First, I owe you all a massive apology. I completely forgot I had started a new story, and so I haven't updated for ages, so I'm really, really sorry about that.

Second, thanks to my reviewers, RoxxieSanders, The Lady Massacre, Firesspawn and Phantasmagoria91, drinks are on me ;).

Ok, I think you've heard enough from me, on with the story.

***

Jack grabbed Elizabeth and pulled out his gun. Holding it against her head, he whispered, "So sorry to have to do this again Lizzie," Then he spoke louder. "Lower your weapons!"

"Jack?" Elizabeth breathed. It was, undoubtedly the charming pirate captain. Elizabeth would know that spicy smell of rum and saltwater, combined with a scent that was uniquely Jack's anywhere.

"You won't hurt her, Pirate," Weatherby Swann spat. "You're in her debt! She and William saved your life.

"Maybe," Jack grinned. Then he cocked the gun and bared his teeth into a feral snarl.

"You won't hurt her," Governor Swann repeated, but with less conviction.

"Pirate," Jack shrugged. "Lower your weapons!" He turned to the trembling Governor. "Tell them,"

"Do as he says," Weatherby muttered. "Give him what he wants, and he will return Elizabeth,"

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, Governor," Jack pretended to yank Elizabeth's head back sharply, and placed his lips at her ear. "I'm going to rescue you Lizzie,"

Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath at the feel of his warm breath tickling her cheek. "Let me go," she hissed. "What do you want? My father will see that you get it,"

Jack smirked again. "I want you." He purred in her ear and Elizabeth momentarily forgot to breathe.

"Jack, I'm warning you-" At that moment, Jack pulled her back through the circle of guards towards the back rooms, always keeping her between him and the weapons that followed his every move.

Once through the back door, Jack bolted it firmly. "Lizzie, this won't buy us much time so I have to hurry," he whispered urgently. "Do you want to marry the whelp?"

His question was so blunt that Elizabeth stopped struggling. "I- I…"

"Come with me Lizzie-Beth," His dark eyes were almost pleading. "Please, Elizabeth?"

Lost in his eyes, she barely noticed herself nodding. He broke her gaze, dragging her through another door briskly and moved swiftly down a narrow corridor. At last, he reached the back door of the dress shop.

Pausing for just a minute to allow Elizabeth to catch her breath, he barrelled through the door, half-expecting the guards to tackle him to the floor. The narrow street was empty. Clearly, the door was rarely used.

Jack took off again, but he didn't drag Elizabeth behind him. She came of her own free will this time, sprinting after him towards the docks.

As soon as they reached the main streets, guard swarmed towards them. The pair ran faster than Elizabeth would have thought possible in a dress of this size. The white train trailed behind her as she weaved in and out of the crowd.

Glancing back to check Elizabeth was following, Jack dived quickly behind an old fishing net and some barrels. She followed suit, tucking her gown underneath her. Elizabeth recognised the stockinged legs running past as those of the guards , and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"You up for a swim?" Jack asked, grinning.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Elizabeth replied, and began struggling out of her dress. Noticing Jack's raised eyebrows and his amused expression she flushed. "It'll be too heavy to swim in," she protested.

Struggling with the hateful garment for a minute, she stepped out of it, liberated. The dress had been the only thing left tying her to Will, and as kind as he always was to her, she could only ever love him like a brother or a friend.

"Lizzie! What in the name of the seven seas is that?" He pointed at her pannier, an incredulous expression on his handsome face.

"It is an undergarment Captain Sparrow," She giggled slightly, as Jack withdrew a small knife and tore through the garment.

"It looks bloody uncomfortable to me," he muttered.

"No worse than a corset," She gestured to the pale pink object encircling her torso, before seizing Jack's knife and slicing it open, nearly as fast as Jack. "Now I'm ready," She stood up and charged down the dock before diving in, Jack close on her heels.

***

Elizabeth was never an excellent swimmer, and by the time they had reached the place where the Black Pearl - hidden from the EITCo of course - was anchored she was gasping for air. Treading water, she gazed up at the ship in relief. Finally.

Jack wrapped an arm around her waist before calling out to Gibbs, his first mate. "Oi! Send us a rope down Gibbs,"

Almost immediately, a thick rope descended into the water beside them. "Ladies first," Jack tried to give a mock bow, but due to the fact that he was mostly submerged in water, he could only bob his head a little. Laughing, Elizabeth took the rope, but found she had very little strength left in her arms.

Gritting her teeth, she hauled herself up, the rope rough under her soft fingers. As soon as she was on level with the deck, Joshamee Gibbs grabbed her hand and hauled her up.

"Thank you," She smiled genuinely. Seeing the familiar crew felt like coming home after a long day.

Seconds later, Jack splashed onto the deck, shaking his dark, matted hair like a wet dog and spraying them all with water. Laughing, Elizabeth shoved him gently, trying to keep a straight face.

"See what I mean Gibbs? They can't keep their hands off me," He smirked as Elizabeth playfully smacked him on the arm.

"I've missed you," Elizabeth said softly, just for Jack to hear.

Enveloping her in a hug, Jack replied, "I've missed you too Lizzie,"

Sorry this is so short, I meant to make it longer, but I'm very tired and thought this would be a good place to end the chapter. I should have chapter three up by Wednesday at the latest, but I'm not making any promises.

Please, pretty please review. I'll get you some rum xD.