Disclaimer : I realized I didn't add one before. I don't own anything, it all belongs to Disney, but if someone wants to sign over Will and Jack, can't say I'd protest. I also don't own the title, I got it from a song, I just can't remember which, so please don't sue (you wouldn't get much anyway)

A/N: This'll probably be PG-13 in later chapters. No flames please, though constructive criticism is welcome. Jack comes in the next chapter.

"Port Royal, Miss."

Virginia Harold lifted her head from the palm of her hand at the voice and glanced around her at the other passengers that were above deck. She cringed at the sight of them. Most were not nearly as properly dressed as she, nor did they possess the manners she had attended finishing school to obtain. A large dark haired man gave her a wink and grinned at her, exhibiting a mouth with several missing teeth.

Trying to ignore him and most of the others, she rose to her feet and peered over the railing of the ship at the settlement they were sailing toward. The dock grew larger every second. Sighing, she turned and leaned back against the barrier, using her elbows for support.

"Good Heavens," she exclaimed at the sight to the ship's port side, her hand flying to her chest.

The commodore at the wheel looked up at Virginia, then followed her eyes to the three hanging skeletons that greeted all immigrants entering the Jamaican port. A fourth noose hung beside the first few displaying a crude warning to any pirates. "Not to worry, Miss," he soothed her. Virginia's gaze shifted to him. "Just to scare them off."

"Do you not hang the pirates you capture?" she asked, her eyes flickering back to the bones.

"They're more often locked away," he explained. "But a pirate attack is extremely rare. I assure you, you're quite safe here."

This seemed to comfort her little and she looked back at the fast-approaching docks, eager to be on dry land again.

* * * * *

"You can set your bags there, Miss," one of the maids instructed in a heavy cockney accent. She closed the large French door behind Virginia and ushered her further into the foyer. "I'll fetch the governor." She strode toward one of the doors that lead further into the mansion.

"But, Elizabeth said-" Virginia called after her. If the woman heard, she gave no sign of it, scooting quickly into the parlor.

"Gin?" another female voice called out. Virginia lifted her eyes to the top of the stairs where Elizabeth Swann stood, a smile growing on her face at the sight of her friend. She lifted her skirts and hurried down the steps, embracing her when she reached the bottom.

"We've been expecting you," Elizabeth said, pulling back, but keeping her hold on Virginia's shoulders in order to get a proper look at her. "How long has it been?"

"Oh, six years at least," Virginia replied, looking her friend up and down. "Since you left England."

Elizabeth offered her a warm smile. "I have much to tell you."

"Now Elizabeth, let Virginia unpack and get settled in," Governor Swann reprimanded his daughter, stepping into the front hall.

"Are you engaged to Norrington yet?" Virginia questioned fervently.

Elizabeth gave an ironical giggle. "Not exactly." She lifted one of Virginia's bags, ignoring the young maid that tried to relieve her of it. "Come. I'll show you your room and we'll spend some time getting reacquainted."

* * * * *  

"Pirates?" Virginia repeated, gaping at her old friend's calm demeanor. Nodding, Elizabeth reached over to her nightstand and turned the knob of her oil lamp, raising the wick. "You must have been terrified!"

"I was at first," Elizabeth conceded, shifting into a more comfortable position. "Before Jack and Will came."

"Will Turner?" Gin grinned. Elizabeth nodded, a smile playing across her lips as well. "I remember him," Gin continued. "Rather humble background, but still quite handsome." She hesitated. "Is he the reason you're not engaged to Commodore Norrington?"

Elizabeth averted her gaze, her smile turning sheepish.

Gin gave a satisfied nod. "I thought so." She took a sip of her tea, turning the lemon inside the cup over with her spoon. "He still lives in Port Royal?" Another nod from Elizabeth. "Are you going to marry him?"

Elizabeth's eyes widened at the question and she paused. "I don't know," she said finally. "He hasn't asked, now that you mention it."

"Would your father even approve?"

"Well, he's always been rather fond of Will." Elizabeth sighed, almost wistfully. "But he makes no secret of the fact that he would prefer Norrington."

"I would say the governor is the only thing you have to worry about." Gin gave her a knowing smile. "I remember the way Will used to look at you. He'll ask." Elizabeth returned her friend's smile, taking a sip of her own tea. "Besides. Aside from the fact that he adores you, it would probably be good for him to marry into the Swann family. He's only a blacksmith, if I recall correctly. What else would he do with his life?"

Elizabeth choked suddenly on the tea in her mouth, grabbing at the napkin lying beside her to dab at her lips where the hot liquid dribbled out slightly.

Gin reached forward to place a hand on her shoulder. "Elizabeth, are you alright?" she questioned, waiting for her to regain her composure.

Elizabeth forced a smile. "I'm fine."

* * * * *

"Gin!" Will crossed the dusty floor of his workshop to embrace Elizabeth's old friend.

"I'm surprised you remember me," she laughed, hugging him back. Elizabeth stepped inside just behind her.

"I never forget a face," he smiled, gesturing for them to follow him further in. Gin glanced around the large chamber, built much like a barn.  A donkey, tied to some piece of equipment, no doubt to power it, one of Will's swords sitting red-hot on a pile of coals.

"Um," She gestured toward an overweight, sleeping man in one of the corners.

Will laughed and waved a dismissive hand. "Don't mind him. He probably won't even wake up while you're here." He turned back to his guests. "What are you doing in Port Royal this time of year? What with all the pirates and all." He winked over Gin's shoulder at Elizabeth.

"That's the one thing that makes me nervous about staying down here," she replied, already shuddering.

"Ah, they're not that bad," he grinned. "Well, not some of them anyway."

"Well, I certainly have no desire to meet one."

Again, Will glanced back at Elizabeth and gave her a knowing smile. "I make no guarantees."

* * * * *