(no subject)

[outlinedprompts]

Title: The Wraith of Jack
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Jack/Will, Jack/Norrington, Groves, OCs
Warnings: langauge, m/m, violence, rape
Parts 21-24



Part Twenty-One: “To Love You More”

****
A muffled cough alerted Will that Jack was awake. A few more racked the pirate’s frame before he could breathe well again. The captain could hear Jack approaching the main room, causing him to get to his feet. He smiled caringly despite the fact of being stunned by the man’s appearance. The thick hair was disheveled; his eyes were swollen and red as if he had spent time weeping and had not slept at all. A blanket was draped about his shoulders, and before long, Will’s gaze landed on his hands. They each had cloth wrapped around them, blood visible against the white color.

Will was about to speak, but Jack beat him to it.

“You still here?” he inquired huskily. “Could’ve sworn I told ya to leave.”

He trudged to the kitchen with Will close behind.

“Amelia not here yet?” he asked as he poured himself a glass of water from the pitcher on the counter.
“She’s already been by. I told her she could have the day off.”
Jack slammed the container down and turned to look at him. “You did what?” His posture conveyed his agitation.
“We need to talk alone.”
“What makes ye think you can just come here and take over? I have no right to; how are you any different?”
“Jack,” the young man said sternly. “We need to talk.”
The pirate shrugged. “About what? If you’re expectin’ me to come apart and melt into your arms for solace, you’re sorely mistaken, William Turner.”

He brushed past Will and went to the sofa. He plopped down lazily, sprawling himself out on the furniture.

“So what was that yesterday?” Will questioned and hovered over him. “You had no reservations about holding on to me. Why has that changed? Why were you so thrilled, yet now you’re intent on getting me out the door?”
Jack concealed his countenance with his hands. His voice was obscured when he spoke. “Why are you doin’ this to me, William? Drop it, all right? Please. For me.”
“Is that what you want?”
There was a minute of silence until Jack answered. “Yes.”
“And do you want me to leave? If you tell me again that you don’t want me here, I will walk out that door and never bother you again. Is that what you really want?”

Jack sighed and rubbed his face tiredly before letting his hands fall to his sides. “I have no idea of what I want, Will. Odd, isn’t it? I used to know exactly what I wanted - what to obtain, where to sail, what future I envisioned. I was Captain Jack Sparrow; I knew everything. But now, there’s not a single thing I’m sure of. I thought you were somethin’ I knew, but it’s not possible. And quite frankly, I don’t deserve you, love,” he ended with a small laugh.

He sat up as Will knelt in front of him. The captain entwined his fingers with the four on Jack’s right hand.

“Don’t you ever say that again,” Will said gently, yet with utter seriousness. “You don’t deserve to be walking on one leg. You don’t deserve to be without the most important part of your hands; the beautiful hands that had so much life in them, such strength. You don’t deserve to feel scared when someone touches you because of the violations they did to you. But what you do deserve, Jack….You deserve to be happy. You deserve me. And I wish you could know that I am here for you; I will always be here for you, and I will protect you. Never question the things I tell you, the feelings I have. You may be debilitated, but you make me weak in turn just by looking at me.”

As Will spoke, tears trickled from Jack’s eyes. When the young man finished, Jack could not verbalize anything that he wished to say.

“Jack,” Will prodded softly.

The pirate shook from the way his name was spoken, and he fell to the floor to cling to the captain. Will petted his hair and rocked him gently as he sobbed uncontrollably.

“Shhh….Shhh….I have you. I won’t let go,” Will whispered soothingly. “I won’t let go. Let it out. I’ve got you.”
“Will,” Jack choked. “I don’t know what to do.” His words came at a rapid pace from the uneven breaths. “There’s nothing I can offer James for his hospitality other than myself. I know he’s upset because I won’t allow him many times. Even though I was afraid and still recovering, I couldn’t deny him any longer. If he’s willing to sacrifice his home to me, why shouldn’t I be able to do the same and sacrifice myself?

Ever since they defiled me that day….I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. I can barely think about anythin’ other than what they did. It lasted so long, Will. They wouldn’t stop. And I did nothing! I just let them have their fun. They didn’t even clean their vile spill from me. I can still feel it trickling down my leg, in my mouth, on my face.”

He stopped in an attempt to take control of his breathing, but it proved useless. When he began to speak again, Will was shocked to hear even more sorrow in his voice.

“They fucked me in the place where we first met, Will. I always looked back on that fond memory of crossing blades with you for the first time with happiness, but now it’ll just hold the detesting memory of them forcing themselves onto me. I can’t tell James. I can’t bring myself to burden him with it. It’s mortifying and not somethin’ I’m proud of. I didn’t even bother calling for help; no one came to rescue me when they did it in that hell hole. Why would someone come then?

I’m tryin’ to be content here, Will. I am trying so hard. But I can’t. The sea calls to me every time I step outside, and it’s difficult to ignore. I used to scan the horizon to see if you were comin’, but there was never anything. I don’t know why James still consents to sheltering me here. I can barely show gratitude. The only way I know how to express it is by lyin’ on me back under him. When he returns in a week or so, I won’t refuse him if he wants to bugger me senseless. Whenever he’d like it. He deserves to have somethin’ in return….”

The tears were smeared on his cheeks as he wiped them on his hand. He inhaled deeply and released it, quaking immensely.

“And then I think….I think of how easy it would be to just get rid of all of it. No pain. No humiliation. No debts to pay. He keeps a pistol in the cabinet next to the bed. There’s a stream not far from here that would be deep enough to submerge myself entirely. Why don’t I do it? I’m a fucking coward William. Besides, I may as well be dead now. I’m immune to joy. I’m no better off than Barbossa was with that curse.”

Will helplessly wept from listening to Jack’s confessions. He did not have a clue as to what to say. Jack slumped against his chest and clawed at his back. The pirate’s cries slowly grew quiet from the physical and emotional drain of the expression. The captain cradled him like a child and held his head to him. It had been a long time since he had seen Jack in such a vulnerable, depressed state.

Jack became intensely exhausted from his grief, and he went to sleep in Will’s arms. Will kept his word; he refused to let him go.

****
A shaky exhale of breath came from Jack before he opened his eyes. He was still wrapped securely in Will’s embrace with his back resting against him; he was extremely thankful for not being alone.

“What did you do to your hands?” Will inquired, concerned. The knuckles were what had produced the blood to appear on the bandages.
Jack let the young man take one of them in his and inspect it. “I punched the wall,” he said nonchalantly.
Will could not refrain from laughing.
“My pain is funny to you?” Jack asked with a grin and feigned offense.
“Of course not.”

Will raised the injured body part to his lips and kissed each knuckle individually. Jack sighed pleasantly. The captain proceeded to do the same with the other and then slid his hands down Jack’s arms to envelope him from behind. He kissed the pirate’s ear and made a trail to the slightly exposed shoulder blade.

“I’m sorry for tellin’ you all that,” Jack uttered. “I didn’t mean to come undone.”
“There’s no need to apologize. I’m glad you told me. I want you to feel as if you can share anything with me.”
“I do now.”

Jack tilted his head to the side for Will to pay more attention to the soft skin of his throat. The young male nibbled and licked, causing Jack to emit a tiny sound of enjoyment. Will rubbed his palms against Jack’s chest and smiled from the delicious noise he instigated. The pirate put his own on Will’s and applied more pressure to create greater friction.

“Ohhnn….” he whimpered and began to tremble. “Take me, Will. I need to feel you inside me.”
The captain ceased his ministrations and stared at him timidly. “Are you sure you’re ready for me to?”
Jack nodded stiffly. “Yes,” he gasped. “It’s been too long since I felt you.”
“As it has been for me.”

Jack whipped around and straddled Will’s waist. He was pressed against the sofa as the young man seized his lips with his own. He grunted and scratched at the toned back as Will’s hand groped his flaccid member through his breeches. There was a tug on Will’s shirt, prompting him to remove it. They broke away and Will lifted his arms for Jack to rid him of it. The pirate threw it aside and greedily attacked Will’s mouth once more. Will copulated the inside of Jack’s with his tongue, exploring and tasting. The older man grinded his hips against his lover’s, making Will aware of the ever growing need Jack had.

They parted once again, and Will relieved Jack of his shirt. His fingers flew through the task of unbuttoning the man’s breeches. Jack extended his arms above him and arched upward. He yelped in surprise when Will pulled on his leg to make him lie on the floor. A devious grin graced the captain’s face, and Jack smiled debauchedly in return.

The last article of clothing was discarded; Jack abruptly felt embarrassed as he lay entirely naked in every sense of the word before Will. A burst of flutters overwhelmed him, making him close his eyes from disgrace.

“I can’t do this, Will,” he whispered breathlessly. “I can’t.”
Will put his hand to Jack’s flushed visage and voiced encouragingly, “Let me do this for you, Jack. Just like before, do you remember? It’s all right to give in. I will not hurt you. Just let me re-teach you once again.”

Jack could not bring himself to dissatisfy; he nodded and opened his eyes halfway. He observed Will shedding his garb, but the man did not move onto his body as he had expected. Instead, Will settled beside him and said into his ear, “Close your eyes and relax.”

The pirate obeyed hesitantly. He gasped as fingertips caressed his shoulder and ghosted over his chest. They went to his thigh, across his waist, and danced along his side. There was a brief moment of no contact as Will moved over Jack. His palms kneaded the pirate’s torso, and he soon came upon a spot of pleasure.

Jack whimpered gloriously as Will fondled his nipples. His toes curled and his breath hitched in his throat. Thumbs circled each one, hardening them until they protruded noticeably from his chest. Will bent down and let his tongue replace his fingers on the left one, while his hand still toyed with the other. Jack gasped and arched upward into the touch. Smooth lips soon encompassed it and sucked on the tender nipple diligently. His tongue occasionally swirled about it, eliciting numerous sounds of ecstasy from Jack.

“Oh, Will,” he panted desperately. “Don’t stop.” A teasing bite was the response. “Ahh….Don’t stop.”

Will left a wet trail behind as he forged a path downward with his tongue. The skin flinched from the contact. He stopped when he licked Jack’s hardened member from base to tip.

“Roll over,” he said shakily.

Jack did not waste any time in complying. Will re-settled himself and began to massage the pirate’s back. Jack groaned, and he was pleased to have all of the tenseness and stress fade away to nothingness. The captain traced several of the scars from the whip with his nimble digits before placing kisses onto them.

Once Jack was loosened up to Will’s liking, the pirate felt a hot exhale of breath on his neck.

“Are you ready for me?” the former blacksmith questioned with lust in his voice.
“God, yes,” Jack whispered wantonly. “Take me. Fuck me, William.”

His mind and body were wholly caught within the inferno of rapture that he did not notice Will getting up to fetch a bottle of lubricant from his coat. When he returned, the captain slicked his fingers and grasped Jack’s hip.

“Don’t be afraid to let me know if you want to stop,” Will said gently.
Jack nodded his head.

Will inserted his index finger into Jack’s body. Jack moaned boisterously and grabbed a fistful of the blankets. White flashes were in front of his eyes as he was submerged in depraved enjoyment. Another digit was added to stroke and caress the sore, delicate muscles; they leisurely inched their way farther into Jack’s warmth, making Jack squirm with eagerness. He was ready and hungry to have Will penetrate him.

The young man detected this and removed his fingers slowly. He applied the lubricant to his erection, got to his knees, and hoisted Jack’s hips.

A loud whine came from Jack’s opened mouth as Will began to enter him at an achingly, unhurried pace. His breath was labored; continuous whimpers were emitted from him. Tears stung at his eyes as he was suddenly thrown into the blacksmith’s shop with the three men.

“Stop! Please, stop, Will!” he begged pitifully. “Please stop.”

Will stilled himself and gazed at Jack’s frightened expression. He could feel the man shaking incessantly beneath him.

“All right. All right. There’s no need to be afraid, Jack. It’s me. It’s not them. I will not hurt you. I promise.”

Jack covered his face with his hands as he cried. Will remained immobile, waiting to see if the pirate would recover from the relapse to continue. After several minutes, he started to pull out of Jack, but a tremulous hand rested atop his and Jack shook his head.

“Don’t,” he said weakly. “Don’t stop. I have to do this. Otherwise, I fear I will never be able to do this again.”
“Are you certain?”
“I need it, Will. Please.”

His face became tense, and he hissed as Will commenced easing into him fully. Will gave a gentle thrust, causing Jack to practically wail. Another made the pirate moan beautifully.

“More,” he gasped. “I’m all yours, darlin’.”

He surrendered entirely. Will smiled and pulled back. He powerfully drove himself into Jack, creating breathy noises from the man beneath him. He went slowly at first, each time prolonging the action of pushing in and out of the pirate. His strong hands held onto Jack, though one soon deviated and cupped Jack’s arousal to stroke it.

“Uhhnn….” Jack sighed heavily. “Will. Harder.”

Will was content to oblige him. He sped his pace, and as the thrusts grew more forceful, Jack voiced his bliss louder. The captain pounded vigorously into his thin frame, dominating him to declare him his own.

Jack blindly searched for something to grab, and he soon found a pillow on the sofa. He dragged his fingers down it as if wanting to rip it apart. His lungs were on fire as he breathed quickly. His entire being was consumed by flames.

Will began to groan and he threw his head back. The combination of having his firm member groped and the passion with which Will moved inside him finally brought the pirate to climax. He spilt himself onto the captain’s hand that returned to hold the side of his hip.

It was not long before Will shuddered and halted his propulsions. He ejaculated into Jack’s body with a quivering moan.

Neither of them could move. Their slender frames were shining from sweat. Will snaked his arms about Jack’s torso and rested his head on the man’s back. Their trembling breaths were all that could be heard.

Jack’s arms gave out, and he collapsed to the floor with a grunt. Will was about to move off of him, yet he was stopped by Jack’s voice.

“Stay with me like this. Don’t leave me.”
Will rubbed his face against the perspiring back and kissed it softly. “I won’t.”
“I love you, Will.”
The young man kissed him a few more times before answering, “As I love you.”

He sighed and turned to lie on his side, taking Jack with him. The pirate moved to face him and tucked his head under Will’s chin. They cuddled as close to each other as they could, cherishing the moment of sharing such wild intimacy and tenderness.

There was simply nothing that needed to be said as they held one another on the disarrayed bedding, quaking from their release in one another’s reassuring arms.

Part Twenty-Two: “Tied Down”

****
Will woke in the morning from feeling Jack shaking against him. The pirate was overcome with a number of harsh coughs, though he was still asleep. Will was about to wake him, but a rapping on the door drew his attention.

“Shit,” he muttered and hurriedly threw on his clothes. He cautiously peered out the window to ascertain who it was. “Shit.”

He could not leave it unanswered; perhaps it was concerning a serious matter. A deep breath and he straightened his posture before opening the door.

“Mr. Turner?” Lieutenant Groves expressed, surprised.
“Good morning, sir.”
“I was expecting Mr. Norrington.”
“He’s away on business. He asked me to take care of the house while he is gone.”

A few coughs sounded from inside the room, causing Groves to look in.

“Is someone with you?”
Will opened his mouth, pleading for some excuse to come out. He chuckled and shifted to where Groves could not discern Jack on the floor. “It’s just the….dog,” he fumbled. “He has a….cold.”
Groves cocked his head curiously. “I didn’t know James had a pet.”
Will shrugged. “I didn’t either.”
“I’ll just hand this over to you then.” He removed an envelope from inside his coat and gave it to Will.
“What’s this?”
“James sent a request to the governor to write a pardon for Jack Sparrow if he happened to return to Port Royal. Quite frankly, I don’t understand why, but then again, he’s changed a lot since he resigned.”
Will turned the item over to study it and frowned. “Does this mean Jack would be free to walk around and not have to worry about being arrested?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll be sure to pass this right along to him.”
“Thank you. Good day, Will.”

Will nodded and shut the door once Groves had stepped off the porch. He went to Jack’s side and shook his shoulder. The pirate was suffering from a number of sharp coughs, and he was wheezing faintly.

“Jack. Wake up. Wake up.”

Jack opened his eyes and curled up on his side. The captain squeezed his arm gently as he released more from his lungs. He recovered from the exertion, panting for breath.

“Are you all right?” Will questioned softly with worry.
Jack nodded. “Yes,” he replied weakly. “I don’t know what it is.”
“I wouldn’t think it’d be something to fret over.”
“Christ, no. It’s not that bad. Besides, happens every once in awhile to everyone, right?”
“I suppose. Listen, I have good news for you.”
“What be it?”
“I hold here in my hand a pardon for a Mr. Jack Sparrow.”
Jack snatched the envelope and tore into it. His eyes darted over the words as he read it quickly. “I don’t believe this,” he uttered. “Why?”
“I don’t know. I guess James didn’t want you to have to disguise yourself.”
Jack tossed it aside and laughed. “It’s not like I’ll be goin’ back into town anytime soon, if at all.”

Will knew what the pirate was alluding to, and he nodded understandingly.

“If you want,” he said comfortingly, “I could go with you. That’s if you ever did feel up to it.”
“Thanks, love. But I just don’t see it happenin’. What would people think if they saw a respectable man such as yourself escorting a handicapped pirate like me?”
“Since when did you care about others’ opinion of you?”
Jack scowled at him, but said nothing.

Will lie beside him and Jack snuggled against him. He stroked the pirate’s hair and kissed the top of his head.

“What did you want to do today?” he questioned.
“Hmm….I could show you around this place. It is quite a beautiful area.”
“That sounds nice.”
“But who knows if I’ll be able to walk, ay?”
Will laughed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You were invigoratin’ last night, and no doubt leaving me very sore,” he exaggerated, though he did feel the consequences from their intimacy.
“Did you enjoy it?”
“You know I did.”
“Then what are you complaining for?”
“You’re such a bastard, Will. Another trait from your father, I assume.”

Will grinned and kissed him delicately. He had a feeling that it would be some time before they went on their adventure.

****
The gentle rush of the stream was refreshing. There was a small breeze, making it a cool day.

“This is so delicious, Will,” Jack stated delightedly. He held up his bottle of rum and Will clanked his against it.
“How long has it been?”
Jack swallowed a large gulp and licked his lips. “Too long. You enjoyin’ your own little stash aboard the Pearl?”
“Once in a while. Certainly not to the extent that you did.”

Jack smiled and leaned against him. Will placed his arm about his shoulders and sighed. They relaxed in silence for a period before the pirate finally spoke.

“I’d be lyin’ if I said I wanted you to go back to her,” he voiced distantly.
“I don’t have to. If you wish for me to stay, I will.”
“We both know that can’t happen. And I gave her to you to keep the name alive.”
“But Jack-”
“Please, Will, just….Forget I mentioned it. Return to her. For me?”

The captain put his lips to Jack’s for a sensual kiss. “I’d do anything for you,” he whispered when they parted.

****
A low moan was muffled as Will let his tongue move into Jack’s mouth. Their eyes were closed as the relished the exciting sensations of one another. Jack grasped at the bare, muscled back, while Will inched his hand from the pirate’s cheek to the side of his chest. The younger man was absolutely pleased with himself for happening upon a spot that Jack could not avoid voicing his feeling of ecstasy. It was entirely stimulating to have Jack tremble against him as he fondled the man’s nipple with his thumb. It was also thrilling to have the pirate wholly give himself to Will; the captain could only hope that he provided Jack with as much pleasure as he experienced.

He eased Jack to lie on his back, never once separating from the man’s lips. The blanket they had brought out was incredibly soft against Jack’s hot skin. It created more tingles to shiver up and down his spine. He slid his palms along Will’s dorsal side and up to his neck. Will emitted a groan and let his fingers clasp around the pirate’s arousal. His hair was yanked roughly in response.

Jack bent his leg and wrapped it about Will’s back. Will accepted the invite and prepared to lay claim on Jack’s tanned frame. He broke away from their kiss, allowing both of them to pant for air.

In the moonlight, as Will penetrated the willing body under him slowly, Jack had never been more smitten with his lover. The glow provided him with an ethereal appearance. It gave him a sense of purity, causing Jack to giggle from the thought; Will was far from pure these days.

The younger man began to thrust into him, making him cry out in a quivering voice. As one of the captain’s hands caressed his torso, Jack knew no one had the ability to make him quake and make him as exhilarated as Will did.

Will was able to touch him in ways he thought to be impossible. The young man made him feel alive; he made him feel as if all of the tortures he went through were nothing but a dream.

Will made him feel desirable again.

****
“Never done this before.”
Will ceased placing kisses onto Jack’s arm and looked at his face. “Done what?”
“That….outside. Under a tree. It was unbelievable.”
Will laughed. “I’m very happy I could help make it be that way.”

A moment of stillness passed as they listened to the soothing nature sounds about them. Jack shifted a little in Will’s arms in order to gaze behind him to see the captain’s visage and to view the sky.

“It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?” he said faintly.
“It is. I haven’t seen it this clear in a long time.”
“One could just get lost in it. Like a sea itself; so vast and breathtaking.”
“And so many stars. They’re quite bright tonight.”
Jack paused before saying cheerfully, “Let’s make a wish, eh?”
“What?”
“Let’s pick one of them and make a wish. Then, when you go off sailin’ and I’m here, we’ll still have somethin’ between us. I can know you’re lookin’ at it, and you can be assured I am too.”
“That’s oddly romantic of you.”
“Oh, shut up and pick one.”

They searched in silence for a period before Will pointed to one glowing awfully brilliant.

“How about that star?”
“Perfect. Close your eyes.”

Will smiled from doing something childish, especially at the order of Jack Sparrow, and did as he was told. Jack shut his and breathed in deeply. They allotted one another ample time to think of one and cast it before opening their eyes once again.

“What did you wish for?” Jack questioned with a grin.
Will playfully shoved him. “I can’t tell you! That’s the whole point, isn’t it? Otherwise, it won’t come true.”
“Come on, Will. I promise you it won’t change a thing,” he prodded giddily.
“All right. I wished that you will never know such pain again and that you will always know happiness.”
Jack massaged Will’s hand in his own and held it to his chest. “Thank you, love.”
“What was yours?”
“I wished that you will experience and have the freedom I had and never be tied down.” Jack paused before admitting, “Now that I think about it, I was tied down.”
“How? You were the most liberated, untamable person I ever knew.”
“I had my freedom. I had any woman or man I wanted to lay with; get in and out in the least amount of time possible, no questions asked. I never settled for just one person when there were so many left to meet and bed,” he said with a laugh. “And I had the Pearl. That was all I needed. But she was my freedom. She was what allowed me to go anywhere and everywhere. I was tied to her. Perhaps that’s why I say never be tied down. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do, Will. Leave her knowing I would never come aboard her again. She no longer could be mine. If you don’t settle, you can’t know that rip in your heart. Yet I’m doin’ it again to meself.”
Will stroked Jack’s hair and gazed at him with sympathy. “How are you doing it again?”
“I’ve found and accepted that I’m tied to you.”

Will pulled on the pirate’s shoulder gently to stare into his brown eyes directly. Jack’s expression was sullen and conveyed defeat.

“I won’t cause you to feel hurt,” Will said helplessly.
“You don’t mean to, but when you leave, I’ll feel it.”

Jack embraced Will as the captain rested his head against his chest and put strong arms around him.

“I’m sorry to tell you then that the last part of your wish did not come true,” the young man said with a smile.
“How so?” Jack tilted his head and frowned.
“I’m already tied to you.”

Jack closed his eyes and sighed heavily. He combed his fingers through Will’s hair, while Will licked and kissed his smooth skin.

In his mind, Jack tried desperately to cut the invisible rope that Will had around him.

It proved futile, and he could not bring himself to feel disappointment.

Part Twenty-Three: “Chosen Confrontation”

****
Will opened his eyes wearily, the haziness of sleep wearing off slowly. It was still intensely dark, but he could see and feel Jack twitching next to him. He thought whatever the pirate was dreaming was frightening him, yet upon listening closely, his opinion changed.

Very quiet sounds were coming from Jack and they were laced with rapture. His hand roamed downward past his waist, and Will grinned mischievously.

Jack quaked as a whimper came from his parted lips. The young man leaned closer to hear.

“Will,” was the barely audible name that was voiced.

The captain put his hand on Jack’s and pressed on it to rub the pirate’s arousal. A quick intake of breath was the response. He continued his ministrations, causing Jack to utter his name once more.

The pirate’s face grew tense, and in short time, he spilt himself on their hands. Will withdrew his palm and studied Jack’s countenance. It was how he noticed the unexpected shift in expression. Jack frowned and appeared somewhat afraid. What were noises of elation became pained whines. He jerked sporadically and instead of Will’s name on his tongue, it was the words, “Please don’t.”

When the older man started to cry, Will shook his arm.

“Jack. Wake up. It’s a dream. Wake up.”

The eyes shot open and he inhaled as if he had been drowning. He struggled to get out of Will’s embrace, but the captain held him securely.

“It’s me, Jack,” he stated comfortingly. “It was a nightmare. Only a dream. It’s me.”

Jack settled and stared at him with intense trepidation. Will caressed his cheek and wiped the tears with his thumbs.

“It’s me. Will Turner. They’re not here.”
Jack scrutinized the visage before whispering, “William.”

He covered his face shamefully as he wept. Will crawled over him to envelope him from the front. He kissed Jack’s forehead, nose, and mouth tenderly before cradling the man’s head to his chest. Gently, he rocked the pirate and quietly murmured reassuring words.

Before Jack fell asleep, he wrapped his arm about Will and hugged him dearly.

****
It was morning when Jack woke again. He sighed and looked behind him, smiling upon seeing the young man staring at him.

“Good mornin’, love,” the pirate said warmly.
“Good morning. Did you sleep well the rest of the night?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“I’m glad.”
“Will, let’s go into town today,” he said abruptly.
Will quirked his head questionably. “What?”
“Well, now that I’m pardoned, why leave it to waste?”
“Are you sure you’re up to it?”
“As long as you’re there, right? Nothing bad can happen.”
“And I’ll guarantee that.”
“Good to know.”

He kissed Will passionately for a long moment before pulling away.

“Do you think anyone saw us out here?”
Will shrugged. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Smart boy,” Jack said with a wink. “Now, let’s put some clothes on, ay? Surely don’t want to go walkin’ around like this.”

****
The overwhelming dread did not wane in the slightest as the people came into view. Will was right at his side as he hopped along with his crutches. There was nothing to hide his hair, nothing to conceal his identity.

“You’ll be fine,” Will spoke encouragingly.

Once they were on the populated streets, Jack’s anxiety flourished.

He could feel their stares boring into him from every which way. His eyes darted restlessly about him, seeing mouths move as hushed comments were made. Some pointed to Will, wondering why the dignified former blacksmith was treading along with the infamous, corrupted rogue. Some pointed to the vacant spot where Jack’s right leg used to be; many laughed in fun, others declared it was what he deserved, and a few showed their condolences.

“Don’t pay them any attention, Jack,” Will muttered to him.

Jack swallowed, attempting to hold his head high and collect a scrap of pride. They traveled along the main street leisurely. Will browsed the various vendors as they went along; Jack could not stop glancing side to side at the many spectators.

“Maybe this was a bad idea,” he said, depressed.
“Nonsense. Ignore them. You’re doing great.”

“Nice look for you, Wobbly Jack!” someone shouted wittily.
There was laughter that followed before another yelled, “Who’s lucky enough to have the famous leg as a trophy?”

Will gazed at Jack’s face. The man’s expression revealed his humiliation and embarrassment.

“From what I heard, he’s still a good lay even with one leg!”

Jack closed his eyes for a moment and his lip quivered.

“If you’re into sodomy, that is! Those three said he couldn’t get enough!”
“He’ll burn in Hell!”
“It’s a sin!”
“Against the law!”

Will clasped Jack’s shoulder and whispered, “I’ll be right back.”
“No,” Jack said miserably. “Please, just let it go, Will.”

The captain started walking away, not heeding the pirate’s words. He strode to the hecklers, seething underneath his calm appearance.

“What amuses you so much that you have to ridicule him?” he inquired sternly.
The man was larger than Will, and he straightened his posture in order for Will to be aware of it. “What business is it of yours?”
“It is a lot of my business. Lay off of him.”
“What are you? His protector?”
“Perhaps, so why don’t you and your unintelligent friends keep the slanderous comments to yourselves?”
The burly antagonist cracked his knuckles. “What are ya going to do to stop me?”
“Let it go, Nelson,” someone voiced from behind him.

Will said nothing more and turned to tread away. Jack had surveyed the encounter from a distance, inwardly cursing Will and himself. His eyes suddenly dilated in fear.

“Will!” he shouted alarmingly.

The captain ducked, dodging Nelson’s fist. He whipped about and struck the man forcefully; his clenched hand collided with the side of Nelson’s face. Others quickly saw it as entertainment and joined the brawl, absentmindedly hitting anyone they could. It was as if Port Royal had transformed into a typical scene in Tortuga.

Jack crossed to the chaotic situation hurriedly. He sought out Will’s foe. Once he located him, he moved in the direction until he was close enough. With an energetic jump, he landed on Nelson’s back, arms around the man’s neck. Will stared at him in shock as Jack covered Nelson’s eyes with a palm. Nelson thrashed about to fling him off, though Jack did not budge.

Will became distracted by two men who made to strike him, while Jack continued to harass Nelson. The bulky male gripped the pirate’s right wrist with an unbelievable amount of strength and tore it away from his face. Jack cried out in pain as Nelson twisted it, breaking the bones. He was soon slammed up against the hard building wall near them, causing his leg to slip off from being wrapped around the man’s waist. Nelson grabbed him and threw him to the ground. His breath hitched in his throat, and his vision was a tad blurred. A violent kick to his side made him curl up; his mouth opened in a silent scream. An anguished sound came from him as Nelson hoisted him up by his freshly shattered wrist.

The punch knocked his head to the side and to the ground, making his lip begin to bleed. He was held down and squirmed beneath Nelson’s weight. Another blow made his face throb. He awaited another, but someone caught the hand before it could strike. He rapidly crawled backward and blinked to see who had come to his aid. When he could finally ascertain the person, he whimpered in terror; the horror froze him in place.

Bradley put the tip of his sword beneath Nelson’s chin and said something Jack could not hear. Suddenly, someone clasped Jack’s shoulder, causing him to jerk away instantly.

“Jack, it’s me,” Will breathed. “Give me your hand.”

The pirate did so and Will pulled him up. The captain ushered him out of the fray and to his crutches. Bradley appeared in front of the crowd; he kept his blade extended toward them as Jack situated his walking aides. He swallowed a wail, refusing to alert Will to his injury; it would only make Will carry him, and he did not wish for anymore mortification.

He endured the excruciating pain as he strode beside Will. Bradley followed a legitimate distance behind them as they ventured to a less populated street.

“Will,” Jack said breathlessly. He was wheezing slightly. “Rest. Here.”

The younger man did not have a chance to object even if he wanted to, for Jack had already collapsed to the ground and rested against the building. His sweat disguised his tears as he held his wrist safely to his chest.

“Is he all right?”

Jack’s heart skipped a beat before his limbs received the signal. He frenziedly started to scramble away.

“He’s fine,” Will replied to Bradley.
“Good….good.”
“Don’t think that this changes anything; I appreciated the help, but that does not change a thing.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Will watched for a moment as Bradley strolled away before he turned to stare at Jack. The pirate had not gotten far; he was gasping for air and slouched near the wall.

“You lied to me!” he yelled angrily between heavy breaths.
Will made to touch him, but Jack slapped the hand away.
“You lied! They’re not dead! What are you, working for them now?!”
“Jack-”
“I can’t go through it again, Will! I can’t!” he sobbed.
“Jack, listen to me.” Will cupped the man’s countenance in his hands. “They are dead. You will never have to go through that torture again.”
“Then what was that?! Who was that?!”
“The person you thought it was. The only reason I did not kill him was because I made a deal. He delivered those men to me in exchange to keep his life.”

Jack shut his eyes and bowed his head. The captain embraced him lovingly, not giving a damn as to what the passer-bys thought. Jack did not seem to care either; he melted against the young man and hugged him tightly.

The decision was made by Will; they would return to the house once Jack composed himself and would not re-visit the town anytime soon.

****
Jack groaned as Will held the piece of wood that went from under his wrist to his elbow securely against his limb. The captain wrapped a bandage around his arm gently and was finished in several minutes.

“There,” he said quietly. “Does it feel any better?”
“I know a way it could,” Jack replied with a smile.

Will lifted the pirate’s hand and kissed the protected wrist affectionately.

“Much more better,” Jack stated contently.

Will took the cloth from the bowl of water on the floor next to the sofa and wrung it out. He was about to touch it to Jack’s battered visage, but the older man stopped him.

“I’ll do you first, darlin’,” Jack said and plucked the wet rag from the captain’s fingers.

He dabbed at a cut above Will’s left eyebrow, eliciting a hiss from the young man. He proceeded to another wound and applied a little pressure.

“I wish ya wouldn’t have confronted them,” Jack confessed softly. “But I appreciate it nonetheless.”
“They had no right to get away with the things they said.”
“Mm, well, I do have to admit - participatin’ in a fight of my choosin’ was a bit enjoyable despite the injuries.”
Will grinned. “Thank you for coming to help me.”
“It was the least I could do.”
“I can’t deny that it was arousing to see you attack him like that.”
Jack chuckled. “Why, thank you, love.”

Will leaned forward and Jack met his lips for a quick kiss.

“You’re done,” the pirate said after they pulled away.

He tossed the cloth to Will and waited to be tended to. It was refreshing to feel the cool water against his face. A brief moment passed before the captain dropped the fabric into the bowl.

“There you go. All done.”
“Thank you, love. Come here.”

He situated himself to face forward and patted his leg. Will lied down and rested his head on Jack’s thigh. Jack put his palm to the young man’s forehead and let it fall back to stroke Will’s hair. He continued his caresses and gazed at his lover’s face.

“When do you have to go?” he questioned mildly.
Will sighed. “Day after tomorrow.” He saw the sadness well in the amber orbs staring at him. “You can come with me.”
Jack smiled and shook his head. “We both know I can’t.”
“Come with me, Jack. Please.”
“Don’t make this harder on me, William. That chapter of my life is closed….It’s bad enough I’ll have to say goodbye to you again.”
“So you’d rather begin an unhappy chapter here?”
“Don’t start that either. I am happy.” His tone was unconvincing. “Or at least I’m sure I can become happy.”
“Do you love James?”
There was a pause before Jack answered confidently, “Yes. I do.”
“So that’s the real reason you sleep with him, then,” Will said defensively.
Jack easily detected the jealousy. “No, it’s not. And I don’t love him the way you may think, mate.”
“How is there a difference?”
“I’ve given my heart to you, Will. I can’t love him like I do you. He’s just a….good friend, alright? He doesn’t give me the same feeling I get when I lay with you or when I’m around you. It doesn’t even compare.”

Will sat up and straddled Jack’s waist. He slipped his hands beneath the pirate’s shirt as he whispered hotly into his ear, “And nothing can compare with the feelings I get when I’m with you.”

He kissed along the man’s jaw line and finally reached his lips. Jack’s hands went to the back of Will’s head and his shoulder.

For a long while, they were oblivious to anything about them as they explored all they could about one another’s mouths.

Part Twenty-Four: “Until I Return”

****
Will exhaled a breath and opened his eyes. There was no one lying at his side; Jack was sitting up, vacantly staring at the dwindling fire.

“What are you doing?” the young man asked tiredly.
“Couldn’t sleep,” was the distant response.
Will rubbed his face before he sat up. “What’s on your mind?” He laid his hand on the pirate’s bare shoulder.
“Just thinkin’….about when ya leave. About what I’ll do when James returns. Go back to the same routine? Alone in the day and a lover at night? I don’t want to say goodbye, Will,” he added in a whisper.
Will gathered the dreadlocks and draped them over Jack’s shoulder. “We don’t have to.”
“What do ya mean?”
“We just won’t say it. Maybe then it won’t feel as if I’m leaving you for such a long time.”

Jack merely nodded. The captain rubbed his back soothingly and allowed a brief period of silence.

“Come on,” he at last said. “Let’s get some sleep.”

He lay down and after a moment, Jack did the same. The pirate put his arm about Will as the young man nestled against him and placed a hand onto his chest.

Jack gazed at the ceiling for most of the night before he was able to finally join Will in the peaceful abyss of sleep.

****
It was a lazy day, spent playing cards and reading passages from books only to make fun of them. A good portion of their time, however, was spent indulging in the pleasures of one another’s body. Each needed to quench a thirst before it would vanish the next morning.

Neither slept well that night. Whenever one of them woke, the other was still holding him closely.

The first signs of sunlight were despised. It signified the inevitable parting.

“Tell the crew,” Jack began as they stood on the porch. “Tell them….Just make up somethin’. You know me.”
Will chuckled. “I’ll be sure to do so.”
“I knew I made the right decision with you.”
The captain nodded. “Jack….Are you sure you’re all right here? I can’t bear your unhappiness.”
“I’ll be fine. Promise. Don’t worry yourself over it. Wouldn’t be good for your men at all - having a captain with his head on land instead of at sea.”
“When is James to return?”
Jack shrugged. “I’ve lost track of the days. Maybe another week?”

Will fiddled with the strand of beads in Jack’s hair and stared at them sullenly. Jack sighed disappointedly.

“I wish I had somethin’ to give to you in exchange for them,” he stated softly.
“Don’t be absurd. You already gave me something for them.”
Jack squinted before raising an eyebrow curiously.
“You,” Will said as if the pirate should have already known.
Jack rolled his eyes. “Oh please, darlin’. That’s not somethin’ out of the ordinary. You can have me anytime ya like.”

He pulled Will to him and kissed him passionately. Everything was told in that single action. Love. Want. Need. Yearning for their next meeting.

Jack refused to release him until he absolutely needed a decent breath of air. He tucked a lock of hair behind Will’s ear and grinned devotedly.

“This is it, then,” he voiced quietly.
“No goodbyes.”
“What do we say, then?”
“Until I return.”
Jack nodded. “Until you return.”

Will took Jack’s hand in his and stepped off the porch. Very slowly, he backed away, letting his fingertips slip from Jack’s as he did so. When there was no more contact, he turned and began his trek to the harbor. Jack watched him dejectedly until the captain could no longer be seen.

“In case you don’t return,” he whispered shakily, “Goodbye, William.”

****
The door opened and Jack did not bother to determine who it was. He rested on the sofa, gazing absently at the ceiling. Amelia strode to stand beside him. She looked down at him, noticing the immense melancholy shadowing his features.

“He left, I take it?” she asked kindly.
Jack nodded. “Couldn’t expect him to be here for long.”
“Can I get ya anythin’?”
“No thanks, darlin’.”
“Just holler if ya think of somethin’.”
“I will,” he said with a tiny smile.

As she walked to the kitchen, he started to cough hoarsely. It overwhelmed him, causing him to sit up and gasp for breath in between them. Amelia raced to the furniture and took a seat beside him. She patted and rubbed his back until he was finally able to get it under control.

“There, there,” she voiced gently. “Are ye sick?”
“No,” he croaked. “I’m fine. Just a tickle, that’s all.”
“I’ll make you some tea. It’ll soothe your throat.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Nonsense, Jack. It’ll do you good.”
“Bring it to the bedroom, then. I’m goin’ to lie down for a bit.”
“You sure you’re all right?”
“A little light-headed, but it’s nothin’ to worry about. It’ll go away.”
“Alright. Get goin’ then and I’ll bring it to ya in a lil’ while.”

He stood and swayed slightly, though quickly caught his balance. Within seconds, everything about him became hazy and indistinct. He was not sure how far he had gone before he heard Amelia shout his name in alarm.

All went black.

****
A small noise came from him and progressed to a tired groan. He turned his head slowly from side to side, realizing that the cool cloth did not cease caressing his forehead. His eyelids fluttered open, revealing a cloudy world. The distorted image made him produce a disgruntled sound and close his eyes again.

“Jack, darlin’, wake up. Jack.”

He could not quite comprehend the words, yet the voice was motherly and he could not help but comply. He gazed wearily at his caretaker and in time, Amelia came into focus.

“There you are,” she said as she wiped the perspiration from his cheeks and neck.

His mouth opened to speak, but he could only make feeble moans.

“Shhh….shhh….Just rest.”
“What-” He cleared his throat and tried once more. “What happened?” he whispered weakly.
“You just….passed out. Right over there.”
He turned the sentence over in his head a few times. “Passed out,” he repeated almost inaudibly.
“How about I read to you while you relax, eh?”
“That sounds nice.”

It was not easy to follow the story as she recited it aloud, but it eased his fretting thoughts for the next hour.

****
Jack’s demeanor did not improve as the days progressed. Though Amelia offered to play him games of vignt-un, he declined politely and remained on the sofa for the duration of the afternoon. He picked at whatever food Amelia prepared for him, hardly eating more than a few bites.

The nights were worse. Loneliness prevented him from sleeping; he would lie on the bed and rub his hand over the spot where James would sleep. Will or James - it did not matter at the moment to him. Either one would alleviate the anxiety that befell him and could provide him with a sense of protection. He had begun to accept that he could not stop the flashbacks and nightmares, though he knew they would not be so terrifying if he were not alone.

Amelia tended to the kitchen and cleaned; she had checked on Jack when she arrived that morning, but he was not in one of his more responsive moods.

The front door opened and she peered around the corner to see James entering. He shed his coat and grinned at her.

“Hello, Amelia,” he spoke warmly.
“It’s good to see you again, sir. The trip go well?”
“Very. Though I must admit, I was ready to return.” He glanced around, not finding the person he was searching for. “How was he while I was gone?”
“He was all right. He found things to entertain himself with.”
James nodded approvingly. “Good. I’m glad to hear it. Thank you for keeping him company.”
“T’was my pleasure.”
“Look, um, why don’t you take the rest of the day off?”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

He treaded down the hallway as she exited the house. Carefully, he opened the door to the bedroom in case Jack was asleep. When he stepped in, the occupant sat up and inched to the edge of the bed. The pirate’s beautiful eyes were fraught with numerous emotions; James could not place what he was feeling.

“Hi, Jack,” he said gently.
“Hi, Jamie,” the older man answered after a slight pause.

Jack stood as James came toward him. Nervousness and excitement made his pulse race once the young man was in front of him.

“How are you?”
Jack mentally demanded for James to put strong hands on his waist, but it did not happen. “Fine,” he said a minute later.
“I hope you weren’t too lonely.”
“I managed.”

James’ eye caught sight of the beads present in the pirate’s mane. He frowned and lifted his hand to touch them.

“When did you get these?” he inquired.
“While you were gone.”
“Did you get them from someone?”
Jack hurriedly made a decision on whether to tell the truth or not. He stated confidently, “Will.”
James let the strand fall from his grasp and he stared at the pirate critically. “From who?”
Jack detected the envy and possessiveness in his tone. “From Will.”
“He came here,” James stated bluntly.
“To visit me, yes.”
“Did you….sleep with him?”
Jack was growing agitated. “That’s a private matter, don’t ya think?”
“I have a right to know what goes on in my home while I’m away,” he retorted sharply.
“Fine, if you’ll play it that way, I did. Should I tell you how many times as well?”

James hated the image of Jack submitting himself to Will; he could even here the rapturous noises Jack made while entangled with the captain.

He shook his head and voiced strictly, “This isn’t a place where you can just do anything you want, Jack.”
“You wanted me to turn him away?”
“Yes! Instead, you turned it into a….temporary brothel,” he muttered, though Jack heard it.
“So now you’re comparin’ me to a whore. That’s quite delightful, James. Very flattering. Bravo.”
“Well, it seems to fit, doesn’t it?” he snapped curtly. “You’ve strung me and him along as any good prostitute would do with a client.”
Jack’s eyes were alight with fire. “Then what are you waitin’ for? Shouldn’t you be restrainin’ me on the bed, stripping me bare, and defilin’ me senseless?”
“Haven’t you already been fucked senseless enough considering how you were passed along in the blacksmith’s shop?”
Jack’s face drained of color, but he clung to his anger in order to hide the damage from the serious blow.
“And then you let Will come and do the same thing.”
“Will is nothin’ like them, mate,” he growled vehemently. “And I’d rather lie on me back like a fucking whore under Will than you any day.”

James slapped him with intense power. The imprint of his hand remained on Jack’s reddened cheek. Jack refused to show how awful it stung, and he bit his lip to drown any sound of pain. Leisurely, he lifted his head to stare at James as if spewing poison. The young man’s eyes were filled with rage, though something was soon added to the mixture. Jack suddenly became plagued by it as well.

He grabbed James’ visage and slammed his lips against the man’s. James placed his hands on the pirate’s slim waist and lifted him. He walked to the nearest wall and shoved Jack against it, making the older man emit a small whimper. It was hushed as he dominated Jack’s mouth again. Jack fumbled with the buttons on James’ breeches; he was quickly aided in the endeavor as the former Commodore’s fingers took over and proceeded to the pirate’s.

James grasped Jack’s throat and moved his lips to suck on his neck. He sunk his teeth into the tender flesh, making Jack wail masochistically. A tongue replaced the sharp incisors to lick from the base of his neck to his chin. Jack panted for breath and was rapidly becoming fully aroused from the man’s actions. Frenziedly, he took hold of James’ shirt and pulled it off of him. His followed not long after.

James grinded his hips against the pirate’s, feeling the obvious result of his ministrations. Jack was on fire. He tugged on James’ hair as the thrill washed over him.

“Fuck me,” he demanded breathlessly. “Now.”

James obeyed instantly. He threw Jack to the floor, creating a whine from the pirate, and was immediately hovering over him. He ripped off both of their breeches and tossed them aside.

“Oil,” James uttered eagerly.

He crawled away to the cabinet by the bed to fetch the bottle. Frantically, he scampered to Jack, who was writhing about in sheer ecstasy and anticipation. The lubricant was applied sloppily, and Jack hoisted his leg to rest on James’ shoulder.

Jack cried out wildly as James penetrated him. The young man did not wait before he started thrusting madly into the hot body. Fingertips clawed at his back. Jack’s hisses filled his ears. He closed his eyes and let his other senses guide him to completion.

Coarse hands cupped his face, scaled his torso, anywhere they could reach. Jack moaned as the propulsions pushed him a few inches along the floor. The wood scratched his dorsal side, but he did not notice.

“More,” he pleaded exhaustedly. “Uhhnnn….hhnn….More.”

James used every bit of strength he had to pound into the lean frame brutally. Jack’s vocals were tremulous and growing louder as he neared his peak.

In minutes, James slowed and climaxed within Jack. The pirate arched his back significantly, and he whimpered as he ejaculated onto James’ stomach and partially his own.

In seconds, James collapsed on top of the exploited body, making Jack grunt from the sudden weight. The sweat and result of their fornication made their bodies stick together somewhat. The pirate wrapped his arms about James and stroked his wet hair. They trembled against one another as they attempted to regain their breath and a decent thought.

“I’m sorry, Jack,” the young man finally said tiredly. “For what I said earlier. I don’t own you; you’re free to do what you wish.”
Jack kissed the top of James’ head and rested his chin on it. “It’s all right, love.”
“I missed you, Jack.”
“I missed you too, darlin’.”

Both were utterly drained of energy. They stayed on the floor, unmoving, and took joy in being so tightly compressed together.