An Awkward Meeting
"Two hundred pounds!" A man screamed at the auctioneer. "Two hundred!"
"Two hundred and five!" Another roared.
Captain Jack Sparrow looked up from where he sat on a brick wall, curious of the slave being sold this time. He froze, a bottle of rum slipping from his hand. No. The woman had dirty blonde hair that hung down to her waist and hopeless brown eyes. It was no one but the Pirate King herself. They can't do that! Not to her! I need to be the one to do it…
"Two hundred and five pounds!" The auctioneer repeated. "Going once, twice…"
"Three hundred." Jack interrupted, all heads snapping to look at him; even hers. He repeated what he'd said. "Three hundred pounds."
"Four hundred!" Someone cut in.
"Five hundred." The captain of the Black Pearl crossed his arms, smirking as the other man slumped back.
"Five hundred pounds!" The auctioneer announced. "Goin' once, twice...Sold!"
Jack grinned. He'd just saved Mrs. Turner a lot of pain. He got up, forgetting the smashed bottle of rum at his feet, walking up to the wooden platform and hauling the woman to her feet. He paid the seller before turning back to her. "Don't worry, love," He whispered in her ear so that only she could hear. He guided them off of the platform and away from the crowd before he finally cut the bonds tying her wrists together. "There ye go."
"Thanks, Jack." Elizabeth tossed the rope aside and rubbed at her raw wrists. "I was actually getting worried."
"What got ye into this mess anyway?" He asked, curiously.
She shook her head. "Everything's been going wrong since Will left me."
"Ah…" He raised his eyebrows for a moment in understanding. "But why Tortuga?"
"I was looking for you."
"I found ye instead of the other way around."
"Good thing, too." The Pirate King gave a small smile. "I've missed you, Jack."
Jack returned the smile. "Bet ye have."
"What have you been doing since we won the battle?"
"Tryin' to get the Pearl back from Barbossa...again." His smile had faded. "I stole Sao Feng's map from him though. After I get me ship back, I'm goin' for the Fountain of Youth."
"He stole the Black Pearl again?" Elizabeth frowned.
"Aye." He nodded. "Not surprised."
"Neither am I, but seriously…" She shook her head.
"I need to start goin' after Barbossa again pretty soon, 's soon 's I can figure out where I left Gibbs." Jack sighed, before patting her shoulder awkwardly. "Take care o' yourself, 'Lizabeth."
"I...I'll try to." She answered.
"Catch a ship far from 'ere." He advised. "Get back to somewhere ye'll be safer. The island ye were left on seemed to have no other visitors...or Port Royal, maybe."
"I'm never going back to Port Royal, Jack. There's nothing left for me there." She sighed sadly. "My father's dead."
"Jus' stay safe, whatever ye do." He looked reluctant to leave her side. "Take care o' yourself, darlin'."
He turned and began swaggering away, sadness tugging at him. He heard her call his name. Surprised, her turned back to face her. She ran up to him and hugged him tightly. He returned the hug, rubbing her back gently.
"I miss you, Jack…" Elizabeth forced out. "What if I don't see you again?"
He pulled back and cupped her cheek so that they'd lock gazes. "We will meet again, Elizabeth Turner, I know it. It'll be alright 'till then."
"Don't die before then again, Jack." She advised.
He let out a laugh, before assuring her, "I don't plan to ever die again."
"Good luck."
"Good luck to yourself as well, love. Until we meet again…"
Jack Sparrow turned and began walking away, his feet carrying him towards the nearest pub.