A/N: Anything in bold is from the movie About a Boy.
Jack had left rather hastily immediately after reclaiming the Black Pearl (and his life thanks to his friends Will and Elizabeth). He returned a few months later to thank the two and see how they were getting along. It came as no surprise to him that they were married and happily looking forward to starting a family of their own. He was sure it was a ploy in which Elizabeth kept Will from the open sea. Fair enough, the boy already ascertained his treasure.
Jack dreaded this visit more than the last. Having land lovers for friends anchored a man. He kept returning to the port because he felt he owed them something, but he wasn't sure what. All he knew was that he hated being in debt to anyone, especially friends. Each return gave him a uneasy sinking feeling. Now, they were bringing a baby into the picture. He wasn't ready to be linked to anyone that young. He would tell them this visit would be the last . . .
Each visit to Port Royal brought no new change, Jack found. Everything had stayed the same, except for the fact that Will and Liz had moved further out of town to allow a cozy privacy for the budding family. Looking over the directions he'd received from Will and Elizabeth, he staggered through the unchanged markets and alleys. When at last he had found their cottage tucked away in the quaintest outskirts, he cursed under his breath and retrieved from his breast pocket a flask from which he took a long swig. He smoothed out his disheveled hair to the best of his ability and banged immodestly on the door.
Will pulled open the door so quickly that it seemed he was standing behind it, awaiting the knock. Jack held out his right hand, which still contained the flask. He mumbled an apology as he tucked it back into his pocket.
"Good to see you haven't changed," Will finally offered, taking Jack's presently available hand in a friendly shake.
"No since changing what isn' flawed, mate." Jack strutted into the sitting room. There, he saw Elizabeth standing over a crib, cooing at her infant. "Lovely as ever, you are, Liz."
Elizabeth smiled at Jack. "It's great to see you again, Jack."
Jack nodded and glanced about the room uninterestedly. Will tapped him on the back. "Do sit down."
A sardonic smile came across Jack's face. "So much a gentleman you'll offer a pirate a sit-down, eh?" He obligingly took a seat on their divan. "Fatherhood suits you well, lad."
Will crossed the room and touched Elizabeth's arm. The two exchanged a proud smile at which Jack rolled his eyes. Elizabeth scooped the tiny infant out of the crib. Approaching Jack, she offered him the pink bundle.
"I couldn', really." He held out his arms in protest.
But Elizabeth forced the baby into his arms. "Nonsense, she won't break," she argued.
Jack uneasily clasped the baby under her scalp and bottom. His arms, held out two feet in front of him, swayed unsteadily. "Tell you what, I'm feelin' a bit crap with her. So, you know . . ." He held the baby out further to which Elizabeth retrieved her. She walked back over to stand beside Will
"Just think, she could have been yours if you'd gotten your act together," said Will. He fingered the pink blankets affectionately.
Jack arched an eyebrow and feigned a toothy grin. "Just think of that . . . yeah."
Elizabeth looked questioningly at Will. "Do you want to ask him?"
"No, you do it," Will nudged her.
Jack cleared his throat. "As charming as this all is, I really am pressed for time."
"We were wondering if you wanted to be Nerissa's godfather," Will finally blurted out.
"I'm really touched, but you must be joking!" Will and Elizabeth exchanged uncertain looks. "I couldn' possibly think of a worse godfather for Nerissa. You know what I'm like," he nudged his head towards Will who nodded knowingly. "I'll drop her on her head at her christening. I'll forget all her birthdays until her eighteenth when I'll take her out, get her drunk, and--let's face it--try to shag her. Seriously, it's a very, very bad choice."
Elizabeth looked at Will in shock. Will shrugged. "I just thought you had hidden depths."
Jack stood up. "See you've always been off course about that, mate, I really am this shallow."
He crossed the room and stood only feet in front of the two. "Much as I loved this little get-together, I'm afraid I hear the horizon calling me name."
"I really wish you could stay longer," Will protested.
"Hate to be away from me ship for too long. Call me gun-shy." He looked again at their smiling faces that were now filled with hope. And he remembered the vow he had made to himself as he walked the streets: that this would be the last time he'd come back to Port Royal. "Listen, I've been thinking. It's not such a grand idea for me to keep comin' back here. I risk my crew an' the Pearl. An' the two of you, who now have another to consider."
Will shook his head.
Jack held up his hand. "I wish things could be different, too. But, you'll agree 'tis necessary." Elizabeth nodded. Jack had expected her to agree without a fight. Will, however, Jack could tell, didn't want to see the man go. "I'll write. Evidence from a written correspondence can be destroyed, you know." Will nodded forlornly and crossed the room to escort Jack out the door. Jack shook Will's hand for a last goodbye, but the young man pulled him into a heart-felt grasp that took Jack by surprise. He cleared his throat nervously and patted Will on the back with hesitation. He broke free of the embrace and left the three, standing in the doorway, staring after him, to sever ties from them forever.