The Map

A/N: POTC still doesn’t belong to me and I’m not gaining anything from this but a buzz.

Thanks to the great and good AniSparrow for her usual undaunted efforts in making this readable. Any errors/spelling mistakes are all mine.

This gets a little steamy in places, so if you want the full version take a trip to A D U L T Fanfiction. N E T and look under the POTC section in movies. My pen name over there is boshomengro…. Don’t ask!

Hope you enjoy it though. Any and all reviews will stoke the fires of inspiration and are greatly received.

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Jack turned the key in the lock and just leant back against the door. He could see Nell was shivering, whether from cold, or anticipation, or nerves he wasn’t sure; perhaps even all three. He had to take stock; control his urge to grab her and throw her down onto the bunk claim her. He shifted from the door and moved forwards, shrugging out of his coat as he walked; he watched her swallow hard at his actions, the apprehension in her eyes clear for him to see. He stopped beside the tub and slipped out of his waistcoat, letting it drop to where he’d discarded his coat.

“Right then, Nell, in you go else the water will be cold,” he said, his voice low and calm.

Nell blinked at him, surprised when he reached out and gripped her elbow urging her into the tub. She stepped in and sat down; sighing as the water closed over her.

“Does your shoulder still ache?” Jack asked her quietly as he knelt down, resting his chin on his arms across the side of the tub.

Nell stared at him, her arms folded over her chest and her knees raised in the confines of the small barrel. “A little,” she admitted; the warmth of the water seemed to amplify the various aches and pains she’d acquired on the island.

“The warm water will ease out a lot of the pain,” he said quietly, a husky tone in his voice now. He kept his eyes level with hers, waiting till she eased slightly - he wouldn’t rush this, wouldn’t rush her; he’d wait till she was at ease with him. Jack realised that now might not even be the right time for he knew that several of the crew were preparing some food for everyone who had returned from the island and soon enough someone would be banging on the door. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t just touch her a little, relax her enough to make tonight easier on both of them.

Jack looked around and seeing a cloth that Lady Clarence had put out with some soap, and reached over and picked it up. “Lean forward, darlin’, and I’ll wash your back,” he whispered, desire darkening his voice.

Nell watched wide eyed as he wet the cloth and ran the soap over it. He had to rub quite hard to get any sort of lather from the lump of hard soap, but soon enough he was stroking the cloth over her back, while Nell rested her cheek on her knees, her arms clasped around them as she looked at him. His strokes were light, circles on her skin, starting at her neck and going in wide circles below the water and across the top of her buttocks.

“Jack…”

“Shhh!” Jack watched as his hands traced over the markings on her back. He let the cloth slide over her skin and leaning forwards he kissed her cheek gently. “Just let me touch you, Nell.” He licked at the shell of her ear, pleased when she shivered in response and her eyes darkened. “For now, just touch you.”

She nodded, not really knowing nor caring to what extent he meant. She lifted her head and kissed him back; his hands caught her shoulders, the cloth clutched in one hand as he pushed her gently backwards and leaned in to sear her lips with a kiss that branded into her brain and soul his possession of her.

Nell’s breathing hitched as she felt him shift and lift her foot drawing the cloth over the foot and up her calf, lingering over her knee and then moving inside her leg, moving in slow circles as he inched upwards. She could feel something building deep in the pit of her stomach; an ache that was low and throbbing, making her want to move back from him and draw closer to him all at the same time. Her body was languid as he reached the apex of her thighs, and she sucked in her breath when he lifted the cloth before he could touch her, moving down to her other foot. Nell let her head sink back as he paid careful attention to her other leg, drawing the cloth over her hip and up onto her stomach, moving upwards in slow circles that made Nell want to squirm, wanted to ask him for something she didn’t really understand.

Jack watched the effect that touching her, but not touching was having on her - her skin was flushed and her eyes were bright with desire. He drew the cloth over her breasts and up her neck, wanting to touch her so badly it was making him ache. “Let me wash your hair,” he whispered.

Nell blinked at him; it was the last thing she expected from him. Expecting him to touch her, find release in her, but not pamper her. “You don’t have to…” Jack stopped her protests with a wink and drew her head back so he could wet the strands, freeing it from the messy plait. He used the soap and Nell discovered how something as simple as having his hands massaging her scalp, could send flames of fire licking through her veins. Jack rinsed her hair and squeezed as much water out of it that he could before he stood up suddenly. Nell was completely at a loss as she watched him cross to pick up the towel. He stepped back to her and waited, holding it open for her. She stood up on shaky legs and he wrapped the towel around her tying it at the front. He lifted her from the tub and set her down on the floor, his hands on her waist.

“I…” she blinked at him again and her surprise at his actions made him feel slightly sad but he wasn’t sure why. He shrugged and stepping forwards slid his hands over her shoulders to cup her upper arms.

“How do you feel now?” he asked her quietly and drew her towards the bunk with him.

“I… thank you,” she said softly. “I’ve never… I feel clean again.” She tried to laugh and failed as she saw the banked desire burning in his eyes. “Jack…”

“Shh,” he turned her, but instead of laying her on the bed he backed her against the bulkhead. “There are so many things I want to do with you,” his voice was low and husky and sent shivers down her spine. “I know you’re a virgin and because of that I can’t rush things. I don’t want to rush things; we have years ahead of us for rushing. But this time, your first time, this has to be done slowly, carefully.” He lifted his hand and stroked a stray damp curl back from her cheek and behind her ear, his eyes glittering as he studied her face.

“Just trust me, Nell,” he whispered softly.

Nell reached forwards and pressed her lips to his, wanting to sink into him. She slid one hand through his hair and pressed her other hand to his chest; she felt him shudder under her touch and it made her want to press her whole body against him. She clutched the material of his shirt and tugged him forwards against her. Wanting - no, needing to feel him against her completely.

“Jack, touch me, please.” Her words were whispered against his lips and it was enough to send all thoughts of anything but her out of his mind. He pressed forwards against her, crushing her breasts against his chest as he his hands slid down her arms, pulling her hands free to press himself against her. He angled his head and deepened the kiss, losing himself completely in the feelings that spiralled out from her.

Jack let go of one of her hands and slowly, very slowly he dipped his fingers inside the cloth and down over her lower stomach. His intentions seeped into her desire addled brain and fissions of fear joined the fire in her veins and she pulled her head back from his, wanting to see his face. His hand crept lower and Nell found herself holding her breath as his eyes caught hers. He didn’t blink as he watched her, his eyelids hooded over black eyes.

“Let me touch you,” he muttered. “Just touch you, Nell, just touch you.” With each whispered word his fingers slid down, brushing over the crisp hair that curled between her legs, until his palm pressed against her and his fingers hooked; sliding between her flesh and pressing on her sensitive spot. Nell’s eyes widened; a gasp leaving her mouth open as he kept his fingers perfectly still. Jack’s eyes were almost shut now, just black, glittering slits watching her as she tried to handle the feeling his touch was creating in her. She could feel her heartbeat racing, could feel every nerve stretched to breaking point, waiting, waiting - but for what she had no idea. Jack very gently stroked his finger up and down her hot, wet flesh, resisting the urge to plunge his finger into her. She was shaking so hard now he could see that it would take little from him to push her over the edge; but he wanted this to last, to last as long as he could handle his own desire. He slid his finger over her gently, knowing exactly when to ease the pressure and when to increase it. Her head was thrown back and her cheeks were flushed, her mouth was open and the most delightful cries came from her. If Jack could define heaven, this would be it, watching Nell in the throes of passion. He hooked his finger until the tip was at her entrance; wondering how she’d react if he slid it inside her, knowing that she’d be hot, wet and very tight. He groaned and moved his finger away; that would be just too much for his self control, knowing that it wasn’t exactly his finger he wanted inside her.

Nell could feel her stomach cramping, coiling as the feelings were building. Her toes were tingling and her legs were shaking, but the feeling low in her body was so intense she wanted to scream. She dragged her head forwards to stare at him, wanted to see his face as he took her to heights she had no idea existed. Her fingers curled into the shirt at his shoulders, her knees buckling, only the hold he had on her was keeping her upright now. She wanted to beg for something, anything, but she had no idea what, so she settled for just begging.

“Please, Jack, please.” Her voice was low with desire and need and it was enough for Jack. He knew what it was she wanted; he knew what she needed, far better than she did and he knew how to give it to her. He brought his finger back to her tight bud and pressed gently; rubbing it expertly and watched proudly as he sent her flying, giving her the friction she needed to spiral out of control, and watched entranced as her eyes shut and his name left her lips, her body was shaking and she was trying hard to move away from the intensity he was creating in her, but he wouldn’t allow that and he kept his other hand on her waist, anchoring her to the wall, not allowing her any movement. He saw the moment she climaxed, watched as she exploded before him and it nearly undid him. Jack caught her mouth roughly in a bruising kiss, partly to muffle the scream that left her throat and partly because if he didn’t kiss her he’d die from sheer frustration. He kept his fingers working on her, drawing the sensations out as far as he could and then he drew his hand away from her and held her close as she came back down, shaking and muttering his name over and over. He held his desire tightly in control as he cuddled her close, holding her up and kissing her hair and face. Her hands slid over his back and down to tug his shirt free from his britches till she could slide her hands up and over his bare flesh. He shuddered, her touch sending darts of pleasure through him and doing nothing to ease his desire for her.

She felt him moving back from her and it left her feeling bereft. She looked at him, his dark eyes smouldering with repressed desire; she didn’t know much about the art of love making but she did know he had not found release.

“Jack, please…” she lifted her hand to his face and watched as his eyes almost closed against her feather light touch on his cheek. “Don’t stop, please, I know you need…” she blushed unable to put it into words.

“Nell, there’s not the time…” he vaguely wondered if he’d taken a blow to his head. He had never, ever refused a woman before and certainly not one he wanted more than life.

“Make time, Jack,” she whispered and slid her hand down over his chest and onto his stomach. She didn’t know what she was doing, she could only guess, but as her fingers drifted to the top of his sash, the look in his eyes told her she was heading in the right direction. He sucked in his breath and caught her hand in his before she could do any more damage to his self-control. She shifted; the ache in her stomach returning, she wanted more from him, she wanted to take it to the completion that she knew he needed. She leaned forwards and pressed her lips to his, her other hand went to his shoulder, her fingers sliding up his neck and into his hairline. She felt him shudder against her touch and it made her bold; she slid her tongue across his lips gently, loving the feel and taste of him. His hands went to the edges of the towel and pulled it apart letting it drop the floor and leaving her completely naked before him. He lifted his head to rake his eyes over her; her hands helping him to shrug from his shirt, letting it join the towel on the floor. She let out a gasp at his response; he shuddered and growled as his mouth went to her throat, his teeth and lips worshipping her with a desire that stole her breath away and left her hanging onto him desperately.

“Nell, I want…”

What Jack wanted was left unsaid as someone banged on the door. “What?” he yelled angrily. “And it had better be life or death!”

“Food fer the young miss,” came the reply. “And a ship’s bin spot’ed on the ‘orizon, due east.”

Nell recognised the voice of Amos, the man who had taken over some of Soames and Jimmy’s duties in the galley while they healed from the shot wounds. She coloured up slightly as it sank in that he knew they were both in here together, and she took a deep breath, realising that she would indeed need to get used to the idea of everyone knowing the relationship between her and Jack.

“One moment!” Jack called and shuddering slightly he stood back from Nell and picked up the towel wrapping it around her again, then took a deep breath, one hand covering his face as he fought to gain control again. Nell reached out and touched his hand gently; he lifted his head and looked at her, his eyes were dark with desire still and his face flushed.

“Don’t move,” he muttered and turned to sway towards the door, not even taking note that he wore nothing but his britches. He opened the door and took the tray from the older man stood there. Amos kept his eyes averted from looking into the room, but the wicked grin on his face made Nell blush.

“We be bound for La Romana still, Capt’n, but Mister Gibbs fears a storm be brewing… wants ter know if ‘e should ‘ead for cover.” Amos spoke quietly, but Nell heard him.

“Tell Mister Gibbs to hold course, I’ll be there presently,” Jack said shortly and stood back from the door, letting Amos close it for him. He turned and took the tray to the table; he glanced up at Nell and rolled his eyes. “You need to dress, in case there is a storm,” he said resignedly. “I want nothing better than to stay here…” he stopped, watching as Nell turned to where the clean clothes lay.

Nell looked up at him, holding the shirt and britches in one hand while her other hand held the towel closed. Shyness stopped her from letting the towel fall and dress in front of him. He arched an eyebrow and grinned wickedly at her.

“I’m a fool to turn away from you lass,” he said slowly. “Nell, wait here for me, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Nell nodded and gasped when he moved quickly towards her, grabbing her head in his hands and covering her lips in a demanding, passionate kiss before turning and leaving the cabin quickly, shutting the door behind him with a bang.


“Ships’ been spotted of the Starboard, Capt’n,” came Gibbs’s shout as soon as he saw Jack emerge onto deck. “And the Commodore is asking for you - it concerns Nell, but that’s all he’ll say.” Gibbs waited till Jack drew level with him and then he dropped his voice. “He knows Nell won’t be leaving at Port Royal; he overheard one of the crew talking about it.”

“It’s none of his business,” Jack ground out. His mood had gone from buoyant to foul in less than ten seconds. He’d be glad when he sent the red-coats and their Commodore packing. “What of this ship?” he asked Gibbs.

“Too far to be certain if it’s naval or merchant,” Gibbs sighed looking up at the clouds that were gathering to the east. “It it’s naval we could always signal them and off-load the red-coats; but what about that storm, we’re close enough to Aruba to find safe harbour.” The sky was an unusual colour; half of it was brilliant oranges and reds from the setting sun; but the dark storm clouds in the east that hid the start of the evening sky were threatening and not to be ignored.

“If it weren’t for Will and Elizabeth I’d be off-loading them into the middle of the bloody sea, mate,” Jack groused, taking the glass from Gibbs and peering out at the ship. It was still too far to be absolutely certain, but it would be just his luck to be the first of a whole fleet of naval ships. “Bloody Red-coats!” he cursed. “Buggers are everywhere these days!” He lowered the glass and turned to study the sky, one hand on his hip the other tapping the glass against his chest. He saw Norrington climb the steps to them out of the corner of his eye but gave no indication he’d seen them.

“Head for Aruba.” Jack commanded. “It’s closer than either La Romana or Port au Prince and it headed away from the storm.”

“If she’s naval we can’t lose them!” Bryant said quickly as they drew level with them.

“Can’t you lot find a better job to do?” Jack grumbled and indicated to Gibbs he would take the wheel.

“And what could possibly be better than chasing and capturing pirates?” Bryant asked in mock innocence.

“I would imagine you would have no idea, mate, considering that you’ve yet to actually capture a pirate.” Jack grinned slyly at him. “Although now you know the allure of possessing treasure, I think the shine from capturing a pirate will pale in comparison somewhat.”

“Being a Red-Coat is more than wealth, Sparrow, it’s honour!” Bryant replied with no apparent malice in his voice. “Something you’ve yet to prove you possess.”

“Honour, honour!” Jack shook his head, his thoughts went back to when Nell accused him of having no honour either. “Shall I spell it for you?” He grinned at his own joke, knowing that none of them would have the foggiest notion what he was on about.

“Are you an honourable man, Jack?” Norrington spoke up, his hands going behind his back. “Or is it all ‘wind and water’ as you so like to say?”

Jack looked briefly at Norrington before nodding to Gibbs to leave them. Norrington looked at Bryant and indicated for him to go too. Bryant was surprised at being dismissed but he made his way down the steps with Gibbs grinning at him evilly.

“What will you do?” asked Norrington looking out at the ship.

“Ignore her - take you to Port Royal as my honour dictates,” Jack slurred sarcastically. “But first, we’ll make a change in plans and head to Aruba for supplies instead of La Romana; it doesn’t make much difference as to where the supplies come from.”

“And if she’s naval and heads this way?”

“Well then we’ll change plans again and you can signal her and tell them to withhold fire and we’ll deposit you and the Turners and your ten percent aboard. Then we’ll wave goodbye to you and sail off to shores unknown, well, to you they’ll be unknown, I, of course, know exactly where we’ll be going and it won’t be into that storm!”

“So that’ll be Mister Bryant, myself, my sailors, the Turners, Lady Clarence and Miss Nell that’ll leave this ship?” Norrington stared out over the sea; hands behind his back and standing ramrod straight, his bearing every bit the Commodore, despite the borrowed clothes he was wearing.

Jack knew where he was going with his words and made a non-committal noise in the back of his throat before starting to whistle a sea shanty.

“You’re going to make me drag this out aren’t you?” Norrington mused, his eyes still on the horizon where the ship was.

“And what would that be?” asked Jack, refusing to help him in any way.

“You intend on making her stay here, don’t you?” Norrington looked sideways at Jack before looking back out.

Jack considered playing the fool, but he was too tired and his temper wouldn’t stretch that far. “If you are referring, in your own subtle way, to Nell, then no,” Jack replied. “I don’t consider making her do anything. Nell is an adult, she makes her own choices.” Jack’s voice held only a slight hint of a slur.

“She is an adult, but she’s also led a very sheltered life. She has little to no experience of dealing with the real world.” Norrington frowned and lifted his chin slightly. “She has nothing which she can compare to find her true feelings; she knows nothing of herself or her past, except what you will choose to tell her.”

Jack looked at Norrington, his hands tightened on the spokes of the wheel. Anger raced through him at Norrington’s words, but he remained closed lipped and chose to keep his thoughts to himself.

“Tell her what she needs to know; let her return to Port Royal with us,” Norrington continued quietly making Jack look at him suspiciously.

“How much do you know?” he asked looking back out over the sea, making slight alterations to the wheel without checking his compass.

“It didn’t click till De Mornay was shouting in the monastery. I didn’t make the connection, different last names – before my time in Port Royal.” Norrington shrugged.

“So you know about her parents,” Jack muttered.

“Montilice threw me at first; I don’t know where that name comes from.” Norrington took a deep breath. “Wearing was her father’s name. His records are held in my office – his son still lives in Port Royal.”

Jack’s face gave nothing away but his thoughts were circling on those last words; so she had a brother. Beaumont had mentioned him but had told him he’d died too.

“Are you sure?” asked Jack quietly. “Beaumont said he was dead when he took Nell.”

“Like I said, I was still in England when it happened, but I do know Stephen Wearing, son of George and Elspeth Wearing, lives in Port Royal. Semi-recluse due to burns inflicted as a child.” Norrington shook his head again. “I didn’t make the connection; it was only when De Mornay said her father should have made Commodore that I even remembered it. There’s only one Lieutenant that has been headed for promotion that was killed in the last twenty years; it stood to reason it was her father.”

Jack scratched at his head with one hand, the rug had been pulled from under his feet and he didn’t like it one bit. He looked sideways at Norrington, his eyes narrowed.

“I’ll not tell her,” Norrington said quietly. “On condition that you do.” He turned away from Jack to cross to the steps before he hesitated. “Will you signal the ship if she’s naval?”

Jack looked at him, his face still blank of any emotions. “Well, if she’s naval I’d like to sink her; but she’s too far to hang around to find out what she is. Those storm clouds don’t look healthy so we’re heading for Aruba at all speed.” His gold teeth showed in a grin that didn’t reach his black eyes. Norrington nodded and went down the steps towards where Bryant was waiting out of earshot.

“I’m not telling Nell yet.” Jack looked back over his shoulder at him. He waited till Norrington looked back up at him. “She’s been through enough; I will tell her before we set you down, but I decide when. If you say anything to her before I do, I’ll let you both swim to Port Royal, savvy?”

Norrington nodded at him, his lips curling in a small smile. “Agreed,” he said and carried on down. Jack took a deep breath and looked back out over the sea.

“Oh bugger!” he whispered.

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A/N: All right before you all shoot me at dawn for not ‘going all the way’, there is a reason and it’ll come out in the next chapter (I think).

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this though and it’s still holding attention as well as water.

Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews, they keep me going.

Take care of yourselves and have a great week.