Disclaimer: I don't own POTC or its characters.

Back Door, Will's house

Concealed by the darkness of the night, Will led an unsteady Jack and a suspicious Aubergine to the back door of his home. Letting out a sigh of relief at not being caught, Will knocked on the door three times sharply and scratched it twice.

A moment later, a heavily pregnant woman, who was beating her fan rapidly, opened the door. For a moment, the four just stood there in silence. Then, the agitated voice of a pregnant woman broke through.

"Well? Are you three just going to stand there like a bunch of idiots, or are you going to come in?"

Cringing, both Jack and Will jumped to attention and filed in the door. Aubergine, who was always wary of entering into a situation with overly hormonal women, hesitated a bit and silently slipped in.

She looked around at her new surroundings noting all possible escape routes immediately. They did just break out of jail after all, who knew what could happen next?

She for one was a bit anxious. Their escape had been too easy. And if being an assassin had taught her anything, it was that shit always happened when things were too easy.

Aubergine had wanted to make sure there were no witnesses who had seen their escape, but Will and Jack had practically dragged her out the back way in their rush. From there, the trio followed a rocky bank to the edge of the town.

Several times during the course of their escape, Aubergine felt as if someone were watching them. Concerned, she kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. But thankfully, Will was smart enough to take a lot of shortcuts and sporadic turns to make sure they hadn't been followed.

And now, she was sitting next to the pirate on a small sofa, while Will and his wife sat across from them. Aubergine tried to make herself relax, but she just couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching them.

The Turner's Home, Port Royal

Jack sat in the Turner's cozy little reception room, while trying to figure out what was wrong with the woman sitting next to him. During the entire escape, she had been on edge… almost paranoid about being caught.

He had caught her looking behind them several times during night, and now he was starting to get a bit fidgety himself. So to distract his mind from those thoughts, he turned to the happy couple and said the first thing that came to mind.

"So, I guess you two didn't wait long to-" He stopped to gesture with his hands. "-reproduce."

And like that, Jack's comment did the trick and loosened everyone up. Will and Elizabeth were both blushing like a couple of schoolgirls, and Aubergine relaxed her rigid posture to look on with curiosity.

Jack leaned back against the sofa and gave Will a golden smile. "Aye, that's how a pirate does it. Bootstrap would've been proud of ye, whelp."

&&&

Aubergine observed the three and felt so much like an outsider. It was obvious these people had a history; the way they spoke to each other, the way they acted, the way they seemed at ease with each other. What she wouldn't give to have friends who cared so much about her that they would risk breaking the law to save her! To have someplace where she would always be welcomed. To have… someone to be close to.

And suddenly it hit her. She was jealous—horribly jealous of the pirate beside her.

But, it was better this way. The less association she had with these people, the less likely she'd develop any sort of attachment to them. And the less she was attached to them, the less likely she'd put them in any danger. Which was important, especially since the woman was heavily pregnant.

&&&

Aubergine was lost in her own thoughts when Will brought her back to attention with his question.

"Huh? I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" asked an embarrassed Aubergine.

Will simply smiled kindly at her and repeated himself. "I was just saying how we didn't get a chance to introduce ourselves properly. I'm William Turner, and this is my enchanting wife, Elizabeth."

Aubergine gave them her widest smile and used her chirpiest voice to respond, "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Turner, Mrs. Turner. I'm Lola."

&&&

Jack nearly fell out of his seat when he heard Aubergine start in that high-pitched squealing voice. He turned to her with his confused face on and opened his mouth to question her, when a bubbly Elizabeth broke in.

"Please, Lola, call us by our Christian names." said a just as cheerful Elizabeth.

"Well then, Elizabeth, Will. I just can't thank you enough for rescuing the Captain and I. Why, we could have been locked up for days in that smelly old jail!" cried Aubergine with an added shudder for effect.

Almost at once, Elizabeth's bubbly side was replaced with her maternal side. "Oh no darling! Will and I would have never let that happen!" she comforted. "Now, enough excitement for one night. Have you and Jack had anything to eat yet?"

But before Aubergine could reply in her sugary-sweet voice, Jack broke in.

"No, we haven't. But if you'd be so kind as to show us the way to the kitchen, I'm sure Lola and I could make ourselves something." Jack finished his sentence with a pointed look at Aubergine. One that said: what are you up to now?

Aubergine didn't miss the look. She turned to Elizabeth with a sunny smile, "Absolutely! I'm a wonderful cook. You needn't worry. Captain Sparrow and I will be fine by ourselves. Perhaps you and Will should just go on to bed. Tonight must have been positively exhausting for you two! And, you do look awfully tired, Elizabeth."

"Oh, you're right. I do feel tired." Said Elizabeth with a yawn. "If you're sure you'll be fine…?"

Both Jack and Aubergine nodded.

"Well then, I suppose we'll be off to bed. The kitchen is down the hall to the right, and the guest room is across that hallway. Second door on your left." Instructed a yawning Elizabeth, whom her doting husband was helping up.

"Right then. Have fun you two." Said Jack with a little wave. He winked when Will turned around to give him a glare.

Shaking his head, Will mouthed that he would be down later. Jack simply nodded and led the perky Aubergine to the kitchen.

The Turner's Kitchen, Turner's Home

The two had not said a word to each other since they left the Turner's reception room, and frankly, Aubergine didn't mind. If the pirate captain was mad, then fine. Whatever. She did what she had to do. So what if he didn't like that she had lied to his friends? She only did it to protect them; something he obviously neglected to consider. If he really cared about them, he wouldn't risk putting them in as much danger as he was by being linked to them.

Once they reached the kitchen, Aubergine pulled out of Jack's hold and went straight for the food. Ugh, I'm too hungry to think about this. He can come talk to me when he's ready. Until then… food time! She had just spotted a basket of vegetables and a few other things the Turner's had left out. She gathered what she needed and started cooking.

&&&

Jack had walked into the kitchen after Aubergine and sat on a stool, watching as she gathered a bit of this and a slice of that.

He just sat and stared. He couldn't help it. The woman was a complete enigma to him. Who was she? And where did she come from? Could they trust her? Could he trust her? One minute she was all dominatrix like in front of the Commodore, the next she was a sultry vixen, and the next she was acting like an overexcited young lass! And what was with her constant name changing? She'd changed it from Xena to Aubergine, and now to Lola? What was her real name? It couldn't possibly be Aubergine. Who would name their kid after vegetable?

Jack was fed up with all the unanswered questions bouncing around his head, so he got up and walked over to the source of those endless questions. He stopped a few inches away from her shoulder and leaned in to whisper in her ear, "What're ye doing, Lola?"

&&&

Aubergine had been in the process of cutting tomatoes when she heard the Captain get up. She had been aware of his stares the entire time, but chose not to comment. The man was…different. From what she had observed of him, he seemed like a man who was always entirely sure of himself. Not cocky, per se, just really secure. Who knew what really went on in that head?

She was wondering what he was going to do, when she felt his presence at her side. A few seconds later, she felt his hot breath on her ear as he whispered, "What're ye doing, Lola?"

&&&

Aubergine knew that the question was meant to mean more than what it asked, but she couldn't just tell him the truth. The truth was too complicated— to bizarre. So, she opted for the easy way out—answering the question literally.

She stopped cutting the tomatoes and turned her head toward his. "It's Aubergine. And I'm making us sandwiches."

Oh, the dirty look he gave her after that answer! She thought she saw the frustration in his eyes, but he masked it with a cold, detached look. He opened his mouth to ask her those inevitable questions, but she beat him to it. She answered before he could even utter a word.

"Yes, Aubergine is my real name. And yes, I'm aware that it's a vegetable. What can I say, my grandpa had an odd sense of humor." She smiled at him and turned back to the tomatoes.

Jack grinned. He wasn't sure why, but he was drawn to the woman before him. One minute he was irritated as hell from her dodging his questions, but the next he found himself enjoying her endless surprises, and that sharp mind of hers. God help him, but he even took personal delight in all her different identities.

Voice dark with humor, Jack questioned, "What do you mean when you say your grandfather had an odd sense of humor? Generally, people only name things after food when they feel spiteful, not humorous."

Aubergine looked up again and Jack could see the hidden mirth in her dark eyes.

"Did you know that people once thought aubergines were poisonous?" she stopped to see him shake his head. "Well, they thought it's dark purplish color signified poison, so no one ate them. That is, until the Arabic people. Or was it the Chinese? Anyway, it was the French that actually named them Aubergines."

"I can see where the French fit in, but I don't see how your grandfather does?" replied Jack.

"My grandpa's favorite vegetable was the Aubergine." explained Aubergine as if that would explain it all. Jack simply gave her a blank look.

"He said it looked poisonous, but tasted heavenly." She stopped and smiled to herself. "When I was born, my grandpa took one look at me and said that I looked poisonous. But then, he told me that when I smiled up at him, he just knew that I was an angel on the inside."

Jack didn't know what to say. He was never good at these touchy feely situations. So, he patted her arm awkwardly and looked around the kitchen for a distraction.

But, the blasted woman must have sensed his unease, because she suddenly picked up a few oranges and asked him to peel them for her. Jack looked down at the oranges, and then back up to Aubergine. He narrowed his eyes a bit, but took the oranges wordlessly and began to peel them.

He didn't know how, but the woman managed to make him forget about his questions.

&&&

By the time Jack had finished peeling the oranges, Aubergine was already done with the sandwiches. She pulled up another stool and sat down next to Jack. They ate in silence, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. Aubergine actually appreciated the quietness. She took the opportunity to contemplate her next steps, while studying the pirate next to her.

Aubergine knew her number one priority was to find out where Perushka planned to have the bombs planted, but how? It's not like I have anything to go off of here. Frustrated, Aubergine took to tapping her foot against the rungs of the stool.

&&&

Will walked into his kitchen to find his two houseguests eating in silence and looking quite at ease. He hesitated a bit at the door, and cleared his throat to get their attention. Both Jack and the girl turned to look at him. He smiled and asked Aubergine politely, "Do you mind if I speak to Jack in private, Lola?"

"Of course not. I was just thinking about retiring for the night." Aubergine stood up and gave the two men a dazzling smile. "Good night Will, Captain."

Will gave her a little bow, while Jack just gave her another weird look.

As soon as she disappeared from sight, Will turned to Jack and demanded, "Out with it Jack. What is it this time?"

Jack gave Will a wounded look and replied, "I don't know what you're talking about. I only came back to see you two kids, and yet, here you are accusing me of having an ulterior motive. Honestly, I'm hurt."

Will didn't say anything, but instead, gave him a serious look.

Jack frowned at that look. He hated that look. It always made him feel guilty for some reason.

"Fine. I confess. I came here hunting for another treasure. Happy?" scowled Jack.

Will burst out laughing. "Very. But, seriously now." Will fixed Jack with a solemn look. "You aren't here for Clairmont's fortune are you?"

Looking down his nose at him, Jack answered, "Why not? Is there something you want to tell me?"

"Jack! Everybody is looking for his fortunes! It's not just pirates anymore. Everyday people and even the nobility have an interest in this man's fortune!"

"Is that so…" Jack was very interested in the treasure now. There was something Clairmont had that everyone wanted. Whatever it was, the extra competition just made Jack want it even more.

But what really made Jack eager to get the treasure was the fact that he had the advantage. And that advantage was Aubergine. The very same Aubergine that currently held the clues to the treasure—the very same Aubergine who was waiting for him in the guest bedroom.

&&&

Will had been very disturbed by the crazed look in Jack's eyes when he told him about Clairmont's fortune. He had seen that look once; when they were catching up with the Pearl during that storm. He sincerely hoped that Jack would take heed of his word and be careful.

There were people who would do anything to get that treasure.

Outside the Kitchen door, The Turner's home

Aubergine had honestly meant to go to bed, but somehow she ended up just outside the kitchen doorway, in a crouching position. On a whim, she had decided to stay and listen in on the conversation Will and the pirate were having.

So far, she gathered that the scrap of paper she had found, led to some fortune that everyone wanted. Finding that useful, Aubergine stored that information away for later use. Shifting a bit, she strained to hear the next part.

There was a period of silence before she heard Will ask another question.

"So, Jack. How did you meet Lola? She seems very… sweet."

Aubergine heard a short chuckle before the pirate answered. "Sweet, eh? I actually met her at a tavern." Aubergine raised her eyebrows at this. "Aye. Best two shillings I ever spent on a whore."

What Aubergine heard next was a lot of coughing and choking noises (presumably coming from Will). Then, "You what! She's a- Jack, you found her- oh my god, Elizabeth is going to shoot me!"

"Calm down whelp! I was just funning with ye! She's not a whore, she's shipwrecked. In fact, just off the coast near here. Here, have some rum. It'll calm yer nerves."

Aubergine almost laughed herself. The poor boy, having to put up with that man, and a very pregnant wife! But, I wonder where the pirate got the rum?

Aubergine listened a little longer before deciding that they were done with the exciting topics. She silently made her way to the guest room and slipped in.

Once inside, she noticed a large bed on one side, and a smaller bed on the other. She made her way over to the smaller bed and slowly sat down on it. It was soft and it smelled heavenly. Aubergine took off her boots, making sure everything inside them was well hidden, and made to get under the covers when Jack walked in.

Not bothering to look around the room, he walked over to a small stand and started to undress. First his boots… then the coat… the hat followed shortly afterwards… and then his sash and belt with his weapons.

Aubergine couldn't resist. It was a riveting sight, watching him undress. With the removal of each article of clothing, more and more of his deliciously golden skin was revealed. Her eyes were glued to his perfect form as he slowly took off his vest and shirt, and a perfectly sculpted back was exposed. The candles in the room highlighted his already deeply tanned skin and gave him a sensuous glow. She watched his lithe body move about, and felt a tingling run down her spine.

From what she had seen so far, the man's form was nothing short of perfection.

Having had her fair share of men, Aubergine was no longer daunted by half naked men. But, her distracted mind did register that the pirate was about to show a whole lot more than she was ready for.

Giving his body one last ravenous once-over, Aubergine cleared her throat and calmly addressed the nearly nude Captain before her. "As much as I appreciate the view, Captain, I do have to protest against the removal of any more clothing."

Jack turned around with a surprised look on his face, and replied with faux innocence, "Why, Aubergine luv, I didn't know you were still awake!"

For a moment, Aubergine almost believed his wide-eyed, innocent look. But it was the mischievous twinkle in those eyes that gave him away.

The poor, delusional man! He thinks he can actually con me? Aubergine gave Jack a sugary sweet smile… one that progressively turned into a seductive pout. "Of course I'm still awake! I was waiting for you to come back. We have lots to… discuss."

She patted the spot next to her on the bed and gave him her come-hither eyes.

With that combo, what man could resist?

&&&

Jack couldn't seem to breathe. Or move for that matter. In just four sentences, the wench on the bed had managed to take away his control over the situation.

He had planned to knock her off balance a bit, convince her to give him the clues she had, and then seal the deal with some… intimate activities, but that was all shot to hell.

Gah! Just look at her, sitting there all smug and devious like! With that… sultry… attractive… pout…

And like that, Jack caved and went to her. Drawn in like a moth to a flame, like a bee to a flower, like a pirate to his treasure.

&&&

Aubergine gave herself a mental pat on the back as Jack made his way over to her. She knew what he wanted, and she was prepared to make a deal. Knowing what she had to do, she allowed him to pull her close to his warm body as he sat down.

Come on Aubergine. It's just like all the other assignments. Make him an offer he can't refuse.

She turned to the pirate and slowly wound an arm around his neck. Her other hand trailed up his chest and traced little patterns directly over his heart. Bringing her face close to his, she looked him in the eyes as she softly whispered her conditions against his lips.

"I know what you want, Captain. But, are you willing to agree to my terms in order to get it?"

&&&

God, it was cruel the way she moved so slowly! They way she pressed her self against him just so, and how she wound her arm so sweetly around his neck. Oh, and those busy little fingers of hers! Jack was just about ready to pounce on her to end this sweet torture, when he noticed her head moving closer to his.

Eagerly anticipating what he expected to be a searing kiss, Jack closed his eyes and leaned in to Aubergine. His eyes opened when he felt her stop… just short of his waiting lips.

He almost groaned from pure frustration, but he was interrupted by a breathy query. He could practically feel the words roll off her tongue and onto his lips as she coyly asked, "I know what you want, Captain. But, are you willing to agree to my terms in order to get it?"

…And the cold, hard truth sank in. She had played him. Turned his own situation against him, and very nearly got away with it.

Oh, but she was a sly one.

Nonetheless, Jack decided to pay along with her little game. If only to see just how far they could carry this. Slowly brushing his lips across hers as he moved his mouth to her ear, he husked, "Darlin', I'd do anythin' to get what I want. Anythin'." He emphasized that last point with a small nip to her ear lobe.

Jack immediately felt the little hand in his hair clench when he nipped her, but a moment later it stilled again. Smiling lecherously against her neck, he slipped a hand underneath Aubergine's shirt, and traced lazy circles on her lower back. He heard a small sigh escape her, and continued with his onslaught.

"Aubergine, luv, what was it ye said about me agreein' to yer terms?"

But before Aubergine could answer, the booming echo of cannon fire and rifles being fired rang through the air.

AN: I'm back my darlings, and I hope you enjoyed that chapter!