InsaneJournal

Nine

James was standing on deck, watching as the contours of Port Royal became clearer with every second, his heart longing for the open sea, his fingers itching to take the wheel and turn back. He was already feeling the heavy burden of expectations on his shoulders and the aching need for freedom and all he wanted was to run away from it all and follow the call of his heart – was that not what most pirates wanted? At least that was what Jack always longed for… Damn it. Can’t you forget that bloody name? James frowned and sighed. Returning to Port Royal had a bad effect on him, he knew it. All the ghosts he could shake of on the open sea while in Tom’s arms returned to him at once now. Not with the same force as before but they were there and it would take some time to get rid of them completely.
             But he was determined not to let them get in the way of his happiness with Tom. He was already planning their Sundays. There were so many places near the town he wanted to show Tom, so many stories he wanted to share… He was already planning to invite him for dinner. He would have to tell Molly to prepare something special. Tom would love Molly’s cooking, he was sure of it. The thought made him smile. Yes, they would make this work. Together.

Tom was at James' side, as usual. After all, that was his place. In duty and in life. He didn't seem sad, though, he was disappointed to leave the sea, he was eager to have real food, Cookie, their well, cook- at sea, was not very good in the least. It had taken him a few days for his stomach to stand the food, and he still wasn't used to it. He survived the trip on bread, cheese, and salted pork. He was delighted that he would be eating at home tonight.

He could see people gather in the dock as the ship came closer and closer. Most women and children waiting for fathers and loved ones. Others were workers waiting to dock and unload the ship. And as they neared, on person stood out in the crowd, shorter than most, but standing tall as she could, basket of goodies in her arms, trying to stand on tip toe to get a better look at what was going on.

"Why... is that Mary?" Tom wondered aloud, leaning over the railing and squinting... ah yes, there was no doubt it was his beautiful young- he couldn't bring himself to think of her as a maid, though that was exactly what she was. "It is, bless her..." He laughed, looking over at James, then nudging him. "She's fond of you, you know that?" He teased, "She's been trying to get me to have you over for dinner ever since she saw you." Little did Tom know, it was in fact for his sake.

The pretty young blonde had been plotting ways to get the two of them together. She thought it was quite brilliant in fact, that no one would suspect anything if she went with them anywhere... and then, just happened to wonder off and leave them alone. She in fact, was already planning such things to bring up to her master, who she admittedly was quite find of. And had his heart not already been stolen, she might have had a try for it herself. But she knew better. She wasn't meant for such a life, could never be a house wife... no, there was quite another person who she's had her eyes set on ever since she was a girl... but alas, that man didn't know she existed... and it had been a few years since she'd seen him last. She was quite a different person now, in many ways. She didn't miss the layers of filth on her skin, and rot under her nails... for the smell of pig and brothels... But she did miss sailing, and fighting, and the excitement of it all. Lord knows she'd fancy a scrap if ever she had the chance. But alas, the world had other plans.

“She seems… nice. Although, I must admit I didn’t really pay much attention to her the last time I was at your house, I was too eager to get to you.” James whispered so only Tom could hear while they made their way through the crowd. “And I would love to come over for dinner one day, but honestly, at the moment I’m much more in need of lunch – with you. I would invite you, but Molly would kill me if I brought any guests without warning her before. Do you think that lovely angel of yours could be persuaded to let me join you?” He added with an open smile at Mary, who was already standing close to them and could hear that last sentence.

She was grinning at both of them, a smile a lovely as the sunshine. She moved quickly to Tom, leaning up as far as she could, though Tom had to bend down a bit all the same, to receive a hug and kiss on the cheek. He laughed as he wrapped and arm around her waist picking her up slightly so she could do the same to James. Once back on the ground and smiling at her two terribly tall men, which she would grumble to Tom about later.

"Welcome back!" She chose not to use the word home, because she doubted they'd ever consider land their home. "I've brought lunch!" She announced, giving James a wink. "I thought we could eat on the beach, it's a beautiful day! I found us a spot a ways down, it's practically a cove, and I sat out there all of yesterday and the day before and not a soul came. She looked a little mischievous then, "Perhaps we might manage a swim." She stage whispered to the two. Tom couldn't help but wrap and arm around her and give her another hug.

"Why Mary, you are practically devilish!" He accused, grinning over to James with the same mischievous glint in his eyes. "I love girl who’s willing to kick up her skirts!" He teased, causing Mary to blush. "Shame your Miss. Swann cannot join us. I'm sure she'd quite like that." Mary spot up rather quickly.

"I'm afraid not, I daren't say I've not made enough food for five." She attempted to sound innocent enough. "Of course, our fourth may in fact not show at all." She was an evil, evil girl. But she didn't know that the blacksmith had feelings for James... nor that he had a grudge against Tom. All she knew was that she'd past him more than once and found him utterly handsome, possibly even close to her own age. Of course, upon leaving an invite for him at the smithy, with direction to the location... she had not mentioned the fact that James and Tom would be there.

“Mr. Pullings I must tell you I’d like to have your luck at picking those who work for you.” James said with mock seriousness in his voice. “Not that I have anything against Molly” he added quickly, looking around as if fearing she might have heard him. “But I’d love not to have to fear her wrath so much.” he finished in a whisper. “Speaking of which, I have to warn her that I’ll be late, otherwise she’ll take my head, and we wouldn’t want that, would we?” So he ran off to find somebody he could ask to give Molly a message. He was back before long, smiling brightly. “Ted promised to drop by and tell her on his way home. Thank God, I didn’t forget about her. I don’t even want to think about how angry she would have been. Especially after the other night…” He realized too late what he was going to say and blushed terribly.

Of course, Mary seemed to know quite well about them and she had let him in the last time he was at Tom’s house, but they were still on the street and anybody could have heard him. So he decided it was time to get going and find that place Mary was talking about. He held his arm out for Mary as if she was the finest lady he had ever met and with a radiant smile said: “My lady, may I have the honour to walk you to the place you have been telling us about?” He must have been too much in the sun, or maybe he was still high on the freedom the open sea offered, but he wasn’t in the least bit worried what people might think if they saw him walking hand in hand with a maid. He simply didn’t care. He decided that this day was still his. Tomorrow would be soon enough to change into the cold Captain the public knew.

It was obvious by the look in her eyes that she was a bit awe-struck at the offer, but recovered quickly. "Why, I'd be honoured, sir." She said in a posh accent, sticking her nose up into the air like she'd seen other rich people do, but ruined it by laughing at herself. She put her arm in his, and thanked Tom for taking the basket for her. "It's just down this way..." She said absently, walking them along. She was quite the chatterbox. Though not a word of gossip escaped her lips. They were mostly tales of her adventures while the men were off playing in their ships.

She told them about how the baker got a smack to the head for trying to get a peak at her ankles, and how she'd gotten free bread out of it, because the baker's wife was an utterly sweet woman. She spoke of the family of birds in Tom's orange tree, and how she's gotten them to eat out of her hand. And how a cat had had kittens in the shed, and how she'd named them all already. And told of how one had such green eyes that she'd named it Jamie, because the first thing she noticed when looking at James was his pretty eyes. And how there was a fluffy brown one who is always terrorizing Jamie, so she named is Pullings, because she had decided they were captain and first mate of the kitty gang. And that the mother was call Mama, and there were four others. Juniper, a white one- Pickles, the runt with an odd bright orange and black colouring- Miss Miss, who was utterly prissy and all silky grey fur- and Turtle, an all black one that likes to swim in their little garden pool and get the other cats wet.

Even when she did talk of other people, she had nothing but good things to say about them. Tom was able to tease here and there, and they would throw mock insults at one another, occasionally dragging James into it. It was a little way to get to the spot, the people faded away until there were none, and then a sharp path that Mary clung to James on because she'd not taken off her shoes on the way down and it was terribly hard to manage in heels. Once down there it was a clear run to the beach, surrounded by trees, soft white sand, away from the world... and seemingly untouched. She's already set up a large sheet, which was in fact, two old ones she's sown together to make a large sitting area without worry about sand in thier food. She let go of James, and took the basket from Tom, moving over to the blanket and beginning to set everything up. She's brought wine, glasses, plates, silverware, napkins, and variety off fine looking- and smelling foods. Including a pie!

"I wanted your first meals back on land to be delectable." She explained modestly.

James was absolutely speechless. The place was absolutely stunning and even better, completely hidden from view and deserted. He couldn’t say anything just bent down to hug Mary and then picked her up and whirled her around, whispering a ‘thank you’ in her ear as he put her down. And a second later he was already at Tom’s side pulling him close and placing a soft kiss on his smiling lips. Strangely enough he didn’t feel uncomfortable with kissing Tom in front of Mary and that was probably the greatest compliment he could give her – the fact that he wasn’t scared to show his emotions in front of her, especially his emotions for Tom, showed how much he loved her already. Then he sat down on the large sheet and pulled Tom with him so that he almost fell on top of James, who was laughing like probably never before. He pecked Tom’s lips one more time before he tried to concentrate on the food – not a very easy task with his beautiful lover at his side.

Neither of them saw the man standing not far away hidden behind a large rock. They didn’t see how Will’s eyes darkened with pain at the happy scene before his eyes. He had seen the message left in the smithy and first didn’t want to come. But then changed his mind, he really needed to get his mind off James and what better way than the company of a beautiful young girl. He didn’t expect it to lead anywhere but he hadn’t been talking to anyone since his last conversation with James and it really couldn’t go on like that anymore. So he came. How he wished now that he hadn’t come. By trying to escape the haunting image of James he just ran into the man himself. He wanted to leave as soon as he saw him with that other man. But he found himself unable to move, unable to tear his eyes away from the scene that reminded him painfully of what he had been always dreaming to have. He didn’t even realize it when the first tear rolled down his cheek.

Mary was keen, and spotted him. She laughed at the two cuddling, and gave James a playful shove. “Behave and eat something besides each other, I cooked all day!" She teased, "I'll be right back..." She said, pulling off her shoes, and stockings, leaving them behind as she stood. "I'm going to explore a bit..." And without another word, she was off, a bit of a sprint over to where Will stood, a smile on her face... which only faded away when she saw the look on his face.

"Oh no, Mr. Turner!" She was concerned, and already pulling him back into the trees for a bit of privacy. "What's wrong, love?" She asked, wiping his face. He, like James and Tom was a good bit taller than her, but that wouldn't stop her from mothering! "Did I do something wrong? I was hoping you'd come..." She smiled softly, "You're as thin as a rail. I want to fill you up with tasty treats... but... you're so sad. What could cause such a glum look on such a handsome face?"

In the meantime, Tom was more than happy to curl up with James. Thrilled to see how happy the other man was, and how open he was. How he was not afraid to be the man he truly was. He couldn't help finger feed him, it was too good and opportunity. And Mary was an amazing cook, so he could hardly see it going to waste... not to mention he was starving.

Will pulled away from Mary’s hand, trying to hide his tearstained face. “It’s nothing.” he said wiping his eyes and trying to smile at the girl but failing miserably. “I… thank you for inviting me here, it’s… perfect… but I think I should… I’d better go. I’m sorry.” He said trying to think of a way of getting away from here as soon as possible without having to meet James. “Is there another path I could take back? I… don’t…” But he couldn’t finish, he didn’t know what to say.

He didn’t trust this girl. She seemed nice, but he didn’t trust her. He frowned. Who did he trust? He had never been someone who opened his heart easily. He only trusted very few people – basically Elizabeth and James, no one else. But now James was gone. And Elizabeth… She seemed to want more from him than he was willing to give.  He was her way of rebellion, nothing more than a backup plan in case her great dream of freedom didn’t come true, but it was still more than he bargained for. He had always dreamed of James, no one else. And now he was gone. Happy with someone else. Laughing and kissing and… He couldn’t hold the tears back any longer.

“Please… just show me another path… I can’t… I”

"Oh, Mr. Turner- you're a mess." She frowned, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him close. She head just reaching his chest. "I won't ask you to tell me a thing, but, please sit here with me a while until you calm." She nodded to a side turned log where they could both sit. "I wouldn't be a good person if I let you wander off so distressed." She looked up at him, that beautiful face full of concern. "Don't worry, I'll not tell a soul, Mr. Turner. People like you and I have enough problems without everyone in our business, ey?" She attempted to give him a reassuring smile. She felt utterly terrible now. She'd had no idea what she'd done, but like she'd said, wouldn't try and force it out of him.

Will tried to protest but he just didn’t have the strength to put up a real fight. He tried to pull himself together, he was embarrassed of his tears. He had never been one to cry easily, he hated showing emotions but when he did no one could stop him. It was the same with every feeling. If he loved he loved with an unstoppable fiery passion, if he hated someone his hatred burned his insides until it consumed him. He only cried once before – when his father left. Of course his mother believed he would return but Will just knew he wouldn’t and cried for two whole days. But never since. Not when his mother died. Not when his best friend was murdered by pirates that day he first met James.

But now he was crying again and he felt ashamed of his tears, because he mourned someone that was happier this way. He was ashamed because he knew he would do anything to separate James from his lover if only he knew how – even if it meant to destroy his happiness, even if it meant to destroy his life. And it scared him. It scared him because deep in his heart he wanted James to be happy even if it was with someone else. He could only hope that this small fire would manage to purge him from his devilish thoughts before he would do something he would regret all his life. He was afraid and alone. He didn’t know where to turn. But then he suddenly realized he was not alone, that this young girl was still there. Maybe… And before he knew what he was doing he grabbed her small, white hand in his rough hands and said: “Help me. Please.”

"Of course, of course, Mr. Turner." Mary said, looking into his eyes, utterly lost in the desperate need to make this lovely young man feel better. Whatever his loss may be. "Just name what you wish from me and I shall do as I can. Anything you ask of me, Mr. Turner. Anything I can do..." She was sincere, were eyes bright and intense. Her heart suddenly pounding and she couldn't figure out for the love of her why. She felt scared, in a way... but yet, she was not afraid. She clasped her hand in Will's, bringing her other over to lay over top of his. She felt as if it was her fault that Will was so upset, and she just hated the feeling. It made her gut churn with guilt, and chest tighten. Or perhaps her chest felt tight not because of guilt, but because of the nearness of the other man. She chose not to think about that. It was guilt, had to be.

Will shook his head. He didn’t know what to say. He had no idea how she could help him. All he knew was that he couldn’t cope on his own. He needed someone who was just, just there. And he knew that person couldn’t be Elizabeth – she would probably understand but it just didn’t feel right, he couldn’t explain why. Maybe this girl. Maybe she could find a way to ease his pain. Maybe. Maybe if he leaned closer. Maybe if he brushed his lips against hers. Maybe a kiss would make it hurt less. Maybe.

It was worth a try. So he looked deep in the beautiful eyes and leaned closer. He was breathing heavily and trembling but that might have been the after effects of his crying fit. He brought one hand up to the nape of her neck and pulled her closer. Their lips were only inches away. But then he stopped, dropped his hand and pulled back. He didn’t want to play with her, she seemed nice and deserved the real passion a lover could give, but he only felt this passion for James and couldn’t imagine anything else. Not yet.

“I’m sorry.” he said standing again. “I shouldn’t have… I… please forgive me.”

She was sure she'd stopped breathing, her lips trembling at the contact that almost was. Finally she gave a sharp intake of breath, face flushing ever so prettily. She brought one of her little hands to his face, caressing his cheek.

"I know this... I know a broken heart..." She whispered, suddenly understanding. For the most part. She stood slightly, pressing her lips to his forehead. "Is it what you want though? Do you think it would help you forget?" She wasn't even surprised. No, this was not a first. She was no virgin. Though, she had not lost her innocence willingly, and she'd been plucked more than several times since. Not a whore by choice, but it was better to be willing than to be hurt. She moved to her knees in front of Will, arms resting cross in his lap as she looked up at him.

"Is this what you would request of me, Mr. Turner? Because if it may lift your soul I shall do as you wish..."

If it had been anybody else, Will would have been outraged and shocked. He hadn’t been brought up protected from the real world, he did know of the disgrace of certain women and had even been to Tortuga once – he could still remember James’ disappointed look – where he experienced bodily pleasures he hadn’t known before, but his mother had brought him up to despise such women and feel no sympathy to their misfortunes. She had been a bitter woman after her husband left, maybe even before, Will knew that and didn’t let himself be blinded by her prejudices, still sometimes he found that he had learned more from her than he was comfortable with. Even if he knew these unfortunate women often deserved sympathy, he couldn’t help but loath them. But this girl. Her words and her tone spoke of experience but her eyes were innocent and tender. And he couldn’t imagine her as anything but pure. So he just smiled.

“I don’t know what I want, Miss. Or rather I do, but the one thing I truly long for, can’t be mine.” His fingers were absently playing with her soft hair, his eyes were distant and without even noticing he looked in the direction where James was sitting even though he could not see the other man. “I wish I knew how to stop loving him.” He said more to himself than her, he didn’t even realize that he had just given away his deepest secret.

 She absently laid her head on his lap, staring off at the sea through the trees. "Please, you can call me, Mary." She said softly, letting out a sigh. "I wish I could say I know what you feel. Heart ache I have had, but never love. I have had men declare such things for single nights, that I new they would be gone before I woke. But you cannot deny a drunken sailor, lord knows what happens if you try. Men... they don't care whether you be man or woman, if they see you as some pretty little thing, you can do nothing against it. Oh Mr. Turner, I am sorry I have brought this one you. I wish I would have known sooner, I did not mean to bring you such pain. Truly I did not." She sighed heavily, "I did not know you were the man Tom spoke of... he never told me your name... he was so very careful of what he said, but so troubled... I had not known... I feel utterly horrid. But at least..." She could feel tears welling in her eyes, and pressed her face harder against Will's thigh, as if seeking comfort in his closeness... something she'd never had. "He loved you... and still does, even if in a different way... I... I envy you that. To have known what love is... all my life... all I have ever wanted was to be loved. To have someone look at me the way Master and Captain Norrington look at each other... to know some touch that was not tainted by blind lust or drink... to be more than what I have always been... but it seems... Mr. Turner, that we cannot change our stars"

Will didn’t know what to do. He had never been good at dealing with emotions, not with his own nor with others’. He wanted to console Mary but didn’t know how. He was broken too. But maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing. Maybe it just helped to understand each other better. Maybe they could try and mend each other.

“Mary” he said softly, gently caressing her cheek. “I wish I could be the one to show you love. It would be so easy. But I have not much to give. My heart is not my own, I gave it away a long time ago. And what’s left is not worth much without a heart.” He pulled her up from his lap to look in her eyes. “I can’t offer you love, Mary. Only my trust. And I don’t give that lightly. Will you take it?”

He had no idea what had changed but he knew that somewhere in the last minutes she gained his trust and he only could hope that this time it was in safe hands. If only he could put his heart in her care too. But that was not for him to decide. She nodded her head, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him close, kissing his cheek in the process.

"I shall give you my trust as well..." She whispered, sniffling, refusing to cry. "Perhaps..." She murmured, unknowing she was speaking out loud, the words could barely be heard above the roar of the ocean. "If I gave you my heart, you could be whole once more... I have no use for a heart of my own..." She ran her hand through his hair, speak up once more. "I shall trust you in all things, Mr. Turner. It would be a relief to no longer be alone in everything..." She pulled back slightly and kissed him on the cheek once more. "You are a very good man, Mr. Turner."

”Don’t give your heart lightly, Mary. It’s all we have. Nothing is worth more than your heart. If you lose it once, you might never get it back.” He sighed. “And please stop calling me ‘Mr. Turner’.” Will smiled without even realizing it. “It’s Will.” he added softly.

It was strange to feel hope again, it had been such a long time since he had felt anything but pain and desperation. And in a strange way he liked the thought of not only getting but also giving support. It was nice to think that he could help someone, that he could give more than just a sword with which people could kill and destroy. It was something worth getting up for every morning. And maybe one day he could ask his heart back from James. Maybe one day he could give it to her.

“Mary” he said in uncertain voice, not sure what he wanted to say. “May I… Would you mind if I… kissed you?”

Mary looked a him a moment, searching his eyes for something. When it seemed that she had found it, she nodded. Looking over his face and running her finger through his hair.

"I... think I would like that very much, Mr- Will..." She smiled softly, blushing. It was okay. This was okay. No one had ever, asked, to kiss her before. They simply took what they wanted and left her in whatever runt they'd found her in. No... this man, he was different. He had asked, and it made all the difference. Meant the world, such a simple gesture. Mary knew then that she would be hard pressed not to give in to anything Will asked of her. It was scary, sure... but it was... freeing. It felt like a door that had been locked for so long had suddenly been flung open... and now was her chance to step through it before it shut again. For who knows how long.

Will was suddenly very nervous. This was so much more than just a kiss. This was a closure and a new beginning. This kiss meant saying goodbye to the past. Saying goodbye to James. He was not sure he really wanted that but it had to be. He had to let go. So he slowly leaned forward and gently brushed their lips together. It was not the electrifying kiss he had shared with James, he didn’t feel the violent trembling he felt whenever they touched but it was nice and warm. And he raised his hands to the nape of her neck to pull her just a bit closer. It didn’t last long, his world didn’t fall to pieces but it felt right. He was smiling as he pulled away.

“Thank you, Mary.” It was a clumsy thing to say, really, but it was what he felt and it didn’t seem awkward. “I think you should go back. They will miss you and I don’t want him to find me here.” he said standing up, already sorry to leave. “Would you… I mean… I would like to see you again soon… would… we could maybe meet here tomorrow at the same time.”

Mary gave him the bright, sunshine smile. "I'll be here." She nodded, turning to leave, but pausing as she thought of something. A worried look coming to her face, sure turned quickly and took Will's had.

"Will..." She took a breath. "I... I don't want to keep secrets, it's not way to bring trust... but..." She looked down, worrying her lips. "I have to know... if... If I weren't all that I seemed. I mean... if... If I weren't quite who you thought me... would you still choose to care for me? Or would you not wish to see me again?" Her heart was pounding again, and she was sure she was going to drop dead that moment, she was so nervous. Dying on second thought, would be much, much easier. Mary’s sudden outburst took Will completely off-guard and he didn’t quite know what to respond, so he just raised his hand and softly caressed her cheek.

“I can’t promise you anything, Mary. I don’t know what it is you fear so much. I can’t tell what will happen if you tell me. Men are fallible and they judge easily. But I know, not everything is what it seems to be. Do you think James is guilty of an unspoken crime because he’s in love? I’m sure you don’t. But he would be hanged if it came out. This is a strange world, Mary. And we are strange creatures. All we can do is trust. Trust me and I’ll do my best not to fail you.” he said leaning down to kiss her hand.

Mary shiver, hand suddenly shaking in Will's. "That's just it... I... no one knows... I've... never told a soul... My mother... I... I was always her little princess... but... I... it's... I've always been this way..." She was trying to explain herself before she ever said what the problem was. Ah yes, the tears were back, and she turned away, moving away slightly. "You're going to hate me... I know it. And I... I won't blame you. I won't blame you if you hate me... I'd hate me too... deceiving all the world... those who might have known were too drunk to care or remember in the morning... I..." She wrapped her arms around herself. "I... my birth name isn't Mary... but I've never been called anything else... I was named after my grandfather... Marrin... I... I'm not a girl at all..." Mary was suddenly sobbing, face hidden in... apparently, his, hands. "I'm so sorry Will... I... Oh god... You hate me now don't you!? How could to feel anything else but hatred towards me..."

“W…what?” Will couldn’t stop a chuckle and he tried to comfort Mary by putting a hand on her shoulder. This must be a joke. When he looked at Mary, all he could see was a beautiful, innocent girl. This couldn’t be… but she looked so serious and those tears weren’t fake… The smile rapidly faded from Will’s face and he pulled his hand away and ran it through his long hair.

“What do you… how do you mean not a girl?” He was shocked, more than shocked. This seemed so… surreal. How could this be? That hair, that face, those hands… he couldn’t imagine Mary as anything but the sweetest girl he had ever met. “Why? I mean… Why would you lie about who you are?” He sat down again, head buried in his hands. “I just don’t understand.” He was silent for a very long time, trying to put some sense to all he had heard. It felt like ages before he spoke again.

“I don’t hate you. I don’t think I could ever hate you.” He said raising his head and looking at the tearstained face of an angel. “But… I’m not sure what this means, Mary. I… I don’t know… But I will be here tomorrow and I hope you’ll be here too. You can explain everything when you’ve calmed down a bit.” He said standing close to Mary, taking her hand and placing a soft kiss on her palm. “Now go, they’ll be worried. You know how easily Jamie gets worried.” And he smiled, it wasn’t as bright and open as before, but it was still a smile. Mary still felt the tears rolled down her cheeks, unable to help herself, she threw her arms around the other man.

"I'll be here... I'll... I'll tell you everything you want to know. I will." She looked up at him, before wiping her eyes. She couldn't help but hug him once more before attempting a smile. Though it was not at all that sunshine smile that looked so well on her pretty face. She took a deep breath, before making her way back to where James and Tom where, having told Will another way to leave the area, though there was no path, it was still a way out. She plopped down, helping herself to food, mask in place. Tom smiled at her, from where he was leaning against James, munching happily.

"Good walk?" He asked. Mary nodded.

"I think so..." She said softly, before filling her mouth as not to have anymore questions directed her way. Tom didn't seem to notice.

James noticed that something was different about Mary, he recognized a mask if he saw one, but he didn’t ask about it. He was sure she would say something if she needed help, maybe she was just tired. All too soon all food was gone and they made their way home, Mary this time on Tom’s arm. All James wanted was to spend a quiet night with Tom, but he had some reports to finish and Molly’s dinner to eat. She would never forgive him if he missed lunch AND dinner. So he kissed Tom one last time before they reached the more frequently used paths and agreed to have dinner at Tom’s house the next day before he said goodbye to them and disappeared in the crowd.