Please view Chapter 1 for all disclaimers.

Thanks to all who reviewed. They make me feel fuzzy.

Chapter 2

AnaMaria sat in the dull cell, a few others in the remaining cells, watching as the sun rose to the sky. That sun was her judgement. As far as Ana knew, she had been thrown in here for the sole reason that she was a pirate. She had picked up a few of the words the guards had used. It appeared they believed her to be a pirate and a prostitute. She had snorted at the latter. She had never sold her body. And never would. Unless Jack was buying. What? Where the hell did that come from? It's the anxiousness, Ana told herself. She was looking for a way out. Earlier she had been hoping that Jack would attempt a daring rescue. But her hopes had been doused when she remembered that the Pearl left dock at sunrise. Ana's thoughts turned from the Pearl, to Jack, then to the Red Lady. She would never get to steer her ship out of the docks. Never get to feel the helm, to feel the air in her hair as she sailed her own ship. Ana felt the regret of things she had missed out on creep into her stomach. But a worse feeling arose in her heart. She suddenly realised, she had never truly loved a man. Sure, she had been with men, but she didn't know the love of one. This was by far the biggest regret she held. Ana was disturbed from her thought when some guards came into the cell block. They spoke in what AnaMaria knew to be as Spanish. The cell door was opened and Ana was led out. Her hands were roped together and a gun with a large dagger at the end was pointed at her back. Ana was taken out to the front of the fort. She had seen executions before, she knew that there would be a crowd. Everyone wanted to see a pirate hang. Personally Ana thought it was perverse. But she might have a biased opinion what with her being a pirate and all. Ana stood there, in front of everyone, head held high. She wasn't going to let them see her as anything else. The noose was placed around her neck as another guard read something out in Spanish. It wasn't her crimes, she didn't have that many. Unless they were just making them up. Which was a possibility. Ana looked to the sky, she had always loved to watch the sunrise…pity she would never see it again.

- - - - -

Jack ran up the cobbled street, hoping he would reach the fort in time. He could hear the drum beat, the murmur of Spanish convictions…half of which had nothing to do with Ana. Jack laughed a little. They thought she was a whore? Jack reached the fort just as the drum stopped. Oh no! He heard the drop of the trap door. Ana! Oh not good! NOT GOOD! Jack panicked, he couldn't be too late! Jack pulled the dagger from his boot and made for the gallows. Throwing the metal object he hoped he was drunk enough to see straight.

- - - - -

AnaMaria gasped for air as the noose pulled tight around her throat. She heard a commotion going on but very little penetrated her thoughts other than the sound of her fading heartbeat. Guns fired, swords clashed and then Ana felt the rope be cut from her throat. She wasn't aware of much, but she felt a strong hold on her arm pull her along. She knew that she and whoever was rescuing her were heading into the town. A thought occurred; maybe it was One Eye. Just as the dizziness wore off and Ana thought she'd be able to see her rescuer darkness enveloped them both. The cavern. They were heading for the Red Lady. It had to be One Eye.

"Mick you can let go of me arm now." The release was made and both stopped.

"I'll let go, but I'm no One Eye." Ana gasped.

"JACK!" His name echoed around the cavern. "I thought you said that you were leaving at dawn?" Ana frowned, but knew Jack couldn't see it. They started walking again.

"Aye, we were. But the crew can't tell what a sunrise was, so we were late. Then Gibbs tells us that you were being hanged the day. Whatever for lass?" Jack asked smiling. They enter the large cave where the ships sat proud in the water. Jack headed towards the Red Lady, Ana followed wondering what Jack had planned for their escape. Ana climbed aboard her ship and awaited Jack's orders. But Jack mearly untied the ship and turned to Ana. "Well Captain Ana? Aren't you going to give me some orders and sail yer ship outta here?" Ana smiled at her title. Captain, Jack had just called her Captain.

"Make ready for sailing then Mr Sparrow." Jack nodded and went about what Ana was asking. She felt liberated from her one time role as just a crewmember. She smiled to herself as she steered her ship out of the coves, Jack joining her at the helm as they cleared the caves.

Jack watched as the Red Lady approached the Black Pearl. He could see Gibbs already bustling about awaiting his arrival. Thing was, as much as he loved his Pearl, he didn't want to go back just yet. Ana and him stood together at the helm as the two ships got closer. Ana sighed and Jack was about to ask what was wrong when she spoke.

"The Spanish will be looking for us." Jack nodded, before remembering he stood behind her.

"Aye, that they will."

"It's probable that they saw the ship leave the cave, they'll be coming for her. You should get to the Pearl and go quick. I'll head off, taking them the other way." Ana didn't seem too happy about her own plan.

"Don't be daft woman. I'm not leaving ye to fight off the Spanish fleet by yer onesies. I'm staying here. Gibbs can take the Pearl to Tortuga, we'll head there, the long way." Jack stated somewhat pleased with the small smile that formed on Ana's thin lips.

"Jack, do you think the two of us could man this ship?" Jack frowned.

"Well, Will and I handled the Interceptor, and she was about this size. And Will was no seaman. So, I think we'd manage it. So it's settled. I'll tell Gibbs the good news." Ana tutted as Jack headed to the main deck to talk over to Gibbs. Telling Gibbs exactly what to do Jack made sure that Ana and his own crew could hear.

"And if I get to Tortuga, and you and my Pearl aren't there I will hunt you down and turn you inside out using nothing but a spoon. Savvy?" Gibbs swallowed hard at the tone of Jack's voice. They all knew he was serious, now that he had his ship back, nothing was going to get in between them.

"Aye Jack. I get ye." Jack nodded once then turned.

"Well, AnaMaria, I think we best be off, what with those ships coming over. Mr Gibbs, I will make well on my promise. Now off you go." Gibbs nodded and the Pearl was soon on its way. Ana then steered the ship towards the other coast, making to take the longer route to Tortuga. It would take them six or seven days given the circumstances and the weather up holding. A week alone with Ana. Jack smiled at the possibilities. And again, the wheels started turning in the crazed pirate's head. Oh, this was going to be fun!

Ana was getting used to the feel of the Red Lady. She knew she was smug, but what did it matter? Jack was slightly annoyed by now. Night had fallen, they were ahead of the Spanish by a good day but there was no rum. Ana had smiled when he started his moaning.

"What kind of a pirate ship has no rum?" Jack muttered from behind her.

"One that don't have no food or supplies either." Mick hadn't stocked up the ship before Ana left. He didn't have the time what with her rushing off to avoid execution. She suddenly remembered she hadn't thanked Jack for saving her. Looking at the sour faced pirate she wondered if now was a good time. She shrugged and decided to get it over with. "You know Jack, I never thanked ye." Jack looked up at her.

"For what luv?" He truly was bewildered. What did he need thanking for?

"For saving me hide. I honestly thought ye'd left. And if you hadn't, I never thought you'd come for me. What with me leaving your crew and all." Jack smirked.

"Even if you weren't in my crew, I'd still help you. After all, I paid for this here ship. No use in you dying now and not getting to use her." Ana smiled, but knew there was more reasoning behind his daring rescue.

"All the same, I want to thank you." Jack held up a hand.

"You want to thank me? The how about we pull into a port somewhere and pick up some rum for old Jack here? Savvy?" Ana smiled and nodded. This pirate's life really was simple. All he needed was rum, the ocean and the Black Pearl. Ana wondered if her life would ever be that simple. But she wanted something else. A lover, someone to call her own, someone to stick by her through thick and thin. But just where was she going to find one of those? Anywhere, she answered herself. I can go anywhere now. I'll find him, if it takes me forever, I'll find him. Ana was completely unaware that Jack was sitting behind her, a smile on his face, watching her sail her ship. With a strange tug at his heart.

- - - - -

The port they pulled into was a miniature version of Tortuga. With fewer whores but just as much drink and music. There was laughter on the street and AnaMaria wondered just where in the world they were.

"You know the port Jack?" Ana had to shout to the crazed pirate who stood at the starboard side of the ship looking over at something.

"Nay, I've never been here in me life. Should prove interesting." Ana shook her head.

"Well, what you say we drop anchor and row to shore?" Jack looked back at her.

"Aye, I'll get the boat lowered." And he did. Ana lowered the port anchor and smiled as Jack toppled over the small rowboat, falling in. "I meant that." Which just caused Ana to smile more. Jack smirked at her smiling and offered at hand to her. "Well, Captain. Shall we make haste?"

"I believe we shall Mr Sparrow, lower the boat and row me to shore." Jack's smirk faltered.

"All by me onesies?" Ana nodded awaiting the cry of disbelief. "Well, since it's you milady." Ana sat in the boat in shock as Jack rowed towards the docks singing his damn pirate song. Ana had to admit, it was a catchy tune, but it could drive a girl mad. Once they reached shore the first thing on the agenda for Jack was a tavern in which he could drink a few mugs of rum, then they would find somewhere to get the ship stocked up, more rum for Jack and then find an inn for the night. Ana had thought that they should get somewhere to stay before getting Jack more rum so that they knew they had the place to stay.

"Don't be daft luv, it'll be fine. And from what I can gather you're wanting me to do some more work. And for that I will need a good unhealthy dose of rum. Now come on." Jack grabbed Ana by the wrist, sending a tingling sensation up her arm, and dragged her towards a nearby tavern. "You're buying the first round Captain." Ana laughed and followed Jack, unaware of why these feelings were spreading through her body.

- - - - -

Jack and Ana had three mugs of rum, then headed back to the docks in search of supplies or some one who could get them supplies. Jack finally spotted someone sitting by the dock fishing.

"Alright there mate?" The male looked at him and smiled.

"Ah, a fine pirate for custom I'm guessing. Well, if its food, drink, gun power or a crew your looking for them I'm you man. What can I get for you today sir?"

"We be needing food, rum and gun powder since ye ask." Jack said. The male's eyes ran over Ana and Jack felt a wave of possessive protectiveness rush over him.

"And how will ye be paying then?" Jack grabbed the mans face, pulling his gaze away from Ana.

"With money." Jack sneered at the fat man, he got the message though, and for the rest of the conversation in making arrangements for the supplies he didn't once look at AnaMaria, and Jack had the distinct feeling Ana was glad of it.

"Right," Jack rubbed his hands together, "lets head off to another tavern for more rum, what ye say?" It had taken three hours to get the arrangements ready and paid for. Ana nodded.

"Aye Jack. Right now, rum is more than welcome." And so the two pirates wandered down the streets of the town looking for a tavern.

After a further three hours drinking, AnaMaria was rip roaring drunk. She was sitting on the table, with an arm around Jack's shoulder and a mug of rum in the other singing till her throat ached. And she had no idea what she was singing. The whole tavern were singing along, all sitting on the tables or bar, swaying from side to side, singing completely out of tune at the top of their voices.

"Woo!" Ana screamed at the top of her voice before falling backwards. Jack laughed and pulled her up to her feet.

"Me thinks a certain new Captain has had her fill of rum for the night. Come on Ana, we need to get somewhere to stay." And so a slightly drunk Jack and a completely drunk AnaMaria stumbled from the tavern, arms around one another searching for an inn. Finally Jack found one and Ana was more than pleased. Her head was spinning and she knew she needed to sleep. Jack came out from the inn, a key in hand and a frown on his face.

"Come on darling, we've got a bit of a problem. They've only got the one room, with the one bed. So, I'll arm wrestle you for it." Ana laughed at Jack's joke while he managed to manoeuvre her up the twisty stairs and into a small bedroom. Sure enough there was one bed sitting in the middle of the room, with a table, a chair and one small cabinet. Ana sighed. The site of the bed brought a smirk to her face. Jack was still standing behind her, probably in case she fell over. So Ana turned to face the dark eyed pirate, and accidentally lost her footing, causing her to fall into Jack's arms pressing him against the door while he tried to hold her upright.

"Oopies." Ana sounded very uncharacteristically cheerful, which cause Jack to smile. At the sight of Jack's smile however, Ana sobered slightly. There faces were inches apart, his arms holding her waist to keep her balanced. Ana was so out of her usual state that she threw caution to the wind and leant in, capturing the male pirate's lips in a kiss.

- - - - -

When Jack woke up he felt a stiffness in his back. Stretching his legs there was a strange feeling and then he fell to the floor. Looking up he noticed why he fell. He had been sleeping in the chair with his legs up on the table. Jack rubbed his head wondering why he had been in the chair and not the bed. Then he remembered a very drunk AnaMaria coming on to him. And Jack hadn't taken advantage of her? Why the hell not? A mumble from the bed broke his chain of thought. Ana was waking.

"I'd advise ye not to open yer eyes to quick luv, may hurt a bit." Jack said to the dark skinned pirate while standing up. Picking up the chair Jack sat against the table, watching Ana stir. Her hair spread out against the white pillow gave her and unearthly beauty that Jack couldn't fail to notice, her eyes slowly opened and met Jack's.

"What happened? And why do I feel like I've been hit over the head with a cannon ball?" Ana rubbed her head trying to remember what had happened. Jack however felt somewhat relieved.

"You'll remember soon enough luv." And Jack hoped he was far away when she did. He didn't really want another slap. Even if he did turn down the opportunity to sleep with her while she was drunk, he was sure that Ana would find some reason to slap him. "You want some breakfast luv?"

"Aye Jack. That'd be nice. Just some bread though." Jack nodded and left Ana to her thoughts while pondering on his own. Why had he turned her down? You know fine well, a nagging little voice echoed at the back of his mind.

"Bloody women." Jack decided against answering his own question. Knowing fine well the answer but refusing to admit it. What was the point? She wasn't planing on sticking around anyway. Once they got to Tortuga they'd be off on separate paths again. And Captain Jack Sparrow was not going to get attached. Too bad he already was.

- - - - -

Ana sat in the bed after Jack left. Her blouse had been unbuttoned slightly and she couldn't recall why. What happened last night? The last thing Ana remembered was Jack leading her into a tavern and buying her rum. The rest was very much a blur.

"That damn pirate." Ana climbed from the bed and walked to the window. She saw Jack heading down the street towards what looked like a bakers. She smiled at his swagger, his hips swinging the way they did. One could assume that Jack was a woman from the way he walked, never really seeming sober at all. But then, he had too much of a masculine frame for anyone to really believe him a woman. "And just why am I thinking about that scallywag?" Ana turned from the window and looked around for something to do. There was nothing she could see so she turned back to the window. Thinking once more about a certain pirate Captain. Jack had somehow affected her. She knew it, but she didn't know what it was. Lust? Want? Love? It couldn't be love. Not with Jack. AnaMaria was too smart to fall for a rogue like Jack Sparrow. So why did seeing him first thing in the morning send shivers down her spine? Why was she so happy to be spending so much time with him alone? And why on earth was she so intrigued by his smile, his eyes, his general manner of walking and talking? Maybe it was just infatuation. That was a sure possibility. Who wouldn't be infatuated with Jack? Ana walked back to the bed and sat there, clutching her pillow. It was more than infatuation, more than lust. Jack had that sense about him, he made men green with envy and women fell over themselves for him, although they would mostly play hard to get. But did Jack feel anything for her? Well, he did kiss her. But that was because she was leaving. Then again it wasn't like a goodbye kiss. And Ana smiled, hoping it was a please stay kiss. Ana nearly jumped out her skin when Jack opened the door, the wood creaking against the frame. Ana had dived off the bed and ended up on the floor, legs still on the bed.

"Ana, luv, what are ye doing on the floor?" Ana quickly stood up and grabbed for the bread Jack was holding.

"Not a word from you Sparrow." And Jack ran his finger over his lips. Ana watched that finger and found herself wanting to do the same with her own finger. She just watched Jack as he ate and talked, she wasn't sure what he was talking about but it held little interest compared to those lush lips.

"Ana what's the matter with you?" Ana looked up from Jack's lips to his eyes and a devilsome smile spread across her face.

"Nothing Jack. Nothing at all." Jack shrugged and went back to telling the story he had been telling before enquiring to Ana's strange behaviour, AnaMaria however was plotting a scheme to find out just what she felt for Jack, and how the mysterious pirate felt in return.

- - - - -

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