Title: Love's Blood

Author: Kali T'hara

Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance

Rating: R

Summary: Set after the movie…Jack finds a woman…but she not what she seems…and her friendship with Will jeopardizes his relationship with Elizabeth (boo-hoo)…how will things turn out? J/OC, W/E (beginning) maybe some of W/OC too. Vampire fic! (yeah!)

Disclaimer: Disney owns 'em…damn that mouse…I own Kira, but I wouldn't mind owning Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom…grrrrr…

AN:

CH 21…

Jack stood at the side of the Pearl, gazing out into the horizon. In the background, he could see his new ship, the Sea Jewel, trailing behind them. He smiled to himself; Gibbs had no idea what he was doing. At least Anamaria had gone with that crew to keep an eye on things. She was an excellent sailor, and a pretty ruthless pirate – when she wanted to be. Now all he had to do was stock up on crew members, which meant another trip back to Tortuga. Maybe this trip back will help Kira, Jack thought to himself. Something was very wrong with her.

Will walked up behind him, "Mornin' Jack,"

Jack didn't answer.

"You all right, mate?" he asked.

"She never came back to bed last night," he stated in a monotone voice.

"What happened?" he asked.

"I just hope she snaps out of it soon,"

Will frowned, "What do you mean?" he asked as he leaned on the railing next to Jack.

"This phase," Jack answered, "It's getting worse lately, I think,"

Will said nothing.

Jack continued, "She's been thirstier lately. Ever since we left the port," he paused, "And it's been growing with everyday at sea,"

Will kept his eyes down on the water, Maybe she's not thirsty for blood…., he thought as he drew upon certain suppressed feelings.

"What do you think?"

"Huh?" Will was caught off guard.

"About Kira, mate. Her mood lately,"

Will shrugged, "I don't know,"

"It's seems to me like she's missing something," Jack said.

Go with it Turner, "Maybe…"

Jack turned to him, their faces inches apart, "I want you to find out for me, mate,"

Will nodded, This should be interesting…

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Something caught Will's eye. He turned his head fully to catch a glimpse of the back of Kira's head as she walked up from below deck. The Caribbean sun reflected brightly off her black hair, attracting Will's attention.

He walked up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Can I talk to you?" he asked into her ear.

Kira felt goose bumps, "Sure," she turned to him as she quickly wiped her bottom lip. She looked up at him, "Sorry," she apologized in a whisper as she began to walk, "About what?"

"We should go inside," he said, turning her back around.

Will turned his head slightly and caught Jack's eye from overhead. His captain gave him a friendly, nonchalant wink and turned away.

They both descended into the bowels of the Pearl, keeping silence between them.

Will cleared his throat, "How are you feeling?" he asked as they approached his room.

"Better," she answered blandly. She looked up, they were in front of his door. Will reached out an arm around her and opened it. She stepped over the threshold…her stomach tightened. Will's room – like in her dream.

He closed the door behind them and stood with his back to it, arms behind him. His eyes were locked on Kira. She could feel it.

She kept her back to him as she surveyed the room. That bed – it sent chills up her spine.

Silence.

She remained where she was, not moving an inch, mind racing with thoughts. What did he want to talk to her about that required being alone in his room? She was confused…and intrigued.

Will finally spoke, "I'm concerned," he stated.

Kira finally turned to him, "About…?"

"You," he took a step towards her, "You seem off to me," he explained.

Kira shrugged, "I dunno what you're talking about, mate,"

Another step, "Is everything alright between you and Jack?"

Kira eyed him, "Why?"

"I know something's wrong. You can tell me,"

Kira nervously played with the ends of her hair, "I love him, I really do,"

"I know," another step forward.

"My mind's just been in another place lately," In this room…

Will was close to her now; maybe a little too close, "I know," he said again.

Kira looked at him hard, "How would you know?"

"I've been feeling the same way too," he confessed, "My mind seems to always be somewhere other than on the Pearl,"

Kira didn't reply.

"So, I suppose I know what you mean. That's why I'm offering to talk about it,"

Kira nodded as she sat on the edge of his bed, "What's been on yours?" she asked innocently.

You, "A lot," he answered.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.

Will frowned, "Turned the tables on me, have you?"

Kira smiled, "Apparently we both need to get a lot off our chests,"

"Aye," he said absently, "Ever since Elizabeth and I broke up, things have been different,"

"Obviously," Kira answered sarcastically.

Will rolled his eyes, "Not in that sense," he said, "Your turn,"

She looked down at her hands, "Sometimes I just feel lost," she stated, "I know my place is here with you and Jack…but sometimes it feels like something's missing from me,"

With me and Jack, his mind was caught on those four words.

"Will?"

"Huh? Oh, sorry, I was just thinking about what you said,"

"Like I'm not complete," she finished. She couldn't believe that she was saying all this to Will. Especially when she knew quite well now what it was that she was missing.

Will nodded, "Does it have anything to do with your transformation?"

"No. The feeling only started after I joined the crew," When I got closer to you… , "Your turn,"

"Okay," he began, "So I guess I feel the same. My place is also here with you and Jack. It's where I feel the most comfortable," he looked at Kira.

"Go on," she urged.

"And knowing you has made me a better person,"

"Will –" she began, looking back down.

"Let me finish," he asked politely, "Knowing you has opened my eyes to new possibilities, new ways of life," he paused before continuing, "New love,"

Kira looked up again, eyes full of tears. She didn't say anything.

Will looked away, "I am sorry," he said quickly, "I should have never said that,"

"I love you too," she whispered.

Will took her cheeks in his hands, "I do love you," he said before he brought her face towards his and kissed her.