FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

20—She-Pirate

DISCLAIMER: Jack'n'Lizzie etc. do not belong to me. I make no money from the writing of this fan-fiction.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews, you guys are awesome!

I would have gotten this chapter up a lot sooner had I not had a serious case of writer's block, which has been cured thanks to the marvelous and oh-so-helpful driver picks the music! Once again, she's let me use her as a sound-board and I could not be more appreciative. So not only did she listen to me babble, but she was so awesome as to come up with the idea for this chapter. Thank you, darlin', you're the best!

So, without further ado, on with the chapter!

Gibbs didn't wait for Jack to speak before speaking himself. "Ship approachin'," he said breathlessly.

"Colors?" Jack asked, his voice taking on an all new tone of seriousness.

Gibbs shook his head. "She's familiar."

"And?" Jack continued.

"The Dauntless."

Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat, her grip tightening on the sheets around her body so much her knuckles turned white. The Dauntless. She knew that the Dauntless was the only ship that could catch up to the Pearl, now with the Interceptor lying in pieces at the bottom of the ocean. And she knew from the minute she had left with Jack that James would likely pursue them, but she didn't realize it would be this soon. For the first time in her life, she was truly afraid of James, terrified as to what he might be capable of. She knew he would never bestow any malicious behavior on her, but where Jack was concerned, she wasn't sure, and that was frightening.

"Prepare the crew, have the cannons ready an' waiting." Jack instructed Gibbs, his voice smooth and calm. "I'll be out in a moment."

"Aye, Capt'n."

Elizabeth squeezed her eyes shut, listening as Jack closed the door and the sound of his bare feet padding across the cabin grew closer. She took in a shaky breath and opened her eyes to see him pulling on his shirt.

"Well, it seems yer bloody fiancé wasted no time in tryin' to find you again," he muttered, looking around for his boots. She wasted no time herself as he sat in the desk chair, pulling them on quickly. She tossed the sheets off her body and began rummaging around for her own clothes, ignoring the click of Jack's tongue and his whistle as she pulled her blouse over her head and then her breeches.

"It seems not," she replied, trying with immense effort to hide the trepidation from her voice. "I knew he might come after us, but I didn't think it would be so soon."

Jack snorted, causing Elizabeth's eyes to shoot up towards his. "Hardly. Good ole Norrie hardly seems the type to sit around and lick his wounds." She sat on the edge of the bunk, fiddling with her belt buckle (or at least pretending to), watching him out of the corner of her eye as he stalked towards her. She had hoped he was going to lean down and kiss her, tell her it was going to be alright, but instead he only reached for his sash.

"You don't… do you think someone sold us out?" she asked timidly.

"No," he said with a shrug. "But your fondness of me was hardly a secret 'fore you left an' Norrington's a smart man. When he learned ye ran away, I might have seemed much to obvious an option to run away to… or rather, with."

By now, Jack was nearly completely dressed and so was she. He was securing his pistol under his belt when he looked up to see her securing her hat on her head. "Ye won't be needing that in here," he said rather flatly, his brow furrowing.

This time it was Elizabeth who snorted. "You wouldn't dream of locking me in here."

"Damn straight I would," he replied sternly.

"Not if you ever wish to spend the night with me again." She folded her arms across her chest. "I'm a competent adult and you have absolutely no right to—"

"Last time I checked, I was still captain of this vessel."

"Jack…" Elizabeth reached out and took hold of his hand, squeezing lightly. She smiled gently when she noticed his hardened expression softening, pausing to think for several moments. She had to think of a plan and she had to think of one fast.

"Lizzie, m'serious."

"So am I," she told him. "I could be a huge asset to you, Jack, if you'll only let me."

"Not worth the risk."

"Jack—"

"You know more'n anyone how determined that man is to see me at the end of a hangman's noose."

"Just as I know how much the very same man cares for me," she reminded him. She took a step closer to him, feeling the heat radiating off his body. "James will be watching himself to see you on deck. You're his target, I will not pretend to be naive to that. But if he sees me first, he won't risk an attack. I know his affections for me outweigh his vendetta against you." Jack stood quiet for a few moments, his eyes averting hers as he chewed on his bottom lip, pondering. "Trust me, Jack."

Jack breathed in deeply through his nose before speaking. Before he could, there was another knock at the door. Jack turned his head slightly, listening.

"We're ready, Capt'n!" Gibbs called.

Jack turned back to Elizabeth, leaning in to briefly swipe a kiss against her temple. Without speaking, he headed for the door. She watched him, a piece of her heart sinking slowly in her chest when he turned back to face her.

"Are you comin' or not, luv?"

The night air was unsettlingly cool, the gentle sea-breeze blowing harder until it became full-fledged wind. The waves churned and lapped against the side of the Dauntless, causing the mighty ship to rock back and forth as if she were a giant cradle.

Her crew was waiting anxiously on the commodore's orders. For many, this was their maiden voyage, and though the intention for said-voyage was never a secret to them, actually coming upon the famed and feared Black Pearl in the middle of the night was more than slightly unnerving. As for the commodore himself, he stood on the quarterdeck at the ship's rail, a telescope held in front of his stern and solemn face. None of the Pearl's crew looked at all familiar and her captain had remained elusive.

Just there! A mass of tangled dark hair crossed his line of vision. He lowered the telescope from his face for a brief moment, narrowing his eyes. When he raised the telescope back to his eye, the sight that greeted him made his chest ache in the most uncomfortable way, going so far as to make him feel short of breath. Standing there, beside that mass of tangled dark hair was a flurry of golden blonde hair. There was no mistaking her, even though she was dressed as she was.

He didn't want to be right. He didn't want to believe that his Elizabeth would have run off with that… that pirate. And here she was, not only socializing with the lot, but dressed as one! Not for the first time, James was glad that he had not welcomed Weatherby Swann on the voyage. The sight would surely break the older man's heart even more than his own.

"Orders, Commodore?" James reluctantly lowered the telescope from his face upon hearing Lieutenant Gillette behind him. "The cannons are ready, sir, and the crew is in position. Shall I give the order?"

"Hold fire," he instructed, turning to face the puzzled look on the lieutenant's face. "Just as suspected, Elizabeth is on board the Black Pearl. We are to approach the ship slowly to insinuate our neutrality. Not one cannon or musket is to be fired until she is safely on board the Dauntless."

"But sir, the weather is growing increasingly foul. We haven't the time to—"

"I promised the governor I would bring his daughter home safely. I have every intention of keeping that promise, Lieutenant."

"Yes, sir."

On the opposing ship, the crew was equally as nervous as that of the enemy. Taking down a ship as large as the Dauntless would be no easy task, even for a ship like the Black Pearl. Still, each and every crew member stood at their station, waiting for their captain's orders.

At the railing stood Elizabeth, with Jack hovering behind her. If he could not succeed in locking her safely away in his cabin, he would succeed in keeping her close to him at all times. Just behind him stood Gibbs, who nervously muttered little comments under his breath and repeatedly took swigs of rum from his flask.

"Any of those white wigs look familiar to you, luv?" Jack asked, standing just behind Elizabeth, waiting impatiently for her to return his telescope. He wasn't used to not being directly in control and it made him anxious, to say the least. He did have to admit though, if he was going to be second-in-command to anyone, he was glad Elizabeth was that someone.

"Quite a few of them actually," she said, sighing. She lowered the telescope from her face and handing it back to Jack. "James has been watching me."

"She's gainin' speed," Gibbs observed. "Shall I give the orders, Jack?"

"No…" he replied slowly, rubbing his chin. "Seems we have somethin' they want and they won't risk an attack until they have it secured safely away." Jack leaned into Elizabeth, squeezing her shoulder. "Just as ye said, darlin'." He turned back to Gibbs. "Tell the crew to hold fire but remain at their stations. I won't have us fallin' victim to a surprise ambush."

"Aye, Capt'n." Gibbs nodded nervously and disappeared from sight, barking orders as he went.

"You've been awfully quiet since I let you come out here," Jack said, wrapping an arm around Elizabeth's waist, pulling her snuggly against his chest. "Don't be afraid, luv. Yer not goin' anywhere, count on that."

"I'm not afraid," she said quietly, leaning into him. "I just… James will want to negotiate. I need to be prepared. The prize of said-negotiation will be me, after all."

"Yer not a prize to be won, Lizzie. I wouldn't dream of bartering you away."

Elizabeth stood silently in his embrace, closing her eyes and pretending that both of them were far, far away. She was snapped from her pleasant reverie, however, at Gibbs' warning of a longboat approaching. Jack promptly released her and peered over the rail, making a face and muttering something bitter under his breath before begrudgingly ordering Gibbs to welcome their guests aboard.

"Stay behind me," Jack hissed to her, forcing a charming grin on his face as Commodore Norrington, Lieutenant Gillette and two other higher-ups began to climb aboard. Elizabeth wanted to grab onto him, to revel in his warmth and the safety she felt when she was near him. But she forced her arms to remain at her sides, willed her composure to stay strong. She stood there, feeling like her stomach was about to drop straight to the deck, as James appeared on deck. Immediately they locked eyes, and immediately she wished they hadn't. She tore her gaze from his and, forgetting about her composure as she reached for Jack's jacket sleeve, holding on tightly. At least it made her feel better…

"Ah, Commodore Norrington, sir," Jack greeted in an overly-dramatic voice once he was face-to-face with James. He bowed just as dramatically, a smirk plastered across his chiseled features. "So lovely to see you again."

"Sarcasm noted, Sparrow," James replied with a heavy sigh and a roll of his eyes. He looked around, clearly unsettled. "And the feeling's mutual."

"Shall we, then?" Jack extended his arms towards his cabin, gearing for the inevitable.

"I'd like a word with Miss Swann." James forced a curt smile on his face. "If you'd be so kind."

"I wouldn't," Jack shrugged. "So sorry."

"Jack?" Finally finding her voice, Elizabeth edged closer, standing beside Jack instead of behind him. "It's alright."

He frowned, but with the gentle urging in her eyes, he nodded. "You two alone, no one else," he said, angling his face in Norrington's direction though not looking at him directly. "Not my men, not yours." He paused, turning back to Elizabeth. "If you're not done in fifteen minutes..."

"You have full permission to barge in," she replied, laughing slightly. "This way?" Her voice was hesitant and she knew it, even though she hadn't intended it to be. James nodded slightly, his expression softening dramatically as he followed her towards Jack's cabin.

The walk was silent and uncomfortable, but she surmised it was better than ridiculous small-talk. She let him enter first, turning away from him only to shut the door. When she turned back around, he was facing her, watching her intently. "Thank God, Elizabeth," he said, letting out a deep sigh. He took a few steps towards her before stopping, clearing his throat as if remembering who they both were. "Are you… alright?"

"Yes, I am fine," she told him, standing against the door, making her discomfort clear.

"Has he…" James trailed off, but she was glad he did. Has he… hurt you? She knew what he was going to say.

"No. He's been wonderful and respectful and kind." She could see her words made him uncomfortable, but she needed him to hear her. "James, I…" She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. For the Dauntless to have caught up with the Pearl already, she knew that James hadn't stuck around in Port Royale long enough to receive the letter she wrote him and sent in Tortuga. She wondered if he'd stil be here if he had. "You must know I am here by my own wishes. And I have no intentions of returning to Port Royale. You cannot take my freedom from me."

"Elizabeth…" His eyes averted hers, as if what he was about to say truly did anguish him. "Your father and I can arrange a pardon on your name, but—"

"No," she interrupted. "Me and Jack or you take me in shackles."

"Elizabeth, I cannot make room for argument. Your association with pirates has—"

"What? Am I now a pirate by association? Then why are you here?" she asked, her voice growing cold. "Was your purpose not to negotiate, then? Jack and I both, or none at all," she repeated. "It's your choice."

"I'm afraid I don't have a choice," he replied, his voice solemn and quiet. Elizabeth swallowed hard and she wondered if the sound of her heart breaking was as loud to him as it was to her. She doubted it. "Elizabeth, I'm—"

"Please. Please don't say you're sorry." She closed her eyes. She opened them, sucking down a deep breath, forcing the tears back. "May I request one last favor?"

"Of course. Anything." His answer was a bit too rushed and he knew it, judging by the uncomfortable shift of his position.

"The Azores are only a few hours away," she said quietly. "Could you… could you please? Just allow me this short amount of time to say goodbye. I promise. The Pearl will follow you there and once we make port… please, James?"

"Elizabeth…" He was unsure and she knew it. She had to find a way to persuade him.

"Please?" She willingly let go of her resolve, allowing the tears to dribble down her cheeks, smiling sweetly at him. "You can trust me, James. We won't run."

James was silent for several long moments before nodding uncertainly. "Very well." Doing a splendid job at hiding his emotions, he brushed past her towards the door, only stopping to turn and face her once it was open. When he did speak, his voice betrayed him, for he truly sounded broken and defeated. "Shall I… send him in, then?"

Elizabeth nodded weakly. "Please." Once he was gone, she frantically wiped the tears from her cheeks, desperate to hide them before Jack arrived. He arrived quicker than she anticipated, however, and she looked up when she heard his boots enter the cabin.

"You've been crying," he said, his voice low and flat, clearly angry. He walked to her, gripping her upper arms with both his hands and urging her to look at him. "What did he say, Lizzie?"

"Has he left?" She hoped he had, for she could not bear to face him again. It wasn't because she was upset with him... she knew he was just doing his job. She just knew that should she see him again in the next few minutes, she would really lose her resolve and then her plan would be done for. James had been so blinded by his feelings for her and she knew it, which made taking advantage of those feelings a very easy thing to do. She just wished she hadn't had to... that things had been different. But things weren't different and Jack had done so much to protect her. Now it was her turn to return the favor.

"Beg pardon?" He arched an eyebrow at her.

"Did he leave? Go back to the Dauntless?"

"Aye…" He was clearly confused, but her tear-stained cheeks prompted him to worry about Norrington later. "What did he say to you?" he repeated.

"It's not what he's said to me," she sniffled. "It's what I've said to him."

"Lizzie?"

"We are to follow the Dauntless towards the Azores. I have agreed… I've agreed to meet James there where he will take us into custody," she spat out, her throat feeling tight, her head light and dizzy. Jack remained silent, his gaze falling from her face. After several moments of deep, serious thought, his face scrunched up.

"The pursued are to follow their pursuers?" he asked.

"I asked him to trust me," she said. "How's the weather?"

"Worsening by the minute," Jack answered, his voice soft as he slowly caught on. "We'll follow her an' gradually lose speed. By the time she catches on, the wind will be to our advantage and we can outrun 'er."

Elizabeth nodded before more tears fell down her cheeks. "Oh, Jack, I feel so awful… he cares for me so much and… and…"

"Bein' a pirate isn't always as easy as it looks, is it?" he asked softly. "Listen to me, darlin'. It may not be right by their standards, but it's right by ours. What you did tonight saved an entire crew and I can guarantee you they'll not soon forget it. And I won't ever forget it, I promise you that."

"You were right, Jack," she said, her voice heavy and saturated. "He's determined to see you hang. I couldn't let him… if lying to him… I couldn't let you…" She stopped, squeezing her eyes shut as she gathered her thoughts. When she opened her eyes again, he was smiling at her warmly and she knew exactly what to say. With a real threat of danger hanging over them like an ominous, black rain cloud, she knew she had to say it. It couldn't wait any longer. "I love you, Jack."

His smile broadened and he leaned towards her, weaving his hands into her hair as he kissed her, long and soft and smooth. "Oh, luv," he whispered when he pulled back. "I love you too, Lizzie, an' I promise… I'll be worthy. I'll do right by you."

"You already have," she told him, burying her face in his neck.

"Lizzie," he breathed. "My clever little she-pirate. You've done me proud, luv."

"At least one of us is proud," she said, chuckling lightly.

"It will get easier, I promise," he told her. "Now smile for me, Lizzie. We've a brave front to put on and a ship to outrun. Are ye ready?"

"Yes," she said, instinctively obeying him and smiling. "I'm ready."

A/N: Well, that's it for this chapter. I stayed up really late last night so I could finish it, so I hope you guys liked it!

I probably won't update before Friday, so in case I don't, Happy Halloween, everyone! BE SAFE and enjoy your candy!

Thanks so much for reading, now go review! See you all next time!