Rules of Attraction

Chapter 7

Disclaimer: Disney owns the pirates not me. I promise I'll put them back when I'm done.

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Jack and Will and stood on the deck. They had earlier returned to the ship and when they did the women had promptly returned to their respective cabins. The pirates had working the ship as they made their way toward port.

"We have two choices," Jack began to slowly explain their predicament, "we could both remain out here. Sleep on the deck as we have for several days. Or we can go into our respective fair maids chambers."

"Where we could be welcomed or…" Will left the end of his statement hang.

"Let's not think about the or." Jack stepped forward carefully approaching the door. He disappeared inside and only silence followed him.

"I suppose that's a good sign." Will made up his mind and walked quietly to Elizabeth's door. Taking a deep breath he knocked.

Her voice emanated from within asking him to come in. He did slowly and carefully. Elizabeth was in bed. Will let out the breath he'd forgotten he was holding when she extended her hand to him. He quickly shed his boots and shirt and climbed into bed beside his wife. Before she could protest he captured her lips. Will kissed her slowly and gently before releasing her. Their foreheads rested together.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered against her.

"I know. You don't have to be," she answered. "I love you, Will."

He nuzzled her head. "I love you so much Elizabeth."

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Jack walked carefully around the cabin. A pair of eyes from the bed followed his every move. He kicked off his boots and continued his perusal. Catherine's eyes never left him. He humphed and flopped his long frame into the chair. He pulled his hat over his eyes and settled in.

"Jackson Nathaniel Sparrow."

His head snapped up at the mention of his full Christian name.

"What are you doing?"

"Sleeping, in case you haven't noticed."

"Why are you sleeping in the chair?"

"You are on my side of the bed."

"Oh for god's sake." she scooted over and patted his side of the mattress.

He smirked and joined her. Catherine moved to the extreme other side and watched him. Jack gave an exasperated sigh and reached for her. He pulled Catherine to him and soon she was in her customary position curled against his side.

"I hope you know I'm still angry with you." the fierceness in her voice was belied as her fingers began to trace around the scars on his shoulder.

"You are? Well, I shall have to remedy that." he kissed her head.

"Jack?"

"Yeah?"

"Are we going to spend ten years as skeleton monsters if we find this new treasure?"

He thought a moment. "Not that I know."

"Alright." she was silent a moment. "Will you at least tell me where we are going?"

"I need to see to some things in Tortuga. I promise, love, I'll tell you before we leave port."

She seemed slightly placated by his answer. "Fine."

"Are you still angry with me?"

"Yes."

He smirked and settled in to sleep.

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The seas stayed with them and within three days they were sailing into the port at Tortuga. Sailors watched up at them thinly veiled fear. It seemed to Elizabeth that the old myths of the Black Pearl were still quite alive and Jack's stance at the helm did nothing to disperse them. Once the Pearl was docked the crew gathered. The ship was by far the most impressive in the harbor and was pointedly avoided by all others. Jack stood amongst the crew and spoke to them.

"Three days to all of you. If you don't come back you will be branded cowards and deserters." with a wave of his hand they disappeared. Gibbs and Anamaria waited for orders. They were given lists of munitions and supplies and also disappeared into the throngs of pirates.

Catherine appeared at Elizabeth's side. "Are you ready?"

"For what?"

"We're going shopping." They started side by side off the ship.

"Hey," Jack called after them, "Where'd two think you're goin'?"

"We'll be at the Inn later." Catherine called over her shoulder as the disappeared into the crowd.

"The Inn?" Will hovered over Jack's shoulder.

He grumbled and stared after them. "Come on, Whelp. We have things to see to."

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