Coming Along

Diane: *huggles* Not to worry, no Bootstrap denying Will. Just a few things that have started to take off of their own accord.

Pookie: I'm all for squealing reviews, boosts my ego. ;) Okay, Bootstrap's name; I figure it's from a style of boot from that time he must've worn. There were some boots that had long leather straps that circled part of them and kept the boot on tight, kinda like shoelaces. At least, that's my theory. Norrington was the better match in the movie, politically and financially speaking. I'm glad you like the way I handle the characters, I'm going on my impressions of them and how I think they'd act together in different situations.

Mel: heehee, I update fast because I write fast. I've timed myself, the longest to write a chapter has been two hours, without the breaks I take to look at other stuff. No wig for Bootstrap, they just look funny.

D'Artagnan: Heehee, you have other reviews to thank for that. Here's the next part. :)

***********************************************************************

Anchor had been dropped for the night, Jack finding no rush to return to a port with Will healing well. He was sitting on deck, looking out over the expanse of the ocean with fond eyes and a bottle of rum in his hand. Though he had taken a few drinks from it, Jack seemed to forget he even had it at times, prefering to sit in the near silence, broken once in a while by his own voice.

"We're rascals, scoundrels, villans, and knaves.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho
We're devils and black sheep, really bad eggs
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho..."

He turned when he heard a light chuckle, smiling at Will. "Like the song, love?"

"Honestly can't say I've heard it in it's fullest," Will said as he took a seat next to Jack. They were on one of the larger chests that had been too heavy to carry down to the hold, so it had been tucked aside until they either spent some of the gold and silver in it, or they felt like moving small portions of it at a time. "And you seem to like that one part the best."

"I meant to teach it to the crew, but settled for Cotton's parrot."

Will grinned, "Which explains where that bird learnt it. Annoying little bugger."

"Ah, but if you've heard the bird singing, then it stands on reason that you've 'eard the whole thing."

"I leave as soon as it starts, that parrot has a horrible singing voice. But I've heard that they try to imitate the one that teaches them."

Jack raised an eyebrow, "My dear William, are you saying that you don't like my singing?"

"Of course not, Captain!" Will said, still grinning. "I just think there are better uses for your mouth."

"An invitation?"

"Deffinately."

"Good," Jack didn't wait and pulled Will into a forceful kiss. "But I think I can find a good use for that smart mouth of yours, whelp."

Will placed a hand on Jack's thigh, "I don't think the deck is a good place."

Jack jumped from his perch, grabbing Will to him and pulling the younger man across the deck to the stairwell that would lead to his cabin. As soon as the door was closed, Jack sat on the edge of his bed; Will following.

"Knees. Now," The captain ordered. Will grinned and knelt.

**********

~Port Royal~

Bootstrap opened the door when he heard the knock, curious as to who it could be since his crew was on the Pendulum and it was nearing midnight.

"Miss Swann? What on earth are you doing here so late?"

Elizabeth wasted no time, "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I wanted to hear news of Will. He is a dear friend to me, and I want to know of his welfare. And before you say no, please understand that I was closely involved in the breaking of that curse, and I think I could answer some of your questions on that matter."

Bootstrap raised an eyebrow, a trait Elizabeth had learned over dinner meant that somng ang amused him. "You're offering a trade in information?"

"Well, yes."

"And what makes you think I want the information you have?"

"You must be curious about what happened, you were affected too! Surely you want to know just what we went through?"

Bootstrap sighed, "It's not a pressing matter, but I can see you're not giving up on this, are you?"

Elizabeth shook her head and Bootstrap stepped aside to let her in.

"When I saw him, Will had a wound that was healing well enough. He is...happy where he is, it seemed."

Elizabeth looked slightly relieved, "Thank you."

Bootstrap's brow furrowed, "There's more between you two than mere friendship, isn't there?"

Elizabeth nodded, "After our 'adventure', I had learnt that he felt more than friendship. I was elated, because I had felt the same. Later, I think he felt the sea's calling too strongly. What we had, was really no more than admiration for each other... I only see him as my brother now."

Bootstrap nodded, "Than I'm sorry I could bring no other news for you."

"It's quite alright. I'm glad to know that he is happy. He was never the kind of man that could sit through political discussions or pay very close attention to whatever my father was saying."

"n unn understand that. Well, unless you would rather continue tomorrow, I think you have a story to tell."

Elizabeth smiled, "Yes, of course."

*************

~Black Pearl~

Jack smiled, feeling a strange peace as he watched Will continue to sleep. He caressed the young man's cheek, almost regretting when the dark eyes opened and looked at him sleepily.

"Morning... It is morning, right?"

Jack shrugged, "I think so."

Will smiled and kissed Jack. The captain could taste Will's own taste, as well as a faint lingering of himself on his lover's lips and grinned.

"I really don't want to move, but I think we have to," Will muttered, nuzzling Jack's neck.

"I'll let you wake Gibbs."

Will chuckled, "Deal."

***********************************************************************

Shorter than I meant it to be, but I'm already working on the next part. Who needs sleep anyway? Just a happy little, virtually pointless piece for all you nice reviewers. *huggles*