493: Memories - PotC - Jack/Will - Going Home

[katleept.livejournal.com]

Title: Going Home
Author: Kat Lee
Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean
Character/Pairing: Jack/Will
Rating: PG/K+
Challenge/Prompt: slashthedrabble 493: Memories
Warning(s): Character Deaths, AU, Future Drabble
Word Count: Cut to 500 (Full version of 583 is here.)
Date Written: 18 July 2018
Summary:
Disclaimer: All characters within belong to Disney, not the author, and are used without permission.






Memories filled his mind to the point he no longer knew what was real, imagined, or merely remembered as he gazed out into the setting sun. The one thing of which he was certain was the hard wood of the Pearl’s wheel in his calloused hands. It took Will three times of calling his name before Jack finally acknowledged him. “So ye are real, an’ not just another figment o’ me blasted mind?”

“Yes, Jack, I’m very real, and I have come for you. It’s time for you to leave her.”

He didn’t have to name the Pearl, but they both knew instantly of whom he spoke. She was the only love who had ever rivalled Will’s place in Jack’s heart. Even now the Pirate hesitated to let go of her. “But -- “

“It’s time,” Will said again gently. His hands reached out, touching Jack’s. He tenderly stroked the back of Jack’s tired hands. “It’s time you let somebody else have her, and you come home with me.”

“With ye,” Jack murmured. “For how long this time, Will? How long before ye leave me again?”

“I’ll never leave you again,” Will promised him, “if you’ll only come home with me.”

“Aye, how I’ve waited tae hear ye say that! But ye mean it? Ye really mean it?”

“Jack,” Will said, a smile playing over his lips. “You were the one who left me,” he reminded him, “to come back to the sea and the Pearl.”

“But ye left me after that.”

“It’s not like I had a choice!”

“Ye’re not goin’ tae take ‘no’ for an answer, are ye?”

“Not this time, luv,” he spoke as gently as possible.

Jack sighed. “I am tired,” he admitted.

“I know. Come home with me.”

Jack’s eyes searched his. There were lines under and around them now that even the darkest of kohls could not hide. “Will she be okay?”

Will bit back the sentiment that she was only a ship for to Jack, he knew she was much, much more. “She’ll be fine,” he promised, “and so will you if you come with me now.”

Jack sighed. His hands released the wheel as his body slumped. “Fine,” he said, stepping up, turning his hands over, and taking Will’s offered hands. “I’ll come with ye. Where are we goin’?”

“Home, Jack.”

“But this is me home, Will.”

Will smiled. He leaned down and kissed him. “You only think that now,” he said. “You’ll understand soon.”

They heard curses and shouts. Jack started to look back, but Will tugged hard on his hands. “No,” he told him. “Don’t look back. It’s better if you don’t look back.” He saw Cotton shaking his head, heard his bird squawk, and watched as Marty wept openly over Jack’s fallen body. “Just come with me,” he said, refocusing his intent gaze on Jack’s eyes, “and everything will be fine again.”

“I am home,” Jack said, kissing him. “I’m with you.”

“Precisely.” Will kissed him again as they journeyed upward.


The End