Sorry it took me some time to finish this, I had other things to deal with. Well, without further ado… read it!

CHAPTER 13: EMOTIONS

The first ray of sunlight shone through the little porthole of the room. Jack Sparrow shaded his eyes as he looked through the window. A good day for sailing, he thought to himself. The sky above them seemed a lot clearer and brighter compared to the sky last night: foggy and smoky due to all those explosions. Most probably thanks to Will, Jack thought. He glanced at Alicia.

"It's been a day…" he muttered. He moved his chair closer to bed, creating a low creaking sound.

On the other bed, Lynne shuffled in her sleep. Slowly, she sat up and her eyes met with Jack's. She jumped from her seat and became wide awake.

"What are you…" her eyes turned to Alicia and back at Jack.

"You've been here all night!" Lynne climbed out of bed and sat down beside him. She looked at him intently and added: "You haven't slept all night."

Jack grinned. "Well, I wanted to be the first one she sees once she wakes up." He looked at the unconscious figure of Alicia. The smile on his face faded and he sighed.

"I guess that means she didn't wake up the whole night."

Jack shook his head. Lynne looked at him sympathetically. He must really like Alicia, she thought. But how can I know if he's serious? She studied him as he caressed Alicia's hands.

"Captain Sparrow, I think you should go get some rest or take care of your ship or something. I'll be the one to watch over her."

"I'm not leaving." Jack replied without looking at her.

Lynne was surprised at his reaction. "But Captain, you shouldn't be…"

"First of all, you can call me Jack. Second of all, calling me in first name basis doesn't mean you can start telling me what to do and what not to. Savvy?"

Lynne stuttered. "I… I'm sorry, Jack. I guess I was wrong about you."

Jack lay down Alicia's hand and looked at Lynne.

"You are different from other pirates and you saved our lives for a good reason." Lynne continued. "Let's say you belong to the very few pirates who still save ladies stranded at sea."

Jack stood up, gave Lynne a stern look and raised his voice a bit as he talked.

"Now you see, Ms. Andrews…"

"Lynne." Lynne corrected.

"Alright, Lynne. I've saved only two women in my entire life. One is Elizabeth and the other is Alicia, whom I have already saved twice." Jack took a deep breath then continued. "I don't usually save drowning people, even if they are beautiful ladies. I save them for the first time out of kindness and concern."

"And the second time…" Lynne interrupted.

"The second time, I save them out of…" Jack suddenly felt a lost of words. "out of… something more complicated."

Lynne smiled to herself.

"I understand, Jack." She smiled at him and patted him on the shoulder. "In fact, I should thank you for saving both our lives."

"Now, Lynne. I should thank you instead." Reading the questioning look on Lynne's face, Jack continued. "If you hadn't jumped from that tower last night, I wouldn't have been able to prove my feelings for Alicia."

"Then I guess it'd be better if you thank the cannons, Captain."

The sudden interruption gave both Jack and Lynne a huge surprise. They turned to look at Alicia, smiling and already trying to sit up on her bed. As she did so, she winced in pain at the effort she is exerting on her shoulder.

"Don't move, Alicia!" Lynne hurriedly helped her back on bed and knelt beside her.

"You're awake finally! We were so worried."

"I'm feeling well, thank you." Alicia smiled as Lynne pulled her into a tight hug.

Alicia, on the other hand, was watching Jack, who sat silently behind Lynne. Jack met her gaze and quickly turned away. Had she just heard everything I said? He thought to himself. Jack could feel his ears starting to redden.

"I'm so sorry I jumped off that tower, Alicia. It's just that, when I saw your ship leaving, I realized I couldn't let you go away from me."

Alicia's focus turned back to Lynne. "Don't be sorry, Lynne. Cheer up, I'm alright! Now my family is finally complete."

Lynne smiled and Alicia smiled back. Behind them, Jack was starting to feel more and more awkward by the second.

"Ahem…" Jack cleared his throat. "I guess I'll be going now. I'll tell Will ye're awake. Take care of yerself, Alicia."

Lynne stood up at once. "No, wait Jack. You need some rest, you hadn't slept all night."

"What were you doing staying up all night?" Alicia asked, her eyes wide in shock.

"I… I…"

Lynne looked from Jack to Alicia then back. She wouldn't want to miss this show for the world, but it really seems like a wrong place for her to stay.

"Look here, Jack. You stay here and take some rest. You can use my bed." Jack opened his mouth to argue, but Lynne continued. "And, I will go get Will."

"Lynne…" Alicia started but in an instant Lynne shut the door behind her.

"Great!" Alicia mumbled to herself.

Jack was fumbling with his fingers and seemed uncertain as to what he will do. This was the first time Alicia saw the infamous Jack Sparrow act so unconfident with himself.

Jack sensed that Alicia was looking at him and he felt she could see through him. I need to say something, he thought.

"Did you hear what I just said?" The words came out of Jack's mouth before he knew he already said them.

Alicia chuckled. "You mean your heroic acts in saving beautiful ladies lost at sea?"

Jack's eyes were wide open. "You were already awake then!"

Alicia laughed. "Aye. Perhaps it is time I hear of your emotions straight from your mouth."

Jack's insides were flopping. A part of him felt relieved, that he had finally expressed his deep feelings for Alicia. Another part of him though felt uncertain. Would she accept me? Or would she just laugh at me pathetically?

Alicia could sense Jack's worries. "Well, if you have nothing else to say Captain, I think I'd just go back to sleep."

"Wait."

Jack knelt beside Alicia's bed and held her hands. His chocolate eyes stared into Alicia's that sent shivers down her spine. Minutes seemed like days as the two of them stay lock-eyed, as if words were no longer needed in their conversation.

"I love you, Alicia." Jack finally spoke up.

Alicia smiled. "Since when?"

"Since the day I knew ye were Alicia Spencer and not Alexander."

Alicia chuckled and hugged Jack. "Oh Jack, you are so sweet. That is why I love you so much."

Jack pulled away. "You do?"

Alicia merely nodded.

"Since when?"

"Since that night when you brought me to my room and you did nothing against me. There and then, I knew you were a pirate with high morale."

Jack was overwhelmed with joy. He smiled foolishly at Alicia that made her laugh. He looked at her face, her smile and her eyes, and he knew this was the only girl whom he really loved, and who will really love him back.

Jack caressed Alicia soft cheeks and leaned closer to her. Alicia could smell charcoal and gunpowder from Jack's suit, yet she didn't mind at all. Alicia lifted herself slowly from bed as the two moved closer to each other. As their lips met and they curl into each other's arms in a kiss, the moment would be one they will never want to end.

-----

Lynne watched the waves as she walked past some of the crew running here and there with their own business. Then finally, she saw him. Will took over Jack's place by the wheel, his eyes straining to see the horizon beyond.

Instead of walking towards him, Lynne stayed in place and examined Will's features. Who would believe that beneath that tough exterior is a soft heart? She thought to herself. Suddenly, Will turned to her direction and their eyes met. Lynne quickly turned away but she could feel her cheeks reddening.

"Lynne!" Will shouted and beckoned her forward.

Lynne tried to act calm and decent as she walked towards him.

"Good morning, Will."

"What brings a fair lady up on the decks of a pirate ship?"

Lynne was surprised by his words. Will looked at her and said quickly.

"I'm sorry I was just kidding with you. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine thanks. Well, I just came here to tell you that Alicia woke up just a while ago."

"She did?" The sudden change in Will's expression surprised Lynne yet again.

"Look, umm… can you take care of the wheel for me? I'll be away for just a few minutes I just want to see how she is."

Will was about to speed off when Lynne pulled him at the shoulder.

"Will, wait." Will turned around and their eyes met again. Lynne could feel her whole body melt down by his stare. She quickly released her hand and gathered up her composure.

"You see, she's pretty busy at the moment. Jack's down there with her."

"Bloody hell, so that's where Jack has been! Leaving his ship to me when I should be beside my sister? Nice job, Jack." He scoffed and crossed his hands in front of him.

Lynne shook her head helplessly. "You don't understand, don't you? This is the perfect time when… you know."

Will eyed her quizzically. "I guess I don't know."

"Oh come on. Let's say, there's so much emotion in their hearts that this is the right time for these emotions to finally get out of the shell."

Finally, Will's eyes brightened now that he had realized something.

"Alright, I'll give them five minutes."

Lynne smiled at Will and walked towards the edge of the ship. Will kept both hands on the wheel, but occasionally he would turn to look at Lynne. After some time, Lynne sighed.

"What's wrong?"

Lynne continued to watch the rippling waves and didn't bother to turn around.

"Nothing in particular."

"Well, you seem troubled."

At this point, Lynne felt Will's hand on her shoulder. Somehow, he provided her the warmth she needed and calmed her down a bit.

"I just realized how weak I am compared to Alicia. She could give up our friendship in exchange of the life she wanted, but I can't. Last night as I saw the ship depart, I felt weak and unable to live on my life by myself."

Lynne buried her face in her hands and sobbed into it. Will waited for her tears to stop before he spoke.

"You know, Lynne, not willing to give up doesn't make you weak, and learning to let go doesn't make you strong too. I believe that Alicia isn't as strong as she may seem. If she gave up on your friendship, she wouldn't have risked her life to save you when you jumped off the tower."

Lynne raised her head and looked at Will. "You are right. I wouldn't have realized that without your help."

Will smiled and gave her a soft pinch of the cheek. "Come on, cheer up now. Why don't you accompany me to visit Alicia?"

-----

Will had his face flat on the door as he strained to hear the noises inside the room. Beside him, Lynne looked at him quietly.

"So? What's happening inside?" Lynne whispered softly.

Will shrugged. "Nothing. No noise at all."

Will reached for the doorknob but Lynne stopped him. "I think it's best if we knock."

Will gave the door a short but sharp rap. There were hushed voices and suddenly the distinct voice of Alicia.

"Come in."

Will and Lynne entered the room to see Jack sitting on Lynne's bed while across him, Alicia looked a bit tense, but she smiled when she saw Will.

"Will, my lad! It's you." Jack smiled nervously.

Will ignored him and faced Alicia instead.

"How are you feeling?"

"Well the wound still hurts but Jack says it will heal in a few days."

Will sat down beside Alicia and checked her face. She looked less pale than she was the night before. After he made sure that Alicia is really looking fine, he turned his attention to Jack.

"So Jack, where we be heading?"

"Now you're talking to me?" Jack said sarcastically.

Everyone laughed, except Jack. "Don't find it funny." He said as he crossed his arms.

"Sorry, Jack." Will said as he tried to stop himself from laughing. "I was just worried about Alicia."

Jack scowled. Alicia giggled and said. "Stop it Jack. Tell us where we're going!"

Jack gave them a mysterious look and exclaimed boldly. "Well, luv, we be heading to dela Muerta!"

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