Sorry for the wait, I was suffering from awful writers block, couldn't even think of one decent sentence. Did anyone review since last time? I don't think so, but thanks if you read it (or did review). A quick note, I'm terrible at historical or modern accuracy though I do look up some things, so you'll have to forgive me if there's something wrong. Please do point it out though so I can improve next time. I've also noticed as one person pointed out (I don't think it was this story though), that I use many references from Pratchett. Good, bad? Let me know. And is it just me or am I writing in a similar style to Amelie Nothomb? If any of you read her work, please tell me whether that observation is correct or I'm just insulting her brilliant books. Thank you for reading all of this if you do and please reply to my Q's. Hmm… all this boring babbling (ooh alliteration) needs a smilie :-) There ya go.

This is my longest chapter yet, and hopefully it's good. The only way I'll know for sure is if you review.

Chapter 7

"Morning." Nina cheerfully greeted Ana-Maria. She just grunted in reply. "Want somethin' to eat?" Nina asked not waiting for an answer. She laid a plate in front of Ana that was laden with egg, bacon, sausage and little fried bits of potato.

It was the morning of the wedding and Nina was looking forward to it. She had customised an old dress and it looked just right – not too showy that would show down the bride but enough to compliment Nina well. Fortunately there wasn't a corset involved.

"And where's my breakfast, luv?" Jack asked as Nina cracked another egg over the frying pan

"Well, seeing as you haven't been coming back the last coupla nights, I didn't bother making you any," Jack didn't bother giving her a reply so she continued, "If ya really want you can have the leftovers, but, to be honest, I thought you could take care of yourself."

"I'll be sure to remember ye said tha' to me." Jack grumbled as he sat down, and tried to take a sausage off Ana-Maria's plate. It resulted in a slap on the hand. "Why are you so cheerful all o' a sudden?" He asked Nina.

"Hey, I'm in a good mood, don't complain. I amazed you're not happier this fine morning. You love weddings."

"Normally, I don't 'ave a hangover from the previous night 'cause someone convinced me to try a new concoction of t'bar that wasn't fit to swab decks wit'."

"Believe me, there wasn't much convincing involved. And it's not my fault if ya couldn't handle it." She teased. Jack just growled.

Nina grinned, "So are you ready to have a wash and wear the outfit Lizzy picked out fer you?" This put Jack in a worse mood. The clothes Elizabeth had picked were bad enough, but she'd even thrown a wig into the deal claiming Jacks dreads were too unruly to be suitable at a wedding.

Jack cheered up a bit when Nina presented some bacon and an egg in front of him.

"Right. I'm gonna go and start getting ready." Nina said as Jack tucked in, and went upstairs.

As she was getting ready she wondered how Norrington was going to be. She hadn't spoken to, nor seen him much over the last few days, and from what he had told her, the wedding didn't seem as if it was going to be too easy for him. It wasn't that he had loved Elizabeth just that he had grown to care for her. Nina didn't quite understand at the time, but now it was making sense. She didn't love the Commodore, she told herself, she'd just grown fond of him. You don't have sex with people you've only grown fond of, her brain said. You had sex with Jack, her brain argued back. Yeah, but he got her drunk and besides, she'd only started to grow fond of him when they met in France. Nina sighed.

As much as a steadfast man James E. Norrington appeared, Nina knew perfectly well that he was vulnerable. Sure, he had an excellent career but very few people can be entirely satisfied by a job, and his attempts at romance with Elizabeth Swann didn't exactly work out. And then Jack came along. James didn't hate him for being a pirate; that was all a façade, though not at first. No, James envied him for having what no man of the gentry could have: total and complete freedom. Jack made him question his life, he may be doing everything right by the law, but at what cost?

Nina thought back to the day at the fort. It wasn't meant to mean anything to her; she just wanted James to feel better, to relieve some of the stress. She was making a mess of things she knew. It was going to make everything so much harder, especially leaving. She sighed again; she'd just have to deal with that when it came around.

She finished getting dressed, and decided to put her hair up later. She headed back downstairs to the kitchen and met Jack in the hallway.

"You get dressed almost as quick as t'whores back in Tortuga, luv."

"I'm not quite sure whether to take that as a compliment or not." Nina said thoughtfully.

"It wasn't meant as one," Jack helped out. Nina gave a small scowl, "I was thinkin' darlin', maybe yer'd go to the weddin' wit' me?" There was a knock on the door as Jack finished.

"Why don't you take your waitress?" Nina retorted and walked off to answer it.

"Good morning, Ms. Wilding. I was hoping you would be in. Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to the wedding later today?" Norrington asked with all the formality.

"Uh…" Nina turned to Jack and then looked back to James defiantly, "Certainly. I would love to accompany such a fine gentleman to the foreboding wedding." Nina replied just as formal. The Commodore smiled.

"In that case, I shall call for you at 3.45, Ms. Wilding. Good day." He gave a short bow and walked away pleased.

Nina gave a small wave as she closed the door, then turned to Jack, "Guess you will have to take that waitress of yours then."

The ceremony started at four but the priest droned on until five.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…" was all Nina heard before she stopped listening. During the ceremony she risked a few glances back towards Jack who was sat on the back pew, accompanied only by Gibbs and Ana-Maria. She noticed that he hadn't brought the waitress along and that he hadn't put on the outfit Elizabeth had chosen. Nina chuckled at the thought of this. Hearing the chuckle caused the priest to pause and give Nina a disapproving scowl. She was getting a lot of those recently.

Nina used the time to think about her scams. Maybe she wouldn't bother with the people here, after all if Jack was after treasure again as he hinted, she could probably cash in on that in some way. She was pretty sure he'd let her tag along with minimal persuasion. She needed to know what he was after though, so she could do her own checking up.

After a long hour the happy couple kissed and the wedding was over. Just the reception to get through next and that would be easy enough.

Nina picked up a glass of wedding cake and sidled over to Jack.

"I see you didn't wear those clothes then." She said before taking a bite of the carefully crafted cake. She didn't normally like fruitcake, but this was a well received exception.

"I'm not that good friends' wit' 'em. This is only the second time I've seen 'em. Hey, I 'ad a wash." He defended.

"Well, good for you Jack." Nina stated and went off to find the newly wed couple.

"Congratulations." Nina said warmly. Elizabeth just beamed. She seemed truly happy. Will's happiness seemed only stinted by Nina's presence.

"It's a shame my mother couldn't be here." Will said to Elizabeth; aiming it at Nina. She was oblivious to it.

"What happened to your mother?"

"She died. Back in London."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"You should be." Will muttered to himself as Nina took another bite of the fruitcake.

"What was that?"

"No need to be." Will corrected.

"So, where are you going for your honeymoon?" Nina asked.

"Oh my," Elizabeth exclaimed, "We've been so busy with the wedding we didn't think about that."

"Well, I'm leaving with Jack, I'm sure he wouldn't mind treating you. Seeing as you're such good friends."

"That's an excellent idea; are you sure he wouldn't mind?" Elizabeth asked. Nina merely shook her head unable to reply due to the remaining piece of cake that she had in her mouth, "What do you think Will?"

"I'm not too sure; Jack has a habit of getting into trouble." Will noticed the look on Elizabeth's face, "But if it's what you really want…"

Elizabeth gave him a tight hug and kiss on the cheek and ran off to find Jack.

"She was rather eager about being with him, maybe something's not as it seems?" Nina provoked Will.

"Something isn't as it seems, but it's not Elizabeth." Will said solidly.

Nina definitely picked up on this. "What do you mean by that?"

"I told Jack I'd be nice to you, but I still don't trust you. You're not what you claim to be."

Nina scrutinized Will before replying, staring him straight in the eye. "Think whatever you want, but soon, I'm gonna be long gone, and you won't be able to prove anything." She gave him a sweet smile. "Lovely reception by the way."

Will just feigned a smile in return but his eyes revealed otherwise.

"Ah, Mr Turner," Governor Swann interrupted, "Am I disturbing something?" He asked as he noticed the steely looks they were giving each other.

"Not at all Governor. As a matter of fact I was just saying what a wonderful reception this was. You must have gone to an awful lot of trouble to organise it all." Said Nina, before Will had a chance to say anything.

Governor Swann just smiled politely, "May I see you for a moment, William?"

"Of course." Will said and walked away with him. Nina decided to find Norrington.

She found him over by the drinks, pouring himself another glass of port.

"Drinking to forget?" Nina offered as she put her plate down.

"I would be, if only I could remember what it was I was trying to forget."

"Ah, the wit of the Commodore shines." Nina smiled.

"I have my moments," Norrington replied, "Exceedingly good wedding, wasn't it?"

Ah, small talk, Nina thought as she poured herself a drink, what a safe subject. "Yes, indeed it was. Didn't the bride look beautiful?" Nina tested.

There was a small look of sadness in James' eyes but it was gone as soon as it appeared. "She did. I noticed that Mr. Sparrow didn't make an exceptional amount of effort."

"Well, that's Jack. Surprising, considering the amount of treasure he's supposedly in possession of."

"Yes, I would have expected him to be able to buy some decent clothes. He seems to have no respect for others."

"It's there when it's needed." Nina defended.

Norrington looked at Nina, "I suppose it has to be earned." He said by means of an apology.

"Apology accepted." Nina replied knowingly, James smiled. "You're welcome to take shots at Jack if you want though. Don't feel you have to hesitate because of me."

James would have replied but he was cut off by Jack who had suddenly appeared.

"Whatcha 'ave to go and do that for?!" Jack exclaimed.

"What?" Nina asked innocently.

"I don't want a couple of love-sick children on me ship, 'specially when they're gonna be at it non-stop!" Jack retorted angrily. "And what's this 'bout you comin' wit' me?"

"I don't think Will would have the stamina." Nina said, avoiding the question but earning a look from James. She mouthed pardon. Jack contemplated this for a moment and nodded in agreement before turning back to Nina.

"Awright I forgive you, but you could 'ave told me ya were gonna be joinin' me."

"I apologise, Captain." Nina turned to look at Norrington. He understood.

"I think it's about time I stopped avoiding the matter and wished the Turners well. Excuse me."

"Certainly. I'll be seeing you later?"

Norrington nodded and left.

"Seriously though, luv, please be tellin' me that yer gonna be joinin' me next time."

"I was going to get round to asking you but something always came up."

"Ah, like it always does?"

"It's not my fault." Nina said, with a glint in her eye, "Where are you headed then?"

"Well, I could always take ya to places yer've never been before."

Nina chuckled, "You never stop, do ya? Besides," She added on a slightly more serious note, "It's probably all old territory. I'd rather not go back there."

"Suit yerself, luv." Jack shrugged it off.

"So where are you headed?"

"Tha's a surprise. You'll 'ave to come along and see fer yerself."

"Fine. When are you sailing?"

"I was gonna be outta 'ere by tomorra."

"So soon?"

"No point in crowdin' the 'appy couple."

"Yeah, but they're coming along…" she pointed out as she took a sip from her glass.

"Alright, 'ow about I don't particularly wanna be 'anging the next day."

"I'm sure James wouldn't mind if you stayed a little longer."

"I'm sure 'e would. Furthermore, I've me own little expedition to be goin' on."

"Ah, yes. This mysterious venture that you refuse to enclose any details of."

"I don't see why I should, it's not like you're comin' along."

"Alright then. But I thought you needed me to talk with Cathy?"

"Hmm…South'ampton Cathy," Jack contemplated, "I don't need ya to talk to the lass, but it would be safer."

"For you!"

"Precisely, luv."

Nina rolled her eyes and finished her wine. "I'm gonna go get another drink. I don't suppose you'd want another by any chance?"

"Thankye's, Neen."

As Nina was pouring them another drink, she decided to ask, "Been making trouble with the East Indian Trading Company recent?"

Jack didn't reply and just took his drink.

"Jack, why are you so serious around me?"

He took a careful moment before answering, "They were bad times."

"I know Jack, I was there too. But you can't do anything about the past."

"Am I jest s'posed to forget about it all?"

"Of course not. I just want it to be like it was before all that."

Jack considered this, and then smiled, "What? When you were a chronic thief and sex maniac?"

Nina stared, "I was never a sex maniac!"

"That must o' been me, then. Though ya do keep to yer namesake, remember France?"

France, although at times fun, wasn't a place with the best of memories for Jack and Nina. It was the dark incidents that started there which were the reason the two were fairly close today. France wasn't all bad though. Marseille was a lively place, if a bit too crowded with soldiers in Nina's opinion.

"How could I forget?"

Jack smirked, "I noticed you didn't deny the chronic thief part."

"It was one of my talents. Unfortunately I haven't been keeping it up. It's much easier just to convince people to give you their money. Speaking of which," Nina added, "You're in possession of a considerable amount. Any hints as to where I could find it?"

"Nina, you always know that if you need it, all ya 'ave to do is ask."

"Jack darling, I couldn't have a share of your gold, could I?"

"No. You don't need it."

"Tch, I should have known you'd say something along those lines. Right, I'm going to save Norrington from impending doom, so if you'll excuse me."

"Sure thing luv. We sail first thing in t'morning. Don't be late."

"I'm never late, I merely get delayed."

"'Ave it your way, but if you're some'ow delayed," Jack stressed the word, "Don't expect us to be waitin' fer you."

Nina gave a confident smile and walked off.

Jack took a gulp of his drink. Port had never been his favourite and this stuff was no exception. It wasn't strong enough either. Discarding his glass on the table, he went in search of Ana-Maria to stop her from whatever she was doing before she injured someone.

As Nina headed towards James she couldn't help overhearing a hushed conversation to her side concerning the legitimacy of their relationship. She stopped by the two women and interrupted them.

"Mrs Hemmingway, have I told you what a delightfully loud voice you have? It carries exceptionally well."

The two women were startled slightly. "Ms Wilding," Mrs Hemmingway replied, "I apologise. Believe me; I would never think such things myself. I was only repeating what I heard the soldiers saying."

"Surely you're not one to pass on idle gossip invented by bored soldiers with nothing better to do?"

"No. Of course not." She answered rigidly, with an obvious scowl. Nina smiled victoriously and left them in search of James once again.

"Are you aware that your men are spreading rumours?" Nina asked when she found him.

"It had come to my attention, yes."

"And this doesn't bother you because…?"

"Well, they are not entirely false, are they?" Norrington replied in a hushed manner.

"What about our reputations? Surely it would be best to dispel these tales."

"I can do my best; however the men will talk regardless of what I say and my objections to their gossiping will do nothing but add fuel to the fire."

Nina simply sighed.

"So you will be leaving tomorrow?" James inquired.

"It's not a permanent arrangement, I do plan on returning."

"I wasn't assuming otherwise. I'm more concerned with your choice of company."

"Jack'll have the Turners with him, so he'll behave. To some extent."

James wasn't too convinced, "I'll trust your judgement in this case."

"You're gonna have to. But Ana-Maria will always be there to keep him in check, don't you worry."

"I have noticed she seems to have some sort of capacity over the man and some of the marines as well." Said James with a smile.

"Yeah, she has that effect." Nina agreed with a smile of her own. "It is alright for me to come over later on?"

"Of course. You are welcome at my home at any time."

"Just checking. I might visit you before I have to leave in the morning."

"Certainly. I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Good."

After the wedding Nina went home to pack a few things. Like she had told Norrington she wasn't leaving permanently just yet, and it didn't take her long to prepare. There was a loud clunk as Nina dragged the chest down the stairs.

"Need any 'elp?" Jack offered politely once she had finished.

"No thank you. I can take care of myself."

"You're all packed then, I see."

"Yes, I am."

"Good. Then you 'ave no excuse fer bein' late in t'morning."

Nina rolled her eyes, "I am never late…" She protested.

"Deny it all ya want luv, but ye are the least punctual person I 'ave ever met. Are ya goin' somewhere?" Jack added as she made for the door.

"Not that it's any of your concern, but yes. I'm going to see a man about a horse, if you have to know."

"Why do you need an 'orse?" Jack scorned.

"Horse. I don't, it's a figure of speech. Y'know like…" She trailed off trying to think of a suitable phrase for Jack, "For all the gold in t'world."

"I do know wha' a figure o' speech is, darlin'. If yer goin' out though, what about me supper?"

"Don't worry; I believe Gibbs is cooking something."

"What about you?"

"I'll eat while I'm out."

"Oh," Jack said perceptively, "It's not your weddin' night y'know, so don't be late tomorrow."

Nina looked hard at Jack, and decided not to argue anymore. "'Bye." She called back as she left the house.

TBC...Review!!!