The Teardrop Of Immortality

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean.

Chapter 15

A man reserves his true and deepest love not for the species of woman in whose company he finds himself electrified and enkindled, but for that one in whose company he may feel tenderly drowsy.

~George Jean Nathan

Nerissa was lying on the bunk, rolled onto her stomach. Her eyes were heavy, her breath slow and uneven and her limbs felt as they were weighted down by huge waves that had crushed her to the shore with such force that had left her breathless. Her hands were on either side of her head and her cheek was pressed tightly against Jack’s pillow. Despite the heaviness in her eyelids she could not stop her eyes from remaining wide open. Every muscle in her body was warm and sore and her heart, her heart was beating so fast that she thought it might burst right out of her chest. Her long blonde hair was matted against her barely cooled forehead and she could feel the salt of her own sweat and of him on her mouth as her tongue darted out to wet her parched lips. The covers were brushing her lower back but she felt no cold. She felt feverish and everything around her was spinning. Not even the storm raging outside had manage to break her from her haze.
She blinked and gave a quiet sigh and the person next to her stirred. She felt the bed dip behind her and she heard a soft groan that made her blush. Breath fell on the exposed skin of her shoulder and then there was more movement. Jack’s naked chest brushed up against her side and then there were fingers on her bare back. She shivered and she heard a husky chuckle as the fingers started drawing various designs up and down her back; from her lower back to the base of her neck. Her hair was brushed away from her back and then there were lips on her shoulder. Her eyes widened, still surprised at the intimacy he showed, and when his mouth trailed a path down her spine her fingers clutched the pillow below her head. His lips gently nipped at her hip and then his fingers were stroking her pale skin again. Ringed fingers appeared on the pillow by her head and the ruby ring glimmered wildly as if on fire when Nerissa gazed at it. She swallowed the lump in her throat as Jack moved, spooning his body behind hers. Her body stiffened not in fear but in tension and she wondered how he could be so awake when she was barely even breathing. Had he even slept at all?
But she had no time to think about that because then his hand moved, threading itself through her tangled hair and there were legs between hers and then a hand was snaking around her waist, coiling tightly around her stomach. Lips were on her ear and Jack’s labored breath caused goose bumps to appear on her skin.
“Alright, love?” his voice was hoarse, groggy but the flesh pressing against her was alive and solid and she swallowed hard. She gave a faint nod as a reply and then his mouth was on her hair, pressing a kiss against the back of it as he pulled her up to him, molding her body against his. And as his hips slithered their way between her legs and he was pushing against her, his body familiar and warm, she shuddered for the second time that night and as she closed her eyes thoughts smothered her senses and she was lost in them.

The mattress of the bunk felt as if on fire as he pressed her against it and then he was moving, sliding up on top of her. His lips, hot and persistent against her shocked mouth but as his kiss clouded her brain she found her resolve and confusion withering, leaving her empty except from him. Her hands grasped his shoulders as his fingers curled around her hips. She could taste his breath on her tongue and the flavor of smoke, salt and rum flooded her mouth. Her lips parted and his clever tongue found its way inside her inexperienced mouth, stealing her breath away. And then his hand moved from her hip and pushed the covers away with impatience and then he was climbing on top of her, his legs on either side of her knees and his hands were delving under her shirt, brushing high up towards her stomach and the muscles there contracted and her legs quivered under his weight.
He pulled back from the kiss but did not move away and as he spoke his lips brushed against hers, barely giving her time to think.
“Lesson number one: do not fear me.” He whispered and his beard brushed against her jaw as he spoke, “Lesson number two: you’re half naked. It ain’t fair so…” he pulled back and discarded his vest. Then his hands grabbed at the hem of his wrinkled shirt and he pulled it off, throwing it behind him carelessly.
Nerissa followed his movements with her vivid eyes and when he looked back at her he grinned lopsidedly and leaned down to her. His hands fell on the pillow by her head and then his leg was between her thighs, parting them so he could take his place between them.
And then his lips were on hers and his hands were sliding under her shirt once again, his touch causing her to shudder but then her mouth parted willingly and her hands fell on the mattress to give him room to move, and everything was new and foreign but as his breath mingled with hers her heart coiled in on itself and as his hands brushed her skin with excruciating slowness her breath hitched. His mouth found the edge of her jaw and his impossibly dark eyes watched her as she fought for breath. Her eyes slid open when she felt his stare and then he smiled, his gold teeth glimmering in the dim light of the cabin and then her heart uncoiled and she thought that it’d escape her chest, right from the tattoo that was shimmering silver between them.
Jack’s eye caught it in and his gaze shifted towards it. His mouth found it a moment later and this time it did not burn him like that first time and as the tip of his tongue laved it with patience her eyes widened and a small, foreign noise escaped the back of her throat, surprising her. His gaze snapped up to her face and as he tended to her skin his eyes were shining with amusement and something else. Her hand, which had been idly resting on the bunk, reached up and buried itself in his wild long hair, her fingers encountering the various trinkets braided there and she almost smiled when his eyes closed.
In a sudden, cat-like move he had her hands in his, his fingers around her wrists and then his mouth was on her again. Cool air brushed her tattoo and she shivered as his saliva mixed with the coldness of the cabin created a tricky combination that had her shuddering. His mouth was wet and demanding against her own this time and when his hand unbuttoned her shirt and pushed it aside her whole body convulsed, even her usually idle legs flexed around his hips, the fabric of his breeches scratching the sensitive skin of her inner thighs.
Jack groaned and mumbled something and then his mouth moved away, sliding down to her neck. His lips sucked and nipped at the skin there and when his hands cupped her breasts Nerissa’s eyes squeezed firmly shut. Her back arched and Jack grunted hoarsely when her hips bucked under his. His lips disappeared from her skin and then he was pulling back, resting on his knees as his hands pushed her legs further apart. His tanned fingers curled around her thighs and his gaze slipped away from her face and abdomen. His tongue darted out to brush his lower lip and then his mouth was on her knee, kissing over it and under it and then he was sliding down and his hold on her legs tightened.
“Lesson number three: preparation is compulsory for all things.” He murmured and then his fingers were pressing against her and his mouth was pressing kisses on her belly and hip. He looked up at her as his fingers teased and rubbed and he smirked at her flushed cheeks and panting lips.
“And might I just say…” he whispered as he slid up her body, pressing his chest against hers, “that preparation suits you.” He smirked and then covered her lips with his own. Nerissa’s hands were just shy away from his chest and he grabbed them with his free hand, pressing them against his bronzed skin and groaning while doing so.
“Lesson number four: always get acquainted with new situations before you delve right into them.” He murmured and his eyes shone wickedly as he led one of her hands down his belly. Her hand rested there while he was fumbling with his breeches and then he was guiding her hand inside. A low growl vibrated deep in his chest and Nerissa bit her lip when she felt her hand tingling from the warmth of him.
“Lesson number five;” he leaned down to her as his hands grasped hers and placed them by her head, “scream if you see it fit.” He smirked as he trailed a hand down her side and grasped her knee, “and bite.” He murmured and then he was everywhere; over her, against her, inside her and at that moment she forgot everything. Her capture, her lost quiet but dull life, the goddess that was claiming to be her mother; everything. Everything but him. And despite the pain and momentary fear she calmed down and let him claim her and when his hips ground against her for one last time he moaned both in pleasure and pain and the ring around his finger brightened so much that it lit up the entire cabin and as he held her hand she felt it burning her skin and his.
His mouth was hot and moist as he rested his head against the top of her breast, just above her tattoo and his hands were under her back, holding her to him. His legs were entwined with her own and as Nerissa breathed she could feel his breath mirroring her own. She couldn’t tell where she ended and where he began.
Her eyes remained wide even as her hands cradled his head and her fingers massaged his scalp.
He whined like a kitten and when she giggled he smirked and winked up at her. Then he pouted.
“My finger’s bloody sore!” He exclaimed as if suddenly remembering his burned finger and he pulled his hand from her back to inspect it. He still hadn’t withdrawn from her and her skin prickled with fire at the realization.
“Look.” He waved his finger at her but no matter how much he tried the ring did not slip out of his finger. He gave up and groaned before he placed his head back down upon her chest.
They stayed like that until Nerissa’s eyelids dropped shut.

She gasped right out of her thoughts when he rolled them onto their sides and his hands pressed flat against her belly as he moved behind her at a slow pace. His breath was fanning over her cheek and this time she groaned and jerked in his arms first. He was there to catch her and then everything stilled. His arms were tight around her and his chin rested on her shoulder.
Nerissa tried to control her breathing but when she spoke her every word was trembling.
“How do you feel?” she whispered and she felt his chest and belly vibrating with his laughter.
“Rather excellent, Siren.” He murmured and she frowned.
“I mean about the…bonding. You just willingly agreed to share your life with mine. Your years.” She said as she turned slightly to look at him.
He was grinning, “Love, there are worse things than having to share my remaining years with you.” He replied with a shake of his head.
“And then what?” she asked and before he had the chance to answer there was a knock on the door and then Angelica and Erik were bursting inside.
“What in bloody hell, whelp?” Jack exclaimed as he pulled the sheets up Nerissa’s form, not caring that he himself was exposed to the world.
Angelica stared between the two of them uncomprehendingly until she eyed Nerissa’s flushed cheeks and Jack’s sweaty and very naked skin. Her cheeks reddened and anger flared in her eyes.
“We demand an explanation.” Erik was the first one to speak.
Jack took deep breaths through his nose and he seemed ready to curse them into oblivion while Nerissa clutched at the sheets and even covered her head, causing him to chuckle heartily.
The two siblings looked at him, wondering what was so funny and when they realized what the source of his amusement was, they glared.
Angelica sneered, “Amusing, is she? I am sure she’s as slippery slick as a fish!” she snapped and Jack’s amusement fell right off his face.
He tugged on his breeches as calmly as hell and then stood from the bed barefoot. He had lost his boots somewhere under the bunk.
“I rather like slickness. It smoothes things out perfectly, wouldn’t you agree? You on the other hand are always as dry and bitter as the dessert. Poses a problem for a gent although I don’t think many have been willing to venture any…deeper than your poisonous mouth.” He smirked when her face clouded over with fury.
“You-…”
“Ange, we’re not here to judge his taste!” Erik whined like a babe missing his mother’s breast while feeding and Jack rolled his eyes.
“Then why are you here other to pollute the air and disturb my otherwise charming ears?” He grinned.
“What you said before!” Erik snapped with flushed cheeks, “About getting rid of us.”
“Oh that.” Jack clapped his hands and the ring sparked in the air around him.
Angelica’s gaze was drawn to that and she narrowed her eyes.
“A slip of the tongue. I was just pulling your legs, whelp-…”
“It’s Erik!”
Jack raised his hands up in surrender, “Aye, aye. Apologies.”
“What did she want?” Angelica asked as she approached him and glared up at him.
Jack’s fingers twitched as he held them up and then he smirked, “Nothing. We just had a nice little chat…Some tea as well. Although not as sweet as I want it.” He grinned and shot a quick glance over his shoulder where Nerissa was looking at them.
“Liar.” Angelica hissed, “I know you. You looked mad, ruffled. What did she say?” she persisted and Jack groaned.
“Did she say anything about the tear?” Erik asked with wide eyes, “Will she help us get it? Does she even know about us?”
“Will she die or what?” Angelica asked while pushing her brother back the moment he started approaching Jack.
“And what was that about you marrying her? How’s that even possible-…”
“Shut it! Shut up! Both of you!” Jack barked as he snapped his hands through the air, the ring sprouting flames as he moved his hand.
“Why is that ring-…”
“Belay that! Now!” he yelled with wild eyes and Angelica shut her mouth while Erik looked as if someone had painted his face with a messy red brush.
“Get out both of you.” He waved his hand at the door.
“Something smells funny, Jack, and it’s not just your combined sweat.” Angelica hissed as she eyed him with distain, “Is it true that you married her?” she asked and Jack licked his lips before he took a deep breath.
“Aye.”
“How’s that even possible?” Erik exclaimed as he sputtered. His wild eyes went to Nerissa who glared at him.
“Oi, no ogling the family jewels.” Jack warned as he reached over and pulled Erik’s tattered hat over his eyes, causing him to glare at him venomously.
“How did…” Angelica trailed off and then her eyes flew to Jack’s hand. She grabbed his wrist and eyed the red ring with wide eyes, realization darkening her face.
“What did you do?” she asked and Jack cocked an eyebrow.
“Come again?”
“You gave her life, didn’t you? Through this.” She made to touch the ring but she screamed and an invisible force threw her away from Jack. She fell on Erik who stumbled but caught her.
“What the hell?” Erik growled and Nerissa was sitting up by then, her own blue eyes wide.
Jack frowned and looked at the burning ring in his finger with interest, “That’s…interesting. Very interesting.” Then he smirked, “And practical.” He added.
“What have you done, Jack?” Angelica asked thickly, “What did she say she’ll give in return?” her eyes went to Nerissa, “And did Calypso give you that? For what? What is she to the mermaid?”
“Nothing.” He shrugged, “You know how I am with the ladies. A little charm and they fell right in front of my feet.” He grinned.
“She knows about the tear, doesn’t she?” Angelica asked as she pushed away from her brother.
“Who?” Jack smirked, “Nerissa? She does not.”
“The goddess.” Angelica spat through gritted teeth.
“You’re delusional.” He announced.
“You said that she’s Atargatis. I remember it.” Erik stepped forward.
“So? She didn’t say a thing about the tear. But good news. The treasure is there!” Jack smiled widely, “Now out.” He dropped the smile and glared at them, “And if you ever barge into my cabin like that again I’ll be sure to throw you overboard to keep company to the fishes.” He drawled darkly.
“One day your lies will smother you, Jack. Remember that. Enjoy her while you can because if she doesn’t prove useful I’ll kill her myself.” Angelica murmured before she turned and walked out of the cabin. Erik eyed Nerissa with an odd look before he turned and slammed the cabin door shut behind him.
Nerissa swallowed thickly and Jack stared at the door with a smirk, “Over my dead body. Literally.” He muttered with wide eyes as he turned and looked at Nerissa.
As they gazed at each other, Jack’s ring sparked and then it went a placid red that glowed warmly.
The ring was satisfied. For now.

End of chapter 15