A/N: This one is a bit out of character. It might have been better as just a fictionpress story with original characters, but I'll try it out here first.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except what I invented.
L-O-V-E. Jack stared at the word written on the page before him. He had developed the habit of writing words he wanted to focus on down, since if he didn't his mind tended to wander. The last page was covered in words. Lust, leverage, light, leeward, and more. He idly realized he had something of an obsession with l's. Beneath each word were scribbled several more words connected to the topic word. This was Jack's way of keeping his busy mind from bursting. But what could possibly go under love? Lack of freedom, lasting captivity? Thoughtfully, he considered the different aspects of a feeling he was beginning to understand all to well.
Friendship. He wrote it down. Love came from friendship, a connection and admiration flourishing into something more. Connection. Admiration.
Respect. A knowledge that the one you loved was your equal, and should be treated as such. A belief that that person's wants and needs were as important as your own. Equals.
Trust. In a pirate's world, that didn't mean believing the person would always be honest, it meant believing the person would always do what they thought was right, and be sorry if it turned out to be wrong. Belief.
Forgiveness. Accepting that the one you loved could not always be perfect, and sometimes needed to be forgiven for faults, and for wrongs done. Acceptance.
Honor. He balked slightly at this one. He knew what honor dictated, and it scared him to death. Being willing to protect the honor of the one you love, through whatever means necessary. Slowly, hesitantly, he wrote the related word. Marriage.
Desire. This one was easy, but he was still shaking at the thought of the last word. A physical need for the one you love, lust. To be fulfilled only after honor's requirements are met. Lust. Passion.
Faithfulness. Another hard one, but when he thought of her, it suddenly became easier. Willingness to remain with that one beloved, until death separates you. Contentment.
Jack stared at the list of words, then began copying them more tidily onto the next page.
LOVE:
Friendship
-Connection
-Admiration
Respect
-Equals
Trust
-Belief
Forgiveness
-Acceptance
Honor
-Marriage
Desire
-Lust
-Passion
Faithfulness
-Contentment
Again, he stared at the list, a slight smile crossing his face. Softly, he spoke to the list.
"I guess I'm in love."
"What?"
He jumped slightly when two arms wrapped around his neck from behind. Turning, he stood and wrapped his arms around the beautiful woman who had entered so soundlessly.
"Elizabeth." He kissed her gently, but pulled back, remembering what he had written about honor. "Will you marry me?"
Her kiss was her answer.