Disclaimer: I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean
Summary: It will be a sad day when Jack's compass only points in one direction in his hands.
AN: Not my best piece of work but the idea wouldn't leave me alone, stupid plot bunny. Please do tell me what you think though, any comments are greatly appreciated.
-----------------------------
Jack leaned against the railing of the Black Pearl, his ship. It was a quiet night, the sea gently rocking the galleon as it passed through her waters. He'd finally reclaimed his vessel and he'd thought this is what he wanted, but according to his compass it wasn't.
He'd been so sure back at port when they were celebrating the recapture of his ship, his compass had continued to steadily point towards the harbour where his ship was moored. At least, that was what he had wanted, but now, back at sea, the needle was once again swinging wildly. It didn't matter how he held it, shook it, stared at it from different angles, the small arrow continued to spin around aimlessly. He sighed and gave the thing another shake, even though he knew it wouldn't do any good.
"What's the matter with you?" asked a voice from behind him. He glanced over to see William Turner coming over to him. The once blacksmith leaned up against the railing beside him, regarding the Captain.
"Who said anything was the matter?" answered Jack, once again returning his scowl to his compass, watching as the needle did another mad round-a-bout.
Will regarded the compass for a moment before speaking, "Can't figure out what you want the most?"
"And you can?" replied Jack, offering him the instrument.
Will took the compass from the Captain, watching as the needle spun a few times before stopping to point towards the stern.
Jack raised an eyebrow. "You want to be a helm's man? I never figured you for the type." However the blush on Will's face made Jack glance back at the wheel of the ship. "Ah," he replied simply. "It's the bonny lass at the wheel then?" He already knew the answer though.
William wordlessly handed the compass back. Jack gave it another shake as he leaned forward on the railing, scowling as the needle continued to flit about. Will watched for a while before a thoughtful look came onto his face.
"Jack," he began, "when you were in port it was pointing towards the harbour right?" Jack gave a quick nod, the beads in his hair jangling loudly. "Are you sure it was pointing towards the Pearl?"
Jack opened his mouth to retort, "of course it was!" but the words never left his mouth as he realized it hadn't been. "But I do want the Pearl!" he protested.
William nodded, "But the compass only shows what you want the most."
Jack raised an eyebrow at him. "And you know what that is?"
Will grinned at him. "You're a pirate Jack," he answered, "and the open sea is the place where you can find it. The thing you want most Jack is freedom."
Jack gazed down at the compass as though looking at it for the first time. The silver needle glided over the painted directions below it, never once pausing as it continued in its movements, changing from clockwise to counterclockwise when least expected, twitching like a living, breathing thing in his hands.Slowly a toothy grin appeared on his face, mirroring the one Will had. He couldn't believe he'd never managed to figure it out himself.