A/N: Well, here you have it, folks. The final chapter. Review at the end, hope you like it, and watch out for the sequel, which is unnamed as of yet. Read (AND REVIEW) on!
DISCLAIMER: If you haven't figured out that PotC doesn't belong to me yet, you need some serious help. No, really.
Someone save me
If you will
Chapter 15
They were at the mouth of Tia Dalma's river by the following evening. They were moored there on Jack's orders, who also told Elizabeth that he didn't want to go up-river at night. What if the crocodiles decided to come out? He had only done it before because he was in a hurry. Gibbs gave he captain a suspicious look, but said nothing. Elizabeth just stared, eyes narrowed, until Jack took her shoulder.
"Come, luv. Let's get some sleep, and I promise we'll row out as soon as everyone's awake tomorrow," he said. And they did just that, Jack helping Elizabeth into the hammock as it deposited her on the floor the first time, and then laying down himself. Elizabeth rolled over and watched him sleep until she drifted off herself.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
It must have been around midnight when Elizabeth woke to find the cabin empty. But she had almost expected that; it wasn't like Jack didn't have other things to do. She stretched, stepped into her boots, and went to find out what he was doing.
Outside, the deck was completely empty. The black cloth that depicted the Jolly Roger fluttered limply above. The wood creaked desolately beneath her boots. That was strange. Jack usually had a night watch. Then she noticed a longboat missing.
Now he thinks I can't handle giving Tia Dalma her ship back? He should know better than that! Elizabeth thought furiously, lowering a second longboat. Still fuming, she rowed quickly down the river and tied her boat beside the one already there. She quietly ascended the stairs and peeked through the window.
Elizabeth could see the crew standing uncomfortably around the table where Jack was talking to Tia Dalma. The voodoo priestess took up the crab claws, muttered something, and let them fall, studying their pattern. That was when Elizabeth decided to open the door and walk in.
Jack looked around at her and opened his mouth, but Tia Dalma cut him off in a warm voice. "Ah, and 'ere 'tis the only woman that could tame Jack Spar-row's heart," she smiled. "Quite a feat fo' one o' yo' age."
"Speaking of Jack Sparrow, I need to talk to that same man. Alone," Elizabeth growled.
"Ah…can it wait? We're in the middle of something impor-"
"Now."
"All right, all right. Sorry, mates, be back in a moment. Or not," Jack amended, wincing at the look Elizabeth gave him. Tia Dalma smiled knowingly as the two made their way outside. "What's this all about, now?" Jack asked impatiently.
"Why didn't you wake me? Because you thought I couldn't handle returning a ship?" Elizabeth demanded. Jack winced again.
"Well, I just thought you looked so-"
"Tired be damned. You were probably more tired than I was."
"Elizabeth-"
"Don't 'Elizabeth' me! You should know better!"
"Lizzie - darling-"
"Jack Sparrow, you are so-"
Jack took Elizabeth by the shoulders and gave her a soft kiss. "There," he said. "Now will you let me get a word in edgewise?"
Elizabeth looked at him nonchalantly. "Persuade me." Jack grinned.
"Gladly." He kissed her again, and Elizabeth let him. He held her head in his hands. "Are you sufficiently persuaded?" he asked, still grinning his lopsided grin.
"For now," Elizabeth said indifferently, smiling.
"Now," he said. "If I may slip a word in here."
"You may."
"What if I told you," Jack murmured, "that Will could be saved?"
"I would say," Elizabeth whispered, "that you were the most amazing person I have ever met in my entire life." And she kissed him back.
A/N: Well? Like it? Hate it? Let me know! Until we meet again.
iamanundeadmonkey