Once is Never Enough

Summary: Elizabeth and Will are engaged. Elizabeth needs to get away before she's tied down. Going to Tortuga isn't very smart, even if she finds a good man.

Rating: PG-13, probably R later for sexual situations.

Author: Steph aka Datakenobi05

Paring: Jack/Elizabeth

Chapter One Rum is good for the mind and soul

Elizabeth Swann found herself walking the streets of Tortuga one week before her marriage to William Turner. She felt the hot air on her neck and could almost taste the salt coming up from the sea. The sun was setting and the gilded town acctually did look beautiful.

Children were in the town running to greet thier fathers as they came home from work or being on the sea. Elizabeth knew some of the wives there put on a happy face for thier children, not wanting to let them know of thier fathers unfaithfulness.

Looking around the town Elizabeth saw that The Faithful Bride was across the road but she wasn't looking for trouble, to be honest she wasn't looking for anything or anyone, just time alone and maybe a little rum.

As she kept walking down the street men would give her sinful and lustful looks but she ignored them. Most of the men got the point, one however, did not.

"What's your name sweetheart?"

Elizabeth didn't say anything, hoping he would check her off as a lost cause. So much for hope.

"Let me introduce myself ma'am, Harold Artwood at your service. Need something?"

"No Mr. Artwood, but thank you anyway." Elizabeth said and smiled at him.

"What's your name?"

"Sarah Swann." She lied and looked around spotting a small, out of the way tavern called Moonlight Morning.

"Well, Miss Swann?" He asked then looked at her left hand, "Pardon me Mrs. Swann."

"What? Oh, no I'm engaged not married." Elizabeth said then shut her mouth quickly, afraid she said too much.

"I see. Came here for what reason then Miss Swann? Rum, buisness, or pleasure."

"Since you must know, just for a little time to myself, thank you."

Harold nodded and casually led her into the tavern. "You won't be disturbed here Miss. Swann." He said and called over a waitress who, to Elizabeth's surprise, did not look like a hooker.

"Two bottles of your finest rum please." He said and paid the woman.

"You really don't have to be so generous Mr. Artwood."

"Nonsence! It's no bother." He said and the rum was quickly produced.

The small out of the way tavern was anything but as time drew closer to midnight. Many men, women and pirates ended up in the small tavern making it very crowded. And Elizabeth was dangerously drunk.

"I'm from Port Royal to be ex, ecact, exact. I got on a ship with out anyone knowing, and, and I was looking for freedom." Elizabeth stuttered. "I'm the governors daughter. And I lied to you about my name." She said and laughed hysterically "My name is Elizabeth, but don't tell anyone cause I'm not supposed to be here."

"Don't worry, no one will know."

"Good. Now please leave Miss Swann alone while she goes to bed."

Elizabeth looked up as the deep voice sounded behind her.

"Jack! Look who it is Harold! My friend Jack! He saved me you know when I fell, did I tell you about that?"

"No, you didn't Miss Swann." Harold said not looking at her but at Jack.

"Oh well let me tell you."

"No, Mr. Cartman was just leaving."

Elizabeth laughed and hit Jack's arm playfully. "No Jack, it's Mr. Artwood."

"Elizabeth this man's name is Christopher Cartman."

"Oh. Oh well! Come join us!"

"That's alright Miss Swann, I must be going." Chris said and stood, never looking away from Jack.

When he was gone Jack took his seat.

"Jack, we was just talken'."

The pirate laughed and took Elizabeth's rum away from her before she could break his record. "You are starting to sound like a pirate luv."

"I am? Do you like it, savvy?"

Jack laughed again and looked around at the crowded room.

"I knew you would be a funny drunk 'Liz."

"What are you...talking a abou' Captain." She said and stood up. Jack grabbed her side in order to keep her from falling. Elizabeth started to laugh hysterically, making a scene that no one noticed.

"Jack I'm tickle!" She said and sat down on his lap. "Did you come to take me home?"

Jack looked surprised as she started to caress his face. 'She's going mental!' He thought and stood her up.

"No." He said and took her hand seeing the ring on her finger. "Ah, married are you? Congratulations luv."

"No no, engaged."

"Even better, who is the lucky man Norrington, Turner?"

"I would say Turner if you weren't standing here."

Jack smiled and led Elizabeth to the chair she was currently occuping. "What are you trying to tell me luv? You'd like a go?"

Elizabeth laughed and looked seductively at the pirate.

Jack smiled then became serious as he realized Elizabeth was on the point of passing out.

"Jack, you are very attractive." She said and fell forward catching his lips with hers. Jack was pleasently surprised at the feel of her lips before realising she wasn't moving. Elizabeth had passed out.

Jack just held her for a minute before putting her over his shoulder and taking her to the Black Pearl.

"You are going to make this a very long night aren't you?" Jack said to Elizabeth's unconscious form.

Elizabeth just smiled.

TBC