Disclaimer: *Froda considers PineAppleLint's suggestion* Well, alright, I suppose we can share. But in the meantime, the person who doesn't get Jack himself gets Jack's hat, savvy? *Jack begins to yell about having to part from his precious hat* Can it, will ya?

AN: Boy do I love torturing you guys! Bwahahahaha!!! In fact, I can't wait to see what you all make of some of the stuff that's coming up! *HINTHINT* But for now you'll just have to settle for the new chapter! Hehehe.

Chapter Nine

The next few days threatened to be the death of Nora. She was physically healing well, but Jack seemed to take great delight in keeping her bedridden for as long as possible. He brought all of her meals to her in bed, always with that mischievous glint in his eyes that Nora knew all too well. But Nora had a few tricks up her sleeve.

"How much longer do you think it'll take us to get to this island of yours, eh?"

Nora smiled sweetly at Jack. "Hard to say."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

The smile remained, as sweet as ever. "Oh, nothing. We'll get there…eventually."

Jack's face turned an interesting shade of red. "Do you mean to say," he said slowly, the anger evident in his voice, "that you've been leading us in the wrong direction?"

"No," answered Nora primly. "I've just been leading you on the…scenic route."

Jack rolled his eyes. "And what would I have to do to get you to lead us on the direct route?" He asked with mock politeness.

"Let me out of this godforsaken cabin."

Jack merely grunted, and swaggered out of the cabin.

"I'll take that as a yes then!" Nora called after him, as the door slammed shut.

Nora had not forgotten the epiphany she had experienced aboard the Conqueror; but she now brushed it aside as the feverish imaginings of someone expecting to die. Of course, it had been real worry she had seen in Jack's face; heard in Jack's voice, but it was no more than worry over the safety of one he considered a member of his crew. Even so, however, there was a little voice in the back of her head that said but would he have lavished so much time and attention on another member of his crew?

She had decided not to think about it.

Nora hurriedly got dressed and made her way to the deck. The sun was shining, and a salty sea breeze loosened a few wisps of her unruly red hair. She was still a little stiff, but tried to hide it, keeping her gait as steady as possible as she approached Jack, who was standing at the helm.

"It shouldn't be more than two days." She said simply. Jack nodded. He had been looking straight ahead, but suddenly he turned to Nora, and his eyes swept her over from top to bottom. She found herself blushing slightly under her tan. If Jack noticed her reaction, he ignored it.

"You seem a little stiff yet. Be careful, eh? We don't want you to strain yourself." He grinned, a twinkle in his eye.

Nora rolled her eyes at him, and stalked off, a little ashamed of herself for her reaction to him.

That night, Nora returned to her own cabin. Jack, despite the disappointment of not being able to torment her anymore, seemed a little relieved by the fact that he got his own bed back.

Jack had (for once) respected Nora's wishes and had not slept in her bed, opting instead to sleep on the floor of her cabin. She didn't like having other people in her bed, except with her, and of her own choosing. However, she found herself rather missing Jack's cabin, having the smell, the feel of him all around her. It was pleasant and comforting, reminding her of the past, when she had been happy aboard the Maiden, learning from her father and the friendly competition with Jack. The fact that he also sent shivers down her spine merely made her angry with herself, with her lack of control.

They were getting close. So close, Nora could feel it in her bones. The crew seemed to be sensing it too, for they were starting to pick up energy, the restlessness giving way to excitement as they neared their quarry. Nora stood at the rail. The sun was beginning to set, and she was watching it sink lower and lower. She had always done this with her father. They would get up in the morning to watch the sun rise, and would stand together at the rail to watch it set.

Suddenly she sensed a presence behind her. At first, she thought her reminiscing had conjured a spectre of her father, but then it spoke.

"I haven't done this in quite a while." Jack said quietly.

"Done what?"

"Just…watch. I've been so busy lately, I just haven't had the time."

"Well, I haven't in a while either. I guess being locked in a brig waiting for death makes you realize how much you take for granted."

"Aye, that it does." He paused. "And having someone you know locked in a brig makes you realize…how much you care."

She looked at him, surprised. Their eyes locked, and he took a step closer, so that they were almost touching. He reached up and touched her cheek as they drew closer…

"Land ho!" came Gibbs' shout, which broke them apart quickly, and the moment had passed. The glint in Jack's eyes, which had been gone for just an instant, was back in full force. Nora couldn't help but smile at the lust for adventure evident in Jack's bearing. She affirmed his questioning look.

"This is it."