Disclaimer: Don't own anything except original characters. All material (c) to respective owners.

Author's notes: The divider doesn't work for me so I will add a separating character when needed. I think I may have butchered Jack's language a little bit...ok a lot, but i'm not used to writing pirate. I've also probably over acted the characters personalities a bit, but it amused me to do so. This is my first fan fic of POTC there may be a spoiler or two from DMC. This story is a bit sappy but it does have its moments.

Jacks in trouble...can he talk his way out of this one? Please R&R

Chapter 4: The Truth of the Matter

We both turned to the door each leaving the room and glancing up toward the kitchen where I knew most of the crew and others were probably eating. I wasn't really up to a large meal since my discussion with Elizabeth my stomach had an odd fluttering feeling to it and it made me nervous. I peeked into the dinning area snatching a slice of bread with some apple butter on it and walked up on deck squinting against the bright sunlight and making my way over to the side of the Pearl eating my bread watching the various fish swimming around the side of the ship as we sailed across the turquoise ocean. I heard steps and then glanced up to see Will watching me and then I saw Elizabeth was up at the helm talking quietly with whomever Jack had put on duty. I knew that Will was watching to see my reaction to whatever Elizabeth was discussing, but to be honest I had lost interest in her the minute I was sure it wasn't Jack she was speaking with.

"You seem to like the Captain." Came Will's soft voice as I rolled my eyes wondering how much Elizabeth had told Will of our previous conversations and feeling my cheeks only turn slightly warm at the thought.

"How much has that lovely wife told you exactly Will?" I asked sarcasm thick in my voice as he chuckled faintly gazing up at Elizabeth who smiled waving at him briefly before going back to her conversation.

"Not a whole lot, just that she thinks you could be a good thing for Jack…even if he is a bloody pirate. That was her exact words as well." Will mumbled a small wry smile on his face as he heard a loud screech and saw that Elizabeth had taken to lecturing Jack for saying something that had displeased her apparently judging by her loud voice and Jacks frantic hand movements. "Too early in the morning for this already." He sniffed faintly as he sighed resolved to go find out what the disagreement was.

I could guess what the disagreement was about judging by the hidden laughter in Elizabeth's eyes as she took a moment to glance at me seeing Jack was extremely uncomfortable by her continuous yelling and pointing at him. "Poor Jack." I thought sadly wishing that somehow I had saved him from the ear full he was getting, but some part of me was deeply amused by his frantic hand gestures and how he was trying to charm his way out of the lecture. Elizabeth was not going to be ignored though and the deep scowl and sour looks that crossed Jacks face made me laugh so hard I choked briefly on my breakfast and then settled down against the railing on the deck of the Pearl watching with great amusement as the arguing and lecturing continued for another half hour or so. Finally Elizabeth satisfied that she had thoroughly ruined Jacks morning stalked off with Will following behind, an apologetic smile on his face to Jack whom looked as though he was ready to shoot Elizabeth. The look on his face reminded me of the one he had on the island when he had thought about shooting her, but this time around I think me may have seriously considered pulling the trigger.

I gazed out at the ocean then for a while seeing the show had now ended and everyone was returning to work. I saw to my delight a dolphin or two swim by the ship but they didn't stay long. I soon started to doze lightly against railing of the pearl the waving of the boat lulling me into a comfortable sleep almost. I then felt the presence behind me my eyes shooting open as I whirled to see Jack staring at me a cross look etched on his face as he flopped down beside me. I knew he was annoyed I hadn't talked Elizabeth out of lecturing him and could see he was still concerned with the pirates that had attacked Port Royal only hours ago.

"Ye didn shut er up." Grumbled Jack as I glanced over at his dark eyes seeing his face was frozen in a bitter look and then I smiled slightly. "She still took off me ear." He grumbled taking a swig from the rum bottle in his hand.

"I can't help it. I tried…I really made an effort but well……it's Elizabeth." I stated as Jack glanced at me the sour look slowly replaced by a hidden smile in his dark eyes. "She's very persistent and the lecture I received was much like yours I am sure." I mumbled as Jack offered me a sip from the rum bottle. It was too early in the morning for alcohol but I took a sip anyway ignoring the burning as he smiled his charming smile and stood offering me his hand.

"Ye wan a tour?" Jack asked staring down at me his eyes alight with laughter as I glanced up at the sky and sighed realizing that if I didn't go on the tour Elizabeth would whisk me off again.

"I would rather nap, but it's got to be safer then another one of her lectures." I muttered hearing a chuckle as I glanced up seeing Elizabeth was headed down to us again. I quickly took his offered hand and allowed him to take me around the ship. I was even more in love with the ship after his tour even though I knew the Pearl was Jacks deepest love I couldn't help but appreciate the ship myself and smiled at how he crooned over the ship over and over again. He was back to his drunken swagger thanks to his early morning rum, but I just rolled my eyes following him up to the helm where he proceeded to steer the boat. I just stood there glancing around content until I heard a sharp splintering sound and glanced of to my right. "That damn pirate ship." I thought as I walked quickly to the side getting a better look.

"Stop blowin holes in me ship!" came Jacks indignant cry as I found myself rolling my eyes looking at the bit of damage the Pearl had taken to the railing I had moments before been resting against.

I shuddered at the sight realizing that could have been me instead of the railing. I mentally thanked whoever was looking out for me and Jack before I turned hearing him barking orders to everyone. Then to my surprise Elizabeth was dragging me to Jack's cabin along with herself. She quickly locked the door behind us and waited for a few minutes glancing around the cabin for some sort of barricade. "I don't like hiding and I know how to handle a sword." I thought annoyed that she had dragged me in from the fight that was about to take place outside. We were both dressed in pants and shirt and I knew she could fight very well due to Will's teachings. "She doesn't know if I can fight or not." I realized feeling a bit guilty before I grabbed the extra sword that she had in her hand.

"What on earth?" asked Elizabeth turning sharply with her own sword raised out of surprise in case someone had made it through the locked door. I caught her blow easily seeing surprise in her eyes as she smiled. "You can fight." She stated the obvious as I nodded and we both returned above deck to what I could see was in chaos.

The other pirate ship had managed to pull up beside the pearl and everyone was fighting the many opposing pirates that had herded themselves aboard. I saw everyone was busily fighting noticing Jack was fighting and arguing with a strange man up at the helm. I assumed by his actions and the way he was attacking Jack he was the captain of the opposing ship. He was almost as tall as Jack maybe a bit taller wearing a loose white shirt and dark colored breeches; He had wild dark red hair flying in every direction as he continued to fight. He was managing to keep Jack pinned blow for blow and I saw that Jack was starting to look just slightly concerned. "Talon Whisper?" I questioned reading the side of the other ship curious to why that name had seemed familiar to me. I ducked upon hearing Elizabeth yell at me turning in time to send an apposing pirate overboard and to stop another one sending him hard into the railing.

"Are you alright?" asked Elizabeth breathlessly as she came to my side assisting me in the pirates that had suddenly ganged up on me out of my distraction. I nodded as she and I sent many more pirates overboard and to the ground. I heard Will yell at Elizabeth who turned in time to see a blade coming right for her. I intercepted the blow sending the pirate on his back seeing Elizabeth sigh in relief.

"Where's Jack?" I asked to no one in particular as Elizabeth also noticed he was no longer at the helm of the ship fighting. "Where's Jack and that other Pirate?" my thoughts screamed as I rapidly glanced around making my way through the many pirates and strewn about bodies noticing Will and Elizabeth were too making their way to the helm of the ship apparently all of us wondering where the good captain had disappeared too.

On the other side of the helm just out of view Jack was busily fighting for his life with the other Pirate Captain I noticed finally making my way up to the helm. I saw Elizabeth and Will weren't far behind but I was a little concerned when I saw the opposing captains' sword pinned lightly at Jacks throat seeing his sword was lowered at his side.

"Where be the map Jack?" came the other captains accented voice as I glared at him feeling an odd sensation rise in my chest as I slowly started to make my way unnoticed by both of them around the other side of the opposing captain.

"It figures…Jack stole a map and now is gotten himself and the rest of us in trouble." I thought feeling a small smile tug at the corners of my mouth realizing I shouldn't have found this at all amusing, but Jack being who he was it didn't surprise me in the least. I saw then that Jack was just buying his time with the other captain eyeing his sword thoughtfully. "Waiting for the opportune moment." I thought smiling at the phrase Jack seemed to use almost as often as don't do anything stupid. Slowly Jack raised his sword catching the other captain by surprise as he returned blow for blow their swords ringing around the ship as I noticed we were starting to win now that Jack had managed to overtake the surprised captain who promptly fell overboard with a loud splash. There was cheering from everyone on deck as Jack started to steer away from the opposing pirate ship what was left of the other crew jumping overboard to safety.

For the first time since getting out of range of the cannon fire from the other pirate ship Jack noticed I had been standing there observing him and realized I had been there a while probably tempted to butt in and help him. "Bloody ell." Jack thought as one of the few remaining opposing Pirates snuck up behind me but I lifted my blade promptly kicking the idiot overboard after catching the blow aimed at my head. As soon as everyone was sure the threat was over Jack was barking orders to clean the deck and check for damages making as many repairs as they could. He observed me for nearly half an hour before sighing realizing he would have to eventually say something or Elizabeth would lecture him again. He apparently had noticed how close I had gotten with her and was worried that we would start to discuss what I had learned.

"Come to me cabin." Jack said calmly as I rolled my eyes and shook my head pointing promptly at Elizabeth who was watching curiously. "Alrigh then follow me for a walk?" he questioned as I shrugged ignoring the odd look Elizabeth was giving me as I followed Jack around the front of the ship out of the crews hearing and sight range.

I knew Elizabeth would be full of lectures or questions about what I was up to later, but somehow I thought that Jack's little secret I would keep to myself for a while. I got the feeling that there was more to Jacks little adventure and didn't feel like pressing another round of lectures and comments about my feelings from Elizabeth again that evening. If I could help it anyway.

"What's going on Jack?" I asked point blank seeing him visibly cringe at my bluntness. Apparently I was starting to sound like Elizabeth as well judging by the hesitant look he was giving me. I hid a smile wondering if he was worried I would slap him and finally giggled only lightly seeing his tense stance relax slightly. "I promise I won't be Elizabeth…if that helps." I murmured as Jack chuckled at my last comment and eyeing me thoughtfully.

"Tha map he be after isn' wha you think luv." Jack said as I rolled my eyes deciding that the pet name luv was being worn thin around me at the moment. He was avoiding the question like he always seems to when put on the spot and I knew he was plainly lying to me, but he was a pirate and he only lied when it suited him. He was about as honest as a pirate could get and I knew it.

"What I think Captain Jack Sparrow…is he was after that map all along, but you cleverly kept that hidden from Will and Elizabeth. I also see you didn't expect him to catch up to you in Port Royal. What I don't understand is why you seem to think I can't see through you." I stated as Jack visibly blanched at that eyeing me even more carefully then before. "I will spare you the lecture for now, but I suggest you come up with a good excuse soon…eventually Elizabeth will catch on and you'll be dealing with her and Will both." I said softly turning to leave the conversation ended as far as I was concerned. I was surprised when a firm hand gripped my arm.

"Ye know a bit too much about us luv." Came Jacks voice a slight hard tone to it as I realized I had been a bit careless in my vow to watch myself due to the fact this wasn't the movie and I had no idea how each character would really react in this setting. "Almos as though ye know somethin bout me." He mumbled as I tried to think quickly of an excuse noticing that his grip had lessened slightly on my arm as I turned to glance up at him feeling my face heat only slightly as I realized how close he was to me.

"You are easy to read after hanging around Elizabeth for three days." I said feeling my voice barely squeeze out the words as I glanced into his brown eyes finding it hard to breathe for a moment. I then carefully pried his loose fingers from my arm seeing his gaze intently follow my gestures before I glanced a slight smirk out of the corner of my eye watching him pull his hand back in one of his strange hand gestures and then walk away. "What was so funny?" I wondered as I stared at my arm and then up at his retreating form. I felt my cheeks remembering I had blushed, but that wouldn't have gotten that big of a smirk. "Jack!" I growled as I realized my shirt was hanging a little lower then I would have liked and then I felt my face grow even warmer.

Later that afternoon I had refused to speak to Jack most of the day even when he had tried to talk me into lunch. I was still embarrassed about my carelessness around him and didn't feel like repeating the mistake again anytime soon. Elizabeth finally noticing something had come over to sit with me on the newly repaired railing, where I had been perched either up against it or leaning over it most of the day. I felt her gaze follow me for a long moment finally getting tired of her stare I smiled and returned my attention back to the water below. "Please don't ask me anything Elizabeth…I really don't feel like being teased at the moment, I've already thoroughly embarrassed myself for today." I thought carefully inspecting the water below seeing nothing surface by the side since before the battle. I had been hoping to see the dolphins again but hadn't since earlier that morning.

"What did he do?" Elizabeth asked knowingly as I sighed and shook my head seeing her look at me a little confused. "It wasn't what he done?" she murmured as I rolled my eyes shrugging. "Both of you did something?" she asked a hint of a smile in her face as I pointedly gave her a dirty look seeing her cover her mouth stifling laughter.

"I hadn't paid attention and should have known better. That's all you need to know Elizabeth." I said pointedly ignoring the giggle that she couldn't stifle as I shrugged glaring at the water startled when I felt her poke at me making me jump. "Don't do that." I hissed as she smiled then and shrugged poking at me again. "Fine…I didn't fix my shirt after the fight and hadn't paid attention when I was talking with him alright." I growled in a short breath as she stared at me her mouth hanging slightly ajar. "Yes Elizabeth…he saw down my shirt alright." I thought feeling my face grow even warmer as she closed her mouth promptly before letting out a series of muffled giggles.

"Elizabeth?" called Will as she turned to see he was on helm duty and wanted to talk with her about something. I could already see that they knew something was up with the pirates that had been following us since Port Royal, but I had a feeling they were starting to piece something together and with that thought nagging at me, I realized I would have to go find Jack much to my discomfort.

I was not a forgiving person especially when it was my own stupidity that had gotten in the way, but I knew I should at least warn him of a double lecture probably coming in his direction as soon as someone took over for Will. I made my way to Jack's cabin glaring hard at the door the incident from earlier still fresh in my mind. "He could have at least warned me." I thought miserably as I smiled wryly knowing full well he was a pirate and it was more or less me being seriously attracted to him that had caused me to be so embarrassed. I finally took a breath and knocked on his cabin door hearing muffled shifting of papers and boots heading toward the door.

"Wha do ya wan?" come Jacks muffled voice from the other side of the cabin door as I sighed and waited for him to open the door. I was not about to answer him until I was inside and if that wasn't a clue enough for him after the other time I came to talk with him I figured he would never get it. "Brandi?" came his questioning voice as he opened the door a half smirk on his face as I rolled my eyes ignoring him and walked into the cabin hearing the door shut behind me. "Wha is it luv?"

"Elizabeth and Will are talking and I think you may have a bit of explaining to do soon." I stated promptly turning to walk back out the way I had come in colliding with Jack and stumbling promptly on my ass. "So much for avoiding another embarrassing moment." I thought miserably as I glanced up making sure I had a firm glare on my face seeing Jack was smirking down at me. He offered me his hand and I accepted it climbing to my feet brushing myself off, finally finding the nerve I slapped him across the face noting he was glancing pointedly down my shirt again.

"I didn deserve tha." Grumbled Jack placing his hand gingerly to his cheek as I glared up at him trying desperately not to laugh at the odd look on his face.

"Of coarse you did and you know it." I said pointedly as Jack rolled his eyes watching me carefully in case I decided to repeat the action. "Now that we've cleared that up…excuse me I think they're coming and I would rather not be involved in your lecture if I can help it." I mumbled walking toward the door hearing a pair of muffled voices realizing I was too late to avoid them. "Never mind." I mumbled miserably as I flopped down on Jacks bed leaning against the back of the wall tucking my legs up under my chin.

"Jack…let us in please." Come Wills pleading voice as I noticed Jack glance at the door debating on whether or not he felt like letting them in. It was inevitable he would get a lecture and he knew it, but I could see he wasn't looking forward to it.

"You can't avoid them forever Jack." I said as he glanced at me and sighed defeated walking toward the door. He paused at the door and looked ready to change his mind about opening it. "Want me to answer it for you?" I asked as he glanced at me relief evident in his face at the offer.

"Woul ye luv?" he asked sounding slightly more relieved then necessary as I sighed climbing to my feet making my way to the cabin door seeing Jack had retreated behind his desk to take a swig of rum and ready himself for a lecture.

I slowly opened the door stepping aside as Elizabeth came rapidly into the room her face already showing she had a firm lecture to aim directly at Jack. Will followed in slowly looking almost as miserable as Jack who quickly took another sip of his rum and stared straight ahead at the fuming woman in front of him. I watched quietly from Jacks bed where I had settled myself back against the wall leaning on my legs waiting for the incoherent yelling of Elizabeth to start, but for nearly ten minutes nothing came. To my surprise Will was the one to break the silence that was starting to worry me.

"Jack…are you hiding something from us?" asked Will sounding only slightly hurt, but knowing Jack had always had reasons for being so secretive. "Elizabeth thinks that maybe you should be fully honest with us for a moment." He said respectfully hoping that just maybe she wouldn't start yelling at Jack the first moment she got.