"Sparrow." James curtly acknowledged the greeting. As annoyed as he was to find out who the captain of the ship was, he was also pleased. He and Sparrow had been through enough together that there was no doubt Sparrow would be open to reaching a bargain. While he would never actually befriend a pirate, they had reached a level of mutual respect. James also knew how and why Jack Sparrow had come to be in possession of a Navy built ship that appeared on no official registry, that knowledge gave him more than a small measure of relief.

"That's Captain Sparrow, mate," Jack issued the automatic correction. Noticing James' unusual attire, he queried, "A bit down on your luck, Commodore? Taken to piloting merchant vessels I see."

Pointedly ignoring the provocation, James asked, "Shall we discuss your terms for the safety of the crew and ship?"

"Certainly, Commodore, but let us do so in a civilized manner. Join me for dinner and then we'll talk," Jack invited. His eyes flickered towards an area behind and left of James. "And by all means, you must bring that tempting morsel with you."

Without turning to look, James knew that Miss Thompson had disobeyed his order to remain below deck. "That will not be necessary, Sparrow," he said stiffly.

Jack flashed him a cheeky grin, "Ah, but I'm the one deciding what is and isn't necessary. No lady. No negotiation. Savvy?"

"Very well," James ground out.

"Oh, and mate, we've grown more posh. Now we dress for dinner. Gibbs will escort you to my quarters in half an hour. Meanwhile, my men will begin redistributing some of your surplus goods." With these words, Jack disappeared from sight.

It took a great amount of self restraint for James to refrain from shaking Miss Thompson. Damn her stubbornness! Now, he was going to have worry about her as well, as handle Jack. Striding up to her, he bit out, "It would appear as if your presence is requested for dinner. I would suggest that you dress more decorously than you have in the past. Perhaps one of the gowns that you wore for the first part of our voyage?" Without waiting for a reply, he went to his own quarters to change.

When he arrived back on deck, Miss Thompson was already there and chatting to Mr. Gibbs. She had not taken his recommendation on wardrobe, but at least she was not wearing that green gown. The dress she had chosen to wear tonight was not nearly as daring, yet it was still far too revealing for James' liking. Mr. Gibbs acknowledged his arrival and stepped forward to greet him.

"Commodore Norrington, I was just telling your lady how pleasant it was to see a fine young woman. It's been three months since we've last been on land and a gent gets tired of viewing only men."

"Miss Thompson is most decidedly not my lady," James denied.

"Ah. Well I believe that piece of news would best be kept from Jack, if you get my meaning?" Gibbs warned James. "He's been in a right strange mood since hearing of Elizabeth's wedding." He turned and extended an arm to Miss Thompson, "Shall we go? Mind your footing on the plank."

When they entered the captain's quarters, Jack was there waiting. He took Katherine's hand and kissed it, "Welcome to the Blue Diamond. And what might your name be, lovely lady?"

Doing her best to look calm and unconcerned, she withdrew her hand and raised her chin. "Miss Katherine Thompson. May I inquire who asks?"

"Oh you wound me, luv. You mean the Commodore has not told you of me? I am Captain Jack Sparrow."

"Well, Captain Sparrow, since I am here as you requested, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from ogling me as if I were a side of beef and you a hungry dog." Katherine declared haughtily and took a seat at the dinner table. "Shall we begin dining? The sooner we begin this charade, the sooner that it will be over, and we can get to our real purpose for being here."

James almost laughed at the expression on Jack's face. While Jack may have become used to being slapped by women, it was a novelty to have one so utterly dismiss him. Somewhat abashed, Jack answered her, "Yes, Miss Thompson," and took his seat. He grumbled sarcastically to James, "Quite a lovely demure young lady you've got yourself, Commodore."

Overhearing his words, as she was meant to do, Katherine almost denied that she was James' lady, but she had also heard what Mr. Gibbs said and she withheld her comment. In silence they began to dine. Katherine took advantage of the opportunity to survey her surroundings. The cabin was furnished very tastefully; not with the garish taste that she would expect of a pirate. She began to examine Captain Sparrow. He was slighter of build than she guessed would be usual for a pirate, he was truly very handsome. One could almost call him beautiful. The kohl lining his eyes and the beads in his hair added an effeminate feel to his looks, and yet he was undeniably male.

Becoming uncomfortable under her scrutiny, Jack inquired. "Now who'd be doing the ogling, Miss Thompson?"

Katherine could feel herself blush. Well there was no use denying it. She had been well and truly caught out. "I offer my apologies, Captain. It was rude of me. It's just that I've never seen, let alone dined with, a pirate before."

James sat and watched this interchange with amusement. He recalled that he had once thought there could be no two more dissimilar beings than Katherine and Jack, he had been wrong. They actually had a lot in common. They each had a knack for playing whatever role suited at the moment and they both left one wondering who the true person was at the end of the day.

The ice had been broken, conversation began to flow. Mostly it was about trivial matters, but Katherine asked a fair amount of questions about life as a pirate and Jack, much to James' amazement, answered them honestly. Wine was poured liberally and there was an abundance of food.

Katherine began to feel the effects of the wine on top of two long hard days of work. While she was nowhere near drunk, the spirits had loosened her tongue and she impulsively asked, "Who's Elizabeth?" The animation left Jack's face and Katherine realized that she had made a blunder. "I'm sorry. I should not have asked that."

"Aye lass, that is a subject best left alone, but what's done is done. So, Commodore, tell me, how is Mrs. Turner these days?" he queried in a voice that conveyed weariness, resentment, and longing.

James uncomfortably shifted in his chair. He did not like having to be the one to deliver the news. "Elizabeth and Will are expecting their first child."

Katherine silently digested the fact that the woman who had jilted the Commodore was also apparently the same one responsible for Captain Sparrow's heartbreak. Lieutenant Blackwirth had said she was beautiful, indeed she must be if she had ensnared the affections of two such different men.

Jack stared at his empty plate for a moment and then with forced cheerfulness announced, "Rum. That is news that calls for rum," and he went to the sideboard to fetch a decanter. "Might I tempt you, Katherine? A finer drink you'll never find."

"No. She will not be having any rum and I'd thank you to remember that she is Miss Thompson, to you." James answered in a threatening tone.

Angry that he had answered for her, Katherine contradicted, "I would love to try some rum, Jack." She tossed an annoyed look at Commodore Norrington.

"Mi…Katherine," James caught himself just in time and refrained from calling her Miss Thompson. Gibbs had been correct, with the state of mind that Jack was in, it was important that he believe that Miss Thompson was spoken for, or he would surely set out to use her as consolation. "You will not be drinking rum."

Katherine hated how much she enjoyed hearing him call her by her given name. He had done so throughout dinner and every time he had she'd felt a shiver of awareness. This caused her to answer sharply, "You do not speak for me. I can make my own decisions. I do not require a keeper, James."

"I beg to differ. You do not know how potent a drink rum is, and you do not have the constitution to drink it with impunity."

"I believe that I am capable of determining what I can and cannot handle. Jack, please give me some rum." She smiled prettily at Jack as he poured her a glass.

"You are once again acting like a child," James gritted.

Jack followed their conversation with a bemused smile. He did not know why they were posing as a couple, but until now they had been wholly unconvincing. Jack tamped down a feeling of further disappointment that yet another fine woman had already given her heart to another. The two sitting in front him might not be aware of it, but their bickering indicated a level of connection and intimacy between them. "Ah, look at you two fighting like an old married couple already. Me, I think I'll just stick with rum. Wonderful thing about rum, doesn't desert you and it makes you forget all manner of things."

"Katherine, I am ordering you not to drink that rum." James watched helplessly as she downed the glass in one swallow, gave him an insincere smile, and held out the glass to Jack for a refill. He was impressed, in spite of himself. Except for a slight watering of the eyes, she gave no overt indication that the fiery drink had burned going down. Well, she was nothing, if not determined. "Sparrow, we are wasting time. You have the ship's goods, what else do you desire?" Registering the way Jack's eyes lingered on Katherine, James immediately regretted his choice of words.

Jack pondered the question. Katherine was an attractive woman and in the past he would have had no qualms about demanding her favors for the night. Unfortunately, since Elizabeth's betrayal, he might as well be a bloody eunuch for all the use his equipment was to him. Besides, he liked this woman and, if truth be told, he also had grown to like the Commodore. There was no sense in creating trouble between them, yet he was enjoying the company and did not want the evening to end. Maybe he could stir the waters a bit and divert his thoughts from Elizabeth's pregnancy. "Well, Commodore, I believe that I shall require the lady's company for the rest of the evening."

"That is out of the question."

Jack took another swig of rum, "Shouldn't we let said lady decide for herself?"

"Miss Thompson will not be staying here with you." James declared harshly and placed his hand on his sword ready to draw it.

"Now mate, I'd not be doing that if I were you. You are on my ship, surrounded by my men and, unlike you, I don't follow the standard rules of engagement. You can't win." Jack turned towards Katherine, "Now ,I believe that we shall have Katherine's opinion on the subject. What do you say? Are you game for an evening with a pirate?"

Katherine met Jacks' eyes. They were filled with amusement and devilment but she could see no intent to hurt her. Instead his eyes seemed to convey the message "trust me", and for some reason she did. Pirate or no pirate, she instinctively knew this man meant her no harm and it would do James Norrington good to know that he could not order her around. "I accept you terms, Captain Sparrow. I should be delighted to spend more time in your company."

James felt dread fill him. How could she offer herself up in this manner? She could have no idea of what she was doing and he was impotent to stop it.

"Wonderful," Jack exclaimed and picked up the bottle. "Let's have a toast to our bargain. Won't you join us in a bit of rum, Commodore?"

"No, I will not," James said icily. "This is low even for you, Sparrow." At Jack's perplexed expression, he elaborated, "Using blackmail to bed a woman."

At these words, Jack sat up a little straighter and took another swallow of rum. "Aye, that would be low, Commodore," and here he began to wag his index finger while making his argument, " However, if said lady willingly agrees to said blackmail, then it really isn't blackmail, is it? Furthermore if said lady should find that she enjoys herself then she would be in debt to the gent who first proposed the bargain and would actually have made no payment at all. Savvy?"

Katherine, who had barely managed to follow the convoluted argument, dryly asked, "May said lady please have another glass of rum?" She was not sure why Jack was teasing James, but the results were amusing. James looked as if he were ready to explode.

Seeing the enraged expression on James' face, Jack knew it was time to end the game, "Besides mate, who said anything about bedding a woman? Katherine and I are merely going to enjoy some rum and conversation. You are more than welcome to join us." He and Katherine began laughing.

Fury at having yet again been played for the fool swept through James. He could not explain why all of the emotion should be directed at Miss Thompson rather than Jack, after all it was Jack who had deliberately created the misunderstanding. He merely knew that he was tired of consistently having her torment and deceive him. "Very well, I shall go inform the crew that we will not return until later this evening. I shall be back in a moment," he warned and slammed the door so hard that a picture fell off the wall.

Jack winced, "Sorry, luv. Didn't mean to wind him so tight."

"Don't let it worry you, Jack. He has been like that since the voyage began. I believe that he was born that way."

Jack gave her a knowing look, "Aye. Well a man can sometimes get like that when he's been denying himself something he wants."

"Oh, but it's not like that between us, Jack. We only pretended to be a couple because Gibbs warned us that… well anyway it's not like that between us."

"Isn't it, luv? You could have fooled me."

James' return ended this strain of conversation.

Several glasses of rum later found Katherine poking James in the chest with her finger and declaring to Jack, "He's mean. Do you know he called me hideous and said I needed lessons on how to be a woman?"

Jack took in James' exasperated expression. "Well now luv, that wasn't very gentlemanly of him, was it?"

"No, it wasn't."

"Commodore, you should be ashamed of yourself, treating a lady so."

Woozily Katherine made her way to stand in front of Jack. Hands on hips, she interrogated, "Do you find me attractive?"

His lips quirking with amusement, he confirmed, "Aye, Katherine. Very much so."

"Then kiss me," she demanded and tilted her face up towards him.

Jack shot James a look that said, "Well what can one do mate?", and gently cupping her face in his hands, gave her a kiss.

Although the kiss was clearly chaste in nature, James had to restrain himself from committing violence against both of them. He had endured several hours of both of them getting thoroughly pissed, now he was expected to endure this?

When the brief kiss ended, Katherine gravely pronounced, "Rum. You taste like rum," and then sleepily sank into a chair.

"Are we through here, Sparrow?"

"Yes. I believe you have fulfilled your end of the bargain. You are both free to go."

James helped Katherine to her feet. She wobbled unsteadily. Damn it, she would never make it across the plank without tumbling into the water. That thought brought back memories that he ruthlessly shut out. With an expletive, he picked her up and headed towards the door. Katherine did not protest; instead she snaked her arms around his neck and snuggled in closer, her head drooping against his chest.

"Oh, Commodore, you might want to know that the Blue Diamond will be sailing these waters for the next few days. It just so happens we're following a course headed towards Port Royal," Jack called after them.

James turned and gave Jack an assessing look. The man was not nearly as drunk as he would have one think. His message had been loud and clear. In his own way, he was offering them protection against any other pirates. Gratefully, James acknowledged the gesture, "Indeed? That is most interesting."

"Aye. Well we can't have any scallywags plundering a treasure like Miss Thompson, now can we?" And when James would have turned away again, Jack roguishly added, "By the way, I'm rooting for you, Commodore."

James blanched at these words. "You are mistaken in your assumptions, Sparrow."

"Am I, mate?"

James did not bother to reply and continued out the door. As they were about to cross the gangplank, Katherine stirred. "It's like the groom carrying the bride. Or perhaps the condemned man walking the plank," she giggled, "I guess they're really not all that different," and she promptly fell back asleep.

There were several men waiting on deck for their return. At their quizzical looks regarding his carrying Miss Thompson, he offered shortly, "Rum." They nodded their heads; no further explanation necessary.

Lieutenant Blackwirth stepped forward, "I'll see Miss Thompson to her cabin, sir."

"That will not be necessary, Lieutenant. Prepare the ship for sail. I shall be back on deck in a few minutes." He was not unaware of the disappointment on the Lieutenant's face at having his offer refused.

James carried Katherine to her room and gently laid her on the bed. She would be uncomfortable sleeping in those clothes. He would have to find Jenny and have her assist her mistress in undressing. Katherine's arms still clutched limpet like around his neck, he tried to gently disengage them. This raised a protest from her and she refused to let go. Her eyes flickered open, with a pout, she demanded, "Kiss me."

James wavered for a moment, tempted to fulfill her request.

Then she added, "I want to know what you taste like."

James grew angry. Was this her new game; to go around comparing the taste of men's kisses?

When he did not respond to her appeal, she maneuvered with the agility of a cat, until she was kneeling on the bed with her arms still locked around his neck. Boldly she leaned forward declaring, "Fine. Then I shall kiss you," and she pressed her lips to his.

At the touch of her lips, James stifled a groan. He wanted to pull her fully into his arms and kiss her until she couldn't see straight; although considering how drunk she was, that was probably already the case. He stood still allowing her to explore his mouth, but when her tongue darted out and began to trace his lips he could feel his control falling away. He had to end this and he had to do it now, while he still could. She was drunk and did not know what she was doing. He would be a complete cad to take advantage of her in this condition. Firmly he pulled away and detached her arms. He settled her back onto the bed and pulled the quilt over her. "Go back to sleep, Katherine. You will surely regret this in the morning."

When he reached the door he heard her murmur, "Heaven."

He paused, "I beg your pardon?"

Katherine drowsily muttered, "Heaven. Your kisses taste like heaven." Then she rolled over, and fell into a deep dreamless slumber.