Meryl stumbled grumpily into her cabin, leaning over the washbasin to wring out her hair. The storm that had rocked The Black Pearl for hours was finally beginning to quiet itself. She peeled off her rain-soaked jacket and searched around for dry clothing. Behind her, the door creaked, warning of a possible intruder.

Meryl turned around to face an equally drenched Jack. She smiled at him. "Quick, close the door. Your letting in a draft."

He pushed it shut and took a few steps toward her. His hand fumbled for hers. "Bloody fine pirate you'd make, luv." He said. "We held course the whole time. By the looks of things, we'll be able to see port in an hour or so." His arms slid around her waist and held steady at the small of her back.

Meryl tried to pull away, but he drew her closer to him. His chest pressed against hers. "Captain," She warned. "I wont kiss you."

He smiled. "Well then," He drew his head in close to hers. "Perhaps I'll have to kiss you."

She trembled. His lips brushed against hers, lightly, but full of passion. She felt hollow with anticipation. Suddenly the door creaked. Meryl and Jack drew apart forcefully. A young crewman entered.

"Captain!" He said, glancing from Meryl to Jack.

"Aye?"

"We'll be in Tortuga in not but a few minutes. Miss Anamaria suggests you come up on deck and help prepare to drop anchor."

Jack nodded and bade man leave, saying he'd be up in a moment. He turned back to Meryl. "Where were w-"

She slapped him stingingly across the face. "Tortuga?!?!?!" He turned back fearfully. "You said you'd get me out of there! That was part of our arrangement! I should've known not to trust you. Just get what you want from me and dispose of the rest, that's what your gaming at, aye?"

He grimaced. "Actually, luv-"

She slapped him again. "STOP CALLING ME THAT! OH I could kill you right now, Jack, you traitor, you liar!"

He drew his sword and handed it to her. "Well then, luv, why don't you get it over with, aye?"

She handed it back to him. "That's not a fair fight." He hands stuffed what possessions were loose into her bag. "But foreswear, Jack, sometime later on we will have a fair fight!" She made for the door but he stood in her way.

"Meryl, luv, don't leave." He said, his eyes pleading sweetly. "I'll take you to some other port!"

She scowled at him. "You broke your word." He stepped back from the door in cowardice. "I hope I never see you again."

He paused, and a look of confusion flickered across his face. "I thought you wanted a fair fight, luv?"

Meryl stopped and sighed. "Fine, then. I do wish to see you again. Now goodbye, dear Mr. Sparrow. Until our paths and swords cross again. Adieu." She flew up the steps and across the deck towards a group of crewmen.

"Cut me a rower." She commanded.

"What?"

"I need a boat. The mainland's in sight, now give me a bloody boat!"

They obeyed, though she received some perplexed glances from the crew. Whence Meryl had settled herself into the boat, she ventured the ten-minute trip rowing from ship to port.

Jack stood alone on the bow of The Black Pearl, watching her go, knowing he would not see her again for a long time…