Coming Along

If anyone's wondering, H.M.S. is Her/His Majesty's Ship.

Vuaryn: Being a geek is a wonderous thing, you get all the trivia that could win thousands on Jeopardy. ;) I went for the second time, and working on a ride for a third. I'm addicted.:P

Akurei: Thanks, I'm trying to put some emotion in it, but I'm not too sure if it's working.

Arabwel: I'm one and the same. :D Thanks, I'm hoping to get this story up on my list of well-written stuff. I really don't think any of my fics can be considered 'excellent'. Realm of Darkness was just a fluke, really. :)

Melodie: You are far too kind. :)

Datiye: Thanks. :)

Nita: Heh, you're a great guesser ;) And Darla/Giles?! Well, I have Buffy and Clem in one. ;) I thought the Pendulum would be a cool touch and it's going to fit in perfectly with my plot. I'm really hoping to keep them in character, just 'cause they were so good with their interactions. I saw it twice and working on the third this coming weekend. *Huggles* I love your reviews, so much fun. :D Lol, I like that! I agree with your friend. ;)

miranda: Heehee, I'm not so sure about the writing bit, I really don't think I'm that good a writer. The slash will come in next chapter, promise.


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The crew was on edge when they passed the Helion, even Jack had one hand on his pistol. They were out of range of cannon fire, and Will saw the crew of the other ship moving around. Some were just standing and watching as the Black Pearl went by.

Jack smirked, "I don't think they believed we existed."

"Either that or they didn't think we dn'tdn't attack."

"Or they had something else to occupy their attention."

Will cocked his head and Jack pointed to something on the horizon that they had apparently missed before. Will stepped passed Jack and leaned against the rail.

"It looks like another ship."

"Can you see anything specific?"

Will shook his head, "No, the sun's glare and the distance make it too difficult."

"Don't worry about it then. As long as there are no moves to attack, we carry on."

"I didn't think you were able to avoid a fight."

Jack smiled, "Even I think things through."

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By noon the next day, the lookout Will had posted caught sight of the port they were looking for. Will gave the crew leave, save for the current lookout, Tearlach. The master of the docks was like any other, ignore the names in favour of the right amount of money.

"Alright William," Jack said, throwing an arm over Will's shoulders as they walked slightly behind the rest of the crew; "First round's on you."

"And why is that?"

"Because I told you to, and I'm the captain."

Will smiled, "I really fail to see the incentive."

Jack just grinned, "You don't have to see anything, just buy."

Will followed Jack's lead through the narrow streets. "Have you been here before?"

"No," Jack said absently. "But we'll eventually find a tavern."

After a few minutes of dodging other people, Jack stopped in front of a door. The stop was sudden and Will almost bumped into him. "Here we are."

Will looked up to see the sign of the tavern; a bottle on a green background. "Straightforward."

Jack just smiled and found a little table in a corner for them. He sat while Will went to the bar. Jack looked around, listening for any news while he waited. The tavern was fairly crowded, only a few tables left empty, and even then, there were more people taking whatever seat was handy than using a table. Jack could see several, very drunken men sitting on the floor, singing. Most of the whores were by the door, like in any port city. And even some of the men that were closer to being sober had found some unconventional seats.

Will returned with two mugs of rum and sat. "There are several men over there talking about the Helion."

"Anything interesting?" Jack grabbed the mug set closest to him and drank deep.

Will shook his head, "Not really. A few rumours that Pendulum has been around the area. Guarding some British merchant ships."

"Any on that little list?"

"Not that I've heard," Will said. "But I could look into it later."

Jack shook his head, "Not now. Tonight," he raised the mug he held; "we get drunk."

Will smiled and touched his mug to Jack's in a mock-toast. They continued for a while longer, watching and drinking, more than talking. Both had lost track of who's turn is was to buy, but Will had stopped before he could lose his ability to direct himself to the ship again. Jack, on the other hand, was perfectly content to continue.

Sighing, Will helped Jack back to the ship. He had grown used to this, but it still made him wonder why he even trusted his life to this man on such a regular basis. Will's eyes caught sight of the local smithy's and he made a note to make time to look into it in the morning. Gibbs had taken over the watch on the ship for the night and waved to them from his seat on the barrels where Jack and Will had sat the day before. The older man came over and helped Will get Jack to his room before Will went to his own for the rest of the night.

********

Jack woke in his own bed, wondering how he got there when he distinctly remembered trying to convince Will to drink more. He sat up, managing to ignore the fading headache while he wondered how long he had slept. The sun was at its peak when he walked on deck and a few of the crew members were onboard.

"Will went back into town," Anamaria said when Jack walked over. "Said there was something he wanted to look into."

Jack nodded, "Right."

"Drink too much?"

Jack grinned, "Never."

Anamaria smiled, "I'm sure."

"What news from the city?"

The woman shrugged, "Nothin' important that I've heard."

Most of the crew was returning now, though it was a day's rest, Jack had told them that they wouldn't be staying much longer than two days maximumll wll was the last to arrive, holding a sack that instantly caught Jack's curiosity. The captain followed Will to the First Mate's cabin.

"You might as well just come here, Jack. Rather than lurk."

Jack frowned, "I do not lurk, boy."

Will smiled and opened the sack, pouring the contents onto the bed. Jack looked at the assorted items, he could recognize them as tools, but he had no idea what they were for. Jack picked one up, examining it.

"I convinced the blacksmith to let me use the forge to make them."

"And what are they, exactly?"

Will took the item back from Jack, "Just in case we need to get another case or door, or anything else open."

Jack shook his head, "Good thinking, I suppose."

Will gathered the items up and stored them in the little trunk before following his captain out to the deck. "When are we leaving?"

"Tonight, if everyone's on. Hear anything new?"

Will shook his head, "No. A few things about the Pearl being in, but nothing more than that."

Jack grinned, "Didn't take long for our arrival to be noticed."

"I think you enjoy your reputation too much."

"Of course I do. I'm a pirate, the reputation is one of the benefits."

Will grinned, "And I suppose the pilfering, sailing-"

"Job skills."

"Ah."

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A week had passed since they left the port city, and the Pearl had dropped anchor a day ago. There was little to do but wait and Will had kept busy by using the whetting stone he had gotten at the blacksmith's to sharpen his, and some other crew members', swords. Jack had watched him do it, partially to take the edge off of his own boredom, and partially to watch his friend's expertise. God knew how often Will did the same with him.

Moises was on lookout, calling to Jack to take a look at a steadily moving form.

"Well, men...and woman," Jack said, smirking at the glare Anamaria gave him; "Looks like we're going to have company."

There was a cheer from the crew and Jack ordered them to work, setting a steady pace towards the passing ship. Will grabbed onto a rope from the ladder that led to the crow's nest and leaned out over the side, watching carefully how they were approaching. Jack was next to him, grinning like mad.

Within minutes, the jolly roger had been hoisted and the Pearl had caught the unsuspecting ship. Jack had the other ship almost dead in the water before giving the order to board.

"Watch my back, Will," Jack said as he grabbed one of the ropes.

Will smiled, "Scared?"

"Not on your life."

Jack watched Will cross first, following a second later.

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Action stuff next, along with the slash. ;) Any requests for the plot, make 'em now, I just have a few of the major bits, but filler is always welcomed. Same with suggestions.

FF.net reviewers answered below;

WildfireFriendship: Do not read under the influence of hunger, thirst, or any form of medication. ;) Glad you like it thus far.

Twitchy Mongoose: I like the name. Next chapter will be up soon.

Eva Phoenix Potter: Update here. Working on next part.

dalpin crage: Glad you like it. I'm trying to keep them in character, hope it's working.