AN: Sorry for the lengthy time between updates. I've had some medical issues the past few months and am just now returning to some sort of normalcy in RL.

Regrets, I May Have Had a Few

Chapter 2

Concentration clearly evident on his visage, hands clasped firmly behind his back, James paced a small spit of sand between Jack and the waters edge. He cleared his throat several times as if to begin speaking but no words followed. Jack opened his mouth to speak; he had been silent for more time than was his custom when at last James, his voice pitched rather soft and low, the word rolling slowly from his mouth said, "Regrets." He glanced at Jack, a slight smirk on his face, "Where do I begin? I suppose I could manage to come up with quite a number." Straightening his posture he went on, his tone stronger now, as if he'd finally chosen his course and was determined to follow through. "As I look back on my youth I regret not asking Rebecca Clarke to the Autumn Ball." He paused a moment, then raised an eyebrow and gave a little snort as he continued, "I might add I regret not punching Nathan Davenport in the nose when he did." He paused once more then sighed as he looked up at the dusky sky, then down at the dark sand at his feet. A poignant expression appeared on his face as he spoke the next. "I regret I was never able to establish a satisfactory relationship with my Father. I regret allowing communication with my family, especially my Mother God rest her soul, to falter when I was transferred to Fort Charles." His countenance and posture visibly sagged for just an instant as he continued, his voice betraying the slightest bit of quavering, "I regret not presenting my suit for Miss Swann's hand in marriage sooner….although hindsight says that probably would not have made a difference." He stopped his pacing, "I think that should suffice for the time being. I am sure I could dredge up many more of the same bleak nature if I so chose." Then he stood there silently looking off toward the horizon.

Jack watched James from his seat in the sand for a few minutes before rising to his feet, exaggeratedly brushing the sand from his breeches, and swaying over to stand beside the man. "Quite a list you've tallied up there Commodore, 'n ya say there's still more what could be added. I'm thinkin that'd be a might longer list 'n what would be expected from someone who's attained an age similar to what you yerself have." James snorted slightly and replied with a bit of sarcasm, "So it would seem."

"Worst of it is James; you've not squared with any of it. You've only managed to tuck 'em all down somewheres deep 'n dark fer sure, but I'm thinkin that'd not be the opportune thing ta be doin with the lot of 'em. Be better off by half ta deal with 'em straight off, send 'em on their way, then forget 'em 'n go on."

James looked at Jack skeptically, "Are you saying you do not have your own store of regrets buried somewhere?"

"Exactly what I'm sayin, I see no profit in it. I send the little beasties packin fore they even have a chance ta dig their sharpish little devilish talons in and make themselves ta home."

Disbelievingly James replied, "You are telling me you have absolutely no regrets about anything in your life? None what so ever?"

"Aye, that'd be what I'd be saying." Jack answered dismissively.

A smile touched the corners of James' mouth as he shook his head and wryly snipped, "You are such a liar."

"Pirate." Jack retorted with a grin and a flip flop of his hands.

"Yes, well be that as it may be you will never convince me you do not have some regrets of your own." James replied.

"Don't have to convince you now do I….long as I convince myself." Jack countered.

"So it would seem." James snarked.

"Now as we have that matter all settled seems ta me we can get on with matters of more import." Jack smiled and stated.

"Which would be?" James raised an eyebrow and asked.

"I'm ponderin on it at this very moment Commodore, sure I'll come up with something." Jack answered.

James simply shook his head and headed off down the beach.

xxx

It didn't take James long to realize he was not making any progress toward the curve of the beach in the distance, it remained just there, in the distance. However, when he looked over his shoulder Jack did appear to be fading in the distance. The effect was a bit disorienting. James finally turned around and headed back wondering if that destination would also be unattainable. Thankfully, relatively speaking as it was the pirate and said pirate's company he was trying to attain, he could see he was drawing closer. As he neared he could see Jack walking to the waters edge and then walking backwards several yards only to repeat that maneuver over and over. "What the blazes is he doing?" James muttered to himself. He was soon to find out. When he was within reach Jack grabbed him by the arm and said, "Here, you try it Commodore."

"Try what?" James said with annoyance as he unceremoniously removed Jack's hand from his arm.

"Why walkin into the water of course." Jack said looking at James as if that should have been perfectly clear.

James huffed and said, "I am sure you have your reasons for wanting to walk into the water Mr. Sparrow, but as I am sure drowning is not a viable option in getting us out of the Locker, considering we apparently are already dead, I have no reason to want to do anything of the kind."

Jack took James by the arm and as he guided James toward the waterline he said, "Humor me just this once Commodore, aye?"

"I think I have humored you many more times than you…." James began to say, then interrupted himself with a loudly spoken 'Bloody Hell' as the waterline began to recede as they approached. The more they advanced the further it receded.

"Bloody Hell!" James repeated as he stopped in his tracks and the waterline stopped its retreat.

Jack leaned over toward James, "Wanted ta make sure it just wasn't doin it for me own benefit. Guess that more 'n answers that."

James nodded, still a bit stunned. Then as a unsettling thought made its presence known he slowly turned to Jack and asked, "If we can not get anywhere near the water how are we to ever leave the Locker?"

"My point exactly Commodore." Jack replied.

To Be Continued

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