A/N: So I took time from my Jumper Slash fics I'm working on and forced myself to crank out this chapter. It's long, as promised, and sorta interesting. Only a few more chapters left in this story! Read, review, and enjoy!


Chapter 16: Fatherly Englehorn & Free Time

Bella felt a little embarrassed about Englehorn seeing them. He walked next to her, taking up the spot where Jimmy stood. "I heard you talking," he said as he leaned against the side of the boat.

'Eavesdropper. That's kinda rude.' She furrowed her brow as she frowned.

Captain Englehorn made a small smile as he looked at her sideways. "He's been happy ever since you came along, ya know," he told her.

"You mean Jimmy?" Bella asked.

Englehorn nodded. "Yes. And when I say you, I mean you as in Bella. Not Al." Bella understood and gave a nod as she laughed. "Jimmy is…young at heart, but he is truly a strong man," Captain Englehorn said putting his hands in his coat pockets.

Bella smiled. "Thank you captain." She stood for another minute with the captain out in the calming and cool evening air before running off to find Ann.

-Ann POV-

Ann saw Bella walking, almost skipping, towards her in the hallway. "Hello Bella," she said. "You look very happy."

Bella nodded quickly. "I have to tell you what happened," she said in a very excited tone. "Back to my cabin to talk," she grabbed Ann's hand and pulled into her cabin she shared with Jimmy. Bella shut the door behind her, looking overly happy.

Ann laughed, "Bella, why're you so happy?"

Bella bolted over next to Ann on the bed, making the bed bounce as she sat. "Jimmy. It's Jimmy. After the whole thing about 'Little Kong' in the navigation room, he hinted he wanted to start a family." Her face was in complete awe as she spoke.

"That's wonderful. So are you going to…?"

"No. I told him maybe in time," Bella said with a blush.

'They're cute.' "Oh! Speaking of 'Little Kong', Jack said he would raise him on the island but he's worried about surviving. And Bruce wants to join us if we do," she snickered. "He likes the little guy," Ann said, trying to mimic his voice.

Bella laughed at her imitation of Bruce and managed to say, "That's good."

Just then, the door opened. Jack and Captain Englehorn walked in. Jack was smiling as he said, "We've come to an agreement."

Ann looked at them curiously. "About?"

"The ape," Englehorn chimed in. Ann looked over at Bella, then back to Jack and Englehorn.

"After the stop in England, he'll take us back to the island. We'll get provisions in England. And Bruce'll be coming with," Jack told them.

A wide smile came across Ann's face as the captain said, "Everything should be safe. We'll provide guns and some ammunition."

Bella spoke, "Where will we be going after the island, Captain?"

"India," he told her. "Now we'll be in England tomorrow so-"

Ann jumped up and interrupted. "Then I must be off to pack! See you later Bella."

-Bella POV-

Captain Englehorn rubbed his forehead and Jack followed Ann out of the room. "Bella, are you going to be staying aboard the ship? With Jimmy, I mean."

Bella nodded vigorously. "Why wouldn't I? I care about him. I have no where else to go either," she said with a slight shrug. 'This is my home now…'

Englehorn gave her a soft smile and a nod. "I'll give Jimmy the night off so you can spend time together."

Bella's face lit up with happiness. "Thank you sir." 'I would get up and hug him if he weren't the captain.'

"Thank you Bella," he said in a low tone as he exited the room.

-Jimmy POV-

Jimmy saw Captain Englehorn return to the navigation room. "How'd it go skipper?"

"Very well." He removed his coat and tossed it on the chair in the small map room. "You're relieved for the rest of the night Jimmy."

Jimmy looked at him oddly. "T-Thank you captain," he said, sounding quite confused.

"Go, be with Bella," Englehorn instructed.

He gave a nod and left, making his way down the steps and towards the hallway to the cabins. Jimmy heard someone call his name. He turned around and saw Bella, running across the deck towards him. "Hey, I was looking for you." She hugged him and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Come get something to eat with me," Bella said as she put her hand in his. He gave a nod and they started towards the galley.

-Bella POV-

Bella nibbled at what Max called "beef stew" but it didn't taste much like beef at all. She dropped the spoon in the almost full bowl and looked over at Jimmy. He seemed content eating the "stew". Bella finally gave in and pushed the bowl away from her. "This tastes really weird," she whispered to Jimmy. 'Any other time Max's food is good, but tonight is just… Ew.'

Jimmy looked at her sideways and tilted his head. He swallowed what was in his mouth and said, "It's cause we're running low on supplies. Once we dock, the food'll get better again." Bella nodded as she watched him drink up the last of the watery broth from his bowl. Once he sat the bowl down on the table, he smacked his lips together and asked, "What would you like to do now Bells?"

'He always seems so cheerful when he calls me that.' "Why don't we go back to the room and just rest? I hardly ever see you do that," she joked.

-Jimmy POV-

He walked into their room and took off his hat, tossing it onto its usual spot on the desk. Jimmy watched as Bella threw herself onto her bed, smiling. He sat on his bed and pulled his boots off, watching Bella as she got comfortable. For some reason, Jimmy had the strongest urge to go jump on her and pull her into a hug forever. He shook his head and rid of the thought. 'Maybe I'll read a little.' Jimmy went to grab his book but Bella bounced down next to him on the bed. He glanced over at her and she wrapped him in a hug. Jimmy smiled and put an arm around her. 'Maybe I won't read…' He looked at Bella and kissed the top of her head. She pulled away from him and returned the kiss, but on the lips. 'This is better than reading.' The simple and innocent kiss closed mouth kiss took a turn when Jimmy opened his mouth, giving Bella a shock. Jimmy pulled away when he felt her freeze and said, "Sorry."

Bella shook her head quickly. "I-It's alright." She looked at him and moved closer slowly. "Try again?" she asked softly.

He gave a hesitant nod and kissed her again. The new thing, seemingly, worked. Bella smiled into the kiss. 'Something goes right, for once.'