CHAPTER 11 - I'll Manage

The next morning dawned grey and sad. Ana's condition had not improved, but indeed it had not worsened overnight. You, Will, Jack, and Rayna decided that it would be best to dock at the next port and get a proper doctor for her. Will spent the entire night at her side. She slept in your bed, instead of the bunks with the crew. You and Jack moved out again to the helm, and slept by the wheel. It was strangely silent, and you both had fallen quickly into an uneasy sleep. Jack immediately navigated for mainland, hoping to find a port along the shore somewhere. As it happened, the outline of a wharf appeared on the horizon in mid-afternoon. You went down into the Captains Quarters to inform Will of the approaching port. You found him dozing fitfully in the chair next to the bed, Ana's hand pressed to his forehead. Ana was asleep as well, her breathing raspy and laboured. It was better when she was asleep though. When she was awake she cried and moaned and whimpered. It was enough to break a person's heart; her small and pitiful wails could be heard all over the ship. You reached out and pulled a blanket over Will's shoulders and left quietly. You were surprised to see the town fairly close, only about ten minutes away. The crew scurried around with their heads down, sensing the stillness in the air. You walked up next to Jack again, and he looked at you hopefully. You shook your head sadly. Jack sighed and focused on the horizon. You stood in silence as the port grew closer.

Oh me name is Jack Sparra' a share man am I

On a three masted schooner from Tortuga Isle

I've been the world o'er north, south, east and west

But the middle of nowhere wheres I likes it the best

I sailed the world o'er for decades or more

And oft times I wonder what I do it for

I don't know the answer, it's pleasure and pain

But with a life to live over I'd do it again.

Jack hummed slowly, and you wrapped your arms around his middle.

In a manner of minutes, the Pearl was pulling into the dock, and the crew was throwing ropes to others on the ground, and rushing about. You hurried down to your quarters, and found Will still sleeping. Ana was slightly awake, her eyes fluttering open and closed. You shook Will awake, and he jumped.

"We're here. I'll take 'er." He just nodded and kissed her forehead. You folded her in your arms and walked out on deck. She started to cry, and Will rushed to her side.

"It's ok, honey. Daddy's right here. We're going to go find a doctor, alright?" she only cried harder. Will reached out and handed her her blanket, which she grabbed quickly. Rayna hurried out of the shadows to walk by your side. Jack also joined you, walking on your other side, his hand on the small of your back. You all strode down the gangplank, and all men on the dock turned to stare. What a sight you must have been, Rayna on one side of you, Jack on the other, Will striding in front, and you carrying Ana. The men took off their hats and placed them over their hearts, staring solemnly as you strode past. You looked over your shoulder, and were surprised to see a good half of your crew following, walking strongly behind you. Gabriele was once again among them. Jack saw your surprised look, and whispered.

"They're good men." You nodded in response, nearing the end of the dock. The dock master (is that what they're called?) debated whether or not to stop you for your names and the fee, but you gave him a long solid stare and he quailed.

"Doctor." You barked as you passed, and he nodded, walking swiftly next to Will. You followed him into the heart of town, people turning to stare the entire way. What a force you were. A force to be reckoned with. People noted that. It felt like you were walking in slow motion, each foot step falling strongly and slowly, in unison with the rest of your crew. Everyone was silent, and the townsfolk fell silent too as you neared. Even Anabelle stopped crying and whimpering to be silent. Despite the sobriety of the situation, you couldn’t help but feel immensely proud at your crew and friends. With people like this behind you, you could do anything. The moment ended when a middle aged man stepped out in front of you, snarling.

"Ye whore! Git ye and yer pirates outta this 'ere town! Yer not wanted! We won't serve ye!" Jack pulled out his pistol lazily and shot the man in his leg. He cried out, falling to the ground. Jack looked at you, and you nodded. He bent down and picked up the man, throwing him over his shoulder. The dock master directed you to the door way of the doctor, and bowed. He swept off his hat, sending a pitiful look at Anabelle.

"God bless ye." You nodded you thanks and entered the small building. It smelt of cinnamon, and brown sugar. It was an extremely comfortable smell. A young man looked up from a desk and faltered. You heard your crew file in behind you, and realized it must have been pretty intimidating. You strode forward, and the man looked at Ana. He rushed out from behind the desk and opened a door to the side. You strode right through and placed her down on the table in the middle of the room. Will rushed to stand by her side and stroke back her hair. Jack walked over to the other table on the far side of the room and placed down the man he had shot. The man moaned and cursed loudly, and Jack drew his pistol again, holding the barrel at the man's temple.

"Children in the room, mate. Curse one more time, and I'll cut out yer tongue, savvy?" the man glared and clamped his mouth shut. Jack hastened back over to your side. An old man rushed in, presumably the doctor. He hesitated for a moment, looking around at you and the two injured people on he table, then looking through the open door to your assorted men waiting outside. You strode up to him, and spoke quietly.

"Are ye the doctor?" he nodded mutely. "Good. We need yer help. We don't know what she's got, but she shivering, sweating, screaming, crying, and being sick all o'er herself." He nodded acutely, regaining his composure. He glanced towards the man who Jack shot. You waved your hand carelessly. "Shot. Leg injury. Ignore 'im." he frowned, but nodded again. He went to Ana's side, pressing his fingers lightly to her throat and the back of her head. He motioned for you and the others to leave, but you stood still. After a moment, he turned and surveyed you critically.

"Out, please." You shook your head, looking at the others. They all stood just as firm.

"We aren't leaving, mate." Jack nodded in agreement. The doctor narrowed his eyes.

"Do ye want this girl t' live?" You cocked your pistol and leveled it at his head. He didn't flinch.

"We're staying 'ere."

"Savvy?" added Jack as he too aimed his pistol at the old man. But still the doctor stayed firm.

"I cannot work properly with pistols at me head. Nor can I work with pirates over me shoulder. Please excuse yourselves and wait outside." He spoke with a harsh firmness, and you couldn’t help but respect the man for being so brave. You uncocked your pistol and shoved it back in your belt. Jack followed suit.

"Yer a good man. Can Will stay? She's his only kid." The doctor looked will over before nodding. You steered Rayna out, and Jack followed. The door closed with a creak behind you.

* * * *

You and your crew waited tensely for a good hour, hardly saying anything. About half way through, a middle aged woman came in, and hesitated by the door. The room was filled with pirates, and she started to back out. You motioned quickly to the men nearest the door, and they sprang up from their seats, motioning to the woman to take the. She smiled hesitantly, and sat down between two pirates. You smiled at your men as a thank you, and they nodded, standing by the door.

After an hour, will came through the door looking exhausted. You stood up and walked over to him. He smiled slightly, and you breathed easy.

"He says he's got scarlet fever." You inhaled sharply. Too many men had died of the scarlet fever....

"But he says she in the early stages, and she'll be ok to leave by tomorrow night. She won't be all better, but I stressed it was important for us to leave, what with your treasure and all." You frowned.

"Will, ye know she's more important than treasure. She can stay 'ere as long as needed. We'll wait." Will shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Naw, we'll leave tomorrow evenin'. Why don't you and the men go out for a drink?" you looked concerned and were ready to decline, but Will clapped your shoulder.

"She's sleeping. I'm going to get some sleep myself. No use for you here. Go get a drink." You nodded, and motioned to your men that they could leave. Some stood up and stretched lazily before wandering out the door. Other stayed. Some were sleeping. One was even having an apparently pleasant conversation with the woman. You grinned and followed Jack out of the doctors'.

"She gonna be alright?" Jack queried. You nodded and scanned the town for a pub. Spotting one at the end of the street, you headed for it. You entered the door with Jack on your heels, and breathed in deep the smell of beer, rum, and filth. Ah, the sweet smell of drunkenness. You sat down at a table with Jack and prepared to completely forget the last few days.

* * * *

You spent the entire rest of the day in the pub, and most of the night. Then you return to the doctors' to sit with will. He was looking refreshed, and Ana was progressing nicely.

"Rayna's in there." Said Will with a sideways glance at you. You raised your eyebrows.

"Is she now?

"You're too harsh on her, Captain, if you don't mind me saying." You sighed and shook your head.

"I know, Will. Can I jest go see her?" he nodded and motioned to the door. You stood and walked over, opening it a crack. Rayna's head shot up and she glanced at you. you smiled timidly before slipping in and closing the door. She surveyed you with narrow eyes before moving over so you had room tos it down.

"Yer smashed." She said bluntly. You blinked.

"Not entirely." You responded, looking down at Ana, sleeping peacefully. Rayna held her ahed in her won, and she looked exhausted.

"Ye go ahead and git some sleep, Rayna, I'll watch 'er." Rayna frowned and thought about I for a moment. Then, with a sigh and a kiss on Anabelle's forehead, she stood up and made for the door.

"Anything happens t' her on yer watch...." she trailed off threatening. You waved your hand about.

"I know, I know." You drew your finger across your neck. Rayna grinned.

"Exactly." She left, closing the door behind her. You turned back to Anabelle. She had woken up, and was looking at you through sleep-laden eyes. You smiled.

"Hey, miss pirate! Feelin' better?" she nodded, and grinned suddenly.

"Will ye tell me a story like uncle Jack does? He tells the bestest stories...." you grinned. He sure did. You settled down in the chair and begun your tale.

"So when I was naught but a little girlie, much the same as ye are, me daddy took me t' India...."

* * * *

You trailed off only halfway through your story. Anabelle had dropped off to sleep, and you were beginning to feel it tug at the rim of your senses, luring you into it's realm of dreams. You struggled, but dropped off as well, head resting on Anabelle's bed. Before you fell asleep, you felt Ana turn to face you and draw her hand up beside your head. She grabbed a handful of your hair, and held on tight. You smiled and surrendered to sleep.

* * * *

"Should we wake them?"

"Naw. I'll get him."

"You sure?"

"Yea. I'll be fine. What pub's he at?"

"Dunno."

"What do ye mean you don't know?"

"I mean I don't know!"

"But you said you'd go get him!"

"I said someone should go get him!"

"Hush! You'll wake her!" you groaned and sat up.

"No need. Already awake." Will looked apologetic, and Rayna chuckled.

"Not you, dearie. Anabelle. We weren’t concerned about waking you up." You rolled your eyes.

"I was!" piped Will, and you smiled graciously at him. He grinned. Anabelle was still sleeping, her breathing easy for the first time in days. The colour had return to her face, and she features were much more relaxed.

"Well I'll go get Jack, I know where he is. Where are the rest of me crew?"

"Already on board, Captain." You stretched and blinked the sleep out of your eyes. Then, waving to will, you walked out into the now night of the small town. You made your way down to the pub, and scanned the room for Jack. You found him sitting t a table with several other men, laughing heartily and gulping rum. You shook your head and made your way to him. You bent down and whispered in his ear.

"Ready t' go, Jack. C'mon." he nodded.

"One minute." You stood by the counter, watching him. He walked up to the bar to pay the tender, and then returned to the table to grab his coat.

"Oy, Sparra! 'Hoo's that? Lovely lass ye got there!" You grinned. Jack waved it off with a careless hand.

"Eh? Oh. No one. Jest a whore, quite good, had 'er fer a good two months now. Never runs out, that one. Mighty fine. Course it's hard on 'er, meetin' the demand of a pirate like meself, but she manages." The other men laughed loudly, and Jack grinned. You blinked slowly, feeling your breath rush in and out of your lungs. Something behind your eyes started to burn, and you whirled around, rushing out of the tavern. You ran straight for the doctors', and found Will slipping his coat on. Ana lay sleeping in one of the chairs. You picked her up, and made for the door.

"C'mon. We're leaving. Now." Will rushed up to jog next to you.

"Where's Jack?" you dint feel like explaining. Rayna looked at you curiously as well.

"On the ship." You said shortly, increasing your speed. You fairly flew through the streets, and soon were across the gangplank and on board the Pearl. You barked orders to set sail right away.

"And pull up the gangplank!" You placed Ana back on her bed. She shifted and mumbled something incoherent in her sleep, and Will eyed your nervously.

"You alright?"

"Yep." You answered in an unusually high pitched voice. He only frowned and continued to watch you as you tucked Ana in. You turned to leave.

"Are you sure?" asked Will gently. You whirled around.

"Yes! Of course I'm bloody sure! Will ye please jest go away?" you hissed vehemently. Will looked taken aback, and you felt guilty for a moment. Then, pivoting you headed for the helm.

"Everything set to sail?" you asked a crew member. He nodded.

"Take in Anchor! Let go the sails!" the anchor was drawn up, and you could feel the Pearl yearning to spring free under your hands. The wind was strong tonight, hopefully you would travel fast. The ship sprung free, and sped out of the port. The city grew small behind you, and you blinked steadily.

"I manage...."

* * * * *

CHAPTER 12 - Not Anymore

You set the Pearl on course, asking Will to hold her steady until morning. He agreed, still occasionally casting you concerned glances. The last time he did this, you made a noise of frustration in your throat.

"William Turner, will ye stop that?" He shrugged.

"Just concerned." You shook your head.

"Hey, where's Jack?" he asked curiously. You thought quickly.

"Uh, in me Quarters. He was, uh, completely smashed. I had to carry him on board. Passed out as soon as he got in the Captains Quarters, I suppose." Will nodded and you forced a laugh. You said your goodnights, and made your way to the Captains Quarters. You closed the door behind you, and you were engulfed in darkness. You made your way to the bed, and dropped onto it heavily. You closed your eyes, and took a deep breath.

"Feelin' up fer a go, love?"

You jumped. How the hell did he get on the ship? You narrowed your eyes and peered through the darkness.

"Jack?"

"Aye, love?" his voice neared, and soon you felt his arm slide around your waist. You stood up.

"How the fuck....oh goddess. You've got to be shitting me." You growled.

"About what, love?" You growled again, and shoved him against the wall. You reached over and yanked the door open, tossing him out onto the deck. You caught a glance of his bewildered face before you slammed the door shut. You reckoned you had about ten seconds of shock from Jack before he started to try to get back in. You rushed to the side and grabbed the dresser, pushing it over to the door. You held the knob secure in your hand. And you counted.

"....five....six....seven....eight..." his footsteps were heard outside the door... "nine.....ten." the doorknob strained under your palm, and you pushed all your might against the dresser.

"C'mon, love! What's wrong? Ye can't kick me outta me own quarters!"

"It's mine too!"

"I don't think so! This is me ship!"

"And who fixed up the room?"

"Aw, c'mon love. Don't be like this. Let me in."

"I am not your love, Jack." You said coldly. You were met by silence on the other side of the door. The door stopped straining, and soon you heard Jack's footsteps fade away on the deck. You drew in a shaky breath and leaned against the door.

* * * *

"Aw, c'mon love. Don't be like this. Let me in." called out Jack, completely confused at why she was throwing him around and slamming doors in his face.

"I am not your love, Jack." Her voice was slightly muffled by the door between them, but it did nothing to hide the coldness; the hurt in her voice. Jack's eyes widened, and he let go of the handle of the door. He stood for a moment, completely shocked, then turned and slowly walked towards the helm. Will would know what to do. Will looked at Jack curiously as he approached. When Jack was standing beside him, Will frowned and shook his head.

"What?" asked Jack somewhat defensively.

"Nothing. She said you were passed out. Completely drunk she said. Said she carried you to the ship." Jack frowned.

"Naw....I walked 'ere. She came int' the pub and told me we were leavin'. So I left." Will frowned.

"So....so she didn't carry you here?" Jack shook his head.

"How did she know you were here? For all she knew, you could have still been in town!" cried Will. Jack shrugged.

"Don't you get it?! She left, assuming you were still in the city! She tried to leave you behind!" Jack frowned and waved it off.

"Course she didn't."

"Jack, I think...."

Jack sighed, fed up with these confusing questions and nonsensical chit-chat.

"I don't know, Turner! She didn't! No one came here, no one asked me naught, nothing happened! First time I seen her since last night was moments ago. Which, in fact is what I want t' talk t' ye about."

"What is?"

"Well, she comes stomping into me quarters, then slams me int' the wall, the shoves me out. Won't let me back in." Will frowned.

"She was acting strange since she got back from the pub, she wouldn’t tell me why." Will narrowed his eyes and cast Jack a stern look.

"Did you do anything to her?"

"No!" was Jack's indignant reply.

"Did you say anything to her?"

"Nothing!"

"Are you sure, Jack? It could have been anything. Think. What did you do?" Jack puffed up his chest and glared at Will.

"Are ye implying that I am responsible for me love's sudden deep seated loathing towards me?"

"Well, who else could it have been, Jack? Face it, you do have a way of pissing women off." said Will dryly. Jack growled and walked away from the wheel.

"Shoulda known ye'd be no help. Bloody whelp, told him I would never break her heart. Not everything's my doing, ye know!" he called the last bit over his shoulder, but received no response. He walked around to the back of the Black Pearl, and leaned against the railing. He sighed and shook his head, deciding to deal with it when he wasn't drunk.

* * * *

The next day, you woke earlier than normal in order to take dare of your menial chores before Jack rose. You wondered briefly where he slept, but decided you didn't care. You finished the last of your tasks, and headed for the wheel. You carefully avoided Will's curious looks, and dismissed him with a wave of your hand. As he left, he walked behind you and leaned down.

"Jack's sleeping 'round the back, Captain. Seems mighty upset. Anything I can do?" you rolled your eyes.

"I thought I told ye Turner, nothing's wrong. Go git some sleep. Remember t' give Ana her drink." Will nodded and walked off. You sighed and stared out at the ocean, crashing and writhing in the wind. That was what you felt like, you felt like you were being torn into a thousand pieces. You still loved Jack, of that you were sure. You didn't believe you could ever stop loving that man. But sometimes you really wondered whether he truly loved you.

"Speak of the devil..." you muttered as you saw Jack emerge from the opposite end of the ship. He stretched and gazed out towards the ocean. You watched him with a sort of desperate longing. He caught your eye, and you quickly looked away. He walked up to the helm slowly, and you focused blankly on the horizon in the distance. He stood along side you for a moment before speaking up.

"Morning." You didn't respond. You continued to stare out to sea. Jack sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Look, love, I know yer mad about summat, but I was thinkin' that maybe you could tell me what it is exactly..."

"Not now." You said quietly, not looking at him. He cleared his throat.

"Alright then. Later. And whatever it is, I'm sorry." He hesitated for a moment as if he was going to say something else, but decided against it. He walked back own the stairs and below deck. You breathed easy again. You would have to talk to him; you couldn’t just keep ignoring him and acting childishly angry. You had to tell him what you heard, and let him explain. Cuz he had a good explanation, for sure...

* * * *

Several hours later, Will emerged from below deck, and waved to you. You nodded in return. He approached the helm, and you smiled.

"Thanks, Will. How's Ana? She getting' better?"

"Aye. She slept most o' the time. But when she was awake, oh boy. Hard t' keep 'er in bed that one. So much energy." You chuckled and Will did too. You thanked him again, and went straight for the Captains Quarters. Part of you hoped Jack had forgotten about talking about this. You opened the door to find Jack lounging in the chair.

"Can we talk now?" You sighed and threw your belt down on the bed. You walked over to the bathroom to attempt to loosen the most vicious knots in your hair. You were stalling; no doubt about it now, you were fixing your hair. Jack followed you.

"What's wrong, love?" You placed your hands down on either side of the sink and looked at Jack through the mirror.

"Do ye really love me Jack?"

"Course I do."

"No, Jack. I want a real answer. Tell me truly." He looked taken aback. He slid an arm around your waist and spun you around. He pulled you close and searched your eyes.

"Is that what this is about, love?" You closed your eyes momentarily, before pushing yourself out of his arms.

"Jest answer the question, Jack."

"Yes."

"I think you're lying." You looked into his eyes, searching for the truth. His eyes became filled with bewilderment and hurt.

"Ye think I'm lyin'?"

"I think yer lyin'."

"...wha...how could I.......Why?"

"Because when you love someone, you respect them. I don't think you respect me, Jack." He frowned, obviously confused.

"Jack, I heard what you said. You told yer mates I was a whore. A 'mighty fine' one apparently." Realization dawned on Jack's face.

"Love, ye know I didn't mean it."

"I know you didn't mean it, Jack. That's not the problem. It's that yer so afraid to let people know I'm not something you control? Like yer ashamed of me spirit. Are ye Jack?" he shook his head, not looking at your eyes. You lifted his chin up, forcing him to look you in the eyes.

"Jack, are ye?"

"No." you let his head go.

"Liar." You spat, waltzing into the room. He followed quickly.

"Love, not everyone understands! They don't know how it feels, they've never been in love..."

"I don't think you have either." You hissed venomously. Jack was becoming frantic.

"I can't have people thinking I've gone soft! Let some woman hold something over me! Ye have t' look after yerself in this world, pet. I'm Captain Jack Sparrow, pet. I can't love." The moment he said it, he realized what a mistake he had made. You turned slowly to face him, hand at your throat and eyes wide. Jack mouthed wordlessly, and your eyes filled with hate at the sight of him. He reached out, but you stepped quickly towards the door.

"So that's what you were doing, Jack. Looking out for yerself."

"No, please, love..." You swallowed hard.

"Yer right, Jack Sparra' can't love. I'm not yer love, Jack. Not anymore." You turned and walked away, slamming the door behind you. You paused for a moment, realizing what you had just done, what he had just said. You fled to the crew cabins, sitting down at the chair next to Ana's cot. She was sleeping peacefully, her breath steady and slow. You climbed around her and held her tight in your arms. And, unbeknownst to anyone, you cried quietly.

* * * *

"I can't have people thinking I've gone soft! Let some woman hold something over me! Ye have t' look after yerself in this world, pet. I'm Captain Jack Sparrow, pet. I can't love." It was like watching one of those tragedies that were so popular these days; you knew it was coming but could do nothing to prevent it from happening. Jack knew it the moment he said it; those words were out of his mouth without his willing, and he couldn’t take them back. He watched in despair as his love, his reason for living, turned to face him slowly. At first she looked as if she might cry. Then something completely foreign entered her eyes. Something he had never before seen in those beautiful eyes....Hate. He wanted to say something, to say anything, but he couldn’t. He gulped and mouthed, but nothing came to his lips. She moved swiftly towards the door, and when she spoke her voice was clipped and harsh.

"So that's what you were doing, Jack. Looking out for yerself."

Jack felt like dropping to his knees and pleading with her to forgive him, but he knew it was impossible. Nothing could take back what he had said. Nothing at all.

"No, please, love..." he watched her face turn stony, her eyes cold.

"Yer right, Jack Sparra' can't love. I'm not yer love, Jack. Not anymore." He knew that in that moment he had lost her completely. She was gone; she turned and swept out of the room, and out of his life. The door slammed behind her, and he finally did drop to his knees. He stood on his knees, hands limp at his side, eyes fixed on the door closed in his face. After a moment that seemed like ages, he staggered upright. He walked slowly over to the bed, and fell down onto it. He crawled under the covers, and the sweet scent of his love surrounded him completely.

Jack lay staring blankly at the ceiling for what seemed like hours. He felt strangely dislocated from his body, like this wasn't really happened to him.

But it was. He was completely alone in the world now; he had no reason for anything anymore. Totally alone.

No one was around to see the tear slip quietly down the side of his face.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 13 - Sicily

After three days aboard the Pearl, you entered the mouth of the Red Sea. It would only be another day or two from here.

Jack and you had not spoken once since the first day aboard, indeed, you avoided each other completely. You now took one shift, and Jack the next. Will did not man the wheel anymore. When you saw Jack emerge from below deck, you looped the rope over one of the knobs, and headed down the opposite stairs. Will often came and talked to you when you were at the wheel, a pleasant distraction from the chaotic morass (vocab word...go me!) you found yourself so deep in. You and Will played cards often, sitting in friendly silence at one of the tables in the galley. After four days, the constant thoughts of Jack began to fade into the background, becoming only a bother during the times when you were alone.

The Pearl was anchored at the moment; the rudder chain had come loose and was causing difficulties. This happened, of course, during Jack's shift. He came mumbling down into the galley, and you quirked an eyebrow. Will, sitting across from you, called out.

"Jack! Aren't you supposed to be at the wheel?" Jack grumbled some more and cast a hesitant look in your direction. He sighed and rolled his eyes frustratedly.

"Rudder chain....busted...." Will only nodded, but you couldn't help but chortle a bit. So the Mighty Jack Sparrow couldn't control everything that happened on his ship.... Jack heard you and shot you an ugly look. You stared back coldly, a hint of a smirk playing across your face. He sneered and hurried below, and soon after the sound of metal was heard. You and Will resumed playing. After a few more rounds (Will was getting better...) he excused himself to check on Ana. You walked on deck, surveying the still waters. The sea was very different when you weren't moving any where. It was wonderfully calm, and silent. It was as if you were in the middle of nowhere...

...I've been the world o'er north, south, east and west

But the middle of nowhere wheres I likes it the best

Where it's wave o'er wave, sea over bow

I'm as happy a man as the sea will allow

There's no other life for a pirate like me

And to sail the salt sea boys, sail the sea...

The song Jack had sung all those days ago came into your head, and you almost relented to a smile. Instead, you shook your head and walked over to one of the fishing rods a sailor had left leaning against the rail. You picked it up and looked curiously into the water. You'd never fished before, and really never had any desire to fish. Putting something slimy and smelly on the end of a hook, only to catch something even more slimy and smelly seemed just stupid to you. Nevertheless, you leaned over the edge of the ship, rod in your hands. After a few minutes, you felt something tug mightily on the end of the line. You nearly dropped the thing in excitement and surprise. You braced your feet against the railing, tugging with all your might. Your eyes filled with light for the first time in days, and a grinned ripped across your features, almost reluctantly. You heaved on the line, pulling it up as quick as you could. A huge fish flopped over the rail, landing on the deck and flopping around madly. You stood, now completely unsure about what to do. You looked a round for some help, maybe, but no one was around. You grimaced and tentatively picked up the fish by its tail. It squirmed and flipped in your grasp, its sharp fin slicing the inside of your arm open from elbow to wrist. You hissed, but maintained your grip on the fish.

"I'm having fish tonight!" you cried gleefully, wrestling the fish until it slowly stopped flopping and squirming. You felt briefly guilty about killing a poor animal that had only been trying to get food, but that guilt was overridden by an overwhelming feeling of pride. You rushed into the galley, still holding the fish. You saw Will sitting back at the table.

"Will! Guess what I got!"

"Syphilis?" suggested a voice hopefully from the corner. You swerved and glared at Jack, who was resting in a chair in the corner. You glared.

"Don't you have to go be stupid somewhere?"

Jack replied lazily, mocking pulling out a timepiece of his pocket.

"Not till four." You growled and turned back to Will. You threw the fish down on the table, and he leapt back.

"I caught it. I caught it meself. I figgered we can eat it t'night." Will scrunched up his nose and stepped back to the table to examine your catch closely.

"Smell's bad." he observed. "You've cut yourself!" he exclaimed as he noticed the gash on your arm. You rolled your eyes.

"Nothing. Here." You tore a strip of cloth from your shirt and wrapped it tightly around your arm. "All better. And o' course it smells, mate. It's a fish."

"Very observant there, love." came Jack's slow drawl from the corner. You replied coldly without even turning.

"Told ye once I'll tell ye again Jack. I'm not yer love." Will looked up quickly at the tone of your voice and your harsh words, but you shook your head at him. Jack fell into silence again, and you flashed Will the best grin you could master. He still looked at you dubiously, so you picked up the now reeking fish and carried it into the small kitchen. The cook turned immediately at the smell, and grinned gleefully. He clapped his pudgy hands together and smacked his lips.

"Fish! Fish! Oh, the delicatessyian, delicattisian... 'ell, I don't know the word, the things I can make with fish!" He grinned and began to peel off the skin and scales. Revolted, you headed back to the galley. Jack had disappeared once again, and for that you were grateful. Will motioned for you to sit down across from him, and you grudgingly obliged you had a feeling a lecture was coming...

"Captain, I wonder if you know what you're doing." You frowned.

"Course I know what I'm doin' Turner."

"What are you doing, then?"

"Getting meself some treasure!" Will shook his head.

"No, I mean, do you know what you're doing to Jack?" You fell silent and looked up at the ceiling in exasperation.

"I mean," Will hurried on "don't you see how he is? How can you do that?" You bit your bottom lip and said nothing, hoping Will would shut up. No such luck.

"I realize you have your reasons. God knows Jack can be an ass. But he's Jack, eh? That's how he is. I thought that was who you fell in love with." You felt a lump form in your throat and continued to stare stonily ahead.

"He makes mistakes, Captain. Just like anyone else. And he loves you. He really does love you. Never once in my life have I seen Jack Sparrow look so eager just to be alive. I've seen him now; he avoids any ships he sees on the horizon, anything at all. Even now. Asked him why, he mumbled something about quickest route or something, but I saw it behind his eyes, the accustomed worried flick towards your door." You were biting back tears now, blinking violently and resolutely avoiding Will's beseeching eyes.

"He came to me, he walked to me; he was so overwhelmed by it. Gods, I was reminded of myself when Elizabeth was captured..." he faded off for a moment, and you were hopeful that he had stopped. Wrong again.

"But you can't tell me that you don't love him. Come on, Captain. Forgive him." You finally let your eyes connect with Will's and you felt the burning behind your eyes multiply.

"I want to Will, I really want to." Will slapped his hand down on the table and grinned, as if the case was closed.

"Good then! Forgive him." You shook your head and stood up abruptly.

"I can't I can't apologize for what I said, and neither can he. We destroyed us." You waltzed out of the galley leaving a very befuddled Will leaned back in his chair, the sound of the cook's knife steadily thwacking away at the fish.

* * * *

Jack stood on the stairs below the galley, listening to the conversation between will and the girl above him. He heard her walk away, but he continued to stare ahead of him. She was right. They had destroyed each other and that was that. Jack drew in a breath and walked back upstairs.

* * * *

It was your turn at the wheel, and Jack had successfully fixed the rudder chain. Will was sitting on the rail alongside you, chatting. You were both cautiously polite and steered clear of any conversation with any real meaning. You saw Jack approach out of the corner of your eyes, and Will no doubt noticed as well. He continued to chat about the weather and how Anabelle is really picking up some pirate lingo. Jack was now standing to your left and slightly behind you. Will stopped talking, as he had run out of small talk. The air was filled with tense energy, you couldn't bear it. You cleared your throat and half turned towards Jack.

"Yes?" You found Jack's eyes search yours out, and you were surprised to see that they no longer looked at you with anger, or with love, or sadness. There was something of resignation in them. As if he had decided to accept the fact that he had lost you, and you him. It made him seem incredibly vulnerable, and he must have noticed you looking because suddenly his face hardened and the look was gone. He cleared his throat.

"We need t' talk about the splittin' o' that treasure o' yers." You nodded, and Will made to move off. You motioned him up next to you, and asked him to hold the wheel. You and Jack moved behind him and you sat on the railing. Jack stood.

"We have t' decide how t' split it." You nodded.

"The most obvious way would be 50/50." stated Will. You and Jack both turned to look at him. He nodded sagely, and you rolled your eyes.

"Shut it, Turner." both you and Jack said at the same time. Will shrugged and turned back to the wheel. Another long silence followed.

"Well, the most obvious way would be 50/50." You began, seeing Will throw his arms up in exasperation beside you.

"Aye." replied Jack, twirling the braids on his chin.

"However......" you continued, and Jack looked up abruptly. He had suspected you were done.

"When ye take int' account that fact that it is me treasure...I be thinkin' we split it 40/60." Jack's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yer treasure? Sure, it was yer treasure. Up till the point where ye told me about it. Then it's our treasure. We split it 50/50."

"Jack..." you began again, exasperated. "look here. It's me family's treasure. I should get 60." Jack flourished his hands at his side in frustration.

"Then, by followin' yer logic, I should be getting 60, seein' as it is me ship we're usin'. And me supplies."

"You wouldn't even have this ship were it not fer me!"

"I could 'ave handled that meself!"

"But ye didn't! We split it 40/60."

"Pet, I'm warnin' ye...."

"Are ye threatenin' me, Jack?" Jack glared at you and you glared right back.

"What if I am?...." You snarled and Jack growled, leaning closer to each other. Your faces were mere inches apart, and Will made a noise of frustration in his throat.

"Look here, you will split it 50/50. Or, you can split it 40/40/20, in which case the 20 goes to your crew and myself - for Anabelle's education of course. Then we'll all be satisfied." You and Jack continued to growl at each other, both sets of eyes brimming with anger. Will stuck his face right up between yours and Jack's.

"Savvy?"

Jack broke your stare to now growl at Will.

"Don't ye be using me word, whelp." With that, he stormed off. You heard the Captain's Quarters slam shut moments later. Will looked highly affronted.

"Ah, c'mon Turner. Not like he hasn't called ye a whelp before." You returned to the wheel and set the Pearl on course again. Will came up to stand beside you.

"Yes, but he never really meant it before. He must really love you to be that angry...." You made a small noise of frustration in the back of your throat and stared straight ahead.

'I will not hit the whelp, I will not hit the whelp, I will not hit the whelp!' you thought harshly to yourself. Will shrugged and moved away. You scanned the horizon, and felt a genuinely happy smile form on your lips for the first time in days. Off in the distance, the outline of an island appeared. Sicily. And off the coast somewhere, must be Cayman.

And your treasure.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 14 - Rum Solves Everything

When you handed the wheel over to Jack in the grey light of the early morning, you pointed out the island in the distance. He nodded, and for a moment you two looked at each other. The silence spoke of things yet to be said, yet to be discovered, waiting in silence for the right moment. You broke the stare with a small cough and a noncommittal wave of your hand. You swayed down to the Captains Quarters and threw yourself down on the bed. You kicked off your boots, dropped your belt with your pistol and your sword on the ground by the side of the bed, and pulled off your outer shirt. You climbed under the rich comforter and tried to sleep. The sweet, sexy smell of Jack wafted around your body, embracing you. For a moment you felt like Jack was lying peacefully next to you, his arms wrapped around your waist, face hidden in the back of your neck. You tossed and turned over onto your stomach, pulling a pillow into your arms and slamming your head down.

You felt Jack's coarse fingers run tingling paths up your back and arms. You grunted and sat up, rearranging the pillows and sheets. You flopped back down on your back, pulling the pillow out from under your head and throwing it on the ground. You closed your eyes and sighed frustratedly. When you opened them again, you saw a transparent image of Jack sitting over you, dark hair hanging over his shoulders like a curtain, old shirt falling open temptingly, trademark lopsided smile playing on his delicious lips, deep eyes burning with love for you; all for you. You snorted and sat up though the image, looking around. Your eyes fell on the cabinets, and you scrambled out from the tangled sheets. You wrenched open the cupboard doors and grabbed a bottle of rum. Biting out the cork, you spat it at your feet. You held the mouth of the bottle to your lips, and almost sighed audibly as the familiar liquid slid down your throat. You maintained your grip on the slender neck of the bottle as you sat back down on the bed.

'Something must be done.' you thought. 'Something must be done.' You sat, occasionally taking swigs from the bottle in your hand. You thought over what was happening, and what would be the best solution. Most beneficial. To whom, you didn't know, but it had to be the most beneficial. After polishing off the first bottle, and starting on another, you had finally come to a decision. You raised the bottle grimly and toasted the air.

"May the gods be with ye, Jack." With a mighty swig, you lay on your back, bottle still attached to your lips. When the bottle was empty, you dropped it to the side and hummed lightly to yourself.

"Oh the old black rum's got a hold on me,

Like a dog wrapped round my leg.

Oh the old black rum's got a hold on me,

Will I live for another day......"

* * * *

You awoke to the sound of the door being slammed open. Blearily you opened your eyes, and saw Jack standing in the doorway. You saw his eyes perform the accustomed flick across your body, except this time there was nothing behind it. He let his empty gaze fall on the bottle in your hand, and he looked as if he was going to say something, then decided against it.

"We're an hour from dockin'." You raised an eyebrow and flopped back down on the bed.

"Aye. Then I have another half hour t' sleep." Jack snorted and turned around. You heard the door close behind him and you fell back asleep.

* * * *

"Git up now." You groaned and propped yourself up on an elbow. The sky behind Jack was pitch black, but the faint sound of men at work could be heard.

"Arrrgh... weren't ye jest here two minutes ago? How the hell.... ah ferget it." You waved him away with your hand, and then stumbled out of bed. You pulled on your shirt, boots and belt without even thinking about it. Your heart was beating steadily under your shirt, breath even and paced.

'Hm. That's interesting.' You would have thought you'd be much more excited about this. You strode out on deck to find the settlement of Cayman only a few leagues away. Looking over the other side of the Pearl, you saw the small island of Sicily in the distance. You couldn't believe....after all these years, you were here. You were doing this. It was perfect.

'Well, almost perfect.' you thought ruefully as your eyes found Jack's figure silhouetted against the full moon. He was talking to a crew member, his fingers floating daintily in the air. You found it difficult for you to tear your eyes from him, but you did so with a mighty sigh. You heard the splash of a boat being lowered into the water, and strode over to the railing.

"All set?" you asked. The man nodded and motioned to the boat. You grinned and began to swing your legs around the railing. Gabriele suddenly appeared at your elbow, motioning to herself and the boat below.

"Ye want t' come?" you asked dubiously. She wasn't really the kind of person who'd be good on these kind of things... She was nodding exuberantly, and you shot a hesitant look over her shoulder. You found Jack was watching with a small frown on his face. When you glanced at him, he nodded shortly and shrugged. You rolled your eyes and turned back to Gabriele. She grinned happily and began to clamber over the railing. In her excitement she almost fell straight down. You reached out and grabbed her wrist just in time. She only looked up at you and grinned once more before letting go and dropping down to land cat-like on her feet. You shook your head.

"What did I say... bloody nutter that girl is." You opted for the rope ladder, climbing down quickly and settling in the boat. This time, it was only to be yourself and Jack, and now Gabriele, who went in to get the treasure. The less people, the easier you would be able to slip in and out unnoticed. Will shook hands with Jack back on deck, and they exchanged a few words. Jack laughed deep in his chest, you and felt your own chest unwittingly tighten at the sound. Soon Jack was seated next to you, with Gabriele eagerly sitting at the head of the boat. Jack took up the oars and soundlessly rowed you to shore. You couldn't stop thinking of what you were about to accomplish, after all these years. You grinned.

* * * *

Jack picked up the oars and began to row silently towards the shore that was hidden in a thick fog. He glanced at Gabriele, who was leaning eagerly over the edge of the small boat. Jack almost chuckled when he thought of how funny it would be if she fell in, but held back. He then turned and looked over at his Co-Captain, who was looking out at the shoreline. She was chewing on her bottom lip, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Every fibre of her being was aglow with excitement and anticipation. It lit her face with a golden light, her eyes dancing and flickering like he hadn't seen in ages. Suddenly she broke into a grin, her hands unclenching momentarily to flit at her side and tug on her hair. Her bandana, a new one he hadn’t seen before - it was deep purple-, held her hair off of her forehead, and it fell messily around her shoulders and neck. He felt his chest constrict at the sight presented to him; the raw, untainted beauty in front of him. The one thing in the world he really truly wanted, and he couldn't have it. He reluctantly turned his eyes back to the shore. Which was, surprisingly, only about ten feet away. He rowed right up, then hopped out and pulled the small vessel up on the sand. Gabriele jumped out quickly, scanning the beach and nearby towns, still bubbling with childish excitement. Jack watched his once and former love climb gracefully out of the boat and scan the beach as well.

* * * *

"We should git int' a pub, figger out where the old man lives." you said, your voice cutting the silence for the first time since leaving the Black Pearl. Jack nodded and he started off, decidedly more eager than before. You sighed and shook your head. Gabriele trotted along happily behind Jack. You rolled your eyes once more and followed.

* * * *

The pub, called The Drunken Wench, was just like any other. Drunken men shouting and belting out raucous shanties and songs, women flouncing around, their pale breasts pushed up by their corsets, face painted white, with rouge on their cheeks and lips. You saw Jack raise an eyebrow, fascinated by a woman nearby who was smiling coyly and batting her eyelashes ridiculously. Jack subconsciously turned up the ends of his mustache with dainty fingers, and you snorted in dismay and jealousy.

Uh, scratch that. Not dismay and jealousy. I meant disgust and frustration. Right.

You propelled him towards the back of the pub, setting him down at an abandoned table. You noticed with disgust that the table was covered in slime, age old remains of millions of spilt drinks and sloppily eaten food.

"Jack, c'mon now." He threw you a look, that for a moment you perceived to be quite lascivious. Until it turned into a mocking one, that is.

"What, love---pet? Jealous?" you scowled and pulled his face up to yours.

"Ye wish, Sparrow." Jack raised a finger next to your face.

"That's Captain Sparrow, love." He grinned mockingly, and you pushed him back down.

"You're incorrigible."

"In-what now?"

"Nothing, Jack. Look. If this is going t' work, we have t' work together. Aye?" He nodded reluctantly. You continued.

"Now, we are both mature, sort of, and we're both adults. This will take some serious effort and cooperation. Can ye handle that?" Jack placed a hand to his chest proudly.

"Cap'n Jack Sparrow can 'andle anything, love." You didn't bother to correct him on the 'love' thing. You just nodded.

"Jest, talk t' some men. Ask if they now anyone who's jest moved 'ere, and is well off. Aye?" Jack nodded and patted his jacket pockets lightly, looking for money. When he found none he glanced at you hopefully. You rolled your eyes and threw down a few spare coins. He grinned and scooped them up.

"Now where on earth did that girl..." you stopped when Gabriele appeared at your elbow again, nearly making you jump.

"Fuck, Gabriele, every time ye do that, ye shave a few years off o' me life." She frowned momentarily, not understanding, then smiled hugely and nodded. You shook your head hopelessly.

"Look, stick with Jack, ok?" she nodded again, and sat down opposite Jack. You headed off towards the bar. Every town had the kind of person you were looking for; you just had to ask the right people in the right places.

* * * *

Ten minutes later you found yourself at the door of yet another pub, this one called the English Maid. You headed in, quickly scanning the room. Smaller than the other one, but much louder. Your eyes fell on a darkened back room, and you made your way towards with. Men grabbed and pinched as you past, but you ignored them. Normally, you'd had threatened to castrate them then and there with your hands, but right now you were determined. You had to do this before you lost your nerve.

You stepped into the dark room, and immediately stopped. It really was pitch black. You gave a moment for your eyes to adjust, and then cautiously made your way towards what you thought to be the center of the room. The sound of a blade unsheathing made you stop in your tracks and turn. You placed your hand on your own sword, reflexes ready for anything. You heard someone move swiftly to your right, and you spun around. Behind you, a chair was disturbed.

"Who are ye?" came a voice from the darkness. You held your sword ready, and spoke loudly, stating your name and why you were there. Presently you heard the sword being sheathed again, along with the telltale click of a gun cocking. To your left a match flared, and you saw a figure bend to light a single solitary candle. Warily, you made your way towards them. They dropped their sword on a table, then reclined in a chair. You saw two dark eyes surveying you in the candle light.

"Alright." the person finally spoke. "Let's talk business." You grinned and sat own opposite them.

* * * *

An hour later, you strode out of the pub, only feeling slightly upset. You walked quickly back to the Drunken Wench, and scanned the room for Jack. You found him sitting at a table with several other men, laughing heartily with a mug in his hands you sighed and made your way towards him. You saw Gabriele next to him, surprisingly with her own pint of rum. Jack noticed you and waved you over discretely. You made your way towards him, and bent down low.

"Found 'im." He whispered harshly in your ear. You grinned and stood back up.

"Well then?" Jack tossed back the rest of him rum, and slammed the mug down on the table. You motioned to Gabriele, and she looked into her jug. She looked back at Jack hesitantly before slamming back the rest of it as well. Both you and Jack watched with eyes wide as she also slammed it down on the table. She looked shocked at herself, and then started coughing. Jack reached over to slap her heartily on her back. She spluttered and caught her breath again. Jack looked over at you and chuckled. Gabriele looked apologetic. You shook your head with a smile and made you way to the outside of the pub, with Jack and Gabriele following.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 15 - A Riddle

You shook your head with a smile and made your way to the outside of the pub, with Jack and Gabriele following. Once you were a safe distance from the pub, Jack pulled you into the shadows. Gabriele stood, slightly drunk, in the street until you grabbed her arm and pulled her into the shadows as well.

"Look, an old man moved 'ere a year and a half ago, bought out the governor's place straight 'way. People says he's always talkin' about how he 'struck it rich' back home. 'Spect he's our guy." Jack stated. You nodded. Sure sounded like it...

"Did ye find out where he lives?" you queried hushedly. Jack didn't answer, as he was surveying Gabriele with one eyebrow quirked. You too turned to look at her. She was staring out at the street, toying with her hair. What's more, she was making strange garbled sounds in the back of her throat. You frowned, and Jack turned back to face you.

"Sorry, love. What was that?" you shook you head quickly and turned back to him.

"Jack, what have I told ye...." you began, but dropped it, sighing defeatedly. "I asked where he lives." Jack shrugged.

"Figgered it'd be the biggest house. Pretty easy t' find." You nodded, scanned the dark street quickly, and decided on the plan of action, sort of.

"What's the plan?" asked Jack gruffly in your ear. You jumped and shivered inwardly as the old sensation shot through your body.

"Uh, no-no plan.... jest make it up as we go." you stuttered, hating yourself for giving Jack the opportunity to mess you up. He only eyed you curiously before nodding.

"Aye. I like those plans." He grinned briefly, and you almost dropped all of you plans and begged Jack for forgiveness then and there. It had been ages and ages since you had seen his dark eyes glimmer mysteriously, and a genuine smile on his features. Despite everything, he was beautiful. What you had said held true: he was the most gorgeous man - pirate or otherwise- you had ever laid eyes on. Over the days, you had learned to cope with the coldness; it had become part of your daily routine. You were definitely not prepared for such an outward display of beauty and pure excitement. It had kind of taken you off guard.

"Pet? We goin', or are we gonna wait till the old blighter spends it all?" You snapped to when Jack addressed you, and nodded swiftly.

"Right. Yes. Let's go." You stole off from shadow to shadow, Jack in front of you, Gabriele behind you. Shortly you found yourself creeping up alongside what was undoubtedly the old Governor's mansion. You peeked into a window, and saw a lavishly furnished living room, a beautiful grand piano sitting in the center of the room. The room, though very expensive, was lacking taste. It seemed as if someone had simply bought random expensive things and placed them in the room wherever. There was a large bust of what looked to be Napoleon on the piano, and the floor was pale pine and covered with no less than three rugs. One, closest to the door, was deep read and trimmed in gold. The other, upon which the piano stood, was pale green. And the last, nearest to the window you were looking in, was pale blue and adorned with golden weave patterns. They were each quite stunning, but with all three of them like that, it seemed tacky. Bookshelves spanned the entire back wall, opposite the window. You rolled your eyes when you noticed that only one of the shelves had any books on it, and it was only half full. The others held random golden objects, no doubt insanely expensive, yet incredibly cheap-looking. There were various lamps on several different small tables around the room, casting oddly shaped shadows everywhere. An enormous ginger cat stretched lethargically on the deep red rug, arching its back and flexing its paws.

"I think this is the place." whispered Jack at your side. You nodded silently in agreement. Gabriele peered though the window curiously. The three of you slunk around to the back of the house as quietly as you could. Something shifted in the bushed, and Jack whipped around, sword at the ready. You looked on curiously, as Jack drew close to the bush stealthily. It moved again, and you saw him flinch. You bit your lip in amusement. Suddenly the thing appeared from the bushes, and you couldn’t help but let out a short bark of laughter at the scene played out in front of you. There was Jack, sword poised and ready to strike, every muscle tense. And at his feet......

...a bunny. It was a bloody bunny. Jack slowly lowered his sword, and shot you a glare of pure evil. You had slapped a hand over your mouth to prevent yourself from any more outbursts, but were shaking silently, completely overcome with laughter. He sheathed his sword and grabbed your elbow, towing you along behind him as he made his way to the back of the house.

"...not bloody funny...." you heard him growl, but you still chortled. What a sight that was. That would definitely be filed away in your "Never Forget Moments." You finally managed to recover, but occasionally a small giggle would slip past your lips, and would earn you an evil look from Jack. Gabriele watched this all with a slightly amused look upon her face. You all stopped only a meter from the back patio, strewn with empty bottles (liquor no doubt) and a large number of extravagant fountains. You had no doubt now that this was your man. He had no taste whatsoever, simply buying things because he could. You hoped to god that this stupid man hadn't spent all of your treasure....

"We should see if he's in there..." suggested Jack. You nodded.

"I'll go." You started to move off, but Jack grabbed your arm.

"No, I'll go, ye stay here with Gabriele."

"What? I've not come this far t' sit 'ere with...with a mute and a bunny! I'm goin' in!" Jack grabbed both of your elbows and brought you flush against him. You didn't breathe.

"Work together, remember, love? We'll both go." He released you, and you felt the air rush back into your lungs.

"But what about Gabriele?" you asked once your heart stopped pounding wildly against your rib cage. Jack shrugged.

"I'm sure she can stay 'ere, right Gab...." he looked around, but she was nowhere. You cursed silently, then your eyes caught something stealthily moving towards the back door on the other side of the garden. It was Gabriele.

"Gabriele!" you hissed as quietly as you could. "What the 'ell are ye doin'?!?" she waved cheerily, then in a second she was gone, having slipped through the door and out of sight.

"Ah shit, we're screwed. Done fer... that girl...fuck." Jack muttered under his breath and threw himself down on the ground, propping himself up on his elbows. You sat down carefully across from him.

"She's capable of a lot, Jack. Maybe she can do it." You suggested. Jack snorted and began to examine his grimy fingers. You both sat in silence for a few minutes, until something smacked into the side of your head painfully. You yelped and glared accusingly at Jack.

"Oy! Ye bloody scallywag! Fuckin' try that again...." you threatened while Jack looked at you with wide eyes. Something else hit you on the hip, and you yelped again.

"That's it..." you growled, and leapt on Jack. His eyes widened, and soon you were at his throat.

"What the hell are ye doin! Get off...ye bloody lunatic!" hissed Jack as he struggled beneath your grip. You were hit once again on the side of your head, and you rolled off Jack. He sat up, hand held in from of him with his fingers splayed frantically.

"Love, yer insane! I didn't do nothin'! I swe---" he was cut off as something came flying out of the darkness and smacked him on the back of his head. He growled and grabbed that back of his head, glaring at you.

"Now there's where I draw the line, pet..." you hadn't thrown anything! He growled once more and pulled your face right up close to his, his eyes glittering dangerously. You both stared at each other viciously for a moment until something clattered loudly on the stones beside you. Both you and Jack turned to look, staring confusedly at a large stone. Realization dawning, you looked up and saw Gabriele motioning wildly at you. You giggled stupidly and turned to look at Jack.

"Oops?" you said feebly, quailing under his harsh glare. He released you and shook his head ruefully. He stood, offering you his hand. You took it, and he heaved you up. You stood, and immediately fell right back over. Jack caught you quickly, reaching out and folding you into his arms. You looked up at saw him looking back down. You held his gaze for a few moments before righting yourself and clearing your throat.

"Uh, head rush, um...thanks." Jack nodded, but his arm still lingered around your waist. You looked down momentarily, then back up at him. This time it was him who cleared his throat and dropped his arm.

"Right. This way." He said gruffly, and you felt your heart drop from the base of your throat to the bottom of your stomach. You shook your head and marched on behind him. Soon you were standing next to Gabriele, and she was shaking her head excitedly.

"He's home?" you said nervously. She shook her head once more.

"He's not home?" She nodded quickly, and Jack frowned.

"He is or he isn't?" Gabriele shook her head.

"He's not?" asked Jack, but you caught the slightly mocking tone in his voice. You smacked him upside the head and hissed at him.

"Jack! Quit toying with 'er. He's not home. Le's go." Gabriele led the way, creeping silently through the door and into what seemed to be a kitchen. Jack closed the door with a quiet snick and you three were left in total darkness. Yet Gabriele led the way without even faltering. You followed close behind her, and Jack followed behind you. He was actually grabbing onto your belt and basically being towed along. You emerged in the room that you had been looking at earlier, and Jack let go of your belt to wander around. There was no sign of the cat. You thought hard.

"Now, if I were a poor man turned suddenly and unexpectedly rich, where would I hide it?" you muttered out loud.

"Behind a painting?" suggested Jack, slipping a medium sized golden statue of a flamingo into an inside pocket in his jacket. You rolled your eyes.

"How cliché. Why didn't I think of that? You truly are a genius Jack." you drawled sarcastically. "I mean really. What are the odds --" you stopped as Jack lifted a portrait of a man off of the wall to reveal a safe. He looked back at you with a mockingly innocent look on his face.

"No, no.... please continue luv. I believe ye were jest gonna say something funny." You smirked and moved quickly over to stand next to him. Carefully you placed a hand to the lock; it was old and you could get this open in a flash with your eyes closed. With these kinds of locks, you just had to know where to hit. Jack stepped back when you moved over in front of him. You slid your hands over the surface, feeling gently every small bump and discrepancy under your fingertips. After a few seconds, you slammed the palm of your hand down on a spot two inches above the actual lock. A satisfying click sounded, and you stepped back when the door swung slightly ajar. Jack grinned gleefully and pulled it open all the way. You stood, peering anxiously over his shoulder, as he froze.

"Maybe there's another safe..." he said hesitantly. You pushed him out of the way, and looked into the safe. It appeared to be empty!

"Bloody 'ell, not again..." you muter frantically, sweeping your palm over the inside of the safe. A paper fluttered under your fingers, and you eagerly grabbed it out. You unfolded it and read it, your face falling.

"It's a riddle." You stated lamely, and Jack frowned in confusion. "I sail half-way across the fucking planet fer a RIDDLE! I am most definitely not in a riddle kind of mood!" you nearly shouted, voice quickly reaching the hysterical level. Jack shushed you and grabbed the paper from your hands.

"The greatest secret that I hold, quantities of silver and gold, can be found where sins are revealed and one's spirit can be healed. My most prized possession stays within the only place man speaks his sin. He enters dirty, unclean inside, and some out pure of heart and mind." he read loudly and steadily. His voice calmed you and you began to breathe easily again. So you had to figure out this riddle to find the treasure. Great. What fun.

"So, iffen I'm right, an' I'm always right, we gotta figger out the riddle, and then find the treasure." Jack stated plainly. You nodded tiredly. This was so insanely cliché. Find a safe behind a picture, and have to decipher a riddle to find the treasure's real location. Oh well. What can you expect of a drunkard with lots of money? He probably heard this is some childhood story or something.... you sighed exasperated, and flopped down in an oversized, ridiculously lavish chaise.

"Ok, read it to me again, Jack." He leaned against the wall, and unfolded the paper once more between his fingers. He read it off once more, and you thought as hard as you could.

"...Sins revealed..." you muttered, deep in thought.

"Jack, where do you tell yer sins?" you asked lazily. Jack looked up from twirling his braided beard.

"Hmm?"

"Where do you tell yer sins?" Jack grinned and winked.

"Tell no one me sins luv." You rolled your eyes.

"Jack, again with the 'luv'..."

"Right, sorry."

"Mm-hmm."

You both lapsed into thoughtful silence, desperately trying to figure out the riddle.

"Well, the greatest secret is the treasure obviously."

"Aye."

Gabriele walked back into the room; you hadn't noticed her leave. She looked back and forth between you and Jack confusedly, and you motioned shortly to Jack. He held out the paper, and she walked over and took it. She scrutinized it momentarily, and then looked expectantly back at you two.

"Gabriele, where do you tell yer sins?" She gave you a wry look that seemed to say 'ye really think I tell my sins? Good god woman, I don't even talk!' You nodded in understanding and waved your hand in apology. She grinned and looked back down at the paper. All three of you sat in deep thought in that ridiculously decorated room.

"Maybe a journal?" suggested Jack. You looked up sharply and eyed him curiously.

"Not that I 'ave one.." he hurried to add. "Jest the whelp sometimes... he was tellin' me that he likes...ah never mind." You smiled and shook your head.

"No, no, Jack that's a good idea. Does one of ye want t' look upstairs fer a journal?" Gabriele nodded exuberantly and bounded out of the room. You gave Jack a friendly smile, which he returned gratefully. You watched as he looked quickly down at his feet and fidgeted. Something was amok... but you brushed it off as just him being nervous and excited about the treasure.

"Perhaps... when yer drunk ye tell people 'bout yer sins? So... maybe a pub?" you thought out loud. Jack nodded slowly.

"But someone would've discovered it. An' he wouldn’t risk that." You nodded and the silence returned. After a few more minutes, Gabriele returned empty handed. You sighed defeatedly, and somewhere in the distance you heard bells ring out for two o'clock. In the morning. Goddess how you just wanted to get the treasure and get back on the ship... you were planning on not acting on your prior plans, as things had changed and you no longer felt that it would be fair.

"Where're those bells comin' from?" asked Jack deeply. You shrugged. Gabriele formed a cross with her arms, and you nodded.

"A church." Jack nodded, and for a moment the contemplative stupor returned. Suddenly you sat bolt upright. Both Jack and Gabriele looked at you sharply.

"A church. A church. Fuck, I got it! Confessional! Where do people confess their sins? A confessional! A bloody confessional!" Jack's face lit up dramatically, and he grinned widely. He rushed over and pulled you into his arms, spinning you gaily around the room in a manic waltz.

"With the gods as our witness, ye got it!" he cried gleefully, and you laughed, forgetting everything for a moment of happiness with Jack. He dropped you as quickly as he picked you up, grabbing your wrist and pulling you hastily towards the door. Gabriel was already waiting eagerly in the hall. You left the way you came, not even bothering to close the door behind you as you raced silently back out to the street. Once you reached it you made Jack slow down. If you were too hasty, you would be caught. You three crept along in the shadows, headed towards the large steeple visible over the houses and pubs. There were guards in uniform stationed on every tenth or so doorstep, watching the streets warily with their rifles slung over their shoulders. You continues to slink along, staying as close to the building as possible. You were leading, with Jack directly behind you and Gabriele behind him. Suddenly you ran into something very solid and very much alive. It responded with a loud 'oof,' and fell over, struggling. You stopped dead in your tracks. You were horrified to see a guard struggling to pull up his breeches; he had obviously been relieving himself against he wall. You gasped, and Jack slapped a hand over your mouth. He hadn't noticed you yet, and you hastened past quickly, but you head him call out after you in the dark.

"Oy! You get back 'ere!" I'll--" he was cut of by a dull thunk, and silence followed. You and Jack turned back to find Gabriele struggling to pull the unconscious officer into the nearby alley. You were astonished and couldn't make any noise, but Jack chuckled and moved forward to help her. Once the body was hidden, Jack stood back up and brushed off his hands. He held one out to Gabriele, who gladly shook it.

"Good work, love. Mighty fine." Gabriele beamed, and you were surprised to feel a stab of jealousy tear at your chest. Jack glanced back into the alley, and a mischievous smile crept onto his lips. You frowned, wary of his crazy ideas.

"What now?" you asked cautiously. Jack grinned and pulled you forward.

* * * *

Fifteen minutes later, you were walking down the middle of the street, dressed in the officer's clothes. You held Jack in front of you, and were frog marching him down the street. Some of the officers you passed nodded or held up their rifles as you went by. You nodded back and pushed Jack forward.

"Don't get pushy now, pet." said Jack sweetly under his breath. You growled.

"Why couldn'ta ye worn the clothes? They're bloody hot and sooo itchy!" you squirmed and whined. Gabriele was still walking in the shadows to your right.

"Told ye, darlin', they wouldn't fit! I would'a honestly, but really..." His voice told you he was grinning, and you prodded him in the small of his back with the rifle you had taken from the guard. He chuckled and hurried forward. As you passed one guard, he held up his hand and jogged out into the street. You held your breath and prayed for the best. The man was huge, broad shoulders, flat face, and cold eyes. You could take him, but he'd probably put up one helluva fight.

"Oy, are you new?" he asked roughly. You nodded shortly, deciding it would be best not to speak. He eyed your body quickly before turning back to you.

"Yer a woman." He stated bluntly. You felt like rolling your eyes. And responding sarcastically, 'aye, ye noticed. How terribly clever of you, Captain Obvious.' ....but you didn't. He stuck out his hand for you to shake. You reached out and took it, feeling Jack tense under your other arm.

"Mic Barnum's the name. And you are....?"

'Shit! Name...name...name...c'mon, think of a name!'

"Uh, Anamaria." You blurted, saying the first name that came to mind. You felt the smallest of chuckles rise in Jack's chest, but Mic smiled and continued to hold firmly onto your hand.

"Where're you taking him?" he nodded towards Jack, who snarled on cue.

"T' the brig. Or the cells. Yea, to the cells." The man frowned.

"You mean the lock-up?" You nodded and laughed lightly.

"Yes, yes, the lock-up." Mic still hadn't let go of your hand yet. You were starting to get a tiny bit uncomfortable. A silence fell, and you shuffled your feet in the dust. You could feel one of the man's disgusting fingers beginning to stroke the inside of your wrist. You bit your lip hard, clenching your other fist around Jack's shirt. He shot you a look from over his shoulder, and you tried to convey to him to stay still and not do anything. He gave a tiny nod, but you still felt him tense underneath your arm.

"You want me to walk with you; make sure this scab doesn’t try anything?" Mic offered, casting a dirty glance at Jack.

"No, thank you, I'll be alright." You tried to slip your hands from his, but his grip on your wrist remained firm.

"Not a good idea for a pretty lady like you to be wandering around all by yourself at night..." he said suggestively, reaching out with his other hand to stroke your face. You pulled away abruptly, feeling your heart hammer wildly against your ribs. You felt Jack slip his hand into yours around his chest, and you squeezed tightly.

'oh god... oh god oh god oh god.....' you thought frantically as the bulky man stepped forward and pulled you up close to him. He seemed completely oblivious to the fact that Jack was still there.

"...there're some pretty dangerous men out there..." he whispered harshly, sliding his hand around to the base of your neck and gripping tightly. You held onto Jack as hard as you could, and you felt him move slightly. Mic was still advancing, and you were more terrified than you had ever been in your life. Suddenly the man pulled your body flush against his, at the exact same moment that Jack ducked out from under your arm and spun around. You cast a frighten glance at Jack, who was brimming with anger. Mic seemed to not notice that Jack was advancing with his pistol leveled. He lowered his gaze to your exposed throat, and bared his teeth in a grin. You were about to cry out when Jack placed the barrel of the gun to Mic's temple.

"I wouldn't do that if I were ye, mate." You dared not breathe and Mic looked up and his eyes came to rest on Jack. He looked back between your face and Jack's, realization dawning. He pulled off the jacket you were wearing, revealing your tunic and belt.

"Bloody pirate..." he hissed, sweeping his hand upwards; pouching Jack hard in the ribs and knocking the pistol from his hand. He pushed you on the ground, and moved on top of you. You snarled and drew your pistol from your belt, but Mic yanked it from your hands, slapping you across the jaw. You gasped and held the side of your face where he had hit you. You thought you saw Jack stand up behind him, but your attention was drawn elsewhere when Mic began to place sloppy kisses along your collarbone, pinning you to the ground under his body. You cried out and writhed underneath him. You heard a pistol cocked. The officer moved your arms until he was holding them with one enormous hand, and slid his other around your waist. Despite your efforts, tears welled in your eyes and you started to plead. Mic only grunted in reply, beginning to slip his hand up under your shirt.

A shot rang out, and Mic dropped onto you fully, his fat face pushed into your breasts, hand still halfway up your shirt. You felt the tears streaming down your face as you lay there, not able to move. The weight was hefted off of you, but still you didn't move. You closed your eyes and bit your lip hard, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to wrench free of your chest. You felt Jack slip you into his arms and carry you over into the shadows. He placed you down on the ground again, sitting you against the wall of an alley. He sat down next to you, placing his pistol back in his belt.

"Love, are ye ok?" the sobs that had been threatening to break loose did so now, tears streaming down your face and chest heaving mightily. Jack reached over and made to hold you, but you flinched at the touch.

"Shh, jest me, pet. There, 'at's ok now..." he gently slid an arm around your waist, and heaved you onto his lap. You immediately drew your arms around his neck tightly, hiding your face in his shoulder. You heard Gabriele creep around to your other side and rest her head on your back. You continued to shudder as gut wrenching sobs tore from your throat. Jack simply held you tightly; one hand on your back, the other on the back of your head.

And for a moment, the treasure was forgotten.