Disclaimer: I don't own POTC.

Chapter 23: Home Now

ONE MONTH LATER: "Land ho! We're comin' up on Port Celebros, Cap'n!" one of the hands cried from the crow's nest.

"Very good, Mr. Jenkins!" Jack called up. "Quartermaine! You and Jenkins change these sails!" he barked.

"Aye, Captain," Camille shouted, saluting before climbing up the riggings.

Jack grinned, looking up at Camille as she climbed. She was extremely agile in situations like these, and he enjoyed watching her perfect body move around. He moved the ship a few points starboard before looking back up. "Mr. Earl! What in the blazes d'you think you're doing, man? It does not take two men to swab the deck! Get up there and help change those sails!"

By the time he was done yelling out orders and the sails were white, he calmed down a little. He didn't know why he was so nervous to go to Port Celebros. Actually, he did, but he didn't want to admit it. He was actually frightened to find out what would happen if his newest and most useful crewmember spontaneously changed her mind like she was so prone to doing.

He was also growing HORRIBLY jealous of Camille and Will's relationship. He watched as the redhead climbed down from the riggings, greeting both him and the baby with kisses on the cheek. He observed their body language, how close they stood to each other, and the expressions on their faces. There was no doubt in his mind that the girl had fallen for William Turner. He sighed, rubbing his temples to ease the steady pain. He'd barely even seen Camille this past month, except to give her orders. Ever since that first night that Camille and Will had gone out together something between them had clicked, and Jack had been drinking more than usual.

"Captain?" Camille's voice broke him from his thoughts. He slowly focused on her. "Captain, will you be coming ashore with us?"

He shook his head. "I don't think so, love."

"Why not? You've been to my house before, what's the difference if you walk through the front door without a disguise?"

He sighed. "Camille, I'm not going and that's final," he said impatiently.

Camille observed him for a moment, biting her lip. "Jack, is something wrong?"

"No love, it's just…it's this hangover," he lied.

"Yes, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. You've been drinking quite a bit more than usual, Jack. You should take better care of yourself, you know," she pointed out.

"Oh, and I suppose you're just the lady to be tellin' me this?" he asked sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up. We can always talk about that at another time. Please Jack, come ashore with us. It would be good to get away from the ship."

"This ship is my life, Camille. And yours too, now," he said sternly.

She crossed her arms. Why was he being so belligerent with her? He was usually just joking around when he spoke like this, but something was getting on his nerves. She decided to just let it drop. "All right then, Captain. I'll check back with you in three days' time."

They were pulling into the docks, and she could see three familiar faces, all smiling and waving to her. She leaned far over the banister. "Annie! Sheila, Peter, hello!" she cried. She straightened. "Excuse me, I've got to go change. I'll see you in a few days Jack!" she called as she hurried down below.