Dinner for Two

There will probably be more of this one's ilk. It was a fun little piece to write, away from some bigger stuff I was writing. Plus I just love dialogue. A neat little exercise, please criticize!

love, 'zad

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Will carefully lit the candles, shielding them with his hand from the swift sea breeze. They weren’t quite necessary yet, but by the time dinner was over, he would be grateful for the bit of illumination they provided. He returned to the kitchen, placing just a few more spices on the roast befoovinoving it to a platter and walking towards the table. As he turned around, he saw Jack seated in one of the two chairs. The man was staring intently at the two little flames, running his hand above one in a flowing gesture.

“That’s an excellent way to light that billowy shirt of yours on fire, pirate.”

“Ah, Will! I see you’ve brought the first course. Well done, love.”

Jack grasped his knife and fork in fisted hands, ready to tuck in. He gestured with the blade when Will remained unmoving in the kitchen doorway. “You know, you really do have a lot of nerve. Showing up unexpectedly and demanding to be fed, like some -48;<48;

“Pirate, yes, we’ve established that.”

“I was going to say like some mangy cat, though they are rather sam same thing.”

“I beg your pardon!”

“Yes. Fine, I apologize for any insult done to you and your kind. Now - “

“Your kind too, mate,” Jack cheerfully appended. “Just a friendly reminder,” he explained after noticing Will’s glare. He smiled roguishly and W#146#146;s gaze softened. Only a little.

“Now, what have you done with Elizabeth?”

“Afraid she lost the toss, lad. She’s down at the tavern being consoled as we speak. It’s just you and me tonight.”

“Elizabeth agreed to a coin toss? For a night with me?”

Jack only smiled and took a sip of the already poured wine.

“A coin toss with a pirate. Unbelievable.” Will, apparently resigned to his fate, walked over to the table and set the food down. Just before he sat himself, Jack flipped him a coin.

“ ‘Ere you go, mate. Tha’ one’s a smart lass, and no doubt she’ll figure it out soon enough. But it might not be a bad trinket to ‘ave ‘round.”

Will turned the coin over in his hand, finding two identical monarchs, one on each side. He gave up and started serving their meal. He also downed his glass of wine, it seeming like the best course of action at the time.

“So, if you don’t mind, who exactly is offering Elizabeth comfort? It isn’t Norrington is it?” Will finished his question just as Jack took his first bite of the roast. He made a face.

“Awh, Will, why did you have to go and mon hon him? Now I’m completely off my supper. We’re going to have to move right on to the other events of the evening. What did you have planned, lad?”

“What? Nothing. A quiet dinner and a walk back to the Governor’s estate.”

“Hm, well somethin’ tells me that may not be the best plan for preserving my freedom of movement and life. We’re gonna have to go with the revised itinerary. What say you to a nice sail, chasing the setting sun?” Here Jack rose, pulling Will up with him and wrapping his arm around the blacksmith’s shoulders. “And then a peaceful ride back. It’s a new moon, so the stars will be bright as gold. I seem to have developed a distaste for the full moon.”

“The Pearl seems a bit large for such a venture....”

“Aye, you’re right there,” Jack agreed, eyes glinting in the candlelight.

“So I suppose you want us to commandeer one...”

“Excellent use of the nautical terminology!” Jack clapped him on the back and began leading Will towards the door. “Now Will, might Elizabeth have ever had the supreme honor of sampling one of your fine culinary accomplishments before?”

Will looked confused, “Why, yes, last week as a matter of fact.”

Jack laughed with his eyes but managed to keep his mouth from joining in. “She is a cunning lass that on148;148;

The pair quickly blended into the shadows of the dark streets of Port Royal, off for a night of calm adventure.