The Wraith of Jack

Part Fifteen: "Burden Me"

****
The view was breathtaking. Eyes were closed, mouth slightly parted as he breathed evenly. James could not help but run his fingers through the pirate’s thick, dark hair. Strands of it were draped over the man’s cheek, and James brushed it away gently. He had not taken the time to fully study the messy mane, but as Jack slept tranquilly, he combed through it to find that all the trinkets and beads had been taken. Every last one. None were left. He had thought that surely at least one remained. It made his heart ache.

Jack stirred and nestled closer to James. He sighed and moved about until he was comfortable, though he did not wake. It was unbearably tempting. He yearned to taste the man’s lips, yet he knew he should not. He settled for tracing his finger over them. They formed a smile and Jack opened his eyes. James hurriedly retracted his hand.

“I apologize,” James stated guiltily.
“Just do it, Jamie.”

The chocolate orbs were tinted with apprehension, but conveyed he indeed wanted it. James inched closer and timidly pressed his lips against Jack’s. There was only brief hesitation before Jack responded welcomingly. It had simply been too long since James had felt him in such a fashion; it made his heart pound rapidly.

Jack rested on his back, and James crawled atop him with their mouths never parting. The pirate’s four dirty digits of his right hand grasped at the scraggly, brown hair of the man above him. James slipped his own palm beneath Jack’s shirt; the tanned flesh flinched beneath his touch. He inched his hand upward to feel the rise and fall of Jack’s chest as he breathed unevenly. It was everything James had longed for, and he was pleased that he did not have to worry about Will preventing him.

He pulled away and stared at Jack’s beautiful face.

“May I, Jack?” he asked benevolently.
Jack inhaled several rattling breaths as he debated fiercely within his mind. He soon nodded his head and gave a choked, “Yes.”

James provided him a comforting smile as he began to unbutton the man’s breeches. It was unnoticeable to the former Commodore that Jack was shaking.

He slid the clothing off of Jack’s slim hips and down his leg. The article was dropped to the floor. James removed his own and placed them atop Jack’s. He returned attention to the pirate’s smooth lips as he pushed the older man’s shirt upward to his chin. Jack moaned softly and arched into the caresses focused near his increasingly aroused manhood.

“Please give yourself to me, Jack,” James whispered hotly into his ear before nibbling it.
A few sounds came from Jack that signified sheer vulnerability and submission.

James prepared himself to enter Jack’s warmth before bending the slender leg gently. Jack brought his knee close to his chest as James situated himself. He filled his lungs with air and did not release it until he felt the man’s erection start to penetrate him.

The pace was achingly slow, but it made Jack’s head spin wildly with ecstasy despite his burning need to have James claim him quickly. He whimpered helplessly and clung to the form above him. Words of consolation and assurance were muttered, yet he barely heard. He was engulfed in another world.

And everything dissipated.

He kept his eyes closed, permitting the illusion of Will being the one to thrust inside of him powerfully to play in his mind. It brought upon a feeling of shame from pretending it was someone else, but he also did not want the image to stop.

James tendered to Jack’s arousal by wrapping his fingers about it and rubbing them along the hard length. Jack gasped and emitted a strained noise. The tingling sensations around his most sensitive body part made him pant heavily.

The perspiring bodies rocked together as James’ propulsions leisurely sped. The friction and clenching of the tender muscles caused James to groan several times. He pounded into Jack’s frame with no rational thoughts whatsoever; nothing but the whines and sounds of intense rapture from Jack and the stressed expression on his face pervaded through James’ head.

Numerous ripples racked James’ body before he climaxed freely within Jack’s warm crevice. After a few more strokes to his groin, Jack spilt himself as well.

They quivered and their heavy respirations rang in each of their ears. Jack opened his eyes only after James removed himself from his being and lay beside him. James did not make to hold him, nor did Jack attempt to be enveloped in his company’s arms.

Five minutes passed before James at last broke the silence.

“I should get going. I’m late.”
Jack nodded and his bottom lip trembled. “Of course.”

The young man stood and dressed rather hurriedly. He kissed the pirate’s forehead and uttered a goodbye before he left the room.

Not able to withhold it any longer, Jack curled up on his side and wept desolately.

****
After looking at many titles, Jack finally discovered one that caught his attention. He took the book outside and sat down with his back against the trunk of the large tree. It was only the second day of staying with James and he was completely bored. He knew James was right; there was not much he could do because of his physical state. It was difficult to accept. He realized he did not have the energy he used to either.

He opened the book and searched the contents page.

“Romeo and Juliet,” he muttered under his breath. “Dear Shakespeare, you sound like a hopeless romantic.” He paused before adding, “And perhaps I am too now. It’s a bit distasteful. Not very attractive either.”

He turned to the beginning of the play and started to read aloud.

****
“Are you ever off?”

James stared at Jack across the table and put his fork down. “Off from what?”
“From workin’ on that gentleman’s land. Is there ever a day you don’t have to go?”
“Sundays.”

Jack turned the word over in his head before giving a stiff nod. He returned his attention back to his dinner. James continued to observe him scrupulously.

“Is there something wrong, Jack?” he at last questioned.
“No. Nothing at all.” The voice was distant and wholly unbelievable.
“Talk to me, Jack. What is it?”
Jack shook his head and twirled a single strand of spaghetti around his fork. “It really doesn’t matter, Jamie.”
“It certainly does. I wish nothing but your happiness.”
“That’s long gone.”

An uneasy silence came between them. Jack fished out different pieces of pasta to vaguely entertain himself with; it was also to avoid James’ demanding gaze.

“Jack, you can’t have happiness if you don’t try to see good in the situation.”
Jack dropped his utensil onto the plate and looked up. “Try?” he retorted icily. “You don’t understand, love. And you won’t. You can’t.”
“Understand what?”
“What it’s like to be a fucking burden!” he shouted angrily. “To be wanted and accepted when we’re face to face, but knowin’ behind my back you’re secretly wonderin’ why the hell ya decided to make me your responsibility in the first place! Look at me, James!” He stood and situated his crutches under his arms. “I can’t write a legible letter or hold things in my hand like you’re supposed to. I can’t walk, run, dance around with a sword in me hand because I can’t hold it and I can’t fucking stand on my own! Everything I’ve known….cherished….the memories-” He motioned to his hair. “-….it’s all gone. I’m a slave to my limitations. There’s no freedom anymore and it’s killin’ me, James!” He wiped the tears viciously from his cheeks. “It’s killin’ me,” he ended in a whisper.

He exited as fast as he was able. James was on his feet in an instant following him.

“Where are you going?” he inquired dejectedly.
“Just….give me some time alone, all right?”
“Jack, I-”

The front door was slammed shut before he could finish his sentence.

****
Will woke with a start, eyes wide and searching. He watched as the flames of his candles were snuffed one at a time. The air was chilling and cooled the beads of sweat forming on his brow.

It was not long before he heard someone crying. A man. His gaze shifted to the other side of the room where an iridescent figure was huddled on the floor near the window.

Filled with trepidation, he got up from the bed and started to leisurely creep toward the apparition. His shallow breath could be seen in front of him, and his body shivered. As he stepped closer, the man had familiar qualities: the red bandana, dreadlocks, and the awful absence of his right leg.

Will knelt in front of him and merely examined him for a period. The grieving eyes occasionally darted about the area frantically, but his hands always returned to cover his face as the sobs grew stronger.

“Jack,” Will whispered sorrowfully. “Are you in danger?”
The pirate shook his head mournfully.
“What is it?” He reached out to rest a soothing hand on a quaking shoulder, but it went right through Jack. “What’s wrong?”
“Everything,” Jack stated between irregular breaths.
Will’s expression became extremely worried. “What? Why? Is it something about James?”
Jack trembled violently and uncontrollably. “I don’t know.”

Just seconds after he spoke, Jack started to fade away.

“Jack. Jack!”

Only the sound of his weeping remained, though it soon diminished as well.

Will exhaled a breath and ran his fingers through his hair. He rubbed his face before getting to his feet. He shuffled to the bed and sat on the edge for a minute. When he lay down, he yelped in surprise and fell backward off the piece of furniture. He hurriedly recovered and returned to resting on the bed on his side. Deadened brown eyes gazed at him unblinkingly. They never left Will’s visage as the young man looked over the pirate’s body. He was entirely naked and made no attempt to cover his exposed being at all.

Will’s amber orbs delved into the ones piercing him. They lay in complete quietness for a lengthy moment. Will longed to hold him, taste him, anything, yet he knew his lover was not truly there.

“Jack….Why are you so sad? So hurt?”
Jack did not respond.
“Please say something.”
Silence.

Will sighed and shut his eyes. He took a peek after several minutes to find the man had not vanished.

It was not until Will went to sleep, Jack drifted into nothingness.

****
An hour passed before James went outside into the clear night to fetch Jack. He spotted the man seated on the ground beneath the lush tree he seemed to love. He strolled across the grassy area and sat beside him. Jack glanced at him from the corner of his eye and continued to stare ahead.

“My apologies for that in there, Jamie,” he spoke softly.
“No, it’s….I’m glad you let it out.”
“It’s just hard to adjust. Hard to be away from….” His voice grew faint, not finishing his thought.
“Away from Will?” James asked calmly.
“The Pearl.”
“I wish I could make you happy, Jack. It pains me to witness your distress.”
“You do, James. And I’m sorry I haven’t shown my gratitude for it-”
“I love you, Jack.”

Jack’s expression morphed to befuddlement, and he turned around to look at him to gauge the seriousness James had. There was no lie in James’ eyes no matter how much Jack scrutinized them.

“It’s been a long day,” James at length stated. “I’m going to bed.”

He stood and started to walk off, but Jack’s voice stopped him.

“May I join you?”
James smiled. “You never have to ask.”

They traveled inside to the bedroom, removed their breeches, and slipped under the sheets. Jack had his back to James and brought his hand to rest near his mouth.

All at once, he burst into tears.

Consoling arms embraced him as James pressed his body against his. Tender kisses were placed on the top of his head as the younger man began to rock him gently. He sobbed wretchedly, tears pouring from his amber orbs. He could not catch his breath easily.

James stayed awake long after Jack had cried himself to complete fatigue and to sleep.

Part Sixteen: "Cost of Freedom"

****
The morning dawned, and Jack wearily opened his puffy eyes. He was baffled to find James lying beside him. The man was already awake, and he smiled upon seeing Jack staring at him.

“Good morning,” James said quietly.
“Good mornin’, love. Shouldn’t you be gone by now, eh?”
“I already went by to tell him I would be taking a couple of days off.”
Jack beamed cheerfully. “That’s very kind of you.” He moved his head forward to take James’ lips with his for a quick, yet sensual kiss. “What did ye have in mind for today?”
“I thought we may tour the area a bit. There’s a small river nearby and gorgeous flowers and trees are all about.”
“Sounds fantastic.”
“Yes?”

Jack cupped James’ face in his hands and kissed him several times before answering, “Yes.”

****
They had traveled around for quite awhile before deciding to rest on the grass by the river. Jack lay on his back and James did the same.

A few minutes passed before the former Commodore spoke aloud.

“Care to go for a bit of a swim?”
Jack cocked his head in a curious manner. “Here?”
“Yes, here.”

James stood and started shedding his clothes. Jack sat up and observed him mischievously. The young male really did have quite a nice body. James smiled smugly when he noticed Jack watching him.

“Come join me.”

He crossed to the water’s edge and jumped in. Jack stripped and carefully maneuvered himself closer with his crutches. When he was where James had been standing, he repeated the action. He rapidly broke through the surface and gasped.

“It’s freezin’!”
“What did you expect?”
Jack laughed shakily. “I don’t know.”
“Move about. You’ll warm up.”

He lunged at James and playfully tackled him under the water. He popped back up seconds later and began to swim away.

“You’re horrible!” James chuckled.
Jack looked over his shoulder and grinned seductively. “Come get me, darlin’.”

James instantly obliged. He moved quicker than Jack had anticipated and once caught, James snaked his arms about the pirate’s waist to bring him tightly against his body. Jack entwined a strand of James’ hair about his finger and released a small chuckle.

“What’s funny?” James asked.
“Did ya ever think about how….bizarre this is? The man who was so bound to the law and lived to see me dead, is now the one I share a bed with at night?”
“It’s amazing how things change.”
Jack’s expression faltered to sorrow, but he speedily concealed it. “Aye, it is.”

Jack put his arms about James’ neck as they passionately began to kiss one another. James’ hands ventured downward to gently grasp the pirate’s round backside. The older man’s hips bucked forward and he released a pleased moan.

He did not even know how he eventually ended up on his back on the bank of the river with James thrusting inside of him zealously.

****
Two weeks passed lazily by, and Jack was growing tired of the everyday scenery. He had not been around any other people besides James and Amelia since leaving his ship. It would also be good, in his mind, to get some more exercise in order to strengthen his leg.

“I’m goin’ to go into town today,” he said mundanely to Amelia as he walked by her to the bedroom.
“Are ye goin’ like that?” she asked and looked down the hallway.
“No,” he responded loud enough for her to hear. “I thought somethin’ of James’ might do.”
Amelia smiled. “Um-hm, I’m sure he’d love that.”
“Course he would! He should be flattered that I’d choose anythin’ from his….drab attire. Ah!”

A couple of minutes ticked away until Jack emerged from the room and treaded toward the main area. Amelia stifled a laugh. The pirate had done his best to stuff his thick hair under James’ powdered white wig, and he wore an elegant red and gold overcoat.

“How do I look?” he inquired confidently.
“It’ll do,” she replied with an amused grin.

As he strolled out the front door, he spoke over his shoulder, “Tell James where I went if he asks. If he’s even back before I am.”

****
The journey had been taxing from atop the hill to the bustling town below, but he pushed aside the evidence of weariness and started his exploration.

It was fantastic to be among other people. He entertained himself by providing a charming smile and sweet greeting to the women who passed by. Several giggled and the others returned the hello.

Yes, it was certainly a well-deserved break from seclusion.

****
Evening approached and James arrived home just before the sun had completely set. Jack was seated on the sofa and eagerly beckoned him. James chuckled and went to him.

“What are you all excited for?” he inquired kindly.
“I took a trip into town today-”
“What?” James appeared worried. “People could’ve recognized you. And your health-”
Jack rolled his eyes. “Stop ruinin’ the moment, will ya? No one recognized me because I dressed in some of your clothes. And it felt good to exert meself a bit. Now, while I was out, I got ya somethin’.”

He presented the gift he had been hiding behind him. James’ expression softened and he smiled broadly. It was a necklace made from a leather cord that had three different colors of jewels hanging from it: blue, green, and red – all beautiful.

“Oh, it’s wonderful,” James said happily.
“Come here.”

Jack motioned for him to bend down slightly. The young man did and the pirate put his arms around his neck in order to tie the necklace.

“There,” Jack stated and pulled away. “Nice, eh?”
“Very.”
“I couldn’t resist gettin’ it. Too tempting.”
“Thank you for it.”

James kissed him in appreciation.

Needless to say, Jack was rather proud of himself for the day.

****
Will knew the familiar feeling. He no longer was surprised when it came.

He got up from his bed and let the moonlight guide his way into the main part of the cabin. From the corner, he heard jeers, dehumanizing names, and miserable moaning. The apparition came shortly after.

Jack was sedated on the floor as a man raped him cruelly. The pirate’s fingers scratched at the ground and he quaked incessantly.

Will experienced a stabbing sensation through his heart when Jack turned his head to gaze at him with red, swollen eyes.

“Please, help me,” he choked out.

The captain ran toward him, but Jack and his attacker both disappeared as he approached. He stood, rooted to the spot, and breathed heavily. Sweat dripped off of him as cold encompassed him.

He soon raced out of the quarters and shouted, “Gibbs!”
“Aye!”
“Set the course for Port Royal.”
“Aye, sir.”

****
The appeal of getting away once again compelled Jack to put on his “costume” and travel to town the next day. He ventured around aimlessly and observed everything about him. It was as if he had been severed from the world entirely and was now finally able to re-enter it.

He paused at another outside seller’s booth to look at more jewelry. The rings in particular caught his attention. There were a few people crowding the area about him, and one bumped into him, causing him to grab his crutches to keep his balance. The jade stoned ring landed on the ground. He began struggling to kneel in an attempt to fetch it, but a man crouched and said, “I’ll get it.”

The voice made Jack’s lungs cease to draw in air. It froze him with terror. The fear was confirmed as the man stood to hand him the ring.

Jack’s mouth opened and his eyes widened. It seemed to take the man a brief period to ascertain who Jack was in turn. The loss of his leg and his thumbs gave him away.

“It’s you,” Bradley said in disbelief. “You survived.” He tried his best to act shocked.
“An-” His throat constricted, catching the words before they could be said. He swallowed a few times and coughed. “And you.”
“They killed everyone, though a couple of us escaped as you can see.”
Jack nodded. He was utterly petrified; he could not do much else.
“Where are your fellow captives now?”
The pirate’s breath was shallow, making it harder still to speak. “A-Around. They all went on their own ways. I don’t know where they are now. No clue,” he ended with a tiny smile.
“Look, uh….I know you’ll probably never forgive me for the part I played in your imprisonment, but how about I get you a drink?”
Jack’s head shook ever so slightly. “No thanks, mate.”
“Please. I would be honored.”

Jack was so horrified by the man, he did not want to make him upset.

He nodded and in a quivering whisper said, “All right.”
“Yes?”
“Y-Yes. I could use a rum right now.”

Jack begged himself to quit being afraid. After all, Bradley had never been one to do any of the sexual assaults, nor a harsh beating. He kept up well alongside Bradley despite his tremulously leg.

“There’s a popular tavern that’s opened fairly recently,” Bradley stated casually. “It’s not far. I know it must be difficult to get around.”
“Aye, it is.”

The sign had been taken down, and he had not been to the building in over a year. Bradley entered first and held the door open for Jack. Once Jack was inside, he glanced around and immediately knew something was amiss. It was Brown’s old smithy that Will used to work at. The old man had retired months ago when another was built on the other side of town.

He jumped when the door slammed shut. Bradley was gone.

“H-Hello?” He felt like a piece of bait for a vicious shark to devour.

He almost collapsed to the floor as Garner, Daniels, and Carter came out of hiding.

Bradley closed his eyes and swallowed. The sounds of Jack’s futile fight reached him outside. The pitiful pleas and whimpers made his heart pound faster. It was not right; he knew it, though he could not bring himself to go against his three comrades.

Jack’s clothes were ripped from his body and numerous, powerful kicks made him curl up in pain.

“Did you miss us, Jackie boy?” Carter cooed.

Jack coughed and wiped his bloody lip. Daniels and Carter restrained him on the ground by holding his hands above his head. The defenseless pirate thrashed about to free himself, but he was nowhere near strong enough.

“Let’s make him really squirm,” Garner said as he moved to the healthy fire in the hearth. He grasped the handle of a red-hot poker and strolled to their victim.

“No, please, don’t,” Jack begged as tears came to his eyes. “Please, be merciful.”

Garner grabbed hold of Jack’s foot and pressed the instrument firmly against the bottom of it. Jack wailed in agony, though a hand quickly smothered it by covering his mouth. He writhed about to get away from the intense burning sensation.

At last it was removed and Garner took it to the flames once more to heat it up again. He returned after a moment and grinned devilishly.

“How about here?”

He put the scorching end of his torture device against the inside of Jack’s thigh near his manhood. Jack screamed and began to sob hysterically. He banged his head against the hard ground and shook violently.

The poker was dragged upward to his stomach and stayed there for a time. Jack shrieked and panted for breath.

“Flip him over.”

Carter and Daniels obeyed and kept him in place.

“Just one more.”

Jack’s fingers clawed at the hay strewn, dirt floor frenziedly as the searing pain went across his round backside. It was slid up and down to make sure no portion of the tender flesh was untouched.

Finally, Garner tossed the poker aside and nodded. The two men turned Jack onto his back as Garner undid his trousers.

“We should each ride him a couple of times. How does that sound?” he yelled at Jack before slapping his face with tremendous force. Jack groaned weakly and closed his eyes.

All of the humiliation, torment, and degradation he had suppressed resurfaced in full.