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Disclaimer: Of course I don't own anything, ye stupid git.

A short life but a merry one! – Thankee for everyone of you reviews…ahh yes yes, you're the best. Now, if I were greedy, I'd say I wasn't updating til I had 75 reviews. But we'll see, shan't we? Based on quality of reviews.

Enjoy!

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I usually don't like thinking about the future. I mean, let's face it, you can't predict what's gonna happen. But sometimes, the thing you didn't expect is what you really wanted after all. Maybe the best thing to do is just stop trying to figure out where you're going, and enjoy where you're at. Scrubs

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"I must admit, lass, I'm not impressed."

"Oh, please – you know I'm good. Perhaps I'm no Jack Sparrow – but I do know how to handle myself." I smirked.

"True…but you're no Will Turner either." He extended his hand, and I graciously accepted it and got up.

"No fair, I've never seen him!" Will looked over at us from where he was splicing a line and laughed.

"Someday, Percy, I'll show you how it's really done. Then you'll learn that Jack here is just a few marks below me." Will commented.

Last night was going down in my mind as THE best night of my life. Well, ok, one of them. But comparing it to allot of the "Best" night's I've had, it pretty much beats them. Though I can imagine ways that other nights could easily top it, for now, it was numero une. True, it didn't go any further then kissing, but it was like I could breath again!

And dude, people need oxygen. Seriously. Go hold your breath for a few minutes, and tell me what happens. I couldn't stop grinning, even after he decided to destroy me in a duel. I wasn't half bad, true, but I didn't have the years of experience Jack did – he definitely won. But hey, that was ok.

For now.

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"Jack," I asked over lunch in the galley. It was burgoo – umm, my favourite! Honestly, it was like there was a party in my mouth – and, um, yeah, everyone was throwing up! we were sitting at the end of a table, and I was trying to whisper, considering this part he probably didn't want the crew to hear. But what do I know? "How many more side trips are we going to be making?"

I suddenly felt stupid for saying that, and shut my gob. I didn't mean to sound eager – because there was that awkward voice that pointed out how I could still leave when we found the treasure. But I had a plan – and I'd deal with that later.

"We're setting sail straight for the treasure of Useppa. Should be there in-" He was cut off when Jessica came screaming into the room. "GOODMORNING EVERYMAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD OF GOD! IT is SO GOOD to SEE you again!"

"Jessica, Jess-" Norrington stood up and tried calming her with his hands, "Steady now, darling, use your indoor voice."

She simple laughed and swatted him on the shoulder, "Oh YOU!" She said, giggling. Jack and I exchanged glances, pretending like we were never that immature. Yet, even thought the room was quiet and all eyes were turned on the scene, no one was really anxious to stop her. "Jacko! I mean, ahem, CAPTAIN SPARROW! How's my favorite captain doing?" She skipped over to him, as every set of eyes following her. She still had on a dress, even though we'd taken to sea. I overheard her and Norrington arguing over it, but she insisted on it. Leaning her lips to Jacks ears, she whispered, "Remember that night in San Juan?" Giggling, she lightly slapped his cheek.

Jack swallowed nervously for a second, yet I think I only noticed this, and he nodded, "Jess, luv, could you kindly shut yer noise hole? Aye, Norry – stop stuffing your craw, and why not keep an eye on this lass of yers, eh?"

I just laughed, as jealous as felt – which was a little jealous – I wasn't stupid. Jack and Jessica weren't going to just run off right now and hop on the good foot and do the bad thing. Gibbs shot me a look, and I coughed, trying to shut up.

"Jessica, lets go darling-"

"No, no! Let's not go! Let's stay! Let us eat, laugh, and be gay!" She twirled around, allowing her dress to fly out. Norrington had enough by now and walked over to her. "Jessica, let's just go get some fresh air?" His voice was steady, trying to not show embarrassment. I knew all about Norrington, and I had to admit, it must have been hard for him to make such a drastic change in his way of living. From Gin to Rum, I guess they say.

"Congratulations Norry, you've finally managed to bag the perfect girl. She's rich, and she's probably got other characteristics..." Jack commented, causing the crew to laugh. But Jessica seemed to not hear this and continued with her charade of being LOUD.

"William! Where's the Will boy? I want an introduction!"

"Jessica you may meet him later." Will and Elizabeth looked at each other, Elizabeth's glare was almost accusing, but Will but his hands up in self-defense.

"Will! Come visit me, eh? Tonight!" She squawked, focusing on Cotton, obviously assuming he was Will. Why the strange behavior? Oh well, it was amusing, so I might as well let her go.

I had wanted to stay and hear it all out, but Jack grabbed my hand and pulled me to him, "Follow me."

We left the table unnoticed, and went up the stairs to the deck. As we were walking out, I heard Jessica's voice go deep as she called, "THIS IS HOW GIANTS TALK!"

"Jack, how well do you know this Jessica girl? Oh she's a lovely lady, I must say…." I said, laughing, "I'm just kidding, I'm no one to judge."

He raised his eyebrows at me, "While I realize that's very big of you, Miss Hart, I don't recall you running into the galley screaming like a banshee. Although," He added, walking towards me. He ran his fingers through my hair, "If you'd invited him to your room, I wouldn't have turned you town." He leaned in, and kissed me quickly. Oh, that's something very nice when you don't have to be awkward about it. Pulling apart, he smiled at me. A strange thought occurred to me, and it sort of jumped out of my mouth before I could process it. "Er, Jack, have you…known…her?" Why did I want to know that?

He smiled at me, "Ah, you want to ask her what it's like, eh?"

"Jack!" I laughed, nudging him in the ribs. "I'm just curious as all. I'm aware of you and Elizabeth but not Jessica. I shrugged and took in the weather. It was a lucky one, just like Jack had commented on before – on how we were lucky – and the sun was shining. Yet we were pretty much a sitting duck, considering there was really no wind.

"We might've had a thing back in the day." He scratched the back of the head and looked up into the rigging. "Long time ago, it's history, and let's keep it that way." He shuddered, " For all our sakes."

"Why are they hear though? It's obvious you're not that fond of Norrington, but Jessica and Elizabeth and Will? I do find it kind of funny that I'm the only one who cares, but, eh."

Jack put his arm around me, and we walked around the deck. "Oh, Norry, let's not talk about him. Let's just say we've crossed paths one too many times." He remarked.

"Was that before or after you slept with his girl?" I commented, smiling. He glanced at me, "Trust me on this one," He said, "They belong together!"

"Ok, but that doesn't explain why he's here. And the others."

"You'll see in time. Right now, I'll just say this – Will an' Lizzie are…how to put this, the good guys."

"Compared to Norry and Jess?" He nodded. "But, Jack…they seem to get on with your crew, and not to mention you. Uh, let me put it like thi- they're pirates?"

"Yes, well, er, yes…but in the bigger picture, they're certainly the good guys."

"Hmm…so even if I feed you to a giant octopus, I can still be a good guy?"

He lowered his eyes and glared at me, "Not gladly, and I'll certainly never kiss you again."

"Well, that's good. I wouldn't want to kiss you while you were covered in slime anyways!" We were both laughing as we arrived at the quarterdeck.

"I've done something, Percy." I looked at him, hesitant. "Yes?"

"When ye were sleeping – "He said ye, a habit of his that he dropped in and out of. Not that I minded, but it was something I noticed. "I went out on deck-"

"Jack! How could you! I trusted you- and this is what you do!" I slapped my hands to my face, trying to look shocked.

"Percy," Jack said, laughing, "no, what I mean is, there wasn't much of a land breeze, so I had the crew drop anchor."

"Oh, so that's why we're not moving. Right."

We continued walking, "So, I figured I'd give the crew a break. You know what they love to do?"

"Hmm, well, like the song goes, pillage, rifle, loot, and…even hijack?"

"Swim." He stated simply.

"Huh?" I asked, concerned.

"Here, let me show you." He grabbed me by the waist, but I stopped him, "Ok, ok, you want me to jump in?" I pleaded, "I'll do it! You can't throw me in, not again! Two times is one to many!"

"Well then," He said, relaxing his grip, " Let's pretend I didn't through you in the first time, and we'll count this as number one?" I shook my head, and squeezed out of his grasp. But I was hot – it was hot out – I mean, welcome to the Caribbean, am I right? So instead of running away, I climbed up the railing. "Cannonball!" I shouted before jumping into the air and wrapping my arms around my knees. Even if I had a bathing suit, I still wouldn't put it on.

As I came up for air, pulling my damp dark hair over my shoulder, I looked up in time to see Jack jumping from above. I looked for him, but saw no sign of him. "Jack?" I called. Ok, that was stupid. He was underwater – he couldn't here me. But still, that's like saying, "Are you asleep?" To someone sleeping.

"Argh" I yelped as I felt something pull me under. Shark? Jack the shark? What?

Again, I was pulled under, and suddenly there was Jack, right next to me. "You…lousy…louse!" I smacked him on the arm, and swam closer, til I was able to put both hands on his head and dunk him. "hah, Victory!" I cried again.

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It wasn't long until the rest of the crew came and joined us – including Will and Elizabeth. Jessica and Norrington were nowhere to be found for some reason, but I couldn't imagine that they were doing what I thought they were doing because of how there day started, but who knew? I smiled as I watched Will and Elizabeth from where Jack and I were laying in the netting below the bow. It felt so perfect, just laying there with him, allowing the sun to both burn and dry me.

Honestly though, one of the best things about this trip was the sleeping! Back home, I hated my alarm clock and going to bed early because of work. Do you know how wonderful it is to go to bed when you're just tired and wake up whenever you want? Oh my gosh, I was taking it for granted! I had it so good here, just because of that! Ye can tak away me freedom, but ye cannae tak me sleep!

"Jack, what happens if we're in battle?" I was resting my head on his chest, and he was running his fingers up and down my arm, softly humming.

"Hmm…The worst part is the calm beforehand."

"Not the battle?"

"Oh, right I forgot about the battle." He chuckled and resumed humming. A funny thought struck the drama queen in me, and I felt like maybe things were perfect right now, because look at us – this could be the calm beforehand. The calm before the storm?

I took my hand and drew a circle on his shirt, lightly tickling him. Every now and then, his random humming would become chuckling. "Tell me about an adventure you've had."

He raised his head and looked down at me. In the water I heard someone call, "Will if you drown me, so help me!" but the voice was drowned out by the sound of splashing. "Alright, I'll tell you about…my trip to Boston."

"Ho hum, that's boring! I know all about Boston, tell me about…well, have you ever blackmailed someone?" Stupid question.

"I prefer the term Extortion. The X makes it sounds much better."

And that's how we spent our day. Relaxing and lying around, and everything was in place. But my instincts were right on the money – because nothing gold can stay, and the next day was a day of reckoning.

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Righ, terribly short – but don't worry, I'll have a long one coming your way this weekend. As for the content of this chapter, mainly just a view as to how perfect things COULD be. But yes, things change and bad things happen and whoops, guess you have to wait, dontcha?

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