|
MOLTA AMORE Author: Charli Disclaimer: Don’t own it. Wish I’d thought of it though. Summary: So much changed but finally you have a real mask to hide behind. Of all places, an Italian Ball, can Jack finally win you back? Author's Note: Happy birthday to Adrianna - this is dedicated to you as you couldn’t be at the premiere! * * * * * A knock at the door snaps you from your thoughts, and you hastily thrown the parchment in your hand onto the floor, cursing as it misses the trunk. Elizabeth’s head pokes round the door, and she smiles, spotting you sitting at the end of the bed. She walks over gracefully, and you feel the bed dip beside you from her weight. “If you are coming downstairs tonight, you need to start getting dressed now,” she says kindly but stops as she notices the picture on the floor. You sniff quietly, but it’s not quiet enough to go unnoticed, and Elizabeth looks at your bent head closely. “Oh, sweetie, come here,” she says, encircling you in her arms and holding on tightly as the sobs rack your body. Even though you are approximately the same age as Elizabeth, you would always look to her as a mother figure or a caring older sister. She had been so kind right from the beginning, ever since you had turned up on the Turner’s doorstep months ago. They had been the reminder of Jack that you had been craving for during the times alone. Will and Elizabeth hadn’t asked what was wrong straight away, although you were sure they had known it was something to do with Jack. Eventually, you had told them what had happened, and they had let you stay here for as long as you needed. “I know I’m being silly, but I just miss him so much,” you sniff, pulling away from Elizabeth and wiping your eyes. She sighs, “I know you do.” “He was just so… I don’t know how to describe him,” you trail of miserably, looking at her. “I don’t know what to do with myself anymore.” Elizabeth pats your back consolingly. “Well, I’ll tell you what we are going to do. Carrie is going to come in here, get you ready for the ball tonight, and then you are going to come down and get every man’s attention for looking stunning. Who knows? There could be another man there who likes you, and you will have a great time,” she soothes. “You make that sound so easy, Elizabeth,” you say looking up at her weakly. “But I don’t have the strength to be able to do that like you do.” She shakes her head determined, “Yes, you do. Look at the difference you have made in these last few months. You’re hardly recognisable and, sweetie, you can’t stay holed up here forever.” You look up to protest but she shakes her head firmly and you know you can never escape now. “Just think about it,” she says smiling. “Now you will have a proper mask to hide behind.” A nervous smile tugs at your lips at getting to wear the blue and silver mask that you had picked out with her. Elizabeth’s friend had written to her, talking about the masked festival in Venice and telling her how beautiful everything was, so she had decided to have her own, right here in Port Royal. If anything, it made a change from the mundane balls that usually happened. “Now then, are we agreed?” She asks watching your eyes, hoping that you would agree. You nod shakily and give her a watery smile as she calls in the maid who must have been waiting outside. “Carrie, make sure she doesn’t object to any of this and, sweetie, you’re going to be beautiful. Trust me,” she says, winking as the recognition of Jack flashes in your eyes. Elizabeth walks to the door before looking back at you mischievously. “You never know who will be there,” she calls, leaving the room before you have time to question. “Let’s make you beautiful then, Miss,” Carrie says kindly and you smile, not bothering to correct your title. * * * * You smile gratefully at Will as he extends a hand to help you keep your balance as you meet him and Elizabeth by the stairs. The party is in full swing downstairs and you are understandably nervous but not as bad as normal. The mask seems to be giving you a feeling of confidence, and even though it only covers your eyes, you can be any person you want to be. “Beautiful.” Elizabeth comments, looking at you with a satisfied smile, “Now that wasn’t too hard was it?” You smile at her, a faint blush colouring your cheeks at having the attention. “Not that I can’t say the same about you, Elizabeth, you look stunning.” She grins. “Well, we’ll have to go and find all the men shan’t we? I have a feel a Lieutenant Groves is especially interested in someone,” she says, looking pointedly at you. “Yes, Will, I think I have an admirer,” you say cheekily, wondering how a simple mask and pretty dress can boost your confidence so much and grinning at Elizabeth’s laughter and Will’s mock outrage. “Shall we go?” He asks, clearly wanting to move the conversation on, “We have guests who are missing our presence.” Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you nod and allow Will to take your hand once more leading both you and Elizabeth down the stairs. “Well, aren’t I the lucky man?” he comments. Will and Elizabeth move away from you once you have all entered the room and bid you a pleasant evening. You completely miss their conversation once they have moved away. “So…?” Elizabeth asks shooting a glance over her shoulder to check you are out of hearing range. Will smiles at her eagerness. “Should be making an appearance shortly,” he answers briefly. “Let us just hope it goes well.” The young woman nodded fervently, “Yes, let’s. I have never seen her so depressed before. If you ever do that to me, William Turner, I promise to do something very unpleasant to you.” Will smiles sheepishly, “I have no doubt about that at all, Elizabeth. Now, would you like to dance?” You smile at the couple as they set the example to other couples. Everywhere looks magnificent. The ladies and gentlemen are all wearing a vast assortment of masks, big and little, bright and dull, and there is joviality in the room for a change, the sounds of laughter and amusement. There are candlelights flickering about the room, casting a flattering light on everyone, and ornate flower arrangements decorate the huge room. A figure catches your eye from the corner of the room but when you look properly there is nothing there of interest, only a group of bumbling women. A throat is cleared behind you, and you turn sharply, smiling to see Lieutenant Groves standing behind you. “May I have the honour of this dance?” he asks, and you agree with a degree of confidence that has found its way into your body somehow. The dance starts, and he twirls you around with a practised ease and flair, talking to you when the moment allows and smiling to you when it doesn’t. You giggle at some of the things he says, thoroughly enjoying the dance and, surprisingly enough, having the attention on you. Eventually, the music dies and he escorts you to the side of the floor pausing by a flower arrangement and some flickering candles to let you catch your breath. “May I say you look lovely, Miss?” he comments, enjoying your blush at the praise. “Thank you, lieutenant. I was thinking the same thing,” you smile shyly. He is very easy to talk to, and you respected him. However, Lieutenant Groves was not the only person to admire you that night, and whether you knew it or not, another man watched you jealously as you danced and chatted freely with the Navy man. It shot through him like a knife to his heart whenever he saw you smile timidly at the man’s face, knowing that was how you had reacted to him. But Jack forced himself to wait patiently, ignoring the women who looked at him beseechingly and focusing on you until the time came. You had taken his breath away when dancing before; it looked as though there was a renewed spirit and twinkle in the depths of your eyes and a confidence in your posture and esteem. He had hardly recognised you when scanning the room on entry, after exchanging a few words with Will and Elizabeth. They had promised him in many letters that you would be here if he wanted to come back and try again, but his foolish pride had kept him away for too long. He also had wanted to find the right time, and now he deemed this was it. You look so animated chatting to Groves that he can’t help but to stare. This woman is so different to the one that had left him that morning, and to him you have never looked more beautiful. The blue dress you are wearing hugs your figure, and he couldn’t help but wonder if it was Elizabeth who had persuaded you into that one. It is a deep blue colour, perfectly matching the mask, and is fitted in the bodice before flaring out softly over your hips and down to the floor. The mask is a deep blue in the middle and fades out to silver by the time it reaches your ears. There are silver, sparkling symbols decorating it, and it accentuates your pale skin and deep dark eyes. The dark hair he loves so greatly is pulled back and soft curls frame your face, and the flickering candle light casts soft shadows onto your skin making you more alluring then ever. Not being able to watch you anymore, Jack slips across the room and stands to your side patiently, waiting for you to turn and look up at him. You do after a few moments and smile sweetly at the stranger. “Can I help you, sir?” You ask timidly. Jack nods and a smile back at you, itching to take you away with him now and get away from this place, but knows he has to win your trust. “May I have this dance?” he asks, imitating a fine gentleman, and although he is dressed for the occasion, mask and all, it annoys him that you don’t immediately recognise him. You nod gently, and he takes your hand, pulling you towards the dance floor. You don’t meet his eyes at first merely assume the correct positions and wait for the music to start again. When it does, Jack tightens his grip on your waist and spins you round perfectly in time with the music and leading you as you become too dizzy to focus properly. He smiles at your dazed eyes, enjoying the closeness and dependency and whispers something in your ear to get your attention back. It was merely a compliment on your dress but it effectively draws your gaze up to the eyes behind the mask as it is the only part of his face showing. They are so dark and beautiful that familiarity hits you immediately, and you almost pull away from him but hold yourself just in time, deciding to play along and find out what it is he wants. Jack notices the colour flood to your cheeks and smiles cheekily when you don’t pull away from him, continuing the dance. Each calling the others bluff one could say. You can’t help to let your gaze slide down his clothing and smile slightly to yourself. Playing the gentleman indeed! As he whirls you around near to the edge of the floor, you notice Will and Elizabeth standing nearby watching you with pleased expressions. Your eyes connect briefly with Elizabeth’s, and you realise she was the one who must have told Jack, even though you expressively asked her not to, though right now it doesn’t feel so bad. The song ends and Jack leads you away, watching from the corner of his eye as colour floods your cheeks again at him being there. “Are you hot, Miss?” He asks innocently, “Should we get some air perhaps?” You look into his eyes and nod, allowing him to lead the way outside the hustle and bustle of the room. You concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other instead of him and only glance around when you both stop on the deck over looking the ocean. A nostalgic smile twists at your lips and Jack notices watching you intently. “Better?” He asks, and you look up at him, the smile gone. “Why are you here, Jack?” You ask in a tone that is neither warm nor cold but he notices you have enough confidence to look him straight in the eyes. “To enjoy the wonderful evening, Miss,” he comments dryly. You roll your eyes and sigh. “Stop it, Jack; I know it’s you,” you say pulling the mask away from his face and raising your eyebrows at him. “Why are you here?” He stops and looks at you closely. “I’m going mad without you, darling, I think I’m dafter than ever before. I need you back with me,” he admitted raising one hand to your cheek, but you shrug it off. “You know that it wouldn’t work. I’ve changed, and I can’t go back to that place,” you shudder at the thought of the house. “You don’t have to,” he interrupts. “Come and live on the Pearl with me.” You shake your head purposefully. “It wouldn’t work!” You insist. “I’m not that girl you loved anymore, Jack.” He watches you intently, “No, you’re now the woman I always wanted you to be.” “I can’t, I just can’t,” you say feebly dropping your gaze as Jack scrutinises you. “You’re scared.” He states bluntly even though hurt laces his voice, “Why?” “I don’t want to be hurt again, Jack,” you whisper. “I can’t go through that again.” He sighs and pulls you close, “Darling, you don’t have to. I won’t ever do that again, I promise.” “Your promises mean nothing,” you snap angrily. Jack squeezes his eyes shut in hurt and frustration. “Have I ever lied?” He asks, causing you to shake your head slowly. “No, I wouldn’t, couldn’t promise you something I didn’t intend on keeping. I never break my promises.” “Once a pirate, always a pirate,” you hiss at him, stepping away. His eyes darken, but he grabs your arm forcefully, whirling you around and into his grip. You startle and press against him to get your balance but don’t get a chance as his lips collide with yours, tugging your body close. Fire courses through you and you respond to him just as fiery, shocking both yourself and Jack. He pulls away and stares at you with a look of wonderment in his eyes, and you smile embarrassed. Slowly he touches your cheek with his fingers. “I’ll never let you down again,” he whispers. And as you stared into those expressive, chocolate eyes, you believed him. He watches you closely, and shyly you gaze back at him. “Shall we go back to the Pearl?” You ask timidly. Jack grins madly, pleased that he managed to keep in his whoop of joy and swiftly lifts you off your feet into his arms. He chuckles at your squeal of surprise and makes short work of walking across to where the Pearl’s boats are hidden. You scramble across the boat in a newfound eagerness, and it makes Jack laugh again. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” he chuckles and you blush. “Just pleased to see you,” you reply, bobbing a tongue out at him as he rows across to the ship. As soon as your feet touch the deck, Jack sweeps you into his arms again and you smile. “You won’t leave me this time?” He asks quietly and you look guilty. “No, I won’t.” “Good.” And with that he claims your lips as he pushes you through the door to his cabin, knocking it shut with the edge of his boot and revelling in everything about you. * * * * Lazily Jack’s eyes drift around his cabin taking in the strewn clothing that decorates the wooden deck. A slight smile breaks across his lips as he sees a delicate blue and silver mask dangling from a cupboards edge, close to his own. His gaze drops back to more immediate surroundings, however, as his eyes follow the lines and creases of the off white sheet until the pale skin of your lower back is exposed. Jack places one roughened hand on the slight curve in your spine and gently traces the contours of your back as his hand travels to your neck. He smiles as his brown eyed gaze finally reaches your own sleep filled one and softly runs his calloused fingers through your silky hair. You blink, wiping the sleep from your eyes and once again settle your head down onto his bare chest with a contented sigh. “Did you sleep well?” Jack asks lazily, keeping his fingers working through your hair. “Mmmm,” comes your drowsy response, which is affected by sleepiness and Jack’s earlier ministrations. Jack smirks, “Is that a yes or a no?” “A yes,” you reply, after clearing your throat to test if your voice was still functioning properly. “You make a very good pillow, Jack.” He smiles, unable to resist the barb. “That’s not the only thing I’m good at,” he boasts, pausing for a moment before looking down at you. “But then you would know wouldn’t you, darling?” You blush furiously and hit his chest lightly. “Jack!” You say embarrassed, feeling as if the whole crew can hear what he is saying. “Aye?” He inquires innocently, only to get the response of a stifled yawn. With a smirk he rolls over and presses your startled body back into the sheets so he looms above you mysteriously. “I think I must have worn somebody out,” he smirks knowingly. You meet his eyes, not being able to hide the amused but embarrassed grin. “You are an incorrigible rogue, Jack Sparrow.” He nods satisfied and drops a kiss to your nose, making you giggle sleepily. “And that’s why you love me,” he states. You smile and slither your arms tightly around his waist. “Yes, that’s why I love you,” you whisper softly and your eyes flutter shut as Jack’s lips touch your own. He gathers you snugly into his arms and turns so you are both resting on your sides. A heavy weight moves on to the crown of your head and you realise that it must be Jack’s head because his dreadlocks tickle your neck as they entwine through your hair. They entwine together just like your bodies entangled together beneath the sheets. You eyes fall shut and you sigh deeply, moulding further into his body as sleep overcomes you once again. Jack waits until your breathing evens out again before pulling back slightly so he can see your face. The minutes pass as he watches you, an expression of complete love and adoration etched onto his face. He is more content now then ever before and overwhelming elation supersedes the slight fear this thought brings. Slowly, so he doesn’t wake you, Jack leans forward and places his mouth close to your ear. “I love you, darling,” he whispers. “You’re mine forever.” THE END A/N: As always thanks to Gabrielle for being my beta and please read and review. Thanks! |