James was only in Tortuga for a week, and after packing the brig with a few "notorious" pirates he had to move on. The question was….was Angelica coming.

They'd talked about it but never discussed properly the answer. And as the week shorted James could tell she was wrestling with it, knowing he would expect an answer. The fact she was unsure, made him slightly weak at the knees but he refused to show it. She knew what he wanted. He only hoped this wasn't a case of her wants fighting against his.

The night before he was due to set sail, he returned to their little house with a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach.

"Angie?"

He found her outside at the docks, throwing stones into the dark waves. She didn't look up as he settled down beside her, kicking off his boots to dangle his feet over the edge.

"I've made up my mind." She murmured, and James tensed.

"And?"

"I need to ask you something first."

James was too worried to look at her, and instead stared at the water which meant what he asked what that was, he didn't see the push coming until he was halfway in the water. Spluttering, he grasped the edge of the dock. "I thought you had a question!"

"You already answered it!" she gave him a devilish grin and tugged on her boots before taking off down the coast line. James hauled himself out of the water and in two leaps was chasing after her. She was fast, but he had a distinct advantage with his long legs and she knew that. Though running in saturated clothing was far from ideal. "I'm sorry I didn't catch it."

"I asked if you knew how to swim!" she called over her shoulder, her dark hair blowing back in the wind.

"I don't recall hearing you ask such a thing." James retorted dryly, giving an extra burst of speed through the shallows to catch up and tackling her to the wet sand. He was panting, but fully pleased with himself and couldn't wipe the smirk off his face. It disappeared though when she started to laugh. "What?" he glanced himself over briefly. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing….it's just your shirt."

When he glanced down she kneed him and twisted out from underneath. Luckily James tripped her up before she could get to far and grabbed her more tightly. "I doubt the brig will hold this one, sir. We might need to go to more extreme measures!" he dragged her toward the shallows again. She dug her heels and tried to wriggle free but to no avail.

"Don't you dare lock me up!" she shouted, trying to pull him back.

James stifled a laugh underneath his breath, planting himself while she twisted and turned. "Perhaps if we threw her to the men to teach her a lesson." He gave her a firm yank till she was in the water and then gave her a push. She splashed into the salty waves, coughing, but her hazel eyes shining. They stared at each other for a moment, holding back the laughter.

It was dark before they returned hope, soaking wet and shivering—but very happy.

James lit the fireplace, and hung up their clothing to dry. And since her only spare clothes was the fancy dress, he loaned her one of his shirts. "We'll have to fetch you some more things to wear at our next stop." He stretched out in front of the fireplace, watching her comb her wet hair.

"I don't mind this." She raised a brow at him and James gave her a little kick with his foot.

"You're not going out like that."

"You couldn't stop me."

"Don't go there pirate." He smirked and closed his eyes.

He felt her come over and curl up against him, her head on his chest. Instinctively he wrapped an arm around her, his other hand sifting through her wet hair. "You were going to tell me your choice." He reminded quietly, wondering if she could feel the tension in him.

She could, because she softly traced over his beating heart in response. "Isn't it obvious?"

"I'm afraid not." He murmured, opening his eyes to watch her. Perhaps their play had been goodbye…

"I'm coming with you." She sat up some and kissed his jaw. "Happy?"

"You tell me." The naval officer replied, pulling her closer to him.