ManEater

A/N: Hey guys, here's another chapter! Sorry to keep you waiting long! This chapter is longer, since some of you guys say that you prefer that my chapters be a little longer. I hope you enjoy reading the chapter!

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Jack Sparrow
I sat alone in my cabin with my feet plopped on the desk, drinking rum. It had been a little over an hour since we’d set sail. I would have been at the wheel steering the ship, but I had too much on my mind. I put Gibbs in charge instead. It bothered the hell out of me that Will was on my ship. I didn’t mind Lizzie so much…but the mere fact that they were together made me cringe.

“I’ve got to do something about this…” I said aloud to my empty room.

Where the hell am I going to have them sleep? I certainly do not want them rooming together…shacking up like some bloody ol’ married couple. I decided to have them sleep apart. Not because I was jealous or anything but because this is my bloody ship and I will not have anyone shagging on it unless it’s me…and I’ll be damned if Will thinks he could do whatever he wants with her on my ship! I took another swig of rum as I thought more about what to do. Just then, an idea came to mind. I remembered that I made one of the old, large storage closets into a guest cabin just for special visitors. Lizzie could sleep in there. It might be dusty, but there’s a cot and a small dresser in there. Even though that room can accommodate more than one person, I’ll make damn sure Lizzie’s the only one who sleeps there. Will could sleep below deck with the crew. I would have Lizzie sleep there too, but that’s no place for a woman to sleep. I wouldn’t want her distracting me crew, being as though she’s been too much of a tart lately. She could sleep with me…but I don’t want her to. That would be a very bad idea and a horrible mistake… I don’t want her anywhere near me. Bad enough I have to look at her everyday and try to avoid her.

When I took another swig of rum, I noticed that there was none left in the bottle. Frustrated, I slammed the bottle back on the desk, being very careful not to slice my hand again. I got up and made my way over to the door. That’s when another idea came to mind. I smirked and walked out on deck and made my way over to my first mate. I felt the need to call for a very important crew meeting…

Elizabeth

Will and I remained below deck for a few moments after the outrageous request Jack had made to Will. I was absolutely infuriated. Will, on the other hand, seemed more hurt than outraged. I looked over at Will, who was lying in a hammock, with his hands behind his head. He seemed a little calmer than before, but I knew he wasn’t in a good mood.

“Will?” I asked in a soft tone.

“Yes Elizabeth?” He replied, looking at me.

“Are you alright? You’ve been awfully quiet for the past hour. I’m worried about you.”

Will smiled halfheartedly. “Yes I’m alright…I’m just tired.”

I didn’t believe him, for I knew that he was thinking about what had transpired.

“Are you absolutely sure? Because I thought it was very childish and disgusting how Jack could ask you to fix his bed…the nerve of that man!” I replied angrily.

Will got up from the hammock and faced me. He brushed a strand of hair away from my face and smiled.

“Don’t worry Elizabeth. I’m not bothered by what Jack did anymore. I know he did that because he was angry that I’d come onto his ship after he warned me not to. That was just his way of revenge. He knew that asking me to fix his bed would bother me because…” He hesitated for a moment. I knew he was thinking about what Jack and I did so many times on that bed. Will turned his gaze away from me and walked towards the steps. I felt a sharp pain pierce through my heart from guilt and remorse of my infidelity. Will and I exchanged a few silent glances before we heard Jack’s voice thundering above deck.

“All hands on deck!” He shouted.

Will and I looked at each other, debating on whether or not we should go up.

“I guess we’d better go. We don’t want to disobey our dear Captain now would we?” Will replied with a snide smirk.

I nodded my head and smiled as Will and I walked up the steps and onto the deck. We made our way past the crowd of scurrying crewmates. Jack was standing at the mast as everyone made a circle around him. He seemed to be in a happier mood than when I’d last seen him an hour ago.

“Gather ‘round gents, gather ‘round.” Jack said as the crowd moved in closer.

Will and I opted to stay back, for we didn’t want any more run-ins with Jack.

“Now that I have everyone’s attention, I’d like to welcome a few new mates aboard the Pearl.” Jack said in his usual, animated way, waving his hands.

Will and I thought that he was talking about us until he motioned for six unfamiliar men to step forward.

“I guess he’s making it clear that we’re not welcome here.” Will replied as he kept his gaze fixated on Jack.

I looked at Will and then looked at Jack and that’s when it happened again…our eyes met. My body quivered from the icy look Jack gave me. His harsh glare felt like daggers slicing through my flesh. I tried to break his gaze, but I couldn’t. He still had that same damn irresistible hold on me. His face was expressionless. After what seemed like an eternity of staring at each other, he turned his gaze away from me and greeted the newcomers. I looked at Will to see if he’d noticed that Jack and I were having a silent moment with each other, but he didn’t. The six men stepped back into the crowd and Jack began to speak again.

“As you all know, we are headed to the glorious Leeward Isles. I was informed by the eun…I mean, Mr. Turner that there are a group of unclaimed islands two hundred miles south, all for the taking.” Jack looked at Will and then rolled his eyes. He then began to walk in the direction of where Will and I stood, but then stopped in front of one of the new crewmates.

“Since you all are on me ship, I have a few rules that you all must obey…even if you are guests.” He said the latter part with a little spite as he looked at me and Will. I rolled my eyes and turned my glance away from him, for I knew that the rules he was about to dictate to us would be ridiculously outrageous and stupid.

“Rule number one.” Jack began in a loud, commanding tone. “Since this is my ship and I happen to be captain of this ship, all of you will address me as Captain. There are a select few, meaning Mr. Gibbs, who may address me as Jack, savvy?” He said as he purposely looked at us. I rolled my eyes and folded my arms.

“Oh for God’s sake.” Will said under his breath. I could tell that he was becoming irritated with Jack’s foolishness.

“Rule number two.” Jack began again, holding up two fingers. “All of you will each have your own duties on this ship. That means cleaning, rigging, and some of you will be steering me ship. I don’t think all of you know how to steer so only a select few will. Mr. Gibbs will let you know who can or cannot steer me precious Pearl. Before we reach the Leeward Isles, we will stop at a few ports…”

“Will we be able ta pilage ‘n plunda those ports?” Ragetti asked.

A cunning grin swept across Jack’s face. “Aye, mate…but only some of them. We can’t be bad eggs everywhere we go, you know…wouldn’t want the navy following us again. When we are in said ports, we will stock the ship and carry about our business as usual. If the port is worth ransacking, then I’ll give you scallywags the go ahead.”

The crew yelled with excitement. Jack then walked over to Gibbs and began speaking to him privately. I was a little nervous, for I didn’t know what was up Jack’s devious sleeves. After a few moments, Gibbs looked at Will and me and nodded his head. Jack walked over to the rail and watched the horizon while Gibbs began to approach us.

“I wonder what he’s going to tell us now…” I said to Will.

“He’s probably going to tell us something asinine that Jack told him.” Will replied, bitterness dripping from his voice.

At that moment, Gibbs approached us with the same uneasy expression on his face.

“Capn’ says he has some sleepin’ arrangements for ye two.”

Will and I looked at each other, curious. I knew from the uneasy tone Gibbs spoke, that what he was about to say would anger us.

“What kind of sleeping arrangements does Jack have for us?” Will asked as he placed an arm around my waist, drawing me closer to his body.

Gibbs sighed and shook his head. “Jack wants you, boy to sleep below deck with tha crew while Ms. Swann sleeps in the spare guest cabin.”

“Why the hell do I have to sleep with the crew? Can’t I sleep in the guest cabin with Elizabeth?”

“Yes, why can’t he be in the cabin with me?” I asked.

Gibbs sighed. “Because…there be only one cot in there ‘n Capn’ says…”

“The hell with what Jack says!” Will spat. “If I want to stay in the room with my fiancée, then I will!”

Gibbs sighed and shook his head. “Yes, but tha Capn’ prefers ya ta sleep in separate quarters…”

“Did he give you a reason as to why we should sleep separately?” Will interrupted, anger filling his voice.

“No…But I guess tha Capn’ figures that since Ms. Swann’s tha only lass on board, she should ‘ave her own cabin. A fair lass like her should ‘ave her privacy. Maybe that’s why Jack prefers her ta sleep in her own cabin…” Gibbs replied reassuringly.

Will looked at me and then turned his attention back to Gibbs. He was clearly unconvinced by what Gibbs had said. “That doesn’t make any sense. I beg to differ with Jack’s reasons, Mr. Gibbs. I know that Jack has another reason as to why he wants Elizabeth and I to sleep apart.”

“Blessed mother and son…” Gibbs whispered in an irritated sigh, shaking his head. “I’m not here ta argue with ya, lad…I’m just the messenger. If Jack wants ya ta sleep below deck with tha crew, then ye have to. No question ‘bout it.”

Will looked at me with determined eyes and then looked back at Gibbs. “I think there’s a way to settle this problem…”

Gibbs widened his eyes curiously. “How?”

“Why don’t we ask Elizabeth if she’d mind sharing her cabin with me…I’m sure she wouldn’t mind at all.” Will replied with a smile. Gibbs and Will turned their attention to me. I had no problem with Will staying in my cabin. In fact, I’d rather have him close to me, in case something happens.

“Elizabeth…” Will began. “Would you mind sharing your quarters with me? Your fiancé?”

Just as I was about to answer his question, I heard footsteps approach us, and I knew exactly who it was…

Jack Sparrow

I had had enough of Will’s childish bickering. The whole time I stood at the rail, I heard him make a big deal out of nothing. I purposely wanted to anger him. I knew he would have a hissy fit over the sleeping arrangements. I was going to wait for Gibbs to return to me at the rail and avoid getting into an argument with them, but Will’s bold backlash pissed me off to the point where I had to do something about it.

I approached them quietly. I waited for the opportune moment to interfere. I noticed that Lizzie was about to talk, and knew that this was the time to interrupt.

“Is there a problem over here Gibbs?” I asked my first mate, who appeared to be very flustered.

Gibbs turned his attention away from Will and looked at me. He sighed and shook his head. “The boy refuses ta sleep below deck with tha crew. He’d prefer ta sleep in tha spare cabin with Ms. Swann.”

I looked at Gibbs for a moment. I then slowly turned my attention to Will, who was staring at me with defiance. I returned his glare with an even meaner glower.

“Ah…is that so? Mr. Turner does not wish to stay below deck with the crew? Tell me, dear William, why are you so adamant about staying so close to your bonnie lass?”

Will stepped closer to me and smirked. “You tell me your reason first as to why you want Elizabeth and I to sleep apart.”

I nearly laughed in his face…so he really thinks that I am separating them for a reason. “I’m not separating you, dear William…oh I would never want to do such a thing like that.” I replied sarcastically. “I thought maybe she would prefer to have some privacy…”

“Don’t tell me what I’d prefer, Jack.” Lizzie spat.

Her comment took me off guard for a moment, for it was a while since we’d spoken to each other. She was staring at me, trying to make eye contact, but I didn’t want to. I tried desperately not to look at her, but I gave in to temptation and looked into her almond eyes. When our eyes met again, I quickly turned away, for I knew that the longer I looked into them, the more I would fall in love. I ignored her statement and looked at Will.

“Since you are part of me crew, you will sleep below deck with the others. It’s not like you’ll be sleeping on the floor. There are hammocks for you to sleep in and…”

“I don’t give a damn.” Will interrupted in defiance. He stepped closer to me and smirked. “I will stay in the spare cabin with my fiancée.”

I smirked and glared into his eyes. “You will sleep below deck. Don’t think you will receive special treatment just because you’re her bloody fiancé!” I snarled.

Will took one bold step closer to me and smirked. “That’s right…she is my fiancée and I am not going to sleep below deck Jack.”

I was about to say something, but he interrupted me.

“Tell me something Jack. Why are you adamant about Elizabeth and I having different sleeping accommodations?”

I grinned in order to hide my anger. “I already told you. You are part of me crew and…”

“So is Elizabeth…why don’t you tell me the real reason why you’re trying to keep us apart?” He asked, cocking his brow in suspicion.

I knew the real reason why I wanted them apart, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to tell him! “True indeed, she is part of the crew, but she is a woman and it’s only chivalrous that I give her the spare cabin. I don’t think she’d want to sleep below deck with a bunch of smelly, mangy pirates, aye? There is of course, my cabin, but…”

I was interrupted by Will once again. He attempted to hit me, but Elizabeth pulled him back. I smirked at him tauntingly, for I knew I got to him.

“I know the real reason as to why you want us separated. You’re jealous! You can’t stand the fact that Elizabeth and I are together.” He then took a step closer to me. “You really don’t want us sharing the cabin together because you are trying to prevent something…”

I knew what he was hinting at. I maintained my anger and kept my eyes fixated on his. “I could give a shit about you two. I was merely trying to be a hospitable host and give her the spare cabin for privacy purposes…Women need their privacy when they are around a ship full of men.” I paused for a moment, attempting to hold back what I really wanted to say. “Unless…you are also a woman and need your own privacy…”

Will smirked at my joke. “I do need my privacy, but I’d prefer to have it with Elizabeth.” He then stepped closer to me and whispered in my ear. “I’m sure you’ll understand why we’d both need our privacy…just in case we decide to be intimate. We have to do something to preoccupy our time since our journey will be long.” He sneered as he stepped away from me.

I was infuriated, but I tried not to let it show. I noticed Lizzie staring at me, but I didn’t look at her. I kept my eyes fixated on the poor excuse of a man standing before me. I had one nerve to pull out my pistol and shoot him in the heart. Then he’ll know the heartache I felt. He kept smiling at me as if he was provoking me to do something to him. I counted to ten in my head before answering.

“Like I said. You sleep below deck with the crew. Ms. Swann sleeps in the spare quarters. If you keep disobeying my orders, I’ll have you sleep in the brig…both of you.” I replied through gritted teeth.

Elizabeth had a worried expression on her face. She looked at Will and then back at me. I didn’t mean to say that I would throw her in the brig, too. But all of the anger and animosity I had welled up inside of me caused me to mention her name. Will and I stared at each other angrily for a moment. I was growing tired of all of the fighting and at this point, I didn’t give a damn anymore if they shared a room. I quickly turned around and headed towards my cabin. When I opened the door, I heard footsteps walk up behind me.

“Capn…” Gibbs whispered. I didn’t bother to turn around.

“Ya still want Turner ta sleep below deck? Because honestly, Capn’ I don’t see what’s all tha hullabaloo about ‘em stayin’ in tha same quarters.”

I thought about Gibb’s statement. It might have seen absurd to him that I’d want Will and Elizabeth to stay apart. I’m sure it was very evident to both the whelp and Lizzie that there was an underlying reason for keeping them apart…I hope I didn’t show them that I am still in love with Lizzie. I noticed that when Will and I were arguing, Lizzie didn’t protest as much as I thought she would. She would have sided with Will, but she kept quiet…except for what she’d said to me. Intr'esting… I turned around and faced Gibbs. He was still waiting for me to give him an answer. I was going to tell him that I didn’t care where they slept, but when I looked past my first mate and saw Will and Elizabeth engaged in a kiss, I changed my mind. I was heartbroken, sick, and pissed off.

“Bastard…” I replied through gritted teeth.

Gibbs looked at me confusedly. “Capn’?”

I looked at him and attempted not to look back at the atrocious scene that was happening behind him.

“The whelp still sleeps below deck with the crew. Ms. Swann is to have her own quarters…give her everything she needs and make sure she’s comfortable.” I replied in my captain’s voice.

“What if tha boy refuses yer orders, Capn’?”

I smirked and took a quick glance at Will, who was now glaring at me. “Throw him in the brig…if he continues to be a problem…I’ll handle him.” I turned around and opened the door to my cabin and went inside.

I couldn’t help but feel a little triumphant. I knew that what I was doing was wrong, maybe even spiteful, but I had to do it. I removed my coat and walked over to the bed. I picked up a new full bottle of rum that was on the end table and lay down on the bed. It was still lopsided, but I didn’t care too much. I took my first swig from the bottle and closed my eyes. Images of Lizzie and I engaged in passionate love making ran through my mind. When I inhaled, I smelled lilac perfume in the air. I quickly opened my eyes, thinking Lizzie was standing in my room, but she wasn’t. Just as I was about to close my eyes once more, there was a knock at my door.

“Dinnertime! Squwaak squwaak…Dinnertime!” Cotton’s parrot said from the other side.

“Damn bird! You always interrupt me at the wrong time!” I yelled. I got out of bed and made my way to the door. I had an inkling that something was going to happen in the galley…
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A/N: So guys how did you like it? What's going to happen in the galley during dinner? Thanks again for reading and reviewing! As always, I can't wait to see what you guys think!

P.S. A funny thing happened when I posted this chapter on sparrabeth.com. Some ignorant ass anonymous reviewer (you know who you are in case you are reading it on this site!)said in bold letters that this sucks. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but all I have to say to that ignorant ass person is to not read my fic or review my story anymore. Everyone but that one jealous person absolutely loves my story. If you guys review, please don't be an ignorant fool and give a harsh criticism, if you didn't like it, suggest an idea or something. Writing is extremely hard and I work hard to make sure that all my readers love what I am writing. I am ALWAYS open to ideas and suggestions. I want to thank you all for your reviews and for reading this story. You guys mean so much to me! I appreciate the ass who gave me a cowardly review. Obviously he/she has no class and should not review anything until they learn some manners. I will be posting this same statement on that site when I post my next chapter, but anyway...I love you ALL and thanks again! God Bless!