All The Stars (Jack Sparrow)

11

"That's the Flying Dutchman?" Will asked over the storm pouring down from the heavens. He glanced back over at Jack and Mr. Gibbs, a look of fear on their faces.

Catherine squinted through the rain, gazing upon the shipwreck within the dark. Even she felt as if that couldn't be the Dutchman along with Will. Despite what had happened last night, she still didn't feel so certain about what was to happen next. She trusted Jack with her life, but she still was not sure about trusting him with the lives of those she loved. Jack would ensure her safety over everyone else, that she knew for certain. Whether Jack would do the same for others is where her confidence began to sag.

"She doesn't look like much," Will added, sharing a look with Catherine.

Jack and Mr. Gibbs came up beside Will, "Neither do you. Do not underestimate her."

Only Catherine seemed to notice the forced words of Mr. Gibbs: "Must have run afoul of the reef." She glared at her husband, who seemed to ignore her, keeping his attention forward. "So, what's your plan, then?" Jack asked.

"I row over, search the ship until I find your blood key," Will answered.

"And if there are crewmen?"

"I cut down anyone in my path," Will answered without hesitation.

As Will walked away, Jack looked to Mr. Gibbs. "I like it. Simple, easy to remember."

Catherine huffed out in irritation, shoving the few baby strands of hair coming from her braid out of her face. She marches up to Will with determination, "I'm going with you."

Before Will could open his mouth, Jack beat him to it, quickly coming up to Catherine's side. "No, Catherine, you need to stay here." His eyes met hers showing one thing: fear.

She snapped her head to him. "You can't tell me what to do. I'm going to go over there and help him."

Jack tugged on her wrist. "I would never tell you what you can and can't do, but trust me, you must stay here."

"And why is that?" She challenged.

There was a moment of hesitation from the pirate. "Because it's dark and I'm scared of the dark, so I need my lovely wife to protect me from it." He gave an innocent grin to her.

It was difficult for her to conceal her growing smirk. "I'm sure you will manage, Jack." She pat his arm and turned to her best friend.

Will looked torn as Catherine met his gaze. "I think you should stay here as well."

"What why?" She jumped back, staring at her best friend with wide eyes.

The man looked to Jack and then back to Catherine. "I know you can handle yourself, but I think it would be best for me to go. I need to do this for all of our sakes, especially Elizabeth who's locked in a cell. Please just let me do this." His hand found hers, gripping it tightly.

Catherine wanted to smack him upside the head, but refrained from doing so. "Okay," She breathed out, squeezing his hand back. When they parted, she stayed in the same spot, watching Will climb overboard.

She felt Jack's presence at her side, but she didn't turn. "If anything happens to Will, if his life is at stake, I will never forgive you for it." Without even glancing at him, she walked away towards their room.

~

The storm had finally quieted, but Catherine's nerves had not.

Time was a funny thing, she wasn't sure how much of it had passed. Despite all that time she had been in her room, Jack had not once gone in to visit her. The thought of him made her roll her eyes, adjusting the book she had been trying to read in her hands.