A/N: Okay Chapter Eight is here (finally). Writing this chapter was like pulling teeth! I had so much difficulty even beginning. I'm still not entirely satisfied but the plot and my characters simply wouldn't meet in the middle so this is my compromise. Consequently am not that happy with it but I think the story flows better so I'll deal.
Big Thanks to all you faithful readers(assuming you still exist). Every time I was ready to smash my keyboard over this I would get a fantastic, encouraging review and it would convince me to continue. So thank you all. I treat you so mean and I'm sorry.
I will try to do better!
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The second was that the ground beneath her was moving.
The third thing, which in hindsight should probably have been the first, was that she was still very much inebriated. Unfortunately for her she realised this only after she had attempted to stand up. As the ground rushed toward her for the umpteenth time that night Rogue felt more annoyed than anything else.
She was lost in her own irritated thoughts which is why it took several minutes to register that the ground was no longer rising rapidly to meet her. Unable to understand why this was now the case, she stared blankly below her .
Hey, since when was land made of wood? she demanded to no one in particular.
Since the land is a ship. came a voice from somewhere behind her.
Rogue frowned down at the boards, trying to understand when the earth became a ship. Gradually it dawned on her that she was on a boat and that the reason she had ceased to fall was a strong pair of arms had encircled her from behind and were even now holding her up. Which was stupid because,
I don't need to be held up! I'm only a bit drunk.' she exclaimed to the night in general.
Oh, is that so m'dear? the warm voice sounded from the dark, Well if you're certain.
Her support vanished and Rogue completed her earlier journey to the deck, landing face down with an audible thump. Fortunately for her the numbness afforded by the alcohol meant she felt no pain but it did nothing to ease her temper.
Hey! You don't just drop people Mr.. um....guy! she grumbled, realising she didn't know who she was yelling at. She rolled over glaring up into a dark smiling face and two deep brown eyes that seemed to sparkle despite the darkness. Her anger abruptly fled and she gazed up, transfixed by his face.
she recognised him, but she didn't remember him looking quite like this. You're eyes are so beautiful. Can I touch them?' she asked reaching toward him. As she looked at her hand, she realised something was wrong with it. Frowning she brought it close to her face. It looked like a hand. Very pale and the nails were a bit ragged and short but nothing very wrong with it.
No gloves she whispered, remembering suddenly Can't touch, no gloves.
Jack meanwhile, was laughing quietly as he stood over her. Having hauled her, unconscious, back to the ship with Will, he decided to leave her on deck, cushioned on the disused canvas boat covers. Will had gone below to get some sleep while Jack remained with Rogue.
To stop her from staggerin' over the side as he'd told Will.
That hadn't stopped a suspicious and disapproving look from the boy but Jack knew that if he started caring what Will thought about him, he may as well join the clergy and retire to Surrey.
He was watching now as she attempted to stand, still muttering about gloves.
Taking pity on her pathetic struggles he reached down and grabbed her shoulder, intending to pull her up but she turned suddenly and tried to use his legs for leverage, which resulted in them both tumbling to the ground in a tangle on arms, legs and sailcloth.
Jack laughed and Rogue did too, more because he was than because she had once again fallen over. She didn't think she'd been this bad at walking before. Eventually she stopped laughing, and decided she should try standing again, more to prove to herself she actually could rather than a desire to be upright.
Rogue turned over and found herself face to face with Jack. It was just at that moment that her brain again registered the fact he was an attractive male, personal hygiene aside. Her body then piped up deciding that it rather liked the feel of his body pressed against it. The alcohol then happily decided to remove all her inhibitions.
Having considered it at length later on, Rogue decided that it was all these things that led to her next actions. She had to keep telling herself that she never would have acted that way under normal circumstances, even though the annoying rational corner of her brain knew very well she would have.
Rogue stretched up and kissed him. As kisses went it was chaste, just a brush of her lips upon his. He looked momentarily startled but then reciprocated with enthusiasm, one hand sliding down to cup the back of her head. His enjoyment was fleeting because Rogue's powers kicked in and suddenly it was Jack who couldn't stand. His entire body went rigid and he collapsed forward, unfortunately on top of Rogue.
Thankfully, his erstwhile luck and hers chose that moment to return. Because of her complete lack of co-ordination they both tumbled backwards and his momentum carried him past her and sent him sprawling across the deck.
He rolled to the side, gasping for breath. Rogue surged to her feet and ran for the side, the combined alcohol and transfer making her lose her dinner, lunch and a good deal of her stomach lining or at least that's what it felt like.
Jack lay on the boards, panting. His vision kept fading in and out and he felt as if all the strength had been leeched from his bones. It was if he had been touched by death. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, focusing his mind and feeling some warmth return to his limbs.
When he had enough strength, he raised his head and looked over to where she sat slumped against the side of the deck
Well. That was.... No wonder you're so popular with the lads.
Her head whipped up and her eyes met his.
You think.....I.....my.. another wave of nausea forced her to cut off and she gripped her head in both hands.
Was that a mutant? he asked rolling the unfamiliar word across his tongue as he sat up.
Rogue stood up, staggering across the deck to the water barrel. She took up the dipper and drank deeply. The slightly brackish water felt like heaven on her parched throat.
No. That was my mutant powers. Its why they stuck me in jail. she said angrily, massaging her temples in a feeble attempt to relieve the throbbing ache.
And then we met your freaky former crewmates with their grand spanking Aztec gold curse. And somehow I wind up here with a thumping headache. Just from looking at them I coulda told you they'd mutiny. They've only got ten teeth between them.
She stopped talking realising Jack had gone very still, the silence as sharp as a blade.
I never told you that. he said quietly and deliberately, his voice suddenly cold. How did you know about the curse? And the crew? He stood now, staring across the small space between them like he wanted to bore a hole through her forehead.
Rogue shifted, thoroughly off balance and a little frightened by his intensity. She realised that her current state left her with little control over her emotions and thoughts and consequently she had unthinkingly used the information provided by his recently acquired thoughts.
His cold stare drove into her and for the first time she felt truly afraid in his presence. Her heart began to pound and her mouth worked soundlessly.
When I touch someone, she managed to say, her voice high and thin I take their strength and thoughts. I can't help it! I can't control it and when someone touches me it just happens I..I..
His fearsome dark eyes made her cut off, and her body began to shake with the build up of adrenaline. Her thoughts were pushing outwards and the pressure in her head was building and building....
Suddenly there was a crack of thunder and thin fork of lightening arched down from above and struck the deck inches from where Jack was standing. He leapt backward, steadying himself against the mast
God's blood. Now that was a near thing. Seems my luck ain't completely gone. he murmured, earlier intensity forgotten.
Rogue felt strange, her entire body numb yet every inch of skin tingled. Her head pounded fiercely and her vision briefly doubled. For the second time that night she raced for the side, stumbling and tripping when her body refused to respond. Reaching the rail she hung on for dear life, retching uncontrollably.
After a moment she sank to the deck, curling into a ball of pain and misery. She felt a hand on her back, and Jack settled beside her.
I'm tryin' to find a way of explaining this so you can understand. she said softly, so softly that he almost didn't catch it. But I can't explain genetics and everything about mutants and powers.... she trailed off dejectedly before whispering Maybe those fat bastards in Port Royale were right. Maybe I am a witch.Well your the comeliest witch I ever met Jack said lightly.
The exorbitant amounts of alcohol she had consumed and the use of her powers had made her head very muddled. She realised vaguely that Jack was trying to ease the tension between them but also that he was still majorly unhappy about her powers, well not her powers, just the fact that she knew what was going on in his head.
Although her absorbtion of Jack had cured her of some of the queasiness, it was still hard to think, to focus.
Added to that Rogue now felt a heavy weight of guilt at her actions. She should have known better than to kiss him! Even drunk as a skunk, she should have stopped herself!
So. You can see my mind. Jack said heavily, breaking the uneasy silence and Rogue's self flagellation.
She nodded miserably, feeling sick and afraid.
Sort of. Not really. I mean I've got some of the surface thoughts, like how you feet hurt and how tired you are and there's some other stuff but mostly its just a jumbled mass. I don't look at it. Like the sun y'know? Rogue realised she was rambling but weariness and shock and alcohol were making it difficult to stay focused.
Jack, I would never tell anyone about anything I learned.....I wouldn't do that. she finished, the sad gravity of her words seeming to placate him. He nodded once, not meeting her gaze, instead looking out across the water, seemingly deep in thought.
The wind picked up and the cool night air washed over them both as they sat, staring out at the sea. Rogue thought briefly that this was how they had been coming in to Tortuga only a few hours ago. So much had happened since then. The breeze ruffled the sail above them, making it snap and sigh against the mast.
Did you know she whispered staring out into the darkness, That there are going to be ships that can cross the ocean without sails or wind? They're so big that you can't feel the sea. Its just like being on land.
He snorted in disbelief and she continued, not really listening.
There isn't any darkness, not really, there are lights that shine all night long. We have planes and cars and trains, we don't need to sail anywhere. Nope. No more sailing. Except by rich guys. And racing guys and also ships. Lots of ships.Oh really?' he asked, amusement openly colouring his voice And how do you manage that? Are you all saviours? Walk on water?
She looked at him, confused.
No. By, y'know, motors and twirly things and wheels. Except some people do it themselves. Like Magneto, with the flying. But, y'know, I never really understood how he did it. I mean magnetically? How lame. And , she paused, raising one finger as if to stop any objections from her companion.
Okay sure she ploughed on he manipulates magnetic fields but are they strong enough to lift him? He's no pixie and, wouldn't it be like trying to lift yourself by pulling on your feet? I don't get it. And if he's manipulating fields, what about the serious environmental harm he could do? Huh? Nobody ever thinks about that. I bet he does lotsa harm. I bet he's a harm..... magnet....causer! I bet he's screwin up the brains of bears and monkeys and y'know whales. I bet they beach themselves cos o' him! And another thing! she shouted, warming to her topic Not all metal is magnetic! I mean hello, copper!?... Or is it gold...... Damn I knew I shoulda studied for that Chem midterm!..
She cut off at the sound of laughter. Curiously she looked over at Jack to see him almost rolling on the deck with the force of his chuckles.
What're ya laughin' at? she demanded crossly before realising she had again been babbling, and to Jack, who had no knowledge of Chemistry, mid terms or Magneto it would have sounded even more inane than it did to her. She blushed hotly in the darkness, blaming the alcohol for her slipping emotional control.
You're a strange one lass Jack said quietly, one hand carefully stroking the hair back from her face.
she whispered brokenly, eyes locked with his You can't,.....you're not s'posed to.... she shook her head slightly, trying to clear the alcoholic fog. She didn't have much luck.
Shh. I know. he said soothingly Ye have nothing to fear from me Rogue.
She relaxed against him and he placed an arm about her shoulders. As Rogue leant on him she felt the strength in his body and breathed in the scent of him, surprisingly good considering how infrequently people in this time bathed.
So we can jus' be friends? Compadres, amigos, amis.. she looked up at his face and the laughter and confusion she saw there made her finish lamely,
He briefly hugged her shoulders before replying.
Aye bobbin. Mates it'll be.I wish, I mean I want... I don't know she trailed off tiredly, rubbing at her exhausted eyes.
She stared over at him blearily, and then grinned.
You're too old for me anyhow.
Jack laughed aloud at this and nodded his head in agreement.
You're fair right there as well he returned.
As they stared out at the sea once more Rogue felt a deep sadness well up in her. As she sat here with this man, who was fast becoming her friend, enjoying the quiet beauty of the night, she realised that not only did she not belong here but back where she supposedly belonged she had never felt this....right.
Why is it that I'm a million miles from my life but I feel more comfortable here than I ever did before? Tears began to leak from the corners of her eyes. Angrily she dashed them away.
Ahh... now for the melancholy. Chin up Rogue, t'will all look better in the morningAlthough maybe not for you at first he grinned, dark eyes glittering in the light reflected off the water.
Rogue opened her mouth to ask what he meant but was stopped by a huge yawn that cracked her jaws wide open. She was suddenly so bone weary as the events and shocks of the past days descended upon her. She dropped her head onto Jack's shoulder, briefly breathing in the scent, a warm mixture of salt, rum and incense that clung to him.
As she closed her eyes she thought she heard Jack say something but it was lost in the welcoming embrace of sleep.
It wasn't until the next day that the char on the deck was discovered and even then it was little remarked on.
TBC
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Sorry once again for shameful lateness of this chapter. Will try to do better next time.