The Wraith of Jack

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.