Hello again! How are you all?

I want to thank: Opalfire, ElenaPajaro91, Emma, Jade Lamourgy, Downeyfan21, laurentaylor14, Midnight LeAnn, red-eyedgal, Haeronwen, BleedmeoINSANITY, alchemistic, CaptainFlyingSparrow, AnnabelleLee13194, xlostinmyownworld, GladeSistas, kagomesdance, Snuffles-sweetie, MissSparrow101, Sparrow'sWing21, smalleycake3, cowboykelly17, sweeneytoddgurl and xActDanceWritex! Thank you all! :)

Review reply to Emma: So happy you liked it! Thank you so much for your supportive words! They really mean a lot! XD


Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean!

Chapter 49

The Black Pearl was sailing towards Singapore. The sun was high in the sky and Gibbs with Tom were desperately trying to catch some fish for lunch as Alicia had asked them.

"Bloody little buggers…" Gibbs muttered angrily when none of the fishes seemed to be around when you needed them.

"Just not our luck, Mr. Gibbs…" Tom said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Aye…and I was hoping for some fish soup…" the older man muttered. Tom smiled sympathetically and yawned slightly.

"Gibbs!" Jack called from the helm as he wiped sweat from his forehead annoyed by the extreme heat of the day.

"Aye?"

"Take the helm, will you? The sun is killing me…I'm getting old…" he mumbled the last line to himself.

"Can't do, Jack! I'm trying to catch some fishes!" he called back and Jack groaned irritated.

"I'll do it! Get up here!" he called with a sigh and Gibbs shrugged. Jack climbed down the stairs and replaced Gibbs.

"Why you need fish anyway…?" he mumbled and Tom cleared his throat.

"He's hoping for some fish soup, Captain." He said and Jack smirked.

"Does he? The lasses have spoiled him…" he mumbled, looking at the sea.

Alicia with Catherine appeared on deck; Alicia rubbing her back with a wince and Catherine trying to fan her self with her hands.

"How's the fishing going?" Alicia asked.

"I think…I think I'm getting something, Ali…" Jack said as he indeed finally caught some fish.

Both women approached them, Catherine huffing as she tried to move her hair from her neck to cool herself. She came to stand next to Tom who looked at her sideways as she leaned over the railing. Alicia settled next to Jack and looked around.

"Bugger!" he cursed loudly when a big wave caused the fish to move away from his grip. He glared at the floating fish and shook his head with a growl. He removed his vest and shirt before jumping into the water to grab the fish.

"Jack!" Alicia gasped and then laughed as he took hold of the rather large fish and squealed in delight at his success.

"Got it! Tom! Take it!" he called and the younger man hurried to comply. When the fish was safely aboard the ship, Jack made no move to return.

"What are you doing?" Alicia asked with a chuckle as he started swimming around.

"Getting rid of all this heat, luv…won't you join me?" he asked and she looked at him.

"No…I don't think…"

"Weigh anchor!" he called up to Gibbs.

"Huh?" Alicia muttered.

"Can't have the ship moving while we're swimming, can I? Get in here. It'll help with that blasted sun." he said, waving her over.

"Jack…how am I going to swim?"

"With your hands and legs. Take off the dress and get in here. Keep your shift on…don't want anyone staring at me girl's goods." He muttered and she hesitated before doing as he asked.

Catherine helped her remove the dress and she was in the water in a few seconds. Catherine sat back and leaned over the railing, her eyes squinting against the burning humid air.

"Warm, isn't it, miss?" Tom asked and she nodded with a moan of distress.

"It's horrible…and the night isn't any better…can't sleep…" she said with a small smile.

Jack pulled Alicia closer and splashed her with water, making her laugh.

"Isn't it nice, luv?" he asked and she nodded with a content sigh.

"It is…" she said and looked up at the now unmoving ship. She waved at Catherine and spoke loudly.

"You should come in too! It will refresh you!" she called and Catherine's eyes widened.

"I can't…thank you but I can't…" she said softly and Jack frowned.

"Why not?"

"I…I'll drown. I can't swim." She said and Jack looked at her.

"Oh…well…she has a point." He said and Alicia slapped his arm.

"Then it's time to learn how!" Alicia said and Catherine shook her head.

"No, no…I'm not going in there." She said shaking her head.

"Come on, luv. I'll help. Ali here isn't so good at swimming either, are you luv?." he said with a wave of his hand, while Alicia glared at him in mock hurt.

"I don't want to bother, Jack. I'm fine here." She said as she fanned her self again, making everyone who was watching chuckle.

"Nonsense. Get in here or it's the brig for you." He threatened and she stared at him.

"Well no sun there…" she muttered but she started pulling her dress off anyway.

"I think I'll go up…all the water made me…seasick…" Alicia said as a wave of nausea came over her.

"Are you okay…?" Jack asked worried and she smiled.

She nodded and started swimming towards the ship as Catherine was standing on the last step that was at the side of the Pearl.

"He'll teach you." Alicia said winking before she winced at the bitter taste in her mouth her stomach was leaving.

"I hope…" Catherine muttered as Jack approached her with a grin and took her hand, pulling her in the water.

"Oh!" she exclaimed as water was splashed on her face and he chuckled, taking the opportunity to lead her further into the water because of her closed eyes.

"It's not so deep here, is it?" she asked in a high pitched voice and he smirked.

"Of course it is. We're in the middle of the Caribbean, luv."

"Oh…why don't we go back?" she asked, gripping his hand, almost bruising it.

"No, no. Can't have a lass in me ship with no knowledge of swimming. Now…float." He said as he pulled her closer.

"Huh? Do what?" she asked and he laughed before showing her how to swim. She was yelping and holding onto his hand tightly while Alicia and Tom were watching amused.

"Easy with me hand, luv…I need it for steering me ship." Jack muttered and she smiled sheepishly at him as she moved her legs around like he showed her.

"Sorry… maybe… maybe…Tom could finish my lesson." She said with a smile and Jack smirked, looking at the wide eyed young man.

"Thomas? If you please. I have to get back on me ship…me skin has started shrinking…" Jack mumbled while Tom clumsily took of his shirt and jumped into the water.

"Feel free to grip his hand as tightly as you want. I'm sure he won't mind. Eh, Tom?" Jack smirked as he elbowed Thomas, making him wince.

"Yes, Captain…" he mumbled as he offered Catherine his hand.

Jack returned to Alicia's side and took his dirty shirt to dry himself before pulling her into his arms.

"All right, Ali? Is the little one okay?" he asked as he placed a wet hand on her stomach.

"Yes, Jack. You worry too much." She whispered, pecking his lips.

"Why don't you give me some rum?" he asked with puppy dog eyes and she rolled her eyes smiling before pulling him towards the galley, the laughs of the couple in the water ringing in her ears. She had a sneaky suspicion that they liked each other. They just didn't know it yet. She'd make sure they find out soon though.

End of chapter 49

Author's note: Thank you for reading! I'm sorry for the shortness but things have been a little…hectic around here lately.

Please review! I promise the next one will be posted soon and it's going to be bigger! So, review and I'll update soon! :)