Author's Note: this one is an Elizabeth POV based on one of the deleted scenes. Let me know what you think. ; )
Thanks to all who have been reviewing. You guys are great.
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"Don't get me wrong, luv." Jack smiles at me, unsure self-confidence shining in his smile. If anyone could pull off that look, it's Jack. "I admire a person whose willing to do whatever is necessary." The smile fades a bit, leaving seriousness in its wake.
It's my turn. I can play the game as well as he can – as the daughter of an important man, I was trained in the art of verbal warfare. "You're a smart man Jack, but I don't entirely trust you."
Jack takes the two or three steps needed to invade my personal space; I meet his eyes and don't back away. I have bigger things to deal with than a pirate who indulges in pointless intimidation. "Peas in a pod darling."
Bigger things to worry about indeed. My eyes finally dart away from his as I see that perhaps he is right and I catch sight of Commodore Norrington standing behind Jack's shoulder. My eyes widen as I wonder how much of the conversation he heard and Jack sees the sudden unease on my face. Never one to be far behind the game, he twirls around and takes a step away from me at the same time, once again becoming the buffoonish captain.
Norrington surveys us both for a second before tossing Jack his compass. "With me, Sparrow." Jack barely manages to catch the instrument, fumbling for a moment before walking away, the Commodore only a beat behind him. I know I'm the cause of that beat.
They leave to go rescue will and somehow defeat an entire boatload of cursed pirates. I'm left on the deck of the ship with my thoughts.
"You didn't tell him about the curse." She hadn't known why she'd approached Jack to talk to. Maybe it was because . . . he was the only one who would understand her. Not the man she'd engaged herself to, but the pirate she didn't exactly like.
"I notice neither did you."
"He wouldn't have risked it." What she'd meant was, he wouldn't have believed it. Curses don't exist in the minds of practical and responsible English navy officers. For the crewmen . . . yes. Curses and bad luck and superstitions. But officers – and commodores in particular – were supposed to know better.
"Don't get me wrong, luv. I admire a person whose willing to do whatever is necessary." And then he'd had to go and say that. Curse his eyes. I was the daughter of a governor, used to rank, privilege, and all the benefits and duties that went with that. The best clothes, invitations to the most fashionable parties, knowing the latest news and gossip from England . . . making a good marriage.
". . . willing to do whatever is necessary." Necessary for what? According to the rules and conduct of my class and sex, I'd done all that was necessary. I could go lie down and rest from my labors. Indulge in a case of the vapors. Start weeping hysterically and uncontrollably. What was I doing instead? Worrying about Will and Jack and cursed pirates.
". . . whatever is necessary." Worrying is useless and proper for my class. Will isn't of my class. He's out of my reach now that I've given my word to marry another.
". . . necessary." Does that mean there was a good man hiding somewhere in Jack, or that there's a pirate hiding somewhere inside me?
"Miss Swan? If I may escort you out of the night air? It wouldn't do for you take a chill." I turn to see Norrington's second-in-command behind me, arm extended for me to hang on as is proper for a young lady of quality. But unnecessary.
"There was something that Jack didn't tell you that might endanger the mission." That might endanger Will. "It's about the crew of the Black Pearl."
I have the man's complete attention. He sees nothing wrong in thinking the worst of a pirate. "By all means, Miss Swan, if you have any information regarding these vermin, please share it."
They won't believe, but I have to do what is necessary. "They can't die. They're cursed." Gillette's face closes and I know that what is necessary just got that much harder.