Part 5: "Is It Me?"

Jack sauntered to the entrance of his cabin and breathed deep the fresh air as soon as he stepped outside. The stage of fatigue would fade away after a day; he knew that, though he wished the exhaustion was not so obvious to others.

He leaned against the right stairwell to the helm, slightly out of breath. Gibbs noticed him first and quickly went to him. James observed from a distance, straining to hear what the two men were conversing about.

"Any heading, Cap'n?" Gibbs asked in his gruff voice.

"What's the nearest port?"

The crewman glanced upward as he thought silently in his head. "I believe it'd be Nassau."

"Head there. We can drop them off and continue course from there."

"Aye."

Jack nodded and let his eyes wander for a moment. They fell on James, who hurriedly looked away.

"You fancy him?"

The captain smirked. "No. He's too much of a stiff for me."

Gibbs shrugged and clapped him on the shoulder. "You best go get some more rest, Jack."

"I'm tired of rest."

"Well, you're too tired to stand, so I suggest ye get goin'. Do no good to the crew to have you….not at your best."

Jack grumbled something his friend could not hear, but agreed. He stole another glance at James, who held his stare this time. The Commodore shifted uncomfortably under the captain's piercing, amber orbs. A sudden change washed over Jack that was almost completely unnoticeable; nevertheless, James caught it.

It was an expression of utter dejection.

It lasted no longer than a second before Jack formed his traditional, charming grin. He turned and treaded leisurely into his quarters and closed the door. James shook his head and rubbed his face with his hands.

"It shouldn't be here," he said to himself. "It should've left when it left him."

A flicker of lust remained within him for the Siren, though he was not under its spell anymore. Instead, he found himself entranced by Jack Sparrow.

The candles glowed romantically in the main room of the cabin. James cautiously entered and quietly shut the door behind him. A few slivers of moonlight cut through the area as he crept to the bedroom. As he stepped closer, soft moaning and shallow breaths met his ears. The voice trembled with abundant ecstasy, and James could not halt himself from venturing to the source.

He walked into the space and bit his lip to abstain from speaking. The captain was seated on his bed with his back facing the unannounced spectator. His spine arched every now and then; his head bowed for seconds before he tossed it back to stare with closed eyes at the ceiling. The thick mane cascaded over moving shoulder blades, and the trinkets clinked musically.

James rashly believed the hellish being had returned.

"Jack!"

The pirate went wholly still and visibly stiff. Soon, he began fumbling in front of him and James went to his side. A loud gasp came from the Navy man and he turned around rapidly.

"I'm….I'm sorry," James uttered quietly.

"No….I….I didn't know anyone was watchin'." Jack's voice wavered in embarrassment, although he attempted to conceal it.

"I thought…..I thought it had come back to you. A bit foolish now that I see."

A short period passed before Jack at last said, "You can look."

James hesitantly circled on his heels and was quite flushed in the face. It brought a smile to the pirate.

"My eye sight's fine, if you were wonderin'," Jack stated jokingly.

"O-oh. Yes, of course. I apologize for….interrupting."

"It's fine, mate. But I wouldn't be a gentleman if I didn't ask you to join me now, would I?"

A spark of mischief went across the man's beautiful eyes. It filled James with surprise and the thought of sin from seriously considering the offer.

"It's all right," Jack coaxed gently. "I would never tell a secret. 'Specially one that involves yours truly." He gestured humbly to himself.

James shook his head sadly. "I can't. It's wrong."

"But I can make it feel right, darlin'."

The rich, brown orbs were pleading; James found it incredibly difficult to decline.

"I won't allow it. I'm not under your enchantment now."

He hurriedly exited as everything within him protested the abandonment.

The frustrated Commodore did not know how much time had actually passed, but he knew it had been at least an hour. The need had never left. In fact, it had grown stronger.

Dreading every footstep, he aimlessly shuffled to the captain's cabin. Several candles had faded away; they lit enough of the space for him to make a clear path to the bedroom. It was darker than before; there were only a few candles in the area. The others had been blown out.

Timidly, he walked to the center of the space. There was no one lying on the piece of furniture.

"Did you want something?"

James inhaled sharply and spun around. Jack was leaning against the wall, observing him intently. A smug smile was plastered on his countenance.

The younger man moved to stand before the pirate and placed firm hands on the male's arms. Slight fear flashed in Jack's seductive eyes, but it morphed hurriedly into excitement.

"Just take me, mate," Jack breathed hotly.

James' grip intensified, almost making a whimper come from his prey.

Jack shifted to where he could maneuver his right arm and reached up to James' wig. Slowly, he pulled it off, letting it drop from his fingertips and to the ground. The subtle change was not missed. James was liberated with one simple action.

"I much prefer you without it," Jack said affectionately. "Let it go for tonight. Have me."

The inhibitions were tossed hastily aside as James abruptly slammed his lips against the pirate's. Jack reacted greedily, refusing to let James move more than an inch away from him. It was fierce, causing both of them to feel as if they were on fire. Their mouths worked hungrily with one another's; the tremendous sensations created soft moans from them.

Without losing contact, James guided Jack from the wall and to the bed. The captain landed on it with a grunt, but was quickly silenced by James' tongue slipping into his oral cavity. The Commodore's hands slipped beneath Jack's shirt to explore the tanned flesh with eagerness. The feeling of the man quaking from his touch made James dizzy with pleasure.

His lips soon found another part of the pirate's body that was vulnerable for him to devour. He sucked fervently on the neck, and Jack tilted his head upward to provide more skin to suckle.

"Uhhnn…." Jack voiced softly. "Ohhnn…."

Dirty fingers wound themselves in James' brown hair. They untied the cloth that held the locks back, permitting the untamed mess to fall onto his shoulders.

For a long while, heavy panting and occasional noises of passion sounded in the room. The two men were curious to discover everything physical about the other.

Jack wiped the perspiration pooling on his neck and blinked vacantly several times. Neither spoke as they lay naked side by side. A respectful, small distance was between them.

He refused to look at James. He did not want to witness any sort of regret or repulsion that may be painted on the Commodore's visage.

It was not as if he was new to giving his body to someone for satisfaction. However, as he stared above him absently, he was engulfed by apprehension and helplessness. Another strong feeling showed itself, though he mentally shoved it aside. He knew it would never be reciprocated.

Amber eyes birthed refreshing tears that forged a path down the side of his face. He loathed the emotion that had taken hold.

Without a word, James suddenly got up and began to dress. Jack stayed immobile for a moment before propping himself on his elbow.

"Was it me you came to, James?" Jack inquired in a quivering voice. It caused James to stare at him directly. "Was it me? Or was it what I am? Was it me that called to you? Or was it the thing that I am?"

James inhaled a breath and leisurely released it. He glanced to the floor and then nodded.

"What you are," he began, knowing it was a pathetic attempt to hide his own rampant feelings. "Being what you are….I don't see how it could be you."

James could barely stand on his feet when he saw the expression that overwhelmed the older man. It was extreme grief mixed with shame. He watched as the droplets fell from the gorgeous eyes. He breathed a sigh of relief once Jack looked away. The pirate covered his bare form and placed his face in his hands.

As silent as a ghost, James left the man alone for the rest of the night.

Part 6: "Set Me Free"

There was no sight of the captain the entire morning, and the island was in close proximity. Gibbs disappeared into the quarters, reappearing shortly after. He ordered the soldiers to be released from the brig and to prepare the longboats.

Guilt plagued James' heart as he stood near the railing, ignoring the movement all about him. Numerous times he looked to the double doors as if they would provide him with some sort of answer. He sighed and decided to weave his way through the crewmates; he knew an apology was in order.

Abruptly, Gibbs stepped in front of him, halting his advance.

"Excuse me," James said with slight irritation.

"He doesn't want to see ya, Commodore." The title was twisted with sarcasm.

"Why not?"

"I don't know, but he gave me an order, and I must abide by it. You understand that, don't you? Seeing as ya are a man of authority."

Gibbs jerked his head to signal two men, who sternly escorted James to the boats to join his own crew.

A year passed, and it found James Norrington enforcing the laws of the Crown even more diligently. The one he focused on specifically was to eliminate the ever growing problem of piracy.

The thought of crossing paths with the pirate captain, for which he still had forbidden feelings about, died away. With each batch of buccaneers they were able to catch, none of them was Jack Sparrow.

The melodies of the Siren lulled him to sleep. Visions of the feral, black eyes haunted him in his dreams. Whenever he awoke in a cold sweat, his fingers could feel the hot skin that flinched from his touch. The results of his troubling nights spurred conversations between soldiers, of how he had not been "quite right" since the shipwreck.

Clouds adorned the usual blue sky, casting the threat of rain. The first drops soon trickled down the windows of his office. The sound made his head droop as his eyes closed. It was like a lullaby.

"Commodore."

He snapped awake and rubbed his face. Lieutenant Groves stood in the doorway with a grave expression on his visage.

"What is it?"

"We….We came across a lone man on a secluded island on our return, sir."

James became heavily alert. "What happened, Theodore?"

"Some of the men…..they felt compelled to travel there. The man bore the pirate brand, so we brought him here to face justice. But there's something you must know about him."

James raced down the stairs to the lowest level of the jail. Groves trailed not far behind.

"Where is he?" James asked anxiously.

"The locked door."

It was a room separated from the regular cells; it had chains all throughout it and was used for the most dangerous of criminals. A soldier standing guard unlocked the entrance as James ran toward it. Once he stepped foot inside, he froze as if stabbed in the chest.

Jack was slumped against the far wall, completely motionless. His hands were shackled in chains above his head and his feet were cuffed together as well. He wore only his shirt and breeches; the faded white fabric was stained with traces of blood. As James crept nearer, he could hear the man's ragged breathing.

Tentatively, James knelt in front of him and simply studied the figure.

At last, he spoke tenderly, "Jack?"

The head sluggishly raised itself to view his company. A faint smile came to his swollen lips. His left eye was surrounded by mild bruising in addition to his cheeks.

"Oh god, Jack. They hurt you."

"Not much." The voice was weak and showed utter vulnerability. "Don't worry, darlin'."

"You were caught."

"It's time for it. Been in and out of me for the past few days."

James believed there was something different about Jack, and it was not until the pirate mentioned its coming, he knew. Jack was conquered; it was slowly consuming him to a horrible degree. He was at the mercy of his curse.

"How long?"

The Commodore shook his head as if awaking from a trance. "What do you mean?"

"How long before I hang?"

James was silent for a short moment until he answered with, "I don't know. A couple of weeks; maybe more. There are many slated to go before you."

"Well, that's comforting."

A hand reached out to caress Jack's cheek; the pirate melted against it. James did not even realize he had moved. He withdrew his eager palm from the man's countenance, causing a whine from Jack in protest.

"I'm sorry," James whispered powerlessly.

"Me too."

Unexpectedly, Jack's eyes shut and his body became rigid. His breathing accelerated and his wrists wildly thrashed about within their confines. James inched backward in fear.

"Jack. Jack! Keep it away! Fight it!"

It was an odd sensation. James felt as if everything around him dissipated to nothingness except for the being before him. He could not think, nor could he move anymore.

The Siren's eyes opened to expose the familiar black orbs James knew. The grin that appeared unsettled the Navy man, but it also caused him to experience his lustful need.

"Set me free," the possessed male whispered seductively.

James nodded in compliance. "Lieutenant!" he shouted.

Groves rushed in and shivered. Something was not right. "Yes, Commodore?"

"Give me the keys to his shackles."

"What for?"

The Siren began to hum an eerie melody. It signified to Groves what was occurring. He strode to James and grabbed his arm.

"Come away," he stated.

James struggled to get out of his grip. "Let go of me! Give me the keys!"

"You're not thinking clearly! You have to get away from him!"

James continued to fight him off.

"I need some assistance in here!"

Two men ran in, and the three of them hauled James out of the room.

Raucous cheering and jeering came from the second floor of the jail building. Bets had been placed; the one who was able to render the other unconscious or possibly kill him first would be declared the winner. The money was on the larger, more muscular convict. None expected the androgynous pirate to be the victor. He had already sustained multiple, vicious blows to the face that knocked him to the ground numerous times.

Jack panted heavily and wiped the blood from his countenance in order to see a little clearer. It prepared him for a violent kick to his stomach, making him curl up and gasp for air. Red spots were smeared on the stone walls and the ground. Most of it had come from Jack. He had been able to get very few strikes against the other man.

"He's almost done!" a spectator shouted. "Finish him off!"

The burly male grabbed hold of Jack's shirt and lifted him up. Jack spat in his face, causing him to close his eyes. The pirate took advantage and struck his face strongly. The criminal stumbled backward, but he quickly recovered from the temporary blindness. He ran at Jack, shoving him against the wall with extreme force. Jack whimpered slightly, though he was silenced with several hits to his already horribly battered visage. Once the man released his hold, Jack crumpled to the floor.

The audience was waiting anxiously to see if the pirate would get up or if he had finally been beaten. The man drew back his foot to hurl it against Jack's side; however, the captain dodged away with tremendous speed. He was on his feet and behind his opponent in seconds.

Everyone became wholly quiet outside the bars of the cell. Mouths were open wide; eyes were filled with shock and fear.

Long talons had sheathed themselves deep into the man's dorsal side, and the tips could be seen protruding from his chest. He sputtered blood from his throat and glanced down to ascertain what had pierced him.

The claws were withdrawn rapidly, and he dropped to the floor.

For a period, no one spoke. No one moved. Every gaze was upon the blood soaked figure that stood stoically, staring at his victim.

Suddenly, the Siren looked to the men observing him attentively. The terrible damage to his face was not what made the crowd uneasy. The left eye, which was not swollen shut, had turned black. It confirmed that the demon was among them.

He sashayed to the bars, causing the spectators to back away. A low, demented laugh sounded from the Siren.

"No more challengers? Anyone of you could be next."

The words frightened everyone present. The male nodded his head before returning to the dead. He knelt at the man's side and drew him into his arms. Music was soon heard as he started to sing to him.

"Send him to his cell," Groves ordered sternly as he descended the stairs. He was obviously furious.

No one moved.

"Now!"

The instant the key turned in the lock, the Siren's head snapped up. As several soldiers approached him, a malicious snarl sounded. His posture was wholly defensive and agitated, and he strengthened his embrace around the body.

"I-I don't feel it's a good idea at the moment, sir," one spoke.

Groves crossed to the cell to view the situation. He locked his gaze with the Siren's and refused to show intimidation and fear.

"I believe you're right. He should return to his normal state after awhile. Take him then."

The cell door was once again locked and the men dispersed. The Siren bowed his head and stroked the murdered man's hair almost lovingly.

A disturbing tune began and pervaded throughout the entire area for several hours.