Disclaimer: I don't own POTC, and the title is a song by Carlos Santana, who is an amazing artist.

A/N: A lot of you have told me that you're really surprised when I update like 10-17 chapters a day, so I'm going to let you in on a secret. I usually have all of the chapters written and saved MS Word before I double space them all and upload them and all that jazz. So I have like, 20 pages written weeks/days before I even log onto Fanfiction. So that's my secret. I can't write just one chapter at a time, I just can't. It's all too exciting.

Chapter 61: Hoy Es Adios

They were in the Fuego several days later, being that it was the shortest distance from The Rune and also it was the home of the Thatcher orphans. They spent a few days helping Gretchen, Gabriel and Priscilla become accustomed to life without Maximilian.

The maids and butlers had fled the house in fear when it had been attack by Long John's crew, and some new help had to be found. Other than that, it was all very relaxing to know that the infamous Long John Silver had finally come to an end, and it was his "younger brother" who now held the reputation for murdering him.

After everything had happened, Jack had explained almost everything else to Camille about the plot and his coming to Port Celebros with the intention of seeking her out. He was very impressed that she was able to forgive him for all of it, and also relieved to find that Long John had not injured her in any way.

It was the night they were to set out to Port Celebros. Jack had been able to barter passage off a small cargo ship, and they had already said their goodbyes to the Thatchers with promises of returning. They were in a tavern, getting a quick shot of rum before they would set back out. Camille was in a simple dress, and she sat on Jack's lap as they waited for the crew to assemble at the dock. She didn't know why, but she still felt a bit uneasy. Everything was resolved now, but she still felt like there was somewhat of a wall between her and Jack; as always. Would he ever admit his feelings for her?

Jack put his hand on her thigh, gently holding her steady. He gritted his teeth, remembering that this woman had stuck by him in some of the worst situations possible. He had to set aside his pride, just this once. He realized that the longer he waited, the harder it would be. He took a deep breath. Jack Sparrow owed her an apology. "Camille darling, there is something I must tell you before we leave. Could you have a seat, love?"

She looked down at him. "What's the matter Captain, are you tired of staring at my breasts already?" she said playfully as she got up and took a seat in the chair next to him. She hated to hear that tone of voice. The last time he'd used it she had been kidnapped.

He looked at her, taking another large gulp of rum before he began speaking. This was going to take a whole lot of effort, but it had to be said. He pursed his lips, ground his teeth together, clenched and unclenched his fists…finally, he was ready. And all the while, Camille waited with the patience of a saint. God bless the woman's soul, he thought. "Camille, I'm so sorry that I hit you," he said, looking into her eyes.

She looked back at him. What was she to say to that? She wasn't going to reply that it was all right, because it hadn't been. And she had slapped him a good number of times, as well. "Jack, it crushed me," she admitted.

"I know, I know," he said, putting his hands up. "There is no reason in the world for me to have done that, especially to you. But please, just try and hear me out before hating and condemning me and whatnot," he said, waving them about.

"All right," Camille replied softly. She knew it was because she had mentioned his Pearl.

"I…oh, bloody hell," he said before taking another very long drink and emptying out his rum glass. "I lost her."

"The Black Pearl?" Camille said, her voice going up an octave or two. "My God Jack, how?"

He shook his head. "It was taken here, in the Fuego, when I left to get on Long John's ship. They're holding it up in Port Royale," he said desolately.

"Well then, we've got to get it back," she said simply. "Nobody keeps The Black Pearl from you, you're Captain Jack Sparrow." She leaned in a bit closer. "And might I add, are quite a handful in the bedroom." She winked, and he couldn't help but grin.

"Aye, I'll admit to that," he said cunningly, getting up. "You know Camille, sometimes I think that without you I would be a very lonely man. I wouldn't admit that to anybody, but I would be."

She laughed, nudging him. "Oh, our paths would've crossed eventually. After all, I am the Redheaded Rogue of the Spanish Main."

"Quite an impressive title for such a petite woman," Jack said, putting his arm around her waist as they waltzed out of the tavern.