Chapter 6: Body Of Water
Following her instincts of how to find Jack when he wasn't lying next to her in the morning she ran down to the harbor without bothering with her corset just like a lady in her position should've. And that's where she found him, sitting on the fencing of the loading dock, gazing out quietly to the bay at the waves peacefully lapping back and forward, seeming perfectly contented, but Elizabeth knew he was restless. She felt the same call, the sea was waiting for their return. In due time, Jack. She climbed up beside him, "you gave me a scare. I thought you'd left. What are you doing out here? You should be in bed."
Jack's eyes were interlocked with the horizon, it was the only thing that was normally able to settle his storm-tossed mind, he was stuck to it, thinking of his home behind it somewhere while the mild summer wind blowing from the sea helped his skin breathe after the sticky and close night. Elizabeth's voice startled him. He gave an irritated moan, "you're lucky day. I didn't find m'self a ship I'd liked to steal," he stepped off to avoid her, wobbly, but that was nothing to do with drinking.
Elizabeth jumped to put her arms around him to steady him, "what about your stomach?"
"I've been better, but it doesn't bother me that much anymore. You're done your part, darlin. We're square," he stated, evenly and the most sane she'd ever seen him. He was determined and disappointed, nevertheless reaching out for her when his legs were wanting to give way. She was so close to him, so close, yet so far. She was Will's, whether his dreams last night were true or not. He tenderly raised a hand up to her shoulder and traced a stroking line up to her cheek from there, feeling as if his fingertips hurt with the touch. She was forbidden fruit and it was as if he was struck by lightning as a punishment for daring to feel her. He suddenly felt the same sensation on his chest. It wasn't his doing, it was her hands slipping under the opening of his shirt. Then they moved over his stomach, trying to soothe away any remaining pain he might've been having.
"You don't need to go, Jack."
"Heretofore?" He managed, losing control of his voice, "well, uh," he was afraid to look into her eyes for the real answer, lowered his head and kissed the top of her hand instead. That something they had between them was not enough. He would disappoint her again, she would yearn for Will again. No matter how they'd try, it wouldn't work between them. The only reason she does this for me is because she's feeling guilty. She'll send me away herself after that and I can't wait around for that.
"Stay."
"The next patent question would be what would I doh that for, love?" He tried to keep his head up, but it just wanted to sway lightheadedly. He closed his eyes till his balance came back.
"Because you look like hell. And you're stinking. Where did you get rum at this time in the morning?" She asked affectionately. Her face showed earnest, pensive concern. She moved under his armpit, her movements slow and careful, intent on helping him back to the house. "I'll make you a promise. When you're better we go together. To the Caboose. I'll help you get a good ship afterwards, able to keep up with the Pearl."
Jack was trying to say something, to disagree, his brown eyes dangerously glinting at such good hearted patronizing. Not even his own mother done that with Captain Jack Sparrow. But ultimately, did he want to disagree? He could be in her arms for a few more days this way, the pain of their parting would have to wait too. Besides, who was he trying to delude? Coming out here he used up all his strength for the day. He leaned on her, his cheek close to her locks as they were walking back slowly. He steered a little in one wrong direction or the other even now with both their efforts to prevent it.
"It's alright Jack, I've got you."
It has been a long time since he had felt so soothed, cared for and unadventurous.
"It would help if you'd put one leg in front of the other Jack!" Elizabeth nudged him forward.
Tbc