Author's Note: You have to love plotbunnies. You really do. And I was quite surprised by this one. I've always been a Will/Elizabeth shipper. I've never remotely considered Jack and Elizabeth as a couple, even though there are some marvelous J/E stories that I've read. So why did I write one? Blame the bunny.

Disclaimer: They belong to Disney. I've just pirated them for my own use.

Leaving

Elizabeth stared out to sea, the wind blowing through her hair, sending it into tangles. She did not much care at the moment. She hadn't cared since she had lain Will into the earth a month ago.

After everything they had been though- near death, cursed pirates, and kidnappings- he had to die from a fever. Neither of them had known how bad it would take him. He had lain in bed for over a week, delirious, before finally succumbing at sunset. She didn't like sunsets now.

Tears formed in her eyes and she clenched her fists. She would not cry. Not in front of James. He and Sarah had offered to let her stay with them. Elizabeth had been tempted. She didn't like living in the small house Will had bought for them. It held too many memories, both good and bad. But she didn't want the embarrassment that would come from becoming so dependent on her friends.

James did the only thing he could. He contacted the captain of the Black Pearl. Elizabeth hadn't known he would do that. He and the pirate had never been on the best of terms. They had come to an understanding at the Turner's wedding, that Jack would not prey on British ships and James would not pursue him. It was a satisfactory arrangement, for the most part.

Jack had responded almost immediately. He hadn't known that Will died until after the burial. He couldn't risk coming into Port Royal at that time, but he did send a letter. The entire crew had either signed or made their mark on it. Elizabeth had been touched.

Elizabeth sighed and glanced over at her companion. James was standing a few feet away, eyes on the horizon. She was grateful to him, though he did not know that she had also sent for Jack. Needless to say, when she found out that he had done the same, she burst into tears. It was the first time she cried since the funeral.

So now both of them were standing on the beach, waiting for one of the Pearl's boats to land. Elizabeth didn't even smile as it came to a halt and a figure leapt over the side into the water.

James stepped forward and greeted the pirate after he splashed out onto the beach. Elizabeth stayed where she was, watching silently. Soon after, the man stepped away from James and approached the young widow.

Jack was silent, almost solemn. His brown eyes were full of sorrow and what looked like pity. Elizabeth raised her head and looked him in the eye. She didn't want pity.

Jack almost smiled at that and held out his hand.

"Time to go, Elizabeth."

She glanced at James and gave him a small smile of thanks. He nodded back and stepped away, letting her leave.

Elizabeth walked with Jack into the water and towards the boat, where Gibbs was already waiting. She climbed in, Jack close behind, and settled herself onto the seat. Jack took the oars and began rowing towards the Pearl. Gibbs squeezed Elizabeth's shoulder and settled beside her, silent.

She didn't look back.