ManEater

A/N: Hello guys! I'm back again with another chapter! I am so sorry for the extremely long wait. I had this chapter written, but then I changed EVERYTHING around! I'm so tired of our characters fighting and I miss the J/Eness very much. Since I aim to please ALL of my readers, I decided that something unexpected needs to happen...All I can say that the J/E shippers will be happy! So read and enjoy! Pay attention to Jack and Lizzie's interactions with each other!


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Elizabeth

As I sat at the table, I felt extremely uncomfortable. The tension amongst the three of us was so thick; a sword couldn’t cut through it. I couldn’t bear it anymore. I was sure that Will was going to knock Jack right on his arse for his snide remark. The nerve of that man! I should have said something back, but that would have made this whole situation worse than it already is. I thanked God that Pintel interrupted their little quarrel before it escalated into something more.

During the time Jack told his illustrious tale about the time he met the famous Queen of France, I tried my best not to pay attention, for I was not interested in hearing about any of his alleged trysts with women. Will, along with the other crewmates at the table were listening to his story. Will made a few snide comments to Jack, but Jack managed to ignore him, which took me by great surprise. I gently squeezed Will’s thigh, letting him know that he needed to stop making his comments before something happened. Thank God he listened to me. A few moments later, my mind began drifting off…thinking about the time before this entangled love triangle began. I wished this were all a bad dream, but it’s not. At that very moment, exhaustion began to overtake my body. I found it difficult to keep my eyes open. I decided to focus my attention on something else in order to stay awake…and that’s when my eyes inadvertently became fixated on Jack.

I desperately tried to stop staring at him, but I couldn’t help it. I became spellbound with the way he squinted his eyes and moved his body dramatically as he told the story. Those unique qualities triggered my memory as to why I’d fallen madly in love with him. I must admit, I do miss him greatly. I miss our inimitable connection. I enjoyed the conversations we would have and the teasing he would do to me. But most of all, I miss his kiss. I wish in my heart that I could have those times back. But I can’t. Even though he’d said some very harsh words to me a couple of days ago, I found it hard to still be angry with him. I have forgiven him…but has he forgiven me? Only God knew.

When our eyes met earlier, I noticed the purple bruise around his left eye and the scratch across his right cheek. I was horrified about what I’d done to him. I felt terrible about scratching his handsome face. I’d never meant to hurt him emotionally as well as physically. He never took his eyes off of me during our brief encounter. Normally when we’d look at each other, there would be a glint of mischief in his eyes. He would playfully wink at me and in response; I would blush and try to hide my smile. This time was entirely different. His eyes now showed sorrow, contempt, and heartbreak…and I was the cause of it. I can’t stand to see him this way. It breaks my heart. But what’s done is done and if there is a way to change all of this, I would. The only way I can think of to settle this matter and keep peace amongst the three of us is to reconcile with Jack. But I’m not so certain if he or Will would comply with that…

As I persisted to stare at Jack, everyone at the table seemed to disappear. It felt like it was only Jack and I in the room. I could only hear his jovial, slurred voice, which started to hypnotize me. I watched him as he casually took a swig of rum and continued talking. He'd caught me off guard when he suddenly looked in my direction. The moment our eyes met, my heart stopped beating. I noticed that he had a welcoming glint of mischief in his eyes. I didn’t turn away from him this time, for I wanted him to catch me watching him. He took another swig of rum while he studied me. His eyes seemed to bore into my very soul, and I had no qualms about allowing myself to be vulnerable to him again. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest. When he placed the rum bottle back on the table, I noticed his lips curl into a charming, concealed grin. I felt my face blush and my skin became warm. My frown slowly turned into a bashful smile. I wondered what he could have been thinking and what was the meaning behind his sudden smile. My thoughts were abruptly interrupted when I felt a hand lightly touch my thigh.

“Elizabeth…Elizabeth?” Will’s voice said.

Startled, I quickly shook out of my daydream and looked at him. He had a smile on his face, but his eyes showed concern.

“Is everything alright? You were staring off at something.”

Oh no, I hope he didn’t realize that I was staring at Jack!

“Yes, everything is alright…I’m just tired.” I replied nervously.

I took a quick glance at Jack and noticed that he was talking and laughing again with the other men. Had my silent exchange with him been my imagination all along? I hoped not. Will looked at me for a moment, examining my demeanor. He looked in Jack’s direction, and then back at me. I tried not to make it obvious to him that I’d been staring at Jack. Will smiled and began to rub his hand along my back.

“You’re very tense Elizabeth. Why don’t you rest in your cabin? I’ll go with you.”

“No…that won’t be necessary.” I replied quickly.

Will was slightly taken aback by my quick retort. “You don’t want me to go with you to your cabin?”

“No. I’ll be fine. Besides, if you come with me, you’ll be missing out on all of the fun you seem to be having here.”

Will smiled and then leaned in closer to my ear and whispered. “I thought that it would be nice if I’d accompany you to your cabin. I was wondering if we could be alone for a while. I’m sure that we both would enjoy our time even more if we were alone.” He said with a cunning grin.

I found his words to be sweet and endearing, but I knew exactly what he’d meant. I had no interest in any type of intimacy at the moment and I wanted to be alone to think about this whole situation…But I won’t dare tell him that. I smiled and placed my hands reassuringly on top of his hand.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m much too tired. I’m afraid that I won’t be good company while I’m this way.”

Will smiled and nodded with slight dissatisfaction written all over his face. “Alright, I’ll let you get your rest. We can continue this next time.”

“I promise you that we will continue this tomorrow and I guarantee you that I will not be tired.” I replied flirtatiously. Will blushed and gently kissed my hand. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I must be off to bed.” I replied as I stood. Will also stood with me.

“I’ll walk you to the door.” He replied sweetly.

“Hey Turnah!” Marty yelled. “Are ya leavin’ us?”

“No I’m not leaving. I’m just walking Elizabeth to the door.” Will replied with a smile.

“Aww Ms. Swann’s leavin’ us, aye? Perhaps our mouths were too filthy fer her ta take?” Ragetti asked.

“No it was more of ya dirty, stinkin’ faces she couldn’t stand!” Pintel laughed.

I laughed and shook my head. “No. I’m leaving because I’m tired. I’ve had a very long, exhausting day.”

As I bid the men good night, I was about to turn around and follow Will to the door. But something stopped me. I noticed Jack boldly staring at me. He dared me to break his gaze. He seemed to be disappointed that I was leaving. After we stared at each other for a few more brief moments, he took me by surprise. He tipped his hat and his beautiful lips curled into a sweet smile. My heart nearly stopped. I blushed slightly and quickly turned away, for I didn’t want Will to notice our secret flirtations. I quickly walked over to the door with Will. Before I stepped out, I gave will a hug. I attempted to leave, but Will suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me close to his body.

“Keep the bed warm for me.” He whispered seductively into my ear. I smiled and kissed his lips.

“I will.” I replied as I walked away to my cabin.

Once I was inside my quarters, I immediately closed the door. A whirlwind of thoughts and emotions began to overwhelm me. I couldn’t stop thinking about Jack. I didn’t think that we would be acknowledging each other so soon. It’s the first day of our journey and just earlier today, we were fighting. What is going on? Could it be that Jack and I have reestablished our tainted connection? Whatever is happening, I knew that I couldn’t control it. I thought that I would still be angry with him during this entire journey, but somehow, I wasn’t anymore. I had to sit down on my bed, for I felt dizzy from the thoughts that were running through my confused mind. I tried to rationalize what was or was not happening between Jack and I. Maybe he was just being courteous? But there was something about his enchanting smile that made my heart melt. I knew there had to be a specific meaning behind it. I knew in my heart that I couldn’t ignore what was happening between us at the table.

I wonder if I should attempt to talk to him. Perhaps that will make everything between us better. But then I thought about Will. How would he feel about my reconciliation with Jack? Perhaps I could mend both Will and my friendship with Jack? I’m not so sure if Will would be comfortable with that.

For the next half hour, I attempted to relax as I lay in my bed. I found it very complicated to rest, for I was no longer tired. Something inside my heart was urging me to talk to Jack. I had to do something to keep the peace between us and prevent any more fights from erupting. I got out of bed and paced around the room, debating on what I should do. I decided to go out on deck to get some fresh air and clear my mind. When I opened the door, I noticed Jack standing alone at the rail with his back turned to me.

I was overtly nervous at this point, for I knew that this was the opportune moment to speak with him. What if he doesn’t want to talk to me? What if he doesn’t want to reconcile? There is only one way to find out. I took two deep breaths as I mustered up the courage to walk over to Jack. The warm sea breeze blew his spicy scent towards me, causing my heart to beat even faster. As I stood behind him, I admired his statuesque glow in the moonlight. I took another deep breath and finally spoke.

“Jack…I must speak with you about something…”


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A/N: Do I sense a J/E reconciliation in the works? Do you think Jack will want to reconcile with Elizabeth? Sorry this chapter is short, but the other part is already written. I have to control myself sometimes when I write because I tend to put too much into the story and people get lost! Sorry if I did that! Please remember that I will not rush into anything. It takes time for people to kiss and make up, but not to worry, I won't take long in the J/Eness. This is just the beginning...or is it? (I'll give you guys a hint..it's coming up soon but time will elapse in the story) Thank you for reading and reviewing! Take care! P.S. If you guys have any more ideas on how they can reconcile, or have any more ideas, let me know!