Hey ya me hearties! Sorry for taking so long for this post, but its the end of summer ---too many parties. (not that I'm complaining :)) Enjoy...

Bonny sat still, waiting for her head to stop spinning. Her side was throbbing with pain, and if she moved it jarred like a knife. For once in her life she didn't know what to do. She had always been in control, always making the decisions, but now?
She stared across at Jack under eyelashes damp with tears. He looked grouchy, nursing a rum and muttering crossly to Gibbs. Gibbs looked amused. They were probably talking about her.
She could always run away, just leave all of this behind her. But she wouldn't get the treasure then, and it would be back to measly pickpocketing.
She could just stick to the plan; let the commodore take the ship and its crew. Then Jack would be killed.
Or, she could tell Jack the map was fake! And Jack wouldn't go to the island. But the men would be angry; fake map, no treasure. They probably wouldn't believe her. And Jack would be killed. And so would she, probably.
She could tell Jack about the mutiny, if she got a chance to without Jenkins slicing her open like a fish. But what difference would that make? The crew would still be murderous, traitorous dogs, and would still kill him. He was outnumbered. It was just Jack and Gibbs left. And her. But what could she do?
A soft, usually silent, part of her was beginning to make itself be heard.
'It didn't want Jack to die.' it whispered, 'It didn't want him to die at all.' Bonny could feel this little voice over-riding certain traits of hers, like greed. And self-preservation. She stood up carefully and glanced at Jack. "I must be drunk," she muttered and walked towards him.



Jack lounged uncomfortably on his chair. He nursed a rum grumpily, staring around trying to spot the devious wench before she attacked him again. Gibbs wasn't making him feel any better. His plump face was still red from laughing.
Jack muttered to himself. "Should be a hangin' offence."
"We should keep her on as crew," Gibbs said with a grin. "I'm growin' to like her more 'n more."
The cabin-boy looked up and grinned. "There she is now."
Bonny was making her way slowly, weaving in and out of tables. She looked upset, Jack thought, her eyes were red from crying. She glanced nervously at Jenkins, then gave a slight smile.
"Hello Jack," she said with a touch of nerves. "I've come to apologise."
Jack glowered up at her from under his headscarf. "Oh, have you now."
Her smile wavered slightly, then she jutted up her chin. Jack was coming to fear that stubborn look, it always meant she was about to do something. Usually to him.
She crouched down beside him, a look of pain crossing her face, then it was gone.

"I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of the crew, and I'm sorry for kicking you. I was ...jealous." She glanced coyly at the ground under those extravagant eyelashes, then gave him a look that sent his pulse racing. " I saw you talking to that woman, and I don't know what came over me."
It was too damn hard for him to stay mad at this woman. A slow grin spread across Jacks face, and he tilted his head to hers.
"Don't worry about it, Darlin', " he said in alluring tones. "Happens to every woman."
Bonny's expression changed, and she looked like she was about to hit him. Then she pulled his head to hers and met his lips.


Bonny repressed her anger as well as she could, then grabbed him before she yelled. His lips were warm with the sweet taste of rum. Her hand moved to slide into his pocket-for the map, she reminded herself hastily. He began to kiss her back and she promptly forgot her plan. He leaned over the chair and caught her waist in one strong arm. Pulling her to him tightly, he kissed her roughly. She gasped, and he deeped the kiss, his tongue teasing hers.
She could feel his hand on her cheek, his ringed thumb tracing a firery circle on her jaw.
Forgetting everything, she kissed him back hungrily, her arms holding on as tightly as she could. Hot sweetness raced through her body and her breath came in short gusts. Then the pain in her side doubled. She gasped and pulled back, and found she was perched on his lap.
Jack was looking at her with heavy-eyed concern, his thumb still stroking her cheek.
"Whats wrong love?"
Forcing herself to smile, she made sure his eyes were on her while she carefully took the map.
"I... I just feel a little... light-headed," she stammered, trying not to focus on his lips.
Jack finally gave into temptation and smirked, "Strange reaction for someone who would never ever ever find me anything other than physically repellant..."
Bonny slapped him. Hard. "You-!" She was so furious that she couldn't find words to voice it. She slid herself off his knees with as much dignity as she could muster and stormed out the door.
Jack turned bemusedly, and noticed the crews laughter. Narrowing his eyes, he raised his index fingers and spun them in her direction. "If anyone can explain that woman to me, I would be eternally grateful."
Jenkins smirked. "Just be grateful she brought the map."
"Hmmf." Jack scowled and patted the map. Or the empty spot where the map should have been! He leaped to his feet.
"That lyin' back stabbin' lilly livered sweet-talkin' nightmare of a strumpet!" He pelted out the door after her.