Hey, sorry these updates are taking forever. I have some ideas, but it's hard to fill in the gaps. If you have ideas for me, I'm all ears. :) Um, this chaper was actually fun to write, when I had ideas for it anyway. :) Sorry this chapter is kinda short, I really hope you enjoy it anyway. Please, PLEASE R&R!!!! Reviews always make my day:D

Chapter 13

Gibbs lazily stood at the helm and stared at the ocean sparkling in the afternoon sun. He smiled as he remembered watching the map sink into its depths. Of course his reason for getting rid of the map was to keep Jack from finding the ring. Gibbs wanted it himself. The thought of Jack with the powers of the ring caused him to shudder.

Gibbs drummed his fingers on the helm in boredom. He brightened when he remembered something. He pulled out his husk canteen and popped the lid off. He brought the canteen to his lips and tilted his head back.

"Mr. Gibbs!" bellowed a terribly familiar voice.

Startled, Gibbs choked on the drink. He pulled the canteen from his mouth, spluttering. He coughed a few times and wiped his mouth. As he put his canteen away he glared at Jack. "Aye, cap'n?"

Jack stepped forward and said, "Yu'r relieved of yur duties." He grinned at Gibbs, his gold teeth glinting in the sun. Gibbs couldn't help imagining that they were eyes winking at him.

"Aye, sir," Gibbs answered mechanically. He spotted Elizabeth in the background and smiled. "Need a bit o' 'lone time with th' lass, cap'n?" He chuckled.

He was rewarded with a fierce glare from Jack. Gibbs just turned and left with a grin.

Jack watched Gibbs leave, irritated. Once the drunken man was out of sight Jack turned to the helm and grabbed the spokes as they began to move. Elizabeth took her spot next to Jack and rested a hand on his stiff arm. He relaxed a little at her touch.

Elizabeth smiled to herself, almost laughing out loud. Poor Jack, he's far too protective.

"Where are we headed now, Jack?" she asked quietly.

Jack just stared at the ocean. "I don't know, luv," he finally replied.

Elizabeth sighed quietly to herself. She couldn't tell if Jack was lying or if he really didn't know. She was tired of hearing this answer every time she asked that question anyway. She folded her arms over her chest and stared impatiently into the distance.

Jack glanced at Elizabeth beside him and smiled. She reminded him of a little girl who didn't get her way. Elizabeth noticed his glance and unfolded her arms, embarrassed. Jack chuckled and snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes with a smile. They stood there for several minutes, speechlessly.

Elizabeth found herself drifting into sleep, but opened her eyes to prevent it. She lifted her head tiredly and looked around. The crew was lazily moving about doing their duties, or sleeping. Elizabeth yawned, but quickly put her hand over her mouth to prevent Jack from noticing it.

"Cap'n! A ship's been sighted!" called a crew member from the rail. "Shall we give her a visit?" A couple of crew members chuckled.

Jack grinned and said, "Aye!" Elizabeth rolled her eyes, but smiled anyway.

Within the next half hour Jack stood before the surviving crew and passengers of the ship that had been spotted, which was called The Valiant Blossom. The remains of the ship were now sinking into the ocean, of course after it had been scraped of its valuable cargo.

Elizabeth watched with amusement as Jack spoke to them of their fate.

"Send them t' th' brig, gents, unless, of course, they want to choose their other option." Jack finished with a smile to his crew members and walked back to the helm, without noticing Elizabeth, who was looking at a passenger from The Valiant Blossom curiously.

Elizabeth stepped closer to the man who stood quietly among his fellows. His hat was pulled over his face, but Elizabeth felt that she knew him. That she knew him very well…

Elizabeth swallowed the lump in her throat and lifted a shaky hand to the man's filthy straw hat. He didn't move away, he just stood there, looking at the ground.

Elizabeth pulled his hat slowly off his head and dropped it as her hands flew to her cover her mouth. She took a step back and stifled a sob. "W-will!" Tears were streaming down her cheeks. Without knowing what she was doing she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

Elizabeth forgot everything in that moment. She forgot that she was on The Lady Rose, she forgot about the crew staring at her, she forgot about Jack…

Elizabeth brought her face close to Will's and kissed him hungrily. Will wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back, just as eagerly. She could feel his joy radiating from his body and it filled her. She was so happy that she felt like crying. Will was here, they were together again…

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