There'll be no livin' with her after this

Chapter 29-To let destiny take its course

Disclaimer: No, I don't own POTC...

"Well, have a good night Jade, Captain", Belle called from the door of the bar, pushing a drunk Commodore Norrington ahead of her.

"Excuse me!", he called out. "Captain Sparrow!"

Jack was sitting at the bar, quite drunk as well. "Aye?"

"I beat you."

He laughed. "You wish, mate. An' it's better tha' I won, because..." he stood up. "Whoa...as I was a' sayin', I had a bet with ye..."

"Well, come on, let's go home, already!", Belle cut in before James could reply. With a shove, Belle pushed the Commodore out the door, and they were off, Belle giving a quick wave.

"Whew", Jade sighed as she down in the chair next to Jack. "That was..." Jack looked at her, but she couldn't find the words. "Quite." She ended.

"Aye..."

The Captain watched her as she took another drink of rum. "Ye drunk yet, love?"

She laughed. "I've been drunk, you rogue."

He leaned close to her. "Well then, Miss Rochet, if ye say I'm a rogue, I'd be in the righ' mind ter say yer a coquette, love."

She fixed her eyes upon him for a moment, then she gently tugged at the sash around his waist. She scented the strong scent of rum on him.

"Well, we haven't decided on a winner now, 'ave we?" he grinned seductively.

"We have...", Jade said.

"Really? An' who might tha' be?

"Come on, let's go to the ship", she said a she went behind him, pushing him to the door.

He looked at her in moderate surprise. "Ship?"

"Oui, it's already quite late. And you're as drunk as anything, love", she smiled when she said this.

The bartender watched them banter with a cocked eyebrow. The bar was not empty though; there were a few citizens of Port Royal who stayed there all night. And no one really cared of the presence of a pirate; it was a bar, after all, and they were used to this type of behavior.

"Drunk, love?" He muttered as they walked out the door. "Aye!"

They stood outside the door, Jade shivering a bit from the night chill. It had begun to drizzle.

"An' that's better than not, eh?" He lifted his eyes at her. "Innit?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "Not particularly...no. But I'm not one to be hypocritical."

Jack put his arm around her as they began to walk. They didn't speak for a few moments, but as they turned a corner, Jack swiftly leaned in, kissing her neck.

"Jack...", she gasped. He only continued. "Jack, come on, the rain's getting heavy and it's freezing!"

He looked in her eyes. "Where do ye want to go?"

"Hurry on!", was her only reply, as she scurried on, reaching the dock just several paces ahead of him. "The ship, of course!"

"What I meant love, is where to next?", he said as he reached her, and they walked onto the deck of the ship. The rain was pretty strong now. Jade brushed the water droplets off her face. She descended below deck, entering the pleasant warmth of the galley. He followed in just a pace after her.

"Because...well, ol' Commodore's a'gettin' married an' ol' Will and Elizabeth... "

She gave a sudden shiver, shaking off the coldness she still felt from outside. Her shall was wet and clung to her. She took it off.

"Well, I don't know..." she looked a bit nervous, suddenly realizing that she didn't know what her future held.

"Oh, stop lookin' so worried, love", Jack exclaimed, looking crafty. "Ye think the infamous

Captain Jack Sparrow doesn't 'ave anythin' in store?"

"Jack", she murmured uncertainly. "What are you going to do?"

"It's a waste of energy to think of, Miss. Whatever way the Pearl blows", he said as he moved over to her, and rubbed her shoulders, warming her. "That's where we go."

"Now...", he murmured alluringly as he kissed her.

"Destiny", she sighed.

They reached the room, Jack closing the door, and they fell into the sheets.

"That's what it is..."

"James, I'm going to sleep because I'm utterly exhausted, and I don't think you want to hear what's on my mind right now", Belle voiced, looking down at the Commodore, who was sitting on the couch.

"What's the matter?"

Belle folded her arms across her chest. "I can't believe you didn't tell me. And knowing that everyone has ties..." She sat down in the chair opposite him, brushing a blonde strand of hair away from her eyes.

He cleared his throat.

"For all I know you could still be in love with her. Even though she is married." She paused. "And you knew of their love, yet you still wanted her. I never...I'm just appalled at you James."

"Belle, how could you say such things? Yes, I fancied Miss Swann...uh, Mrs. Turner, in the past, but that was the past. I want to marry you. I'm over the past."

She frowned a bit. "Are you?"

"Are you skeptical of my decisions, Belle?"

She sighed. "No, James."

"I just want this to work out, dear. No hard feelings."

She looked at him. "Alright, I know. I'm sorry for thinking like that over nothing at all."

"So, you're alright?", he said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

She smiled at him. "Yes."

He gave her a light kiss on the cheek.

"Good night."

'Good night", she responded, and stood up. She started heading off, but turned back at him. He was already half-asleep in the couch. 'Rum...' she though to herself, and went to her room.

'Father,

How are you? I hope you are well. I am glad all the trouble is over, and I'm sorry.

I am brilliant; Will and I are enjoying our quiet home back in France. Don't worry—I'm feeling quite well. A bit tired; I'm about two months along now, but as Will notices, I'm not showing yet.

Will and I are so happy. You will have to visit us soon, or we'll visit you. I hope you have no more hard feelings toward Will. He certainly sends his apologies as well.

If you happen to see Captain Jack Sparrow and Miss Jade Rochet, would you tell them we say hello? I know they are probably sailing the seven seas by now.

And my best regards to Katrina. I know she won't want to hear it, but I shall try to be kind, nonetheless.

I love you, and best wishes.

Love,

Elizabeth'

The Governor smiled, folding the letter back in half, and setting it on his desk.

"My, my, of course everything's alright, now, my dear. Just glad you're happy."

He shook his head. "Won't be giving your regards to Katrina, though..."

Katrina Boswell, as the Governor had been informed, had vanished just a day before his return. All that was known, was that she was seen sneaking out of the mansion, carrying a bag.

He wished her well, nevertheless, hoping she was alright. He never really understood his niece. But perhaps she was having a better life elsewhere.

"I shall visit, my dearest."

"Just let me work here, alright?"

The man looked curiously at the girl; her sharp blue eyes, her dashing figure. He contemplated.

"Well, ye've got the looks fer it, wench."