Disclaimer: I don't own POTC.

Chapter 43: The Big Date

"Gentlemen, we are on a gold mine!" Jack announced as they were about to go ashore. "It's every man for himself, and the Pearl will leave the Fuego del Reina in exactly two weeks. Do I make myself clear?"

"Aye, Cap'n," a chorus of weary men rang out before scattering.

"That settles it then," Jack said to himself. Where was that woman? Was she still below deck? Did she even know that they'd landed? He thought for a moment. It was possible that she wasn't aware of their position, though highly doubtful. Still…

He descended and knocked lightly on her door. "Camille darling, are you in there?"

"Yes, Captain," she replied dully.

"We're in the port, you know. Would you like to accompany me into town?" he asked.

"No thank you Captain, I'm not feeling too well."

He masked a grin. Perfect. This bought him a little while longer to finish concocting his plan. He took the piece of paper out his pocket and slipped beneath her door, making his way off the Pearl. He turned slowly, putting holding his hat over his heart. "Until we meet again, old girl," he said, referring to the ship itself.

Camille listened out her window, and fell asleep dreaming about many things that didn't make sense. When she woke up, she was very lonely. Sleeping in her own bed just wasn't the same anymore. And like it or not, she desired that debonair man.

She got up and pulled her hair back. Looking in her mirror, she noticed a small letter by her door. She opened it up, and all it said, in very neat cursive, was "Ortiz's- 8:00- ask for Alvero."

She opened her door, looking left and right down the dark hallway. But other than her, there was nobody on that ship. And what did the note mean? She looked for a clock or something, and found that it was nearly seven.

She got dressed, put her boots on, and was in the town in no time. The sights were magnificent. She had never seen anything like it. It was so beautiful compared to towns like Tortuga or Tostito. It was very clean, and the music she could hear was so different from the music that she had known. She admired things in the little shops, looking at food and merchandise, and browsing the literature.

At last, she found herself outside of an immense tavern with a worn out sign that said something in Spanish. But she could make out the name Ortiz. She walked right in, seeing that the place was lovely. There was some sort of Mexican band inside playing, and it looked like some sort of restaurant. She looked for a familiar face, but there was none.

A very handsome gentleman made his way up to her. "Hola, senorita," he said, folding his hand politely and bowing. "?Como esta Ud?"

"Uhm, I'm looking for a man named Alvero, please," she asked politely.

"Ah, senorita Camille!" the man said at once, taking her hand and kissing it. "Encantarle. I am he. Please, this way. El Conquistador has been expecting you."

She followed him, even though she had absolutely no idea who "El Conquistador" was. He showed her to a room and left her with the key. She opened it slowly, but there was no one in her room. She closed the door.

Making her way over to the bed, she gasped. There was a beautiful, painstakingly designed green skirt. And to go with it, a white, peasant top with an almost lace-like neckline. On top of the clothes was a single red rose, wrapped in tissue paper. "Oh, my God," she breathed, taking the rose. It was still closed, but it smelled wonderful. She placed it on the desk, and proceeded to put the clothes on and put her hair up in a small bun so that some of it was coming down her shoulder.

A knock on the door startled her, and she jumped. "Come in," she said, trying not to sound intimidated. She reached for the rose, trying to look casual as she peered at the doorway in the corner of her eye. And nothing could have prepared her for who she saw.

It was none other than Captain Sparrow, in an actual change of clothes. He had even changed his bandana. It was blue, and his clothes were black. His coat was much nicer, made out of some much finer material and lined with gold. His trousers were now brown instead of a faded grey, and his boots were either different or very clean. And the hat…the hat was bigger, and had a feather in the side. He looked simply extraordinary, and she almost dropped her rose.

But it was the look on his face that stunned her. His eyes were wide for a moment, and he leaned on the doorframe watching her. "Camille, you look absolutely gorgeous," he complimented before putting his hand out. "Come on darling, let's go."

She put the rose down on the dresser and took his hand. He squeezed it and began leading her down the hallway. They stopped at the top of the staircase, looking down on the place. Camille finally found her voice again. "What now, Jack?"

"Whatever you want, love. Are you hungry?"

"Actually, I'm famished," she admitted.

"Well then, let's eat. Do you like spicy foods?"

"I don't know, I've never had anything like this."

Jack smiled. "Come on, then," he said, leading her down the staircase.

The food was spectacular. Camille had never eaten anything like Mexican food, and it was terribly spicy. But it was delicious, and she couldn't believe how much she ate. The wine was also excellent.

It was late into the evening, and they ended up dancing and drinking shots of tequila. Camille had never had so much fun. Those Mexicans really knew how to have a great time, and Jack seemed to be enjoying himself as well. She liked the kind of music and the way that everyone danced, because it was always very close to each other with a lot of hip movement. And Jack was so graceful on his feet, even after several shots of tequila in him.

She pulled him close, and he held her firmly around the waist. "Jack," she said in his ear. "I'm getting tired, let's go somewhere where we can be alone," she said over the music.

"I know just the place," he said without hesitating. He took her hand and they weaved their way through the crowd of dancing people until they got upstairs. He led to the end of one of the hallways until they came to a trapdoor which he pulled down.

The stairs were a few feet above the ground, so he went first and helped her up, closing the door behind them. He then led her carefully through a little passageway and they climbed out of a window until they were on a small spot on the roof of the inn.

The little town looked breathtaking from this view. All the lights were still on, and the water glistened as the ships remained still. She looked up, and the stars were shining without a single cloud in the sky. "How did you know about this place?"

"I used to live here; didn't you know that?" he asked kindly.

"No, I didn't," she said, backing up against him. He put his arms around her, and placed his hand on her stomach. He rested his chin on her shoulder as she put her face against his. "Jack, this is so beautiful," she mused.

"I'm glad you like it, darling."

"You're not going to make this a habit, are you?" she asked, turning around suddenly.

He took a strand of her soft red hair. "I thought you liked all of this."

"Oh Jack, I do, this is incredible. But you must have gone through so much trouble."

"It was nothing, really."

"But, just for me?"

"Of course, just for you. You deserve to be happy just like anyone else."

"I am happy."

"And that love, is a very big deal," he said before he kissed her.

She kept her face close to his afterwards, looking up at him. "Thank you, for all of this. I can never forget tonight."

"Tonight's not over yet," he said. "Have a seat, love. Watch this, I guarantee you'll love it."

She obeyed him. The roof was at an angle where Jack could sit with his back against part of it, his feet dangling off the edge. Camille sat down on his lap and laid back against his chest as he held her, again playing with her hair. The sun was just beginning to rise, and Camille was able to stay awake until it appeared just above the water, casting its rays on everything.