Coming Along

Title: Coming Along (Pending a better title)

Author: Aithilin(nimcuran_aithilin@hotmail.com)

Rating: R- just to be sure

Pairing: *shrugs* How should I know? I'm just writing here.

Summary: A year after the curse is broken, Will can't find peace in a normal life.

Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be.

Warnings: spoilers for the movie!!!!!!! maybe slash (heehee, Depp and Bloom, nummy), deviation from plot, etc, etc.

A/N: I saw the movie just today (12/07/03) and stayed for the full ending after the credits and everything. I couldn't get the idea for this out of my head. I'm going to deviate a bit from the story, mostly concerning Will's father, but that should be about it. And if anyone has ideas for a better title, don't hesitate to say. :)

***********************************************************************

Captain Jack Sparrow smiled around the mug he was drinking from as he watched three new patrons enter the tavern. The seemingly youngest of them was deffinately Will, he would have to be daft to forget that boy. And with the Black Pearl safely tied in the docks and guarded, Jack had given the crew (save the lookouts) leave for the time they would be staying in the city. This gave him time to wander into local establishments and try to overhear sches.
s.

Jack could see the two British soldiers flanking Will and wondered what was going on. The one on Will's right said something softly but the young man dismissed him and scanned the tables. The pirate captain easily saw the smile on Will's face when their eyes met. Jack raised his mug in greeting and Will sent the guards away with a few words before going to his friend.

"I was hoping to find you, Jack."

"And why might you be doing that, Mr. Turner?" Jack said, smiling as he kicked a chair away from the table in an offer to Will.

Sitting in the offered chair and letting Jack order a round for them both, Will smiled. "I am no gentleman, Captain Sparrow. At least, not anymore."

"And what brought that little change on?"

"I could not forget what happened last year," the younger man stated. "I could not marry Elizabeth; not with her wanting to settle down."

Jack raised an eyebrow, "That woman wants to settle? From the last we met, I figured her to be the one dragging you half around the world again."

Will shook his head, "I think the corset drove her mad. She has taken to her father's advice and wishes to start a family."

Jack laughed, "And what happened to dying for this woman?"

"I had meant an honourable death in a heroic battle. Not sitting in some stuffy suit listening to her father bore me to my end."

Clapping Will's shoulder, Jack payed for the two mugs of ale that had just arrived before speaking again. "Other than to bring news of the boring life of the rich, what are you doing looking for me?"

Will sighed, "I was hoping to join you again."

"An escape?"

"Permanently, with any hope."

The pirate took a swig from his fresh mug, "It'sn a n a year, boy."

"I know."

There was a silence while Jack considered the proposition. He watched Will intently, noticing the young man's discomfort at the scrutiny.

"We'll speak more of the matter on the ship."

Will smiled, "As you say, Captain."

Jack grinned at his title, it had taken long enough, but it was rred red to him, as was the respect of being one of the most feared pirates on the seas. He could still remember ensuring Will's loyalty, a little 'unfair fight' that had ended with the boy at his mercy. Of course, they had since become friends, and by the time Jack was going to be hung for piracy, they were friends.

"And what conversation do you have that is suitable for public ears?"

The question seemed to catch Will off guard for a moment. "I really have no news. Though there are a few things that may be useful to you."

Jack cocked his head, "Such as?"

A folded paper was handed to him and Will grinned while Jack's kohl-lined eyes widened in surprise. The paper listed merchant ships, where they were leaving from, their relation to Port Royal, and their destinations.

"You whelp! Not only do you want to join in piracy, but treason as well! Not that I'm not grateful."

Will chuckled, "I thought you may enjoy it."

Jack raised his mug in a toast and grinned. "Nevermind the wait, as long as you can still fight as you did last year, and some of those blacksmith skills may come into use, you have a place on my ship."

Will grinned, "I was half expecting you to ask me where I retrieved that information."

"Never question that which will lead you to plunder, boy. Of course, this does not mean I owe you a thing."

"The thought never crossed my mind."

"Good," Jack downed thst ost of the ale in his mug. "We have some matters to speak of. Come."

Will stood and followed Jack out of the tavern and through the crowded streets to the docks. The pirate's strange swagger still amused Will, but he was not about to say anything, at least, not until he was certain Jack wouldn't cut his throat for it.

***********************************************************************

All for now. My first PotC fic, what do ya think?