I disclaim. I own nothing, yet...

And a hearty thanks and a round of grog to my reviewers!

XxXxXxX

I pulled the blanket clear to my chin and backed up into Will. "You... you... you..." I began, my voice so tense, I could barely force the word out.

"Pirate, love. I believe that's the word you're looking for," he grinned lasciviously and approached us.

"Really, Sparrow, this isn't the ideal moment for conversation," Will added dryly from above me. From the way we were so uncomfortably positioned, I knew he was on his knees and I and my blanket were the only thing that kept Jack from seeing his naughtier bits. Once more, that is.

"Right, well, I have a need of your expertise, William, as it were," he continued, the vile grin still in place. "I'd love to chat it over as soon as you're rather more clothed. Unless, you prefer to consultate in the nude."

"Consultate?" I spat. "Did you just make that up?"

"My grammar is what you're worried about, Miss Swann?" He turned away as I sputtered for an answer, but, alas, I was speechless. "I'll just give you kids a moment, then, eh?"

Will and I pulled our clothes back on. I could feel the bright spots of color on my cheeks. Whether from rage or embarrassment, I couldn't have chosen. My blood fairly roiled with each emotion mixed with just a touch of hatred for filthy pirates. Will laid a calming had on my shoulder, "It'll be all right, my love. You know Jack -" he started.

"Yes, and he is a lewd, lascivious letch and I despise him," I cut him off, vehement.

"That's a lot of Ls, love. Add in lawless, licentious, and a libertine, and I'm pretty sure you've got me well-pegged," the Captain tossed over his shoulder. He paused and I practically felt his ingratiating grin slide over his features, "Unless, of course, you'd like to try a different, less verbal sort of pegging."

Will strode to him and whirled him around, "You'll not speak to her that way! She's my fiancée, as well as a fine lady. Apologize," he demanded.

"Sorry, Lizzie, which, incidentally is another of my favorite L words, the little display has gotten me all in a fit, eh?"

"Exactly how much did you see?" Will asked, looking about as ready to strike as I'd ever seen him.

Sparrow waved his hand, nonchalantly, "Not enough to keep me going for more than a few tugs." The fiend at least had the good sense to dodge Will's fist. "Calm down, young William. I'm only joking. I only saw enough to make me understand why the lass would choose you over me, savvy."

Will actually smiled. I threw my hands up and stalked toward them. "Flattery has apparently won you Will's heart, but mine is not so easily bought, savvy?" I mocked.

"Yes, yes. Virtue, honor, and all that rot. You two should know me by now. I joke because I care, eh?" He continued, continuing to stroll about the beach before us as though intoxicated. I rolled my eyes at him. "Ah, Miss Elizabeth, I see you're ready to hear me out then."

"Let's have it, Jack. What scheme is it now for which I have to turn you down, once more." Will asked, folding his arms over his chest. My heart skipped a beat with the memory of those arms wrapped around me. Jack's voice interrupted my little reverie.

"I just need a little bit of help, Will. You're a gifted swordsman and I have a need for you to teach one of my crew."

"Out with it, Jack. Nothing is ever that easy," I put in.

He clasped his hands together and made a little bow of obeisance. "Well, I've taken a young lady into my care and I desperately need for her to learn to defend herself, as she's apparently signed on for the long haul."

"What sort of young lady, Jack? Another woman for your growing collection? Or is she a whore in need of a steady pay?" Will spat back.

Jack flinched, but to his credit, did not lash out, "She's, er, my daughter, mate."

My mouth fell open. The great Captain Jack Sparrow is a father? Well, it should have come as no surprise, considering all the epithets that followed his name and preceded his arrival in any port.

He shrugged and grinned, "Yes, well apparently her mother died and well, being the honorable man that I am, I took her on."

"How old is she?" I asked, deciding to leap over the questionable use of the word "honorable."

He looked down at the ground and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I'd say somewhere about your age, Miss Swann."

"Oh Lord, Jack! Did you ever have the ability to keep it in your breeches?" Will asked, rolling his eyes.

Jack grinned at us again, "Not I, my friend. I was born into charm and good looks, it weren't long before I found myself a steady following of lovers."

"You disgust me, Sparrow. Where is the poor creature that has to call you sire?" I asked, half expecting her to be hidden in some outcropping of rock. Jack was just the type to bring her a little surprise, not to mention a bargaining chip.

"She's at your house, Elizabeth. Waiting really nicely on the broad front porch of that lovely mansion of yours."

Will practically exploded, "For love of all that's holy, Jack. Have you no shame?" Jack opened his mouth and Will held up a staying hand, "No, don't answer that. How are we going to explain this to the Governor?"

"So you'll take her and look after her for a few weeks until I can make port again?" Jack asked, approaching Will and I once more.

"We didn't say that!" I answered.

Jack winked and tossed William the sword I'd been learning with. "But, you didn't say you wouldn't." He strode down the beach as we watched him, slack-jawed. He hopped into a concealed longboat and began to row. "I owe you two, really! I'll be back in a few weeks. A month... or two at most," he called back over the crash of the water on the shore.

Will finally turned to look at me, "Why do we listen to him?"

I threw my hands up, "Why does he continue to crop up like the plague every time we start to have some good in our lives?"

He held my wrists and kissed me sweetly. "Well, I guess we'd better go meet the unfortunate young lady."

XxXxXxX

Okay, my lovely reviewers, I was asked to continue along with my tale when I thought the story was sort of a cut and dry bit of fluff. If you like the direction I've chosen to take it, perhaps you could drop me a review?