Disclaimer: I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean.
Thanks to all those who read and reviewed the first chapter (: I hope you enjoy this chapter. Apologies as to its length and just to give you a fair warning, I don't know how often I'll be able to update seeing as school starts tomorrow. You've been warned!
Once again, Elizabeth Swann found herself starring out at the never ending horizon, and like Jack, wondering what she had done to deserve this. Not that she necessarily minded taking care of Jack and Will…it's just that she had left that…assumption of responsibility back in Port Royal. After stalling for a few minutes more, letting the waves embrace her in a trance, Elizabeth headed back down to the brig to check on Will. As she approached his hammock, she became concerned with what she saw.
Will was sweating out a bad fever, his face flushed and his clothes and bunk damp. His sleep was restless and filled with fever induced dreams. Elizabeth quickly fetched a bucket of water, along with rag and cup. She moistened the rag and began methodically wiping Will's face and neck. She watched as his face relaxed at the cool touch and after a few minutes, he opened his eyes and looked around with confusion.
"Here. You need to drink." Elizabeth slid a hand behind Will and helped him sit up and held a cup to his parched lips. Will quickly finished the water and Elizabeth refilled the cup and watched Will finish that one too. She slowly let him back down and she felt his body relax.
"Thanks." Will mumbled before his eyes drifted closed again. Elizabeth studied Will's face. At the moment, it was somewhat peaceful, although a bit pale in color. The entire scene reminded Elizabeth of when she first met Will aboard the Dauntless. Elizabeth was lost in her thoughts and jumped when Will mumbled her name.
"'Lizabeth…"
"I'm here, Will." She said, taking one of his hands in hers. Although Will didn't wake up, he seemed to relax at her touch. It took all Elizabeth's will power to pull her hands away, place the cool rag on Will's brow and then head upstairs to check on the Captain.
Captain Jack Sparrow was snoring softly when Elizabeth opened the door to his cabin. Elizabeth quietly made her way to the bed, not wanting to wake Jack and incur his wrath. Jack Sparrow did not like to be woken and Jack Sparrow did not like being, well, human so Elizabeth was pretty sure that if she woke him up while he was ill that it would not be enjoyable for either one of them. She found out that she was right.
Elizabeth turned on her heel to leave, causing one of the floorboards to creak. Jack shot up, pistol loaded and aimed.
"Who's there?" he mumbled, still groggy and very dizzy from the sudden movement.
"Relax, Jack." Elizabeth reached out and lowered the pistol. "It's me; it's Elizabeth."
"Oh, Lizzie," Jack said slumping down again, having used every available ounce of energy he had. Elizabeth took the pistol from his limp hand and placed it on the table.
"Did you bring the rum?" Jack asked and Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
"No, Jack, I didn't bring the rum."
Jack cocked his head at Elizabeth.
"And why not?"
"Because you're ill, Jack."
"So? That's no excuse." Jack retorted.
"Water. You get water." Elizabeth left and came back sporting a bottle of water. She handed the bottle to Jack, who pulled the cork out and sniffed it.
"It's water, Jack. Drink it." Elizabeth used a no-nonsense tone and Jack took a small sip.
"There, I had a sip. Now may I please have some rum?" he pleaded. Elizabeth threw up her hands in frustration.
"Go to sleep, Jack. And finish that bottle." Elizabeth told him before leaving the cabin, totally frustrated.
Please review! I'm having a hard time writing this…Jack especially is so hard to keep in character…any encouragement or suggestions are highly appreciated!