The only thing that has gotten me this far (which isn't saying much) is my Trouble CD. Thank God for Bonnie McKee. avoids accusatory glances Fine, I'll tell you why it did take me so long. It was my cats. Kittens. Adorable little demons. They drove me bloody bonkers. My friends can testify to that. Well, I hope I can figure out how to…DAMNIT! Sabriel just crawled up onto my lap. God damnit! I've got to go; the call of the siren's cats is even more enticing than her own. OH! she's purring. I have to pet her. Oh, and enjoy the 4th chapter.

When Fury awoke the next morning, the sun was already high in the sky and it was close to noon.

"Damn it!" she muttered, uncurling from the near fetal position that she had assumed sometime during the course of the night. She yawned as she sat up abruptly. Wincing, she stood up.

Surprisingly, cobblestone streets and alleyways were not very comfortable. Fury would've preferred sleeping in someone's doorway as she had in her younger years. This, however, was not an option anymore.

Taking off her hat, she untied her hair and ran her fingers through it painfully, yanking out several knots. Then, she tied back the matted mess and crammed her hat back down on her head.

As a general rule, she stayed in dark alleys most of the day, for fear of her problem arising once more. However, today she could not wait for nightfall. If he was stopping in Tortuga for supplies, then he could very well be gone by high tide this afternoon. So, she set out.

It had been a while since she'd heard any tales of Captain Sparrow having sum-such new adventure. Fury knew that she had an offer for one that he could not refuse. She fumbled around in her pockets, searching for something.

Where the hell is that bloody book! She cursed silently. Finally, she touched it, feeling the textured leather in her hands. That little black book is going to save my life, she thought, assured.

She made her way from bar to bar, trying every tavern, searching for Jack Sparrow. Finally, she found him in the tavern that they had been in last night.

"Why the bloody 'ell didn't I think of that in the first place?" she muttered under her breath. She saw that he was sitting down at a table by himself. He held a tankard of rum in one hand and was staring down into it. What she didn't know was that he was once again feigning an interest in the drink to avoid letting her know that he was alerted to her presence.

Fury slammed her hands down on the table, palms down and fingers spread out. She leaned forward and cleared her throat, causing Captain Sparrow to look up slowly.

"Oh…ye." He muttered. He grimaced and took a swig of rum.

"Aye, it's me. This time I 'ave an offer ye can't refuse."

He perked up at the suggestion, but quickly covered it with a look of disdain. Jack Sparrow was still having entirely too much fun messing with Fury to give up yet.

"Really? I suppose I could spend several minutes of my time. So tell me, mate, what could ye possibly 'ave that would make me take ye as a crewmember?" He feigned a bored, casual look and raised his eyebrows. Fury leaned in closer and whispered in his ear.

"I 'ave a map that shows where the Sea Siren's treasure lies."

He pulled back and stared at her, his kohl-lined brown eyes searching hers.

"Interesting, very interesting." He said, his amusement causing a faint smile to play upon his lips and his hands to stroke his goatee. Fury rolled her eyes and produced the map. Jack reached out to grab it but it had already disappeared into the pocket from where it came.

"Ye let me on the Pearl, an' I'll split the Sea Siren's treasure with ye 'alf an' 'alf. Do we 'ave a deal?" Fury stuck out her hand meaning foe Jack to shake it. He put his hand up, hesitated, then firmly grasped hers and grinned.

"Mr. Sparrow, it'll be a pleasure working with ye."

"That's captain, Captain Jack Sparrow." He corrected. Fury rolled her eyes and sighed. "Now what did ye say yer name was?"

"I didn't" Fury narrowed her eyes. Jack Sparrow raised his eyebrows expectantly.

"It's Fur…uh…Fred-rick. Fredrick De-lan." Fury flashed what she hoped was a convincing smile. Jack just looked faintly amused

"Fredrick Delan, eh?"

"Aye." she stammered a little bit too quickly. She was a bit embarrassed by her mistake, but hopefully Captain Sparrow was still convinced. She ducked her head to hide the faint blush that swept across her checks like the sunset across the sky.

He stared at her for a moment. So, she was still carrying on the futile charade that she was a man? It was inevitable that he would find out that she knew, but that would be dealt with when it happened.

"Shouldn't we be going? It'll be high tide soon." Fury said, looking up. She tapped her foot anxiously.

"We sail at high tide tomorrow." He pointed out. "Since we won't be back on the Pearl the in where I'm staying is where we'll be at tonight."

"But, I'm…well, I don't 'ave any money." Fury said quickly. He shrugged, letting her assume that he was going to pay for a room. Jack, of course, had no such plan. "Right, then. 'Ow about we order some food, I'm bloody starved. Captain."

She smiled as he ordered another round of drinks and something to eat.

Do you like it? Is it awesome? It should be, as it's a bloody miracle that I've updated in gasp LESS THAN A MONTH. runs around in a circle screaming Oh my god, it's a sign of the bloody apocalypse! Run in fear of the end of the world! Oh, but before you do, could you remember to review please? Thanks a bunch. Toodles-Siren's Voice.