As fine a Pirate

"My place is here, between you and Jack!"

As he said it, Will Turner looked up into Elizabeth's eyes and saw that she was proud of him; more importantly that she understood. There was a split second when he hoped that she might join him, but she instead stepped forward to the Commodore's side and gripped his arm.

It seemed that they both did know their respective places after all.

"But... he's a pirate!" spluttered Governor Swann, not able to comprehend what had led Will to give up the chance at life he had here.

"And a good man," spoke Will gravely, a lesson hard earned.

He supposed that he should have been thinking more of the consequences of his actions, that he should ponder what he would be losing. All he could think of though was the way the waves rocked the deck of a boat, and how well he and Jack moved together when they were of accord, as just now.

He tilted his head towards the crazed pirate. "Will you have me?"

Jack appeared to consider for a moment, either that or he was trying to tie a cherry stem in a knot with his tongue without anyone noticing. He twiddled the end of his moustache in his fingers, then said, "Aye." With a slight bow to Elizabeth, "It would never have worked out between us, darling. I'm sorry."

Both of the pirates grinned as Norrington let loose a strangled oath. "I will not release pirates!" he exclaimed.

"Ah, but matey, you're forgetting one thing."

"And what is that?" The Commodore sneered with disdain at the surly cutthroat.

"I'm Captain Jack Sparrow."

Long, slender fingers closed over the barrel of Norrington's gun, and he turned his head in startlement as he was forced to release it. "Elizabeth!" he said, stunned.

She gave a sad smile. "Yes?"

Without waiting for an answer she pointed the weapon in the direction of Will and Jack and waved it threateningly until they retreated a step. No one else moved, and there was no sound above the crashing of the ocean.

"I'm afraid that you... genen hen have an acquaintance to pursue with Davy Jones' Locker."

They fell back another step and were up against the wall. Will met Elizabeth's eyes again, knowing that she too had seen the parrot. She nodde
H
He blew her a kiss, grabbed Jack's hand, and threw himself backwards – cutting off the pirate mid-sentence. "This is the day you will always remember as the day you almost caught..."

A splash, then a rush towards the battlements as everyone tried to see what had happened to the two men.

"They're getting aboard the Black Pearl!" rang out a cry from the stunned spectators.

When her father turned to her, Elizabeth smiled again, eyes bright wteartears. "He's aate,ate," she whispered.