Disney created the world and its characters. I own only my filthy mind.

Thanks to Elaneon, whose story "Life and the Isle of Death" particularly James' dream in chapter 2, inspired the acorn story.

Been meaning to do this forever, so here goes:

EMX- Thank you for not getting bored yet.

LadyBush- Jack completely agrees with you. Gives you his best bow.

DeadPoetic- Action! What a concept. Am trying. I swear it!

Oneriad- All the comfort there is, is for you.

ndm- Will do my best, which is what it is.

Nessa Inwe- Drinks are on the house.

Nanashi- Bless you for keeping an eye on my continuity.

Red Stocking- I'd share my last bottle with you.

Elaneon- Gave Ana a stern look. She laughed at me.

Thank you for your readership, good will, advice and interest. Happy Valentine's. I'd marry you all if I didn't like you so much.

For some reason I can not fathom, my question marks any other key punctuation, have gone missing. If you read this and find question marks, I have corrected the problem. If you find only spaces, please use your imagination until the problem is fixed.

An Answer of Doubt- Part 7

Perhaps an hour later, James put every chart back precisely where he had found it. He felt restless. The prospect of more Dante's Inferno, seemed too close to the real thing. As much as he hated the idea of strolling idly around the deck, like some passenger on a pirate ship, his other options held even less appeal.

The moment Norrington emerged from the cabin, sunlight attacked him, first making him squint uncomfortably, then enthusiastically hammering an ache behind his eyes. The sea breeze was sobering to the point of making him feel hung over. He stood at the rail, acutely aware of the pains in his head, back, and shoulder as well as his comparative weakness, that until now, he had managed to ignore. He held the rail tightly, trying to get his bearings. Watching the roil of the sea, was not a comfort to him.

He did eat all the stew after Jack left. Once he got around to tasting it, he fell on it. It was delicious. Not so the second time around. James heaved over the rail twice, then dry heaved twice more. His eyes fell out of focus. He sweated profusely. His legs felt in danger of giving way. He hugged the rail for all he was worth, realizing if he let go, he would likely be just a splash and a somber line in Jack's log. Then Jack was there, holding him gently from behind, steadying him, then supporting most of his weight.

"I've got you," Jack said softly.

"Never been sea sick, before. Don't ever get sea sick. It is most unpleasant."

"Nothing to do with the sea, love. You are just unwell. Come along now."

Jack helped him back to the cabin, sat him in a chair, gave him rum to rinse out his mouth. Jack put a wet rag to his face, then his neck, and hands. He gave James a piece of dried ginger root to chew.

"Go ahead and say it, Jack. You told me so."

"Nonsense. All my fault. I should have taken you for that walk."

"Must you always play the devil's advocate?"

"Depends entirely on the devil in question. You're not feverish. Do you think you might be up to walking with some help, or would you prefer some rest first?"

"Since you have proved a better judge of my condition, what would you suggest?"

"Well, there's no more stew in you. Let's have a little walk, James. See how it goes."

"Meaning you are going to walk around the deck, with me hanging on to you?"

"Mmm, I think it's a wonderful excuse!"

"I wasn't aware that we needed an excuse, Captain."

"Aren't you even a little afraid, that you might like hanging on to me, James?"

"Are you afraid of that, Jack?"

"No. I am going to enjoy it. I hope we both might."

"Let's walk then, Captain."

"Ah. So that's what we were talking about."

"You are very pretty when you pout, Jack."

"No, I am very scary when I pout. My displeasure strikes fear into the hearts of all men, and most parrots. But speaking of pretty-"

Jack plucked his kohl out of a drawer in the dresser, and knelt beside the chair.

"Close your eyes."

"Do not even consider doing that."

"James, your eyes are sensitive. Kohl helps with glare."

"Does it?"

"Of course! Why do you think I wear it?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

"No, I can imagine how unimaginative your answer will be. Close your eyes. Now."

James huffed out a deep breath, then closed his eyes. He felt two light swipes across his eye lids. He waited for a moment then gingerly opened his eyes, half expecting to get something poked into them, only to find Jack's face mere inches away.

"Now -that- is pretty."

James thought for a moment that Jack was going to kiss him. Instead Jack put the kohl away.

"I am so glad you think so."

Jack leaned down grabbing the arm's of the chair, looking nothing short of dangerous.

"I warn you, James, if you continue to flirt with me, it just might lead somewhere one of these days."

James smiled. He could feel himself blushing.

"Here I was beginning to think it was all just a pointless exercise."

"Nothing pointless about exercise. In future, we should both try to get a lot more of it."

"Shall we get some now then, Captain?"

"Nothing I'd like better." Jack offered his hand. James took it and stood. Jack held James' left hand with his left, and slipped his right arm around Norrington's waist.

James was relieved to find out that Jack was right about the kohl. He was also discomfited to find that all eyes followed them as they toured the deck. So much for being treated as just another member of the crew. Might as well have worn a sign board reading 'Captain Jack's New Catamite.'

Strange as it seemed, James didn't mind the change in rank. It stirred some deeply competitive aspect of his being. He assumed that he was going to have to prove that he was more than just the captain's lover, if he hoped to have any respect at all from the crew. Earning respect was something James did well. He studied Jack, attractive as ever, currently in the midst of telling him a voodoo priestess story.

"Then, she tossed the acorn into the sea. The Pearl grew out of the bloody acorn, right before my eyes, just as you see her now- well less all the metal bits and rigging and repairs and what not. But you do see why I'm telling you this story?"

"Because it is good to have an extra bottle of rum to trade for a magic acorn?"

"Bloody hell, James, weren't you listening at all?"

"No, sorry. I was looking at you."

"Well, that's quite all right, then."

"Do you mind if we walk around once more?"

"Then you will rest?"

"Then I will rest, Captain."

"And then you eat something, aye?"

"I'd like some more stew, if there is any. Despite what happened to the last bowl, it really was delicious."

For no reason James could imagine, he was rewarded with the sweetest, shyest smile he had ever seen on any face. He wanted to kiss it. Instead he gave Jack's hand a gentle squeeze. Jack took it as an opportunity to start playing with James' hand.

"So who have you been talking to?"

"What ever do mean?"

"About the stew."

"About the stew?"

"Ah, no one then."

"I am most confused."

"No, you are not. I was."

"You are not helping, at all."

"No, I'm not. The walking is this way, James."

James followed Jack's lead. They took another turn around the deck. James was ready to return when Jack walked them to into the cabin, and over to the bed. Jack pulled back the covers.

"Into bed you go."

"Aye, Captain Sparrow."

"You are making me want you fiercely, James" Jack said, tucking him in.

"Am I now?"

Jack walked around to his side. Pulled off his boots and shirt and climbed into bed.

"Boo" Jack whispered.

"Jack- I-"

"Shush, love. Let me hold you while we nap. It's all I ask."

Effortlessly, their bodies gravitated, immediately finding a comfortable fit. James pressed a light kiss against Jack's lips. Then snuggled his face into Jack's hair.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure, James."

"Mine, too, Jack."

"Funny how it works that way."

...to be continued...