try_corsets | (no subject)

(no subject)

Together, the Black Pearl and the Flying Dutchman decimate the Endeavor, and with it Lord Cutler Beckett.

When the smoke clears and the armada of Company ships retreats, the pirates rejoice. Two equal terrors of the sea, Jones and Beckett, are no more, and the threat to that which all pirates love most -- freedom -- has been destroyed.

Elizabeth is not immune to the happy outcome, but nor is she entirely prepared for the emotional onslaught that follows. When her part in the celebrating is done, she slips below deck, heading for the spot where she and Tonks had slept for some of their long journey.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Good, they have an accord: no fits of apoplexy. Annoyed at the slip, Elizabeth quickly gets herself under control and straightens until she looks in danger of snapping in two.

"I understand the mechanics," she says stiffly, then frowns down at her hands. "That doesn't concern me.

"But what should I do if he's not interested?"

Lilly hadn't thought it would be a problem, but then it had been. Even though things are vastly different now, Elizabeth feels compelled to ask anyway.

Honestly baffled, 'Dora frowns. "Not interested? In sex? With you?" She fumbles for a moment, lost for words. "Has he been... not interested before?"

Elizabeth cuts her eyes at the wooden planks above their heads.

"He's very... proper."

Or at least he used to be. When they weren't married. With a soft groan, she realizes she had better get used to their changed status before she runs out of time to truly appreciate it. And that, unsurprisingly, is a sobering thought.

"I'm sure it won't be a problem now," she adds hastily.

"I'm sure," agrees Nymphadora sagely. "But if all else fails, just take off all your clothes. Works every time."

Nymphadora is an extremely effective distraction. Elizabeth isn't thinking about one day, or ten years, or ten years after that.

Indeed, there's a gleam in her eye that has nothing to do with sorrow.

"If I can manage on my own," Elizabeth says mildly, arching an eyebrow and gesturing to her elaborate clothing.

"I've found," she offers, "that given the proper incentive, such things are rarely a problem. And can, in fact, add to the fun!"

'Dora manages to keep a straight face for two whole seconds, and then dissolves into giggles.

Smile betraying her distraction and strain, Elizabeth slips her eyes closed. Though she's never felt less like giggling, 'Dora's laughter is oddly soothing and helps her fight the mental image of Will's prone body as his new crew advances to cut out his heart.

It's going to be comforting having the witch by her side. After.

She grimaces and stands, suddenly eager to return topside.

Quietly: "Will you need long?"

"Nah," she says softly, shaking her head. "Go on up."

Elizabeth nods and says, "I'll have the boat made ready."

She's several paces away before she realizes she can't leave it there.

"Thank you," she offers, solemn and sincere. "Somehow, I'll see you return home."

But she won't worry about it until tomorrow.

A genuine, if slightly crooked, smile pulls at her mouth. "I know."

Another nod, and Elizabeth hurries above deck.

She gives her friend a small smile and a wave as 'Dora is helped into the boat that will take her to wait on the Empress, but for the rest of the short journey to the island, she has eyes for no one but her husband, staring back at her from his Dutchman.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only