A/N: So I know it's been almost a month, but I think the dry spells are at least getting better. This chapter happens to be my favorite so far because of the ending so go gentle on me if you have reviews :o) In all seriousness, the scene with the island is probably what I think of as the best thing I've written so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

an-angel-in-hell: Why is it that there are so few Jack/Ana fics out there? They seemed an obvious match to me in the movie, but it is so difficult to ind good stories about them. I'm glad you decided to check mine out and very happy you enjoyed it.

Neri: Thanks very much...glad you enjoyed it.

Cal: Still alive and kicking, just been really busy lately. Sorry to keep you waiting so long last time, but as you can see, I'm doing better these days...or trying to at least. Your wonderfully long reviews are definitely an inspiration. I think you will be very pleased with the ending to this one.

Kungfuchick: Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. Enjoy!

Rose Noire du Mort: If it took you a while to read I guess it held your interest and that's a good thing, right? Thanks for the review. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Hoist the sails!" Jack shouted. "Come on man, can't you get this ship moving any faster?"

"The weather is too calm to move her very fast Jack," Gibbs answered. "It's best it you just relax and try and enjoy the sail back to Tortuga. We shouldn't be too much longer."

Jack had gotten up early that morning to help get the crew moving as fast as possible. He was ready to be back in Tortuga, drinking and having a good time. The day he had spent with Will had been a long and tedious one. He was glad that he had joined him at the smithy, but he and Will had had a serious talk while Will accomplished his work for the day.

"Jack, I've been doing some thinking," Will had begun, "and I haven't spoken with Elizabeth just yet, but I've given the idea of joining your crew some serious thought."

Jack's ears had immediately perked up, but he was instantly reminded of the conversation that had taken place when Elizabeth had snuck in to speak with him the night before.

"I don't want to give up the smithy because it's something I've worked hard for, but maybe I could sail with you for a couple of months out of the year."

Jack shook his head, "I don't think so William."

"What! Every time you've visited you've been interested in nothing but getting me to sail with you and now you say no?" Will was confused.

"A couple of months a year? So that Norrington can figure out where we are and when we're going to be there? You'll make an excellent tracking device that way. No, if you want to sail with me it has to be full time. Too many people here would like nothing more than to see me dead already as it is. I can't put my ship or my crew in danger like that."

"Well, what if I said ok to that?" Will asked. When Jack failed to respond, he continued. "You're right about Elizabeth. She needs someone who can provide for her."

"She needs someone to be there for her," Jack corrected.

"I will be there for her, by providing for her and Thomas. I want to give them the best life possible."

"Then you'd best not go to sea," Jack said. He couldn't believe that he was actually trying to talk William out of becoming a pirate.

"But I've heard you talk about my father. You've said yourself he was a good man and a good pirate. I can be both as well."

"He may have been a good man William, but he wasn't a good father. Keep the smithy, you've made a life for yourself. Be there for Elizabeth, for Thomas. You don't need a life at sea. Hold on to them, they're what should matter."

Will dropped his head in thought. "All I've ever wanted is to be someone my father would have been proud of."

"Then learn from his mistakes. Take care of your family by being there for them," Jack's tone had softened.

Will nodded slightly as if he now knew what he must do. He then picked up the sword he was working on. Fingering the dull blade, his brow furrowed.

"When my father was alive, he always sent us just enough to get by. My mother was always worried that one day the money would just stop coming so she always had a job working odds and ends somewhere. When we got word that he was dead, I came out to sea, looking for work. We had nothing and I swore to myself that if I was ever lucky enough to have a family of my own, I would always make sure they were well taken care of, even if something should happen to me," Will looked up, meeting Jack's eye. Giving a small sarcastic laugh, he added, "but look at me now. I have nothing to leave Elizabeth and Thomas if that time comes."

"Nothing is going to happen to you Will," Jack said. "You're going to take care of them until you're old and gray. You and Elizabeth will be sitting in rockers on the porch together."

Will gave a small smile before becoming serious again, "Jack…"

"William, I'm not going to entertain this conversation any longer. If something ever were to happen to you, you know I'd make sure your family was well taken care of," he paused as Will's eyes met his, "as if they were my own."

"Thank you Jack," he said, clapping his shoulder.

"Now, you better get to work on this order or Norrington is going to have your head," Jack said. "I'll just sit back and watch, don't mind me."

Jack had sat back and watched, for almost a full ten minutes before he began to snoop around the smithy in search of something interesting to occupy his time. His snooping distracted Will and the two had ended up deciding to take the day off in town and enjoy the local taverns. Jack had left as soon as the sun had fallen over the horizon giving his young friend a fond hug before heading out in his rowboat for The Black Pearl.

Realizing he had been lost in thought, Jack shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. He checked the horizon for signs of danger with his telescope and finding none decided to heed Gibbs advice and head back to his cabin for some rum and a nap.

Several hours later, the sounds of his crew making ready to drop anchor awoke Jack from his sleep. Peering out his window, he was greeted with the sight of his favorite port city.

"Welcome back ol' Jack," the pirate said under his breath, a warm smile spreading over his face.

A full hour later Jack was almost ready to give up his search for Anamaria when he happened across The Blue Dragon. As he crossed the room, he barely gave notice to the young man sitting across from her.

"Anamaria," Jack said, slightly frustrated, "I've been looking all over for you. I thought for sure you'd be at The Sea Wench or in The Briar Rose. You knew I was coming back today."

Anamaria looked uncomfortably across the table at her companion and then back to Jack. "Commodore Sparrow, this is Braden Rivens, one of the men I recruited for the crew of The Sea Wench. Braden, this is your Commodore, Jack Sparrow."

"It's truly a pleasure to meet you Commodore," the young man stood, holding out his hand to shake Jack's. "Captain Saldana has told us all so much about you."

Jack disregarded Braden's hand, "Yes, nice to meet you. Give us a moment, thank you."

Braden looked to Anamaria who gave him a small nod. As soon as he was out of earshot, she attacked Jack, "Don't you ever talk to me like that in front of my crewmen again."

"It would have been nice for my fellow captain to meet me when I arrive back in town. I leave for three days and you choose a new tavern to frequent."

Anamaria had risen to her feet now. "I wasn't anxious to run into your whore again Jack so yes, I chose a different tavern. I've been working hard while you were out visiting friends so I'm sorry if I didn't have my feet kicked back waiting for your return with rum bottle in hand, but I've had more important things to take care of."

Jack instantly felt guilty. How was she always able to so quickly put him in his place. "You're absolutely right Ana."

"What!" she asked, shocked that he had given in so easily. She wasn't used to him not getting his way.

"I said you're right. How is the crew coming?" he asked, sitting down at the table.

Anamaria started to speak, but was so flustered that no words came out. She shook her head and managed to get out, "They're fine. I mean, the ship is ready to set sail. Over the last three days I have managed to gather a crew large enough to crew The Sea Wench. We can sail immediately."

"I knew you could do it," Jack said. His elbows were propped on the table and he touched his fingertips together in front of his mouth as he gave her a smile. "Rum!" he shouted to a passing barmaid.

She was still stunned as she sat awkwardly across from Jack. "I would ask if Elizabeth gave you another bath except you don't look any cleaner."

Jack stared at her silently.

"Did you finally get lucky with young Mrs. Turner?" Anamaria asked. "That what's put you in such a good mood? Coax her into your bed while your closest friend was away at work?"

"I didn't do anything with Elizabeth," Jack started.

"Not for lack of trying I'm sure," she interrupted.

"and I don't want to talk about it because it's deeply disturbing to me, but I talked Will out of becoming a pirate and into staying at home with Elizabeth and Thomas."

Anamaria looked slightly amused. "So there is a small part of Jack that believes in love."

"What! Agh! I just think that's the best place for William right now. I said I don't want to talk about it. Now, tell me about the crew."

Just then a young barmaid came over to bring Jack his rum. The girl was very pretty and Jack did not fail to notice the wink that she gave him as she leaned over. Anamaria rolled her eyes as she watched Jack's eyes fall to the girl's generous cleavage.

"It never changes does it Jack?" Anamaria asked.

"What!" he asked, his attention turning back to his fellow sailor.

Anamaria shook her head, "Nothing. So, the crew is ready. I found a good group of sailors, capable men. Some of them have military backgrounds, all of them are highly competent in their fields and have good knowledge of a running ship."

"They signed the articles?" Jack asked, taking a long sip from his rum.

"Of course."

"And none of them had any problems?"

"No, I wouldn't imagine that they should," she answered.

"So, when do we weigh anchor?"

"You're the commodore. That's your decision," Anamaria chuckled.

When Jack failed to respond, she continued, "Although the men seem anxious. I thought it would be best to set out as soon as possible."

"Tomorrow morning perhaps?" Jack asked.

"Afternoon, to make sure we don't leave anyone behind," Anamaria said.

"Very well then." Jack had finished his rum and was quiet for a moment.

It didn't happen often that Jack was left without words to say and she badly wanted to ask him about the situation with Will, but she didn't want to upset him.

"Miss me while I was gone?" Jack asked.

"Miss you? Getting me into trouble and having my way with you?" she asked, a smile, spreading across her face. "Of course."

Jack grinned back, tiny flashes of gold sparkling in the dim candlelight of the tavern.

"So shall we retire to The Sea Wench or The Pearl this evening?" he asked.

Anamaria dangled a pair of keys in front of his eyes. "I've already rented a room here for the night. We spend enough nights in floating beds."

"It feels like home to me," Jack said. He was, however, glad to be spending the night for once in an actual room on land. It would give him a change of scenery for a bit. The particular tavern they were in also happened to face the ocean and the pirate had a feeling that their room would overlook the crashing waves and sand.

Several mugs of rum later and the two pirates were tipsy enough to begin making their way to the room for the evening. As they stumbled up the stairs, laughing as Anamaria clung to Jack for balance, he realized he had never actually seen her drunker than him before. He supposed that she had been drinking much longer than him today. She had already seemed well on her way when he had arrived at the tavern hours ago. Still, it was a unique situation and he had to admit to himself that he enjoyed knowing that she was clinging to his side, even if it was for the briefest of moments.

When they got to the door, she fumbled with the keys and Jack had to take them from her to properly unlock the door himself. He had been hoping for a replay of the night she had pushed him up against the wall and as soon as the door shut, he got it. Due to the effect the rum was having on her, her movements were a little clumsier on this night, but the effect they had on Jack was the same. Having any woman force herself and her desire on him was a huge turn-on for Jack, but there was something especially unique about Anamaria. She was a pirate and that was the only way he could sum it up. She took what she wanted and she never looked back. For Jack, there was nothing better in a mate.

As it turned out, Jack and Anamaria didn't wake up until early afternoon. He supposed they had been later getting to sleep than he had expected they would. Despite the fact that they had little time to get prepared to set sail, the crew all seemed to be in place by late afternoon. Anamaria had been right, the men were eager to begin their pirating careers.

She met him in his cabin along with Gibbs and Nuri an hour before they were scheduled to weigh anchor from the port city. Jack had devised a small, but efficient plan for the next few days and he shared it with them before dismissing them to do their jobs aboard their respective ships. Anamaria was the last to leave his cabin and she pulled the door shut behind the two first mates after they left and turned to face the man she had known not long before as captain.

"As much as I love being in control of my own ship, I have to tell you that I miss not having responsibilities onboard The Pearl," she hesitated before adding, "and to you."

Jack smiled, "Gibbs could never fill your shoes."

Anamaria laughed. She knew that was as close as she would get to having Jack ever tell her he missed her.

"Come on," he nudged her. "You've got to get to your crew."

"I know," she almost kissed him then, but she held herself back. "Keep me posted."

"Aye," Jack said, opening the door for her. "Let's head up on deck."

When they reached the top level, Anamaria didn't turn to say goodbye, but kept walking, down the dock and up the gangplank to her own ship. She waved farewell to the commodore from the deck of The Sea Wench as both ships weighed anchor and began to make way out into the open waters of the sea.

Over the next few days, the ships crossed paths with several other boats, but none that Jack was inspired to take over. He was bored and even though he wouldn't admit it, he missed Anamaria. He decided it was time for a special stop that for once would not involve his favorite drunken port city. The Black Pearl was overdue for a careening and technically, they didn't know the status of The Sea Wench'shullHe directed the ships to a small cove he had found many years ago and as the men careened the ships in the hot sun, Jack convinced Anamaria to slip off with him to the interior of the island.

"Where are we going Jack?" Anamaria asked. "We should be helping the men?"

"We should," Jack agreed, "but you're not a captain and I a commodore for nothing. With responsibility comes extra rewards and this is one of them."

As they stepped over brush and fallen tree limbs, Jack was glad they were both protected by their boots and clothing. This side of the island looked as if it had not seen occupants in some years; Jack did not remember the disrepair being to this extent. He was beginning to wonder if he was going to be disappointed when they got where they were going. Then several miles in, he found what he had been looking for.

Anamaria's mouth dropped open at the beauty of the waterfall and private beach surrounded by the lush green forest in front of them. Tropical flowers and plants dominated the area giving it a strong but enticing aroma. Sparkling clear water revealed a shallow but lovely expanse of warm water that remained untouched. It was the most beautiful place she had ever seen, much less been, in her entire life.

When she regained her ability to speak, her voice came out just above a whisper, "Jack, it's gorgeous."

"Not a bad way to spend the afternoon, eh?"

Anamaria shook her head, still in a state of disbelief.

"Better than havin' to careen the ships?" he asked.

"Definitely."

Jack quickly stripped off his clothing and got in the water. Although she had seen it many times before, she still momentarily marveled at her fellow captain's strong, tan body. If it was possible, she thought he might even look better wet. As he came up for air, she admired his long dark locks now dripping with water.

"Stop starin' and get in," he demanded.

Anamaria chuckled softly and then pulled off her clothes and joined him. The two spent the rest of the day enjoying each other in their private paradise. They made love multiple times, bathed each other and sunbathed in the warm late afternoon sun.

As they lay on the sand together, Jack picked up a perfect seashell and fingered the smooth edge. It had a small hole near the top and looking at Anamaria dozing softly by his side, he was inspired. He reached over and began tying the shell into one of her braids. She stirred slightly, sensing him leaning over her.

"What are you doing?" she asked, not bothering to open her eyes.

"Just a little trinket," he explained, finishing the knot.

She opened her eyes in time to see him release the braid and picked it up herself, toying with the shell. "I thought you were the one who collected the trinkets," she said, reaching to play with one of her lover's braids.

"It's a gift," he commented, his dark eyes smiling at her. "A perfect trinket to remember the perfect afternoon."

Anamaria smiled at him. "Thank you Jack," she said, leaning over to kiss him.

He moaned into the kiss, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her to him, but soon pulled away.

"We've got to be getting back to shore," he explained. "Don't want to get the crew too mad at us for being gone all day while they slaved away."