Author's Note --- Hey everyone! Shout outs to all those who keep reviewing! You're great and I love your comments! God, I wish that was me too!

Jack: Actually, lass, we just went through this the other night.

Aoife: Jack, you were too drunk to do anything.

Jack: Maybe that was my dream. Hmmm...

Well, while he ponders that, read the story please and review at the end!

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Chapter Ten --- Meet the Crew

I woke the next morning with the sun shining through the balcony door on my face and Jack trying to shake me awake. I threw the pillow over my head, trying to block out his voice. "Go away," I groaned groggily.

"I ain't leavin' till ye're up," he replied, tickling my sides. I shrieked and attempted to pull out of his grasp. But, as usual, he was too quick for me and to stop me from thrashing, he simply laid down on top of me. "Now be a good girl and get up, or suffer the consequences," Jack said, grinning down at me.

"No," I said, deciding to play with fate a little.

He sighed heavily and said, "Very well." His lips came crashing down on mine and I groaned.

When he pulled away for air, I said, "Don'tcha think it's a little bit early for this? Besides, where's Will and Edana?"

In between kisses down my throat, he replied, "I..sent...them to...get some...breakfast."

"Ah," I sighed. "So you wanted them out so that you could seduce me awake, eh?"

He pulled away from my neck and gave a quick nod. "Yep."

"Well, you are doing a fine job, my Captain," I assured him and pushed him off but then leaned in for one more kiss. "Just, watch your back today," I threatened him casually. "I'm usually not happy when I've been woken up."

He simply raised an eyebrow as Ed and Will came barging through the door. Will slammed it shut locking it. They were breathing heavily and as Will leaned against the door, he explained. "Sorry for that, some...woman just wanted...umm..."

"Wanted him!" Eddie shrieked with laughter. She was doubled over on the floor and Will, laughing himself, went to help her stand back up. In their hands, they each had several pieces of fruit. Jack waltzed up to them and snagged an apple and banana. He then returned back to the bed and sat next to me. "Yeah, you're welcome," Ed grumbled slightly, a smile still on her face.

"When are we meeting Gibbs?" Will asked, setting his fruit down on the small table next to the bed. I picked up an orange and peeled the peel away.

"Soon as ye eat," Jack replied, taking another bite of his apple.

We ate quickly and then made our way down to the harbor. Gibbs was talking to the new crew, who were lined up like toy soldiers. We marched down the line to Gibbs and Jack said, "Good mornin'."

"'Tis a fine mornin' indeed. Feast yer eyes, Cap'n. All of 'em good sea-farin' men, faithful 'ands before the mast, every one worth 'is salt and crazy ta boot," Gibbs replied. I looked down at Marty, the short one, and smiled. He gave a quick grin back before turning serious once again.

Will, who had been looking down the line, whispered to Jack, "This is your able-bodied crew?"

Jack ignored him and began looking over the crew himself. He approached an older looking man with a parrot on his shoulder, curiously. "Sailor, do ye 'ave the courage and fortitude ta follow orders and stay true in the face of danger and an almost certain death?" When the man didn't repsond, Jack snapped, "Answer me sailor!"

"Cotton's a mute, sir," Gibbs explained. "Poor devil 'ad 'is tongue cut out." Cotton demonstrated by opening his mouth and trying to stick out his tongue. Jack gagged and stuck out his own tongue while Will raised both eyebrows in amazement. Ed grabbed my arm tightly. I nodded my head polietly to Cotton, trying not to show my own repulsion. He closed his mouth and Gibbs continued, unfazed, "He went and trained the parrot ta talk for 'im."

Jack turned to the parrot instead and said, "Mr. Cotton's parrot. Same question."

The parrot in turn, replied, "Wind in your sails! Wind in your sails!"

"Mostly, we fear, that means yes," Gibbs translated.

"What's in it fer us?" we heard from down the line.

Jack perked up and walked down the line suspiciously. He lifted the last person's hat from their brow and said, "Annamaria."

A slap like a gunshot echoed over the dock. I winced feeling Jack's pain, though he didn't show it.

"I suppose that you didn't deserve that one either," Will noted dryly.

"No, that one I deserved," Jack replied, turning back around.

"You stole my boat!" she declared, pointing a finger at him.

"Actually-" Another slap rung out. He popped his jaw before continuing. "Borrowed. Borrwoed without permission but I 'ave every intention of brinin' it back ta ye. Or a betta one."

"That one!" Will said.

Jack turned, confused and asked, "What one?" Will pointed to The Interceptor and Jack growled. "That one?" Will nodded matter-of-factly. "Aye, that one," he sighed.

Annamaria pointed her finger at him again and snarled, "I will."

Jack walked a few steps away and examined the sky as everyone else loaded to go to the ship. Gibbs followed muttering, "Dreadful luck ta bring a woman on board."

"What are we then?" I snapped.

Jack ignored us and replied, "It'll be far worse not ta 'ave 'em." He turned away and we followed the crew into the boats.

Our start out was calm and peaceful. The Interceptor moved swiftly over the water. But in just a few hours, that calm water turned for the worst. Waves crashed and rose to a dangerous height and the ship rocked violently.

I grabbed on to a rope and pulled myself to Jack at the helm, despite the rocking water. "Jack!" I shouted. He turned around as a wave came crashing down on the deck. I slipped and fell to the deck. I slid to the railing and grabbed hold, dangling dangerously over the edge. Jack yelled for Annamaria to take the helm and then came after me.

"Keelin! What the 'ell are ye doin'?" he shouted over the wind.

"I was coming to help the crew but they sent me away because I don't know what to do!" I replied.

He nodded and grabed my arms, hauling me up. "Let's go." We went back to the helm and Annamaria left. He put me in front of him and then stood close behind me, placing his rough hands over mind on the helm. I felt then what Jack must feel every time he's on a ship. The power, the freedom, the want for the sea. Another wave came crashing on the deck and Jack pressed me closer to him. The wave crashed but I didn't move an inch.

Gibbs came toward us, staggering along the tilted deck. "We'd best drop canvas, sir!" he called over a loud clap of thunder.

"She can 'old a bit longer," Jack replied. The wind picked up and the rain fell harder. I saw Gibbs roll his eyes muttering something about a fool's errand.

"What's in yer 'ead, that's put in ye such a fine mood, Cap'n?" Gibbs shouted.

"We're catchin' up!" he replied, and then grinned into my neck.

"How can you tell?" I shouted.

"I've got a good feelin'!" he replied, helping me guide the ship in the storm.

When the rain cleared another few hours later, Jack brought me down the ladder to 'his' cabin. He threw a towel and blanket at me and said, "Get dry. I'll send yer friend in with some tea or somethin'." He turned on his heel and marched back out, leaving me to dry myself.

Edana entered a few minutes later, with a large mug of tea in her hands. "You just can't resist a little adventure, can you?" I shook my head and reached gratefully for the tea.

"And where were you?" I inquired.

"I asked Will if I could do something but he sent me down to the galley to fix something up that was hot for the crew when the storm was over," she replied.

"So, what'd ya make?"

"Chicken noodle soup."

"Sounds good. Let me have some."

"Yes, your Majesty," she saluted and marched to the galley to get some soup. I continued to dry off, taking off most of my clothes, letting them air dry. I wrapped myself in the blanket as she returned. She handed me the soup and let me eat before we talked.

"Does Will know you like him yet?" I asked setting aside the empty bowl.

Edana flushed and said, "I don't think so. He's still so head-over-heels for that little priss, Elizabeth."

"Oh, Eddie," I said. "I'm sorry. But don't worry, once he finds out what a liar she is, he'll come running into your arms."

She smirked slightly, and replied, "Thanks, Kee," sitting next to me on the bed.

"That's what friends are for, right?"

She smiled again and asked, "So what has Jack done to you?"

I was taken aback, wondering if she knew all. "Nothing," I said, lying through my teeth.

"Don't lie to me. Best friend, remember?" she reminded. "Then, what happened when we brought Gibbs to his room or when we left to get breakfast?"

"What do you mean?" I stammered.

"You were blushing both times when we returned!" she accused.

"Um...it was hot. I'm not use to the warm weather yet." Eddie raised her eyebrow and I sighed. "Alright, well, we kissed." Both eyebrows went up. "It wasn't anything, bad. Cut me some slack, Little Miss-I'd-Be-In -Turner's-Pants-In-A-Second."

"Does Jack know that you're head-over-heels for him?" she asked, ignoring that last comment.

"I did tell him that I wasn't sure about how I felt and he tried to...persuade me." I bowed my head shamefully as the truth came pouring out of my mouth.

"How?"

"Kissing me to no end." I sighed again and added, "It was nice."

"Oh, you are so in love!" she squealed, jumping off the bed, pointing her finger at me.

"Am not! He's just the first guy that I've ever even kissed!"

"So you don't like him and he's just an exception?"

"What is this, 20 Questions?" I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. "Ed," I said more quietly. "He can't love, because he only loves the sea. He's not a marrying man or even a dating man. He's a one night stand man. It wouldn't work even if I tried."

"But you won't know unless you try," she protested.

"No good. But what have you and Mr. Turner done?"

"Talked. Mostly about Elizabeth," she gagged.

"Well, then, we both have men issues," I smiled a little.

"As usual. Hey, you know tomorrow's you're birthday, if we're not following movie standard time, but the time back home?"

"The big ninteen," I muttered darkly. "Just don't tell anyone, alright?"

"Fine," she promised.

"I'm going to take a nap, go find Will." She nodded and went out the door to find her beloved. I got dressed in my now dry clothes and climb into the bed to get a little sleep.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Edana's POV)

As I left Keelin in Jack's cabin, I wondered why she was so touchy on the subject of Jack. I shrugged it off, knowing she find out what was right for her and make the right choices.

I found Gibbs and Will talking in whispers on the deck. As I headed towards them, I saw Jack notice them too. He went and stood behind Will quietly, listening. Gibbs hushed up as he saw the captain. Will's eyes followed where Gibbs' were looking and he spun around to find Jack towering over him.

"Human hair," I heard Jack say as I got closer, "from me back." He paused and I noticed that the Isla de Muerta wasn't far away. "Young Mr. Turner and I are ta go ashore."

"Jack, Keelin and I are coming too," I said from behind him.

"Lass, it's too dangerous," he began.

"Jack, listen to me. It's Keelin's birthday tomorrow and it would mean a lot to her if you let her go."

"So it's betta fer 'er ta be killed on 'er birthday?" Jack raised an eyebrow. "I think not."

Will saw the desperate look on my face and said, "Jack, the girls can help distract Barbossa or something."

"'E'd kill 'em afta 'e rapes 'em," he grumbled. "But if ye two wanna take that chance, be me guest."

"Thanks Jack," I called after him as he went to his cabin. "Jack, just don't say anything to her about her birthday!" I added.

"Whatever," he muttered back. He sure picked up our slang fast.

I turned to Will and smiled. "Thank you so much."

"Well, you're welcome, Miss Edana," he said, returning the smile.

"So, Will, tell me everything about England that you can remember," I said. "I've always wanted to go."

He started telling me about it until Jack and Keelin appeared, and it was time to go.

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(Keelin's POV)

I had only started to doze off when I suddenly couldn't breath. I opened my eyes and I realized that Sparrow was trying to kiss me awake. Talk about a Sleeping Beauty moment. Slowly, I found myself kissing him back. My arms slid around his neck, pullling him closer. His own arms wrapped around my thin waist and he climbed on top of me. His tongue flickered at my lips, begging for entrance. I hesitantly allowed him access and he entertwined his tongue with mine, exploring my mouth.

A minute later, he pulled away slowly. "Shit, Jack," I groaned, breathing heavily.

"I could say the same thing," he smirked. His fingers played with my curls, almost lulling me back to sleep as he watched my eyes close.

"Jack, we're there aren't we?" I asked, feeling the anchor drop as the ship slowed down.

"Aye, love," he said, standing up. I opened my eyes and he helped me up.

"We get to go and fight the undead pirates," I said. Jack gave a small smile and I stopped. "What's wrong?"

"Nothin'," he said, his eyes darting about for a second before firmly landing on my own.

I raised an eyebrow and said, "Uh-huh. What's wrong?"

"I just...don't wanna see ye 'urt, that's all," he confessed.

"Aw, Jack! You're so sweet! I'll be fine, I promise," I said asssuringly.

"Ye don't understand, Keelin. I just want ye to be safe so that I can still be with ye later, when I get back. If ye're dead, we can't do this again," he explained quietly.

"What's 'this'?" I asked, deciding to be saucy.

"Kissin' ye an' all," he growled.

"Kissin' me 'ow?" I asked, mimicking his voice. "I do believe that I need a refresher, Captain."

"That's not very wise," he said in a low voice. I widened my eyes, pretending to be afraid, but enjoying every moment.

"Why not?" I teased. He grabbed both of my arms and pushed me up against the wall, my hands above my head. He pressed his body as close as humanly possible against mine. He lowered his lips to my neck and began to kiss me greedily. My eyes closed and my head rolled back of its own accord, allowing him more access. He moved instead, to my mouth and nipped on my lower lip. I went to kiss him but he moved again, teasing me, his lips landing on my collarbone. His fingers worked the buttons on my shirt and he undid the first three. He lightly pressed his lips lower and lower...until he stopped.

My eyes flew open as I realized that he was halfway across the room. "Jack?"

He turned around and replied, "Aye, love?" a twinkle in his eyes.

"What...was...that?" I asked, breathing heavily.

"What was what?" he teased. So, it was my turn to be teased.

"Oh, no," I sighed. "You don't just kiss me like that and walk away."

"I think I just did."

"Smartass," I said quietly, approaching him seductively. He stood still, waiting for me to make my next move. I paused before winding my fingers into his dreads and pulling his face close to mine. I stared into his eyes and decided it was my turn to tease him. Payback could be like hell and I was about to show him just how hot it could get. I kissed his lips and when he tried to get his tongue involved, I pulled away. I brought my lips to his jaw and bit him gently. He tried to bring his hands to my waist but I took them in my own hands and held them behind his back. He shifted, not happy that he wasn't getting his own way. I took the oppurtunity to push him down on the bed. He landed with a soft grunt but grinned like a cat when he saw where he landed.

"Keelin-" he started.

I covered his mouth with my hand and said, "Don't say anything." His dark eyes glittered with desire and I felt him smile underneath my hand. I straddled him slowly and placed my hands on his chest. He didn't grab my waist this time but wrapped his hands around my thighs. I lowered my head to his lips and forced his lips open with my tongue. He obliged, willingly. I deepened the kiss and he groaned slightly. His hands moved to my ass and he pulled me closer in to him. I kissed him a little more but when I heard his breathing get ragged and felt his manhood harden from under me, I climbed off, slightly afraid of what could happen if I let this go on any further. As I stood over him, catching my own ragged breath, he sat up and looked confused. "Payback," I answered his unasked question.

"For what?"

"For waking me this morning and for leaving me hanging a few minutes ago."

He nodded his smirk and replied, "Pirate." He reached out and grabbed my waist, pulling me closer. "I guess I deserved that." He kissed my forehead and added, "I was serious though, when I said I wished ye'd stay 'ere."

"I was serious when I said that I was going," I replied stermly. "Jack, please don't leave me here."

"I can't. I already promised yer friend I'd take ye both," he sighed, rubbing his hand in small circles on my back.

"Aw!" I kissed both his cheeks (Not his ass you moron! Get yer head out of the gutter!) "Thanks!"

"Yup," he grumbled in reply as we left the cabin.