Infamy, idiocy more the like. His impulsive nature was the thing that had cursed her in the first place. That was why it was his responsibility to make things right. For her. It was the first time the word had entered the captain's vocabulary, and he found it very cumbersome indeed. Though he would carry the weight gladly, considering the alternative. Jack held the chalices tightly in hand as the crew began to row back to the Pearl. Their mood was jovial, ignorant of the fact that they would soon be losing their captain. He wondered if that would dampen their spirits one bit.
"Ye did it Cap'n!" Mister Gibbs clasped his friend on the back, "Somehow ye managed to pull through, ye salty sea dog. I'm certain Miss Elizabeth and Mister Turner will be much obliged."
"Certainly," Jack flashed a cocky smile before turning his gaze to the sea.
Pintel and Ragetti looked at each other briefly. One didn't get through years of piracy without developing a sixth sense about schemes. Something was amiss. Something regarding the chalices that weigh heavy in their captain's palms.
"You really found it, Jack?" William looked inquiringly at the chalices, then to the man in question.
"Never doubt the greatest pirate in all of history," Jack sauntered over to the young captain of the Dutchman.
Will looked utterly unimpressed. "Get on with it, then. Save Elizabeth."
Jack held up a chalice in gesturing William to move aside. "If you'll be so kind."
Will begrudgingly stepped away from his guard at the door to the captain's quarters, following Jack inside.
Elizabeth herself looked as if she were a bruise. Jack's throat grew tight, his chest even tighter. It would be all right. Everything would be all right. Soon. "I've got your medicine, Lizzie," Jack's voice trailed off as he sat on a packing crate beside her.
Her head lolled wearily to the side. Through the pain, she smiled. "Took you long enough."
He marveled at her strength. "Bottom's up." He toasted, providing the life-giving chalice to the girl who had truly given him life in this short while. Her dry throat swallowed eagerly.
She paused a moment. "I suppose it takes a while to work," her titter turned into a cough.
"Should take effect soon enough," Jack smiled as his thumb traced the back of her hand and he held the life-taking chalice to his lips.
"WAIT!" Ragetti stepped forward, "There's something off with the chalice!"
"Aye!" Pintel barked, "I think so too!"
A slow murmur built amidst the on-looking crew.
"Jack?" Will moved beside Elizabeth, "What's he talking about? …What have you done?"
"Haven't done anything yet, mate."
"Yet?" Will placed a hand protectively on Elizabeth's shoulder.
"Jack?" Elizabeth's brow furrowed, "What do you mean?"
"He's fittin' to give his life fer yers, Miss Elizabeth," the room turned to look at Joshamee. Jack's eyes grew wide, then accusing. "Aye, yer not so good at hidin' things as I'll have you believe. Figured the lady should know." Joshamee crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "After all, shouldn't she have a choice in the matter?"
Jack turned slowly towards his ladylove. Her face was heartbroken, as he had feared. "I told you, Jack, not again." Tears formed in her eyes, "Don't do this to me."
"Shh," Jack spoke soothingly as he held her hand, "Come now, Lizzie, I've been ready for this for a long time now. Why, I'd have taken on Will's position given the chance." He looked at the man briefly, "Maybe I can. Maybe we can trade places and I can boot him off the Dutchman for ye, ay? Then things will be as they could have been."
"Don't say that," Elizabeth shook her head. "Don't talk about could. I spent five years awake and wondering, and you know what that accomplished? Absolutely nothing." She worked her dry lip. "This," Elizabeth grabbed his hand, "This is the way it is, as it occurred little by little; built piece by piece. Things unfurled, as they should have. And now I'm not letting go."
Jack breathed through his nose, "Yer a stubborn one. You know that?"
"Tell me something I haven't heard."
"I'm afraid this time I haven't the luxury of providing you what you deserve. Either I don't drink and you leave with Will, or I do. Nobody wins. Either of us end up with a eunuch."
"I beg your par-"
"Perhaps there's another way?" Ragetti interrupted.
Curious eyes landed on the skinny pirate.
"Ye know, we all helped in gaining that water. What I'm saying is- just like any other booty- we share the wealth, so to speak?"
"Ragetti," Pintel spoke in awe, "Ye don't know what yer sayin'…"
"I think I do," he spoke defiantly. "Why, if it weren't fer Miss Elizabeth we'd still be stuck on that awful zombie ship. Dead by Blackbeard's hand, likely. What's a few years in exchange for that?"
"Aye," Joshamee agreed. "We all gave our lives to piracy, didn't we? And she is the pirate king." Several crewmembers mumbled in agreement.
"And if I have any matter of a life left," Will brushed the hair from her cheek, "it's yours Elizabeth... It always has been."
"All right, all right!" Pintel threw his hands up. "Enough of this fluff, pass the cup around already." Ragetti looked at his mate in approval. Jack took the largest sip first, followed by Will, then Mister Gibbs, then Ragetti and Pintel. Even a few new recruits gingerly sipped the water.
"Thank you," Elizabeth's voice was choked with tears. "Thank you all so much. I promise, I will spend all the time that I have left finding a way to make it up to you."
"How about making it up as their leader?" Jack leaned forward, "Shall we captain the Pearl together?"
"Would be an improvement," Pintel nodded offhandedly.
Jack squinted, "I've never liked you, have I?" Then he turned back to Elizabeth, "What say you, Lizzie?"
"Jack," Elizabeth spoke as the peachy hue returned to her skin, and blush to her cheeks, "are you absolutely certain that she'll want to share?"
He looked her over as the sheen returned to her lips and a bounce to her bosom as she sat up. His mouth grew dry. "I'm not absolutely certain that I want to."