It was foggy, a twitch of sun above the mist, almost seeping through to make the morning feel sticky. Alex rolled over in her bed, burying her face deep in the feather pillow. Three weeks had passed since Jack's accident, and while she made him walk with a cane for a temporary limp, he seemed well enough. Now, it was just refraining from boredom out here, in the water, no land, just blue...

Alex sat up, splashing a bit of water in her face. It was stale, like the walls. Was she already so tired of this place she was blending in? Closing her eyes, Alex remembered days with Will in the smithy. The bohemians outside would orchestrate the bordello down the street. He taught her to dance there, among the smoke and giggles.

"I miss music." sighing, she brushed out her hair, and headed up deck. The waves were mild, some of the crew had settled down in playing poker. Heading up the mast, there was the Captain, cane resting against the rail, him teetering along.

"You realize I gave that to you in thought of some use coming out of it." Jack turned and tipped his hat.

"Never fear, love. I'm feeling better already." Just then some hurried crew ran past, swiftly blowing into his side. Alex placed her arm underneath him, holding almost half his weight.

"Come here, Samson, let's get the strong man checked out." They went into the kitchen, ushering the cooks out for a few minutes.

"If I find out, Sparrow you haven't been taking care of yourself..."

"No worries, I clean it. Just a scratch anymore." The cloth against his skin was deep red, barely scabbed over.

"That's one deep scratch, Jack."

"Yes...I know." Alex splashed a bit of rum over it, then wrapped his waist up. Jack watched as her hands fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, those dark eyes dancing in her head.

"Well, well...it seems we have a bit of cabin fever. Dear Alex, does my company not entertain you anymore?" Alex smiled slightly.

"No, Jack, you are just as exciting as the day I met you. I guess I'm just hard at finding ways to entertain myself without buggering you every five minutes. I'm a bit lonely, gives me time to think a lot. And I don't think that's the best thing for me right now..." Jack's expression softened, his eyes studying past her face. Alex took a seat next to him, as he placed his arm around her shoulder.

"Alex, what's something you would like your Captain to bring on the Pearl? You like drawing?"

"Oh Lord, I'm awful at it."

"Ok, carving."

"Sparrow, I'm not that desperate." Alex moved towards the window, her fingers moving over the windowsill in a melodic pattern. Jack's eyes squinted.

"Are you a piano player?"

"What? Oh, no, I...I dance a little...I remembered something..." Alex turned, he was gone.

"Love how much you care, Sparrow."

That night, she stayed in her room. There was a scurry on deck, a storm must not be far away. She was almost ready to settle into bed, when a knock came at her door. It was a young girl.

"Excuse me, miss? The captain wishes you change into this, and meet him at the helm in one hour. An escort will come to get you."

"Get me...where are we at?"

"Dominica, miss. You've made port." The little girl giggled and ran out of the room. The dress in her hands was a black silk, with weaves of red through the waist. She had to admit, this was entertaining.

One hour later, her hair was tied neatly back in black curls, she had blushed her lips and used a bit of leftover charcoal to line her eyes. The dress was tailored. A floor length ball room number. The door opened to reveal a very poised Jenthry, one of the handsome crew members. He smiled and offered her arm.

"My lady, your party is waiting."

"Party? Jenthry, this is silly!"

"Please miss, just wait and see." He blindfolded her, and slipped black heels onto her feet.

"Careful now, just let me lead you." Alex smiled and warmed to his touch. It took them a while to get into step together, but soon Alex felt the salty air hit her face.

"Now, here miss. Grab onto the rail. Follow it up, I'll be back.."

"Jenthry...wait!" But he was gone, and she struggled to the upper deck. Finally, as she reached the final step, a hand caught her. This was a different person, the calluses thicker, a scar on the palm.

"Jack?" No one answered, but guided her by the waist over the railing.

"Jack, this is ridiculous, please, tell me what's going on." Softly, someone untied her sight, lowering the bandage. Alex looked over the Pearl...and she cried.

"I figured the crew needed a small break, and I have a few friends here. We've planned this for you, Alex. Consider this a present from your Captain." The deck had been cleared, now made into a dance floor. Gibbs was leading a small band on into rhythm, the islanders dancing in a traditional fashion.

"Oh, Jack...but..."

"This wasn't my idea lovely, in fact, a certain sailor suggested it to me. I think you owe him a dance or two..." Turning around, Jenthry smiled. His green eyes met her own. Jack, who had dressed elegantly for the occasion, had now left to be with a dark woman with red hair. Alex circled for a moment, deciding what to make of this.

"You, you planned this for me Jenthry? All of it?"

"Well, Jack set things in order, but yes. I heard you in the kitchen, you love to dance?" He made his way over to her. They were few breaths apart, either lust or passion drawing them in.

"I've spent many days watching you, Alexandra. You have so much sorrow and too much poise. I want that. Please, share a dance with me? I promise to be gentle." His arms tightened around her waist. "And besides, I spent all my money on this dress." Alex smiled, and followed him to the dance floor.