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Elizabeth was at the back of the little ship, tears racing down her face. She hadn't mentioned Will's death to anyone since it happened. She hadn't even said it out loud. The only way she had referred to it was to say that he left her. She couldn't believe Jack had just kept pushing like she did. She knew her answer was probably not the one he was expecting. The night was cold and she was shivering. She put her hands over her face, shutting herself off from the world as the ship drifted in the water.
"The name of this ship is Elizabeth," Jack whispered, standing next to her. "When I got it... it was the only thing that felt right. Even though it's not nearly as beautiful as you are, it sails the seas very well, and has an inner passion just as you do. There are numerous times that should have been the end for her, but she always managed to pull through," He said, and she looked up at him. His face was soft and he was looking at her kindly. Two more tears fell down into her cheeks, and he reached up and wiped them away tenderly with his thumb, cupping her cheek in his hand. She closed her eyes and leaned into his palm, yearning for some kind of contact from another human being. His hand fell down upon her shoulder and she looked down, shivering again and drawing in a few shaky breaths. She had given up on being angry with him.
"I'm sorry, love," Jack whispered, stepping closer to her, "I shouldn't have kept pressing-"
She cut him off. "No... it's okay. It had just been building and building up inside of me... I guess I... needed to get it out," She said, sighing. He ran his hand up and down her arm, realizing how cold she was.
"You're shivering..." He whispered. She didn't give him a response. "We can talk about it... if you'd like," He said, getting close enough so she could feel his hot breath on her cheek. She shook her head, still looking down at their feet. She then looked up at him, her guard down and her eyes pleading.
"Jack... hold me," She requested, her voice trembling. Sadness for her was obviously overwhelming him, and he nodded. He pulled her to him and she laid her cheek on his chest as he slid his hands across her back, drawing her close. She closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat, much like she did with Will when his heart was no longer beating.
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Jack closed his eyes as well and rested his chin gently on the top of her head. He knew he was perfect ass for doing what he did, and was surprised that she forgave him so quickly. He heard a hitch in her breath as she tried to hide a sob and he held her closer.
"Ssshh, Liz. It's alright," He whispered, rubbing her back. She clutched at him, trying to control herself.
"God, Jack..." She whispered, "I miss him."
"He'll always be with you, darling," Jack whispered to her.
"I haven't been... near a person since he..." She sighed again. He pressed his lips to her forehead tenderly.
"I'm here, Elizabeth. Don't worry about anything, love," Jack whispered. Only she could bring out this side of him. Jack opened his eyes and looked up to the stars above him. He heard a voice whispering to him, something ethereal sounding, known to him and him alone.
"Take care of her, Jack..." Will said to the man. "Take care of her for me..."
That was what Jack was going to do. He pulled away from the lady slightly, cupping her face in his hands. "You can take the bed in the cabin tonight, darling. I'll sleep downstairs with the crew," Jack said, and Elizabeth shook her head.
"No, I won't make you do that..." She said.
"I insist, love," He said, taking her hand and leading her to the cabin. Once they had gotten in there and Jack had arranged things the way he wanted them for Elizabeth she pulled herself into the bed and he stood by the door.
"Goodnight, Elizabeth," He said, smiling sweetly and turning to leave. She looked distressed.
"Jack..." She whispered, and he turned back around. "Could you... could you stay?" She asked. He smiled and nodded his head. He pulled a chair up to the bed and took a hold of her hand, kissing her fingers tenderly. She smiled and turned onto her side, falling asleep. He watched over her for the rest of the night.
