The Wraith of Jack

Part Twelve: “River of Emotion”

****
With deep melancholy, Jack stared out the window from inside the bedroom. He clutched a piece of parchment between his middle and index fingers. It had proved difficult to write without the use of his thumb, yet he pushed himself to finish despite his frustration. In the end, as he sat alone in the quiet, he was uncertain whether he would follow through with giving it away. Indeed, he had poured a great portion of his unspoken feelings onto the page; he found himself slightly unwilling to let the person have it.

A heavy sigh escaped him and he looked down to his hands. Over and over the folded parchment turned within his grasp. Dare he present it in person? Leave it on the table to be discovered? Burn it and forget?

He held it up and gripped the top to rip it, but he stopped before a tear was made.

Gently, it was once again laid in his lap.

****
As silently as he was able, Will stepped into the room and strode to the chair near the glass panes. Jack was sleeping peacefully with his head tilted back. The young man smiled mildly and brushed his hand against the pirate’s forehead. It was not long before he noticed the parchment Jack clutched. Carefully, he removed it from Jack’s fingers and studied it. His name was written on the outside, prompting him to open it. He glanced to the slumbering being as if waiting for approval and unfolded it.

The penmanship was in minor disarray, reflecting the shakiness of the writer’s hand.

My dear William Turner,

I cannot express the immense gratitude I have for you accepting the Pearl. She has been my love for years, never done me wrong, and I only hope that she can bring you the same sense of joy, tranquility, and above all else, freedom as she has done for me. I know you are afraid of taking on such a task, but I promise you, it is quite the reward once you get a handle on it, savvy? I have no doubt that you will be capable of commanding her; the passion is in your eyes, just as it was in your father’s. He would be proud of you, just as I am.

It hurts me like no other wound I have known to leave her, but it is eased a little by knowing you are here taking care of her.

I will not lie that I am frightened to go with James. He is a good man, and the only fear I have is that he will end up caring for me for years to come. I do not wish such a life for him. Is it selfish for me to ask you to visit?

Will, I owe you my life and so much more. As the days went by and still do now, I have grown fond of you in a way that I have rarely experienced or cared to admit to. Know that I say this with the utmost sincerity and affection: I love you, William. Surprising, is it not? But you have stayed to nurse me as best as you could; you have seen the instances when I was violated, degraded, and utterly repulsive in appearance, yet you never left. I have always known you to be an honest, trustworthy, loyal man and you have truly become a dear friend of mine.

I love you, Will.

Jack

It was certainly not the typical side he was used to seeing of Jack; it brought about the seriousness that the pirate tended not to show.

Will had not even felt the tear droplets trickling down his cheeks until one landed on the parchment. Nodding in acknowledgment and grinning happily, he folded the page and set it on the table. His arms slipped about the pirate’s thin frame and picked him up gingerly. Jack remained asleep as he was carried to the bed to rest on. Will bent down and kissed him softly.

“I love you, Jack Sparrow….Captain.”

He squeezed Jack’s hand delicately before turning to leave. On his way out, he picked up the letter and held it to his heart.

****
The silence had lasted longer than James wished, but he did not press Jack to speak. He merely held him close and massaged his arm soothingly.

Jack stared blankly ahead as his mind whirled. With each passing second, they were getting nearer to Port Royal and the Pearl was officially slipping from his grasp.

“Jack,” James said softly, “It’s for the best.”
“Fading into uselessness,” he whispered in return. “You don’t have to take me, Jamie.”
“Stop thinking that way. You are not a burden, nor will you be getting in the way. Absolutely not.”
“I know I have to leave the sea behind…..I don’t know if I’m ready, love.”
“It will be difficult, but you will be fine. There’s much to be had living a life on land as well.”
Jack smiled. “I suppose.”

Footsteps sounded from outside the doorway and both men looked to find Will walking in. He gave a curt nod to James before asking, “May I speak to Jack alone?”

James was reluctant, yet he got up without a word and left after sharing a quick kiss with the older man.

“I have something for you,” Will stated proudly.
Jack quirked his head and pretended to eye him skeptically, though there was a broad grin covering his face.

The young man retrieved something from just beyond the door and held it behind his back. He crossed to the eager pirate and presented the gift. Jack’s mouth opened in surprise; his eyes widened in delight and glittered with awe.

Finely crafted for him were two crutches. Carved into the smooth wood of one was a sparrow and a leafy vine; on the other was a sword and the letters of the four cardinal directions.

“Oh, Will,” he breathed. “They’re beautiful.”
“Would you like to try them now?”
“I’d love to.”

Will helped him to stand and gain his balance. Jack positioned them and gripped the short handles mid-way down between his middle and fore fingers. He extended the crutches forward and hopped the distance between. He continued to venture about the room, occasionally giggling joyfully. There were not any words that could convey the extreme contentment he had for being able to move around on his own. He did not have to rely on someone carrying him to destinations anymore.

He approached Will and tackled him onto the bed. Will laughed and rolled with him sideways across the mattress. Jack ended up on top, and he looked like the happiest of children to Will.

“Thank you, William,” he spoke quietly. “Thank you.”

He bent down and put his lips to Will’s chastely. Will responded in full; he tasted as much as he could.

At last they broke away and Jack simply stared at him with eyes sparkling. He brushed the strands of brown hair that rested on the blacksmith’s face away, making Will close his eyes in enjoyment.

“I will miss you, darlin’.”
Will gazed up at him and noted the sadness in his rich orbs. “I’ll miss you too. And so will she.”
Jack nodded and wiped his eyes. “No. She’ll have you from now on. I’ll be nothin’ more than a memory to anyone. And that’s the way it should be.”

He laid his head on Will’s chest and sighed. Will stroked the long hair of the older man and rubbed his back.

“I love you, Will.”
The new captain kissed Jack’s forehead and answered, “I won’t forget you. I love you, Jack.”


Part Thirteen: “Heart’s Desire”

****
Jack exhaled a breath and was met with a gentle kiss shortly after. He grinned, opened his eyes, and giggled from awaking to Will’s innocent face. The body was so warm, so inviting, so soft against his own nude frame. As he gazed deeply into the chocolate orbs in front of him, Jack realized how much he would yearn for Will’s presence when the time came to leave.

“Good morning,” Will whispered sweetly.
“Good morning, love. How did ya sleep?” Jack asked as he moved closer to the blacksmith’s embrace.
“It wasn’t bad. How about you?”
“Nicely, knowin’ you were here.” He winked, arousing a chuckle from Will.

They shared several quick kisses before Jack said giddily, “I want to give ya somethin’.”

Will sat up in order to allow Jack access to stand. He retrieved his prized crutches and went into the main portion of the quarters. Minutes later, he returned and took a seat next to the young man. The object was dangling from a cord that was clenched between his teeth. Will’s eyes widened when he recognized what it was.

Jack offered it to him, which Will graciously accepted. He lifted the top open and stared at the point.

“It’s time I let someone else follow their heart’s desire, ay?” Jack stated with a smile.
Will could do nothing else but study the extraordinary compass. He at last found his voice and spoke in a hushed tone, “Jack, I can’t take this.”
“I have no use for it now, mate. You do.”
“Jack-”

The pirate inched forward and let his lips ghost over Will’s own. He trailed along the blacksmith’s jaw-line and made his way to Will’s ear to voice intensely quietly, “It’s yours; along with whatever you could possibly want. I trust you to use it well.”

He pulled back and studied Will’s face intently. Will glanced from Jack’s peaceful visage down to the compass once more.

The needle was pointed at Jack.

****
Farewells had been given. Well-wishes were doted. It was difficult to leave his supportive crew – his friends, he dared call them. Gibbs left him with the same toast as always and assured his former captain that he would keep a “watchful eye” on the new one. The ship was left in trustworthy hands, providing him with a smidge of consolation.

He was stubborn, refusing the offered help from James and Will as they made their way leisurely to James’ abode. When the time came to begin the winding path up the hill, Jack at last surrendered to having Will carry him the rest of the way. The weariness could no longer be fought off.

Once they arrived to the lone house at the top, Will put Jack down; the three stood glancing around the area and at each other in silence. Jack knew the wretched parting was coming, but he did not wish to be the one to bring it up. It was stressful and heartbreaking enough to abandon his ship; the only thing left was to be abandoned by Will.

“Well,” Will began at last, “I should get back. Set sail soon, yes?”
Jack nodded. “Aye. Set sail,” he echoed in a whisper.

James recognized the unspoken need to be alone, and so he slipped away from the two practically unnoticed.

“Where are you goin’?” Jack questioned, eyes downcast.
“Wherever that compass of yours takes me.” Will smiled affectionately, causing the pirate to grin in return.
“She was right; you’ll do fine.”
“I hope to. For you.”
Jack shook his head. “No. For you, love. Do it for yourself.”

Will stepped closer and placed his hands on Jack’s quaking shoulders. He rested his forehead against the older man’s and breathed in deeply.

“I’ll come back to you,” the former blacksmith said gently.
“I’ll look for ya on the horizon, Captain Turner.”

Jack cupped Will’s face in his hands as the new captain kissed him heatedly. Their lips worked greedily with one another’s to satiate a taste that would be absent for a long time.

Finally, when both came to their senses, they pulled away and gazed at each other intently.

“Goodbye, Jack.” The tone was tainted with despair.
“Goodbye, William.”

A growling from the sky sounded before the clouds released their cool drops. Jack already felt a cold wash over him; the rain just drenched his clothes.

He watched with dejected eyes as Will disappeared from his sight. James came to stand behind him as he waited for the Pearl to depart from the harbor. A lengthy period passed before the ship began to sail toward the open ocean.

“Jack,” James said after the Pearl could no longer be seen. “Let’s go in.”
Jack did not move, nor did he say anything.
“Jack.” He walked to him and witnessed the tears leaking helplessly from the pirate’s amber orbs. He enveloped him in his arms and spoke quietly, “Come on. She’s gone.”

Jack hesitated following James, though he at last obeyed. He kept stealing glances toward the vast sea until he was completely inside the house.

****
Hollow, depressed, brown eyes stared at the fire burning mildly in the hearth. Compassionate blue ones gazed at him entreatingly, trying to prod the man to speak. Jack had not uttered one word since Will had departed; he had not eaten a thing at dinner. James had anticipated a lack of energy and happiness, yet he had not expected it to be so severe.

“You look tired,” he mentioned tenderly. “I’ll accompany you to bed, if you’d like.”
“No,” Jack said quietly. “I’m already imposing in your home. I don’t want to take over your private room as well, love.”
“Nonsense, Jack-”
“I’d just prefer to sleep here for the night, if it’s not too much to ask.”
James shook his head. “No. I understand. I’ll get you some blankets.”

He stood and left the room as Jack situated himself comfortably on the sofa. He laid his crutches on the floor in front of him after placing a soft kiss on each one.

“Here you are,” James voiced as he re-entered the area. He covered Jack with one of the quilts and put the others close by. “Can I get you anything else?”
“I’m fine. Thank you, Jamie.”
“You’re welcome.” He took Jack’s hand in his and squeezed it gently. “Good night, Jack.”
“Good night.”

Even though he was both physically and emotionally exhausted, it was an hour before Jack’s mind shut down for the evening and permitted him to fall into a deep sleep.


Part Fourteen: “False Images”

****
A small groan escaped him before he opened his eyes. The sun shone dimly through the windows as it climbed higher in the sky. Jack sat up, retrieved his crutches, and stood. There was light clattering coming from the kitchen, causing him to venture toward the adjacent room. He expected to find James; however, it was a woman around his age with dark, ebony skin who was cooking.

She turned around and let out a gasp from surprise.

“Sweet, child,” she spoke exasperatedly.
“Sorry to frighten you there, darlin’.”
“It’s quite all right. Did I wake ya?”
“No, no.” He moved closer to her and held out his hand. “I’m Jack.”
She accepted it and replied, “Amelia.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise, good sir. Are ya hungry? I can whip up anythin’ you like.”
“No thank you. I’m just goin’ to get some fresh air.”
She nodded and smiled. “Alright then.”

Jack grinned in return and made his way to the front door. He stepped out and was met by the calm, Caribbean morning. For a period, he closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. His mind concocted the image of himself behind the helm, directing the Pearl on another adventure. The wonderful breeze made his thick hair wave in various directions, while the sea’s mist met his warm skin. He was home.

The dream was shattered when he opened his eyes and gazed at the wooded area around him. He glanced to the harbor and sighed.

“Where did it take you, Will?” he whispered.

****
There was no doubt in his mind as to what the needle pointed to a majority of the time when he opened the compass to determine if they were on track. There were instances where it spun about wildly, refusing to land on any particular direction. It frustrated Will beyond reason, though he did not shove away the thoughts of Jack whenever they came about.

The man was everywhere. The picture of him guiding the Pearl was seen every time Will gazed up to the helm. His love for rum came to Will’s mind on the rare occasion he indulged himself with the liquor. His scent lingered on the sheets of the bed along with the sight of him lying naked next to Will.

The young man stared at the vast ocean forlornly.

“I miss you, Jack. I can only hope you’re being well-cared for.”

****
James finished fastening his belt and strolled into the main room. The sofa was vacant as well as the entire area. He went to the kitchen and found his kind maid fussing over chopped vegetables.

“Morning, Amelia,” he greeted warmly.
She turned about and nodded. “Mornin’, my good sir.”
“I was just….Do you have an idea where-”
“Right outside, gettin’ some fresh air. I say it do him good.”
He smiled. “Thank you.”

He exited the house and glanced around the scenic area. Jack had ventured to a large tree several yards from the home. It had lush leaves that provided a fairly spacious circle of shade beneath it.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” he asked as he made his way to the pirate.
Jack looked to him and a hint of a grin came to his lips. “Aye, it is. Biggest one out here as far as I can see,” he mentioned as he gazed about the land.
James was silently thrilled the man was finally speaking. “Did you sleep at all?”
“Somewhat.”
“Understandable. Listen, Jack, I have to leave now.”
Jack appeared saddened.
“It’s not for any lengthy period of time; nothing like that. Since I’ve retired from the fleet, I’ve taken up work away from the town. I help an older gentleman and his wife take care of their land and small things around their home. It’s something I’d rather be doing now for sufficient money.”
“Ah, I see. It sounds….nice. And I’m just to stay here?”
James shrugged; he did not like the inevitable answer. “Yes.”
Jack swallowed and bowed his head.
“With your physical condition now, Jack-”
“Don’t worry about it,” the older man stated with a fake smile. “I can find some way to occupy meself.”
“Good. I hope so.”

There was an awkward quietness that settled over them. Jack glanced away from James’ face as if something was more interesting than the former Commodore. After a minute or so, James said, “All right then. I’ll be back in the evening.”

Jack simply nodded.

Wanting to give him affection, James moved to kiss him, but Jack pulled away slightly before contact was made. It pained James, though he did not push him.

Without another word, James departed. Jack did not watch.

****
“I don’t suppose he has any cards, eh?”

Jack continued snooping about everything in the living room; to find what, he was not sure.

“Well, I have seen him play in the past,” Amelia replied.
“That’s interesting. Doesn’t seem like a gamblin’ man to me.”

He rummaged through several drawers before finding a stack of playing cards.

“Aha! Here we are. Chips as well. Use those maybe later.”
“You got ‘em?” she questioned as she entered the room.
“I do. Care to join me for a game of vingt-un?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t have the slightest clue how.”
“Come on. I’ll teach you. Got nothin’ better to do, ay?”
“I s’pose one game.”
“Thank you, very much.”
“You’re very welcome.”

Jack led the way to the small table in the corner of the room. They sat down and Jack dealt the first hand.

****
The sun had almost disappeared to night when James entered the house. A decent fire was burning in the hearth, and he felt warmness within him when his eyes landed on the figure sitting near it on the floor. Jack was engaged in a single-person game of twenty one.

“Who’s winning?”
Jack smirked, but said nothing.
“When did Amelia leave?”
“An hour or two ago.”
James sat in front of him and gazed at him affectionately. “Can I join you?”

Jack looked up and grinned. His amber eyes sparkled with delight. “I’d like that.”

****
After a number of hands, they moved to the sofa to observe the fire die away. James had his arm across Jack’s shoulders, holding the man against him securely. Jack rested his head in the crook of James’ shoulder and drifted in and out of sleep.

“I didn’t expect to be so late tonight,” James said quietly.
Jack inhaled deeply and shifted closer to James. “It doesn’t matter.”
“I hope you weren’t too bored.”
“It wasn’t that bad.”
James paused before inquiring, “Would you sleep with me tonight?”

Jack broke away to stare at him directly. His face was rather expressionless, making James unable to read any sort of answer.

“Please, I would….It’d certainly be more comfortable than here,” James added.
Jack’s eyes flickered to the few burning embers left in the fireplace. When they fixed on James once more, there was an almost indistinct change. “I’d like that too.”
James smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. Are you ready to turn in now?”
“Sounds great, darlin’.”

Jack followed slowly behind James as he walked to the bedroom. The younger man pulled back the covers and fluffed the pillows.

“There. Make yourself comfortable.”

Jack treaded to the piece of furniture and sat down. James took the crutches from him and set them close by. They settled in, and James was surprised when Jack curled up next to him. He held the pirate lovingly and kissed his forehead.

“Goodnight, Jack.”
“Goodnight, Jamie,” was the barely audible response.