FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

46—Solace

DISCLAIMER: Jack'n'Lizzie etc. do not belong to me. I make no money from the writing of this fan-fiction.

A/N: Sorry again for the ridiculous delay between updates. It's quite difficult to come up with more chapters for this story while maintaining a certain level of originality.

I would also like to extend a super-huge thanks to sweetness328 for acting as a soundboard and allowing me to vent my writer's block frustrations! Without her help, this story would likely remain stalled.

On we go, and thanks for your patience!

Jack's conversation with Will had left him feeling far more anxious than he would have liked. It seemed that the lad hadn't disagreed with him on how he thought things would turn out, and he supposed that that was what bothered him so. He had grown so used to Elizabeth's constant strength and reassurance that he felt quite taken aback by the realism of their discussion. It left his shoulders feeling heavy and gave him a sensation in his chest that seemed akin to a large weight being placed over his heart. Suddenly the phrase "weight of the world" took on a whole new meaning.

As he forced himself out of the crow's nest (he would have remained up high on his perch forever if he could), he found it both amusing and terrifying how much he'd changed in recent months. He used to think himself a hardened pirate—and damn proud of it. But since this incredible vixen with silky golden tresses and the most remarkable spirit had come into his life, he'd found himself unexpectedly concerned with "emotions" and "feelings."

"Funny little world," he muttered to himself, a slight, placid grin tugging on the corners of his mouth as he set foot on deck.

The ship was sleepy and quiet, just the way he liked it. He loved the feeling he got when it felt as though he and his Pearl were the only two on the planet. Now a lady, not of wood and sails but of flesh and blood, was the most important thing in his life. My how things have changed, he thought to himself, making his way towards the cabin that for so many years had been occupied by him and him alone. He never pretended that he'd had his fair share of steamy encounters with the opposite sex… but Elizabeth was the only one he'd felt safe enough to share his space with.

When he reached the heavy cabin door, he flexed his hand, placing his open palm flat against the weathered wood. He felt something go through him, like in a way he was offering the Pearl his deepest apologizes and a solemn goodbye. After a deep breath and a light clearing of the throat, the moment had passed, and he pushed his way inside.

The space was dark, illuminated only by a sliver of moonlight that peaked through the rich, heavy curtains covering the window. No amount of light was necessary however, as he knew his way around better than he knew the back of his hand. He quietly made his way towards the bunk, disrobing as he went. When he was relieved of all but his breeches, he oh-so-carefully peeled back the sheets and slid into bed.

He thought he had made it in free and clear as he settled down against his until-recently vacant pillow, when he felt the warm, svelte body slightly move beside him. Without saying a word, she slowly rolled towards him, wrapping one leg over both of his and resting against his chest. He instinctually put an arm around her slender frame, gently pulling her just a little closer.

"What took you so long?" she asked, her voice heavy and tired, her eyes still shut.

"Just making sure everyone was settled," he lied, silently cursing himself for doing so. Lying was something that used to come so easily to him and it almost sickened him that it still did. If anything, he wanted to always be honest with her, but felt now was not the time to trouble her unnecessarily. Things were still so uncertain.

"James?"

"Aye. And Will."

"Oh." She breathed in deep and affectionately scratched his bare chest with her fingernails. "You didn't think I would notice you were gone?"

"Not as stealthy as I thought," he replied, forcing out an obviously fake chuckle and he winced at his own folly. He used to be smoother. To his great relief, she didn't mention it, and a part of him knew she knew he didn't want her to.

"No," she whispered, yawning. "You're losing your touch, Captain Sparrow."

"Apparently," he whispered back.

"Jack?"

"Mmm?"

"If something was bothering you… you'd tell me… right?"

He leaned down and kissed the top of her head before entwining his fingers in her hair. "Yes," he assured her.

"Alright," she sighed, squeezing him softly. "It's late."

"Yes."

"Sleep for me," she quietly commanded, waiting patiently and feigning her own sleep until she felt his muscles relax. It was a while longer still until she heard his breathing steady, and she knew he was asleep. Only when she knew for sure that his mind was peaceful in its most unconscious state that she felt she could relax again. She hadn't wanted to create the tension she knew would arise from forcing him to discuss his worries with her. All she could do was trust that if he truly felt it was worth sharing, he would have.

She gently pressed the side of her head against his chest, her ear searching for the soothing sound of his steady heartbeat. It only took a few moments before her eyes slid shut, and the comforting din lulled her back to sleep.

Rosalind rolled over in bed, her back pinched and the air heavy and humid in her small, makeshift cabin. So much had happened, she found it more than difficult to quiet her thoughts and sleep. Somewhere deep in the back of her mind, she knew everything would be alright, but that wasn't enough to stop her from worrying, something she considered one of her most annoying habits. Even as a child, Elizabeth had teased her that she'd worry herself into an early grave and they'd laugh. Her father would tell her that worrying denoted a large and caring heart.

Her father… she never imagined her parents would disappear from her life the way they had. She shook her head as she sat up, combing her thick, dark hair with her fingers. She preferred not to think of her parents. They way they assumed her "guilt by association" and abandoned her hurt too much.

She quickly dressed in some more decent attire before making her way out of the cabin, located in the heart of the Black Pearl's hull. It had been a large storage cabinet of some kind before she'd found Elizabeth on that wretched island of cannibals deep in the Caribbean. Jack had had his crew fashion a bunk out of the shelves built into the wall. It was cramped and hardly comfortable, but she was grateful for her privacy and still preferred it to the prison cell she'd occupied on Port Royale.

The cool night air was a welcome relief against her warm forehead as she stepped out onto the deck. She gazed up at the beautiful night sky, full of stars that she rarely saw in England. So often there were clouds and fog obstructing her vision. She looked over her shoulder and saw Will at the wheel. A faint smile crossed her lips and she made her way towards him.

"Good evening," he greeted, barely taking his eyes off the sea in front of him, steering the ship on through the inky black water.

"Good evening. And a lovely evening it is," she added.

"A mature one at that," he said with a smile. "What's the matter? Couldn't sleep?"

"No," she admitted, standing beside him with her arms behind her back, looking out at the vast emptiness ahead of them. It was both exhilarating and mildly terrifying at the same time. She could see the appeal that had hooked Elizabeth to this life and wondered if she would ever vie for it the way her friend did. "What about you? Jack entrusted you with the ship?"

"Not exactly," he said, a wry smile creeping onto his face. "I took over the shift. Nothing clears the mind quite like this."

"Oh?" she asked, arching her eyebrows. "Is your mind troubled, Mr. Turner?"

Will chuckled. "You don't have to feign such propriety… you know that."

Rosalind felt her cheeks flush and hoped it wasn't obvious under the darkness of the night. "Of course," she said quietly. A few moments passed before she found the courage to speak again. "You didn't answer my question."

Will sighed. "I had a conversation with Jack."

"I can tell it's weighing heavily on you."

For the first time, Will's dark eyes found hers and she had to fight not to look away from him. He was undoubtedly the most handsome man she'd spent time with and the way he made her insides feel like mush was a completely new feeling to her. She was raised in a world in which blacksmiths were mere servants to the wealthy and a young woman was not permitted to spend time with a man unchaperoned. But he was so incredibly real and good and sweet. She knew she would never be able to pay him back for the kindness he showed her in Port Royale and the fact that he didn't want her to was all the more touching.

"It's my father," he finally admitted. "He's alive. Or rather, as alive as he can be."

"What do you mean?" she asked, her brows furrowing together.

"He's in the captivity of Davy Jones, imprisoned in his crew."

"Dear God," she said, placing her hand against her chest. The seriousness of the matter left her feeling tumultuous and she wanted—needed—to help. "If there's anything I can do—"

"Nothing can be done," Will said, his sadness evident in his eyes and on his face. "Not until we find the heart."

Rosalind nodded, then it hit her. "You and Jack are both after the heart."

"Yes. We've agreed to help each other find it, but once it's been found—"

"All bets are off." Rosalind let out a deep breath and again gazed up at the stars, finding a certain amount of comfort in their limitless beauty. "Things are going to get dangerous, aren't they?"

"Yes," he admitted.

She sighed. "I have a confession to make," she said, her voice quiet and feeling far away.

"By all means," Will replied, his voice warm and inviting, just the way she need it to be.

"I'm not sure I'm cut out for this," she told him. She brought her hands out in front of her, fidgeting with the cuticle on her right thumb. Her head hung down and she stared at the floor beneath her feet. She couldn't meet his eyes again.

"You're new at it, that's all," Will assured her. "Besides… I think you're better than you give yourself credit for."

"You do?" she asked, her voice timid and soft. She hated it when it sounded like that.

"You're here, aren't you? You made it to Elizabeth on your own…" he paused, looking away from her. "And you did it for me. I'll always be grateful."

"It was the least I could do," she replied, forcing herself to look at him despite the fluttering that occurred in the pit of her belly. "After all you did for me…"

"I couldn't have very well let you live on the streets, could I?" He smiled at her and noticed a trace of pain and sadness behind her dark eyes. "Your parents don't know what they're missing out on. Their daughter is brave and resourceful, incredibly intelligent…" He took a deep breath and swallowed, completely unable to believe he was about to do what he was about to do. He'd never been this forward before and since his bid for Elizabeth's heart had failed so miserable, never thought he ever would have the courage to try. But for Rosalind, he felt it would be worth it. "And beautiful."

Rosalind suddenly felt warm inside, her heart beating just a little bit faster. "Beautiful?"

"Forgive me…" Will said quickly, instantly regretting his decision to make a go for it. "That was incredibly—"

"Sweet," she finished, smiling at him, feeling more and more relaxed with each passing moment. "Thank you. George would never have paid me such a compliment and truly meant it with your honesty."

"George?" Will couldn't help but ask, then immediately wished he hadn't.

"General George Falkirk," Rosalind said, rolling her eyes and making her disdain evident in the tone of her voice. "My… intended? He was certainly considered a respectable match."

"Fiancé?" Will asked, again wishing he'd held his tongue. What was coming over him?

"No, heavens no… my parents weren't going to force me… at least I don't think they would have. But then again…" she fell silent. "It wouldn't be the first time I misjudged their characters."

"I'm sorry they did what they did," Will said, his voice again soft and gentle. It brought her the kind of comfort she had so been craving. "They should never have abandoned you the way they did."

"No," she said quietly, fighting the urge to cry.

Will, sensing her overwhelming discomfort, held out his hand. "Here," he said. "Would you like to give it a try?"

"What?" she asked, her head snapping up. Will motioned his head towards the wheel. "Oh… oh no, I couldn't…"

"You could," he said with a smile. He reached over and took her hand before she could pull away. "It's easy. I'll teach you." Carefully, treating her as if she was the most delicate porcelain, he guided her hands to the pegs of the wheel. "That's it," he said, when she took a firm grip. He stood behind her, placing his hands over hers. "Just keep a firm grip. You're in charge of the wheel, not the other way around."

"I'm doing it… I'm steering the ship!" she exclaimed, her voice reflective of a child on Christmas morning. "You're right… it is easy!"

"I told you," he laughed.

"Oh… what a feeling," she sighed, and he could feel the tense muscles in her back relax against him. "It certainly does have a way of calming the nerves."

"It certainly does," he agreed.

Together they stood there silently, steering the ship onward. After several moments, both realized that his hands were still firmly holding hers, and neither wanted the other to let go. With a boldness that took a ridiculous amount of control to muster, she leaned into him, slowly turning her head and angling her face towards his. Once their eyes met, she prayed he wouldn't pull away.

She was too nervous to feel either elated or scared as he understood her motives, bending his head down to meet hers. Yet when their lips met, a feeling passed through them both that neither had felt before. There was no more reason to be scared, nothing left to worry about. When they were kissing, it was as if the world was standing still just for them, and everything was at peace.

A/N: So that's it for this chapter! Sorry for the Will/Rosalind heavy chapter, but it needed to get written. I've already got a good chunk of the next chapter written, so expect to see that in the next couple of weeks. No more major delays, I promise! It's time to get this story finished.

Thanks so much for reading, now go review! See you at chapter 47!