Chapter Thirty-five

Salem lead the way to where Faith stood in a secluded area of the ship, her back to them. The moonlight gleamed on something silver that she clutched in her hand.

"Damn!" Lex muttered so that only Salem could hear. "She's got a knife; be careful. Faith, are you out here?" Lex called aloud.

"Go away, Luthor," a growl came in response.

"Are you going to tell that to me too?" Salem asked, leaping up onto the railing.

"What the Hell do you two want?"

"I just brought you some food, Faith. I thought you might be hungry, and I didn't see you at the galley."

"I'm not hungry," she muttered.

"Gee, that's a shame," Lex called back to her. "The food's great! I'd hate for it to go to waste."

"Eat it."

"Why can't you eat it? I did bring it all the way out here, especially for you. The least you can do is eat some of it."

Faith did not answer Lex at first, but Salem, sneaking his way along the railing as the shadows clung to his ebony fur, could see her face. Its sight almost stopped his heart. Tears streaked down her cheeks, intermingling with blood. She pressed the knife's blade harder against her cheek. "I didn't ask you to."

"What are you doing with the knife, Faith?" Lex asked. He could see that Salem had gotten into a good position.

"Why does it matter?"

"It matters to me. You're my friend."

"I told you. I don't need any fucking -- "

"Yes, you do, kid," Salem whispered, launching himself for the knife. He'd meant to take it from her hand, but she struggled.

"What the Hell's your problem! So what if I want to cut myself! It's working, so leave me the fuck alone!" Salem's claws dug into her skin, and his mouth went for the handle of the knife. She tried to shake him off again, but as he started to lose his grip, the knife's blade sank into the side of his body. Simultaneously, she tossed him behind her and whirled to face them, tears and blood running down her face.

"Stop her . . ." Salem managed to whisper, but his voice gurgled. It was only then that Faith saw the cat's blood.

"OH MY GODS!" Lex hollered, dropping the plate of food and rushing to Salem's side. He could see the blood come gushing out, and he tried desperately to stem the tide. "Don't just stand there, Faith! Get help!"

Faith was shaking, her mind caught up in memories and the sight of the dying cat before her. "NO! NOT AGAIN!" She did not even realize she was yelling or that her tears had increased tenfold as the knife slid from her hand and dropped to the deck. She rushed forward to join Lex and tried, with her bare hands, to stop Salem's bleeding. She had cut a huge gash in his side, and even then, by the light of the moon, she could see blood trickling from his mouth. "GODS, NO! NOT AGAIN! KATRINA! ANY LEWIS! DAMN IT, GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE! KATRINA!" She did not have the first clue as to what she was screaming. She only knew that Salem was dying because he had tried to stop her from hurting herself to forget the pain in her heart, that another cat was about to die . . . all because of her again . . .

Katrina's head snapped up, and her eyes left her husband's. "Faith is screaming my name; I must go to her." Jumping to her feet, her hand was clasped by Cole's who shimmered her immediately to Faith's side. His startled eyes were met with blood that seemed to be coming from everywhere. He backed up, allowing Katrina room to do her magic. Katrina's hands went into the cat's fur, searching for the wound, and she closed her eyes, concentrating on the healing.


Celina saw Morph and Tom jump up to run after Katrina and Cole, but her reasoning voice made them pause. "I'm not sure that would be a good ideal. She's calling for Katrina, and you know how Faith is -- " Her voice broke off as she saw every one else racing from the galley, the food completely forgotten. "To Hades with it!" She flew from her seat, and the boys followed just as swiftly.

Dawson led the group without even realizing what he was doing. All he could think was that Faith was in trouble and she needed him. He almost flew to be by Faith before warning bells started ringing in his head. Jack had told him to hide. If he came out now, all would be over, but he desperately wanted to be with Faith. She needed him! The Hell with it! He'd hold her even if she killed him afterward!

Blood seemed to be everywhere. Faith was bleeding; Salem was bleeding. The only ones kneeling there not bleeding were Lex and Katrina. He knelt down behind Faith and touched her gently. He knew she could not see him and was surprised to find her shaking. He heard some one else ask what happened. Lex said, "It was an accident. Salem fell on the knife." Lex saw the boy kneeling behind her and touching Faith; he recognized him at once but did not say anything.

Jack heard the words "the knife" and did not ask, because he knew what Faith had been up to. He had caught her at it before, and they had had a really big blow-out. What surprised the heck out of him was Dawson kneeling behind Faith. She had but to turn and look and then she'd know it was him. Had he lost his mind?

Will reached out and grasped Jack's arm, stilling his beloved before he could go after Dawson. "Look at his eyes, Jack," he whispered to him. "He's in love with the girl. You wouldn't want any one to make me leave your side; don't do it to them."

Katrina continued to rock, words coming from her lips in a language that no one but her sister and husband could understand. She could feel the healing begin, and a blue white light leaped from her very being and engulfed Salem.

Faith, shocked at the display, pulled back. She could feel comforting arms around her and, for once, did not fight them. Instead, her tear-filled eyes remained glued to Salem. She was still shaking as her words tumbled out over themselves in a quiet mantra that only those closest to her and with advanced hearing could hear. "Not again. Not again. Not again." She continued to repeat the phrase.

Salem was totally unconscious and would have been surprised at how many people cared enough to hover close by him. Even Jareth knelt just outside of Katrina and Lex, his eyes focused on his old friend. Delvira kept a gentle, staying hand on her husband and felt his pain as if it were her own.

Questions kept tumbling out of people's mouths, and every one was looking around for a suspected knife. Those who knew Faith and her penchant for trying to destroy herself kept their mouths closed as to what could possibly have occurred but still kept their eyes open for the knife. Wolverine found it first. He dragged it back with his foot slowly so as not to cause any attention. As soon as he could reach it, he picked it up with his fingers and slipped it into his pocket. He had been down that road and knew what would happen if one of the others, not aware of what was going on with Faith, had discovered the knife. Faith was many things, but Wolverine knew she was not a monster. He knew she had not intentionally hurt Salem. He would keep the knife and give it to her later, maybe having a chance to talk to her.

The blue light disappeared after having lifted Salem, turned him every which way but loose, and then gently deposited him back on his feet. A loud voice interrupted the group. "WOW! I'll have whatever he was drinking!" Donkey, having finally found a way aboard the Witch, chimed in. He had been both surprised and relieved to find the ice bridge still standing although it had melted as he had walked across it, and he had barely managed to make it to the Witch. Relief flooded the crowd as they slowly began to make their way back to the galley. Just what had occurred in the dark, most of them would never know, but a few remained.

Jack stood, looking down at Faith, who still had not raised her head. Dawson continued to hold her, surprised that she did not try to break his arms off of her. Jareth had moved closer to Salem; he reached out and stroked his head.

"Whew! What a ride!" Salem quipped as he came back to. "Man, do I have a headache!"

"It's a good thing you only have a headache, my friend," Jareth said. "I believe you have lost one of your nine lives and would have lost the other eight if not for this woman."

Salem's eyes traveled up Katrina until they met hers. Green eyes met green eyes, and Salem found his voice, thanking her. Katrina smiled at him. "Any time, Salem, but please try not to fall on things again."

"I . . . will not fall again," his voice falteringly spoke. He would not reveal what had happened.

Faith had not dared to lift her eyes to meet any one's until that moment as she slowly raised her haunted eyes to Katrina's gaze. "Thank you," she whispered, and for once, she whole-heartedly meant the words.

"You're welcome, little one. Any time you need me, just call." She smiled at her and then backed up, turning and walking quickly back to the galley followed by Celina, Tom, and Morph who had not said a word.

As Katrina walked away, Faith found herself looking at Lex. Lex looked steadily back at her. "You want that food now? You'll have to come to the galley and get it." He looked sadly over at the plate whose fallen food had been walked all over.

Faith continued to stare at Lex for a moment before murmuring softly, "If you're there . . . "

"Yes?" Lex asked.

Slowly, Faith reached up a hand to touch her still-trembling fingers to Dawson's hand. She turned even more slowly to see who was brave enough to hold her and whose arms she had not fought when she should have, and her mouth dropped open in shock.

"Hi, Faith," Dawson said in a quiet voice. He didn't know what else to say. He was expecting her to lash out at him, both with her mouth and her hands.

"Dawson." His name was but a breath from her quivering lips. "You're supposed to be dead."

"No, I'm not," he said. "Just not here. The Captain told me to get, but I didn't get. I don't give up that easily, Faith. I love you, and one day, you're going to believe me. In the mean time, I'm only going to stay as far away as you make me stay. I want to be there for you when you need me."

"I don't need any one." Even she could hear the blatancy of the lie she spat as she snatched away from him. Whirling to her feet, she turned to look at Jack. "You told me you took care of him!"

"I did! I told him to leave. I thought he was gone." He had his fingers crossed behind his back the whole time, hoping he would not get struck by lightning for his lies.

"You're a smarter Captain than that!" she hissed at him. "You know damn well to make sure to follow orders instead of just telling some idiot boy who thinks he's in love because he finally got between some bitch's legs -- "

Dawson looked intently at her. "Faith, aren't you glad to see me? Even a little bit?"

Faith snatched around to glare at him. "Why the Hell would I care if you're here or on the moon?"

"You must have," Will spoke up quietly.

Jack thought, Oh my Gods! Now she's going to attack Will! Poor boy! He'll never know what bit him!

"And just what the fuck makes you think that!" Faith demanded, her eyes nearly cutting Will in two.

He smiled calmly. "Because otherwise, you wouldn't be so angry or so adamant to keep him -- "

"Go to Hell!"

Jack reached out and took Will by the hand. Moving his mouth close to Will's ear, he whispered, "Go back to the galley and wait for me. All Hell's about to break loose. Hurricane Faith is about to unleash."

Will's eyes solemnly met Jack's. "I belong with you. Call it mutiny if you want, but I'm not following that order."

"Figures," Jack said, nodding his head. "You mutiny, and I can't do a damn thing about it."

"Faith?" Another voice spoke up.

"What the fuck do you want, Virgin Boy!"

"You're bleeding . . ." Brendan started.

"Hell yes, I'm bleeding, and everything would've been just fine if those two idiots," she seethed at Lex and Salem, "hadn't tried to stop me!"

"From what?"

"From forgetting the pain! Like it's any of your damn business! Now get the Hell out of my way, or I swear I'll send you to fuck Davy Jones!"

All eyes turned to watch as she stomped away, and a collective sigh of relief broke out. Jack looked at Will again. "I don't believe you just did that. The woman is a nutcake! She could have torn you limb from limb! Leave it to you to spit in the eye of a hurricane!"

"As if you were not going to try to talk to her?" Will countered, looking Jack directly in his eyes. "You have to learn, Jack. I love you, and no matter the danger, I'm going to stand beside you or die trying."

"I love you, too, Will, but if I ask you to go, please go or at least give me enough room so that I can defend us. I can't fight if that would put you in danger, savvy?" he asked, gazing into Will's eyes.

"Funny," Will replied. "I thought I had the upper-hand in our fight?"

The rest of them laughed at Will's words. "Sorry, Will, but none of us have ever been able to beat Faith and until some one does, she'll never change."

Will's eyes turned in the direction the girl had stormed off in. "That's not what she needs," he spoke softly. "What she needs is love."

"But as long as she spits in the face of love, she'll never get it," Jack spoke sadly. He knew that that was what she needed, too, but he had also come to realize that she'd never stop fighting it. He was relieved that she had not cut him into little pieces and was expecting to hear more on the situation later.

Dawson looked at Jack. "I'm sorry, Captain. I just couldn't stay hidden. I heard her scream, and I had to go to her."

"I know, Dawson. I understand," Jack said as he gripped the boy's shoulder in a gentle squeeze, "but it's not over yet. Watch yourself."

"I will, and I won't sleep in the sleeping quarters where she's at but I will be close."

Salem and Jareth were sharing a close moment and renewing their friendship. Faith's words about her bleeding had made Jareth realize what had truly happened, but Salem's quick thinking and talking had persuaded his friend to stay. They, too, began to make their way back to the galley where seconds were being passed out. Quickly grabbing their plates, the returning group also got refills.


Upon returning to the galley, Angel smiled at Cordelia. "Time to meet my sister, sweets. Are you ready?"

Cordelia gazed up at him even as she wondered about the blonde she had seen him with earlier. Was she still having such an emotional fit? She glanced at where she stood with Lorne and breathed a silent sigh of relief as the other woman appeared to be calm again. She nodded to Angel.

Taking Cordelia's hand in his, he led her across the room. He smiled rather sheepishly at Crys. "Sis, I want you to meet Cordelia. Cordelia, I want you to meet Crys. I hope the two most important women in my life can become friends?" he asked hopefully.

Lorne looked at Angel in disbelief. Was Angel only wanting Crys as a sister? He breathed a sigh of relief; he wouldn't have to fight him after all! "Don't forget me," he said.

"Sorry," Angel apologized. "This is one of my best friends, Lorne, and, Lorne, this is Cordelia." He looked around for Elizabeth so that he could introduce her, as well, but she seemed to have disappeared. He had no clue as to where she had gone, but as his eyes swept the room, he finally spied her sitting and eating alone.

The men's continued talking was barely registering on the women's ears as they stared at each other. Crystal's eyes were wide and frightened as she gazed at Cordelia, knowing that the last thing she needed was another "friend". Cordelia's eyes had been drawn away from Crystal to the dragon that sat perched on her shoulder. Hearing a low growl and not realizing that it was simply a word of assurance to Crys, Cordelia jumped as her eyes flew to the wolf and lioness that stood beside Angel's sister.

Angel reached out and stroked each of the animals on the head. "Cordelia, this is Elvira," he said, introducing the wolf. "This is Cindy," he continued, indicating the lioness. "She hates men." Yet even as he said those words, he wondered why she allowed him to pet her but was relieved that all his fingers came away intact. "And this little fellow," he concluded, moving his hand to Blue, "is Blue. Spoiled rotten, he is." He waited for Blue to get onto his hand.

Blue looked up at Angel in innocent surprise. "Coo?" he asked, meaning Who, me, even as he hopped over to Angel's hand.

Despite her instant fear at the sight of the dangerous animals, Cordelia could not help a light laugh at Blue's response to Angel.

Angel brought Blue slowly toward Cordelia. "You can pet him, if you want. He likes to be scratched on his head. Elvira is gentle and may allow you to pet her, if you ask her. They are very smart and understand everything you say. They are Crys' babies and protectors."

Though she was now smiling, Cordelia's movements were still hesitant as she reached a hand out toward Blue. The dragon's eyes looked calmly into hers. Still, she inhaled deeply and did not dare to breathe as she touched his scales and slowly began to move her hand in a gentle scratching against the top of his head. Blue cooed at her touch, and the next sound that came out of him surprised her even more for had she not known better, she would have sworn he was a purring cat!

"Shall we join Elizabeth?" Angel asked. "I believe you three have not eaten."

Crystal blushed as the memory of what she and Lorne had gotten into earlier came to her mind. For the first time since Angel and Cordelia had joined them, she spoke. "Lorne did manage to get me to eat a little earlier."

Elvira looked up at her mistress and growled softly, informing her that that little bit was not nearly enough sustenance.

Crys' eyes turned toward the ceiling. "Don't start," she told the wolf to which the lioness growled.

Cordelia, watching the three, could scarcely believe what she was seeing. Though she could not understand them, she still had a good idea of what they were up to. Her eyes shimmered as she looked to Angel for affirmation. "They're taking care of her, aren't they?"

"Trying to," Angel agreed with a smile.

Lorne had disappeared but now returned with a tray that had three plates on it. "I think joining Elizabeth is a good ideal," he said even as he carried the tray toward the table, confident that they'd follow him.

Cordelia's eyes turned after Lorne. Though he was the strangest being she had ever seen, she did not feel threatened by him and could sense that she could trust him. She shook her head in slow amazement. "You really do know some fascinating beings."

"They're my family," Angel said simply. "Ladies?" he indicated that they should follow Lorne.

Lorne had now sat each of the plates down and had returned for the drinks. He hoped Angel would join them but feared that he would not be able to watch them eat and would leave. In any case, it would be a good chance for Cordelia and Crys to get to know each other and one more ally in helping them to keep Crys there.

Cordelia stood, looking down at the plates in a mixture of worry and confusion. "There's only three."

Crystal had already been taking a seat, but her eyes lifted in concern to Angel as she heard Cordelia's stated observation. Obviously, the girl still didn't know what Angel was.

Angel was quick to reassure her. "I've already eaten, sweets. I'm actually on guard duty, but since it seems to be a quiet night, I can remain a few minutes." He pulled the chair out for her.

As Cordelia sat, she looked up at Angel. "Did you get enough?"

"I believe I did." He smiled. "I hate I have to return above deck, but when you finish eating, you could always come up and join me."

She nodded. She wanted to be able to go with him but knew she would not be able to finish eating in time. The thought of taking her plate above deck never occurred to her.

"Elizabeth," Angel spoke, "I'd like for you to meet my sister, Crys. Crys, this is Elizabeth."

Lorne smiled at Elizabeth. "It's nice to see you again, Elizabeth." He slipped into his chair beside Crys.

Elizabeth had been too lost in her thoughts to realize when the others had come up. She now looked up at them, surprise registering in her gaze. A slow smile spread over her face as she realized that she was still cared about. After all, they could have easily chosen anywhere else to eat. "It's nice to meet you . . . " she told Crystal, realizing that she must be the one Angel referred to as she was the only one she did not know. Her gaze moved to Lorne as she continued, " . . . and it's a pleasure to see you again, Mister Lorne."

"Just Lorne," he told her. "It's been a long time. It's good to have you amongst us. Will you be staying or leaving when we reach Tortuga?" Somehow he just could not see Elizabeth as a Pirate even though he had known she had a penchant for wanting to be one. Being the Governor's daughter, he knew she was used to luxuries and there were definitely no luxuries aboard a Pirate ship.

His question caught Elizabeth by surprise. Though she had lost Will, she did not want to lose him completely. Besides, where would she go? She had no home to return to, no family left . . . Her saddened gaze dropped back to her plate for a minute, and she poked at a piece of chicken with her fork. "I . . . I hope to be allowed to stay."

"Jack would love to have you aboard. I was just thinking that life might be too hard on you, seeing as to how you're used to luxuries and there are none here."

Cordelia was watching Elizabeth and could feel her new friend's sadness. She knew she must be thinking about how she had no one and nothing left after her home had been destroyed. Lorne's comment about luxuries also made her think of her old life. Thus, she was the one to answer him rather than Elizabeth. "Luxuries are not everything, and besides, they can often be more of a hindrance than what they appear to be."

"It will be good to have both of you aboard ship. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to ask Angel, Crys, or myself." He was volunteering Crys, but he hoped that she would not be upset by it. "A Pirate's life is hard but well worth it, and though we have no luxuries, we have each other as family and friends and that more than makes up for not having luxuries. I had them once upon a time," his eyes glanced toward Angel, "and so did Angel. We both threw them over to be Pirates."

Angel did not dispute what Lorne was saying, because the luxuries had been there due to the fact that his father had been a parson. His father had kept the luxuries for himself, and not even his wife had been able to enjoy them. He had not thrown anything over, and he knew Lorne had not given up as much as he was putting out. He had come from a wealthy clan, but he had been the outcast and had not had the life he wanted. He still did not disagree with him, because he knew what he was trying to do with the ladies. Life was hard enough on the men, but ladies who were used to such as Elizabeth and Cordelia were were always seeking better things. "I will do whatever I can to help you," he promised both of them. He sought Crys' eyes but found that she was not eating anything though staring at her plate. "Crys?" he asked softly.

She shook her head, her long, blonde hair shimmering down her back. "I'm fine, Angel."

"Remember what I told you earlier. It will always be true."

Cordelia's eyes flitted between Angel's concerned face and Crystal, who was determinedly not looking at any one else and did not even answer him. She wondered just what he had told her earlier but reminded herself that it must have been something concerning the Demon that was after her.

Elizabeth looked up, as well. Her gaze took in Lorne's face and the interaction between Angel and Crystal. The woman was not fine; she could tell that with but a glance. Yet she still refused to admit to the truth. Her brow creased as she wondered what was going on.

Angel sat down beside Cordelia, reached out, and took her hand. "I must go above, dear heart. Join me when you finish." He was getting sick to his stomach as he smelled the food and watched the others eating. He wished, for once, that he could eat as they were doing. "We have much to talk about, dear heart." He squeezed her hand one more time even as he stood up.

Cordelia nodded, her eyes gazing into Angel's. She wished she could join him, but her hunger had not yet began to be appeased. Plus, both Crystal and Elizabeth needed some one. She did not know if she could get anywhere with either but knew she had to try. "I will, love," she told him, still hesitant to let him go but knowing that he had to fulfill his duties.

"Crys, can I take Blue up for a while?" He was still holding Blue on his hand.

She nodded but still did not look up. It was then that the memory of Blue's betrayal hit her, and her head snapped up, her sad, ice blue eyes flashing up at the two. "But don't you dare do anything like you did earlier!"

"I promise," Angel said, looking down into her blue eyes and wishing that there was something more that he could do to help her. Blue cooed as though he, too, promised to behave.

The others wondered what had happened between Angel, Blue, and Crystal earlier but dared not ask. Crys nodded, but as they started to go out, she whispered to Cindy. "Cindy, follow them, and don't let your brother do anything stupid." The lioness growled softly, and she answered her, "Because you will do whatever needs to be done to stop them where Elvira won't."

As the lioness padded away, Cordelia and Elizabeth exchanged a look. Cordy wondered if the big cat might try to hurt Angel but assured herself that she wouldn't attempt to do anything to her uncle.

Lorne was mystified. What could Angel have done to Crys with Blue in attendance? He'd have to ask him about it later. He returned his attention to his food.


Once on deck, Angel held Blue up so that he could fly around and get some exercise. He walked slowly around the deck, wondering just how he was going to break to Cordelia what he truly was and how she would take it. She had to know, and the sooner, the better. He wondered for a minute just how many normal people there were on the ships and how many Supernatural beings there were. He knew Cordelia would keep her mouth shut, not that she really had anybody to talk to about it except Elizabeth. He just hoped she wouldn't run screaming off into the night, fall off the ship, and kill herself. He truly wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

He stood quietly at the railing, listening to the ship settling down for the night and feeling Cindy's eyes on him. "You might as well come closer," he told her. "I knew you were there from the beginning. I know you don't like me much, but I'm not going anywhere."

Cindy growled, informing him that she was not concerned over where he might or might not go but over what he might do to Crystal. She knew he wanted to help her but hated to see her beloved mistress so sad.

"Maybe you can tell me what to do about Crys?" he said to her hopefully, speaking as though he were talking to another two-legger.

Cindy growled ferociously at that; the sound echoed through the deck. There was no way she would betray her mistress!

"I'm not trying to betray her, Cindy, just help her. I care about her."

Cindy flexed a paw, watching her claws sheathe and unsheathe, but finally relented enough to speak to him again. She told him that she knew he wanted to help Crystal but that he would get no help from her for Crys would feel it to be a betrayal.

"Whenever you feel like telling me anything, Cindy, to help her, feel free to do so. I won't ask again. I don't want her thinking anybody else betrayed her. Don't be angry at Blue; he did what he had to do to stop her."

Angel's response was another angry growl as the big cat commanded that he not try to tell her what to do.

"Females!"

Cindy growled again, her tail cutting through the air as if to return, 'Damn straight!'


Prue watched as the men finished their second plates. "We have pies for dessert, guys." Some of the men were patting their tummies and acting like they didn't have any more room. She looked at Brendan. "What kind do you want, Dr. Richards?"

Brendan could not help smiling at Prue. Her beauty seemed even more refreshing after the ordeal with Faith. "What kind do you recommend, Miss Halliwell?"

She hated being so formal with him when all she wanted to do was throw herself at him and whisper that she loved him, but she was going to do what Captain Jack told her to do and the first step of that was being very formal. "Dr. Richards, we have apple, pear, peach, blueberry, coconut, and pecan."

Brendan rose, feeling eyes upon him but not daring to look at the other Pirates, and started across the room to Prue. "But what kind do you prefer, Miss Halliwell?" He was not very experienced with sweets but knew that whatever she enjoyed must be scrumptious.

"My favorite's pecan, but they're all quite good. I just don't like fruits much." She smiled at him. "So which will it be or perhaps you'd like a small piece of each?"

He would not put her to the extra trouble though the idea was tempting. "I believe I would prefer to try the pecan, madam."

"Come now, Dr. Richards, are you going to tell me you haven't ever eaten pie before?"

Brendan's eyes fell away from her face. "You can not exactly call Autolycus' or Joxer's real pies," he murmured.

"Then you shall have a small piece of each." She quickly whipped out a clean plate and cut him a small piece of each one. "Tell me which one you like the best."

Brendan had tried to assure her that she needn't go to the extra trouble for him, but she had acted as though she had not even heard him. He looked at her in surprise but smiled. "Thank you. Hum . . . Perhaps . . . " He paused, glanced at Jack, and quickly noted that he still had the cane with him. His shy eyes slowly rose back to Prue's. "Perhaps you would care to accompany me while we enjoy the remainder of your sister's delicious cooking?"

Prue looked helplessly at Jack. He had overheard the entire conversation and nodded his head at Prue, meaning that she should go ahead as long as Brendan initiated it. She smiled gratefully at him and went to sit beside Brendan at the table, forgetting all about her plate.

Several eyes had been watching the exchange between the two, and as Prue sat down without her plate, Piper noted that both Phoebe and Paige were about to rise. She shook her head at them, put her own plate down, and hurried to fix Prue a slice of pecan pie.

Cole picked up the plate he had fixed for Prue and carried it over. He smiled at her. "Remember, Miss Halliwell, you have to clean your plate before you get the pie."

"Why, thank you, Mister Turner, it was nice of you to fix me a plate, and thank you, Piper, for the pie and such a wonderful meal. I can't remember when I've ever been so hungry!" The entire time she was talking, her eyes were still glued to Brendan.

Piper smiled as she placed the plate she carried next to Prue's meal plate. "Just remember to eat the rest of your food," she lowered her mouth closer to Prue's ear and whispered so that she prayed only her sister could hear her, "and don't do anything Phebs wouldn't do."

Prue smiled back at her even as she saw Cole reach out to Piper and tell her that it was time for her to eat her own food. Though she had had her plate, she'd yet to take a single bite. He shimmered out, holding two plates and Piper.

"Well, drat!" Jack said. "I was going to toast the cook. I just wanted to try the pie first." He had a piece of pie in each hand. "I'll do it first thing tomorrow. Will, you have to try a piece of this pecan pie," he said even as he stuffed his piece in his mouth. It was the best thing he had ever tasted!

Will enjoyed the piece of pecan and nodded as he finally swallowed. "That is delicious," he admitted, "but you've got to try the coconut."

"That is what I've got right here," Jack said and stuffed it in too, being careful to swallow and not choke on his food. "Bring one of them, and let's go to our cabin."

Will looked at Jack in a mixture of eagerness and surprise. "But what about the festivities?"

"Oh. I forgot about those."

"Go ahead," Jareth told him.

"We'll have those later," Jack said. He did not want to disappoint Will, but he really did want to get him to the cabin alone. He had to step around Donkey on the way out who had found the scrap pan and was in the midst of several cats, who were all stuffing themselves silly. Donkey paused only long enough to burp, and Jack looked at him questioningly. "I thought you only ate oats?"

"What's that?" Donkey asked.

"Really, Captain," a smooth, cultured voice made Jack's jaw drop as none other than King Meesy looked up at him. "What being in their right mind would pass up any part of such a delicious feast?"

"I quite agree with you, King Meesy. If only I had more room, but alas, I'm almost full! I've got just a little hole, just enough for half the slice."

Salem looked up from where he was busy eating next to Meesy. "Just think, though, that babe can cook every day and night of the week!"

Donkey grinned. "And we all get to eat it!" He then let out another burp that rattled the walls of the galley.

"Excuse yourself, Donkey," Will sternly told the animal as he joined Jack, a plate of pie in hand.

Donkey blinked.

"Donkey, there are ladies present . . . " Will started.

Donkey looked from one side of the galley to another. "Where? All I see is Pirates!"

It was at just that moment that both Meesy and Salem glared at him and a Siamese cat struck Donkey. "Hey!"

Will shook his head. "I tried to warn you!"

"That little minx!"

"She certainly is," Salem and Meesy breathed as one, watching Kit as she stalked off, a piece of chicken carried high in her mouth. They sighed simultaneously, then looked at each other in surprise.

Jack laughed as he walked out the door, heading for the cabin. He could hardly wait to get there and get a moment alone with Will! He wished again for a bottle of rum; it would sure make things easier. He had no clue as to how to approach this coming battle, but he eagerly anticipated it. He opened the cabin door and closed it softly behind them. "Come and rest for a while, Will," he called and patted the bed. He pulled off his boots and laid down on the other side of the bed, allowing Will to have the side closest to the door. He did not feel comfortable on the bed and longed for his pallet instead. He lay stiffly on the bed, waiting for Will to make the next move.

Will placed the plate on the table and joined Jack at the bed. He sat on its edge while pulling off his boots and dropping them to the floor. As he turned back to Jack, however, he noticed that he appeared as tense as a board and frowned at him. "What's wrong, love?"

"Not used to this bed. I miss my pallet," he mumbled.

"What do you mean you miss your pallet?" Will queried. "You sleep there on a regular basis?"

"Every night."

Will stared at him in shock. "Why?"

"I feel safe there. I feel exposed up here, as though some big monster's going to come out of the closet, jump on the bed, and eat me all up, but under there, I can see what's going on and nobody can see me. I've never been in the bed before now. I bought it for you."

"For me?" Will repeated questioningly, his surprise and concern growing steadily. "Why?"

"You know, for when you and Elizabeth got married . . . I was planning on taking you on a honeymoon cruise and to the present I bought for you. I never sleep in a bed, but I knew that you did or at least, I thought that you did until Donkey showed me where you slept. Mister Brown was a real horse's ass. If I had known how he treated you, I would have come sooner."

"And done what?" Will asked. "Whipped me away with a woman that I never wanted to be with?"

"Beat the crap out of Mister Brown and stole you away with me. I thought you were happy. At least, you always seemed to be. How was I to know? Come down with me, and I'll show you how it is under there."

"But what makes you so afraid of sleeping on the bed? You don't trust your crew?"

"Of course I do. I just feel safer under there."

"But from what? And don't tell me the Boogeyman again; you know that's just a kid's tale."

"Oh, the Boogeyman's for real, Will. He just doesn't come out of the closet. He's hiding in each and every one of us just waiting to come out. I don't know what else to call him but the Boogeyman. He's evil, and he makes us do evil things." He warily glanced out of the corner of his eye at the mirror that he kept covered with a long, dark cloth. Turning his attention back to Will, he asked, "Are you coming down with me or not?" Jack was really not wanting to get into a discussion of evil things. He looked hopefully at Will. "You don't have to stay down there if you don't like it."

Will's eyes searched Jack's, and he gently cupped his handsome face. Just what had his beloved been through in the past that had scared him so? He wished he knew so that he might help him to overcome it but also did not want to bring up any bad memories. At long last, he nodded. "I'll go down there with you, Jack, but if you want to talk . . . "

Without another word, Jack slipped under the bed and waited for Will to come down.

Will nodded to himself, then rolled under the bed after Jack.

Jack lay on his side, breathing heavily as though he had run a marathon race. "See it's not too bad under here. I've been having trouble the last couple of days trying to force myself to sleep in that bed, but I sat on it and I immediately got off of it. I told myself it was your bed. I pretended I could smell your scent, and even that couldn't keep me up there."

"But what if I hold you?" Will proposed, his eyes gazing adoringly into Jack's.

"Can you hold me down here?"

"I can," Will replied, "but if you could get yourself to give the bed a real chance, I believe you'd like it. Spend one night with me on the bed, Jack, and if you don't find that you prefer its comfort to this hard cot, I'll sleep with you every night from then on down here."

"Okay," Jack gave in, "but you better not leave me."

Will reached out and stroked Jack's cheek even as he slid closer to him. "I promise I won't," he whispered against Jack's lips before touching his own to them.

Jack melted at his touch. He pushed Will on his back and kissed him deeply. He wasn't uncomfortable with the kissing part; he just wasn't sure what to do next. Knowing that Will was a virgin, he felt sure that Will would not know what to do either. He had to ask somebody and soon, because he knew there was more to it than kissing. For now all he could do was kiss Will, which he did, pouring every drop of his love for him into their lips' embrace.

To Be Continued . . .