CHAPTER 11 – Impulsive Actions

You pull Jack down the stairs, your hand firmly attached to his wrist as you walk purposefully towards the bar and more importantly her. Jack smirks behind you as he is led alone. “I can walk by myself Maddy,” he quips.

The comment makes you roll your eyes and a snort of disbelief leaves your throat. “I have my doubts when you’re on the Pearl, Jack, but you worry me even more of land,” you jibe.

“I appreciate your concern, but trust me, I’m fine.” He smirks.

You look back at him amused and silently watch him for a moment. The light is dim in the hallway that you are in, and the candle light is flickering across his face making the shadows dance and his eyes twinkle. “And why should I trust you Jack?” You ask.

He stops dramatically, free hand poised in the air pointing at you with his ringed forefinger. “I’m deeply hurt by that missy. You know trust is a very important issue.”

“Easily broken but difficult to obtain,” you murmur softly. That had been one of your father’s sayings. Jack squeezes your hand lightly to show his support, and after a few seconds of silence he quips, “And of course I am Captain Jack Sparrow.”

You groan and carry on walking though the amused smirk lingers on your face and your hand stays around his wrist. Trust was definitely a big issue with Jack, well both of you to be completely honest, but Jack especially. The mutiny seems to have scarred him. You have complete faith in Jack even though he will always continue to deceive people at every possible moment and will try to persuade everyone that he doesn’t care what happens to them.

Jack’s drawl cuts in again from behind you, “Anyone would think that you didn’t want to stop touching me. Understandable,” he comments lazily, and you don’t have to turn around to see his smirk, it’s very clear in his voice. You shake your head purposefully pulling him past you as you both reach the bar and let go of his wrist.

“What was that Jack?” you ask smirking and he rolls his eyes.

“Captain Jack, luv. How many times do I have to remind you?” he fumes to himself watching the bar.

You start to respond but he walks forwards and out of hearing range so you shut your mouth. Fine, you think, ignore me!

You know there is a large part of you that really doesn’t want to meet her properly let alone have Jack within close proximity, but that’s out of your hands now. You are quite content by only recognising her by sight. She honestly doesn’t have to remember you. Life around her was bad enough then and you doubt she has changed especially regarding her behaviour earlier. Just the thought of how bad life was with her back then makes a shudder and a bad feeling creep into your mind, a shudder that you have no control to stop.

Damn Jack and his words, you muse. Bloody pirate who is going to adore all the attention she will no doubt give him. You stop suddenly, realising what you are thinking. I’m not jealous, you think angrily, but she is my half sister, and the thought of the two of them... you shake your head to clear your line of thought and don’t notice Jack stop suddenly. You collide straight into his back with a painful thud and yelp in surprise. Looking up at him, you meet his eyes that unfortunately show immense amusement. “And you said I couldn’t walk by myself!”

You roll your eyes and quip, “Well if you walked like a normal person then I wouldn’t have such a problem.”

The soft lighting reflects on some of his gold teeth as he grins. He catches your eyes wickedly, “And where’s the fun in being normal?”

You just laugh, “Why am I not surprised?” That is such typical Jack, but it explains some things about him.

A voice cuts in from behind Jack, but you can’t see who it is, only guess. Your view is blocked from being shorter than Jack and the fact that his hair arrangement takes up a lot of space. Jack turns at the sultry voice and smirks. “Jessica,” he says and turns so that you get a view of her over his shoulder.

“Captain,” she simpers leaning up to kiss his cheek. What is it about a blonde that makes them think that they are so much better than everyone else? You think furiously, yet stop remembering just in time that you are not jealous. As she tilts up kiss him, she catches your eyes with a large smirk on her face. She deliberately holds the pose for a few seconds longer than you think she should, and your eyes seem to narrow on their own accord, having to break eye contact before you snip something sarcastically.

I’m NOT jealous… You silently chant as she steps away and out of your view. You can’t see Jack’s expression, but you know he’s mouthing something at her just from his posture.

Suddenly he wraps one arm round her shoulders and turns them easily so they start walking over to a small table in the corner. Your mouth drops slightly by his actions and your arms seem to automatically cross over your chest. Why were all your movements being so childish today? You wonder but focus back on Jack as he turns back to at you.

“I thought you could walk on your own luv,” he says simply and you growl and glare, which sends him on his way again. He moves hastily at your glare as he has now hand first hand experience of your bad moods.

Sulkily you follow them to a table and your muscles tense when Jessica nonchalantly slides her arm around Jack’s waist.

He is not yours to touch, you think angrily, but squash the feeling quickly, clenching one fist subconsciously.

Reaching the table Jack sits down casually on a double padded seat by the wall, and Jessica slithers in next to him before you even have time to blink or react in anyway at all. Glancing around you sigh as you realise you have been left with the uncomfortable wooden chair that is suspiciously bent in one leg but you perch down on it, highly irritated already.

After glaring at you, Jessica practically whines, “Jack, I thought you said we were going to have some privacy,” she looks at him affronted.

What did I do? You muse, Apart from having the same mother, and that is definitely not my fault!

You stare at Jack, sarcasm lacing your thoughts - Thanks a lot, Jack. Thinking is not so usual for you, as you tend to act on impulse and generally make situations worse. That, of course, had been proven this morning by throwing those glasses at Jack, your captain no less! Oh, well, you think slightly amused, it was fun!

You catch Jack’s eyes in the silence and stand up sharply. “I’ll be off then,” you say determinedly.

Jack watches you and sighs, “Do you always have to be so hot-headed, woman?”

“Not helping, Jack,” you state sardonically, but your gaze flickers worriedly between them.

Jessica drops one hand onto his thigh casually, and your eyes narrow as Jack smiles slightly at her caress. He manages to wipe it quickly of his face when he sees you watching him. It’s not surprising really; she is practically sitting on his lap!

Jessica cuts into the short silence again, “Now if you don’t mind,” she gestures for you to leave her and Jack alone. A small scoff leaves your throat as you both glare at Jack wanting his response.

“Sit down, Maddy,” he says in a tired tone, and you smirk at Jessica, who glares back at you.

“But you said...” she whines but Jack intercepts.

“In fact, darling, I didn’t say anything,” and smirks to himself as she mutters under her breath about cocky pirates. You grin and sit down gently on the chair, not trusting it to take all your weight and if it collapsed, it would only add to your humiliation.

“Now, Jessica, do you know who this is?” he says, gesturing to you and smirking slightly when he notices you’re holding most of your weight off the chair and that the effort is showing on your face but you’re determined not to leave. So stubborn, he silently declares for a moment.

Jessica runs her gaze down and back up you and wrinkles her nose in disgust, making you feel dirty. You pull at your clothes slightly and glare back at her. “No idea, Captain,” she drawls sliding her hand up his leg further causing you to bristle. She does not have the right to touch him like that!

Jack watches her closely and she smiles seductively. “No? That’s odd because you see she knows exactly who you are and is claiming that you’re her half sister,” he drawls.

An emotion crosses Jessica’s face briefly, but it has disappeared before becoming identifiable.

“Jack, I have no idea who she is, don’t you trust me?” she says injecting her voice with a carefully measured amount of hurt and you scoff at her obvious fakeness.

Your father’s saying flickers into your mind at her words. I’m the one who deserves his trust, you muse. I may be impulsive sometimes, but I’ve know him the longest. Realising that you are again thinking about this topic you rub your forehead hard and recite, I’m not jealous!

You notice that Jack doesn’t seem to have reacted the same way as you; he is just looking into her blue eyes and noticing the way she flicks the blonde hair out of them.

“Jack,” you say, snapping your fingers to catch his attention and roll your eyes in disgust. He appears to refocus and nods looking at Jessica. Although it is almost invisible to the untrained eye you can see his ‘daft’ pirate mask seem to slip back into place and his slur and crazy gestures appear to increase slightly as he questions her.

“So where are you from, luv?” he asks conversationally, grinning at her.

She pauses for a moment seeming to compose her answer before answering vaguely, “Here and there.”

You smirk at Jack, and he gestures she should indulge him with more.

“I’ve been in Tortuga for a while,” she drawls changing the subject, “But I haven’t had the pleasure of your company, Captain.”

It’s almost a talent, you think slightly amused. She seems to be fluid and can change topics as she pleases without seeming too obvious.

Jack smirks, uttering, “Perhaps later we will have some proper privacy, darling.” It causes you to look at him in total disbelief and annoyance. So much for having his loyalty.

You realise that your presence here is probably not needed or wanted, and even though it hurts for you to think about it, you decide that it is best to leave Jack to question her without you interfering. It will either be much easier to get information or they will go completely off topic and… You sigh, knowing you have to get up now before the chair you are half sitting on completely snaps and she gets more leverage over you.

Standing up purposefully you look at Jack and roll your eyes when a thud sounds from where you have just been sitting. Bloody chair, you think, knowing that you can’t stay now as you have no where to sit and joining the two of them on that tight chair doesn’t sound appealing.

“What are you doing luv?” he asks confused and you smile slightly.

“I’m going to find some more exciting company!” you reply, amusedly, although the irritation is pretty strong in your tone. Jack winces and Jessica looks immediately pleased that she now has him all to herself.

“Plus I am going to see what I can sort out,” you say cryptically to Jack, referring to the riddle. You notice Jessica look up sharply, but when you catch her eyes, there doesn’t seem to be any interest within their depths.

Jack nods, “Good luck and if you get bored without my exciting company, go and see if Gibbs is looking after the Pearl properly.”

You roll your eyes subtly, “Such much for being Captain,” you mutter but Jack still catches your words.

“You know I’ll have you punished if you question my captaincy, Maddy,” he says casually but with a slight edge to his voice which makes you look at him sharply. “And I do get the special perks of being the captain, remember?”

You nod and turn away for a moment but a sly comment makes you turn back sharply.

“He won’t be back until morning so don’t wait up,” Jessica says, moving her head to the base of his stomach. You turn, taking in the smug look on Jack’s face and the pleasure on Jessica’s. It seems to trigger something deep within you and your impulsive streak comes out again without thinking things through.

You stride over to Jack sliding onto his lap whilst pushing Jessica’s hand off him smoothly. Your hands go to either side of his face and pull him closer noting the surprise in his eyes. You kiss him passionately and your tongue slips inside his mouth battling with his own and tasting the cavern of his mouth. Jack responds almost immediately and twirls one hand in your hair holding you close. You had just taken him completely by surprise and even though he knew a big part of this display was complete jealously, he couldn’t help but to respond to the sensations you created in him. You pull away slowly when the need for oxygen becomes too strong and pull on his lower lip as you lean back.

“See you tonight Jack,” you whisper flirtatiously, watching his eyes and smiling as you see the desire there. Your gaze flickers to Jessica’s outraged face and you smirk, feeling elated by those impulsive actions. For once they weren’t so bad!

Jack grins, “We’ll continue this later, darling,” he says huskily unwinding his arms from around your back and hair and you can still pick up the surprise in his eyes.

You beam at both of their reactions, satisfied by the ones you got and pause. You then lean down so your mouth is next to his ear and only utter one whisper, praying that he will remember it.

“Sister,” you whisper in his ear and pull away not being able to hold the urge of winking at Jessica so fulfil the desire. A scowl crosses her pretty face and you turn walking across the bar to the door of the tavern with a huge grin plastered on yours.

You turn absently before leaving and call to Ben who is still working behind the bar, “Next time buy better chairs will you?” You laugh as he sticks his tongue out at you and leave the tavern after looking over at Jack, feeling very pleased when you notice his eyes have followed your movements. You sigh as the Caribbean sun touches your face.

“You’ll have to try harder then that next time, Jessica,” you say smugly.

* * * * *

Author’s note: As usual thanks to Gabrielle and read and review everyone!

* * * * *

CHAPTER 12 – Fairytale Princesses

While signalling for drinks at the nearest barman, Jessica glares at your back as you leave the tavern but does her best to contain her anger. She glances at Jack, who is still staring at the door in mild shock, and she realises this whole thing was going to be much more difficult than planned. Especially if that stupid pirate kept doing those things to the man she was supposed to be seducing. Sisters!

After a few seconds of daydreaming, Jack smiles slyly at her but it’s clear in his eyes that he is preoccupied.

“How long have you known her?” She drawls in her nasal voice.

“A year,” he replies thoughtfully, touching the braids on his chin and smiling at Ben. “Though it feels like forever. The minx is more trouble than she’s worth sometimes!”

She rolls her eyes subtly, “Only a year? You two seem very close. Has she been in your crew the whole time?”

“Aye to all three,” he says discreetly.

“So you just let any old whore join your crew I suppose…” she trails off hoping for a reaction.

Jack bristles at the insult to both you and his captaincy. “Then you thought wrong, and I’m very careful. It is the Black Pearl, the most…”

“Feared ship in the Caribbean,” she finishes. “I’ve heard the stories. I’m sorry, Captain, I didn’t mean to judge. I’m just interested to know how a woman got on board that ship.”

Jack waved away her apology with a carefree hand and downed the mug on the table.

“She was in trouble, I thought she was going to die and I couldn’t let a young lass perish at my feet like that,” he slurs.

Jessica nods along to his speech and indicates for two more tankards of rum and for it to keep coming. She intended on finding out some things.

“What happened to her?” she asks mock concerned, whilst placing his right arm around her shoulders.

“Ah, she got attacked,” he waves a hand around whilst taking the drink and finishing it, not really noticing that Jessica passes him hers as well. “But Maddy, doesn’t talk about that anymore.”

Jessica hides her smirk and then nods, in what she hopes, is a sympathetic way. “How did she react to you saving her?”

Jack grins. “She was thankful, of course, though she had to stay in my cabin for a few weeks to recover from her injuries,” he paused shaking his head, grinning madly. “I must remember to tell her that she still needs to repay me for my kindness.”

He jabs a finger at Jessica and she yelps slightly as it hits her firmly in the breast. “You remind me, luv,” he drawls.

“So do you have much space in your crew at present?” She asks, moving his roving hands whilst hiding her disgusted expression.

Jack moves around in his chair thinking, “I don’t rightly know. The men are all good uns and they work hard but when they are close together, I don’t think there’s much space no, with their muscles and all.”

Jessica snorts mildly to herself as she hears Jack’s drunken reply. The empty tankards line the table now and she’s noticed that the more he drinks, the more insane his answers become and the more his hands move about her.

“I meant for a woman,” she asks trying to find an answer.

“I don’t have women on board,” he said looking adorably confused. “We’re all fearless men.”

Jessica shakes her head holding his face steady so he would concentrate on her. “You have Maddy, is she not a woman?”

Jack blinked, “Nah lass, young Madeline is a pirate and a damned good one at that. She’ll soon be my pirate lass.”

The woman shakes her head, realising that perhaps the alcohol was a bad idea. “What would a woman have to do to get on board?”

“Work, pretend to be a man, or my unsurpassed favourite, be my woman for a while until I find someone more exciting,” he slurred happily, wrapped up his own thoughts as another tankard lands on the table.

“But, Madeline didn’t do any of those things did she?” She asks determined.

“That lass is a rare case though she does work and bloody hard too, she looks lovely in her breeches and shirt, and soon she’ll find she enjoys being me woman.”

Jessica merely sighs, her determined resolve breaking fast and lifts his hand off her shoulders, deciding it would be best if they left. Jack is getting odd looks from the people sitting around them as he decides to places his booted feet onto the table in front of them. The only problem is that the table is full of empty mugs and he sends them cascading off the table with a flourish.

“Come on, Captain. Let’s get you back to the Pearl,” she says, pulling him up heavily and clutching his waist as he sways madly.

“Aye, the Pearl! I’ll show you around her with a special visit to my cabin!” He drawls pulling her close and grinning madly. Jessica looks away as she smelt his rum filled breath, wondering why this man was so greatly worshipped.

She weaves through the tavern, pulling Jack with her with draws more attention then she would like, as he is so careless. Just like my sister, she’s always been clumsy.

Jessica inwardly breaths a sigh of relief as they make it to the street, at least now she knows she would have back up if she needs it. Jack winds an arm round her and sways down the lane towards the docks whilst chatting to her in animated conversation. Something about being chief of a tribe? It is difficult to tell considering his voice is so slurred and she is not sure how much of the story is being embellished. Did he really expect her to believe they tied people to stakes and then burnt them to eat them? That’s just the crazy pirate talking.

Jack’s hands wander as he walks and suddenly he swings her into a dark alley away from the people in the streets. Jessica collides against the wall with a startled yelp as she unsuccessfully tries to push him away. Jack’s hands fly to her bodice as his lips crash drunkenly and painfully against hers. She has no time to react as the weight is suddenly off her as the butt of a pistol connects with Jack’s head, causing his world to die.

Jessica pushes him away from her and looks up at the man, smiling at him warmly. “Thank goodness you arrived!” She jokes, looping her arms around his waist and pulling him close.

Caleb grins and starts pushing her back against the wall. His foot gets tangled in the laces of Jack’s breeches and he trips pulling the laces lose and falling against Jessica. She only grins as he rights his balance before starting to walk down the street, expecting him to follow her.

“Darling, I can’t go,” he says apologetically, not looking forward to her fireworks.

“What? Why?” She demands sourly.

“I have a job,” he says, not really wanting to tell her what.

Her eyes narrow. “If you tell me it’s with Madeline, I will not be happy.”

“Well it’s with a lass, aye, and if I run into your sister, that would just be a total coincidence.”

She groans, “If you do anything with her, I’m going to bloody kill you.”

He shakes his head with a small smirk, “Me?”

Jessica rolls her eyes looking him dead in the eye. “Yes, you, you pirate.”

He smirks and leans down to kiss her briefly. “I’ll be good,” he whispers gently.

“You’d better be,” she replies sulkily. “I’ll be waiting.”

He smiles. “Then I shall see you later, gorgeous,” he says before walking towards the docks.

* * * *

A few hours later, you are perched on a small brick wall, out of the main hustle and bustle of the town. The sea breeze whips the hair from your face and you shake the parchment angrily. Why did this make no sense?

“Dad,” you whisper into the wind. “Why did you make this so hard?”

Unsurprisingly, you receive no answer and crumple the paper in one hand with a frustrated sigh. You would solve this and soon, but maybe the right thoughts aren’t coming to you just yet. It would take time. The only thing that worried you was how much more you would have to do after this clue because surely it wouldn’t be sensible to bury your treasure at the end of clue number one.

“Talking to yourself is the first sign of madness,” a voice from behind tells you.

You jump and peer sharply over your shoulder, only to see an eerie figure standing in a doorway. The shadows from the building cover his face but it’s obvious he is broad and well built.

“Who are you?”

“Merely a passer-by,” he drawls. “What’s a lovely lass, such as yourself, doing sitting out here on her onesies?”

You stand up, shoving the paper back into a pocket. “That is none of your business,” you say in a feisty tone.

The man shrugs and holds his hands up, palms first. “I mean no harm,” he tells you as he steps out from the doorway. “You just looked lonely, is all.”

“So you thought you’d be the gallant hero and save a young fairytale princess?” you mock.

“No, I don’t see any princesses in this area. Pirate lasses, yes, but princesses? Definitely not,” he states, looking at you with a grin. “I just thought you’d like a chat, baby.”

“Don’t call me that,” you snap, reminding yourself of Jack.

He shrugs carelessly, “Since you haven’t given me your name, what’s a man supposed to call his young princess?”

You glare at the infuriating man, trying to think of a witty response but failing miserably. You pause and he looks at you innocently.

“Fine,” you roll your eyes. “It’s Maddy.”

He nods slowly. “Does everyone call you that?” He asks. You nod mutely, wondering where he was going now.

“Then to me you will be Madeline, princess or baby,” he states. “I would hate to be the same as all your other princes.”

You smirk, shaking your head wryly.

“Something the matter baby?” He asks and you sigh, knowing the name had stuck. “You just remind me of someone.”

“A good someone?”

You pause. “Depends how you look at him,” you smile.

“At least it’s a man,” he jokes. “Do I know him?”

Smiling, you reply, “Probably, Captain Jack Sparrow?”

He nods in a matter of fact way whilst smirking to himself, “Hurt him… err heard of him.”

“What?” you asks quickly, staring at him.

“Heard of him,” he corrects and you nod, not having heard his slip of the tongue.

A comfortable silence ensues and you sit back down, pretty certain that this man won’t hurt you as you had first thought. It doesn’t surprise you when he plonks down on the wall edge. You scan him from the corner of your eye and smile slyly. Not bad, not bad indeed.

Curious to see if you recognise him from the past, you look up into his face and smirk as he raises an eyebrow suggestively. He is good looking, blonde hair, generally well kept and clean enough for a Tortugan resident. However, it is his bright blue eyes that catch your attention. Recollection floods your mind and he must notice as he takes your hand tightly in his.

“You were in that bar,” you say in horror, and he looks confused. “You said that I wouldn’t be Jack’s for much longer.”

He looks at you distantly, “I vaguely recollect that night, princess, I was very drunk so I’m afraid I don’t remember much about it.”

“You were drunk?” you ask. “But you sounded like you knew and had plans for me.”

He shakes his head sadly. “If only that were true,” he says, squeezing your hand and you shiver.

“I remember your eyes,” you muse. “They are so powerful; I think I was lost in some kind of trance that Jack had to break me from.” He conceals his smirk just in time and files that away for future reference.

“So is Captain Sparrow your handsome prince?” He asks, looking you square in the eyes.

“No, no, not at all,” you say hastily and a small smile breaks across his lips.

“Sure?”

You nod decisively. “He’s my Captain, and pirates don’t fall in love.”

The man’s smile widens. “Then I hope we can get to know each other better in future, Madeline,” he murmurs, staring into the depths of your dark eyes and you don’t register what is happening as you slowly move towards each other.

As if on cue, Jack shouts your name from the street and you snap back to reality. Your companion looks over your shoulder regretfully as he sees Jack swaying over the grass. He smiles at you, “Well, princess, I must depart, but we’ll meet again soon, I hope.”

You nod and return the smile, astounding yourself as your cheeks grow hot when he lightly kisses the back of your hand.

“Wait!” You call, scrambling up behind his retreating figure and he stops peering back at you. “What’s your name?”

“Caleb,” he replies with a grin before vanishing into the shadows.

You are still staring vacantly into the shadows as Jack reaches your side. “Who the hell was he?” He demands jealously.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 13

You look up in mild surprise at the grit in Jack’s voice and immediately see that it’s reflected in his posture. His eyes have an unreadable quality to them that is quite disturbing, and they are fixing you in a vice-like stare.

“No-one of consequence. What happened to you?” You ask, trying to deflect the attention although you’re not sure what you have to be defensive of.

“Maddy, who was he?” Jack asks again in a very firm tone. Ah, so the plan didn’t work then.

“The King of Spain!” You grin but quickly wipe the look off your face as Jack’s glower becomes stronger. “Jack, he’s just a man that started to talk to me. Let me have a look at you, I think your neck is bleeding.”

You start to move towards him to touch the sore area, but he bats your hand away carelessly before moving his own hand to the cut. Mutely, he wonders how that happened as the last thing he remembered was walking with Jessica down the street. Evidently he had been attacked but by who? And what happened to the girl? Jack winces slightly as his fingers encounter blood on his hairline, but he shrugs it off. Problems such as this happen all the time in places like this, and at least he now knew why his head was pumping away so hard. It feels like his head is about to explode.

“You know him,” he accuses, never breaking eye contact with you. “Is he a friend from before or a…”

“A what? A client?!” You ask viciously, staring up at him whilst wishing you had never told him about that. Every time he mentioned the subject you felt dirty under his scrutiny. “No Jack, I have never slept with him before if that makes you feel better.”

“Luv, I have the very distinctive feeling that you are lying to me and you know exactly who he is,” he says and even though his hands wave around in time with his words, there is no humour or lightness in his eyes.

“Jack, why does this even matter?” You inquire, even though you know his response. I don’t see me asking you about the cut on your neck or what you did with my sister, and yet I get the Spanish inquisition for letting a man kiss my hand.

“I don’t have untrustworthy people on my ship, I’d have thought you would have known that,” Jack hisses and you roll your eyes, scanning the horizon uninterestedly.

“So you’re just going to throw me off the ship or even better leave me here in Tortuga just because I won’t tell you the name of a perfect stranger? That’s a bit pathetic wouldn’t you say, Jack?” You reply lazily, not bothering to look back at him even though you are fully aware he is not going to like this.

“Not to me,” he replies, putting one hand on your arm roughly so you have to turn and face him.

Deciding to find out his true motives, you stare up into his eyes with a carefully thoughtful expression on your face, “Why should I have to tell you everything?”

“Because I’m your captain,” comes the inevitable riposte, and you smirk at the unoriginal response before gazing at the sea again. Jack sighs; clenching his teeth, as he knows only the truth will work and get your attention even if he doesn’t want to admit it. “And because I care, all right.”

You blink before looking up at him and search his chocolate brown eyes. “Wait, you what?”

Jack smiles inwardly to himself at how easily that worked, not really realising how much of that statement was true. “You’re my best friend, and I don’t want to lose you.”

Even though the words are gently spoken and sweet, a part of you sinks further at Jack’s obvious word choice. Only ever the best friend. “You could never lose me.”

“Maddy, you know I know that it was the man from the bar who was talking to you,” he says, taking the opportunity of your temporary silence and congratulating himself. “I don’t want you to speak to that whelp any longer.”

“I’m sure he is far from that. He seemed quite pleasant,” you admit, thinking back to the man who caused such strange feelings in you. It was almost as though he had some kind of hold over you.

“Pleasant?! Luv, no man in Tortuga is ever pleasant unless he has something to gain,” Jack scoffs at your naivety, wondering how such a strong willed woman who had such a bad experience here could be like this. Because you’re jealous Jack, and it was actually nothing significant.

“Then what could he possibly want from me?” You ask, smiling to yourself at his swaying body.

Jack rolls his eyes at your ignorance. “You are a woman, therefore you have a woman’s…” he pauses, one hand waving as he tries to search for the correct word “Attributes and that is what any man will find desirable.”

“You are forbidding me from speaking to him because I have ‘a woman’s attributes’?” You mock.

Jack nods matter of factly, “That’s a way of expressing it, aye.”

You watch him suspiciously for a moment as a small smirk curls on your lips. “Jack Sparrow, are you jealous?”

“No!” He replies shiftily and evades your amused gaze. I see, the jealousy is reciprocated on both sides. “And its Captain,” he pouts theatrically at being laughed at.

“You needn’t worry, Captain, I do not intend on letting any man into my bed for a long time,” you declare forcefully, your new resolve sticking fast. This way you couldn’t get hurt anymore.

“I’m not jealous!” He cries in frustration, looking at you with wide, pleading eyes. “I’m merely concerned about your safety.”

“I’m perfectly safe.”

“Now that’s where you are wrong, Maddy. You are considerably at risk with that box on your person,” he tells you as his fingers weave towards the area in your coat pocket.

“Jack, don’t be so ridiculous. Caleb is not going to hurt me,” you slip, wincing as you realise the mistake. Hopefully he won’t notice.

Jack’s eyes widen at the name as he immediately skims through his history to see if it draws any connections. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. “Ahhh, so you’re on first name terms already? He’s only after one thing.”

Sighing, you reply, “No he’s not, and he was perfectly friendly. I was the one who told him my name through no pressure.” The memories of that little exchange cause you to smile lightly, and you look out to sea in hopes the breeze will cool down your pinker cheeks.

Jack observes you carefully and something tears at his insides as he notices the changes in you. “Let me guess, he doesn’t want to call you ‘Maddy’?”

“How do you know that?” You ask astonished.

“I know the type.”

You eyes roll automatically at the hypocrite, “The sort like yourself you mean?”

Jack winces as though the insult had physically hurt him. “Maddy, I know this is difficult for you but please try not to argue with everything I say,” He pleads, pressing both hands together in a praying gesture.

“But it’s just so amusing!” You quip before wiping the smirk of your face at his look. “I still don’t understand why you won’t let me speak to him other than your jealousy.”

Jack takes one single breath as though he is weighing up his options. One would stop the conversation and the other would put him in a compromising position of pirate weakness. “Look he might hurt you alright? I don’t want the same thing that happened before to happen again.”

The words seem to affect you as physically as your question about his jealousy. You blink and look down at the floor as reality floods through you again. Saying nothing you nod, and Jack guiltily winces, though you don’t see it. “Now let’s go back to the Pearl,” he says gently.

* * * * *

As Jack rows the small wooden boat out to the Pearl, the sun is dipping lower in the sky, changing into that spectacular pinky orange colour that you favoured so much. He had been informed by the watchman at the docks that the crew had moved the ship further out as the docks were becoming too busy. You sat at the opposite end of the boat facing Jack and watching the sky solemnly. The look on your face made him feel incredibly guilty as you seemed to react to his earlier words more harshly then he had suspected. “Darling, I’m sorry, alright? I just wanted you to see the reality.”

“It doesn’t matter Jack. I’m just a fool,” you sigh resigned.

“Perhaps it can be counted as ‘a series of bad luck’?” He asks hopefully, and you attempt a weak smile. “What can I do to make you smile again?”

“Leave Tortuga? It seems to be the bringer of this ‘bad luck’,” you muse quietly.

“On the contrary, it’s that attitude that causes the bad luck in Tortuga to come upon you so really you want to leave yourself and even though I can do many wonderful things that I can’t do so staying in Tortuga is the answer,” Jack tells you but because his hands are fixed to the oars the only way he can dance to his words is with his face, so the expressions become much more impressive.

“Now you’re just talking nonsense,” you smile slightly.

“Wait for the point, luv.” He scolds, pointing one finger at you from the oar. “It was me that brought you here, me who made you tell those secrets and me who distinctively remembers saying that we would have some fun here. Clearly we haven’t and therefore darling, I have a plan.”

“It’s going to involve rum in some way isn’t it?” You jibe, feeling some of your spirit coming back in waves just like the ones you are bobbing over.

“You guessed correctly!” He grins and the lowering sunlight glints on his gold teeth. “Come to my cabin tonight!”

You stare at him in astonished disbelief. “Jack, did you entirely miss what I said before about men in general and not letting them into my bed?”

“No, luv, you wound me. I didn’t mean that. We’ll find another way to entertain ourselves although if you think about it, those activities that you seem to find so disgusting would be performed in my bed, meaning you wouldn’t contradict anything,” he explains and smirks at your eye rolling. Anything to charm a lady into bed.

“Perform?! You make us sound like animals,” you joke, looking at the humorous glint in his eyes though the swaying of Jack and the swaying of the boat makes you feel slightly dizzy.

“I can be an animal if that’s what your heart desires. Many before you have learnt to enjoy it,” he drawls suggestively but is secretly disappointed when he doesn’t get the blushing reaction Caleb caused earlier.

You wince, placing your hands firmly over your ears in the gesture of a child and whine, “Jack, I really don’t want to know.”

“Pity, luv, a pity,” he grins to himself as the conversation drops back to silence again. He is pleased to note, however, that you seem livelier and mentally congratulates himself. Perhaps you were just getting easier to understand, or his feelings were growing, meaning the ways came as a second nature. Jack quickly decided on the former.

Breaking the silence, you look you at him asking, “Tell me more about this entertainment and I may just agree.”

“I can’t believe I just heard those words! Like I said, I owe you fun, and so you can decide. Just remember one thing.” Jack winks suggestively at you, “Nothing is off limits.”

You pause in thought and survey the looming ship in front of you. “Will you tell me stories?”

“And why do you want to hear them I wonder?” He asks with a curved smile on his lips, even though he can anticipate the answer.

“Well, you’ve learnt so much about me in the last few days and I still know a limited amount about you, which seems very unfair. Plus you’ve been really horrible to me for the past days and that’s how I want to be repaid. A story for a story.” You persuade.

Jack smiles at the logic behind that. “If that’s what my lady desires, then that is what she will get.”

You also smile and the sun casts a warm, honey glow across your cheeks. “Thanks Jack, but you do scare me when you talk like that!”

“And why is that?” He demands in mock outrage.

“Well the voice coming from the person is just completely wrong. A posh voice from a pirate doesn’t really fit,” you grin, picturing a clean and fresh Jack in your mind’s eye.

“I’m sorry if it annoys you, luv, but you may be forced to listen to a few more in the days to come,” he trails off, watching your face as you interpret the words.

“What do you mean?” You ask curiously, interested in what the daft pirate had planned now.

He pauses dramatically, “I recently received a letter from dear Elizabeth requesting your presence at her home in Port Royal.”

“Jack, we’re going to see them?” You exclaim with a huge smile on your face at the prospect of seeing your friend again. “Why does she want me there though, nothing is wrong I hope.”

“Nothing at all,” he confirms with a knowing nod and you watch him suspiciously.

“You know don’t you?” Jack nods smugly. “Oh Jack, please tell me.”

“Persuade me,” he whispers suggestively and the gold in his mouth shows up more.

“I am confined by limited space and can not persuade you in the ways which are most appropriate so it would be in your best interests to tell me, or I will tip you into the water,” you threaten, but the humour stays in your posture and voice.

“I’d like to see you try,” he challenges, not realising he has just made the fatal mistake of battling your pride and stubborn streak.

You lean heavily on one side of the boat so it starts to dip in the water and ask sweetly, “Still won’t tell me?”

“No.” He replies shifting to the opposite side of the boat so the weight evens up.

“Now?” You ask, leaning down heavier.

“No,” he responds cheekily and you notice he leans down heavier but it makes him unsteady and off balance.

“Last chance Jack, now?” You ask innocently, staying rooted in your position and smirk to yourself as he shakes his head.

Like lightning you jump across at his unprotected form and push him straight over the edge of the low boat. A resounding crash of water sprays over you and the boat as he disappears beneath the surface of the crystal blue waters. You can’t contain the bubbles of laughter that rise up in you and so give way to your giggling and lie back in the boat feeling gloriously contented.

A red bandana breaks the surface next to you and you smirk as his whole head comes into view. Jack opens his eyes and blinks rapidly a few times before glaring at you. “Maddy!” He says forcefully.

“Aye Jack?” You reply, smiling sweetly. “Will you tell me now?”

Jack sighs, but a small chuckle breaks from his lips as his hands grip onto the boat that is now floating about a metre from the Pearl. Some of the crew break into loud laughter and you both look up to see Gibbs and a few others guffawing and calling others to the edge. “Ta Maddy,” Jack mutters, hoisting himself heavily into the seat once more.

“You’re welcome,” you reply with a fantastic grin on your face. “And you didn’t answer my question.”

Jack rolls his eyes but looks at you, “It would seem you are to be fitted for a bridesmaid’s dress for the upcoming wedding of young William and Elizabeth.”

You look at him warily, “A bridesmaid, me?”

“And a good one you will make as well,” Jack confirms before shaking violently and drenching you with the cold, salty water.

“Jack!” You exclaim.

“Aye, luv?” He replies, just as sweetly as you did earlier, and you sigh.

“Let’s just get back to the Pearl, eh?” You say as the boat bumps against the edge of the ship. The ropes are thrown down the side and Jack motions for you to go first. Smiling, you reach across for the ropes but scream as the boat moves from beneath your feet and you plummet straight into the cold water.

“JACK!” You shout as your head breaks the surface and glare at the pirate who is chuckling to himself in the boat.

“Well I couldn’t let you get away with that, could I?” he grins, and you smile as he guides you up the ropes and onto the ship.

* * * * *

A/N: Thanks to Gabrielle!

* * * * *

CHAPTER 14

You shiver as you follow Jack up the side of the ship, cursing violently under your breath. “That was completely uncalled for, Sparrow!” You snap, glaring up at him.

Jack smirks, deliberately baiting you, “Maybe, but I enjoyed every minute.”

Your snort of amusement reaches him very quickly along with the riposte, “You’re such a child.”

Jack pauses on the ladder and looks directly down at you, smirking as he notices your shirt is not the usual white it normally was. “They always say children have the most fun.”

“Some would argue against that point,” you point out dryly.

Jack reaches the deck of the Pearl and pulls himself up, immediately turning to block your way past him. You regard him suspiciously; he wasn’t going to push you off again, was he? His lips drop to your ear as he husks, “Should we be the ones to provide evidence?”

A sly smirk breaks across your lips, but you push him aside. It’s only then that you realise the whole crew has stopped and is staring avidly at both of you. An unusual blush creeps over your cheeks as the parrot squawks something about ‘pair of lovebirds’, and you quickly lower your head. “So this is awkward.”

Jack sways round look at the crew suspiciously. The moment pauses for another second before Jack summons, “Mr. Gibbs.”

The portly man, who was also enjoying the entertainment, coughs slightly and then rounds on the crew. “Back to work ye dogs!”

Jack watches until the crew has dispersed before turning back to you with a smirk, “I’ll look forward to your company, luv.”

As Jack saunters away towards his cabin, you feel a hot blush spreading over your cheeks and turn to the railing to cool off. The reactions, which seemed to be growing in frequency, completely overwhelmed you, and yet it is difficult to pinpoint exactly why they happened.

“What happened?” A voice asks from nearby, and you look to your left to see Anamaria leaning casually against the edge, a smirk on her lips.

“Whatever do you mean, Ana?” You ask, turning around and squinting as the sun is at its brightest hour. Although, it is helping to dry your soaked clothes.

Nonchalantly she glances at your pink face, “Between you and that daft pirate.”

“Nothing,” comes the inevitable riposte.

“I knew it!” She exclaims with a grin, “Physical contact has occurred.”

You scoff, turning to face the dark skinned woman. “Ana, don’t be so ridiculous. Where on earth would you get that idea from?”

She meets your eyes with a look that really irritates you. It can only be classed as knowing. “Who else knows?”

“About what?” You say, deliberately annoying her and playing innocent.

Sticking one forefinger in your face threateningly, she growls, “Madeline Louise, don’t be so infuriating!”

“Me?” You answer, pressing your hands together in a Jack imitation of being an angel. Funny how that description could be so different from the pirate.

“Yes you. Now tell me everything,” she states with a smirk on her lips.

You grin and turn back to the rail so the conversation would be kept private for at least now. Ana leans in close to hear the story, but before you can start a voice calls out to you, “Maddy, can you give me a hand with this pet?”

Ana shrieks in annoyance and throws her hands up in irritation as you face the first mate, “Of course, Gibbs.” Throwing Ana a smug look you say airily, “Speak to you later.”

“You will!” She hisses and you chuckle as you walk away.

* * * *

Jack sat heavily in one chair, checking the routes to Port Royal before abandoning it and running one hand down his face. He couldn’t concentrate. One person seemed to be filling all his thoughts, and there was nothing he could do to stop them coming. True, he had probably made the situation worse for himself by furthering the relationship the two of you shared but in the heat of the moment, Jack hadn’t been able to help himself.

One thing that impressed Jack more than anything was the trust you had placed in him. He would never have told you all those things about his past without leaving things out or manipulating them, but he knew that your tales were honest. Like this evening, for instance, there is a high chance that the story you want to hear is one that Jack won’t want to tell you, so he will just, modify it. He is a pirate after all, and although he isn’t exactly your stereotype, there are certain things that are engraved in his personality. Modifying reality had let him out of many bad situations in the past.

He sighs, slamming one bottle of rum down onto the desk to vent his frustration. What was it about you that made him feel differently? He knew that he was protective, and it infuriated him. Jack didn’t feel any of those emotions when it was Ana who was speaking to another man, so why with you? Both you and Ana were strong enough both physically and emotionally to fight for yourselves, so why did he have such contrasting attitudes concerning you? It is a mystery to Jack. All he really understood was that you were coming to his cabin tonight, again possibly not the wisest move, and he had agreed to tell you about his past. Why did he agree to that? You seemed to have an unknown knack of making Jack agree to things that didn’t suit him. Bloody minx.

* * * *

With butterflies fluttering in your stomach, you traipse up one of the corridors in the direction of Jack’s cabin. You had left going to your evening’s entertainment until as late as possible, even though you cursed yourself for acting so foolishly. It sounds stupid to say but you are nervous. Nervous of precisely what, you are not entirely sure but know that this evening will probably make or break your relationship with Jack. You would be astounded if he didn’t try to pursue you again tonight, considering the events of the last few days. Then again, if Jack wasn’t so unpredictable, he wouldn’t be Jack.

Anamaria smirks as she follows you silently, her wonderings about your destination now confirmed. Though not being a person to make life easy for you, she catches up and smirking, asks, “Where are you going?”

Your head jerks up at the voice and your heart sinks. If Ana didn’t know where you were going before, she did now. Veering off down one corridor in completely the opposite direction to Jack’s, you curse mentally. Another few minutes wouldn’t hurt. “None of your business,” you reply curtly.

“Jack’s cabin,” she drawls, keeping pace with you.

So she did know. That was going to make your life fun for the next three days or however long she thinks it is fun to Jack tease. “What? Why would I be going there?” You answer evasively.

“Because you’re both in that place that neither of you will admit you are in!” She declares with a happy smirk as though this fact should be obvious to you.

You turn and glare at her, before replying in a loud voice that brokers no arguments. “If that place you are referring to is about being in love, then you are sorely mistaken.” Unfortunately, a loud cheer goes up in a room off to your right and you and Ana both look to see a group of the loudest crew hollering at your words. Both of you glare fiercely at them before striding past, and they quieten with only hushed chuckles.

Two steps from the room, Ana continues as though nothing just happened. “See! The classic sign: denial!” Her tone of complete knowledge irritates you, and you can feel the familiar frustration building in your stomach but squash it. It would not be good to cause an argument over this.

You look back at the woman and sigh inwardly at the determination on her face. “This is madness!” You exclaim, throwing your hands up in the air.

“The maddest people are geniuses,” she quips, lightening the mood slightly, and you smirk as the predictable answer tumbles from your lips,

“Well I’m not sure about that assessment.”

Ana continues as though she didn’t hear your sarcastic response, “It’s about time too.”

“That you are not a genius? I’m afraid I’ve known that for a while,” you reply with a tap to your head, entering your cabin after walking a full loop.

“That you and Sparrow are finally listening to yourselves,” she cuts above your voice, following you into the room and standing with her back against the closed door.

You turn to face her, emotion written across your face. “Ana, I am not in love with him.”

She surveys you in silence for a moment before a small smile curls her lips. “You know I don’t believe a word of it,” she says quietly.

“Maybe I don’t care what you think,” you defend, turning back to the hammock and busying yourself with folding the sheet.

“I have no doubt,” she mutters and you smile mutely. The silence hangs between you for a moment before she adds, “I’m happy for you, Maddy, truly happy.”

Before you have a chance to reply, the wooden door clicks shut.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 15

Standing outside Jack’s cabin door, you mentally argue with yourself about what is the best knock. A simple knock or a more complex one in the rhyme of a tune? Stop delaying it, you stupid girl, and just knock. You bring your hand to the wood and automatically knock two beats in very quick succession. Damn, you look nervous and choreographed.

“Come in,” Jack calls, and you take a deep breath to steady yourself.

Pushing open the door, you enter with a large, fixed smile. “Evening.”

With his booted feet crossed on the table, Jack surveys you quietly for a moment, and those darned nerves suddenly increase under his scrutiny. Finally, just as you reach the point where you could bolt from the cabin, Jack speaks. “Well don’t just stand there looking damned attractive; sit down.”

You smile, relieved that the tension has broken and flop down in the chair opposite. Your feet mirror Jack’s and you tip the chair back so it’s standing on only two feet. “So what do you propose we do this evening?” You ask curiously, locking eyes with the pirate and then rolling said eyes as his expression says it all, “Apart from that.”

Jack smirks and points a ringed forefinger at you, “I thought I’d already told you that you are to set the rules tonight.”

“And you are willing to let that happen?” You question with the lilt of humour to your voice.

Fingering the bottleneck in his right hand, Jack’s other hand dances as he speaks to you. “Like I said, I owe you fun, something I never like admitting to, so you’d better not waste this golden opportunity,” he smiles, showing you the gold in his teeth.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” you quip, though your brain is thinking through all the grey areas of Jack’s past that he has mentioned fleetingly but never explained.

From the thoughts that are clearly running though your eyes, it doesn’t take a mind reader to work out what you are planning so Jack finds it easy to interrupt. “Speaking of dreams, have you had any… interesting ones recently?” He asks innocently.

Snapping from the thoughts and making sure your face is blank, you question, “No, what would make you say that?”

“I was just wondering if they were a regular thing or not,” he says wickedly, subtly letting you know but allowing the anxiety to simmer.

“Jack,” you warn, meeting his eyes and silently telling him that he shouldn’t head down that path of conversation.

Unable to keep the smirk off his face, he ignores your warning, “Aye? I’m only telling the truth, which is something I rarely get praised for now I think about it.”

“I thought we were supposed to be talking about you.” Raising an eyebrow, you give him one more chance to get the hint. Both of you don’t want to talk about yourselves but you have a better reason considering the topic holds infinite embarrassment whereas Jack is just more secretive.

“It’s alright, darling. I’m honoured,” he tells you, watching as you try to hide the pleased smirk that plays on your face.

Clearing your throat, you decide the conversation has centred on you for long enough. “So moving on…” you begin before Jack cuts over you.

“I think we should get more comfortable before we start this,” he drawls, standing from the chair, one hand around the bottle, the other describing his point.

“That depends on your definition of getting comfortable,” you ask suspiciously, rocking on the legs of the chair.

“Can a man do nothing honourable anymore without being questioned?” Jack sighs dramatically.

A small chuckle escapes you, and you raise your eyebrows sarcastically. “A pirate like yourself can’t, no.”

He rolls his eyes in an injured way though the humour in his eyes belies it. “I mean sitting somewhere that has more padding than these chairs. Trust me now?” He asks, unable to stop from adding, “I don’t bite.”

Mirroring his eye rolling, you reply, “Unless I want you to, yes, I’ve heard that one before.”

“I must be becoming repetitive,” he says pulling a troubled look before sitting back on the bed and motioning for you to join him.

“How will the world survive?” You joke, raising one hand dramatically to your brow whilst walking over to the bed. It was probably a bad idea but to hell with it. Sliding up next to Jack so your backs rest against the wall, you accept a bottle from Jack and clink them together with resounding, “Cheers.”

Taking a drink from the bottle, you let Jack’s arm drop around your shoulders and pull you ever so slightly closer. The silence is comforting compared to the ones you and Ana shared earlier, but it gives you time to reflect.

Jack looks down from his position above your head in confusion. “That was a mighty big sigh for someone who is supposedly comfortable. Do you want to tell me what’s wrong?” He asks gently, squeezing your shoulder slightly.

“I’m just relaxed. I never thought I would be sitting here with my best friend a year ago,” you lie, although that statement is true.

Jack nods, “Mmm, life’s good if you stop worrying about it.”

“I’m sure it is,” you laugh. “Maybe I need lessons.”

Chuckling, Jack shrugs and pauses for just a second. “Now are you going to tell me the real reason for that sigh, or am I going to have to force it out of you?”

You wince. Stupid intuition. “That sounds painful,” you joke, looking up at him.

“It doesn’t have to be. Please tell me, luv; I hate it when I can’t help you.” Jack’s eyes look sincere, and you sigh again, cursing for doing that. Looking back at him, the immediate curse leaves your mouth as he is pulling the injured puppy look. It damages your resistance and you squeeze your eyes shut, groaning.

“Fine as long as you stop using that look; it’s completely unfair,” you snap, jabbing your forefinger into his arm.

Jack pulls it one more time but fortunately wipes it off his face as your glare. “Stop trying to deflect attention,” he tells you sternly.

“Alright, alright.” Conceding, you meet his eyes, “I’m worried Jack, worried about the clue and worried about that woman.”

Jack’s brow furrows and the hand on the bottle moves to his words, “By that woman I assume you mean Jessica.” He is rewarded with a nod, and your dark hair swishes against his neck. “What worries you?”

Rubbing one temple with your fingers, Jack’s hand unconsciously holds you tighter. “It’s obvious she has something up her sleeve or up her dress if I know her.”

Jack tensed slightly, feeling guilty from already submitting to her charms. “Maddy, you have no reason to worry about her affecting you.”

Sitting up more vertically, you stare down at your hands resting on your bent knees before answering softly, “You don’t know what she’s like. How she can manipulate people and turn friends against each other. I would hate for that to happen to us.”

The pirate smiles at the gentleness in your words. “It won’t, darling.”

“How can you be so confident about that?” Questioning, you shift uncomfortably. Jessica is a mood killer and she isn’t even here. Fantastic.

“Because I won’t let it happen to us. We’re far too good together.” Jack smiles, tapping his fingers lightly on your shoulder.

You also smile, comforted by his words. “You know Ana was teasing me earlier.”

He grins; it had been obviously something had unsettled you when you came in. “I did wonder. About what? I could punish her if it would make you happy.”

The comment makes you laugh. Jack would never do that, but his bravo made you feel slightly proud of yourself. Deciding to test his reaction, you tell the truth. “She has this crazy theory that we are in love.”

“And what would give her that idea?” He asks with a forced amount of humour in his tone.

You shrug casually, “I don’t know. That’s precisely what I asked, but she just gives me this knowing look.”

“You’re lucky, if that was me, my left cheek would probably be stinging by now,” Jack shakes his head, making the beads jingle.

“True. But you have to admit you do deserve them sometimes,” baiting him, you wait for his reaction which is simultaneous.

“I do not! Name five occasions when I have deserved to be slapped,” you chuckle quietly and look at him whilst borrowing Ana’s knowing expression. “That are related to Anamaria,” he corrects, smirking as the look is wiped off your face.

You laugh and pull away from him. Now sitting opposite him with your legs crossed you raise one hand to count of the points. “Well, first you stole her boat,” you say, checking off the first finger.

“Actually I prefer ‘borrowed without permission’,” he interrupts whilst rolling his fingers into his palm.

“Same thing. Then you sailed to Port Royal in said boat and destroyed it,” you laugh, checking of number two.

Jack winces, thinking of good way to put the next excuse, “Well there was only one of me, and it was only by chance that I didn’t notice the precise location of the rocks.”

You grin, touching one finger to your chin in thought. “So then you promised to give her the Interceptor,” you trail off in amusement.

Rolling his eyes, Jack interjects with both forefingers held in front of him, “Actually it was William who suggested that.”

“But you still agreed. So finally Ana has her sights set on a new ship when suddenly it gets blown up. You wouldn’t have had anything to do with that would you?” You question after dramatically emphasising your speech and Jack makes a noise of protest.

“Ah no, you can’t blame me for that one,” he says, sitting up quickly and the rum sloshes around in the bottle he’s clutching.

“Really?” you ask sarcastically.

Jack nods emphatically, “Aye, William should never have taken Elizabeth and run off without me.”

“Well you should have been paying more attention to what he was doing with the oars,” you reply, completely amused even after hearing the story many times.

“I was more concerned with the speech my mutinous first mate was giving rather than thinking about being betrayed by the boy I’d sworn to help!” Jack defends, placing his hands in the air, palms facing you.

“Another good point,” you joke.

Jack reclines back against the wall once more. “Ta, luv.”

You pause for just one moment before speaking, “So technically, you still owe Ana a ship. You could just give her the Pearl.”

Jack sits forward in his haste to correct you, “WHAT? She should be satisfied that she’s even working on a ship, especially under my captaincy! Give her the Pearl, are you daft lass?” The giggles you have been trying to contain start spilling from your lips and you duck your head down, unfortunately Jack notices. “Ah so you were just teasing me. Well, those who laugh at the formidable Captain Sparrow have to pay a price,” he threatens.

“And what price would that be?” You ask warily, with a huge smirk on your face.

Jack sets the rum bottle down on the table beside him with a mischievous look. “This,” he replies simply before launching himself at you. You’re caught completely off guard and squeal loudly as he launches a tickling attack.

Whilst trying to get Jack’s hands off your sides, you roll around the bed in hysterical laughter shrieking, “Jack! Stop it!”

Finally Jack gives pity on you and breathing a sigh of relief, you run your hands down your face in attempt to calm down. Sitting forwards again you smirk at the pirate opposite, “I was right, you really are a child.”

Holding up one finger to silence you, Jack takes a gulp from the bottle before replying arrogantly, “There’s nothing childish about me luv.”

You grin but don’t comment on that statement. It was true in your opinion. Lying flat on your stomach, you rest your head on the pillows and look up at Jack. He’s still sitting against the wall, with a bottle in one hand and a triumphant smile on his face. The rocking of the Pearl is calming and it successfully helps relax you after Jack’s attack.

“How did you get the Pearl, Jack?” You lift your head slightly to look up at him and prop your elbow against the pillows.

Jack turns silently to regard you but his dark eyes hold humour. “I was wondering how long it would take for you to decide on a story.”

“A surprisingly long time. There was a rum soaked pirate that kept distracting me,” you jibe, bobbing out your tongue.

One ringed finger ends up pointing at your face, making you go slightly cross eyed. “Don’t make me punish you again,” he smirks.

“Well it was rather enjoyable.” Laughing you take a sip from your own bottle before gesturing with it, “Go on.”

Jack sighs and looks down at you before starting the tale, “Well I owned the Pearl long before that was her name.”

“What was her name before?” You interrupt, curiosity already brimming inside and Jack sighs as it’s visible in your eyes. This was going to be a long night.

“Shh luv. Let me start from the beginning,” he chides gently and you grin, motioning a zipping action across your lips. “Now I did not choose to be a pirate, I became a pirate because that is what life dealt me, much the same as you. My first important job was, believe it or not, with the East India Trading Company.” You look at him in astonishment, not able to contain the snort of disbelief from escaping. “I know ironic isn’t it?”

“You could say that. So what was your job?” You question, lying down once more.

“I was a Captain even then,” Jack explains and you nod.

“On the Pearl? But I thought you just said that you weren’t a pirate.” Looking up into his eyes, you wonder on the credibility of this story.

“If you stop interrupting me and listen, it will make sense!” He scolds and you take a sip from the bottle with an innocent expression. “My job was to sail from place A to place B, deliver whatever cargo I had on board and then turn around and do the same thing.”

“But you didn’t like that.”

“And why would you think that?” Jack asks gently, running his hand through your loose hair.

“Because you wouldn’t have had the freedom that you crave so badly. The Pearl is your only love,” you state wisely.

Jack smiles and nods, though removes his hand as he realises where it is, “Very good, luv.”

“Thank you.” Smugly you glance up at him for the next part of the tale.

“I had that job for a few years and became more and more irritated until one day I was told that I had new cargo to transport, and that’s when I refused to do it.” The pirate stops as though lost in his thoughts of disgust.

You watch, enthralled. “What was the cargo?”

“Slaves,” he recalls, watching as you pull a face. That had to be the worst thing a person was forced to do.

“Oh,” comes your quiet reply.

Jack grins, “Yes, that’s the very toned down version of what I said. As I was only the captain I never knew what the cargo was, so you can imagine my surprise when this pompous trading officer told me.”

Leaning closer in thought, your head tilts to one side, “What did you do?”

The silence is broken with the rum sloshing around the bottle in Jack’s hand before his deep voice answers, “Turned around and headed back to Africa even though I knew I’d probably get arrested.”

“And yet you did it anyway,” you say, admiration colouring your tone.

His deep eyes met yours and a small smile breaks onto his lips, “Well, slavery isn’t a life for anyone. Even I can see that.”

Unable to pull away from his gaze your hand touches his cheek softly, “I know you won’t admit it, but just inside you there is a very kind hearted man.”

Jack glances down at your hand and you remove it quickly. The pirate captain is quicker however, and catches it, entwining your fingers together. “I’m glad you think so, Maddy, and beneath your mask there is the exact same thing.”

“I don’t have a mask,” you deny.

One of Jack’s eyebrows disappears under his bandana in disbelief that you can’t see the obvious. “Anyone could build it up again in a few seconds if they said the right things. It’s not bad, just as long as you can bring it down every so often,” he tells you gently, stroking the back of your palm with his roughened thumb.

Reading the emotion in his eyes, you whisper, “Like now, you mean.”

“Exactly like now,” he husks, leaning in towards you but you look down to avoid it.

“So what was the ship actually called? You never told me,” you ask, breaking the moment.

“The Wicked Wench,” Jack replies, sitting back against the wall and looking at you forlornly.

“Why does that not surprise me?” You smile and bring back a humour to the conversation. “So what happened after you went back to Africa?”

Jack sighs, moving the bottle around in time to his words, “Unsurprisingly, I was arrested by Lord Cutler Beckett, imprisoned and then branded a pirate after all my hard work for them.”

“Bugger,” escapes your lips before curiosity over takes them once more. “How did you escape?”

“See that’s when it gets really impressive, luv. There just happened to be a very big explosion, which had absolutely nothing to do with me. It blew off the entire brick wall of my cell and I escaped,” Jack recites.

“Absolutely nothing to do with you?” You repeat incredulously.

“Aye, it wasn’t my fault that the pompous officer on the ship, who had told them about my refusal, had picked up my rum flask instead of his water one. He should have cured his bad habit of throwing things in the fire when he got angry.” A smirk curls Jack’s lips as the thought, causing you to laugh.

“And that’s when you sailed over here?” You finish.

Jack narrows his eyes in thought, “More or less, aye luv.”

“To become the most feared pirate in the entire world,” you mumble sleepily, resting your head back against the pillow.

“That’s the one, luv,” Jack answers watching as you get tired and pull his fingers closer.

Yawning, you look up into his dark coloured eyes, “I’m not sure whether I fear you but you’re my favourite pirate in the world.”

Jack chuckles quietly as your eyes close once more. “And you’re my favourite pirate lass,” he whispers gently, running a casual finger across your cheek.

Leaving your eyes tightly closed, your words muffled by another yawn. “I hope so, along with the Wicked Wench.”

“Course you are, darling,” he whispers, leaning down to press his lips to your forehead. “Sweet dreams.”

* * * * *

A/N: Many thanks to Gabrielle for being so speedy.

TBC...

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