The Map

A/N: Usual Disclaimer – Don’t own, not making any money.

Thanks to Ani for her checking and editing of this chapter. Any remaining mistakes are mine.


Chapter 40

In The Shadows


It was much later that Nell gathered the courage to leave the galley. She was still shocked and surprised by Bryant’s words and actions, and it left her feeling a little overwhelmed. She made her way up onto the deck and was surprised to see the boats had been mended and were being loaded with the chests that had been brought up from the hold. She saw Jack organising the loading and crossed to him.

“Jack, do you want that emerald necklace back? It’ll be safer here won’t it?”

Jack looked round at where she had perched on a coil of rope and was watching the crew working.

“Nay, lass, I gave it to you, it’s yours now. What do you want done with the rest of your share?”

Nell lifted her eyebrows at his question. She hadn’t given it much thought really; even though he had made it clear she would still have a share, despite staying with him on the Pearl. “I don’t know…” she shrugged again. “I’d like to have some I suppose; I really could do with some decent clothes that aren’t too big for me!” she grinned at him but he didn’t return it. He just regarded her with dark serious eyes before looking back at where the crew finished loading the chests.

“I’ve left everyone’s share in the hold, including the crews. We’ll divide it when we reach Tortuga, you won’t find much there… you need to go to Port Royal for that kind of thing.”

“What about Aruba?” Nell didn’t really fancy returning there, but she knew Port Royal was impossible for Jack.

“We’re not heading that way again,” Jack replied over his shoulder. “No, lass, Port Royal will provide whatever you need; Elizabeth will see you right and no doubt have you fitted out like a lady before you can blink.”

“I don’t want to be fitted out like a lady, Jack; I just want some britches that don’t fall down if I take off the sash!”

“Ah, but you’d look so pretty in those dresses Elizabeth favours. You’re wasted in britches lass, you let her take care of you and you’ll do fine.”

“But what about you?” Nell asked growing more confused by his words.

“I find the waists too tight on the latest fashions, cuts off the circulation. Besides I’m not really taken with wearing dresses, tend to trip me up on the decks,” he replied and the crew who he knew were listening laughed loudly.

Nell blushed and grinned at his words. “I didn’t mean that, Jack. I meant taking the Pearl into Port Royal.”

“Won’t happen, lass,” he snorted. “I’ll take the Pearl into one of the other bays close by and drop you all off.”

A cold chill filled Nell’s heart as she looked at his back; the dirty red scarf was hanging down his back, the bandana hidden by the tri-corner hat he wore; booted feet spread apart as he watched over the crew.

“Jack?” The uncertainty was clear in her voice and for several seconds she didn’t think he was going to reply; but then he looked back over his shoulder at her.

“Commodore may keep his word, but anyone in the port won’t know he’s aboard and they’ll fire on us as soon as we come into view; I’ll not risk that, Nell, not even to stop your britches falling down.”

The crew roared with laughter once more and Nell reddened again before laughing herself, but more with relief than humour at his words. He turned and came back to crouch down in front of her.

“In fact, I’ve given this some thought, Nell darlin’, and I’ve arrived at a conclusion which should suit us all, to a greater or lesser degree.” His face was perfectly straight and his dark eyes were blank of any emotion at all. “Will and Elizabeth are in agreement with you staying with them in Port Royal for a while.”

“What?” Nell felt the colour drain from her face as his words registered.

“It makes perfect sense; it’ll give you time to recover from everything and chance to meet your brother. You’ll have your share, so you’ll not want for money, and I’m certain the Commodore and Mister Bryant will offer their protection to you.”

“Jack, I don’t want to stay with them.” Nell frowned at him, not certain why he was back-tracking on her.

“Well, I suppose you could stay somewhere else, but I’m not sure where… maybe they…”

“You’re not listening to me, Jack.” Nell moved back from him. “I’ll not need anywhere to stay because I’m not staying there. I’m not even leaving the boat when we drop everyone off.”

“Is that so?” Jack slurred.

“I thought we talked about this,” Nell said quietly, aware of the crew still behind them.

“Well, so did I, Nell, so did I,” he nodded his head and stood up slowly. “I’m thinking that it’s time you made up your mind; I’m growing tired of waiting to see which way you’ll fall.” He turned and glared at his crew. “What are you scabrous lot looking at? Put your eyeballs back in your heads or you’ll be polishing the brightworks until your fingers drop off!” he barked and then he walked off making his way to the quarterdeck swaying as he went.

Nell gaped after him and then quickly recovering herself, raced after him; almost tripping over the nets that were stowed. “Jack!” He didn’t stop until he was standing on the quarterdeck looking out over the sea.

Nell heard four bells and looked across at where the watchglass was turned and the bell struck; she carried on to Jack and stuck her hands on her hips.

“Jack what’s with you?” she asked pointedly and watched as he turned to look at her.

“You are with me,” he pointed out sharply and then leaned over the rails. “We’ll leave at five bells, Mister Hock. Inform the Commodore if you would.”

Hock looked up and nodded at Jack before going below to find them.

“Jack…”

“Nell…” he turned to look at her and Nell saw the frustration in his eyes clearly. “If you’re wanting to come across to the island, then you’d best find yourself a topcoat from somewhere. It’s cold and damp in those caves and we’d not be wanting you to catch your death in there.”

“Jack, for pity’s sake, what’s going on here? You’re annoyed with me and I don’t know why.”

“Don’t you?” He turned from her and went up to the poop deck. He scanned the horizon, his eyes sharp and alert as he looked out over the calm sea.

“You’re annoyed about Aruba still, aren’t you?” Nell sighed, refusing to follow him up to the poop deck like a lost puppy.

“Am I?” his tone of voice was distracted as he turned on his heel sharply and came back down to her. “Nell, I found something that may or may not interest you,” he slurred slightly as he spoke; he felt around in his pocket and then held out his hand to her, closed fist pointing downwards.

Nell lifted her palm and watched as he opened his hand and something cold and heavy landed on her skin. She brought her palm away from him and looked down at the curl of the heavy gold chain attached to a string of plain brown beads, ending in a plain gold cross. Her eyes went wide at the rosary and she gasped as she looked up at him.

“Where did this… I mean, how?”

“Most things can be found on Aruba if you look hard enough.” He shrugged and turned to look back out over the rail. “You can use it or not use it, ‘tis up to you.”

“Oh, Jack!” Nell let the beads work through her fingers and the feeling was so familiar and so soothing that she could feel herself settling inside. “Jack…” She bit her lip and stepped closer to him. “You don’t know how much this means to me…”

He looked at her sideways and half smiled. “I think I do,” he replied softly. “Nell, I was waiting for the more opportune moment, but someone was there before me; but now you can absolve yourself to your heart’s content…”

Nell frowned at his words, her eyes still on the sets of beads as she automatically worked them through but no prayers were in her mind now. “Huh?” She didn’t look up until she reached the end and then she looped the long gold chain around her neck, her fingers playing over the cross. “What do you mean?” she asked him her eyes still on the beads hanging from the chain. When he didn’t reply she looked up at him, but he was looking down at the main deck.

“Jack, what’s wrong?” Nell touched his arm and he slowly turned his head to look at her hand on his coat sleeve.

“And what, my sweet, little nun could be wrong with me?”

“I don’t know, mind reading wasn’t one of the things we were taught.” She replied with a laugh, trying to lighten his mood.

“No, neither was lying, but you seemed to have picked up that habit quite well.” He returned quickly.

“I haven’t lied, well, not recently,” she amended and then frowned as she registered his words. “Jack, you are still angry with me for leaving at Aruba yesterday morning, aren’t you!”

“No.” He shook his head and looked into her eyes. “We talked that through, you trusted me enough to talk to me; I thought it was a start.”

Nell smiled at him, but he didn’t return it and she realised he wasn’t referring to Aruba anymore. “Tell me what’s wrong, please?”

“No, you tell me something, Nell. When you let him kiss you, hold you in his arms, are laughing at me, or him? Which of us poor bastards are you playing? Or is it both of us?” His tone was deadly serious and there was no humour in his face anywhere.

Nell’s mouth dropped open as she registered his words. “What are you on about?” she whispered in a shaky voice.

“My God, Nell, has it slipped your mind so quickly?” He shook his head, his laugh dry and humourless. “I watched you and Bryant for quite awhile; you make a nice pair…” He stopped and turned away from her, but not before she saw the anger in his face.

“You saw?” Slowly, it dawned on her that he had been in the corridor and had seen her talking with Bryant; and she felt the bottom fall slowly out of her world.

“No, it wasn’t like you think…” She tried to touch his arm but he pulled away from her.

“No, it never is with you, is it?” he said coldly. “There I was coming down my own bloody corridor, on my own bloody ship to go into my own bloody galley; I wasn’t expecting to find you two clinging together like limpets to a rock.” Jack looked round at her and she saw the depth of his anger quite clearly.

Nell opened her mouth to tell him again but he laughed nastily, his hands dancing gracefully as he spoke. “Go on, Nell, I’m listening, tell me how it really was then, it should be interesting.”

“You’re not going to believe me,” she said with sudden realisation. “No matter what I say, you’re not going to believe me. You should have stepped forwards then, Jack, stepped forwards and asked me then. It’s probably the only way you’d listen… but no, you wouldn’t have believed it then either, would you?”

“If I’d have stepped forwards, Nell,” he straightened and faced her. “If I’d have stepped forwards, I would have killed him.”

Nell saw the low burning in his eyes that told her he meant every word he said. She shook her head at him and folded her arms across her chest in defence. “Jack, we discussed… we were discussing things and he held me; that was all…”

“Really?” Jack’s stance and his tone told her that he didn’t believe a word she said and it sent white hot arrows of pain to her heart.

“Really, and if you don’t believe me there’s nothing I can do about it.” She shook her head, swallowing thickly as defeat set in. “You have no right to do this to me, none at all.”

“Oh yes, I bloody do!” he shot back as his hand snaked out to grip her wrist pulling her forwards. “Oh yes I do, Nell. See I may be a pirate; a low, dirty, thieving bastard in your eyes, but you lead me to believe that you loved me, you made me think we had something. Made me look a fool, more like.” He let go of her and stepped back. “Bloody hell, Nell, even the whores have the decency to let the bed grow cold.” His voice was hard and controlled.

Nell took a step back at his words; it felt like a knife cutting through her. She drew in her breath on a gasp and without even thinking raised her hand and slapped him hard around the cheek.

”Nell, I’m sor…” He reached out for her but she stumbled backwards.

“I am not a whore, no matter what you think, I am not a whore!” She dashed angrily as a few tears escaped. “You may think I am now you’ve had what you wanted; but I’m not, so you can just bugger off!” She turned away from him and all but fell down the quarterdeck steps, not noticing that everyone on the deck had stopped to watch and listen. Nell crashed into the cabin corridor and raced through the door slamming it behind her and locking it before she turned to collapse on the bunk, dry eyed with pain.

<><><><><><><><>

Jack saw Bryant heading towards the quarterdeck steps, the look on Bryant’s face was nothing short of murderous; but Jack’s anger mounted ten-fold at the sight of him.

“Don’t come up here, mate, unless you want to swim with the sharks down there,” Jack hissed at him. He saw the crew still watching; most of them in horror and it made him feel worse. “Back to work you buggers or you’ll all be swimming back to Tortuga!” he shouted and was satisfied to see them turn away, although he knew they’d be listening to anything else said.

“Way I see it, you should be swimming with them, mate,” Bryant hissed in reply. “We could hear every word you two said and you are a bloody idiot.”

Jack turned around and faced Bryant, not acknowledging a concerned looking Norrington behind him. “Come to defend her honour?” he slurred sarcastically.

“No, it doesn’t need defending. You have it wrong, completely wrong. You couldn’t be further from the truth if you tried. I did kiss her, again, and she pushed me away. I tried to make her marry me and leave you, and she wouldn’t do it. She has this insane idea that she loves you, although for God’s sake I have no bloody idea why; especially after you just completely destroyed her!” Bryant shook his head. “You’re a bastard, Jack Sparrow, and so help me God, I’ll never understand what the hell it is that makes her love you so much.” He stopped and sighed deeply. “Too much has happened, Jack, things have changed, we’ve changed.” He ran a hand over his eyes, not seeing Jack close his briefly. “I tried to convince her that she would be better with me, which she would, but she won’t be swayed from you. We’re friends, nothing more and I won’t lose her friendship, not for anything. You did see her in my arms; you saw her giving a friend a hug, and you saw me wishing for something you’re about to throw away.”

Jack swore long and fluently. “I wanted to kill you, you bastard, and if you ever kiss her again I will,” he hissed angrily; but his anger was mostly directed at himself now, he’d allowed himself to hurt her because he’d been hurt.

“I know;” Bryant nodded his head. “I should hate you but I don’t; I just envy you. Don’t throw it away, Jack, go after her.” Bryant sighed and shook his head. “Did I really just say that?”

Jack moved past him, stopping at his shoulder. “I don’t hate you either, although God knows I’ve tried.” His voice was slurred still but underlined with a serious tone that made Bryant smile slightly

“Bloody hell, I really hope he fails,” he muttered as he watched Jack jump down the steps and head into the cabin.

Bryant turned to lean against the rails, clasping his hands tightly as he leant forwards, his face reflecting his pain. Norrington came to stand beside him, touching his shoulder gently before linking his hands behind his back and looking out over the dark water in silent support.

<><><><><><><><><><><>

Jack tried the cabin door handle and swore when he discovered it was locked.

“Open the door, Nell,” he called and rested his hands on the doorframe, leaning forwards slightly. There was no reply from inside but he heard a shuffling noise; he tried the handle again but it was still locked. “Bloody hell, Nell, open the door!” He roared, not caring if he was heard on deck.

“Bugger off!” came the succinct reply from inside, but he could hear her voice was thick with tears.

“Nuns shouldn’t swear,” he said casually, knowing she’d hear him.

“I’m not a bloody nun,” came the muffled reply. “And now, thanks to you, I never will be again.”

He lifted his eyebrows at her words. “Are you going to run away from me then, and join a convent?”

“Whores can’t be nuns!” she yelled and a thump hit the door as something she’d thrown had connected with it. He winced at her words and pulled a face.

“Nell, darlin’, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it.” He said smoothly and screwed his face up hoping she’d unlock the door.

The only reply from inside was a thump as another object hit the door.

“You’re not throwing my charts around are you?” he asked with sudden fear and then realised it was the wrong cabin and relaxed somewhat. “Come on darlin’, open the door and let me in, you can’t hide in there forever, now just open the door, Nell!”

“What part of ‘bugger off’ don’t you understand?” she shouted angrily.

Jack swore and stood back from the door; he lifted his booted foot and kicked the door solidly several times, until the lock gave and the door swung open. He strode in and shut the door behind him, leaning against it to look at Nell’s horrified face.

“You broke your door!” she said faintly.

“Well, it can be mended,” he replied and looked around the room before crossing to one of the chairs and dragging it across to wedge it under the door handle. “There, now we won’t be disturbed by well meaning idiots.”

“The only idiot here is you!” she groused and turning went across to sit on the window seat, bringing her knees up to her chest and peering over them at him mutinously. “You’re a bastard, Jack Sparrow!”

“So I’ve been told,” he said wryly, swaying on the spot, his hands stuck at odd angles as he regarded her. “Nell, I’m not accustomed to this, on account of hardly ever being wrong, or at least never having to admit to it, anyway; but simply said, I suppose, well… it would appear I was wrong and I’m sorry about that.”

“What?” she asked, watching him struggle; it was odd to see Jack struggling with words, and it struck her that she had never seen it before.

“You’re not going to require me to say it again are you?” he blinked in horror. “Nell, I’m sorry, I was wrong and I never meant to hurt you. I don’t think you’re a whore, I never have and never will; and I wish to God I could take that back, but I can’t.”

She didn’t say anything as she looked at him. He took that for a good sign and began pacing up and down, his hands dancing as he spoke. “Bryant put me right… told me he’d ask you to marry him and you’d refused…”

“You believed him?” she asked and the meaning behind her question was not lost on him.

He sighed sadly and stopped pacing to look at her; he stripped his coat and hat off and threw them blindly at the table. “I hurt you, didn’t’ I? And it wasn’t just the reference to ladies of the night that hurt was it?”

Nell looked away from him and sank back slightly. He was spot on; the fact he hadn’t believed her had cut far deeper than she had first realised. She couldn’t face this now, didn’t want to deal with it, so she shot to her feet and crossed to the door. But Jack was faster than she was and she let out a squeal when he caught her upper arms and whirled her around to face him. He backed her sharply towards the bulkheads and pinned her there lifting her from the floor to stand on her toes.

“Jack… Let me go!” She tried to push against him but he wouldn’t let her arms move.

“I was an idiot, Nell, forgive me. I knew…” He hesitated and took a breath. “I knew in my head that you weren’t fooling with him, but it hurt to see you with him and I let it grow in my mind. I should have stepped forwards, knocked his head off and then asked you to explain.” He looked down at her.

Nell stared up into his black liquid eyes and shook her head. “You were, are, a real bastard, Jack.”

“I know, darlin’, I know,” he leant forwards and kissed the tip of her nose. “I can’t help it; but I’ll try not to be a bastard to you again, I promise. But please, don’t trigger the bastard off in me by cuddling red-coats, or in fact, anyone of a male orientation.”

“You didn’t believe me,” she stated it softly and watched as he closed his eyes briefly in regret. “And you called me a whore!” she accused quietly.

“I know, I know!” He shook his head sending the beads swinging around his face. “I regretted that the moment it left my big mouth,” he admitted. “I was angry, Nell, so angry; communication isn’t our strong point, is it?”

“Communication isn’t the problem, Jack,” Nell said quietly looking at the charm that hung from his hair. “Neither of us has a problem in talking.”

“There’s talking and there’s talking,” he pointed out dryly. “I forget sometimes that you’re not like any woman I’ve ever met before, which is stupid really, considering that’s one of the reasons I adore you the way I do.”

Nell blinked up at him, her eyes caught by his. “You adore me?” she asked, not realising she was holding her breath.

“Adore you? Nell, I worship the ground you walk on; and you have absolutely no idea, do you?” He released his grip on her upper arms and caught her face instead. “I forget… Nell, don’t you know how I feel about you?”

Nell stared up at him shaking her head. “I know…” her voice squeaked, so she cleared her throat and started again. “I know you like me and that, well, that you wanted me…” She frowned and ground to a halt.

“Ah, sweet Nell, I’ve been remiss haven’t I?” He stroked his fingers down her cheeks and then rested his hands on her shoulders. “I forget that you have no confidence in yourself and therefore no confidence in me. I want you to know how incredible you are…”

“I’m not incredible, Jack,” Nell stuttered, unable to really believe what she was hearing. “I’m a fool, Jack. I’m not clever like Elizabeth or beautiful like Lady Clarence; I’m hardly going to set the world on fire.”

“Nell, you’re no fool and you’re a damn sight clever than you think, and as for beauty… you take my breath away, Nell and I can assure you, neither Elizabeth or her ladyship have done that… ever!” He gripped her shoulders tightly as he stared down at her, his eyes so intense Nell thought she’d drown in them. “You may not set the whole world on fire, Nell, but you set my world on fire.” He leant forwards and pressed his lips to her forehead.

“Jack… I… you…” She shuddered and curled her fingers into the material of his shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingers.

“Ssh! Nell, I’m sorry I lashed out at you, but please, don’t ever to that to me again with anyone, not even Hock. It kicked me square in the gut to see you with another man.” He pulled back slightly to press his fingers to her lips. “Nell, I love you.” He lifted his fingers and closing the gap between them replaced his fingers with his lips. Nell slid her arms around his neck, clinging to him as his hands slid down her sides to hold her hips possessively.

“You love me,” Nell whispered a warm glow settling in her heart as his lips grazed over her jaw line to nuzzle at her ear.

“I love you,” he muttered his hot breath on her ear making her shudder and squirm under him,

“Just me?” Nell slid her fingers inside the material of his shirt and over his skin to clutch his shoulders.

“Just you, darlin’. I can honestly swear on the Pearl that I have never said that to another woman, not even when I’ve been inside them.”

“Jack!” Nell’s head went back to look at him, slightly shocked by his words, but he merely smirked at her.

“Ah, Nell, I never thought this would happen to me, and to be honest I never cared. I was happy doing what I do best - being the finest pirate in these waters; and bedding the whores to find release. But with you? I kept having these tantalizing glimpses of the real woman underneath the nun, and it made me want to see more.” He shrugged, never breaking eye contact with her as he spoke. “I once asked Will how much he loved Elizabeth and he told me he’d die for her. I wasn’t surprised, I always knew the whelp was soft, but I didn’t understand him – wasting all that emotion on one woman; but now I do… I’d die for you, Nell, but I’d rather live with you.”

Nell stared up at him, completely speechless by his words. She felt a surge of love for him and answered him in the only way she knew how - she reached up and pressed her lips to his keeping her eyes open and locked with his. “I love you, Jack.” She whispered the words against his lips and saw his eyes flutter shut. He slid one hand down her leg to the bend of her knee and drew her leg up around his waist; his fingers splayed across her thigh.

“Ah, Jack…” Nell groaned as she felt his need pressed firmly in the apex of her thighs.

His lips wandered a path across her cheeks and down onto the line of throat and Nell found a peace in his words. He loved her, he had told her he loved her; she loved him and there was nothing purer on this earth than love returned. She slid her hands down his back pushing his shirt down as she moved her hands over his skin; her head falling back, allowing him better access to her throat. She tilted her calf around his legs and revelled in the groan that left him as the movement brought her in closer contact with him.

“Sweet Jesus, Nell,” he groaned against the skin of her neck; her fingers slid down and around the waist band of his sash, and then up until she could touch his nipples, making him buck, but this time she knew to keep her fingers on him, working and exploring over his heated flesh as his mouth found hers again, their tongues entwining in an age old dance.

He slid his hand under her bent knee till his fingers were clutching her bottom as he rubbed against her. “Nell, I can’t back away from you now,” he groaned lifting his head, sending a quick glance at the door to make sure the chair was still secure.

“I don’t want you to back away,” she gasped and brought her fingers to the knot of his sash. “I just want you.” Nell helped him shrug out of the shirt and then brought her mouth to his shoulder encouraged by the groan that left his lips. She licked at his skin and found herself wanting more - no, needing more. She struggled away from his grasp until he let go of her leg and she put her foot on the floor to nuzzle at his shoulder and throat, while his hands went to the ties on her shirt and she felt him pull them open and then shove her shirt sideways. Fire raced through her veins as his hands went straight to her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her nipples until Nell thought she’d scream.

“The bunk, Nell… the bunk…” he muttered into her throat.

“Is too far!” she replied and sank her teeth into his shoulder as white hot desire shot through her when he pinched her nipples.

“Too bloody right,” he agreed throatily and Nell felt her head spin when his hands went to the ties on her britches; he made short work of the sash and let them go, knowing they’d slide to the floor. Nell drew in a sharp breath, but her hands were doing their own exploring as his sash joined hers on the floor, but her fingers weren’t so nimble with his ties and she couldn’t do them, making her moan in frustration, as the fire that consumed her was making her ache deep inside; an ache that she now knew only he could ease.

Jack brushed her hands aside and undid the ties quickly, pushing his britches down around his ankles. “Nell, this is too fast for you,” he grunted as his hands went to her hips, and he pressed his forehead against hers, trying desperately to gain some sort of control.

“Jack?” Nell frowned at him, squirming under his touch, desperate to ease the ache.

“It’ll only be your second time, fast and hard against the bulkheads isn’t the ideal place for you to be ready for me…”

“Bloody hell, Jack, I’m not made of glass!” Nell moved her head and caught his lips in a searing kiss that sent him spiralling out of control once more. He ground himself against her, and then bringing his hands to her knees, he hoisted her up the bulkhead bringing her completely into contact with him. She yelped at the sudden sensations that washed over her, crying out when he slid a hand between them and touched her where the ache was centred. She ground against his hand, taking herself and him by surprise; she slid her hands around his neck and pressed her mouth to his ear.

“Please, Jack, it aches so… make it stop aching, Jack.” She flicked her tongue out and tasted his ear, not caring that she was acting like a hussy. She needed him and it went deeper than sex; deeper than any emotion she could name.

Jack grunted in delight and slid his hand deeper, thrusting a finger into her, revelling in her readiness for him.

“Tell me you love me, Nell,” he grunted rubbing against her till she was nearly delirious with the sensations running through her.

“I love you, Jack,” she muttered and keened as he withdrew his fingers and thrust into her slowly, inch by inch until he was completely buried inside her; she dug her nails in his back, clinging to him when he began groaning as he rocked against her.

“Tell me again,” he commanded in a tight voice.

“I… love you, only you, always you,” she muttered as she wrapped herself around him tightly; finding a rhythm with him that she didn’t even know she knew, feeling the tension building in her until she exploded around him, crying out his name before sinking her teeth into his shoulder. She felt him tighten and then go rigid as he followed her over the edge, her name leaving his lips on a sigh as he shuddered against her one last time before collapsing against her; only his hands under her bottom holding her up.

“Bloody hell, Nell,” he muttered still joined to her as he came back down. “You do it for me, darlin’.”

“Do what?” she asked him, totally spent as she buried her face into his neck.

Jack chuckled and eased back from her, sliding his hands to her waist and lifting her off him and down onto her feet.

“All I want right now is to take you to the bunk and start all over again; but we can’t, and not just because you’ve spent me enough for the next few hours either!” he said quietly.

“Huh?” Nell eased back from him, aware of the slight ache underneath her from their joining.

He chuckled again and stroked her cheek. “If I told you I’d only make you blush, and while making you blush is one of my favourite pastimes, we really can’t go there now, on account of taking the chests across to the island before dark falls.”

Nell stepped forwards and slid her arms around his waist, resting her cheek on his chest. He squeezed her tightly and rested his chin on the top of her head.

“I’m not leaving at Port Royal,” she grumbled against his skin.

“I was… angry. I wouldn’t let you leave even if you wanted to,” he chuckled. “Even if I have to tie you to my bunk to keep you here.”

“Really?” Nell lifted her head and looked up at him.

“Actually, I may just tie you to the bunk anyway,” he mused and chuckled again when the bank, innocent look in her eyes gave her away. “You’d be completely naked and totally at my mercy.”

“Really?” The innocence left her eyes as she grinned up at him. “That sounds… interesting,” she blushed and closed her eyes. “There really is no going back to the convent is there?”

“No,” he smirked. “But then I wouldn’t let you go anyway. Nell, it’s not wrong, you know that don’t you?”

“It doesn’t feel wrong,” she whispered again his chest. “It feels right; although I have to admit that I didn’t know I could… react like that.”

“Ha!” he laughed and kissed the top of her head. “My sweet, Nell, I’ve only just started with you …”

“Huh?” she looked up at him and blinked at the purely evil glint in his eyes as he grinned wickedly at her.

“There are some things that I can tell you; but I’d much rather show you.” He pushed her away from him, and bending, caught her lips again in a kiss that promised her so much more; her hands caught at his arms as she melted into him.

“Timing,” he muttered. “And I’ll wager we’ve gone way past five bells.”

They dressed quickly and Nell waited while he strapped his sash on and then crossed to slide his sword and pistol into the holder. He shrugged on his coat, picked his hat up and then turned to look at her.

“You need a topcoat!” Jack went to the door and pulled the chair back and then turned to her again. “I have another one in my cabin; I’ll find it for you. Go out onto deck and wait for me.” He held out his hand to her and Nell went to him immediately slipping her hand into his; he hesitated in the doorway and looked down at her.

“You do know I never meant what I said to you on the quarterdeck don’t you?”

“I know,” she narrowed her eyes at him, secure in the knowledge that he loved her. “But you ever say it to me again and I’ll cut your hair off in your sleep, savvy?” She kept her face straight but couldn’t keep the humour from her voice.

“I’ll remember that,” he grinned, showing his gold teeth; he slapped her bottom and pushed her ahead of him with a chuckle.

Nell came out onto the deck and was completely unprepared for the chuckles that came from the crew closest to her. She looked at them and wondered if she’d forgotten to do up her shirt or something, but a quick glance at herself told her she was secure. She looked at them in puzzlement and it suddenly dawned on her that they knew what they had been doing in the cabin.

“Capt’n missed five bells,” Timms chuckled as he passed her. “Busy at something else, I reckon.”

Nell blushed to the roots of her hair and wished the deck would open up and swallow her whole. She looked up and saw Bryant still standing on the quarterdeck with Norrington and Nell’s colour deepened as she realised they had been standing almost directly above them. As if he could feel her looking at him Bryant turned and looked down at her; but she was relieved to see him smiling at her. Hock came to her side and bent his head close to hers.

“Relax, Nell, the crew put two and two together and, for once, came up with four. Nothing could be heard out here.”

Nell blushed even deeper but was glad to know that at least they hadn’t been overheard. She looked up at Hock and, tripping over her tongue, thanked him.

He laughed and patted her shoulder gently before moving away from her as Jack came out onto deck. The whistles and innuendos that followed made Nell groan and cover her face with one hand.

“You’re all a bunch of dirty minded scoundrels,” laughed Jack and slid the coat around her shoulders. “I want that cabin door made right before I return; Mister Peters make it so! Ready the boats, Mister Gibbs; we have treasure to offload!”

A roar of approval went up amongst the men and a scurry of activity took the men’s attention. Nell waited on one side as the men went about lowering the boats; she saw Lady Clarence coming towards her.

“Nell! Are you going ashore?”

“Yes, are you?” She looked at Lady Clarence.

“No.” She shook her head and turned to where Hock was making his way towards them.

“Are you sure you’re not coming ashore, Tilly?” he asked her.

“No, thank you.” She smiled up at him. “I don’t want to ruin my last decent dress…”

Nell grinned and looked at the very pretty dress she was wearing. It was a tightwaisted, full length dress in a pale yellow fabric covered in tiny pink rosebuds. The neckline plunged, as was the fashion, showing the tops of her breasts as they strained behind the tight bodice.

“Tilly, there’s nothing decent about that dress!” he leered at her, his eyes lingering suggestively on her bosom.

She coloured up prettily and placed a hand at her neckline. “It’s the fashion, Mister Hock!”

“Aye,” he sighed lustily. “And I hope it never goes out of fashion, either.”

Nell giggled but lost her smile when the Commodore and Bryant came over to join them. She frowned worriedly but nothing was said about the earlier incident and small talk was made until Jack called them to board the boats. They made their way over, but Lady Clarence pulled Nell back.

“I’ve been trying to give this to you, but every time something stops me.” She slid her hand into the hidden pocket of her dress and brought out the dagger. “It’s Jack’s… he must have left it on your bunk. I found it when the Commodore and Mister Bryant were with us and I did not wish to embarrass you…” She slid the dagger into Nell’s hand.

Nell took the dagger handle without looking down. “Thank you,” she replied and leaning down, slid the dagger into her boot.

“Nell… word travels fast on a ship…” Lady Clarence cleared her throat as Jack hollered for Nell to buck her ideas up or be left behind.

“It’s fine… a misunderstanding,” Nell said quickly and began to cross to where Jack was waiting for her impatiently.

“Are you certain?” Lady Clarence kept pace with her.

“Positively.” Nell looked at her and grinned widely, suddenly wanting to share it with her. She leant forwards and whispered in her ear. “Don’t tell anyone but he told me he loves me.”

Lady Clarence caught her hands in a tight grip and beamed at her, just resisting a squeal that she knew would give Nell away. “I’m so happy for you… I really am. I know we’ve had… no, I’ve had my moments with you, but I would like to think we’re friends now.”

Nell smiled at her and drew the lady into a tight hug. “I’d like that, very much.”

“Oh, for pity’s sake, you bloody women; stop gossiping will you! I want to be back aboard preferably some time this year!” groused Jack from behind them but it held no malice.

Nell moved away from her and shared a secret smile with her before turning to Jack and pulling a face at him. “Patience, Jack, patience.”

“I’ll give you patience, woman! Climb down to that boat or I’ll throw you in!”

Nell climbed the side and squealed when his hands went straight to her bottom.

“Jack!”

“What? Just checking to make sure you’ve not grown a tail since being aboard!”

Nell smiled at his reference to the first time she’d met him and looked back down at him. “I’d have thought you’d had found it before now if I had.”

“Aye, but it does give me a nice excuse; not that I need an excuse, mind you - you being my woman.”

“Jack, stop it!” Nell slapped at his hands as they wandered slightly. “I’ll fall in if you don’t stop it.”

“I’d not let you,” he replied and climbed behind her to help her down to where Hock was waiting to help her. She settled into the boat and looked out at where the bay waited for them, feeling for the first time in a long time as if things were finally settling into place for her.

Break

“Jack Sparrow!” Nell gasped as she wandered around the piles of gold plates, coins, and other jewellery. “You don’t need to be a pirate!”

He sent her a strange look. “And since when has pirating been about needing?” he asked her, throwing his hands in the air, and keeping a watchful eye on his crew as they made their way into the cave with the chests.

“Bloody hell, Sparrow…” Bryant was stood ankle deep in the water staring around him.

“I’ve already told you, being a redcoat is a waste of time; take up pirating and live a little!” Jack clapped his hands together and counted the chests; knowing that one remained aboard; that one held the ten percent belonging to Norrington, a share for the crew to spend at Tortuga, the Turner’s share, the share promised to Lady Clarence and a small amount that Nell wished to remain aboard.

“I can’t believe you let us in here,” Norrington said, his own voice unable to hide the awe he felt at the sight before him.

“Why not?” asked Jack and turned to face him. “We have an accord; besides I’m confident that you’d never find this place again, anyway.”

Norrington looked at him and once again was surprised at the change that had taken place amongst them in such a short space of time. He shook his head and stuck his hands behind his back. “No, I don’t think we ever would,” he replied. “I’m not certain how you find it exactly.”

“And that’s one secret I shan’t part with.” Jack grinned watching Nell as she sifted through a pile of necklaces close by.

“But what are you going to do with it all?” Nell asked quietly. “You can’t possibly spend it all in one lifetime, can you?”

“Well, there in lies the pity of it,” Jack’s hands danced as he spoke. “Most of the true treasure here is the Aztec gold and that can’t be removed or the curse will be on you.”

Nell suddenly gave a shriek and stumbled backwards landing on her bottom in a pile of gold plates.

”Nell!” Jack shot forwards, hand going to his pistol but he merely laughed when he saw what had startled her. “Well, I’ll be buggered, damn shame Will isn’t here.” He turned to where Norrington was helping Nell to her feet and held out the skull. “This here pirate was one of my mutinous crew. Will and Elizabeth sent him and two others to hell with a hand bomb. God, it was fun!”

“It startled me,” Nell shuddered. “I was looking at the crown and it just dropped forwards on to my hand!”

“Obviously has a thing for you, lass,” Jack teased her and threw the skull to her. She caught it on impulse and promptly dropped, it glaring at him.

“All done, Capt’n,” Hock came to stand beside them. “Crew are getting restless, Capt’n, now they’ve a pocket full of gold, they want to spend it, like.”

Jack nodded and clapped his hands to get his crew’s attention. “Right then, mates, back to the boats!”

“Aren’t you taking a chance, Jack?” Nell fell into step with him and spoke quietly.

“In what?” he asked and slung his arm around her shoulders as they walked through the shallow waters to where the boats were tied.

“Letting James and Josh in here,” she replied her fingers went to the cross around her throat.

“Maybe, but it really is an island that can only be found with the correct bearings and the correct compass. The compass is useless without the bearings and that’s something in my head, not on paper. They won’t find this place in a month of Sundays.”

“Are we heading for Port Royal now?”

“Aye.” He stopped beside the boats and helped her down into one. “We’re going to offload the Commodore and any redcoats that don’t wish to stay and then we’ll sail off into the blue yonder and enjoy ourselves.”

Nell looked out across the bay at the Pearl; she had never, for one moment, imagined her life would turn out this way when she left the convent so many months ago. She sighed as the boats began to leave the island, the oars slicing through the waters evenly and quietly.

“Jack?” Nell turned and looked at where he was sitting beside Hock at the oars. “Will you still teach me to swim?”

“Aye, lass,” he grinned at her. “But not in these waters, else the sharks’ll be nibbling your toes for you.”

“And I’ll have you climbing the rigging like a monkey, Nell,” Hock laughed, wondering if she would remember the conversation they had on the island.

“I’m looking forward to it,” she replied grinning at him before turning back out to look across at the Pearl contentedly.

Break

Nell peeled the last potato and sighed heavily, pushing a loose strand of hair away from her face; she placed the knife on the table and turned to where Soames was lighting the fires.

“That’s done, what next?” she asked him.

“Chop ‘em in ‘alf and then I’ll ‘ave ‘em over ‘ere, luv.”

Nell picked the knife back up and began slicing the huge mound of potatoes. “I’m starving,” she told him. “Will it take long?”

“Couple of ‘ours,” he laughed. “Finish ‘em up and you can ‘ave what’s left of the roasted pig we had from Aruba.” He looked across at where she speeded up the chopping; he brought the huge pot towards her and took the potatoes she’d finished.

“Thank you,” she grinned at him. “I missed lunch.”

“I ‘eard you and the Capt’n ‘ad a spat,” he didn’t phrase it as a question and just kept talking. “Me and the missus, Jimmy’s ma, we used to ‘ave some real screamin’ matches; Lord, I miss that woman, she could talk the leg of a donkey, mind you, but she was a fine woman.”

“Where is she now?”

“Dead, bin dead nearly five year now. She took up the fever and never came out of it.”

“I’m sorry,” Nell’s voice was soft and filled with regret. “It must have been hard.”

“Capt’n seen us right and my Jimmy’s a good ‘un.”

“Yes, yes he is!” Nell agreed. “He was very brave on the Relentless,” Nell whispered softly. “He stood up to them despite what they had done to him and what they threatened him with; he had complete faith in Jack coming for him.”

“Capt’n never has been one for the code,” he grunted, pleased with her words about Jimmy.

“Code?”

“Aye, pirate code, he wouldn’t leave a man behind if he could save him. Best Capt’n, I’ve ever served under and I’ve been with a few.”

Nell finished the potatoes and crossed to the sides where the plate of cold meat stood with a wet cloth over it. She lifted the cloth and took some of the meat before turning to perch on a chair and start to eat; she was sitting there chewing, with half an ear listening to Soames whistling as he prepared the food for the meal that evening. Nell wasn’t sure when the sounds became discernable but she soon realised that amongst the creaking of the ship at anchor and the whistling of Soames, another noise could be heard. She strained her ears to listen and with a sinking heart wished she hadn’t bothered.

“Mister Soames,” she whispered and held a finger to her lips.

He stopped what he was doing and looked at her in surprised silence.

“Can you hear it?” she asked, wishing with everything she was that he would hear the soft chanting the turned her blood to ice in her veins.

“Hear what?” he asked puzzled, and Nell closed her eyes in grief as the chanting, to her, was as clear as day.

“Please say you can hear them chanting,” she begged him and clasped her hands over her ears trying to block the unearthly sounds.

Soames came round the table and caught her arms. “Come on lass, let’s git yer above deck into the fresh air.” He lifted her to her feet and bundled her out of the galley and up the steps to the main deck. He let her go at the top of the steps and she lowered her hands, breathing deeply, when all she could hear was the sounds of the crew going about their usual jobs with cheerful banter.

“Miss Nell, I couldn’t ‘ear anything out o’the ordinary down there,” he said quietly and turned her to face him. “I think you need a rest, lass.”

“Where’s Jack?” she asked, aware of the shake in her voice and hands.

Soames looked around him but there was no sign of Jack. “Oy! Peters, where’s the Capt’n?”

“In ‘is cabin with the Turners!” came the shouted reply.

“Come on lass, I’ll take yer to ‘im.” Soames took her arm, but she shrugged him off.

“No, thank you, I’ll talk to Jack later… I think I just want to lie down for a moment.” Nell tried to smile at him but failed; she did not want to face Jack in front of the Turners. It was apparent that Jack had been wrong about her; there was something much more wrong with her than just tiredness. She had heard those monks clearly but how was that possible? Well, it wasn’t, which just left her with one remaining answer – she was losing her mind.

Nell hurried away from Soames and down the corridor to the cabin. She went into the cabin, closed and locked the newly mended door and crossed to slump at the table, burying her face in her hands.

Break

Soames watched her close the door and then he turned to knock on the Captain’s Cabin; he waited till he heard Jack shout out to come in and then he opened the door. He stuck his head around the door and took in the sight of Jack lounging at the table with Will sitting up on the edge of the bed, Elizabeth hovering close by.

“A word Capt’n,” Soames said quietly and wasn’t surprised when Jack got to his feet immediately and swayed his way towards him.

“How can I help, Mister Soames?”

“It’s the young Miss, Capt’n,” he spoke quietly. “She had a turn in the galley, thought she could hear things. She’s gone to her cabin to rest.”

Jack frowned, looking towards the closed door. “What things, Mister Soames?”

Before he could say anything Hock came rushing down the corridor. “Capt’n… They’ve gone Capt’n!”

“Who’s gone?” Jack demanded already starting towards the other cabin door.

“Beaumont and De Mornay…”

“What?” Jack turned on Hock, pinning him with a steely glare. “How the bloody hell did they do it?”

“I don’t know…” Hock admitted with a shrug. “Tiller was on brig watch, when someone came to switch shifts, he was knocked unconscious and the brig was empty.”

Jack swore long and loudly. “Right, well, that’s enough buggering around. They won’t manage to hide on this ship for long; buggered if I even know why they bothered. We shoot on sight and we shoot to kill, understand? Search the whole bloody ship, turn it inside out and when we find them we shoot them!”

Gibbs came down the corridor. “Capt’n, one of the boats has gone!”

“WHAT?” Jack roared and stepped forwards, seeing Norrington and Bryant coming behind him. “How the bleedin’ hell did they do that? Who the bloody hell was on watch?”

“There were several of us on deck,” Gibbs shrugged. “Peters noticed it had gone!”

Jack swore viciously at them all and threw his hands in the air. “With their bleedin’ good luck they’ll make it to the coast of France and be in good spirits at it! I want them found…”

Timms and Dwent came pushing past Norrington, worried looks on their faces. “Capt’n, Tiller came round… he says…”

“What? Spit it out! It can’t be any worse than what I’ve already heard here!” Jack swore angrily at them.

“‘E says ‘e ‘eard chanting behind ‘im like, and when ‘e turned it were a monk that clocked ‘im.”

Jack went perfectly still at his words, even as bedlam broke out around him. It took him ten seconds to digest Timms words and their meaning. “Oh, Jesus, Nell…” He turned to the door and tried the handle but it was locked.

“That’s what the Miss thought she heard!” Soames said hurriedly, but Jack wasn’t listening. He kicked at the door until it gave once more and he rushed forwards.

“NELL?” He turned full circle in the cabin but it was empty; Nell was no longer there.

A/N: Okay, I hope you enjoyed that; I promise not to be too long in updating… said that before, haven’t I!

Thanks to everyone who reviews and reads this, I just hope you like it as much as I like writing it.

Have a great day wherever you are!