It was but one day out from the Isle of Kinset, but the Engloria was dead in the water. The tradewinds had deserted the ship most suddenly and it sat without the slightest wrinkle to the sails. Many a man of the sea would have thought it a bad omen, but those on board had learned long ago that not everything was as it seemed. It had been this way for the past day and a half. By looking at the crystalline blue sky with no hint of a cloud to be spotted, it seemed as if they were stuck where they drifted.

Without the wind to cool the hot, humid days, it was next to impossible to function without breaking out in a sweat and risking heatstroke under strenuous conditions. Will had ordered the crew to rest up during the day under canvas strewn about as makeshift shelter and to complete duties in the early morning and late evening.

Even sleeping down below was impossible and everyone, including Catherine, had taken to sleeping topside, hoping for that lone trickle of air to cool an overheated body.

It was during the last two nights that Will Turner found it next to impossible to gain a good night's sleep. As the near moonless night sky blanketed them, he watched the woman across from him rest.

Funny how things look differently in another light and another situation. In slumber, Will could watch Catherine without disturbance. It was then he found his emotions raging with his stubbornness to not let go of his feelings. After all, did they not agree that their physical relations were just that, leaving no emotions to be involved-neither wished for that? Or did they?

Sighing heavily, Catherine shifted upon the deck, her pillow the crook of a bare arm for she'd stripped down to her shift as she slept atop a sheet, her only privacy that of a blanket to shield her from the rest of the crew.

Quirking a brow, Will found himself irritated. The only woman he'd ever loved was Elizabeth Swann, there could be no others, he had always been most certain of that. However, now, the woman near him was making him cast doubt on that declaration of years ago. Damn her.

"They're beautiful," Catherine laughed, leaning over the side of the ship, watching two dolphins frolic in the near waveless water down below.

Stout smirked quite proudly at being able to make the lady laugh with glee. "Aye, and they can be your best friend in dire times as well."

Shielding her eyes with a hand above her brow, Catherine turned to look at the rotund man beside her. "How so?"

"There are many a tale of survivors of shipwrecks that were saved by a dolphin," he explained, watching the two before them chase and annoy a passing sea turtle.

"Really? Is this truth, Stout? Or pirate's amusements?"

"Miss Catherine, 'tis truth. I've seen it me self. There are even written records of dolphins saving some from shark attack..."

"...And many a lonely sailor who called them a mermaid of the sea," Will interjected, passing by and slipping his shirt off, hoping to keep cool.

Will Turner might have managed to find himself feeling cooler, but Catherine Kent was finding it quite difficult to cool down, let alone take her eyes off his bronzed skin.

"Oh?" Catherine muttered, more at the sight than the remark.

Stout had continued talking before finally realizing that the woman beside him was not looking at the same thing he was and he couldn't help but chuckle. "He needs a good woman like you to bring him back."

"I don't think I'm the one, Stout," she replied softly, the ache within her belly returning. "It's just not that way between us."

"Bah! I've seen the way ye look at the boy, and he you. Quit yer denying and living in the past-the both of you, and see what's right there before your bloody eyes," he demanded, sounding quite upset before walking away. "The damnable lot of ye are too stubborn for your own good."

Even Will turned upon hearing the raised voice.

Staring dumbly at the retreating man, Catherine didn't quite know what to think. "Anything wrong?" Will asked, silently walking to her side, standing just inches away and speaking in a low voice.

Looking up into his face, she shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure. But I think Stout is rather upset with me...you...us."

"For what?"

"I think he wants us to get...well, to get together in all senses," she stammered, feeling that tightening in her throat upon the mention and thoughts that it provoked.

It was Will's turn to shake his head and shrug his shoulders. "It's none of his or anybody else's business what arrangements we have between us," he shot back, lowering his voice so as not to be overheard. "I'm the bloody captain..."

Placing a hand to his chest, Catherine shook her head and finished his thoughts. "Don't do it, Will. I know Stout means well, but don't go making some grand statement about how your business is 'your' business. These men might be your crew, loyal to a fault to you, but they care about you...just let it be...for now."

Harshly rubbing his slightly stubbled cheek, Will shook his head in exasperation before walking away in total silence.

tbc