was doing this for your own good!" She said pleadingly, glancing from one to the other. "I just diluted it a bit, it will keep you sharper and sober."
"That is precisely my point!" Jack cried. "I don't WANT to be sober! A pirate is only as good as the rum he consumes!" Jack seemed in a philosophical mood. "And you give me WATER?"
"Diluted Rum," Elizabeth corrected gently.
"'Liz," Will said slowly. "Darling, do us a favor, don't argue." Both Jack and Elizabeth looked at Will confused. He seemed to not know what was wrong until he thought over his wording. "Oh," was all he said as Jack chuckled. "I must be around you too long, stuck on the same ship for two weeks ought to do it."
Elizabeth laughed as well and pretty soon Will was forced to join in.
"Alright," Elizabeth said, wiping tears from her eyes. "I'll give up on sobering you up," she nodded with her head at Jack. He nodded in return. "But I will NOT allow MY husband to sleep anywhere near me, if I smell rum on his breath."
Will had no idea how this was suddenly about him. "Elizabeth-"
"No!" Elizabeth said harshly. "Unless you want to sleep in other quarters, this," she pointed at the bottle on the table. "-Is the closest you will get to rum. Am I making myself clear?"
Will nodded slowly, knowing it was a fight he could not win. Like most of their fights.
"Well," Jack said, clearing his throat, feeling the tension in the room. "Now that that is settled, I think the wonderful meal is getting cold." The two looked at the now not-so-steaming pot in front of them. Jack tasted the stew. "It is still warm enough to eat," he said, and the three ate the rest of their dinner in comfortable silence, occasionally conversing, their spirits high.
"I think I shall say 'goodnight' now," Jack said, rising. "I'll be in the storage room, drinking REAL rum if someone needs me." He walked out the door and called over his shoulder: "And don't come anywhere near MY RUM, ever again!"
Elizabeth chuckled softly. "Poor man, I always seem to come between him and his rum."
"I hope you learned your lesson," Will said gently, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. She snuggled close and closed her eyes enjoying the moment.
Suddenly her eyes flew open. "Oh no!"
"ELIZABETH!!!!"
*
"I'm sorry Jack," Elizabeth said for the umpteenth time, trying to convince him to leave the storage room, where he locked himself in. She glanced at Will for reassurance, but received none.
"It's getting cold, perhaps we should go to sleep. I'm sure he'll feel better after a good night's sleep." Will said, shivering slightly.
"No HE won't!" Jack yelled from inside of the room.
"Ah, he speaks," Will muttered and rolled his eyes.
"Jack Sparrow!" Elizabeth called, her voice resembling that of a mother chiding her son. "You are behaving like a five year old! Come out of there this instant!" She paused a minute, waiting to see his reaction. For a moment nothing happened and Elizabeth was seriously considering Will's proposal. Then the door slammed open and out marched an angry Captain Sparrow.
"I am behaving like a five year old? Me?! I wasn't the one who ruined all the rum!" He spat angrily. Elizabeth was beginning to worry, he was getting quite ill tempered during their voyage.
"For which I apologized profusely," she said, her voice pleading. She heaved a sigh. "I know you are mad at me- and you have every right to be. I should not have touched your rum-again- and I will never do that again." She looked up at him with her sad, big, doe eyes. "Would you PLEASE forgive me, Jack? Please?"
Jack hesitated, trying to stay mad at her. But in the end she broke his resolve when her eyes began to tear up. "Oh alright, you scallywag! But I'm warning you- Stay. Away. From. My. RUM!!!" He said, his anger controlled.
"I promise!" She said quickly, giving him a quick hug, melting any anger left in him. 'Men are so easy to play sometimes...' She thought wickedly.
"Two weeks without Rum," Jack moaned, as he walked out of the storage room. "If that is not hell, I don't know what is." The three walked away and sat by the prow of the ship.
"Well, at least my cooking is improving!" Elizabeth said brightly, straightening her dress. "I'll make you a feast of... Well stew, the likes of which you've never tasted before!"
"I don't doubt that," Will said under his breath. Jack grinned at him in agreement and turned his gaze to the stars.
"Speaking of which," Elizabeth said curious. "Where did YOU learn how to cook? You are quite good, if you don't mind me saying so."
"I never mind a compliment from a pretty Lass," Jack said smiling. "I learned from the very best- Bootstrap Bill."
Will seemed to perk up at any mention of his father, as it was he knew nearly nothing about the man. "Really- my father knew how to cook?"
"Oh yes," Jack said seriously. "Best cook we had on board, to be sure. Not that there was any competition, mind you- but still...."
"Why DID they call him 'Bootstrap Bill'?" Elizabeth asked. "I assume 'Bill' is a nickname for William, but why 'Bootstrap'?"
"Did he have special straps on his boots?" Will guessed, interested as well.
"'Special' is a good way to describe them," Jack laughed. The two looked at him expectantly and he seized his chance for a story.
"It was early on in our careers at Pirates. We were on the Pearl just us two and the Pearl's previous Captain, when one day William Turner comes out wearing the most hideous pair of homemade straps on his boots."
"Oh," Will said dejectedly. Jack silenced him with a dismissal wave of his arm.
"Ah, but the story does not end there! There was another pirate ship, "Red Dawn" giving chase to the Pearl. The Pearl, of course, could outrun that poor excuse of a ship in no time, but the other ship was blowing their Six Pounders (their Cannons, you must remember these terms) at us, slowing us down and wrecking our beautiful ship. They overhauled us and boarded the ship. There were ten- nay- TWENTY Pirates boarding our ship. The Captain and I were captured, and we were sure to walk the plank." Jack shuddered in memory at the close call.
"What happened?" Will asked, drawn into the story. Jack smiled; this was the kind of crowd he loved.
"Your father, that's what happened. They didn't see him, we were separated when he went to take off his straps (after we had a good laugh at his expense) and so he hid, looking for any weapon he could find, but coming up short. He suddenly had the brilliant idea of using his metal straps as a weapon! He carefully got out of the crew's quarters, and choked the first pirate from behind. Slowly, he made his way towards us, taking them out one by one, at times using the strap as a whip. He slid on the ropes with the strap, holding it from both ends. He kicked the two pirates guarding us, giving us enough time to grab their swords and fight back. Your father and his bootstraps saved the day! Ever since then he was called "Bootstrap Bill" and, to his embarrassment, was not permitted to remove his hideous bootstraps, for they gave us good luck."
"My father," Will said slowly, trying to comprehend. "Took out twenty pirates, with just his bootstraps?"
Jack smiled. "Aye! You should have seen it, it was quite a show."
"He killed those pirates?" Will asked, somehow disheartened. He never saw his father as a murderer.
"He tried his best not to," Jack admitted. "He was truly the most honest Pirate I have ever known." Will seemed to accept that explanation, though his heart was slightly heavier.
"I think I shall go to bed," he said, and without another word he headed to his quarters.
"Do you think he will be alright?" Elizabeth asked worried, glancing after her husband.
"The Turners' are made from strong material," Jack said, looking at his retreating form. "It is in their blood." He glanced at Elizabeth with a cheerful glint. "And apparently it rubs off on those that come within close contact with them as well."
Elizabeth pretended to pout. "Are you saying I was not made of 'strong material' before I married Will?"
"Of course not, Love," Jack said, yawning tiredly. "But you have to admit your adventuring only began after meeting young Turner," he said and got up. "You should get some sleep, I plan on wearing you down to the bone, to pay for the spoiled rum."
Elizabeth was about to argue, when she realized it would do her no good. "Fine," she said simply, as she headed after Will. She seemed hesitant for a moment and she turned back. "Jack?"
"Yes?" Jack asked, wanting nothing more than his nice cozy bed, seeing as how he won't get to pass out drunk for a while.
"You have a tendency to... Embellish your stories," Elizabeth said gently, not accusingly. "Will knows little to nothing regarding his father and he believes anything you tell him to be true."
"What is your point?" Jack asked, not quite sure where this was heading.
"Don't lie to him," she said flatly. "Please, don't tell him lies about his father or make a mountain out of a mouse, just the plain truth." She took a deep breath, steadying herself for what she would say next. "The story of how Bootstrap Bill got his name, is it true?"
"Bootstrap Bill got his name the day he took down the Dawn's crew with his bootstraps, and saved our lives." Jack said evenly. "That is the truth." Elizabeth nodded gratefully and headed to her shared quarters with Will. Jack stood there a moment longer, staring after her deep in thought, before heading to his quarters.
~
"Why must I learn how to cook?" Jack asked offended. "I thought Will was in charge of cooking and the likes, and I'm in charge of cleaning." It was several days after he woke up on the ship and was just getting the hang of things.
"Yes, he is," Captain Saunders agreed, sparing the man in question a quick glance. "But he cannot cook a decent meal for the life of him."
"What?" Will asked enraged, "I cook terrific meals, none of you have good taste. That's the problem, NOT my cooking!"
"Bill, my boy," Captain Saunders said gently, laying a hand on his shoulder. "No, you can't. I had a cook once- he was blind in one eye, and kept mistaking the horseradish for pepper. He kept losing one of his gold teeth in the stew- and it still tasted better than your best work. Now, think of it this way- it will take some load off your shoulders-"
"And put on MY shoulders," Jack muttered. He was working harder than he ever worked in his entire life, and now he had to cook as well?
Will seemed to reconsider the situation and brightened up. "You're right, I should save my work for those who appreciate it."
"Good Lad," Saunders said, slapping him on the back. "Now you teach him the ropes- in general, NOT your own 'unique' recipe. Stick to simple things, that not even you can mess up." Saunders smiled and left the kitchen. Jack glanced at Will and was worried when he saw a slow smile cross the man's face. He gulped loudly and tried to change subjects.
"He called you Bill- I never heard him call you that before," Jack observed, as he took a water bucket to wash his hands. Will frowned.
"Oh, so that's what that was for," Will said. "Well, no harm was done anyways. And yes Captain Saunders has different names for me, depending on his mood. He will call me "Will" most of the times, but if he is displeased with me, I am "William" and if he is in a good mood, or finds me awfully amusing he calls me "Bill". Will shook his head, "At least that way you know what mood to predict." He washed his hands with the water as well, before taking out the ingredient from storage.
"Have you been with him long, Captain Saunders I mean." Jack asked, as Will took out knives for cutting and a huge pot. He filled the pot with water, and put it on the fire.
"Yes," Will said smiling. "My parents died when I was young. I think I was around... 11, perhaps 12 when the Captain docked at my port. I stowed away on his ship and instead of making me walk the plank, he made me a crewmember. Little by little I crawled up the chain of command, until he appointed me the first mate, a few months ago." Will showed Jack how to chop the vegetables, before allowing him to try. Jack cut himself several times, before getting the hang of it.
"You knew you wanted to be a pirate at the age of 12?" Jack asked, slightly surprised.
Will laughed. "I have wanted to be a pirate ever since I could remember." He took the cut vegetables and moved them into the water, before preparing the meat.
"I never thought I'd end up playing pirates," Jack admitted. "Though I have to admit, being on the Pearl, sailing the Seven Seas and looting Booty does sound appealing," he smiled ruefully at Will. "But don't you ever get homesick?"
"The Pearl IS my home," Will explained, as they cut the meat. "As long as I'm with her, I'm content." He glanced quickly at Jack and bit his lip, wondering how much to reveal to this stranger. "Can I tell you something, something private?"
"Yes, of course," Jack said, continuing his cutting, but fully attentive. He always loved gossip and secrets; it was part of the reason why he spent a lot of his time with the ladies of the house, beside to charm them of course.
"I love the Pearl- more than I have loved anything in my life," Will said, his eyes lighting up. "Captain Saunders is getting older, his heart isn't into it anymore. I suspect pretty soon-maybe as soon as after our next adventure- he will choose to retire from Piracy."
"Oh," Jack said, not quite sure what Will was saying.
"I'm the first mate," Will continued, the stew forgotten. "I have been with him the longest, it is only natural that when he does, he will name me the Pearl's new Captain." He turned to Jack, a huge smile on his face. "And THAT is my heart's desire."
"You really need to get yourself a girl," Jack said, raising his eyebrows. Will chuckled.
"Perhaps I do- Oh, I have something to show you!" He said, before dashing out of there.
"What about the stew?" Jack cried after him, holding the knife in his hand. He shook his head and stood there waiting for Will to come back. Captain Saunders walked in.
"I just came to see how the stew was coming along," he glanced around, frowning. "Where IS Will?"
"He went to get something to show me, apparently," Jack shrugged, eyeing the water that was beginning to boil. A few moments later Will came back, his boots suspiciously shining.
"Well?" He asked grinning, extending his feet, so they could see. "What do you think? I made them myself from scraps of metal I found lying around- what a waste!" Jack and Captain Saunders glanced at each other before bursting into laughter.
"Oh my!" Saunders said, in between laughing fits. "You've really outdone yourself, Bill, truly you have! Those are the most hideous bootstraps I have ever laid my eyes upon!" Jack simply laughed harder, causing Will to get angry.
"I... They're not... They're just... Fine! I'll take them off!" He said and stormed out, heading to his quarters. They were both still laughing hard when something shook the boat, causing both to topple over. Saunders gained his footing first, and dashed out to see what hit them. Jack scrambled to his feet and followed quickly behind.
"There's a ship there!" Jack said to Saunders, confused.
"'The Red Dawn'" Saunders spat, before running to the helm. Jack- mind the sails, Will-" he yelled, as Will came rushing out, his straps half off. "Go mind the cannons!" Both men hurried to their respected posts. The Dawn blew several more holes in the haul of the ship, slowing it down immensely. Soon they could not outrun it, and ropes were thrown in between ships.
"Oh no you don't!" Saunders cried, drawing out his sword, and rushing towards the boarding men. Jack stood helplessly by, not sure what to do. He grabbed the mop and swung it in the general vicinity of the pirates. They cut his mop in half and punched him in the face, disarming him quickly. They stood him up roughly and he saw through his bleary gaze that Saunders was disarmed as well. They were approximately half a dozen- perhaps ten pirates standing in front of them.
"Well, if it isn't Sunny Saunders," The Captain of the Dawn sneered, his men laughing along. "The reverent captain of the Black Pearl."
"Mathew Blake," Saunders sneered in turn, his gaze hateful.
"Is this all your crew?" Captain Blake asked dejectedly. "I was hoping for more of a fight." He turned to his men. "Search the ship! Make sure there are no stowaways, lurking somewhere." The men quickly complied, leaving only three crewmembers to watch the prisoners- two for Saunders, and one for Jack.
"Drats!" Will hissed, as he pushed his back to the door. He came up to the deck, wanting to find out why the cannon fire stopped. Now he knew why. They were pirates roaming everywhere on the ship, one very close to the door. He grabbed at his side only to realize his pistol and sword were both in the quarters; he took them off so he could safely reach his boots to remove his stupid straps. The quarters were too far away; someone was bound to notice him. But the kitchen was close by... He opened the door ajar and glanced around. He was about to leave when he was pushed forward and tripped over his loosen straps.
"Well, well, well," a leering pirate with rotten teeth said. "What have we here?" He used his sword to check for weapons. He smiled and turned his head to call out to his friends. Will's mind franticly searched for something to use, when the light from the strap caught his eye. Without hesitating he tore the strap off entirely, and jumped on the man, using the strap to choke him. Once the man was subdued, he edged closer to the kitchen. There were two more pirates between him and the kitchen. He tore the other strap off and threw it in the other directions, as a distraction. The two pirates hurried in the other direction, allowing Will enough room to jump into the kitchen-
Where a pirate tasted the vegetable stew.
"Hey!" The pirate said, drawing out his sword. Will looked for the knife, but it was too close to the pot. He backed against the door as the pirate advanced, his hold on the strap tightening. He used it as a whip to grab the sword and pulled it with all his force, sending it across the room to clatter noisily. The man ran at him and he docked, rolled to the other side and reached for the knife. The man grabbed him around the middle and sent them both sprawling on the floor, each trying to wrestle for the knife. Will punched the man repeatedly in the face, until at last he loosened his grip long enough for Will to escape from under him. He took a pan and hit him across the face, rendering him unconscious. He grabbed several knives and walked towards the door when he saw the two pirates from earlier standing in the doorway, drawing their swords.
Will threw the knives at them, pinning one of them to the wall. He rushed to the pot and threw the boiling water at the other. The man howled in pain and Will had to get to Jack and Captain Saunders before someone came to inspect the noise. He hurried out and climbed carefully to the help, making sure to not be seen. He spotted his friends on the deck, but there was no way of getting there without alerting the pirates. He noticed a rope leading straight over their heads and smiled, taking out his strap and holding on to either end, using it to slide over.
"Here goes nothing," he whispered, and jumped, flying across the ship and landing on two very startled pirates, who were watching Saunders. Saunders grabbed one of their swords and knocked them out. Will fought with Jack's guard, as the remaining pirates approached. The guard suddenly noticed the strap and laughed. Will's jaw clenched and he slapped the pirate across the face with it, finally getting up. He grabbed two swords and turned to a startled and frightened Jack.
"Catch!" He yelled, as he threw a sword at him. Jack made an attempt to catch the swords, but it only cut him and cluttered to the floor. "Oh Jack," he muttered, as he fought the pirates, making sure to cover Saunders' back. By the time Jack finally grabbed the sword and yelled: "Avast!" The fight was over.
"You see, Matty," Saunders said to the other ship's captain. "I don't need a big crew like yours, all I need is Bootstrap Bill by my side, and," he glanced at Jack, who was having with the weight of the sword, and kept dropping it. "Right, I believe you know what happens now?" He smiled at him, and motioned for Will. Will grabbed Jack and together they went to prepare the plank. They gathered all the defeated pirates and 'encouraged' them one by one to walk the plank.
"I suppose if I even think of mentioning the "P" word, you will cut my tongue out?" Mathew Blake said dryly, as he finally was the last to walk the plank.
"And here I thought you did not know me at all," Saunders smiled evilly, as he shook the plank, and caused him to fall into the waters.
"This is not over yet!" Mathew cried, treading water. "You have not heard the last of-"
The voice was fading away as the Pearl started to sail away.
"What did he mean- the "P" word?" Jack asked confused.
"He meant Parley- I will explain it to you tomorrow, right after-" Will glanced at Jack, as he tried to swing the sword and only managed to lose his balance and fall in a heap.
"Fencing," Will said grimacing. "That is definitely your first priority."
*END CHAPTER 3*
Author's Note: Wow, this came out fairly long, I was planning on writing another part, but decided that if I did it would be around 5,000-6,000 words, so I'll write it next chapter! I hope you continue to like the story, and approve of my idea for Bootstrap! BTW- since it didn't seem to show up, if anyone wants the pirate's terms, send me an email and I'll send you the link.
Jack Sparrow- I love Johnny Depp as well, and am renting as many movies of his as I can! I'm glad you love it and I hope you continue to like it! Thanks for your input into the bootstrap matter it was very helpful!
IloveSands- I love Sands too! He was so cool and funny! Glad you like the story, and even though I wrote AU, I added a disclaimer to every chapter, just to be on the safe side: I played with the time lines, so that I can do the crossover.
Cap'n Blood Shot Etta- thank you for explaining to me what a bootstrap was so vividly, and expanding when I asked if you could explain further. I'm just a poor Israeli writer, so any grammar mistakes and not so rich vocab can be excused by it.
a nameless face- Yes, SH was set after POTC, I'm glad you like the idea and hope you like where I'm going with this!
IST- Last but not least, the one who you can all thank for me updating every two weeks or so, and not every few months! Who naggs and naggs and got me a bootstrap picture! Your review made me almost cry and I just wanted to give you a big hug! I try my best to balance humor and suspense, not always succeeding though, but Jack has a tendency to make my story funny just the same! I gotta say, I seem to love flashbacks so much; I incorporate them in all my fics! The chemistry and cannon is really the most important thing to me and I'm so glad you think it works!!!
Jack and Will were sitting around the Captain's table, full of trepidation, as usual. They spared a quick, frightened glance at each other, before Elizabeth walked in, carrying a steaming pot. They both plastered smiles on their faces.
"It smells good," Will smiled tightly at his wife. She set the pot down in the middle and sat down.
"Oh I know!" Elizabeth said, smiling excitingly. "It took me a while, but I think this is the one!"
Jack snorted quietly. Elizabeth stared daggers at him and he covered it with a cough. The Lass has been trying to cook for the last two weeks of their voyage. He and Will were both glad they were half way there; otherwise they would starve to death. They would smile and pretend to eat it, finding new ways of getting rid of food, until Elizabeth would go rest, and Jack could fix them something up from scrap, to last them till morning.
"Well?" Elizabeth asked slightly annoyed, as no one made a move to try her stew. Jack and Will glanced at each other, silently conveying to the other to go first. Elizabeth glared at Will, and so he caved first, as usual. He stared murder at the smirking Jack, before taking a huge, long gulp.
"Blimey!" Will gasped, his eyes wide. He looked up shocked at his wife. "This is fantastic!" Elizabeth smiled, before remembering suddenly: "I forgot the Rum!" She hurried out, feeling very proud of herself. As soon as she left, Jack raised a skeptical eyebrow at Will.
"Try it," Will said smiling. Jack took the ladle, and swallowed a mouthful. He cocked his head to the side, contemplating.
"It is eatable," Jack said, sighing contently.
"It is not half bad," Will smiled, proud for Elizabeth's achievements.
"Perhaps now she can take over cooking us Breakfast and Lunch?" Jack asked Will teasingly.
The man's eyes nearly bulged out. "Oh no! I think it's best we don't get ahead of ourselves, you should keep cooking those meals, until Elizabeth is ready."
"Until I'm ready to do what?" Elizabeth asked, standing in the doorway, her arms crossed. Will stammered, he was afraid she might swing the bottle of rum at him.
"Will here was just telling me to keep my filthy hands off dinner, until you are ready to join us," Jack said easily, a lazy grin crossing his face. "I tasted it and could not get enough of it."
"Oh Jack!" Elizabeth rushed over and hugged him. "Do you really mean that?"
"Aye, of course I do," Jack said, petting her shoulder. "You've come a long way Lass." Elizabeth grinned at him, before slowly walking back to her seat. Will sighed and shook his head. A moment ago, Elizabeth seemed about to explode on them, but then Jack came up with a story and suddenly it's 'oh Jack!' He couldn't for the life of him understand how he did that. And if he could do that, why did he seem to have the worst luck when it came to the fairer sex?
"Elizabeth, dear," Jack said slowly. "The rum?"
"Oh, right!" Elizabeth said and produced the item in question. Jack's smile grew.
"Ahh, I could use a Clap of Thunder right about now." He said and took the bottle from her.
"Well, I don't know about that," Will said earnestly, "But I could use some strong grog." Jack froze, the bottle inches from his mouth. He put it down and gave Will an exasperated look, nearly rolling his eyes.
"A Clap of Thunder IS a strong drink," Jack sighed, shaking his head. "Honest to God, Lad, you are such a Swab- a lout," he corrected, seeing his confused face. "A Pirate must live-breathe-act-think and TALK like a Pirate." He finished his admonishing. A slight grin crossed his face, but he hid it with the bottle. "Perhaps I shall teach you a phrase or two beside 'Avast!'" Jack smiled and took a gulp of the rum. He spat it out.
"What is the meaning of this?!" He asked Elizabeth outraged.
"What do you mean, Jack?" Elizabeth asked innocently, trying to distance herself from the enraged Captain.
"What do you mean, Jack?" He imitated her voice. "I MEAN this poor excuse for rum!"
"Oh, that," Elizabeth said, blushing slightly. "I took the liberty to dilute the rum, slightly, with water." Will looked at Elizabeth horrified, knowing one should not get in between Jack Sparrow and his rum.
"Why on earth would you DO that?" Will asked her, peaking at the fuming pirate from the corner of his eye.
"I- I thought," Elizabeth stuttered for a moment, before taking a deep breath and finding her voice and strength. "You two drink rum every meal!" She accused them, pointing a finger in their faces. "Half of the time you can't find your bearings and can't function well. I was doing this for your own good!" She said pleadingly, glancing from one to the other. "I just diluted it a bit, it will keep you sharper and sober."
"That is precisely my point!" Jack cried. "I don't WANT to be sober! A pirate is only as good as the rum he consumes!" Jack seemed in a philosophical mood. "And you give me WATER?"
"Diluted Rum," Elizabeth corrected gently.
"'Liz," Will said slowly. "Darling, do us a favor, don't argue." Both Jack and Elizabeth looked at Will confused. He seemed to not know what was wrong until he thought over his wording. "Oh," was all he said as Jack chuckled. "I must be around you too long, stuck on the same ship for two weeks ought to do it."
Elizabeth laughed as well and pretty soon Will was forced to join in.
"Alright," Elizabeth said, wiping tears from her eyes. "I'll give up on sobering you up," she nodded with her head at Jack. He nodded in return. "But I will NOT allow MY husband to sleep anywhere near me, if I smell rum on his breath."
Will had no idea how this was suddenly about him. "Elizabeth-"
"No!" Elizabeth said harshly. "Unless you want to sleep in other quarters, this," she pointed at the bottle on the table. "-Is the closest you will get to rum. Am I making myself clear?"
Will nodded slowly, knowing it was a fight he could not win. Like most of their fights.
"Well," Jack said, clearing his throat, feeling the tension in the room. "Now that that is settled, I think the wonderful meal is getting cold." The two looked at the now not-so-steaming pot in front of them. Jack tasted the stew. "It is still warm enough to eat," he said, and the three ate the rest of their dinner in comfortable silence, occasionally conversing, their spirits high.
"I think I shall say 'goodnight' now," Jack said, rising. "I'll be in the storage room, drinking REAL rum if someone needs me." He walked out the door and called over his shoulder: "And don't come anywhere near MY RUM, ever again!"
Elizabeth chuckled softly. "Poor man, I always seem to come between him and his rum."
"I hope you learned your lesson," Will said gently, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. She snuggled close and closed her eyes enjoying the moment.
Suddenly her eyes flew open. "Oh no!"
"ELIZABETH!!!!"
*
"I'm sorry Jack," Elizabeth said for the umpteenth time, trying to convince him to leave the storage room, where he locked himself in. She glanced at Will for reassurance, but received none.
"It's getting cold, perhaps we should go to sleep. I'm sure he'll feel better after a good night's sleep." Will said, shivering slightly.
"No HE won't!" Jack yelled from inside of the room.
"Ah, he speaks," Will muttered and rolled his eyes.
"Jack Sparrow!" Elizabeth called, her voice resembling that of a mother chiding her son. "You are behaving like a five year old! Come out of there this instant!" She paused a minute, waiting to see his reaction. For a moment nothing happened and Elizabeth was seriously considering Will's proposal. Then the door slammed open and out marched an angry Captain Sparrow.
"I am behaving like a five year old? Me?! I wasn't the one who ruined all the rum!" He spat angrily. Elizabeth was beginning to worry, he was getting quite ill tempered during their voyage.
"For which I apologized profusely," she said, her voice pleading. She heaved a sigh. "I know you are mad at me- and you have every right to be. I should not have touched your rum-again- and I will never do that again." She looked up at him with her sad, big, doe eyes. "Would you PLEASE forgive me, Jack? Please?"
Jack hesitated, trying to stay mad at her. But in the end she broke his resolve when her eyes began to tear up. "Oh alright, you scallywag! But I'm warning you- Stay. Away. From. My. RUM!!!" He said, his anger controlled.
"I promise!" She said quickly, giving him a quick hug, melting any anger left in him. 'Men are so easy to play sometimes...' She thought wickedly.
"Two weeks without Rum," Jack moaned, as he walked out of the storage room. "If that is not hell, I don't know what is." The three walked away and sat by the prow of the ship.
"Well, at least my cooking is improving!" Elizabeth said brightly, straightening her dress. "I'll make you a feast of... Well stew, the likes of which you've never tasted before!"
"I don't doubt that," Will said under his breath. Jack grinned at him in agreement and turned his gaze to the stars.
"Speaking of which," Elizabeth said curious. "Where did YOU learn how to cook? You are quite good, if you don't mind me saying so."
"I never mind a compliment from a pretty Lass," Jack said smiling. "I learned from the very best- Bootstrap Bill."
Will seemed to perk up at any mention of his father, as it was he knew nearly nothing about the man. "Really- my father knew how to cook?"
"Oh yes," Jack said seriously. "Best cook we had on board, to be sure. Not that there was any competition, mind you- but still...."
"Why DID they call him 'Bootstrap Bill'?" Elizabeth asked. "I assume 'Bill' is a nickname for William, but why 'Bootstrap'?"
"Did he have special straps on his boots?" Will guessed, interested as well.
"'Special' is a good way to describe them," Jack laughed. The two looked at him expectantly and he seized his chance for a story.
"It was early on in our careers at Pirates. We were on the Pearl just us two and the Pearl's previous Captain, when one day William Turner comes out wearing the most hideous pair of homemade straps on his boots."
"Oh," Will said dejectedly. Jack silenced him with a dismissal wave of his arm.
"Ah, but the story does not end there! There was another pirate ship, "Red Dawn" giving chase to the Pearl. The Pearl, of course, could outrun that poor excuse of a ship in no time, but the other ship was blowing their Six Pounders (their Cannons, you must remember these terms) at us, slowing us down and wrecking our beautiful ship. They overhauled us and boarded the ship. There were ten- nay- TWENTY Pirates boarding our ship. The Captain and I were captured, and we were sure to walk the plank." Jack shuddered in memory at the close call.
"What happened?" Will asked, drawn into the story. Jack smiled; this was the kind of crowd he loved.
"Your father, that's what happened. They didn't see him, we were separated when he went to take off his straps (after we had a good laugh at his expense) and so he hid, looking for any weapon he could find, but coming up short. He suddenly had the brilliant idea of using his metal straps as a weapon! He carefully got out of the crew's quarters, and choked the first pirate from behind. Slowly, he made his way towards us, taking them out one by one, at times using the strap as a whip. He slid on the ropes with the strap, holding it from both ends. He kicked the two pirates guarding us, giving us enough time to grab their swords and fight back. Your father and his bootstraps saved the day! Ever since then he was called "Bootstrap Bill" and, to his embarrassment, was not permitted to remove his hideous bootstraps, for they gave us good luck."
"My father," Will said slowly, trying to comprehend. "Took out twenty pirates, with just his bootstraps?"
Jack smiled. "Aye! You should have seen it, it was quite a show."
"He killed those pirates?" Will asked, somehow disheartened. He never saw his father as a murderer.
"He tried his best not to," Jack admitted. "He was truly the most honest Pirate I have ever known." Will seemed to accept that explanation, though his heart was slightly heavier.
"I think I shall go to bed," he said, and without another word he headed to his quarters.
"Do you think he will be alright?" Elizabeth asked worried, glancing after her husband.
"The Turners' are made from strong material," Jack said, looking at his retreating form. "It is in their blood." He glanced at Elizabeth with a cheerful glint. "And apparently it rubs off on those that come within close contact with them as well."
Elizabeth pretended to pout. "Are you saying I was not made of 'strong material' before I married Will?"
"Of course not, Love," Jack said, yawning tiredly. "But you have to admit your adventuring only began after meeting young Turner," he said and got up. "You should get some sleep, I plan on wearing you down to the bone, to pay for the spoiled rum."
Elizabeth was about to argue, when she realized it would do her no good. "Fine," she said simply, as she headed after Will. She seemed hesitant for a moment and she turned back. "Jack?"
"Yes?" Jack asked, wanting nothing more than his nice cozy bed, seeing as how he won't get to pass out drunk for a while.
"You have a tendency to... Embellish your stories," Elizabeth said gently, not accusingly. "Will knows little to nothing regarding his father and he believes anything you tell him to be true."
"What is your point?" Jack asked, not quite sure where this was heading.
"Don't lie to him," she said flatly. "Please, don't tell him lies about his father or make a mountain out of a mouse, just the plain truth." She took a deep breath, steadying herself for what she would say next. "The story of how Bootstrap Bill got his name, is it true?"
"Bootstrap Bill got his name the day he took down the Dawn's crew with his bootstraps, and saved our lives." Jack said evenly. "That is the truth." Elizabeth nodded gratefully and headed to her shared quarters with Will. Jack stood there a moment longer, staring after her deep in thought, before heading to his quarters.
~
"Why must I learn how to cook?" Jack asked offended. "I thought Will was in charge of cooking and the likes, and I'm in charge of cleaning." It was several days after he woke up on the ship and was just getting the hang of things.
"Yes, he is," Captain Saunders agreed, sparing the man in question a quick glance. "But he cannot cook a decent meal for the life of him."
"What?" Will asked enraged, "I cook terrific meals, none of you have good taste. That's the problem, NOT my cooking!"
"Bill, my boy," Captain Saunders said gently, laying a hand on his shoulder. "No, you can't. I had a cook once- he was blind in one eye, and kept mistaking the horseradish for pepper. He kept losing one of his gold teeth in the stew- and it still tasted better than your best work. Now, think of it this way- it will take some load off your shoulders-"
"And put on MY shoulders," Jack muttered. He was working harder than he ever worked in his entire life, and now he had to cook as well?
Will seemed to reconsider the situation and brightened up. "You're right, I should save my work for those who appreciate it."
"Good Lad," Saunders said, slapping him on the back. "Now you teach him the ropes- in general, NOT your own 'unique' recipe. Stick to simple things, that not even you can mess up." Saunders smiled and left the kitchen. Jack glanced at Will and was worried when he saw a slow smile cross the man's face. He gulped loudly and tried to change subjects.
"He called you Bill- I never heard him call you that before," Jack observed, as he took a water bucket to wash his hands. Will frowned.
"Oh, so that's what that was for," Will said. "Well, no harm was done anyways. And yes Captain Saunders has different names for me, depending on his mood. He will call me "Will" most of the times, but if he is displeased with me, I am "William" and if he is in a good mood, or finds me awfully amusing he calls me "Bill". Will shook his head, "At least that way you know what mood to predict." He washed his hands with the water as well, before taking out the ingredient from storage.
"Have you been with him long, Captain Saunders I mean." Jack asked, as Will took out knives for cutting and a huge pot. He filled the pot with water, and put it on the fire.
"Yes," Will said smiling. "My parents died when I was young. I think I was around... 11, perhaps 12 when the Captain docked at my port. I stowed away on his ship and instead of making me walk the plank, he made me a crewmember. Little by little I crawled up the chain of command, until he appointed me the first mate, a few months ago." Will showed Jack how to chop the vegetables, before allowing him to try. Jack cut himself several times, before getting the hang of it.
"You knew you wanted to be a pirate at the age of 12?" Jack asked, slightly surprised.
Will laughed. "I have wanted to be a pirate ever since I could remember." He took the cut vegetables and moved them into the water, before preparing the meat.
"I never thought I'd end up playing pirates," Jack admitted. "Though I have to admit, being on the Pearl, sailing the Seven Seas and looting Booty does sound appealing," he smiled ruefully at Will. "But don't you ever get homesick?"
"The Pearl IS my home," Will explained, as they cut the meat. "As long as I'm with her, I'm content." He glanced quickly at Jack and bit his lip, wondering how much to reveal to this stranger. "Can I tell you something, something private?"
"Yes, of course," Jack said, continuing his cutting, but fully attentive. He always loved gossip and secrets; it was part of the reason why he spent a lot of his time with the ladies of the house, beside to charm them of course.
"I love the Pearl- more than I have loved anything in my life," Will said, his eyes lighting up. "Captain Saunders is getting older, his heart isn't into it anymore. I suspect pretty soon-maybe as soon as after our next adventure- he will choose to retire from Piracy."
"Oh," Jack said, not quite sure what Will was saying.
"I'm the first mate," Will continued, the stew forgotten. "I have been with him the longest, it is only natural that when he does, he will name me the Pearl's new Captain." He turned to Jack, a huge smile on his face. "And THAT is my heart's desire."
"You really need to get yourself a girl," Jack said, raising his eyebrows. Will chuckled.
"Perhaps I do- Oh, I have something to show you!" He said, before dashing out of there.
"What about the stew?" Jack cried after him, holding the knife in his hand. He shook his head and stood there waiting for Will to come back. Captain Saunders walked in.
"I just came to see how the stew was coming along," he glanced around, frowning. "Where IS Will?"
"He went to get something to show me, apparently," Jack shrugged, eyeing the water that was beginning to boil. A few moments later Will came back, his boots suspiciously shining.
"Well?" He asked grinning, extending his feet, so they could see. "What do you think? I made them myself from scraps of metal I found lying around- what a waste!" Jack and Captain Saunders glanced at each other before bursting into laughter.
"Oh my!" Saunders said, in between laughing fits. "You've really outdone yourself, Bill, truly you have! Those are the most hideous bootstraps I have ever laid my eyes upon!" Jack simply laughed harder, causing Will to get angry.
"I... They're not... They're just... Fine! I'll take them off!" He said and stormed out, heading to his quarters. They were both still laughing hard when something shook the boat, causing both to topple over. Saunders gained his footing first, and dashed out to see what hit them. Jack scrambled to his feet and followed quickly behind.
"There's a ship there!" Jack said to Saunders, confused.
"'The Red Dawn'" Saunders spat, before running to the helm. Jack- mind the sails, Will-" he yelled, as Will came rushing out, his straps half off. "Go mind the cannons!" Both men hurried to their respected posts. The Dawn blew several more holes in the haul of the ship, slowing it down immensely. Soon they could not outrun it, and ropes were thrown in between ships.
"Oh no you don't!" Saunders cried, drawing out his sword, and rushing towards the boarding men. Jack stood helplessly by, not sure what to do. He grabbed the mop and swung it in the general vicinity of the pirates. They cut his mop in half and punched him in the face, disarming him quickly. They stood him up roughly and he saw through his bleary gaze that Saunders was disarmed as well. They were approximately half a dozen- perhaps ten pirates standing in front of them.
"Well, if it isn't Sunny Saunders," The Captain of the Dawn sneered, his men laughing along. "The reverent captain of the Black Pearl."
"Mathew Blake," Saunders sneered in turn, his gaze hateful.
"Is this all your crew?" Captain Blake asked dejectedly. "I was hoping for more of a fight." He turned to his men. "Search the ship! Make sure there are no stowaways, lurking somewhere." The men quickly complied, leaving only three crewmembers to watch the prisoners- two for Saunders, and one for Jack.
"Drats!" Will hissed, as he pushed his back to the door. He came up to the deck, wanting to find out why the cannon fire stopped. Now he knew why. They were pirates roaming everywhere on the ship, one very close to the door. He grabbed at his side only to realize his pistol and sword were both in the quarters; he took them off so he could safely reach his boots to remove his stupid straps. The quarters were too far away; someone was bound to notice him. But the kitchen was close by... He opened the door ajar and glanced around. He was about to leave when he was pushed forward and tripped over his loosen straps.
"Well, well, well," a leering pirate with rotten teeth said. "What have we here?" He used his sword to check for weapons. He smiled and turned his head to call out to his friends. Will's mind franticly searched for something to use, when the light from the strap caught his eye. Without hesitating he tore the strap off entirely, and jumped on the man, using the strap to choke him. Once the man was subdued, he edged closer to the kitchen. There were two more pirates between him and the kitchen. He tore the other strap off and threw it in the other directions, as a distraction. The two pirates hurried in the other direction, allowing Will enough room to jump into the kitchen-
Where a pirate tasted the vegetable stew.
"Hey!" The pirate said, drawing out his sword. Will looked for the knife, but it was too close to the pot. He backed against the door as the pirate advanced, his hold on the strap tightening. He used it as a whip to grab the sword and pulled it with all his force, sending it across the room to clatter noisily. The man ran at him and he docked, rolled to the other side and reached for the knife. The man grabbed him around the middle and sent them both sprawling on the floor, each trying to wrestle for the knife. Will punched the man repeatedly in the face, until at last he loosened his grip long enough for Will to escape from under him. He took a pan and hit him across the face, rendering him unconscious. He grabbed several knives and walked towards the door when he saw the two pirates from earlier standing in the doorway, drawing their swords.
Will threw the knives at them, pinning one of them to the wall. He rushed to the pot and threw the boiling water at the other. The man howled in pain and Will had to get to Jack and Captain Saunders before someone came to inspect the noise. He hurried out and climbed carefully to the help, making sure to not be seen. He spotted his friends on the deck, but there was no way of getting there without alerting the pirates. He noticed a rope leading straight over their heads and smiled, taking out his strap and holding on to either end, using it to slide over.
"Here goes nothing," he whispered, and jumped, flying across the ship and landing on two very startled pirates, who were watching Saunders. Saunders grabbed one of their swords and knocked them out. Will fought with Jack's guard, as the remaining pirates approached. The guard suddenly noticed the strap and laughed. Will's jaw clenched and he slapped the pirate across the face with it, finally getting up. He grabbed two swords and turned to a startled and frightened Jack.
"Catch!" He yelled, as he threw a sword at him. Jack made an attempt to catch the swords, but it only cut him and cluttered to the floor. "Oh Jack," he muttered, as he fought the pirates, making sure to cover Saunders' back. By the time Jack finally grabbed the sword and yelled: "Avast!" The fight was over.
"You see, Matty," Saunders said to the other ship's captain. "I don't need a big crew like yours, all I need is Bootstrap Bill by my side, and," he glanced at Jack, who was having with the weight of the sword, and kept dropping it. "Right, I believe you know what happens now?" He smiled at him, and motioned for Will. Will grabbed Jack and together they went to prepare the plank. They gathered all the defeated pirates and 'encouraged' them one by one to walk the plank.
"I suppose if I even think of mentioning the "P" word, you will cut my tongue out?" Mathew Blake said dryly, as he finally was the last to walk the plank.
"And here I thought you did not know me at all," Saunders smiled evilly, as he shook the plank, and caused him to fall into the waters.
"This is not over yet!" Mathew cried, treading water. "You have not heard the last of-"
The voice was fading away as the Pearl started to sail away.
"What did he mean- the "P" word?" Jack asked confused.
"He meant Parley- I will explain it to you tomorrow, right after-" Will glanced at Jack, as he tried to swing the sword and only managed to lose his balance and fall in a heap.
"Fencing," Will said grimacing. "That is definitely your first priority."
*END CHAPTER 3*
Author's Note: Wow, this came out fairly long, I was planning on writing another part, but decided that if I did it would be around 5,000-6,000 words, so I'll write it next chapter! I hope you continue to like the story, and approve of my idea for Bootstrap! BTW- since it didn't seem to show up, if anyone wants the pirate's terms, send me an email and I'll send you the link.
Jack Sparrow- I love Johnny Depp as well, and am renting as many movies of his as I can! I'm glad you love it and I hope you continue to like it! Thanks for your input into the bootstrap matter it was very helpful!
IloveSands- I love Sands too! He was so cool and funny! Glad you like the story, and even though I wrote AU, I added a disclaimer to every chapter, just to be on the safe side: I played with the time lines, so that I can do the crossover.
Cap'n Blood Shot Etta- thank you for explaining to me what a bootstrap was so vividly, and expanding when I asked if you could explain further. I'm just a poor Israeli writer, so any grammar mistakes and not so rich vocab can be excused by it.
a nameless face- Yes, SH was set after POTC, I'm glad you like the idea and hope you like where I'm going with this!
IST- Last but not least, the one who you can all thank for me updating every two weeks or so, and not every few months! Who naggs and naggs and got me a bootstrap picture! Your review made me almost cry and I just wanted to give you a big hug! I try my best to balance humor and suspense, not always succeeding though, but Jack has a tendency to make my story funny just the same! I gotta say, I seem to love flashbacks so much; I incorporate them in all my fics! The chemistry and cannon is really the most important thing to me and I'm so glad you think it works!!!