Disclaimer: POTC is a Disney Production

The Honest One

Late that night, Jem woke with a start. She realized she was lying on my bed and in my room. Moaning softly, she put her hand to her head.

She mumbled to herself. "Oh my head is pounding and why is my vision so blurred?" Blinking her eyes she realized she was not alone. "Who's there?" She whispered. I could see her straining to see into the dark room.

"It's all right Jem. It's just me." I was now standing next to the bed and she could see me as the moonlight spilled through the windows.

"Is something wrong?" She asked. "Oh my god Jack." She placed her hand back on her head and felt the bandage I had placed there hours ago. "Tom, Mathew, where are they?" Her eyes were wide with fear. "Please Jack don't tell me they are…"

I gave her a wide smile. "Dead. Aye Tom is gone my Luv. It seems Miss Swann has a very good aim and she did not take lightly to being beaten up by him, let alone having her daughter flapping in the breeze. I think what really edged her on was when Tom attempted to kill the only man she really has every loved. Yes, your beloved Tom tried to kill young Mister Turner."

I lowered my dark eyes on hers. I saw her shiver and her eyes welled up with tears. I sat on the bed next to her and wrapped my arms around her.

"You knew it had to end that way. I have told you over and over again. Keep the treasure, spend it, enjoy it, get yourself a ship, but get rid of the Ball Of Santiago." I wiped her tears with my rough dirty hands and pulled her closer to me.

"Yes, Tom is dead and Mathew is in irons and locked in the brig. He is as mad as Tom and Scott were, if not more so. He will have to be dealt with also. I fear death will be the only answer. Jonathan, your one sole crewmember left unharmed, and who has no idea about the Ball, has been asking to see you, but to his chagrin I have denied him."

I kissed her on the top of her head. "Gift or no gift, you know the ball is cursed and your father must have been full of evil intentions for sending you after it."

She pulled away from me and I could see the anger in her eyes. Then she panicked as she reached for her pocket and realized she was not wearing her coat. "Where is my jacket? I need it and I need it now!"

I looked at her skeptically as she ranted about her coat. I got up from the bed and retrieved her garment from the back of a nearby chair. "Here you go Luv. Your jacket and precious stone are all together. I think The Ball has taken control of your senses."

She reached into her pocket and felt that the ball was safe in her possession. She then glared at me again, menacingly. "Jack if you would, please don't ever talk ill of the dead and don't ever mention my father again."

I held my hands up in a silent surrender. "Sorry Jem, I mean Captain Barbossa." I went over to the cupboard and pulled out two bottles of rum and then walked over to the desk and lit a small oil lamp so now she could see me.

I turned and faced her and gave her my famous smile.

"Is something wrong?" She asked as she looked around the room and at the bed.

"No, I just wanted to show you something. I really did not come in here to fight with you." My face was masked by the shadows as I gazed on her and offered her a bottle of rum. There was a hint of playfulness in my voice that she had never heard before.

She climbed out of the bed and seemed surprised to find she was still dressed.

"Lass, I would never take advantage of an unconscious female. Even if she is a beauty and should be ravaged often, especially by the likes of me." I gave her a long passionate kiss on her lips and then ran my hand down her back. "Come with me Luv, I truly do have something to share with you."

A strange warmth fluttered in my stomach as I gently pressed my callused hand around hers. The only sounds I could hear were the gentle lapping of the waves and the thundering of my own heart.

"Jem I want you to follow me."

"No Jack I should go see Mathew and talk to Jonathan." She pulled her hand from mine and I gave her a hurt look. " I am sure what ever you have to show me Captain, can wait." She pulled her jacket off the bed and proceeded towards the door.

"Jem, what I have to show you cannot wait. It is a warm evening and you won't need this." I took her coat from her hands and tossed it back on the bed.

"Jack no, I should take this with me." She reached for the coat and I pulled her back. I blew out the lamp and led her to the deck.

"Look above you Luv." I pointed up in the sky. Above our heads were a thousand twinkling stars, but more surprising than that was the shower of sparks in the sky. It was as if a hundred stars were falling at once.

"Jack this is spectacular. Never in my life have I seen anything so miraculous."

"It is incredible my Pet. I thought you would enjoy it." I stood behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist.

"What is it?" She asked as she continued to gaze in the sky.

"Old sailors call it the star dance. It doesn't happen often, but when it does. Well what can I say?"

"Jack, thank you for bringing me out here."

I stared up at the stars that twinkled and fell. "They are breath taking." I released my grasp from her waist and took her by the arm. I led her over to where I had placed a blanket on the deck along with a small midnight picnic.

Jem looked questioningly at the food, drink and blanket. "What is all this?" She asked suspiciously.

I shrugged. "I thought we could enjoy a quiet evening alone." I curled my moustache and winked at her.

"Why Captain Sparrow, I'd say you've got more than the stars on your mind."

"And if I admitted that I did," I said in a deep seductive voice. "Would you run away?"

"Jack you know what I would say. There is no future for the two of us. I would have to say you're wasting your time."

I pulled her down on the blanket and bent close to her. I then whispered. "Am I Jem? Come we have plenty of time and we are alone. I know you want me as much as I want you."

I pulled her arms out from under her and she was now flat on her back looking up at the stars. I lay beside her propped on one elbow.

"Kiss me Jem! Please, just one." As I spoke I waved my hand in the air as if shooing a fly away. I then jerked my head three times but keeping my eyes on Jem.

"Just one small kiss and I shall tell you what happened to your mates and then if you wish not to join me for some food, you may retire for the evening."

I waved my hand again at the invisible insect. Jem looked at me and then smiled. "Jack, the air is warm and the breeze is nice. There are no insects about. Are you feeling ill, are you seeing things?" She attempted to sit up but I placed my hand on her now and held her down.

"You are an incredible woman." I brushed her hair off her shoulders.

She pushed my heavy hand off and sat up. "Jack all my instincts are telling me to run back to the room, before it's too late. You are up to something Captain Sparrow and I don't like it."

"It's already too late." I said in a deadly tone. I ran my fingers down her cheek. "Haven't you ever done something wrong that you later regretted?" My voice was still deep. "Something that made others think terrible thoughts about you?"

"Yes." She said hesitantly, her voice was rather breathless. "I ran away and became a pirate."

I laughed. "Nay you didn't run, pirate is in your blood, so you had to square with that. You have also accepted that your father was a pirate and a good man." I coughed. "Now for me, I can't accept that." I winced as she gave me a sour look. "If that is the worst thing that you ever did, then you have no worries."

There was a slight noise on the far end of the deck and Jem started to get up. "Did you hear that? We are not alone."

I pulled her back down. "Trust me Jem we are alone." I nuzzled gently at her neck. My arms tightened around her.

"Oh Jem." I breathed in her ear. "Please forgive me." I slid my hands down her body and pulled at her clothing. I wanted to feel her warm skin next to mine.

Just then there was another sound a lot closer and she pushed me from her. "Jack this is wrong and you know it." She looked around and saw a figure approaching. She grabbed an apple from the blanket and stood up.

"No! Not good! Stop! Not good! Where are you going?" I pulled her legs out from under her and she fell down hard. "You can't go Jem, you can't leave."

She rolled off the blanket and leaped up fast. "I must say Captain Sparrow you are a selfish bastard." She then turned and left quickly.

"No, no! Jem don't go!" I sat up and put my head into my hands and cursed at myself. I jumped up and ran after her.

"Where are you going?" I grabbed her and pushed her up against the railing. I leaned in against her. She gave me a slight groan and started to point to something behind me. "Captain we are definitely not alone."

I turned my head to see Elizabeth approaching.

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed as she advanced. "Jack, I have been looking for you. Kat has been asking to see you. She is still shaken up from her adventure in the ships rigging."

Jem seemed rather pleased to see Elizabeth as she stopped struggling with me.

Elizabeth smiled. "Please don't let me interrupt anything." Then she saw the desperate look in Jem's eyes. "Can I ask what the two of you are doing out here so late?" She looked at the blanket and then directly in my eyes and gave me a look of disappointment and disbelief.

I gave her a wide smile and shrugged. "You may ask Miss Swann but you won't like the answer. As far as what we were doing, it is none of your business. What I am doing now is cleaning up my mess and then taking a long, cold bath." I glanced at Jem. "Then I have it in mind to get good and drunk." I looked over at the picnic and then back at the women. "I might just to the latter first."

I stepped back from Jem and I was surprised to see the relief in her face as I did so. "I am sorry Jem, I should not have sought you out and it was not my goal to scare you. In all honesty, my intentions were honorable."

Elizabeth laughed, "Ah face it Jack, we know what you meant to do. I know you Captain Sparrow and you are never completely honorable."

She moved in close to me and gave me a small kiss on the cheek. "Really Jack, I can't believe you tried to seduce Jem, here on an open deck. You couldn't come up with a better strategy?"

I looked into her eyes and then smiled. "You got me Luv. I best be going. I am just a black-hearted pirate who takes what he wants." I brushed my hand down Jem's cheek and took her hair into my hands. "Yes, I just take what I want and I want you."

I stepped away from the both of them. I went back over to the blanket and threw myself down upon it. I glanced at the dancing stars, grabbed myself a bottle of rum and then began to drink.

Jem shook her head and then looked at Elizabeth. "I understand it is you I have to thank for killing Tom." She said sarcastically.

Elizabeth gave her a quick and viscous look. "No, I think you are the one who killed him. I just put him out of his misery."

Elizabeth looked over at me as I was now draining my second bottle of rum. "Charming is he not?" She said wistfully.

Jem looked at her questioningly. "I beg your pardon?" She then saw where Elizabeth was looking. "Don't forget debonair, kind, arrogant, egotistical, self-centered, impossible, drunk and…."

Jem then turned from Elizabeth and faced the sea. Placing her hands on the railing she spoke to Elizabeth in a friendlier tone. Her voice carried through the night and I could hear the both of them.

"He can make me laugh but he can also anger me so."

Elizabeth giving a knowing smile joined her at the rail. "So he makes you insane, doesn't he?"

Jem gave Elizabeth a quick glance and continued to look at the waves. "Absolutely."

"Yes, but you love to irritated him. In fact, I think you live for it." Elizabeth snickered.

"We seem to fight over everything. We are too much alike. We both want to be in control." Jem whispered as she frowned at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's smile widened as she began to laugh.

"I feel the same way about William. I have known him since I was a young girl and it was love at first sight. The moment I saw Will floating in the water, I knew he was the one for me. I didn't know he was the son of a pirate." She shrugged. "But I did suspect it, when I found a pirate medallion around his neck and took it for his own protection. To me being a pirate was unimportant, but Commodore Norrington thinks differently. Men do many things that they later regret."

She looked at me and then at Jem. "Even at his worst, Jack Sparrow could never be as bad as the other pirates I have met."

Jem looked at her. "I assume you mean my father and my brother."

Elizabeth left the rail and walked to the other side of Jem. She looked at her and continued. "I know Jack killed your father and brother, but what's in a man's past doesn't matter nearly as much as what's in his present, and most importantly, what's in his heart."

Jem could see the earnestness of Elizabeth's gaze.

"Jem, Jack loves you. Really, I've never seen Jack stare at a woman the way he does you. He longs to be with you and his hands are always on you."

Jem laughed this time. "You don't miss anything do you?"

"Not much." Elizabeth said as she tossed her head back with the breeze. "Tell me, if you had not taken Jack as a prisoner and he was not a pirate, how would you feel about him?"

Jem was feeling a little uneasy with Elizabeth's question, she backed away and looked towards me. I now had four empty bottles lying beside me and I was drinking the fifth. I held the bottle up in her direction.

"Here's to you Luv, and what ya do to me." I said with a slurred voice.

She closed her eyes and shook her head. "He is handsome when he isn't drunk."

Elizabeth then winked at me. "As sin itself." She looked directly into Jem's eyes. "You know Jem, it's to late for you."

"What do you mean?" Jem looked confused.

"It's true love, if I ever saw it." Elizabeth said softly.

Jem shook her head in denial.

"Oh, I don't mean you, I mean him." Elizabeth nodded her head in my direction and laughed.

Jem then looked straight at me. If I didn't know better, I would have thought she was talking to me and not Elizabeth. "I use to believe in true love but not anymore. I use to believe in romantic fairy tales, but over these last few years. I've learned that life – that people, aren't the way I want them to be. They are the way they are, and no amount of wishing will change that."

Elizabeth raised her brow. "Yes but we don't choose whom we love with our heads, we choose with our hearts Jem."

She lightly touched Jem's chest.

"We love in spite of faults and sometimes because of them. Correct me if I'm wrong, Jem, but when you're around Jack do you feel breathless? Jittery? Do you find you're self begging for his mere touch. If you do, it means you're in love. The question you should ask is what are you planning to do about it?"

Elizabeth looked up in the night sky. "It is a beautiful evening but I best be getting back to my daughter. William loves her so, but she has been asking for Jack and I fear he may be a little to tipsy now." She looked at me as I drained another bottle of rum.

She left Jem standing by the rail and came over to me. "Come Jack." She kicked my boot and then grabbed my hand to pull me up off the blanket. I pulled her down beside me and handed her my empty bottle. "I must say the company has gotten infinitely better."

She looked at the bottle and me. "Remember Katheryn still wishes to see you?" She then lowered her voice. "I hope I have done enough damage control. The next move is yours."

I placed my arm around her. "Luv I can ardly move. I much appreciate those kind words you said. Ya positively the best. Do ya not think ya were laying it on a little thick?"

She gave me a slight smile. "Captain Sparrow, you are a mess. You are drunk as a skunk and you do need a bath." She pulled herself away from me. "If you really thought I was laying it on too thick you could have jumped in any time and stopped me."

"Aye Lass, I just told ya I can't move let alone jump." I put my head down on the blanket and lost consciousness. I was out like a light.

XXXXXXXX

When I awoke I could scarcely open my eyes. Groaning I damned myself for drinking so much. I wanted to kill the fire in particular parts of my body and I had certainly succeeded. How could I possibly think of seducing Jem when my brain was being pulverized? With a grimace, I pushed myself up; I felt I owed her an apology for my blatant behavior. Elizabeth was right, it was a stupid idea. "Seduce her Jack, yes that will take her mind off of everything." I mumbled to myself. "Stupid, stupid, stupid." I quietly walked into my quarters. The room was dark except for the lone glow of a single candle. I could see Jem's figure in the flickering light, sitting on the bed with Amber. She did not hear me enter and I did not say anything.

"What am I going to do about it, Amber? Elizabeth is incredibly sharp of mind when it comes to the heart. I am in love, but I can't be." She ran her hands threw her treasure that rested next to her. "I have to go and you must too Amber, after all you really do belong to me. We will have to say goodbye to Kat and we will get our own ship. It is the only way."

She closed her eyes and smiled as she placed her hands on the emerald necklace that was around her neck. Then I saw a tear fall from her cheek.

"Amber, how can I break his heart? I do love him. I probably could spend the rest of my life with him." She got off the bed and walked to the window. "Nothing in life is ever simple. What is that old saying. Love makes time pass, but time makes love pass."

She went back to the bed and I could tell she was looking for something. She then turned and ran over to the chair where her jacket was lying.

"That's strange. You are not were I left you." She grabbed it and thrust her hand into the pocket to grab the ball, but it was gone.

"Damn It Jack! Why do you always have ruin a good thing?" She yelled. "You're not going to get away with this."

While she was yelling my name along with other profanity, I backed up unseen and headed for the helm. William and Elizabeth were standing on the quarterdeck gazing at me as I quickly sauntered past.

"Stand back my friends the fireworks will be beginning very soon. Mark my words."

Jem came storming out of the room and she came directly to the helm where I stood. She took the wheel from me and looked straight into my eyes. I could see the fire burning and I was being scorched.

"So Captain Sparrow, you are a black-hearted pirate who takes what he wants. Well, now you can give it back. You made it clear that I could trust you and you have breached that trust. How can I trust anything you do or say?"

"Easy Jem." I flinched at the anger in her voice and the truth of her words. "Ya can trust me." Then I gave her my golden smile. "To be dishonest, you can always trust a dishonest man to be dishonest. Honestly. It's the honest ones you want to watch out for."

"Ha! You've lied to me from the start. You are off the edge of the map, Captain Sparrow. Yes, you said you would take me to the treasure and do what I ask, but now you have taken it from me. You let me believe you had my best interests at heart but instead you took my treasure. You stole my father's one and only gift to me."

"Don't dare impugn me honor, Lass. I agreed I'd take you to the treasure but it was you who failed to specify what would become of it. If you have misplaced it, don't come crying to me. I am not at fault."

In order to divert her anger, I grabbed Tommy, the big old black and white tomcat. He was scurrying past us, chasing a large rat. "If you wish to attack me like a hellcat spitting and hissing at me, then please tell me what I am being blamed for."

Her temper was flying and she let go of the helm. She narrowed her eyes. "You are low." Poking her finger in my chest. "Vile! Who do you think you are?"

I wanted to answer, but I could only think of one response and I knew that would get me a slap.

"Captain Sparrow!" She said, again poking her finger into my chest as she emphasized her words. "I suggest you find another way to occupy yourself, for I am not going to be had by the likes of you."

She grabbed Tommy from my arms and put him down. "There you go kitty, there are many rats on this ship and I think we both know where they are." She then drew her pistol and shot the rat Tommy had been chasing. She then looked at me. "Jack, give me The Ball back within twenty-four hours or I will do the same to you."

I raised my brow and looked hesitantly at her and then at Tommy. I rolled my eyes and sauntered over to the very dead rat and threw it at the cat. "Tommy my pet, if you were waiting for the opportune moment…that was it."

I then smirked at Jem. "And you Luv, are you threatening the Captain? Is this how it is going to be? I can see it now, my death." I placed the spyglass up to my eye and looked at her through it. "Yes, I will die and it will be because of you." I then snapped it closed and looked at her seriously. "Jem, my dear, we will be pulling into port in two days. You will have that time to figure out where you misplaced your treasure. As you can see I have all my wits, hence I have not touched your precious ball and I won't. I know better. Now, if you'd be so kind, I'd be much obliged if you'd let me sail me ship." I pushed her away and took the wheel.

"You cannot dismiss me that easily Jack." She pushed her way between the helm and me.

"It's Captain Sparrow, if you please." I squinted at her. "You have made your terms quite clear missy, the topic is now closed." I looked away and spotted AnaMaria. "Lass, make sure the canvas is tight, we should reach Santa Maria within two days."

AnaMaria did as I asked then approached Jem and pulled her away from the helm and me. "Come you interloper you are disturbing the Captain."

I jumped as Jem threw a punch at AnaMaria and hit her square in the eye. AnaMaria swung back with vengeance but I grabbed her arm before she struck Jem.

"It's alright Luv, I can take care of meself and my possession."

"Your WHAT?" They both said in unison.

AnaMaria backed away and Jem came right up to my face. "Captain Sparrow, you are not my keeper. I am not your anything. You have no rights to me. I will get off your ship and take my treasures. I have no desire to harm you so I will not shoot you as I did that beast." She looked towards Tommy and the half eaten rat.

"I just want the same things you want. I want my freedom and I don't need anybody to tell me what is right and wrong for me." She stepped away from me.

The sea air caressed us both as she stepped back. "I have wished for so many things that I know will never come true. You've no idea what it's like, Captain Sparrow, to be a woman. To be told all your life that everything you want is foolish and that you're useless except as a --" She looked at AnaMaria and over towards Elizabeth. "As a broodmare."

She lowered her dark eyes back on me. "Growing up it was; don't climb that tree, ladies never do such. Then don't run, it's not lady like. Oh, and I always loved this one. Don't raise your voice. Don't speak your thoughts. Don't laugh to loudly, don't eat too much, don't cut your hair, don't wear those colors. Jack my whole life has been full of DON'T!"

I looked at her as the wind whipped the tendrils of her hair away from her face. She looked small and lost.

"No Jem, I can't imagine what it is like to be a woman and having someone tell you, you can't have the things you want at every turn." Without thought I reached out to touch her soft hair.

She slapped my hand away. "Can't you understand, I want to know what freedom is like?" She breathed deeply. "You always say The Black Pearl is your freedom. How would you feel if somebody took that away?"

I scowled at her. "Missy I watched your father, my murderous first mate, sail away with my ship twice."

Again she slapped me, but this time on the face. "Captain, as you said we have two more days until we reach Santa Maria and I assure you I will be taking my leave. So do us both a favor. Give me back what you have stolen from me and stay away from me until then. If you have to go any where, go to hell!"

Before I could blink, she turned and went to my cabin. I heard the lock click into place. Anger coursed through my veins like fire, I pushed AnaMaria towards the helm and I went for the door.

It was locked all right. "This is it Jem. I have had enough." I yelled out at her. I stomped to the storage room where the tools were stored. I grabbed the nearest ax and retraced my steps back to my cabin.

The wooden handle chafed the flesh of my palms as I gripped it tightly in both hands. It was time Jem learned I wasn't some lapdog for her to control.

Will grabbed the ax as I drew it back. "Jack I know you are seeing red now and what you have done can't be changed. In time she will know you took the ball out of love, not out of manipulation."

"William let go of the ax!" I glared at him. "I am only going to ask once. Nobody tells Captain Jack Sparrow what to do or where to go. No one!"

Will released his grip and moved away. I paused before the door, listening to her tirade on the other side.

"Ooo, he makes me so mad. I'll take care of my possession! You best get rid of the ball! Curse or no curse!" I could hear her going on and on in her mocking voice. "If I were a man I would pound you to dust, Captain Sparrow. A sound thrashing is what you deserve."

Aye, that sounded like a good idea to me. I will thrash the little vixen, I will show her who is in charge. I raised the ax and brought it down upon the door. The wood on the door started splitting. Pieces of the door broke apart as the shiny silver head of the ax shredded the wood. My heart was pounding. The lock gave way and the door thundered back on its hinges. I stood in the doorway with a dark ominous look, as I held the ax down by my side. Every fiber in my body was tense as the tattered door swung back and forth with the rhythm of the ship.

"Jem, don't you ever lock another door against me."

Jem stood in front of me wearing a silk robe and a look of distrust on her face. Oh now I have another DON"T! And if I am not mistaken, this is not hell and two days have not passed." She then began to laugh. "All this because I locked the door? Do you have what belongs to me?"

She deliberately dropped her robe and climbed slowly into a tub of hot water. "I was about to take a bath if you don't mind." She snapped. "It seemed a good way to vent my anger. At least it is more practical then destroying doors. If I had known you would throw a tantrum I would have waited."

I tightened my grip on the ax, wishing it were her neck. I don't know what it is about this woman that makes my emotions so volatile. For some reason when it comes to her my iron control melts like butter.

"Jack, instead of just standing there and staring at me, could you fetch that bottle on the table and then come scrub my back."

I tossed the ax across the room and then went to the table. I grabbed the bottle from the table, plucked the sponge from her grasp and took the soap out of her hand. I proceeded to lather up the sponge and slowly rubbed it in circles around her back, down her arms and across her front. I grinned at her and then pushed her head under the water and held her down for quite awhile. Coughing and sputtering as she emerged, I looked down on her.

"Sorry Luv, I ain't trying ter kill ya, really." I pulled a face at the pungent coconut smell coming from the bottle. I made my way to the bed and grabbed a large clean rag for her to dry herself with. "When you are finished, gather up your belongings." I said in a low voice. "I won't be able to repair the door for awhile. You will have to use another room. I'll have Elizabeth help you."

I walked out of the room and leaned against the wall. Will and Elizabeth were both standing there with wide grins on their faces.

Will placed his arm around Elizabeth's shoulders. "I have never in my life known a girl who could push a man to the limits of his sanity."

Elizabeth giggled. "That girl takes it all. I guess her mother knew what she was thinking when she named her Jem, because she sure is one."

I looked at them both. "I must be insane. I went after her with an ax! No come to think of it, I went after the door with an ax, then I tried to drown her." I threw my head back and it hit the wall hard. "Just two more days and she will be out of my life. Two more days and she will be safe from my wrath." I looked at Will and Elizabeth as small smiles still hovered at the edges of their lips. "Just two more days." I moaned. A tiny part of me hoped the end of those two days would never come.

XXXXXXXXX

Later that night Jem was getting ready to go to bed and she choose to stay in my cabin. I cleaned up the remnants of the door but I had not replaced it. I attempted to avoid her for a while, especially once word had gone around the crew about what had happened between the two of us. Ultimately, I could not stay away any longer and I went to find her. I stood in the doorway and watched her remove her clothes.

She turned quickly towards me. "Is there something you need?" She asked, her voice frigid as she pulled the red velvet quilt around her and stepped away from the bed.

I shook my head and without a word I began unrolling a blanket and pillow. I stretched out on the floor just outside the door.

"What do you think you're doing?" Jem asked, as she approached me.

I pulled the blanket up around my chest and looked up at her. "I'm about to go to sleep for the night, if you don't mind."

"Well I certainly do mind, your sleeping in my room."

My gaze traced the outline of the doorframe, then I looked directly into her face. "I believe I am outside the cabin and to be accurate, it is my room."

"Inside, outside, what difference does it make now that there's no way to bar your access. Do you think me foolish enough to sleep with you so close by? You forget, Captain. I know what manner of a man you are."

I gave her a tired sigh. "I'm in no mood to fight, Jem. Go to bed. I'm here simply to make sure no one disturbs you." Sensing her doubt I rolled over and gave her my back. "Go to sleep Miss. Barbossa, or should I say Captain."

She hesitated but then I heard her return to the bed and carefully crawl in. I never moved.

I heard her tossing and turning. Every time she moved my body reacted, aching for hers. I kept remembering the warmth of her body when I pulled her close to me on the deck earlier. She's killing me, I thought to meself. Slowly but surely she was absolutely killing me with want. Realizing I was going to get no sleep I said quietly, "I'm sorry about the door. I shouldn't have over reacted."

There were a few seconds of silence before she responded. "I'm sorry I goaded you to such anger."

Well, it was a start, I thought. She at least admitted she provoked me. "You certainly have a way of doing that." I said softly.

"So I've been told. My brother use to claim that was my greatest talent."

"Jack?" She asked.

"Yes?"

"Did you take The Ball Of Santiago away from me?"

The silence was deafening and hung between us. I never did answer her question. I thought she'd gone to sleep.

"Well, did you?" She asked again.

"Goodnight Jem."

XXXXXXXX

Jem woke early to the sound of someone placing things in her room. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she picked up the warm red velvet comforter and peered out.

"Sorry to bother you miss," Gibbs said. "I was asked to bring these things to you."

She looked at the wooden crates in his hands and then her gaze drifted to the other five pirates standing behind him who held various items as well. The boxes appeared to contain art supplies.

"Where did all this come from?" She asked.

Charlie walked past with an easel under his arm. "I use to paint." The one handed sailor spoke, as he waved his hook at her. "The captain asked me if I had any canvas or paints to spare with a fellow mate or should I say artist."

"Thank you." She said. "It is so kind of you to bring the supplies."

As the men were leaving Charlie took her hand and kissed it. "That is from me and this is from the captain." He handed her a small note. She opened the parchment and read it. 'Tis a great joy that you have all that you need. I assure you this is not all that I have. This is but a bit that I have.'

Gibbs put his hand on Charlie's shoulder. "You'd best be getting out of here Lad, before the captain catches you eyeing his woman. Remember what he did to that fellow in Tortuga?"

Jem eyed Gibbs and frowned. "I am not the Captain's woman Mr. Gibbs, but do tell me what did he do?"

Gibbs licked his lips and drew in his brow. "It is not the type of thing one discusses with ladies. The captain, he does not always understand. I should be going."

He turned on his heels and left.

Charlie moved to the door, he turned towards Jem and smiled. "Should you need any more supplies, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am not afraid of The Captain." Little did he know I was waiting outside the cabin door.

As he walked out of the room I grabbed his arm. "Charles, thank you for delivering my message but it is a wonder you didn't drown her with your drool."

Charlie paled. "I'm sorry Captain, I will get to my duties now." He pulled away from my grasp and left quickly.

Jem was now standing under the doorframe and smiling at me. "I guess I should really be thanking you? Even a scoundrel deserves thanks for a good deed, or are you feeling guilty? Without a doubt, it is the greatest gift I have received in a while. Are you going to slip in and take it away from me at a later date also?"

I bowed to her and then directed my dark poignant eyes into hers. "I don't sneak Luv, if there is something I want I just take it." I turned to leave and then I thought better of it and faced her. "I am glad you like it Jem. You're special; you're not like other people. I see it every time I look at you. You have a passion for life that burns so bright it almost singes me to be near ya." I could tell my gaze was captivating her. "I don't want anything to extinguish that fire, Jem. That is why I have sent you the paints. I want you to capture that passion on canvas."

"What if I can't?"

"You can. I've no doubt about it."

"All right then," she said, "I will waste no time. I will need some fruit and an ornate vase."

"Fruit?" I sneered at her. "You want to paint fruit? Did Michelangelo paint fruit?"

"I like fruit." She said crisply. "Fruit can be fascinating, the way light plays on it and it is never dangerous nor threatening."

I looked at her in disbelief. "Luv, fruit is very boring. I would be more than happy to volunteer myself to be your model. Please Luv, I beg of you, not to request fruit."

Jem looked at me with a confused look on her face. "You want me to paint you?"

"Yes, I will meet you back here in an hour. I must go on deck to handle some small affairs." I extended my hand out to caress her face but then I pulled back, not knowing how to read her. "I won't be late, will you?"

"No, I'll be on time. It shall be my pleasure to paint you, but I get to pick the place and the position."

I gave her another courtly bow. "I am ever your servant, my lady. You may have me any place you choose. I will return in an hour." I turned and went up to the helm.

Apparently Jem could not wait an hour and she came up on the deck looking for me. I was standing at the helm giving orders to Rogers, William, Gibbs and AnaMaria, when she found me. Further down the deck Elizabeth, Kat and Amber were playing.

Jem walked over to me as she looked over at Elizabeth and Kat and smiled at the happy scene. She then looked directly at me and grinned from ear to ear. "Jack, I am ready for you. The question is are you ready for me?"

I was counting on her impatient behavior, and everything was falling into place. "Ah Jem, you have no idea how long I have waited to hear you say those words." I smirked as I placed my hands around her shoulders. I rose my left hand in the air and in a loud voice I said. "Let us go PLAY."

At that moment Elizabeth rolled a ball to Kat and Kat in returned tossed it back. From the corner of her eye, Jem saw the action and she froze. Her eyes grew wide, as she saw The Ball Of Santiago flying threw the air.

She pulled away from me and ran towards Kat. "Kat don't throw that. Stop!" Jem yelled.

Kat had thrown it again and this time Elizabeth was getting ready to roll it. "Elizabeth please stop! That is mine. You have no idea what you have, it is not a toy."

Elizabeth then instead of rolling it, tossed it and she deliberately threw it over Kat's head. Kat turned to catch it but it went flying over the railing. To all of our amazement, Amber jumped up and sailed over the railing after it. The animal was swift and graceful as she flew threw the air and caught the ball. With the Ball Of Santiago in her mouth she plummeted into the water.

Jem reached the edge of the boat and looked down. "Good girl, bring me the ball. Bring it here."

I looked at Elizabeth and rolled my eyes. I turned to Will who was standing next to me. "I should have killed the dog when I had a chance. If she comes back with it, we are all dead. I can only hope the dog is as smart as I think she is and will let it sink."

Elizabeth and Kat ran over to the railing to join Jem. All three stood there in silence as they looked into the sea.

Kat began to cry. "Please Amber bring me back my ball. Bring back my toy."

Jem looked at Kat and placed her hand on her head. "It's going to be fine my dear. Amber caught the ball and she is bringing it back."

I took my coat and hat off and handed it to Will. "I'm going to take care of this once and for all." William gave me back my effects and grasped my shoulder. "No Jack, let me. Jem has no reasons to distrust me. I have always been honest with her."

He started for the rail and I grabbed him. "Lad what ever you do don't touch The Ball."

He pulled away and sneered at me. "Jack, please I am not an idiot. I have seen what it does." He joined the females at the rail and yelled. "Dog overboard, lets pull her in." He started lowing a rope ladder so he could retrieve the dog. Without hesitating he went over the side of the ship before Jem could volunteer. When he returned he was very wet and he was holding a very wet dog. He placed her down and nodded at me. He then turned to Kat. "I am sorry princess, I saved your dog but the ball is gone. We will get you a new toy."

Jem grabbed a hold of Will. "What do you mean the ball is gone? Where is it? I saw it in Amber's mouth. She had it! What have you done with it Turner?" Her dreadful malevolent glare fell on his face. She started clawing at him and reaching into his pockets.

Will shoved her away but she came at him again. She noticed that he was bleeding and saw that he had a large bite on his arm and it was bleeding profusely. She stopped striking him and yelled. "What did you do? Why did Amber bite you? Did you hurt MY dog? Yes, MY dog! She does not belong to Kat nor Jack, she is mine and always will be!" She then pushed Will so hard he stumbled backwards.

"Please Jem." Will looked at her with his guiltless brown eyes. "I don't have it and neither does your dog. It was just a toy. When I reached your dog, there was nothing in her mouth. Your dog is just fine."

He backed away from Jem, but all the while keeping his eyes on her. He did not trust her at all and I can't say I blamed him. It had been rumored that Jem Barbossa had a sharp temper, tongue and sword. Will glanced at me and then at Amber. "Jem, if you do not believe me, check her and if you wish to go swimming for the ball, there's the water."

He pulled his wet bandana off of his neck, wiped the fresh blood and proceeded to wrap his arm. "I would warn you, however, it is cold and there are sharks in the waters. No, Amber did not bite me but a shark sure as hell did."

I instantly left the helm and walked over to Will. I wanted to make sure he was not injured to bad and I wanted to protect him from Jem.

Kat was wailing and Jem picked her up. "Kat darling, please stop the crying and tell me where did you got that ball." She looked at me with anger and hurt in her dark eyes. "Did you get it from your Daddy?"

Kat tangled herself in Jem's hair and continued to blubber. "No Jem, my mommy gave it to me. It was the nicest toy I've ever had, and now it is gone."

Jem looked at Elizabeth. "Well I guess Captain Sparrow was right. It is the honest ones you want to watch out for. But I know you had help." She then looked at William and me with a venomous stare.

She put Kat down and gently pushed her over towards Elizabeth. "Jack, I mean Captain Sparrow." She moved away from the rail and took three steps towards me and stopped. "I have told you over and over again, I don't make mistakes and possessing that ball was not a mistake. I have also told you I will never take orders from anyone, especially a man. You once told me you were man enough to follow me and help me but you have shown your true colors. You are like the rest of them. You are deceitful, you are a liar and worst of all, you hurt me. You told me you could never hurt me. HA! You know Luv, where I come from, I have learned an eye for an eye and I feel you should suffer the pain and loss have.

I held my hands up as if I were surrendering. "Luv you already stole me heart and I told you I would die for you. What else do I have? Take what you want."

She lowered her head and then with unexpected violence and speed she pulled her sword and whirled it through the air in my direction as she cried. "And give nothing back."

"JEM NO!" Will yelled as he jumped in front of me. The sword went into Will's stomach and the blood came spurting out as he stumbled backwards and fell into my arms. I held him tight and then lowered him to the ground watching his shirt turn scarlet as the blood soaked in it. I asked in a tone of wonderment. "Lad, why did you place yourself in front of me." I looked into his soulful eyes and realized Jem could tell the future. I looked up at her in disbelief. "Why Jem? Why? William has never harmed you. He has always been your friend. He has always been honest and he in incapable of lying. When he told you the dog did not have the ball. She did not have it! Look for yourself; there are sharks in the water. Why Jem? Why? This was between you and I."

I pulled the sword out of Will and pressed my jacket on his wound to stem the flow of blood.

Jem walked over, grabbed my hair and pulled my head back so I had to look into her eyes. "Jack you have always said William Turner was yours. You would never let anyone touch him or hurt him. You even tried to make a deal with the Royal Navy to separate him from his true love." She looked upon William and sneered. "I'd bet if you knew that Mr. Turner, you would not have taken his sword."

She released my hair but continued to look at me. "You told me you could give me no guarantees; well I am surprised, you were right. I know what is important to you and you knew what was important to me. You see Jack, The Ball may be gone but you still cannot change the future. You can have your heart, your ship, your freedom, but I shall have your, Will."

Her eyes searched mine. "Yes, I can see you are hurting now. How does it feel?"

She was right on the mark with her assessment. I was hurting and as I looked into Will's eyes mine were welling up. I put it down as anger and not as grief. I blinked back the tears and raised my eyes to meet hers. "No Jem that is where you are wrong because this is not the day, William Turner is going to die! I won't let him."

A/N The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Jem can be as mean as her brother and father. It does not pay to double-cross a Barbossa. I guess you can all imagine Jack will not tolerate this. R/R.