Title: Love's Blood
Author: Kali T'hara
Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance
Rating: R
Summary: Set after the movie…Jack finds a woman…but she not what she seems…and her friendship with Will jeopardizes his relationship with Elizabeth (boo-hoo)…how will things turn out? J/OC, W/E (beginning) maybe some of W/OC too. Vampire fic! (yeah!)
Disclaimer: Disney owns 'em…damn that mouse…I own Kira, but I wouldn't mind owning Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom…grrrrr…
AN: Sorry about the misspellings in the last chapter. I was hurrying to get it out for you guys, Usually I reread these 30 times…lol. But here's more! And I've made this one longer too! Thanks again to the faithful reviewers!
CH 8…
The water sparkled in the warm sunlight where Kira sat on her favorite place at the end of the dock, legs dangling over the edge. She felt horrible after what she had just done to Jack, but she couldn't tell him what she truly was. She was doing a fine job at hiding it though, going out at night, while most were asleep. But it was getting harder to hide it; she wasn't sure how much longer Jack would believe that she needed extra rest during those hours when her true self came out. But, she couldn't lie to him about it either. But deep down, she knew she really loved him. And she knew that feeling would remain with her for the rest if her life, that was the problem…the rest of her life.
Her thoughts were interrupted at the sound of footsteps. Jack… she thought to herself with an ounce of hope. To her surprise and disbelief, it was his boots that stopped beside her.
Jack sat down and settled his hands in his lap, eyes on the horizon, "Beautiful day," he said somewhat carelessly.
"Aye," Kira said in return.
They sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity to Jack, until he cleared his throat, "Do you miss the sea?" he asked innocently.
Kira looked down, "Very much,"
"How long have you been on land?"
She sighed, "Too long,"
"Is there anyway I can convince you to try out your sea legs again?"
"Jack, we're been through this already…"
"I'm not asking you to love me," he defended, "And I'm not asking you to come with me," he paused, "I'm doing this for you. I see how you sit out here everyday daydreaming for hours about being out there again," he motioned to water with both of his hands, "I can see it in your eyes. I know you wish to be back out at sea,"
Kira slowly nodded her head. She was astounded that Jack could read her that well, but it also made her wonder how much more he could read and how much she could keep hidden, "When do you set sail?"
"Tomorrow at noon," he answered.
"Well, you shall have your answer then, captain," she said as she stood up and walked away.
Jack remained on the edge of the dock for a long time after Kira had left. He hoped she would change her mind; he could tell he hit her pretty hard with mentioning sailing again. But it didn't matter to him if that was what was necessary for her to come with him.
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The sun was high overhead, and the heat of midday was upon the town on Tortuga. The Black Pearl's crew was busying themselves with readying their ship and preparing to finally leave the island. Jack paced nervously back and forth on the docks, pretending to be overseeing his crew, but mentally pondering if Kira was ever coming back. At least he hoped she come to say goodbye.
Then it seemed as if all Jack's prayers and hopes had come true. His eyes found the girl—his girl—and she was toting a large bag over her shoulder and walking towards him. Jack let out a mental sigh of relief.
"Permission to join your crew, Captain," Kira asked with a small smile.
Jack gave her a peck on the lips, "Thank you, luv. You know how much this means to me," he said honestly.
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The Pearl's anchor was up and ready to sail shortly after noon. The crew was eager to set sail again, and relieved to see their captain happy once again. And they also noticed that they had gained a member as well. Kira stood next to the captain at the ship's wheel, Will to her other side. Elizabeth kept with the rest of the crew, and stayed perfectly away from Kira. As the day progressed, this became completely obvious.
"I told you that things would get weird on the ship," Kira said to Jack, "See how she will not come near me,"
"Well luv, that be her own problem," Jack reassured as he put a hand on her far shoulder.
"And mine as well," Will said from behind them, "I am deeply sorry, Kira. I don't know why she feels like this towards you. I apologize,"
"It's not your fault Will. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinions," Kira shrugged, but a thought came to her mind. I must be careful around her. I mustn't let her confirm her beliefs.
"I don't know if I should be telling you this," Will began, "but Elizabeth says that you're not good for Jack. That you've possessed him,"
Kira looked out at the sea, "Why that is ridiculous!" she explained calmly, "Is it a crime to love someone?" she asked no one in general. She knows…
"That's what I told her. But she says that you're doing it to me as well," Will confessed.
Jack looked back and forth between Kira and Will – the two people he trusted the most. It hurt him to know what Elizabeth thought, but he was also glad that Will was on his side and believed in Kira.
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"I don't want you near her," Elizabeth ordered as she paced back and forth at the bow of the ship.
Will stood at the edge of the railing, back to his wife, "That is something I cannot do," he stated quite plainly, not looking back.
"Will, I am sick of this!" she exclaimed, "You are my husband, and I do not want you hanging all over that evil girl. Leave Jack to his wench,"
"You don't even know her. How can you say such things?" Will asked.
Elizabeth's eyes widened in disbelief, "You are asking me why a wife cannot tell her husband to stay away from some filthy stray?"
"No, I'm saying I can't believe the words that are coming out of your mouth. She's a pirate…she's in the same boots as you are. And you are trying to say that you are a better person than her?" Will asked, temper rising, "Who are you to judge what woman Jack falls in love with?" Will took a step towards her, "And who are you to tell me whom I shall associate with?"
"I am your wife, William!" Elizabeth yelled as she stomped her foot upon the deck.
A smile came to Will's face, "Well, not anymore," he said cruelly.
"You can't do that," Elizabeth muttered.
"I'm a pirate…you're a pirate…the rules are different out here, luv; better get used to it."
"You sound like Jack," she muttered.
Will shrugged, "You can't go back to Port Royal, now that you're an outlaw. So I suggest you learn to live on this ship like any normal pirate. And learn to keep your nose out of other people's private matters," Will paused, "Cause you have no place to go now," he finished and walked away, leaving her alone with her thoughts.