Welcome Back, Jack Sparrow

Disclaimer: Not to sound rude, but this story is five chapters in. In case someone didn't get the hint I in no way, shape or form own Captain Jack Sparrow or any of the other original concepts from POTC: COTBP or DMC.

Again, and I cannot stress this enough, I abhor Mary-Sues and guarantee I will never intentionally create one. But if she seems to be taking on that appeal, let know, please.

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Welcome Back, Jack Sparrow

The Fifth Installment

Gaining Control

Stubborn and still a bit miffed by his uncaring attitude, Tara paid 'John' no mind the following day. After all, she was going out of her way to be kind to him and all he was being was rude. She took her basket as usual full of dirtied food-ware with a few supplies tucked underneath.

She would clean her items in the surf before she dropped the items for him off with so much as a word, usually a few clean bandages, some food and a bit of water. She would then leave before he had a chance to really say anything.

That lasted for a good number of days after as well.

At first Jack honestly cared less. He understood her kindness well enough and really did appreciate it. It was just that he had more pressing matters to worry over such as slowly healing injuries and a squid-face demon. Granted, they did not hurt now as much as they had prior, they were still tender and easily re-opened.

So he did nothing to change his attitude, taking what was offered.

Well, that was until she made a trend of only offering him water and nothing else. A man could not be expected to live like that! He figured she was giving him water in spite and would loosen up and return with at least a treat of wine now and again, preferably rum. But no! She would rather let a hurt man suffer.

Grumbling under his breath he watched as she finished cleaning after the 8th day since they had last spoke. Of course the way he was leaning against the rocks she had no way of knowing that. His gaze was purposely set that way so he could catch her off guard. He meant to have a word with her.

He waited until she had set everything up as usual and was about to go when he put his large hand around her wrist, the ship earned calluses rough against her skin.

"Tell me you aren't still sulking like a child 'bout this lass," He said as she turned to look at him, clearly having not been expecting his movements. A smirk formed on his lips at the look of fury his words evoked. So she was easily set off, huh? Interesting; she might prove to be a source of entertainment as well. "I mean, all I did really was seek some comfort. I'm a hurt man yes, but a man still. Understand that and understand I need certain things to keep me going and sane. You following me?"

"I certainly hope not," Tara growled, yanking her arm free and stepping back. That was a bit of an uncomfortable advancement for her.

His semi-attempt at a half apology and deliberate double meaning got good enough results for Jack's amusement. The sexual hint had been intended though he wouldn't follow through even if she had agreed, which he highly doubted. It had mainly been there to fluster her if she even got it.

"After all Mr. Smith…"

"John."

"John, you are still a stranger to me and even if I had known you for years now I would not act on such a request."

"To offer a man the proper drink he is seeking?" Jack asked, pulling his most confused and innocent look as he feigned to have misunderstood the double meaning. "I'm sorry then, I didn't know it was such an extreme request."

Tara's cheeks turned a pale pink at realizing she was the only one who had picked up the possible sexual meaning. Plus she had just blurted as much out to a man she barely knew! She was such a fool.

"Rum, yes, of course. I just meant that it is uhm- er that is to say that the rum is something hard to acquire since it is noticed when it is missing." She forced out hastily, not even sure if her rushed cover-up even made sense.

There was a gleam in Jack's eyes as his quick-thought plan worked. She now was off her track which meant she would calm down again to cover her embarrassment.

Proper women were so easy to gain a reaction from sometime, he mused.

"Well I had best…" She started, standing again with everything intent of getting home. She had humiliated herself enough already.

"Join a lonely man while he eats a meager, but kind offered meal? Why you are so kind and I would be delighted for the company." He interrupted, leaving her helpless to refuse.

Indeed, she was just as powerless to decline as Jack thought. Even is her family wasn't exactly at the top of the social latter, they were not at the bottom either which made her something of a lady. That meant while she could turn a blind eye at some of the more trivial traditions of society life, she was still overall bound to certain rules. Common courtesy happened to be one of them. Damn.

Reluctantly she took a seat, studying the blanket beneath them. During one of her recent trips if finally occurred to her to bring and leave some sort of fabric to allow him something more to rest on then sand. Her mother had been asking about it but she feigned ignorance. Besides, what was she to say?

Oh don't worry Mother. I just lent it to the strange man I am seeing daily at the beach! She snorted mentally, not likely.

"Wonderful." Jack continued as she sat and offered nothing to the conversation. "So, care to tell me what you meant by noticed when missing? You're not a thief I hope…"

Her blush of course darkened at the self-made insinuation. "Of course not; I was just bringing a few things from home. I could never actually steal something." She continued studying the blanket, beginning to like being with this man less and less.

This girl is too easy Jack mused, pausing long enough to eat some of the meat she had brought. "I see," was all he said in response, letting her take it as she pleased.

"Well surely you believe me. I mean does it seem as though I would or even could steal something?"

"Does it seem like I could?" Jack countered back with a cocked brow, knowing well she couldn't demand an answer from him without giving one first.

Tara looked him over, honestly not wanting to have to answer that. It seemed as though he were trying to walk her into these little word traps she kept stumbling into. "Point taken."

"Course it is. Here's my figuring though. You're always down doing the washing which leads me to believe you are a wench of sorts, bringing me supplies from said work place."

"You make it sound like stealing," she accused.

"Did you pay for it all form your own pockets or ask for it?"

"Not exactly…"

"Sounds like stealing to me then."

"It most certainly is not. I cannot steal from my own father when he offers me all I need and seeing as he is the tavern master..." She replied sharply before she realized what she was saying and covered her mouth quickly. She hadn't meant to tell him that much about herself. I could prove dangerous.

"A tavern you say?" Jack smirk, happy to learn that little detail.

Author's Note: And there you have it, chapter 5. I hope it met expectations and Jack is still in character! Please let me know what you think and remember to be honest ;) . Every little bit helps.

Also, if you are interested, please take a look at my other fic One Last Night – it's a fic about Will's reaction to the end of DMC.

Don't forget to review!