A/N: This one is a few months before gluttony, which puts it quite a ways before greed, but quite a bit after lust, just to put in a time frame. Hope you enjoy. (Next one is wrath.)

Disclaimer: Don't own 'em.

Sunlight poured in through the window, sending slats of light onto the bed revealing two tangled forms lying languorously amongst the sheets. Watching the play of this brilliant light against Elizabeth's smooth bare skin, Jack sighed. He did not want to leave this haven, wanting to be slothful with his ladylove in the aftermath of such gentle lovemaking. It was not every day that they were so tender together, but after that storm yesterday and the battle before that, it was no wonder he felt this way, especially with those bruises and cuts marring her gorgeous body.

I almost lost you, he thought, kissing the top of her head and making her stir against his bare chest, sighing contentedly.

"Shouldn't you be up top, captain?" She questioned softly, kissing his shoulder and snuggling closer.

"Most likely."

"Well then, by all means, don't let me stop you."

He chuckled warmly and ran his hand down her bare side. "I feel I won't be getting up any time soon. Don't want to leave you."

"Is that so?"

"Aye."

Her fingers traced the muscles on his abdomen lazily. "Last night was amazing."

"Every night is amazing, darling." He replied with a chuckle.

"The mornings aren't so bad either." She murmured, sliding her leg up to wrap around his hip.

His breathing hitched. "Elizabeth…"

She chuckled and wrapped her arms around him, but her expression soon turned serious as she thought about the past few days and Jack's countenance hardened as he realized where her thoughts had turned.

"I almost lost you." He whispered, pressing his lips against her temple, her nose, her jaw, and her soft lips.

Tightening her grip on him, she felt tears welling up in her eyes a bit. "I almost lost you."

They drifted into a long silence clinging to one another, bitter moments from the days before flashing through their minds. It had been so close. There had been instances when they believed they might not make it at all. The ruthlessness of the royal navy was something they should have expected upon their return from Singapore, but it had still taken them by surprise and Jack's momentary lapse in judgment could have cost Elizabeth her life. He shuddered at the thought of a world without her in it. This beautiful pirate lass had turned his world upside down with just one look and without her his life would be bleak, indeed.

"I love you." She whispered and then her hand flew to her mouth. Those three words were meant to stay in her head. A shocked look came across his face at her words. "You love me?" He asked with wonder.

Panic registered on her face as she misconstrued his surprise for unhappiness at her words, making him chuckle and lean in to kiss her before she could reply, grinding his hips against hers and then rolling her under him. "I love you too, darling." He breathed against her neck as he planted kisses there, making her toss her head back wantonly. It appeared that his slothful ways had lead to lust once again. "What am I going to do with you?" He muttered incredulously.

She smirked. "I can think of a few things."