Title - A Test Of Time. (Sequel to Faded Memories)

Chapter title - Leave

Author - Billiebumface

Disclaimer - I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean. Tora Black, the plot and any characters not recognized from the films are entirely mine.

A/n- Bad language. Well one curse word, but I thought I should say.

-C.5-

Tora grabbed Jack's hand and dragged him away from the wheel.
"Gibbs, your in charge." She barked pulling Jack down into their bedroom locking the door behind them. Jack sat on the end of the bed unsure of what to say as Tora knelt down in front of him, placing her hands on his knees.
"When we got caught at the Brethren Court all those years ago, Louis Chevalle was the one who put the pistol in my hand and made me choose." His voice was low and tinged with guilt. "There is nothing he wouldn't do and he wants the heart. He'd kill for it. If he knew..." Jack's voice faltered and he cut himself short. He squoze his eyes shut trying to block out the mental images he was having.
Tears had started falling from Tora's eyes from seeing Jack in so much pain. She gave his knees a gentle squeeze. "If he knew what?"
"If he knew you were back...he'd..." Jack sighed and lay back on the bed. He didn't even realize a tear had fell from his eyes. Tora climbed beside him and pulled him close, cradling his head against her chest. She knew it must be killing him for anyone to see him this way, especially her.
"If he knew I was back there'd be nothing he could do. There are too many brave men aboard for him to even get near me." Tora kissed Jack's bandanna as her thumb moved to wipe his silent tears away. Whilst he still had his eyes closed she wiped away her own and placed her arm back around his shoulders. His arms snaked their way around her waist and they lay silently in their embrace until nightfall.

The journey to Hawaii had so far been an uneventful one. Elizabeth helped around the ship as did Will who was loving life at sea. Tora and Jack didn't speak about Louis anymore. In fact they hadn't spoken at all since the other night. Jack was constantly at the helm and deep in his thoughts whilst Tora did odd jobs around the Pearl. She knew something was bothering Jack but she also knew he'd tell her when he needed too.
This particular morning she was sat on a crate sewing a pair of long johns. She didn't know who they belonged to but she needed the distraction. The more she saw Will and Lizzie together the more broody she got. Plus the whole Jack not speaking thing and she was becoming more tense about this test that they'd have to face in Paru Cave.
"T!" Came a loud gruff shout from the wheel. Tora's head shot up to see Jack glaring at her. Curiously she left the long johns and he needle and thread where they were and went over to the captain.
"What 'ave ye done with it?"
"With what?" Rather than answering, Jack barged past Tora, knocking her to the side and skulked off below deck.
"What in the blazes was that about?" Murmured Tora,
"I'm not entirely sure miss." Tora jumped when Gibbs appeared from nowhere. "Jack's been in the foulest of moods since Chevalle paid a visit."
"Rotten git." Huffed Tora folding her arms over her chest. " I supposed I should go and see what's up then ey?"
"I think that'd be best Miss. Black."

Tora grunted but followed Jack below deck, knowing that it'd take another two days sailing, without storm, to reach Hawaii and if Jack was in a bad mood it wouldn't be enjoyable for anyone. He was rooting around his drawers when Tora came in.
"Jack what have you lost?"
"Nothin'." He spat without lifting his head. Tora shook hers.
"That is it Sparrow!" Tora marched over, gripped his shoulder and spun him around to face her. She shoved him roughly against the wall, pinning him there with a hand on each shoulder. "Now what on earth is wrong with you?" She demanded.
"I said nothin' now move!"
"NO!"
"For gods sake move woman!" Jack pushed Tora to one side before continuing on his mad search.
"Jack! I don't know why your acting a complete bastard but I ain't enjoyin' it much."
"Then leave." This took Tora by surprise.
"What?" She whispered. Jack slammed a drawer shut and stomped over to Tora. His face was so close that the tips of their noses were touching. His eyes which usually held all emotion were dull, lacking their mischievous glint.
"You don't like how I am...leave."
Tora opened and closed her mouth a few times at Jack's growled response. "Fine. As soon as we save the Turners you can drop me off in Tortuga." Tora was fighting the breakdown she could feel coming. She was hoping Jack would just smile and say it was all some suck joke. Instead he smirked, but now the cheeky smirk that Tora loved.
"Good."