Fic: The War Within

Rating: M
Characters: Elizabeth/Jack Elizabeth/Will
Chapter Title: What You want Most
Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney does, no money being made off this.
Summary: Captain Elizabeth Swann, Pirate Lord and King. Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirate Lord, lecherous pirate, son of the Keeper of the Code. What will happen on the eve of battle. JE. Reviews welcome.

Author's note: To anyone who favours Will with Elizabeth, this chapter may offend you. This is a little artistic licence and well… I was rather swept away with it. For you Sparrabethers – enjoy.
With a slow turn, he faced her. Elizabeth Swann.

She stood in the doorway just looking at him. He wondered what she saw. Did she see an old pirate, weary and tired of running? He suddenly felt very vulnerable as he always tended to do in the recent presence of this woman thus his tone was acid when he spoke.

"Coming to ensure that your insurance hasn't run away from you?

Elizabeth flinched. She had come here straight from Barbossa, feeling smug and very sure of herself. Her first instinct was to come and tell Jack about it. Now, she had an itching desire to do nothing more than to slap Jack in the face.

"Do you, as a rule, try to be as vexing as possible?" returned Elizabeth.

Jack smiled a small smile, one that did not reach his eyes. "Not at all Captain Swann!" he replied airily. "I prefer to be jaded and detached. Much more enjoyable, don't you agree?" He moved away from his desk, preferring to stay away from anything that might show his vulnerability to this woman. He took a couple of large steps and when he turned back to her, found her eyes on him.

Elizabeth could not understand why this man got under her skin. He irked her for he mocked her; he belittled her and generally did everything humanly possible to annoy her. She narrowed her eyes at him, trying to gauge what could be his motivation for doing everything except be nice to her. Her eyes moved from the top of his leather tricorne hat, down to his arresting eyes, his bearded face, down his torso, indeed all of his length. She found nothing that would readily explain it to her.

Jack arched an eyebrow at her roving gaze. "If you keep looking like that Captain Swann, I might be mistaken for what your intentions might be," he said sardonically.

She flushed as she suddenly realised that while she had been lost in thought, her eyes had stopped and was currently focused at the bulge in his trousers. She lifted her eyes quickly and looked away in consternation, feeling very self-conscious. Jack said nothing more.

She lifted her nose in the air, but then she realised that it was hard to snub someone when they were the only two in the room and besides, she had to talk to him. She felt very silly and tried to find some blame in him. She was glad that he said nothing more on the subject, but feeling distinctly discombobulated, she immediately went on the offensive.

"It's nothing that I find interesting. I hope you realise that."

"Au contraire Elizabeth," jeered Jack, sauntering toward her. "You seemed to find it more than moderately interesting from the length of time you spent looking." He leered mockingly at her.

"Well you're wrong!" she said haughtily. She attempted to stare him down.

He ignored her for a moment as he walked around. Jack found himself back beside his desk. He frowned down at it and looked back at his steps, wondering exactly how his feet moved him back here.'Circles…circles…walking in…' His eyes tried to follow his exact steps.

Distractedly he asked, "So what brings you down to the bowels of this ship?" Still his head was down and he kept glancing from his desk to where he had walked and back to his desk. He scratched his head in confusion.

"The long boat is back and we have a place for the meeting. Barbossa is coming with us."

"Barbossa?" His head snapped up. "Ah," he paused in his contemplation of his most recent footsteps to look up at her, a smirk upon his face. "I should have guessed. A lady of your standing requires a guardian."

She bristled at his implication. "I am no longer young, Captain Sparrow. I do not need a guardian."

He bowed his head to her, his palms held together. "Oh sorry," he said, not sounding apologetic in the least. Idly, he swept a finger along the side of the desk as he walked beside it. "After your rather intimate perusal of my person I'm guessin' it's more a chaperone you'll be needin'." He waited for the ensuing explosion from her.

"Wha.. You…Well… I never!" she stammered, her cheeks bright. Her eyes desperately turned away from his, glancing at the window, the desk, the floor.

"Oh but you have Elizabeth." He said silkily. He ducked slightly trying to catch her eye." You were the one who was so eager the last time we were alone."

Jack's eyes lit with a dangerous gleam, his personal amusement at her expense apparent. He finally caught and held her eyes and he started to walk towards her. She backed up in alarm. He smiled, causing her legs to buckle beneath her, enabling him to get nearer her person. Elizabeth scrambled backwards.

"The way your hands attacked my shoulders, your tongue plundering mine rather brutally and well…" he paused before lowering his voice, "I got very warm."

Jack steadily paced towards Elizabeth and as she haltingly moved backwards, away from his predatory gaze, her legs hit something hard. She gasped. Elizabeth had just done what Jack in turn had done moments before her. She had backed herself around in a circle and found herself against the very desk that Jack had been standing next to.

Elizabeth was not scared of Jack. She was more worried about her own reactions. She did not want to find out what would happen if he got too close. Frantically she tried to think of something that would stop Jack in his tracks. She opted for a bluff.

"You left me cold." She She attempted to bluster. He was so very close. They were standing toe to toe; the natural heat from their bodies could be felt by the other.

"No, no Lizzie, that should be my line. After all," his hand reached up to brush an errant strand of hair off her cheek, "it was you and your…" the back of his hand brushed against the curve of her cheek. He smiled, "…ministrations that left me… cold."

Jack was a mere whisper away from her. She squeaked and attempted to scramble out from between Jack and the desk.

"Jack, Will…" panicked Elizabeth.

He closed the miniscule distance between them and slammed his hands upon the desk top.

"I don't want to talk about bloody Will," muttered Jack harshly.

She was pinned between his body and the hard surface. She slipped against the desk and his hands instinctively caught her.

Jack groaned. Her suddenly pliant and supple body felt so good under his calloused palms. They roved all over; brushing here, touching there. He brushed his cheek against the softness of her neck, turning his face to breathe in her scent.

She groaned. Thoughts of Will disappeared as her body reminded her mind of how good this man felt against her. Elizabeth could not help the frisson of desire that coursed through her. She wanted nothing more than to grab him once more and thrust herself against him. Her mind recalled vividly the moments of passionate embrace before the mast. How heated his mouth was as she slid her willing tongue in, how hot his breath was against hers, how strong his muscles felt beneath her fingers and most of all, how good it all made her feel. She could only just make out his words.

"I have been so cold," he muttered against her neck as he trailed one hand up her arm, "so very cold. How far would you be willing to go…" his lips drew close to her ear, and his breath was hot against her lobe, "to warm me?"

She turned her head and looked at him, her eyes heavy and lidded. She tried to convey what her heart and her traitorous body wanted to say.

His mouth moved over her, lips blazing a trail down the line of her neck as she let her head fall back. Her hands moved, releasing their grip on the edge of the desk to grip his upper arms; they clutched at his jacket as she moved her hips beneath him, desperately trying to get closer.

They broke apart, both breathing deeply and eyes agonisingly searching one another's.

She moved slightly pinned beneath him and at his moan, and his answering thrust, she undulated her hips, trying to incite another reaction. His hands moved up the length of her back, pressing against her, holding her in place and his head dipped so his mouth could wreak havoc on her nerves and pliant body. His tongue licked her, his lips nibbled at her skin and he slowly, achingly moved back up the column of her throat, its aim to get to her warm, moist lips; to thrust against the moistness of her tongue. He slid his tongue up the curvature of the base of her jaw, up the side of her face to her ear and lazily circled the whorls of her ear before taking the lobe into the recesses of his mouth. Tingles ran down her body and she moved her hands up to his shoulders, turning her face towards, urging him to place his lips on hers. He let go her lobe, and brushed his lips against the curve of her cheek, tracing the line of her cheekbone, pausing at the apex of her nose and then with his nose against hers, he hovered over her parted lips. He turned his head slightly and dipped his head once more, his lips at the corner of her mouth. Puffs of warm air brushed against his skin as she let out little whimpering moans.

Her mouth was slightly parted, and he could feel her warmth breath against the side of face as he hovered at the corner of her mouth. His lips tingled as he pulled away.

He stared down at her. Her large eyes stared at him, willing him to do what he desired. He could feel his body wanting to pull her in, to immerse himself in her depths. He had pushed back against her until she was virtually lying upon the desk. He could feel the heat radiating from her body. He tried to calm himself, to temper this situation... 'Slowly Jack. Calm down Jack,' but his body was not heeding his thoughts. He felt her hand come up to touch his wrist. He almost jumped out of his skin, but he held himself quite still. She slid her hand up his arm, reminiscent of the last time he had been this close to her and warm shivers ran down his back. He had to stop this – now! 'Say something!' he told himself. 'Anything!'

"Nothing heightens desire more than anticipation eh Miss Swann?"

Jack's voice startled them both; in its volume and its seeming callousness. Desperately, Jack had spoken – to try and stop what was happening. Elizabeth gasped and froze.

'Well, it worked,' thought Jack. He watched as Elizabeth's emotions ran across her face. Dismay, guilt, hurt, embarrassment – it was all there. Jack felt disgusted at himself, pushed himself away from her violently and strode to the other side of the small room. He glanced back as he tried to unobtrusively adjust himself. She looked as if cold water had been thrown over her. He ached from her, but would not back down. He tried to make his next words sound as if the moments before were nothing more than a Sunday dinner.

"Come now." Jack chided. "It's not like Will is ready to nail his colours to the mast, now is he? You will go without guilt to young William. You will both be mortals and can live life as you have planned." He mused, "Perhaps I should be giving you some peppercorns then."

"Jack…?" her voice was soft, questioning, uncertain.

"Captain Swann," his own tones were harsh, "unless you have something more constructive to say or do, like, 'The longboat is ready Captain Sparrow,' or be willing to have a final romp, both of which you have already done, then I suggest you leave me to see to some final details."

"You…" Elizabeth was furious. How dare he? That lecherous, despicable…pirate. "You despicable, arrogant cur!"

"Murderess. Wench." At her gasp, he said dryly, "Oh I'm sorry. I thought we were exchanging truths."

Her face was white and pinched. He likened her to a woman who looked as if she had been slapped with a cold, dead fish.

He quickly turned to the door, "Well must be off. Time and tide love." and in an offhand manner he waved as he strolled out, leaving her once again alone in a room.

Will cocked his eyebrow at the soldiers barring his entrance to Beckett's cabin. "I believe Beckett is waiting to see me? By all means, continue to delay my entrance and I'm sure that he will be most … put out."

The soldiers looked at one another and they quickly drew back and let Will through the doors.

"Thank you," he said politely.

As he entered, Will noted that Beckett already had Jones in with him. He took a deep breath and walked in. "So," started Will conversationally, "parlay is it?"

"Ah Master Turner. Ready to come aboard me ship? Jones all but snarled at Will. At Will's non-reaction, Jones bitterly answered, "Yes. Parlay. According to the Code of the Brethren, the adversary can demand or invoke the right of parlay, during which we can do them no harm."

"I'm familiar with the Code," a small smile lifted one side of Beckett's mouth. "I'm guessing that they would like to make a deal."

"Are we going to meet with them then?" asked Will

"I suppose we should see what they offer. Either way, they will die. The law will prevail."

"You mean you," said Will bitterly.

Beckett reached forth to pour his tea. He glanced at Will. "You'll be most pleased with whom it is coming to our meeting, I daresay. Birds of a feather and all that." He stirred his tea slowly.

"Why is that?" asked Will testily.

Beckett tapped his teaspoon on the side of his teacup. "I do believe that it is Elizabeth Swann and Jack Sparrow that will be meeting with us."

"Sparrow!" Davy Jones made as if he were to smash the table, but refrained. "By rights, that man should be in my hands! But as you say, you have your reasons. I'm afraid I don't see them, but I will concur this once."

"Oh good," said Beckett as he raised the cup to his lips. "I see that you already have learned that it is no longer custom that rules the law. I'm so glad." He took another sip before he lay his teacup down onto its saucer.

Will looked at him quizzically, "So if custom no longer rules the law, what does?"

Beckett took a long hard look at Will. He quirked his head and smile maliciously.

"It is the law the rules the law, Mr Turner. I'm surprised you have not worked that out yourself." He took a final sip before laying down his teacup for good. He stood firmly and smirked. "Shall we see what they have come to the table with then?"

Jack walked away quickly, away from the room and away from Elizabeth. He made quick work of steps to below and when he finally stopped, he drew in great gulping breaths.

What was he thinking? He leaned over empty barrels, catching his breath.

The truth of the matter was that Jack did not know what to think at this moment in time. Every time he got close to Elizabeth since leaving the Locker, he was reminded of the time he was pressed up against her before the Locker; her hands running over him, her tongue licking, caressing, roving over his and all he knew was that he wanted more.

The single taste of her was enough to make him crave more. It was one time more than he could have ever hoped for.

The trouble was; it was almost too much for Jack. He didn't want this. He definitely didn't need this. He had enough on his plate, what with his own plans for immortality. But what of this? What of Elizabeth?

Yes, what of Elizabeth. Jack's eyes narrowed as he contemplated his dilemma.

You see, Jack knew the cold, hard truth. He knew the truth of the matter was that he cared. He cared about her. She was the reason his compass pointed in two different directions - one to her, and then the furthest point away from her. And the truth that was in his bones and in his soul?

The truth that sank his soul deeper and deeper, making each day more unbearably difficult to get though; made the snatched moments of sweet distraction in Elizabeth's warm and pliant body all the more intoxicating, invigorating, desperate and more needful than the last – the truth was that Captain Jack Sparrow was positive that he was going to fail in his plan. And the Lord knew, he wanted to fail!

His payment would be to stay mortal, but he would have a chance. A chance to be, but that wasn't right. He had to do right, by Will and by Bootstrap. 'What about Elizabeth?' his traitorous thoughts asked him. 'Is this doing right by her then? Have you given her a choice? You know, a choice cannot be made when none is given.' He groaned to himself. He had to get out of here!

"Jack! There you are Jack." Gibbs came running up to him. "They are ready," he said breathlessly.

They both ran up the steps out onto the deck. Jack looked at the door to the Captain's cabin, and there, standing in the doorway was Elizabeth Swann, framed in perfection. He watched as she stood straight, her back stiff. She was ready. So was he.

Well? Review and let me know what you think please. I hoped you enjoyed it as much I enjoyed writing this wee chapter. TJ