You Were Meant For Me

Author: williz

Summary: Will/Elizabeth focus- It's just Will and Elizabeth in a big adventure in which they meet many times. OK…I'm bad at summaries. But my story is going to be really fun. I swear! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Johnny Depp (or Jack Sparrow), Orlando Bloom (Will Turner), Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Swann), the commodore, the governor, and the rest of those guys in this that you recognize from the movie. Disney owns the movie, not me.

But I do own this plot….and Barley and his crew.

Oh…and just so you guys know, the whole italics bit is meant to be a flashback. Alrighty…here is chapter 14, my friends! Enjoy!

CRASH!

Elizabeth gasped as she heard more thunder. She had never been on a ship in a storm as violent as this.

She and Will had been talking out on deck when the first drops of rain had started. The crew had been preparing for the storm all day, and had taken a break.

"It's starting," Will murmured as he looked up at the impending clouds. "Will! How long do ye think we've got?" Jack yelled. Will looked up at Jack and ran to the railing. He hopped up, grabbing a rope and stared at the clouds. Squinting, he felt the wind encircle him and he turned his head slightly so that Jack could hear him.

"We have an hour or two at the most, I'd say. We better get going, before the big one hits," he said. Elizabeth watched as Will relayed the information. She came up to him as he stepped back down.

"How'd you know all that? I mean—how'd you do that, Will? How can you be sure?" She asked him, curiously. "I dunno. There's something about the wind…I can just tell. Always been able to tell."

"It's in 'is blood," Jack answered, grinning his golden-toothed grin. Will looked down for a bit, and looked back up to the clouds. "Let's go, then," he said, changing the subject quickly, Elizabeth noticed.

Elizabeth took a rope and started tying it down, but a hand stopped hers. She looked up into Will's face. "C'mon. You're staying in my cabin, remember?"

"But I—I…Oh alright," she conceded as he led her away.

They walked to the door that led down below deck, where Elizabeth stopped him. "Can't I stay with you until the storm hits?" Will looked nervously up into the sky, as if debating. "Alright. But in one hour…hear me, ONE HOUR, I'm taking you down there, right?"

"Yes." She nodded. Will took her underneath a tarp hanging from the mast by the bow, so as to keep her as dry as possible. The rain wasn't coming down as hard as it should have been, but instead of making Will feel better, a sick feeling snuck up on his stomach. Elizabeth noticed his nervousness.

"What is wrong, Will? Tell me," she commanded. He just looked at her. "This isn't a regular storm. I think it's a hurricane."

Elizabeth remembered the chill she got when he'd told her that. She shook the feeling off. That was the one time she'd wished he hadn't told her what was on his mind. Out of all the times she'd had to badger him about revealing his thoughts to her, this was the time he had decided to tell her a hurricane was coming upon the ship.

"A hurricane! But—out in the sea?" She asked, stepping closer, without thinking. Will wrapped his arms around her. "I know. But it's possible. And that's what it looks like to me."

Elizabeth hid her face in his neck. "Can the Pearl take it?"

"Out of all the ships in the seven seas, this is the one to fight that storm and win," Will said, rubbing Elizabeth's back comfortingly. "Do you trust me, Elizabeth?" He asked.

"I'd trust no one else, but you." She grinned at him and ran her hand over his cheek.

"Then trust me to get this ship safely out of this storm," Will said as he looked at her. She looked up at him. "I do trust you to get the ship out of this, along with the crew…but what about you, Will?"

"What about me?" He asked, his eyes raised to hers.

"What if something happens to you? I—wouldn't know what to do if something went on out here and—and you were hurt…or—or something?" Elizabeth looked down, as she felt tears prick her eyes.

"Nothing will happen to me, love. I promise. I won't let anything happen to you either…that's why you must stay down in my cabin. Please, Elizabeth." Will begged, stroking her hair lovingly.

"Alright." She smiled up at him as he guided her out into the rain again. It was pounding down harder now, and Will was extremely worried. He did the best he could at keeping Elizabeth dry as he maneuvered them skillfully around the crewmates, who were stumbling about trying to gather the sails tighter against the wind that was picking up.

Once Will got both of them safely down into the galley of the Black Pearl, he led Elizabeth into his cabin. She was wet and shivering, so he went to his cupboard to pull out some clothes.

"I'm sorry about these. We don't have any dresses on board, Elizabeth. Not even Ana wears them. She hates dresses," he grinned. Elizabeth smiled appreciatively. "Thankyou." He nodded.

A loud crash sounded and light flooded the cabin for a split second. Elizabeth jumped into Will's arms, and he caught her. "You alright?" He asked, pushing her a little bit away to check. She blushed and apologized under her breath.

"That's alright." He grinned. Elizabeth swatted his arm lightly as she caught the teasing smirk he gave her. He chuckled lightly as he moved away to place the dry set of clothes on the bed.

"It'll get a bit rough, so don't light any candles. We can't risk fires, in case the candle falls or anything like that."

When he finished, he turned to come face to face with Elizabeth, who had come nearer to him without him realizing it. "Oh! Hello," he said. She grinned and reached up to kiss him. Will brought his head down to hers as they shared another kiss.

Elizabeth brought her hand up to his hair and pulled him closer to her. Will sunk into the kiss with all the love he had and wrapped his arms around her soundly. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pushed herself closer to him.

When they separated, Will just opened his eyes wide and looked at her. "Er—well, I should—yes," he mumbled, backing out of her arms. Elizabeth just watched him, amused.

"I should go out there now…it's getting violent."

She just nodded, sadly and walked to him. Elizabeth kissed the man she loved on the cheek and whispered into his ear, "Please be careful."

With one last look, he was out of the door and Elizabeth walked back to Will's bed to change.

The ship lurched to the side suddenly, shaking Elizabeth out of her thoughts. She dove to the desk and held onto everything, keeping it from falling. When the Pearl straightened again, she sat back down on the bed.

"I can't just sit here and wait for him to get back," she thought. "I have to see if he's alright."

"I'm just sitting here… I need to make myself useful! I'm only a dead weight, sitting in here like this!" She pondered, as she laid down on the bed.

Will's scent filled her nostrils and she closed her eyes, calmed down by the remembrance of him. She sat bolt upright. "That's it," she growled. "I need to go and do something, or I will go MAD!"

Elizabeth walked to the door and opened it. The ship was almost tipped over again as she heard the wind howling and rain splattering against the deck above her. She grabbed onto the doorway and pushed herself out of it. Elizabeth huffed, annoyed, and smoothed her braided hair out of her face.

She groped her way up the dark hallway and finally reached the hatch to the upper level. Rain water was seeping through the lock and dripping down onto Elizabeth's head. She moved out of its way and looked up at it grudgingly.

The young woman took in a deep breath, preparing herself for an ultimate blast of weather she knew she was going to experience by the sounds of the yelling and rain pounding.

1…2…3…

BOOM!

Elizabeth had only unlocked the latch when the hatch was exploded open by the wind's force. She gasped as rain water came down so fast, it had already drenched her. Elizabeth ran backwards into the semi-safe nook in the corner of the wall. She gathered her wits and sprinted out onto the deck.

Wind blew her all over as she made her way over to a large crate to hang on. As Elizabeth hang on with all her might, she scanned the deck as best she could. She felt an intense pang in her heart as she noticed that Will was nowhere to be found.

"WILL!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. She started making her way out to the mast of the ship. "WILL! WHERE ARE YOU!" She yelled, bringing her hands up around her mouth.

Will had been tiring throughout this whole ordeal. He'd spent more than seven hours working the ship with the crew, watching as Jack steered the ship, using all his weight to keep the wheel straight.

Jack looked up at his first mate, trying to repair a rope on deck, a knife clenched in his jaw. The captain saw as the knife flew away from Will when he took it out of his mouth. Will scrambled after it, but stopped, cursing himself for losing his knife over the side of the railing.

"Will, me boy!" Jack called. Will looked up at his captain.

"Go up the rigging and help Harold! He's 'avin a spite o' trouble!"

Will nodded and tripped over a rope as he rose. He picked himself up and got to the ladder which led up to the rigging. The young pirate started climbing as fast as his arms and legs could lift him. Many times, he would stagger and have to grab onto the rope alongside him to keep from falling, and other times, he would loose footing on the rung, hanging only by his arms.

Meanwhile, Jack Sparrow watched, flinching every time Will almost fell. For now, the boy was way up in the rigging, next to Harold.

"Harold, you alright?" Will asked the man tangled in the ropes. The only thing that kept him from falling was the rope that tightened itself around his ankle. "Ya gotta help me, Will," the man said, frantically.

"I am, I am….just hold on to this." Will moved the man slightly to the right, so that he could hold onto the mast securely while Will untied him. Harold started eagerly climbing down the mast, yelling a "Thanks mate!"

"Yeah, yeah…I'll just finish up, here!" Will yelled back down, sarcastically. He started bounding the ropes to the mast and tugging, clutching the mast with his lower body so as to keep his hands free.

"WILL!" He heard. It sounded female to him, but with this wind, he could never be too sure. He looked down onto the deck. All those people down there were hard to see with the rain clouding his vision, as well as it was the middle of the night.

"Elizabeth!" He yelled as he realized who it was. He started descending down the rigging as fast as he could. What in bleeding hell was she doing out here!

Elizabeth looked up when she heard his voice. There he was. Her heart leapt as she let go of the crate.

That was a huge mistake, for the second she stepped away from her safe spot clutching the crate, a humungous wave came crashing over the side of the ship. Elizabeth screamed as she was taken away with it over the side of the railing and plunged into the water.

Will's eyes grew as he saw Elizabeth suddenly disappear inside the wave. "ELIZABETH!" He yelled in fright. Quickly springing into action, Will poised himself on the mast and dove off into the water.

When Elizabeth plunged into the ocean, water surged into her mouth, practically choking her. She struggled to get to the surface, but felt a tug on her foot. Fighting for breath, Elizabeth looked down and saw a rope tangled around her leg. Frantically kicking to get her leg free of the rope, she looked up, not able to even see the surface. The girl's vision suddenly started blurring as she became incredibly dizzy and her lungs burned. With one last kick against the ropes, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her right before she lost consciousness.

Will swam with everything he had as soon as he hit the water. He was certain the woman he loved hadn't broken surface yet, so he swam down until he could see her. Finally, he saw her struggling deep under him. It looked like a rope had tangled her in it.

He swam down and saw that she was still tugging at the entangled rope at her leg. Will reached her at last, but noticed her go limp as soon as he grabbed her. Keeping calm, even though his lungs were failing him with each second that passed, Will tugged on the ropes harder.

Seeing that this wasn't working at all, Will looked around and saw an incredibly sharp object protruding from the sand. Will grabbed at it and pulled it from the sand. Then he sliced the rope and kicked up with Elizabeth in his arms, swimming as fast as he could bear to the surface.

Jack saw everything that happened and sprinted to the side of the ship. "WILL!"

After a minute, Jack's first mate resurfaced with his limp lover in his arms. "Jack!" Will yelled. "Aye, mate….I got ya!"

Will struggled to keep both he and Elizabeth on the surface. He knew Elizabeth was injured. Blood was appearing on her arm and forehead.

"Get us outa here, Jack!"

"I'm TRYING!" Jack finally threw a rope into the water, thankfully landing it right next to Will. Will fumbled for the rope as he tied it around himself, still holding on to Elizabeth as tight as he could. "ALRIGHT, NOW!" He yelled to Jack.

Jack got a few of his men to reel the soaked couple in and onto the ship. "Will, ye alrigh'? What do you think you're doing!" Jack roared.

"Saving Elizabeth's life!" Will answered back as he set Elizabeth on the ground gingerly. She wasn't breathing at all. Quickly, Will brought his lips down upon hers and blew in, plugging her noise with his hand, the other at her waist.

"C'mon, Lizzie," Jack murmured as they all gathered around. The storm hadn't let up a bit, so the men were forced to keep working around the area where Will was trying to resuscitate his love. Rain pelted down upon Elizabeth's face. She still wasn't breathing. "Elizabeth, breathe!" Will yelled, still trying his best to give her some oxygen.

Finally, after five or six tries, Will breathing all his air into Elizabeth's body, her eyes shot open as she turned over, coughing up water and breathing heavily. She groaned as she turned over, the rain flooding into her eyes.

Will rubbed Elizabeth's back as she coughed up more and more water. "Will," she murmured.

"I'm here, love. I'm here," he said.

Elizabeth was extremely dizzy, not even able to keep her eyes focused. She looked up to see Will Turner gazing at her, concerned. The girl knew she was hurt, she could feel pain wracking her body in most places and her lungs still burned, along with her eyes, practically caked with salt from the churning sea.

Will tenderly picked her up and walked through the heavy rain to the hatch. He looked at some of the crew and one stumbled over quickly to lift it up for Will. He nodded at Will as he thanked him.

The pirate walked down to his cabin, opened the door, and walked to his bed, setting Elizabeth down gently. She let out a small moan of pain as Will hurried to get some things to help her.

Ana Maria walked into Will's cabin and said, "Go, I'll take care of her." Elizabeth moaned again, causing Will to return to her side, worriedly.

"No, I—I need to make sure she's alright," Will stuttered. Ana Maria shoved him out of the room. "Wait, no!"

"I'll take care of her, Will….trust me, mate." Ana Maria gave him the most sincere look he'd ever seen on her face, so he nodded. "Go!" She commanded. Still trying to see Elizabeth over Ana's shoulder as she shut the door, he paced in front of the door for awhile.

"Mate, calm yeself. If anyone can take care of your lass, it's Ana," Jack said as he came down.

"What of the crew, Jack? Any losses? And the Pearl?" Will asked, looking back at Jack. "No, I've got meself a strong crew. Every man…and woman….accounted for. And me Pearl? She's the strongest ship in the seven seas! What did you expect?" Jack grinned.

Will let out a small smile, and glanced over at the door, worriedly. "Calm down, Will. She's fine!"

Will gave Jack grateful grin and started towards him, when Ana Maria opened the door. It had been hours since the storm had stopped and Elizabeth was very weary, but she kept calling for Will.

Ana finally finished dressing Elizabeth's wounds—the one just above her temple and the horrible slash on Elizabeth's leg—and she wanted to see the young man.

Will entered the room, peeking around the door for a moment, to check and see Elizabeth's condition before he came in. Her eyes were closed and she laid on her back, hair out of its braid and billowing over the pillow. Instead of the prior shirt he had given her to dress in, she had a warmer wool shirt. The covers were up to her waist and Will was relieved to see that she was breathing evenly.

He crossed to the bedside and sat at the chair. "Ye gunna be alright' here by yeself, Will?" Ana asked. He nodded, keeping his eyes on Elizabeth's face. The pirate woman smiled and left the couple alone.

"Elizabeth…" Will whispered as he grasped her hand, lovingly. Her eyelids fluttered open and her vision cleared to reveal a very nervous Will looking at her.

"Hello," she smiled. He grinned at her, lifting her hand to his lips for a kiss. Her smile widened as he did so and she sunk further into his bed. "Good morning, my love," he answered.

"How do you feel?" He asked her. Elizabeth closed her eyes and groaned. "Oh, I've been better. And you?" Her eyes opened as she asked him, concern written in her features.

"I'm alright. Just extremely worried about you. Why would you come out of this room where you're safe when I told you to stay here, Elizabeth? You could've gotten yourself killed, do you know that?" He looked deeply into her eyes.

Embarrassed, she looked at the covers and back up into his intense eyes. "I was frightened that you were hurt or gone. The storm was really harsh. I could hear it."

"But I'm fine, I've gone through storms before… I was fine then, and I am fine now. Why did you do it?" He asked, moving closer with his chair.

"I—I wanted…" her eyes started drooping. "I wanted to help, like everyone else. Ana Maria was out there, but I wanted to do something! I wanted to redeem myself."

"Redeem yourself? For what, pray tell?" Will asked, moving to sit on the bed. Elizabeth readjusted her head on the pillow and closed her eyes with a tired sigh. "I brought this upon all of you." Will opened his mouth to protest, but Elizabeth stopped him, quickly. "And don't say otherwise. If I didn't keep this damn medallion with me all the time, maybe none of this would never have happened. All of those people in Port Royal who were killed so needlessly… were killed on my account. They only want me." She turned her head as she felt Will's eyes burning.

"Don't ever say that again. It couldn't be stopped. And you know it, Elizabeth. You do. I just want you to stay out of trouble. Please, Elizabeth…stay out of trouble," he said, pleading with his eyes.

She smiled at him, fondly. "Indeed, I will. As long as you stay out of trouble along with me," she finished. "Ha! I'll be the one keeping you out of trouble. I don't get myself into trouble like you do," Will said, chuckling.

Elizabeth laughed with him and yawned, closing her eyes. "Sleep, you must be tired," Will said, kissing her brow.

"It's painful, yes. But I'll be fine, I know. Because you're here," she said. Will smiled as she fell asleep and pulled up the covers to her chin. On second thought, he lifted the sheets down her body to survey the damage done to the governor's daughter. He saw the intense bandages around her calf and the scratches and bruises along her arms and legs. She was in worse shape than he had first thought. Will lowered his head, angry he hadn't been able to protect her like he had said he would, and pulled the sheets back up to cover her slight form.

"I'm sorry, love," he whispered, sorrowfully, as he kissed her cheek and walked out of the room, shutting the door on his way out.

"A couple scratches and bruises wont hurt the lass, son."

"It's worse than that Jack. I—promised her I'd keep her safe, and I've failed her," Will said, putting his head in his hands. "I lied to her when I said I'd protect her."

"Wot? You jumped off me bloody ship's rigging to save her life! I think ye've done the little lady some good, my friend," Jack said, taking a swig from his rum and turning the wheel slightly.

Will put down the hammer he'd been using to repair some of the ship's damage. "I think I should go check on her, Jack," he said, more to himself than to Jack. But before his captain could say anything, Will was already down in the corridor, making his way to his cabin where Elizabeth had been resting the past few days.

Elizabeth was fast asleep when Will entered the room. He walked silently over to the bed and kneeled in front of it. The young man reached up a hand to stroke the hair that had fallen onto her face behind her ear. Feeling Will's light touch, she opened her eyes.

"And how are you today, my love?" Will asked in a soft but deep voice that sent chills up her spine. She grinned. "Fine, and how is my pirate?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm alright, thankyou," Will said. She reached out to pull him to her and gave him a soft, but lasting peck on the lips. When they separated, Will sat back on his haunches and rested his chin on the sheets, regarding Elizabeth with loving eyes.

"What?" She asked, mildly amused.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. I just find you to be the most beautiful girl I've ever met in my entire life, that's all," Will shrugged. Elizabeth blushed and bit her lip, looking down. "Thankyou," she mumbled happily.

After a comfortable silence, Elizabeth rolled onto her back and huffed. "What is it?" Will asked. "What's wrong?" He raised her head and sat next to her, causing her to turn back to him and hold his hand.

"I can't stand it anymore. I need to move. I've been practically tied to this bed for days, ever since the accident…" She started.

"I would never keep you anywhere you wouldn't want to be unless it was for your own good, Elizabeth," Will said, urgently wanting her to understand why he made her stay in bed. "Of course, I know that, Will—it's just that I need to try and use my legs to know if they work anymore. Days of laying in bed haven't helped me any," she debated.

Will cleared his throat and stood to his full height. "My lady," he started in a mockingly rich tine, "I would be honored if you'd do me the pleasure of walking with me along the deck this fine afternoon." He bowed low and peeked at her through his eyelashes to see her reaction. Elizabeth outright laughed and held out her hand. "Of course, I'm honored that you are honored, my dearest sir…" she said, with the same tone. "And I am honored that you are honored that I am honored, Mademoiselle Swann," he said chuckling. Elizabeth laughed again and said, "Good."

She reached out her hand and he helped her stand. Holding onto her securely but lightly so as to make sure she didn't fall, he helped her take a step. Elizabeth winced a bit and wetted her lips with her tongue. "Sorry," Will said sincerely when he noticed her wince. "No, no, it's alright…I'm just a bit out of practice is all. And that sore on my leg hasn't completely healed, don't forget."

He smiled at her and held a bit more tightly. "Maybe—maybe we shouldn't…"

"Don't get cold feet on me now, Mr. Turner. You invited me for a stroll and by golly, I am going to take a stroll," she said through gritted teeth as she walked with a limp, Will supporting her every step of the way. "If you're sure, milady—then I'm sure." They smiled fondly at each other again as Will opened the door and helped Elizabeth out of the room she'd been in ever since that stormy night.

"Well, nice to see ya out of the room, Miss Swann," Ana Maria said politely as Elizabeth and Will hobbled by slowly. "Please, Ana Maria, call me Elizabeth," she stated as she smiled at the pirate. "Aye, then call me Ana." Elizabeth nodded as she and Will continued to the bow of the Black Pearl.

"Ay, Will!" Will got Elizabeth to lean against the railing at the bow and turned to look at Gibbs. "The rudder's a bit shot! We might need some o' that handy work you do so well, aye?"

"Alright, Mr. Gibbs," Will called back. He turned back to Elizabeth who had raised her eyebrows as a lazy smile crossed her features. "Handy work? William Turner? Why, I never!" She said, placing a hand atop her breast, feigning shock.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny, but I happen to be the only man on this ship who can work with metal and wood, thankyou very much. Not to mention, the name's Will, and I'll have to ask you to use it, Miss Swann," Will said with a smirk, tipping his invisible hat Elizabeth's way as she laughed.

She watched him walk away and kept watching as he spoke with his fellow crewmates. The way he shined while he worked was the most gratifying business she'd ever seen. How he reacted with the other pirates and how they acted towards him. It seemed to Elizabeth that her lover was a well-respected man on the Pearl and pretty capable too. She kept her eyes on him as he climbed onto the rail and pulled up a chain to fix the rudder.

The way he stood so proud and tall, it reminded her of all those heroes in her fantasy stories she'd always read with her mother as a child. The dashing pirate would stand at the bow of his ship, tall and handsome, his heart prone towards adventure and treasure—maybe perhaps, even a certain woman. His boots would be slightly dirtied. After all…he was a pirate, was he not? And his eyes deep and dark, filled with mystery, beguiling and bewitching every woman who crossed his path. Elizabeth had longed to meet a pirate like those she read about in her books. The pirate who would take her on adventures and take care of her, but not treat her like a fragile china doll, the way a woman is supposed to be treated.

Since when did they get to judge how a woman wants to be treated? She wanted to be treated with respect, dignity, and tenderness by the man she was to be with. She wanted free speech and free actions. This, Elizabeth did not receive at home. That was why she had fallen in love with William.

Every time he looked at her, his eyes would be filled with love and respect. He would hold her tenderly, as though she would break, but would never outwardly show that he worried for her safety. The only time he had was when a violent storm was crossing their path. Granted, he had saved her life when she'd disobeyed him.

And that was another thing. When all other men would find out about a woman's disobedience, they'd berate the woman and give her even less freedom than was already granted. But Will—no, not Will—he gave her even more freedom. She loved the way he always kept an eye on her but always tried to hide it when she'd look his way. He knew she didn't like to be taken care of all the time. Even though this was true, she couldn't help melting every time she saw him look away timidly, after she'd caught him watching her.

The times had also called for a woman to be seen and not heard. It was a well known fact that women were merely brought to balls, in most cases, to look good upon a man's arm. If Elizabeth had ever once spoken out in a suitor's presence, he would be tarnished from ever looking her way again. Apparently, a woman with opinions and a brain was useless to a man looking for some adequate social standing, no matter how beautiful she was.

But Will treasured her mind. He treasured her everything, mind, body, and soul. Yes, that's right, body. She obviously noticed that he was a man, and she also knew that a man's thoughts, no matter how good his intentions, can stray to a woman's physical appearance. That was why she didn't mind when she'd catch an appreciative glance from Will as he looked her up and down. After all, she was a woman. She couldn't deny stealing her own sporadic glances at Will when he worked on the ship. His sinewy arm muscles twitching under his tan skin, the sweat dripping down his often bare back.

"Elizabeth, our thoughts are escaping us, aren't they?" The young woman heard next to her, ripping Elizabeth out of her thoughts about Will. She spun around and saw Ana Maria, leaning against the rail, smirking. Ana threw a glance at Will, as if knowing exactly what her companion was thinking.

"Oh, yes…indeed they are…" Elizabeth said, almost too quickly, as she looked once more at the young man. "…escaping," she muttered.

"I know," was all Ana Maria said to the younger woman next to her. "You—know?" Elizabeth asked, confused.

"Yes, I know. Will is a fine boy. I just have to ask you though… what attracted you to him? I've been curious as to why you'd even look twice at a pirate when you have handsome, rich blokes chasin' after ye like I know ye do."

Elizabeth blushed slightly. "Well, I—don't know about them 'chasing' me, but I'd say there are many reasons why I would choose Will over any of those men back home."

"And they are…?" The pirate probed.

"Oh, nevermind. You wouldn't understand, Ana Maria," Elizabeth said, turning to rest her shoulders on the Pearl's railing. "I assure you, I could try to understand. I may be a pirate, but I'm still a woman, ye know," she said, a tad bit offended by Elizabeth's words.

"Why of course you are…and—I'm sorry if I have offended you. It was not meant to be offensive. It's just that…well, you are incredibly different from the women I grew up with and learned from… I'm just not used to the company of a lady who doesn't live in the same atmosphere that I do." Elizabeth placed a friendly hand on Ana's arm.

"Which is exactly why I'm wondering what you see in 'im. I mean, Will's a fine lad, very good looking and kind…very capable…but he's a pirate, lass," Ana finished off the last sentence with a shrug.

"Yes, I know." She said. When she didn't continue, Ana Maria gave her time and decided not to push it.

"I've always looked for the same traits in a man of which I see in Will. When I was younger, before my mother died, she would read me stories of pirates…" she paused, a distant smile on her face as she thought of the way her mother would tell her tales of pirates. "…dashing pirates who sailed the seven seas to save their lady loves. Adventure, excitement…romance. Will reminds me of all those stories. But that's only part of why I'm so in love with him." She turned and looked at Will again, who was joking around with some of his mates, laughing and slapping one such pirate on the back. She smiled, squinting in the sun as she watched him.

"Then why?" Ana Maria asked, sincerely wanting to know about what love felt like. Elizabeth turned back around and regarded the older woman with kindness. "Because of the way he loves me. I can't help but absolutely adore him, the way he takes care of me and respects me."

"I'm sorry, Miss—I mean, Elizabeth…" she paused as Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at her. "What I mean is, you seem like the type of woman who's more like me. Don't like to be commanded around by a man. Don't like them treatin' ye like a piece o' glass, ready to break any second. Why do you like him to treat you like that?" Ana Maria asked. This young lady was extremely puzzling to her.

"Well, it's just that—well, with Will…Oh, I don't know," Elizabeth said, shaking her head and looking out to sea again. "I feel different. He treats me different. As though I'm not a piece of glass, and he knows I don't like being treated like one, but he does it anyways, you see? As subtle as he can possibly make it, because he doesn't like to cross me or something. It's rather adorable, if you think about it, don't you agree?" Elizabeth asked, turning back to see if Ana Maria had followed her or not.

Ana smirked, completely understanding Elizabeth's meaning. "Ye know, I think you must be the most cunning lass I've met since meself," she said, shaking her finger in Elizabeth's direction.

"Cunning?" Elizabeth asked, innocently.

"Yes, cunning. You've got that boy wrapped around your finger an' you know it, don't you? Well, I'm not sayin' anythin'…." She turned to walk away, but turned back again. "Except this: I know you love him, and he loves you equally, if not more. So I'm gunna let you keep him wrapped around that finger and go on as if this conversation never happened. 'Cause I kinda like you…fer a socialite," she finished with a grin.

Elizabeth watched in shock as Ana Maria walked away with a flourish of her own. She just placed a hand to her mouth and started laughing loud and clear, the chords of her laughter filling Will's ears and making his heart lighter.

Will turned and walked over to Elizabeth. "What's all this laughing about? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're in good spirits, but I can't help but think that all this levity is at my expense," Will said as he lifted an eyebrow at Elizabeth.

"Maybe. But maybe not, for you'll never know," she laughed when he pouted. "I spoke with Ana Maria. I'm glad there's at least one other female aboard this ship, Will…otherwise I'd die of boredom."

"What, I'm not enough for you? Thankyou, very much Miss Swann," he said with feigned hurt, as he turned and looked out to the sea, shirt flowing behind him. He looked incredibly handsome with the post-storm breeze blowing his hair about, eyes slightly squinted against the sun, standing straight and tall, seemingly confident and charming. Without thinking, Elizabeth walked up behind him and put her head on his shoulder, whispering soft words into his ear, sending shivers cascading down his spine.

"I'm sure I can find some use for you, yet."

After all, he was a man. And an extremely sensuous one at that.

(A/N): I love that last bit. I couldn't help but put it in. I know, I'm a crazy, fluffy little kink-ball sometimes...ok, a lot in this chapter...well, not really. But anyways, I hope you guys liked it. I wrote it like CRAZY this week because some of my teachers and giving us a break before finals... Kinda like the calm before the storm, eh?

No pun intended, of course. Get it? Cuz of the storm? Yeah? No...riiight. Shutting up.

Here's the review thanks:

xo-miss-elizabeth-ox: You are so tight, it's beyond all recognition of being tight. I'm glad I rock out loud though. That's really cool. That way people ALL AROUND will know that I rock, because...it's...out loud...right, shutting up. Just thanks.

Lovely Raven Sparrow: Thanks for the inspirational horse speech! That was soooo nice of you. And guess what, I sho got back up on MAH horse...yes'm I sho did! And I'm glad you like it. AND WILL AND ELIZABETH BELONG TOGETHER, YOU ARE SO RIGHT! (high-five)

Afro Stacey: You, my friend from the coolest place on the face of the earth, are...well, from the coolest place on the face of the earth. (shrug) Have you cried before in my story? (blinks) Well, anyways, here's your chapter. There's more where that came from! YIPAAA!

rollinpeaches: You rock, and so does your story, chica. As I said before, I am your servant. And I believe I've already done a servantish act for you, if you'd check your review for shattered. Ah, indeed, it IS the bees knees, my good friend. (wink)

melleh1: MELANIE! (hugs back) If you liked the whole insinuating bit in chapter 13, I'm wondering what you think of THIS chapter... (laugh) Muahahahaha! I love it! And I signed off because my 'rents were insane in the membrane. (lots of guys stand up behind me out of nowhere and go "INSANE IN THE BRAIN!" while I attempt to get my heart beating again)

Amanda: You show this to other people and they actually read it? DAAANG! I'm flabbergasted! (Love that word!) And guys like this? GUYS! Wowie cazowie, that's some crazy shiz. I'm extremely flattered that you actually printed this out for people to read. Thanks so much. (blushes)

JohnnysDoll84: I'm speechless. And honored. Honored to the point where I'm speechless, in fact. Erm, well...maybe not because I'm writing this, which means I'm not speechless...but that's only because I'm incredibly hyper. I mean, I read that review a couple days ago, and now I'm thanking you, so my mood has considerably changed...for the better, it's safe to say. (grin) I like to think I'm one of the smarter cubs, but we'll see when I get my AP results. I'll cry ifIfail though. (sniff) I don't watch the Third Watch, I don't watch TV anymore. I miss it, but eh...whatever. HBO, here I come! (runs off to TV) Oh wait...(comes back and gives Chrissy a cyber hug) I LOVE YOU! And I'm glad you're one of the few people who actually thinks I'm funny. (grins and runs away again, waving a flag that says, "CHRISSY, YOU ROCK MY SOCKS" on it)

WillsOneLove: I love you Caitlin! (hug) Yes, indeed, Lambry is yours. And he'll come back when I decide to bring Captain Barley back into the mix. YIPAAAA!

Things-One-and-Two: Indeed, bad days suck. (I chose to answer.) And I don't begrudge you any good days, my friend, because you are just that...my friend. Thanks for reviewing likea loyal reader and you definitely get some points. For what, I know not, but yeah...points. (shrugs) See ya, MJ. (hug)

Johnny'shumiliatedgrape: I've gotten to the point where I can finally type your name out right without looking to make sure. I GET MAJOR KUDOS FOR THAT, MY FRIEND, SI? And once again, you thought I wouldn't update til June. My friend, listen to me... I am definitely posting a lot more before June rolls around, so you needn't worry. I'm GOING to post next week, I PROMISE YOU! Alrighty? No more of this June nonsense. (grins) And I'm glad I got to know so much about Henry the VIII. I've always wondered what in the hell was wrong with his head...you should tell me sometime. WHAT IN THE HELL WAS WRONG WITH HIS FAT HEAD! Crazy guy! Many hugs for you, my dear.

mz-turner: Where do I START with you, Hali? Where do I START! I can't even write anything to you anymore, but your reviews make me all soft-hearted and jelly-legged. You want to BE like me? My dear friend, I think we've already surmised that you're well on your way... well, not really, because I can tell you that I'm lamer than you, but I'm glad we're lame together. (soccer handshake) -I love that thing! I yeah, and I love you too! (hug and kiss)

jeremy-sumpter-girl: Thanks so much for your review! Definitely have to agree with you on that, my buddy.

A Bit Closer Johnny:I just love that name. TEEHEE! Isn't Will/Elizabeth the greatest! I love the social barrier thing and how they overcome it! It makes me all gushy inside! (sighs) THANKS!

Drama Queens rule: I love you. Honestly I do. I don't care how often you review, you seriously are so awesome. And flattery DEFINITELY gets you updates! HAHAHAHA! Charming, teehee. (shuffles feet) Shucks.

ALRIGHT EVERYBODY! That's it for me. Until next week, this was THE TWILIGHT ZONE! (creepy Twilight Zone music plays but the record machine breaks and dies down) Erm, OK, maybe not. But still, I'll see you all next week! CYBER COOKIES FOR ALL!

KAREN-