Pirates of the Caribbean: Treasure [2/2]
Chapter 6: P.S. Remember Our Bargain
Will watched miserably as Elizabeth made her way out to the lifeboat, leaving Will and Jack behind in the cave. Jack sidled up beside him and slung an arm around his shoulders.
“If ye were waitin’ for the opportune moment,” Jack said, “that was it.”
Will felt a sudden anger rising in his chest, although he was more upset with himself than with Jack. He’d known that it was the opportune moment, the moment that he’d been waiting for ever since he’d first seen Elizabeth…and yet, he hadn’t been able to form the words. Something had held him back…something that he was only vaguely aware of in the back of his mind.
“Oh, shut up, Jack!” he heard himself shout. “What do you know about love? The only person you care for is yourself.”
“Now, wait just a minute,” Jack fired back. “Who d’ ye think I’m here for? Meself? Not likely, mate. I could’ve made me way back to me ship as soon as I got away from that bloody Commodore, but I came back here instead to make sure that Barbossa didn’t kill ye.”
Jack paused and looked down before meeting Will’s gaze and saying softly, “Me crew will be long gone by now. I’ve nowhere to go but straight to the gallows.”
Will stood frozen, his mind trying to register what had been said. Jack had gone after him, knowing full-well that in doing so he was giving up his one chance to live. He had raced into a sure death so that Will might have a chance to live.
An indescribable emotion welled in his chest, and he surprised them both by throwing his arms around the older man before him. Jack said nothing. He simply put his arms round the other man’s waist and pressed his lips to his forehead. They stayed like that for a moment before Jack gently pulled out of Will’s embrace and followed Elizabeth toward the lifeboat.
* * *
Will stared out at the sea, watching the sun sparkling on the deep blue Caribbean waters. He repeatedly played the scene that had unfolded here, only yesterday, in his mind.
He was more than a little offended that Jack’s only parting words, after all they’d been through, were simply, “Nice hat.” More than anything, however, he was glad that Jack had escaped.
That morning, he had tried to return to his usual work in the smithy, but he found that his heart just wasn’t in it anymore. He could almost swear that he could hear the crash of waves above the pounding of metal and the sway of a ship beneath his feet.
Fearing he’d gone mad, Will set aside his work and had wondered through Port Royal to the place where he and Jack had last stood side-by-side. As he sat perched on the same ledge that Jack had tripped over, he heard footsteps approaching.
“I thought I’d find you here.” Elizabeth took a seat next to him and placed a hand on his. “Will, is this really what you want?”
“Of course it is,” he answered mechanically. “Why do you ask?”
“Because you look like a little boy who’s just lost his most cherished toy.”
“Elizabeth, what-”
“Excuse me, sir, but is you Mister Will Turner?”
Will and Elizabeth glanced down to see a small boy with messy blond hair and freckles gazing up at them.
“I am,” Will said, looking puzzled. “Do I know you?”
“No, sir,” said the boy, “but a man asked me to give this to you.” He pulled a crumpled piece of parchment from his pocket. As Will took it from him and read it, Elizabeth took a coin from her purse and handed it to the hopeful-looking boy, smiling as he eagerly scampered off in the direction of the local sweets shop.
“Will, what is it?”
Wordlessly, he handed her the note. It simply read:
'Head west about five miles from Port Royal. Me ship’s docked there. Come alone tonight.
-Captain J.S.
P.S. Remember our bargain.'
“It’s from Jack? What does he want?” Elizabeth looked up at him, handing him the note once more. “Will, what bargain is he talking about?”
“I-I promised to help him with something in return for his assistance in finding you,” Will blushed.
“Oh,” Elizabeth said. After her conversation on the beach with Jack, she could pretty well imagine what Jack would want from Will. “Five miles…you’d better be off. Even if you leave now, you’ll only just make it by sundown.”
“You actually want me to go?” Will asked. "I won't go if you ask me not to."
Elizabeth scrutinized him sharply. She had known Will since he was a small boy, and she thought that she could read him pretty well. He may be telling her what his mind said, but she knew well what was in his heart.
“Of course I want you to go,” she said, trying to put as much authority in her voice as possible. “You made a bargain, and I expect the man I marry to keep his word, Mr. Turner, even to pirates.”
Will cast her a slightly desperate look before nodding and heading down to the smithy to pack some food and a compass for his short journey. Elizabeth accompanied him with a heavy heart, knowing full-well that this was the last she would see of her best friend for a long time.
Before they parted, Will bent down and kissed her, saying, “I should be back sometime tomorrow.”
“Are you so sure?” Elizabeth gave him a small, sad smile. “Will, I’m a big girl. I know that feelings change over time. The thing I want most in the whole world is for you to be happy and truthful with yourself.” She gave him one last hug, whispering, “I’ll understand if you don’t come back.”
Then she turned and strode abruptly away, ignoring Will’s confused questions. Even though this parting saddened her, she smiled knowing that her best friend would be happy. She never would have insisted that he go if she hadn’t been sure that it was what he secretly wanted.
'I just hope all goes well,' she though. 'He hasn’t even admitted to himself that it isn’t me that he loves. I pray he won’t be too stubborn and miss his chance for happiness.'
Looking up, she saw Commodore Norrington walking through the town square just ahead of her. Despite herself, she felt her heart flutter.
“James,” she hurried to catch up with him. “I’m on my way home and seem to be without an escort. Perhaps you’d care to accompany me?”
Chapter 7: Promises Fulfilled
As the afternoon shadows began to grow long and deep, Will wondered for the thousandth time what on earth had possessed Elizabeth to say a thing like that. Why did she think he wouldn’t come back to her? Did she suspect Jack of trying to kidnap him? And what was all that rubbish about being truthful with himself?
Will checked his compass to make sure he was still going in the right direction. It shouldn’t be much longer now…
Nervous anticipation had been building in him throughout his journey. It wouldn’t have been easy for him to ignore Jack’s note and not go at all, but he -might- have been able to do it if Elizabeth had asked him not to. Jack wouldn’t dare risk coming any nearer to Port Royal to collect him.
Will’s proper upbringing had him trapped in a moral dilemma. On one hand, he had always been taught that a man was only as good as his word. Jack, although a pirate, was still a friend and had almost died to save him. Will couldn’t bear the thought of breaking his word to him. However, keeping his word would mean betraying his fiancé.
He sighed and pushed the thoughts away. It was too late to turn back now, and he was beginning to admit to himself that a part of him secretly longed to see Jack one more time.
The sun was just dipping below the horizon when Will spotted a lifeboat dragged up on the shore, away from the reach of the tide. Peering out to sea, Will saw the Black Pearl anchored peacefully, her black sails taken down for once so that the ship could wait there unrecognized.
Rowing himself out to the ship, Will saw that a rope ladder was lowered and waiting for him. He climbed it and half expected to be met by the entire crew, but the decks were deserted.
“Jack?” he called out.
Upon receiving no answer, he made his way toward Jack’s cabin, deciding that it was the most likely place to find his captain. Sure enough, the cabin door was open, and Jack was there, sitting on his bed with his back to Will.
Will’s heart leapt at the site of him, and his stomach fluttered wildly. He realized just how nervous he really was.
Growing up near the sea with plenty of sailors coming and going, Will had learned long ago that sex between two men was possible, but he had never actually known how. Since making his bargain with Jack, Will had been racking his brain, trying to figure out exactly what Jack was wanting to do with him. He’d had a few ideas, but nothing that seemed serious enough to constitute as sex.
“Jack?” Will stepped tentatively into the room.
Jack whirled around to face him, looking surprised. There was a short pause before Jack said, “I didn’t think ye were coming.”
“I left as soon as I received your note,” Will said, annoyed. “And it did say to ‘come alone tonight.’ The sun hasn’t even set yet, so don’t go accusing me of being late.”
Jack snorted. “That’s not what I meant. I didn’t think ye’d come at all.”
“I gave you my word, Jack,” Will said slowly, emphasizing every syllable. He was feeling more hurt than annoyed now. “You risked both life and limb for Elizabeth and myself, only asking for one thing in return. What kind of person would I be if I refused you that?”
“I wasn’t thinkin’ badly of ye,” Jack explained. “I just thought that once ye were with yer girl, the idea of comin’ back t’ me for the night might be a bit much. Tell me, is our bargain the only reason yer here?”
“What do you mean?” Will asked, furrowing his brow in confusion.
Jack turned his back to Will and gazed out the small window of his cabin at the setting sun. “I mean, after tonight will ye leave here hopin’ never to see me again, or am I more than just a passin’ acquaintance to ye?”
“Jack, I value you as my greatest friend,” Will said truthfully.
“The feeling’s mutual,” Jack said quickly, although Will thought he could detect a trace of bitterness in his voice. “Which is why I’m going to give ye a way out.”
Will’s heart sank as he said, “Why?”
“Ye saved me from the gallows twice, mate. That’s more than enough payment for any debt ye owed me. I’m offerin’ ye the chance to walk away and forget this whole accord ever existed.”
Panic rose in Will’s chest. Why was Jack doing this? Didn’t he want to bed him anymore?
Will didn’t understand why he was so upset over this. He should be sighing in relief, wishing Jack well, and heading back to Elizabeth and his smithy where he belonged…but something was holding him back. It was that same something that had kept him from telling Elizabeth that he loved her back on the Isla de Muerta…the same something that made him leap to Jack’s defense, even when he was convinced that Jack was a traitor…
He’d never felt so confused in the entirety of his life. Finally, he decided to just let go for once and go with his gut instinct. He wasn’t about to back out now.
“I’m staying, Jack.”
Jack turned around to study him, his face showing evident surprise and relief. That familiar smirk began to commandeer his lips as he said, “So, me charm’s finally won ye over, eh?”
“Don’t push it,” Will said, laughing.
That strange awkwardness that had hung between them only a moment ago, vanished. Their old familiarity was back, and that was a relief to them both.
Jack strode over to shut and lock the door, and as he did so, Will asked, “Where’s the crew?”
“There’s another town not far from here,” Jack said. “I promised ‘em half me share of Barbossa’s hordes if they cleared out and didn’t come back till late tomorrow morning.”
Jack finished locking the door, and turned to face him once more. The look on his face, made Will’s breath catch in his throat.
True, he had seen that look on Jack’s face before, but never with that degree of intensity. He’d never seen such passion, sure desire in anyone’s eyes before.
Jack walked over to Will and cupped his face with those calloused, work-worn hands. He began to kiss him softly, gently.
Will returned the kiss, feeling more than a little shocked. In all the times he’d tried to envision what this moment would be like, he’d never imagined this. He’d expected to be thrown roughly to the bed or being forced into all sorts of unpleasant things. He’d prepared himself for anything and everything…except tenderness.
Jack was walking him backward now, his lips never leaving Will’s, until Will could feel the side of the bed pressing against the backs of his legs. Jack wrapped an arm around his waist, his other hand cradling the back of Will’s head. Slowly, he lowered Will onto the bed, coming down to lay on top of him.
Their kisses turned more passionate now, and Will realized for the first time just how much he’d missed Jack’s touch and the warmth of his kisses. He moaned, trying to let Jack know how much he wanted this.
He started to bring his arms up to wrap around Jack before he remembered the request that Jack had made the last time he’d attempted this. Working up his courage, he slid his hands down to Jack’s arse, squeezing gently.
“Thank God yer a fast learner,” Jack moaned, sucking on Will’s neck as he began to unbutton his shirt.
Will stiffened as he realized how vulnerable he was going to be without any clothes on. Jack felt this and paused to examine the man beneath him.
“Will, do ye have any idea what we’re about to do?”
Will shook his head, abashed. “I’ve a few ideas,” he said sheepishly, “but it isn’t as though I’ve ever been told how.”
Jack grinned. “No, I suppose ye haven’t.” His face grew serious as he continued, “It will hurt at first, but I’ll go slowly.” He kissed Will’s earlobe, running his tongue along the sensitive skin behind his ear. His hot breath made Will shiver as he whispered, “Trust me, before this night’s over, I’ll have ye begging for more.”
No words, before or since, had ever been as effective in arousing Will as those words did that night. Jack fairly purred as he felt Will’s cock harden against his thigh. He shifted his position, rubbing their cocks together through their breeches. Will moaned that same, low, sexy way he had the last time they’d been together like this.
Jack growled, losing some of his control and ripping Will’s shirt completely off him. He began kissing at the exposed flesh of Will’s chest and was rewarded with more of those deep moans that sent renewed waves of arousal through him, causing his already impossibly hard cock to twitch impatiently.
He turned his attention to Will’s nipples, rubbing his fingers over their hardened nubs before doing the same with his tongue. Will gasped and arched his back, raising himself up onto his elbows as Jack began to suck on his nipples, teasing with his tongue before biting gently and blowing on the sensitive skin to soothe it.
Jack began working his way lower, teasing Will’s torso with his lips, tongue, and teeth. He felt the body of the man beneath him shiver with delight as he placed hot, wet kisses on Will’s belly, tracing where his exposed flesh ended and the fabric of his trousers began.
Sliding the rest of the way down Will’s body, Jack pulled off Will’s shoes and stockings before turning his attention to Will’s trousers. His hands were shaking as he fumbled with the opening, swearing loudly when the task took longer than it should have. With a cry of triumph, he finally pulled Will’s breeches off, leaving him fully naked.
Jack sat back on his heels, drinking in the sight before him. Will’s silky locks were spread on the pillow, a few strands sticking to his face and neck with sweat. His face was flushed with arousal (and perhaps a little embarrassment), and his eyes were just a shade darker than usual with desire. He was breathing heavily through parted, kiss-swollen lips, and Jack let his gaze travel to Will’s neck and chest. A few love bites were the only flaws on his otherwise perfect, creamy skin.
He gently traced the fine-toned muscles on the smith’s chest with his fingertips, moving them down to tickle his waist just to watch him squirm. Jack eyed Will’s slender hips and large cock appreciatively.
Will felt his blush deepen as Jack continued to stare hungrily at his body. He was feeling more than a little shy and nervous all of the sudden, lying there fully naked and exposed. He also had no way of knowing what Jack was thinking, and he desperately wanted to know if Jack…well…-approved- of what he was seeing.
Without warning, Jack reached out and grasped Will’s arousal firmly in his hand. Will gasped and squeezed his eyes shut as a jolt of pleasure shot through him. He felt the heat of Jack’s body laying half on top of him once more, still stroking his cock gently.
“Yer very well endowed, Mr. Turner,” Jack murmured in a low, husky voice. He kissed Will deeply as he began to pump his cock furiously.
Will moaned loudly into Jack’s mouth, and it wasn’t long before he was thrusting into Jack’s hand, letting out slight whimpers between the moans. It felt incredible having Jack touch him there. The pleasure was so much more intense than when he did it himself.
“Jack,” Will moaned. “Oh, Jack, please!”
“Please what?” Jack asked, momentarily ceasing his ministrations.
“I-I don’t know,” Will said, looking rather distressed as he realized that he didn’t really know what he was wanting.
Jack laughed affectionately, marveling once more at just how adorable the man beneath him was. “I’ve got a pretty good idea what ye might be wanting.” His smile was growing mischievous now as he slid down the younger man’s body.
Will watched curiously, wondering what Jack was about to do. His breath caught in his throat as Jack blew on his cock, his lips coming oh-so-close to touching it…suddenly, Jack took his entire length into his mouth.
“Jack!” Will screamed, clutching at the pillows with white knuckles. He’d never known pleasure like this. He moaned loudly as Jack ran his tongue along his shaft, starting at the base and traveling agonizingly slow to the tip. Once there, he flicked his tongue across it before sucking on just the head.
Will’s moans were coming with every breath now, and tension was building in his lower belly. Jack realized that he was getting close and regretfully let Will’s arousal slide out of his mouth. Kissing the tip tenderly, he moved back up Will’s body, surprised when the smith dragged his face up for a deep kiss.
“Are ye ready to go further?” Jack asked, sitting up and removing his own shirt.
“Don’t you want me to do the same to you?” Will asked, confused as to why he wasn’t being asked to return the favor.
“I’ll not be askin’ ye to do anything ye don’t want,” Jack said, quite sure that that was all that would be said on the matter.
Suddenly, Will sprang to life beneath him, flipping him over onto his back. “I want to,” he whispered sincerely. Jack was so surprised that all he could do was nod.
Will spread kisses slowly down Jack’s chest, desperate to give Jack just as much pleasure as he had given him. He experimentally ran his tongue along Jack’s sun-bronzed skin, delighted as he was rewarded with a surprised moan from the older man beneath him.
Will slowly began to undo Jack’s breeches, relieved when he realized that Jack wasn’t wearing any shoes or stockings. Though his fingers were shaking just as badly as Jack’s had, his hands worked slowly and patiently, rather than tearing at the cloth as Jack had done. Smiling, Will accomplished his task and pulled Jack’s trousers from him.
Jack’s erection jutted out proudly, and Will licked his lips nervously, wanting to please but not being sure how. Keeping his eyes on Jack’s face to watch his reaction, Will placed his lips on the tip of Jack’s cock and slowly lowered his mouth onto it.
Jack groaned and arched his back. Will smiled as best he could under the present circumstances and experimentally swirled the tip around in his mouth with his tongue, loving the sounds that were coming from the pirate’s mouth.
Realizing that he couldn’t fit all of Jack’s large cock into his mouth at once, Will wrapped his hand around the base, pumping it while sucking on the tip.
“Will,” Jack whispered with each breath, amazed at what this inexperienced man was making him feel. He didn’t want it to end, and yet he knew that if he didn’t put a stop to it, he’d finish too early.
“Will, stop. That’s enough,” he said regretfully.
Will ceased his actions and looked up at Jack, crestfallen. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” Jack assured him, pulling Will up to lay beside him. “Ye did too well as a matter-of-fact. I was gettin’ too close.”
Will smiled, pleased, as Jack reached over to his bedside table and extracted a small bottle of oil. He lay Will on his back and positioned himself between Will’s legs, pouring some oil onto his fingers.
“What’s that for?” Will asked.
“Preparation,” Jack replied. “I don’t want to hurt ye.” Jack placed his fingers between Will’s legs, searching for his entrance. Upon finding it, he gently rubbed some oil onto his opening.
“I’m going to push a finger into ye now,” he told Will. “Try to relax. It won’t hurt so bad that way.”
Will nodded, looking nervous. Slowly, Jack slid a finger into Will’s tight opening, and Will made a noise in the back of his throat at the intrusion.
“Relax,” Jack whispered, feeling inside the smith for his prostate.
“Oh!” Will cried, clapping a hand to his mouth as Jack’s finger found a certain spot inside of him that made stars dance in front of his eyes. “Jack!”
“Ye like that?” Jack smirked, rubbing that place inside the younger man.
“Oh, yes,” Will moaned, pushing against Jack’s finger unconsciously with his hips.
Will grunted as Jack added a second finger and winced as the third soon followed it, but he didn’t really care. The pain and discomfort didn’t seem to matter as long as Jack kept stroking that sweet spot inside of him.
Finally, when Jack felt that he was prepared enough, he removed his fingers and reached for the bottle once more. Will watched, fascinated, as Jack coated his erection in the oil before positioning himself at Will’s entrance.
Will squeezed his eyes shut and buried his face in the pillows as he was breached for the first time. The burning pain continued as Jack pushed inside of him until he was fully sheathed.
“I’m sorry, luv,” Jack whispered, his face full of sincere regret. He ran gentle fingers through Will’s hair and caressed his face soothingly. Will pulled Jack into a deep kiss as the pain inside him subsided, and he felt only fullness.
A shiver of delight ran down his spine as Jack shifted experimentally inside him, slowly pulling about halfway out before thrusting back in again. Will moaned as Jack’s cock brushed that spot inside him.
Jack began to take him slowly at first, relishing in the sight of the man beneath him writhing in pleasure, before it all became too much. Will’s tight virgin arse was so hot around his cock, and the noises coming from his mouth were nearly enough to drive him over the edge.
Jack was amazed at how different this time was. In all his other sexual experiences, what he’d felt had been purely physical. Now, however, emotions were building inside his chest every bit as intense as the pleasure building in his cock.
'So,' he thought, 'this is what it’s like to make luv…'
Below him, Will threw his head back and began repeatedly calling out Jack’s name with every thrust as Jack’s pace quickened, sending unimaginable pleasure coursing through his veins. Then Jack’s hands found his cock, pumping it while still thrusting into him, and Will found that he could no longer hang on. He let Jack’s name tear from his lips once more, digging his nails into the pirate’s back as he came into Jack’s hand.
For Jack, feeling Will’s muscles clench around his throbbing cock and hearing his name shouted like that sent him over the edge as well, all the emotions building inside him coming to a breaking point.
Arching his back, he cried out, “Will! Oh, me Will…I luv ye…” before spilling his seed deep inside the young smith.
They stayed like that for the longest time, not wanting to move, as their breathing returned to normal. Finally, Jack pulled out of Will and rolled off of him to lay on his back, pulling Will to lay on top of him. Will buried his face in Jack’s neck as Jack wrapped his arms around him protectively.
By the time Will felt sure enough of his voice to speak, Jack was already snoring softly, and a lovely weariness was filling his own body as well. He drifted off to sleep with Jack’s last passionate cries still echoing in his ears.
Chapter 8: The Morning After
Warm rays of sunlight drifted lazily through the window to caress the two lovers. Jack opened his eyes and smiled at the sleeping form of the man next to him. Will looked so beautiful and peaceful that Jack couldn’t bear to wake him.
Kissing his forehead gently, he contented himself with trying to memorize every feature of the smith’s face. Pain gripped his heart as he realized that this would be the last time he’d ever see him. He would never be able to return to Port Royal, the Commodore would make sure of that, and he would no longer be able to ask Will to meet him outside of town because Will would no longer feel any obligation to him.
* * *
The first thing Will saw when he opened his eyes was Jack’s smiling face. “Morning, luv,” Jack said softly.
“Good morning.” Will blushed as the events of the previous night came back to him.
“Well, I expect it’s time to get up,” Jack said. “The crew will be returning shortly.”
“Yes,” Will said, pain stabbing his heart. “You’ll want to sail back to the Isla de Muerta. I’ve kept you here long enough.”
Jack heaved himself off the bed and began dressing as he said, “And I’ve kept ye away from the fair Miss Swan long enough. I suppose yer anxious to get back to her.”
“Yes, I am,” Will said, but the words sounded hollow and dead. He realized as he began to get dressed that he didn’t mean a word of it. He’d be perfectly happy to stay here with Jack for the rest of his days.
'Don’t be stupid,' Will scolded himself. 'Jack wouldn’t want me here. Besides, I’ve got a fiancé to worry about. I can’t just abandon her.'
Somehow, the idea of returning to Elizabeth didn’t seem as appealing as it should have. Will still had so many things that he wanted to know about Jack, so many things he wanted to tell him…
“Well, Mr. Turner, I suppose this is goodbye,” Jack said gruffly, leading Will to the door. “I trust ye can row yerself to the mainland without too much trouble?”
“Y-Yes,” Will stammered. He had a sudden, overwhelming urge to say something, anything, but the words just wouldn’t come.
When Will didn’t say anything more, Jack put out a hand and said, “I wish ye and yer girl a happy life.”
Will stared dumbly at Jack’s outstretched hand before some engrained politeness made him automatically take it. 'Is this all I mean to him?' he thought bitterly. 'Just a handshake? After everything we’ve been through together?'
As Jack was beginning to shut the door of his cabin, words tumbled unbidden from Will’s lips. “Jack, what you said last night…a-about being in l-love with me…did you mean it?”
Jack leaned against the doorframe and studied him a moment with those beautiful dark eyes. “Let me put it this way, dear William,” Jack said at last. “I’ve never lied to ye, not even in the bedroom.” That said, Jack quickly shut his bedroom door, not waiting to see Will’s reaction.
Will stared at the closed door, his mind completely frozen. 'He loves me? But then why is he just letting me leave like this? Doesn’t he want me to stay with him?'
He barely remembered the row back to the mainland, his mind was so preoccupied. As he began to drag the lifeboat up on the beach, only one thought was chasing its way through Will’s mind.
'Why didn’t he ask me to stay?'
* * *
Back aboard the Pearl, the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow, the most feared pirate in the Caribbean, leaned against the door to his cabin with silent tears streaming down his cheeks.
Chapter 9: Yer Mine
Will stood on the beach and stared out at the Pearl. He was still in shock from Jack’s last words to him. They brought to the surface every emotion that he’d buried deep inside himself, not even realizing they were there. He became vaguely aware of footsteps behind him, but the pain in his heart was too great for him to care who was approaching.
“William Turner! What are you doing all the way out here?”
Will turned to see Anamaria smiling at him. At the sight of Will’s distressed face, however, her smile vanished.
“Will, what’s wrong?” She led him like a small child to sit underneath a nearby tree. There, words began spilling out of his mouth. He didn’t think, didn’t try to censure the truth. He told her about the bargain with Jack, all that had transpired between them, Jack’s final words to him, his confused emotions, his changed feelings toward Elizabeth…everything.
As he finished, Anamaria slung an arm around his shoulders and said soothingly. “Will, do you think it might be possible that you’re as in love with Jack as he is with you?”
“I-” Will started to deny it, but stopped at the skeptical look Anamaria was giving him. “But I’m supposed to be in love with Elizabeth!”
Anamaria sighed. “Alright, we’ll try a different approach. Have you ever kissed Elizabeth?”
“Yes,” Will admitted. “Twice since returning to Port Royal.”
“And you can’t deny that you and Jack have done your fair share of kissing,” here she gave Will a grin that made him blush to the roots of his hair. “So what was it like?”
“What?” Will asked, confused.
“Tell me what Jack and Elizabeth’s kisses are like.”
“Well…” Will thought for a moment, completely at a loss. “Elizabeth’s kisses are warm and pleasant all the time, but Jack’s…they’re so…intense. It’s almost like they’re different every time. Sometimes they hurt. Not physically, I mean, but right here,” Will put a hand on his chest. “Sometimes they’re wonderful, and other times they…well…-linger,- long after the actual kiss has ended.”
“So what does that tell you?” Anamaria said, looking triumphant.
Will furrowed his brow. He was so upset and confused that he couldn’t seem to think clearly. “Well, I suppose it tells me that I should stay with Elizabeth because her kisses are always nice?” he guessed.
“No!” she groaned. “Will, what do you think love is? Love isn’t supposed to always be ‘nice,’ contrary to popular belief. Love is passionate and gentle and warm, and it’s supposed to hurt like hell sometimes, too.”
She paused, trying to read Will’s face. “I’m sure you do love Elizabeth, but that kind of love is for friends. Tell me…did you enjoy having sex with Jack?”
“Oh, yes,” Will said quickly before he could stop himself. He clapped a hand over his mouth, his face growing hot.
Anamaria chuckled. “And could you ever see yourself doing that with Elizabeth?”
This took Will by surprise, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he had absolutely no desire for Elizabeth in a sexual way. Yes, he thought she was pretty, beautiful even, but not sexy.
“Come on,” Anamaria said, accurately guess what was going on in Will’s mind. “We’d best be getting back to the Pearl before they leave without us.” She pointed to the ship, and Will could see that some of the crew were already on board, restoring the sails to their rightful place.
Will got up to go with her, but hesitated. “Are you sure Jack really wants me to come? Maybe he was just lying when he said he loved me. After all, if he really cared for me then why didn’t he ask me to stay with him?”
She thought for a moment. “You’re looking at this the wrong way. It’s because he didn’t ask you to stay that proves that he loves you.”
“And how did you arrive at that conclusion?”
“Because Jack’s never had any problem saying what he wanted before. When he offered to let you out of the bargain, it wasn’t because he didn’t want to sleep with you; it was because he thought -you- didn’t want to sleep with -him,- and now, there’s probably no doubt in his mind that you want nothing more than to marry Elizabeth. He wasn’t thinking of himself (for once), he was thinking of you. Lad, don’t you see? He let you go because he thought that’s what you wanted.”
Will didn’t say anything. He just smiled and allowed Anamaria to lead him back to the lifeboat.
As they were rowing toward the Pearl, Will asked, “What about Elizabeth?”
“I’m sure she’ll be upset at first when you don’t return, but if she truly loves you then she’ll want you to be happy.”
At Anamaria’s last words, the whole conversation he’d had with Elizabeth when they’d parted came back to him. It finally dawned on him what she had meant when she’d been talking about changing feelings and wanting him to be happy.
“She knew,” he whispered in an awed voice. “She knew, and she was all right with it.” He looked at Anamaria, “How do girls always know these things?”
To his annoyance, she just laughed.
* * *
When they were finally on board the Pearl, they found Jack barking out orders to the crew. He hadn’t even noticed Anamaria and Will arrive.
Suddenly, Will was very nervous. It would be hard enough to tell Jack how he felt if he were alone with him, but to have to do it in front of everyone…
“Go on,” Anamaria prodded.
“I can’t,” Will said, “not with so many people about. What if he rejects me?”
“Go wait for him in his cabin then,” she suggested. “I’ll make sure he turns in early tonight.”
Will shot her a grateful look and darted into Jack’s cabin, thankful that the only crewmember to notice their arrival had been Mr. Cotton. The room was very much the same as when he’d left it, although he hadn’t really had a chance to take in his surroundings the previous night.
He tried to do so now, and the first thing that caught his attention was a piece of parchment, lying on the bedside table, that Will could have sword hadn’t been there the night before. Picking it up, he saw to his utter astonishment that it was the drawing he’d done of Jack. Will had completely forgotten about it since Jack had crumpled it up and shoved it in his pocket. He’d assumed that Jack was merely going to throw it away, but here it was, a bit wrinkled, but still in fairly good condition.
Will smiled affectionately. He could see where Jack had meticulously unfolded it, trying to smooth out the creases while being careful not to smudge the charcoal.
Placing the drawing back where he had found it, he sat down on the bed to wait for Jack…
* * *
Jack slowly crossed the deck of the Pearl, leaving Anamaria at the wheel. The past twenty-four hours had left him completely drained, both physically and emotionally, and he wanted nothing more than to lock himself away from the rest of the world and drink until he couldn’t remember his own name anymore.
He marveled at how the two most extreme emotions (both good and bad) that he’d ever felt in his life, had come so close together, in the span of the same day. Last night had been the best night of his life, and today had definitely been the worst. The pain in his heart was so intense that twice already he’d longed to throw himself overboard so he wouldn’t have to go and face an empty bed.
'Well, at least he’ll be happy,' Jack thought bitterly, trying to find some comfort.
He entered his cabin and closed the door behind him, fumbling in the darkness for the lock. Stumbling over to his table, he lit a candle and turned to make his way over to the bed, nearly jumping out of his skin when he realized that he wasn’t the only one in the room.
“Will?! What are ye doin’ here?”
Will was sitting on the edge of Jack’s bed looking more than a little nervous. He gave Jack a small, shy smile before saying softly, “I wanted to ask you…if you had room for one more member of your crew.”
Jack’s mind was still reeling from the shock, and his heart was fluttering hopefully. Finally, he regained enough composure to ask, “Ye want to join me crew?”
“Yes,” Will said softly, getting up and moving slowly toward his captain.
Jack swallowed hard, praying that this all wasn’t just some elaborate dream. Will was so close to him now that it was making it hard for him to speak.
“What about Elizabeth?” he whispered at last.
Will replied softly, “It wouldn’t be right for me to marry her…not when I’m in love with someone else.” Cupping Jack’s face in his hands, he leaned in for a slow, lingering kiss that took Jack’s breath away entirely.
“Will, are ye sure about this?” Jack asked when he finally felt that he could talk again.
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” Will said, giving Jack a quick affectionate kiss. His smile suddenly turned mischievous as he said, “Well, I suppose I should go find a room below deck, because you know, crew members aren’t allowed in the captain’s cabin.”
“Oh, no ye don’t,” Jack grinned, grabbing Will possessively around the waist. “Yer stayin’ in here with me.” He pulled Will over to the bed and murmured in a tone somewhere between a moan and a growl, “Yer mine.”
“Yours,” Will agreed, turning serious for a moment. “As long as you promise me that you won’t go to whore houses anymore.”
“Ye have me word,” Jack said, meeting Will’s gaze. “Ye’ll be the only one in me life and in me bed.”
That said, they fairly leapt into each other’s arms, kissing passionately. They began tearing at each other’s clothing, both of them understanding that this time was going to be quick. There was too much want, too many pent up emotions between them to take things slowly.
As the last stitch of clothing was removed, Jack reached hastily for the bottle of oil that was still on his bedside table. He poured a generous amount on his cock, spilling some on the floor in his haste.
Setting the bottle aside, Jack spun Will around and pushed him onto his stomach on the bed. Jack leapt on top of him, thrusting his cock deep inside Will’s arse.
“Oh, yes, Jack…” Will moaned as Jack began pounding into him so hard and fast that the bed began to creak.
Jack arched his back and cried out Will’s name, moaning so loud that he was almost screaming. He knew that he was being too loud, knew that the entire crew could probably hear him, but he didn’t care. Nothing mattered except that Will was his and in his bed.
He dug his nails into the matress in an effort to hold on until Will finished. Mercifully, he didn’t have long to wait. Will came beneath him, moaning his name, and Jack followed him into oblivion.
He collapsed on top of Will, breathing heavily as his cock emptied itself inside his lover. Somehow, he managed to find the strength to heave himself off of Will and crawl up to lay his head on the pillows. Will followed suit, falling into Jack’s waiting embrace. They kissed deeply.
“I love you,” Will whispered against Jack’s lips, not wanting to break the kiss.
“I know. I luv ye, too,” Jack said, pulling back enough to lock eyes with Will, smiling affectionately at him.
They stared at one another, saying nothing, but speaking volumes through their gaze, until their eyelids became too heavy to hold open. Wrapped tightly in each other’s arms, they drifted asleep to the gentle rocking of the waves washing against the sides of the Black Pearl.
[THE END]
Will watched miserably as Elizabeth made her way out to the lifeboat, leaving Will and Jack behind in the cave. Jack sidled up beside him and slung an arm around his shoulders.
“If ye were waitin’ for the opportune moment,” Jack said, “that was it.”
Will felt a sudden anger rising in his chest, although he was more upset with himself than with Jack. He’d known that it was the opportune moment, the moment that he’d been waiting for ever since he’d first seen Elizabeth…and yet, he hadn’t been able to form the words. Something had held him back…something that he was only vaguely aware of in the back of his mind.
“Oh, shut up, Jack!” he heard himself shout. “What do you know about love? The only person you care for is yourself.”
“Now, wait just a minute,” Jack fired back. “Who d’ ye think I’m here for? Meself? Not likely, mate. I could’ve made me way back to me ship as soon as I got away from that bloody Commodore, but I came back here instead to make sure that Barbossa didn’t kill ye.”
Jack paused and looked down before meeting Will’s gaze and saying softly, “Me crew will be long gone by now. I’ve nowhere to go but straight to the gallows.”
Will stood frozen, his mind trying to register what had been said. Jack had gone after him, knowing full-well that in doing so he was giving up his one chance to live. He had raced into a sure death so that Will might have a chance to live.
An indescribable emotion welled in his chest, and he surprised them both by throwing his arms around the older man before him. Jack said nothing. He simply put his arms round the other man’s waist and pressed his lips to his forehead. They stayed like that for a moment before Jack gently pulled out of Will’s embrace and followed Elizabeth toward the lifeboat.
* * *
Will stared out at the sea, watching the sun sparkling on the deep blue Caribbean waters. He repeatedly played the scene that had unfolded here, only yesterday, in his mind.
He was more than a little offended that Jack’s only parting words, after all they’d been through, were simply, “Nice hat.” More than anything, however, he was glad that Jack had escaped.
That morning, he had tried to return to his usual work in the smithy, but he found that his heart just wasn’t in it anymore. He could almost swear that he could hear the crash of waves above the pounding of metal and the sway of a ship beneath his feet.
Fearing he’d gone mad, Will set aside his work and had wondered through Port Royal to the place where he and Jack had last stood side-by-side. As he sat perched on the same ledge that Jack had tripped over, he heard footsteps approaching.
“I thought I’d find you here.” Elizabeth took a seat next to him and placed a hand on his. “Will, is this really what you want?”
“Of course it is,” he answered mechanically. “Why do you ask?”
“Because you look like a little boy who’s just lost his most cherished toy.”
“Elizabeth, what-”
“Excuse me, sir, but is you Mister Will Turner?”
Will and Elizabeth glanced down to see a small boy with messy blond hair and freckles gazing up at them.
“I am,” Will said, looking puzzled. “Do I know you?”
“No, sir,” said the boy, “but a man asked me to give this to you.” He pulled a crumpled piece of parchment from his pocket. As Will took it from him and read it, Elizabeth took a coin from her purse and handed it to the hopeful-looking boy, smiling as he eagerly scampered off in the direction of the local sweets shop.
“Will, what is it?”
Wordlessly, he handed her the note. It simply read:
'Head west about five miles from Port Royal. Me ship’s docked there. Come alone tonight.
-Captain J.S.
P.S. Remember our bargain.'
“It’s from Jack? What does he want?” Elizabeth looked up at him, handing him the note once more. “Will, what bargain is he talking about?”
“I-I promised to help him with something in return for his assistance in finding you,” Will blushed.
“Oh,” Elizabeth said. After her conversation on the beach with Jack, she could pretty well imagine what Jack would want from Will. “Five miles…you’d better be off. Even if you leave now, you’ll only just make it by sundown.”
“You actually want me to go?” Will asked. "I won't go if you ask me not to."
Elizabeth scrutinized him sharply. She had known Will since he was a small boy, and she thought that she could read him pretty well. He may be telling her what his mind said, but she knew well what was in his heart.
“Of course I want you to go,” she said, trying to put as much authority in her voice as possible. “You made a bargain, and I expect the man I marry to keep his word, Mr. Turner, even to pirates.”
Will cast her a slightly desperate look before nodding and heading down to the smithy to pack some food and a compass for his short journey. Elizabeth accompanied him with a heavy heart, knowing full-well that this was the last she would see of her best friend for a long time.
Before they parted, Will bent down and kissed her, saying, “I should be back sometime tomorrow.”
“Are you so sure?” Elizabeth gave him a small, sad smile. “Will, I’m a big girl. I know that feelings change over time. The thing I want most in the whole world is for you to be happy and truthful with yourself.” She gave him one last hug, whispering, “I’ll understand if you don’t come back.”
Then she turned and strode abruptly away, ignoring Will’s confused questions. Even though this parting saddened her, she smiled knowing that her best friend would be happy. She never would have insisted that he go if she hadn’t been sure that it was what he secretly wanted.
'I just hope all goes well,' she though. 'He hasn’t even admitted to himself that it isn’t me that he loves. I pray he won’t be too stubborn and miss his chance for happiness.'
Looking up, she saw Commodore Norrington walking through the town square just ahead of her. Despite herself, she felt her heart flutter.
“James,” she hurried to catch up with him. “I’m on my way home and seem to be without an escort. Perhaps you’d care to accompany me?”
Chapter 7: Promises Fulfilled
As the afternoon shadows began to grow long and deep, Will wondered for the thousandth time what on earth had possessed Elizabeth to say a thing like that. Why did she think he wouldn’t come back to her? Did she suspect Jack of trying to kidnap him? And what was all that rubbish about being truthful with himself?
Will checked his compass to make sure he was still going in the right direction. It shouldn’t be much longer now…
Nervous anticipation had been building in him throughout his journey. It wouldn’t have been easy for him to ignore Jack’s note and not go at all, but he -might- have been able to do it if Elizabeth had asked him not to. Jack wouldn’t dare risk coming any nearer to Port Royal to collect him.
Will’s proper upbringing had him trapped in a moral dilemma. On one hand, he had always been taught that a man was only as good as his word. Jack, although a pirate, was still a friend and had almost died to save him. Will couldn’t bear the thought of breaking his word to him. However, keeping his word would mean betraying his fiancé.
He sighed and pushed the thoughts away. It was too late to turn back now, and he was beginning to admit to himself that a part of him secretly longed to see Jack one more time.
The sun was just dipping below the horizon when Will spotted a lifeboat dragged up on the shore, away from the reach of the tide. Peering out to sea, Will saw the Black Pearl anchored peacefully, her black sails taken down for once so that the ship could wait there unrecognized.
Rowing himself out to the ship, Will saw that a rope ladder was lowered and waiting for him. He climbed it and half expected to be met by the entire crew, but the decks were deserted.
“Jack?” he called out.
Upon receiving no answer, he made his way toward Jack’s cabin, deciding that it was the most likely place to find his captain. Sure enough, the cabin door was open, and Jack was there, sitting on his bed with his back to Will.
Will’s heart leapt at the site of him, and his stomach fluttered wildly. He realized just how nervous he really was.
Growing up near the sea with plenty of sailors coming and going, Will had learned long ago that sex between two men was possible, but he had never actually known how. Since making his bargain with Jack, Will had been racking his brain, trying to figure out exactly what Jack was wanting to do with him. He’d had a few ideas, but nothing that seemed serious enough to constitute as sex.
“Jack?” Will stepped tentatively into the room.
Jack whirled around to face him, looking surprised. There was a short pause before Jack said, “I didn’t think ye were coming.”
“I left as soon as I received your note,” Will said, annoyed. “And it did say to ‘come alone tonight.’ The sun hasn’t even set yet, so don’t go accusing me of being late.”
Jack snorted. “That’s not what I meant. I didn’t think ye’d come at all.”
“I gave you my word, Jack,” Will said slowly, emphasizing every syllable. He was feeling more hurt than annoyed now. “You risked both life and limb for Elizabeth and myself, only asking for one thing in return. What kind of person would I be if I refused you that?”
“I wasn’t thinkin’ badly of ye,” Jack explained. “I just thought that once ye were with yer girl, the idea of comin’ back t’ me for the night might be a bit much. Tell me, is our bargain the only reason yer here?”
“What do you mean?” Will asked, furrowing his brow in confusion.
Jack turned his back to Will and gazed out the small window of his cabin at the setting sun. “I mean, after tonight will ye leave here hopin’ never to see me again, or am I more than just a passin’ acquaintance to ye?”
“Jack, I value you as my greatest friend,” Will said truthfully.
“The feeling’s mutual,” Jack said quickly, although Will thought he could detect a trace of bitterness in his voice. “Which is why I’m going to give ye a way out.”
Will’s heart sank as he said, “Why?”
“Ye saved me from the gallows twice, mate. That’s more than enough payment for any debt ye owed me. I’m offerin’ ye the chance to walk away and forget this whole accord ever existed.”
Panic rose in Will’s chest. Why was Jack doing this? Didn’t he want to bed him anymore?
Will didn’t understand why he was so upset over this. He should be sighing in relief, wishing Jack well, and heading back to Elizabeth and his smithy where he belonged…but something was holding him back. It was that same something that had kept him from telling Elizabeth that he loved her back on the Isla de Muerta…the same something that made him leap to Jack’s defense, even when he was convinced that Jack was a traitor…
He’d never felt so confused in the entirety of his life. Finally, he decided to just let go for once and go with his gut instinct. He wasn’t about to back out now.
“I’m staying, Jack.”
Jack turned around to study him, his face showing evident surprise and relief. That familiar smirk began to commandeer his lips as he said, “So, me charm’s finally won ye over, eh?”
“Don’t push it,” Will said, laughing.
That strange awkwardness that had hung between them only a moment ago, vanished. Their old familiarity was back, and that was a relief to them both.
Jack strode over to shut and lock the door, and as he did so, Will asked, “Where’s the crew?”
“There’s another town not far from here,” Jack said. “I promised ‘em half me share of Barbossa’s hordes if they cleared out and didn’t come back till late tomorrow morning.”
Jack finished locking the door, and turned to face him once more. The look on his face, made Will’s breath catch in his throat.
True, he had seen that look on Jack’s face before, but never with that degree of intensity. He’d never seen such passion, sure desire in anyone’s eyes before.
Jack walked over to Will and cupped his face with those calloused, work-worn hands. He began to kiss him softly, gently.
Will returned the kiss, feeling more than a little shocked. In all the times he’d tried to envision what this moment would be like, he’d never imagined this. He’d expected to be thrown roughly to the bed or being forced into all sorts of unpleasant things. He’d prepared himself for anything and everything…except tenderness.
Jack was walking him backward now, his lips never leaving Will’s, until Will could feel the side of the bed pressing against the backs of his legs. Jack wrapped an arm around his waist, his other hand cradling the back of Will’s head. Slowly, he lowered Will onto the bed, coming down to lay on top of him.
Their kisses turned more passionate now, and Will realized for the first time just how much he’d missed Jack’s touch and the warmth of his kisses. He moaned, trying to let Jack know how much he wanted this.
He started to bring his arms up to wrap around Jack before he remembered the request that Jack had made the last time he’d attempted this. Working up his courage, he slid his hands down to Jack’s arse, squeezing gently.
“Thank God yer a fast learner,” Jack moaned, sucking on Will’s neck as he began to unbutton his shirt.
Will stiffened as he realized how vulnerable he was going to be without any clothes on. Jack felt this and paused to examine the man beneath him.
“Will, do ye have any idea what we’re about to do?”
Will shook his head, abashed. “I’ve a few ideas,” he said sheepishly, “but it isn’t as though I’ve ever been told how.”
Jack grinned. “No, I suppose ye haven’t.” His face grew serious as he continued, “It will hurt at first, but I’ll go slowly.” He kissed Will’s earlobe, running his tongue along the sensitive skin behind his ear. His hot breath made Will shiver as he whispered, “Trust me, before this night’s over, I’ll have ye begging for more.”
No words, before or since, had ever been as effective in arousing Will as those words did that night. Jack fairly purred as he felt Will’s cock harden against his thigh. He shifted his position, rubbing their cocks together through their breeches. Will moaned that same, low, sexy way he had the last time they’d been together like this.
Jack growled, losing some of his control and ripping Will’s shirt completely off him. He began kissing at the exposed flesh of Will’s chest and was rewarded with more of those deep moans that sent renewed waves of arousal through him, causing his already impossibly hard cock to twitch impatiently.
He turned his attention to Will’s nipples, rubbing his fingers over their hardened nubs before doing the same with his tongue. Will gasped and arched his back, raising himself up onto his elbows as Jack began to suck on his nipples, teasing with his tongue before biting gently and blowing on the sensitive skin to soothe it.
Jack began working his way lower, teasing Will’s torso with his lips, tongue, and teeth. He felt the body of the man beneath him shiver with delight as he placed hot, wet kisses on Will’s belly, tracing where his exposed flesh ended and the fabric of his trousers began.
Sliding the rest of the way down Will’s body, Jack pulled off Will’s shoes and stockings before turning his attention to Will’s trousers. His hands were shaking as he fumbled with the opening, swearing loudly when the task took longer than it should have. With a cry of triumph, he finally pulled Will’s breeches off, leaving him fully naked.
Jack sat back on his heels, drinking in the sight before him. Will’s silky locks were spread on the pillow, a few strands sticking to his face and neck with sweat. His face was flushed with arousal (and perhaps a little embarrassment), and his eyes were just a shade darker than usual with desire. He was breathing heavily through parted, kiss-swollen lips, and Jack let his gaze travel to Will’s neck and chest. A few love bites were the only flaws on his otherwise perfect, creamy skin.
He gently traced the fine-toned muscles on the smith’s chest with his fingertips, moving them down to tickle his waist just to watch him squirm. Jack eyed Will’s slender hips and large cock appreciatively.
Will felt his blush deepen as Jack continued to stare hungrily at his body. He was feeling more than a little shy and nervous all of the sudden, lying there fully naked and exposed. He also had no way of knowing what Jack was thinking, and he desperately wanted to know if Jack…well…-approved- of what he was seeing.
Without warning, Jack reached out and grasped Will’s arousal firmly in his hand. Will gasped and squeezed his eyes shut as a jolt of pleasure shot through him. He felt the heat of Jack’s body laying half on top of him once more, still stroking his cock gently.
“Yer very well endowed, Mr. Turner,” Jack murmured in a low, husky voice. He kissed Will deeply as he began to pump his cock furiously.
Will moaned loudly into Jack’s mouth, and it wasn’t long before he was thrusting into Jack’s hand, letting out slight whimpers between the moans. It felt incredible having Jack touch him there. The pleasure was so much more intense than when he did it himself.
“Jack,” Will moaned. “Oh, Jack, please!”
“Please what?” Jack asked, momentarily ceasing his ministrations.
“I-I don’t know,” Will said, looking rather distressed as he realized that he didn’t really know what he was wanting.
Jack laughed affectionately, marveling once more at just how adorable the man beneath him was. “I’ve got a pretty good idea what ye might be wanting.” His smile was growing mischievous now as he slid down the younger man’s body.
Will watched curiously, wondering what Jack was about to do. His breath caught in his throat as Jack blew on his cock, his lips coming oh-so-close to touching it…suddenly, Jack took his entire length into his mouth.
“Jack!” Will screamed, clutching at the pillows with white knuckles. He’d never known pleasure like this. He moaned loudly as Jack ran his tongue along his shaft, starting at the base and traveling agonizingly slow to the tip. Once there, he flicked his tongue across it before sucking on just the head.
Will’s moans were coming with every breath now, and tension was building in his lower belly. Jack realized that he was getting close and regretfully let Will’s arousal slide out of his mouth. Kissing the tip tenderly, he moved back up Will’s body, surprised when the smith dragged his face up for a deep kiss.
“Are ye ready to go further?” Jack asked, sitting up and removing his own shirt.
“Don’t you want me to do the same to you?” Will asked, confused as to why he wasn’t being asked to return the favor.
“I’ll not be askin’ ye to do anything ye don’t want,” Jack said, quite sure that that was all that would be said on the matter.
Suddenly, Will sprang to life beneath him, flipping him over onto his back. “I want to,” he whispered sincerely. Jack was so surprised that all he could do was nod.
Will spread kisses slowly down Jack’s chest, desperate to give Jack just as much pleasure as he had given him. He experimentally ran his tongue along Jack’s sun-bronzed skin, delighted as he was rewarded with a surprised moan from the older man beneath him.
Will slowly began to undo Jack’s breeches, relieved when he realized that Jack wasn’t wearing any shoes or stockings. Though his fingers were shaking just as badly as Jack’s had, his hands worked slowly and patiently, rather than tearing at the cloth as Jack had done. Smiling, Will accomplished his task and pulled Jack’s trousers from him.
Jack’s erection jutted out proudly, and Will licked his lips nervously, wanting to please but not being sure how. Keeping his eyes on Jack’s face to watch his reaction, Will placed his lips on the tip of Jack’s cock and slowly lowered his mouth onto it.
Jack groaned and arched his back. Will smiled as best he could under the present circumstances and experimentally swirled the tip around in his mouth with his tongue, loving the sounds that were coming from the pirate’s mouth.
Realizing that he couldn’t fit all of Jack’s large cock into his mouth at once, Will wrapped his hand around the base, pumping it while sucking on the tip.
“Will,” Jack whispered with each breath, amazed at what this inexperienced man was making him feel. He didn’t want it to end, and yet he knew that if he didn’t put a stop to it, he’d finish too early.
“Will, stop. That’s enough,” he said regretfully.
Will ceased his actions and looked up at Jack, crestfallen. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” Jack assured him, pulling Will up to lay beside him. “Ye did too well as a matter-of-fact. I was gettin’ too close.”
Will smiled, pleased, as Jack reached over to his bedside table and extracted a small bottle of oil. He lay Will on his back and positioned himself between Will’s legs, pouring some oil onto his fingers.
“What’s that for?” Will asked.
“Preparation,” Jack replied. “I don’t want to hurt ye.” Jack placed his fingers between Will’s legs, searching for his entrance. Upon finding it, he gently rubbed some oil onto his opening.
“I’m going to push a finger into ye now,” he told Will. “Try to relax. It won’t hurt so bad that way.”
Will nodded, looking nervous. Slowly, Jack slid a finger into Will’s tight opening, and Will made a noise in the back of his throat at the intrusion.
“Relax,” Jack whispered, feeling inside the smith for his prostate.
“Oh!” Will cried, clapping a hand to his mouth as Jack’s finger found a certain spot inside of him that made stars dance in front of his eyes. “Jack!”
“Ye like that?” Jack smirked, rubbing that place inside the younger man.
“Oh, yes,” Will moaned, pushing against Jack’s finger unconsciously with his hips.
Will grunted as Jack added a second finger and winced as the third soon followed it, but he didn’t really care. The pain and discomfort didn’t seem to matter as long as Jack kept stroking that sweet spot inside of him.
Finally, when Jack felt that he was prepared enough, he removed his fingers and reached for the bottle once more. Will watched, fascinated, as Jack coated his erection in the oil before positioning himself at Will’s entrance.
Will squeezed his eyes shut and buried his face in the pillows as he was breached for the first time. The burning pain continued as Jack pushed inside of him until he was fully sheathed.
“I’m sorry, luv,” Jack whispered, his face full of sincere regret. He ran gentle fingers through Will’s hair and caressed his face soothingly. Will pulled Jack into a deep kiss as the pain inside him subsided, and he felt only fullness.
A shiver of delight ran down his spine as Jack shifted experimentally inside him, slowly pulling about halfway out before thrusting back in again. Will moaned as Jack’s cock brushed that spot inside him.
Jack began to take him slowly at first, relishing in the sight of the man beneath him writhing in pleasure, before it all became too much. Will’s tight virgin arse was so hot around his cock, and the noises coming from his mouth were nearly enough to drive him over the edge.
Jack was amazed at how different this time was. In all his other sexual experiences, what he’d felt had been purely physical. Now, however, emotions were building inside his chest every bit as intense as the pleasure building in his cock.
'So,' he thought, 'this is what it’s like to make luv…'
Below him, Will threw his head back and began repeatedly calling out Jack’s name with every thrust as Jack’s pace quickened, sending unimaginable pleasure coursing through his veins. Then Jack’s hands found his cock, pumping it while still thrusting into him, and Will found that he could no longer hang on. He let Jack’s name tear from his lips once more, digging his nails into the pirate’s back as he came into Jack’s hand.
For Jack, feeling Will’s muscles clench around his throbbing cock and hearing his name shouted like that sent him over the edge as well, all the emotions building inside him coming to a breaking point.
Arching his back, he cried out, “Will! Oh, me Will…I luv ye…” before spilling his seed deep inside the young smith.
They stayed like that for the longest time, not wanting to move, as their breathing returned to normal. Finally, Jack pulled out of Will and rolled off of him to lay on his back, pulling Will to lay on top of him. Will buried his face in Jack’s neck as Jack wrapped his arms around him protectively.
By the time Will felt sure enough of his voice to speak, Jack was already snoring softly, and a lovely weariness was filling his own body as well. He drifted off to sleep with Jack’s last passionate cries still echoing in his ears.
Chapter 8: The Morning After
Warm rays of sunlight drifted lazily through the window to caress the two lovers. Jack opened his eyes and smiled at the sleeping form of the man next to him. Will looked so beautiful and peaceful that Jack couldn’t bear to wake him.
Kissing his forehead gently, he contented himself with trying to memorize every feature of the smith’s face. Pain gripped his heart as he realized that this would be the last time he’d ever see him. He would never be able to return to Port Royal, the Commodore would make sure of that, and he would no longer be able to ask Will to meet him outside of town because Will would no longer feel any obligation to him.
* * *
The first thing Will saw when he opened his eyes was Jack’s smiling face. “Morning, luv,” Jack said softly.
“Good morning.” Will blushed as the events of the previous night came back to him.
“Well, I expect it’s time to get up,” Jack said. “The crew will be returning shortly.”
“Yes,” Will said, pain stabbing his heart. “You’ll want to sail back to the Isla de Muerta. I’ve kept you here long enough.”
Jack heaved himself off the bed and began dressing as he said, “And I’ve kept ye away from the fair Miss Swan long enough. I suppose yer anxious to get back to her.”
“Yes, I am,” Will said, but the words sounded hollow and dead. He realized as he began to get dressed that he didn’t mean a word of it. He’d be perfectly happy to stay here with Jack for the rest of his days.
'Don’t be stupid,' Will scolded himself. 'Jack wouldn’t want me here. Besides, I’ve got a fiancé to worry about. I can’t just abandon her.'
Somehow, the idea of returning to Elizabeth didn’t seem as appealing as it should have. Will still had so many things that he wanted to know about Jack, so many things he wanted to tell him…
“Well, Mr. Turner, I suppose this is goodbye,” Jack said gruffly, leading Will to the door. “I trust ye can row yerself to the mainland without too much trouble?”
“Y-Yes,” Will stammered. He had a sudden, overwhelming urge to say something, anything, but the words just wouldn’t come.
When Will didn’t say anything more, Jack put out a hand and said, “I wish ye and yer girl a happy life.”
Will stared dumbly at Jack’s outstretched hand before some engrained politeness made him automatically take it. 'Is this all I mean to him?' he thought bitterly. 'Just a handshake? After everything we’ve been through together?'
As Jack was beginning to shut the door of his cabin, words tumbled unbidden from Will’s lips. “Jack, what you said last night…a-about being in l-love with me…did you mean it?”
Jack leaned against the doorframe and studied him a moment with those beautiful dark eyes. “Let me put it this way, dear William,” Jack said at last. “I’ve never lied to ye, not even in the bedroom.” That said, Jack quickly shut his bedroom door, not waiting to see Will’s reaction.
Will stared at the closed door, his mind completely frozen. 'He loves me? But then why is he just letting me leave like this? Doesn’t he want me to stay with him?'
He barely remembered the row back to the mainland, his mind was so preoccupied. As he began to drag the lifeboat up on the beach, only one thought was chasing its way through Will’s mind.
'Why didn’t he ask me to stay?'
* * *
Back aboard the Pearl, the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow, the most feared pirate in the Caribbean, leaned against the door to his cabin with silent tears streaming down his cheeks.
Chapter 9: Yer Mine
Will stood on the beach and stared out at the Pearl. He was still in shock from Jack’s last words to him. They brought to the surface every emotion that he’d buried deep inside himself, not even realizing they were there. He became vaguely aware of footsteps behind him, but the pain in his heart was too great for him to care who was approaching.
“William Turner! What are you doing all the way out here?”
Will turned to see Anamaria smiling at him. At the sight of Will’s distressed face, however, her smile vanished.
“Will, what’s wrong?” She led him like a small child to sit underneath a nearby tree. There, words began spilling out of his mouth. He didn’t think, didn’t try to censure the truth. He told her about the bargain with Jack, all that had transpired between them, Jack’s final words to him, his confused emotions, his changed feelings toward Elizabeth…everything.
As he finished, Anamaria slung an arm around his shoulders and said soothingly. “Will, do you think it might be possible that you’re as in love with Jack as he is with you?”
“I-” Will started to deny it, but stopped at the skeptical look Anamaria was giving him. “But I’m supposed to be in love with Elizabeth!”
Anamaria sighed. “Alright, we’ll try a different approach. Have you ever kissed Elizabeth?”
“Yes,” Will admitted. “Twice since returning to Port Royal.”
“And you can’t deny that you and Jack have done your fair share of kissing,” here she gave Will a grin that made him blush to the roots of his hair. “So what was it like?”
“What?” Will asked, confused.
“Tell me what Jack and Elizabeth’s kisses are like.”
“Well…” Will thought for a moment, completely at a loss. “Elizabeth’s kisses are warm and pleasant all the time, but Jack’s…they’re so…intense. It’s almost like they’re different every time. Sometimes they hurt. Not physically, I mean, but right here,” Will put a hand on his chest. “Sometimes they’re wonderful, and other times they…well…-linger,- long after the actual kiss has ended.”
“So what does that tell you?” Anamaria said, looking triumphant.
Will furrowed his brow. He was so upset and confused that he couldn’t seem to think clearly. “Well, I suppose it tells me that I should stay with Elizabeth because her kisses are always nice?” he guessed.
“No!” she groaned. “Will, what do you think love is? Love isn’t supposed to always be ‘nice,’ contrary to popular belief. Love is passionate and gentle and warm, and it’s supposed to hurt like hell sometimes, too.”
She paused, trying to read Will’s face. “I’m sure you do love Elizabeth, but that kind of love is for friends. Tell me…did you enjoy having sex with Jack?”
“Oh, yes,” Will said quickly before he could stop himself. He clapped a hand over his mouth, his face growing hot.
Anamaria chuckled. “And could you ever see yourself doing that with Elizabeth?”
This took Will by surprise, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he had absolutely no desire for Elizabeth in a sexual way. Yes, he thought she was pretty, beautiful even, but not sexy.
“Come on,” Anamaria said, accurately guess what was going on in Will’s mind. “We’d best be getting back to the Pearl before they leave without us.” She pointed to the ship, and Will could see that some of the crew were already on board, restoring the sails to their rightful place.
Will got up to go with her, but hesitated. “Are you sure Jack really wants me to come? Maybe he was just lying when he said he loved me. After all, if he really cared for me then why didn’t he ask me to stay with him?”
She thought for a moment. “You’re looking at this the wrong way. It’s because he didn’t ask you to stay that proves that he loves you.”
“And how did you arrive at that conclusion?”
“Because Jack’s never had any problem saying what he wanted before. When he offered to let you out of the bargain, it wasn’t because he didn’t want to sleep with you; it was because he thought -you- didn’t want to sleep with -him,- and now, there’s probably no doubt in his mind that you want nothing more than to marry Elizabeth. He wasn’t thinking of himself (for once), he was thinking of you. Lad, don’t you see? He let you go because he thought that’s what you wanted.”
Will didn’t say anything. He just smiled and allowed Anamaria to lead him back to the lifeboat.
As they were rowing toward the Pearl, Will asked, “What about Elizabeth?”
“I’m sure she’ll be upset at first when you don’t return, but if she truly loves you then she’ll want you to be happy.”
At Anamaria’s last words, the whole conversation he’d had with Elizabeth when they’d parted came back to him. It finally dawned on him what she had meant when she’d been talking about changing feelings and wanting him to be happy.
“She knew,” he whispered in an awed voice. “She knew, and she was all right with it.” He looked at Anamaria, “How do girls always know these things?”
To his annoyance, she just laughed.
* * *
When they were finally on board the Pearl, they found Jack barking out orders to the crew. He hadn’t even noticed Anamaria and Will arrive.
Suddenly, Will was very nervous. It would be hard enough to tell Jack how he felt if he were alone with him, but to have to do it in front of everyone…
“Go on,” Anamaria prodded.
“I can’t,” Will said, “not with so many people about. What if he rejects me?”
“Go wait for him in his cabin then,” she suggested. “I’ll make sure he turns in early tonight.”
Will shot her a grateful look and darted into Jack’s cabin, thankful that the only crewmember to notice their arrival had been Mr. Cotton. The room was very much the same as when he’d left it, although he hadn’t really had a chance to take in his surroundings the previous night.
He tried to do so now, and the first thing that caught his attention was a piece of parchment, lying on the bedside table, that Will could have sword hadn’t been there the night before. Picking it up, he saw to his utter astonishment that it was the drawing he’d done of Jack. Will had completely forgotten about it since Jack had crumpled it up and shoved it in his pocket. He’d assumed that Jack was merely going to throw it away, but here it was, a bit wrinkled, but still in fairly good condition.
Will smiled affectionately. He could see where Jack had meticulously unfolded it, trying to smooth out the creases while being careful not to smudge the charcoal.
Placing the drawing back where he had found it, he sat down on the bed to wait for Jack…
* * *
Jack slowly crossed the deck of the Pearl, leaving Anamaria at the wheel. The past twenty-four hours had left him completely drained, both physically and emotionally, and he wanted nothing more than to lock himself away from the rest of the world and drink until he couldn’t remember his own name anymore.
He marveled at how the two most extreme emotions (both good and bad) that he’d ever felt in his life, had come so close together, in the span of the same day. Last night had been the best night of his life, and today had definitely been the worst. The pain in his heart was so intense that twice already he’d longed to throw himself overboard so he wouldn’t have to go and face an empty bed.
'Well, at least he’ll be happy,' Jack thought bitterly, trying to find some comfort.
He entered his cabin and closed the door behind him, fumbling in the darkness for the lock. Stumbling over to his table, he lit a candle and turned to make his way over to the bed, nearly jumping out of his skin when he realized that he wasn’t the only one in the room.
“Will?! What are ye doin’ here?”
Will was sitting on the edge of Jack’s bed looking more than a little nervous. He gave Jack a small, shy smile before saying softly, “I wanted to ask you…if you had room for one more member of your crew.”
Jack’s mind was still reeling from the shock, and his heart was fluttering hopefully. Finally, he regained enough composure to ask, “Ye want to join me crew?”
“Yes,” Will said softly, getting up and moving slowly toward his captain.
Jack swallowed hard, praying that this all wasn’t just some elaborate dream. Will was so close to him now that it was making it hard for him to speak.
“What about Elizabeth?” he whispered at last.
Will replied softly, “It wouldn’t be right for me to marry her…not when I’m in love with someone else.” Cupping Jack’s face in his hands, he leaned in for a slow, lingering kiss that took Jack’s breath away entirely.
“Will, are ye sure about this?” Jack asked when he finally felt that he could talk again.
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” Will said, giving Jack a quick affectionate kiss. His smile suddenly turned mischievous as he said, “Well, I suppose I should go find a room below deck, because you know, crew members aren’t allowed in the captain’s cabin.”
“Oh, no ye don’t,” Jack grinned, grabbing Will possessively around the waist. “Yer stayin’ in here with me.” He pulled Will over to the bed and murmured in a tone somewhere between a moan and a growl, “Yer mine.”
“Yours,” Will agreed, turning serious for a moment. “As long as you promise me that you won’t go to whore houses anymore.”
“Ye have me word,” Jack said, meeting Will’s gaze. “Ye’ll be the only one in me life and in me bed.”
That said, they fairly leapt into each other’s arms, kissing passionately. They began tearing at each other’s clothing, both of them understanding that this time was going to be quick. There was too much want, too many pent up emotions between them to take things slowly.
As the last stitch of clothing was removed, Jack reached hastily for the bottle of oil that was still on his bedside table. He poured a generous amount on his cock, spilling some on the floor in his haste.
Setting the bottle aside, Jack spun Will around and pushed him onto his stomach on the bed. Jack leapt on top of him, thrusting his cock deep inside Will’s arse.
“Oh, yes, Jack…” Will moaned as Jack began pounding into him so hard and fast that the bed began to creak.
Jack arched his back and cried out Will’s name, moaning so loud that he was almost screaming. He knew that he was being too loud, knew that the entire crew could probably hear him, but he didn’t care. Nothing mattered except that Will was his and in his bed.
He dug his nails into the matress in an effort to hold on until Will finished. Mercifully, he didn’t have long to wait. Will came beneath him, moaning his name, and Jack followed him into oblivion.
He collapsed on top of Will, breathing heavily as his cock emptied itself inside his lover. Somehow, he managed to find the strength to heave himself off of Will and crawl up to lay his head on the pillows. Will followed suit, falling into Jack’s waiting embrace. They kissed deeply.
“I love you,” Will whispered against Jack’s lips, not wanting to break the kiss.
“I know. I luv ye, too,” Jack said, pulling back enough to lock eyes with Will, smiling affectionately at him.
They stared at one another, saying nothing, but speaking volumes through their gaze, until their eyelids became too heavy to hold open. Wrapped tightly in each other’s arms, they drifted asleep to the gentle rocking of the waves washing against the sides of the Black Pearl.
[THE END]