A/N: Okay, not going to lie, I decided that the second half of this chapter would be too long and not fit tonally, so I split it in half. The flashback is totally only there because I decided that the chapter needed to be a little longer otherwise there'd be a chapter of only six or seven pages.

I mean… The reason is totally to explore the dynamic of Jack and Bootstrap, show Bootstrap's feelings on Will getting involved with piracy, and show Jack's feelings on returning to the crew that mutinied him. Totally why I put in that flashback. There is absolutely no possible other motivation to do with padding. I don't know where you heard such a thing.

… Ok, moving on.

Birds of a Feather

The Curse of the Black Pearl

Chapter Ten

Making a Choice

"A mermaid?" Will echoed in disbelief. "The pirates have a mermaid?"

"I could hardly believe it myself," Elizabeth replied, furiously winding the crude bandage around her hand. "What's worse is I think the infernal thing took a liking to me. I fear what she may do to Philip in light of my supposed betrayal."

"Betrayal?"

"In an act of survival, I allowed her to believe we could be friends. Apparently mermaids aren't allowed to harm women, and The Mermaid took it upon herself to help me behind the pirates' backs. I wouldn't blame her for wanting some sort of retaliation."

"Well, let's hope she decides to direct it on Sparrow, and not Philip."

"I still can't believe it," Elizabeth shook her head. "What sort of a man trades a man's life for a ship?"

"Pirate," Will answered with a smile.

He hesitated; the knowledge of Elizabeth's feelings for him had been nagging at his mind throughout their entire conversation. The ambiance of the candlelit room and Elizabeth's need to have her wound fixed greatly escalated the tension. They were alone on a pirate ship. Will could not ask for a more perfect opportunity to finally confront the confusing thoughts that had been swirling in his mind.

If Will Turner ever wanted to be with Elizabeth Swann, that moment was his best chance.

Gently, as Elizabeth threw the unravelled bandage aside, Will reached out and took her hand.

"Here," Will said. "Let me."

"Thank you," Elizabeth's voice was barely a whisper.

Will took a deep breath. It was time to make his move.

"You said you gave Barbossa my name as yours." Will tried to sound confused as he asked, "Why?"

Elizabeth took a minute to consider her answer. She wanted nothing more to profess the feelings deep in her heart. But she knew it was a fantasy; she could never be with William Turner. Even if she could, there was no guarantee that he would return those feelings. It was better to never face her fears than to risk ruining their friendship.

"I don't know," Elizabeth lied.

Will pondered the answer, trying to figure out what to do next. He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the pain he caused Elizabeth while tying her bandage. Elizabeth gasped, and Will winced as she drew back her hand suddenly.

"I'm sorry," Will quickly apologized. He wanted to kick himself. Even something as simple as his hands was a testament of the social classes standing in their way. "Blacksmith's hands. I know they're rough."

"No. I- I mean yes they are," Elizabeth stuttered. "But-"

With great care, Will knotted the bandage and gently laid his hand a top hers. Her hand was so soft and smooth. He tried not to wonder if all of her skin felt that way.

"Don't stop," Elizabeth whispered.

Slowly his eyes lifted and met the gaze of Elizabeth. So many passionate emotions shone through her irises, but it was clear what they both desired. Nothing else in the world mattered at that moment; not Philip's imprisonment, not Norrington's lingering proposal, not any of the obstacles that stood in their way. In that moment all that existed was Will, Elizabeth, and an inextinguishable desire years in the making to bring to a climax all of their emotions.

When Elizabeth leaned in, Will knew he had his chance.

"Elizabeth," he murmured her name as if it were something sacred.

He bent forward and placed a hand on her face. Gently, though eagerly, Will pulled her face forward to bring her close so they might finally share the kiss both had spent so many nights dreaming of.

Suddenly, to Will's confusion, Elizabeth pulled back. He didn't understand. Had he misread the situation? Had Philip been incorrect about Elizabeth's feelings?

So help Philip Swift, if this had just been some cruel joke Weatherby Swann would be getting his nephew back in a thousand bloody pieces.

But to Will's even greater surprise, Elizabeth took the hand he had placed on her face, and slowly began trailing it down her body.

Will breathed in sharply. It was true, he did desire Elizabeth in a more carnal and intimate fashion. Had it been the appropriate circumstances, he would have her then and there. But it was not the appropriate circumstances.

Will prided himself on following the manner of proprietary. Personally, he blamed it on Philip Swift. The physical act of love was meant for a husband and wife alone. Will couldn't dishonour Elizabeth in such a fashion. Besides, if Norrington or the Governor ever found out, Will would be hanging from the gallows so fast, Philip wouldn't have a chance to give Will his last rites.

Yet as Elizabeth guided his hand down further, Will felt no inclination to pull away.

She brought his hand to a stop, resting barely above the tops of her breasts. Will frowned at her, searching her face for a signal on how to proceed. He tried not to think too hard about how he now had confirmation that more of her skin was as soft and smooth as her hands.

Steeling herself for Will's reaction, Elizabeth revealed why she had trailed Will's hand down her body. She had to fight the urge to guide his hand down further and revel in the pleasure she had ached for from his for eight years. Finding her self-control, Elizabeth reached down into her bodice and pulled out the gold medallion she had stolen from Will all those years ago.

"It's yours," Elizabeth whispered as Will moved his hand from her chest and took the medallion. She tried not to whimper as she missed his the rough but gentle touch of his skin on hers. How badly did she want to just shove him to the ground and have her wicked way with Will there and then? She and God could settle things later.

But Will's thoughts had shifted from the desire of her further touch. He shook his head slightly as he beheld the proof of Philip's speculation, dumbfounded that the preacher had been right. Elizabeth had indeed stolen his father's last gift, the possession his dying mother had made him swear to always protect.

"I know," Will replied.

From the way Elizabeth suddenly jerked back into a stiff posture, eyes widened and mouth dropping open, Will could tell that it had not been the answer she was expecting.

"You… know?" Elizabeth echoed in disbelief. Her pulse raced as she tried to understand what was going on. How long had he known she had it?

"It was a gift from my father. He sent it to me," Will replied. Upon seeing the utter loss on her face, he added, "Philip had some theories as to why the pirates took you."

"He knew about the medallion?"

"Said that he saw you wearing it when Sparrow saved your life, as well as a flash of gold the day you found me in the ocean," Will explained. "I thought I'd lost it then."

Will looked back up at Elizabeth. She was guarded and guilty, waiting for the blow she had expected for years to be dealt. Had Will not been prepared for the situation by Philip's theory, he might have been more angry with her. He still was, but the shock had long faded and the aggressiveness abated. Still, he needed an answer.

"Why did you take it?" Will asked calmly.

Tears shone in Elizabeth's eyes. She couldn't stand the rage she knew Will was masking. It had been the moment she most feared for years, and now she only prayed that she wouldn't lose him as a result.

"Because I was afraid that you were a pirate," Elizabeth struggled to regulate her voice. "And that would have been awful."

She winced as she saw her words hit him. There was a deep agony behind the impact of her statement. It was then Elizabeth remembered what she had learned about Bootstrap Bill Turner. Had Will known about his father all these years? Had he just learned? Even worse, was he in the dark and Elizabeth about to be forced to deliver such horrible news?

Will took a deep breath, and once again thanked God for Philip Swift. Had Will been left alone to deal with the aftermath of discovering his father was a pirate, Will might have lashed out at Elizabeth. But Philip had been determined throughout the voyage to get Will to accept that fact. In the dark corners of the ship, Philip had held impromptu therapy sessions to get Will to talk about his feelings on the situation. It had been especially helpful that Philip knew a few stories about Bootstrap Bill the pirate.

While Will wasn't exactly ready to deal with his feelings on his father, he was able to contain them enough to stop lashing out at others for it. He would wrestle with the revelation later. At that moment Will had something more important to deal with. He had to get to the bottom of the whole Elizabeth Swann reciprocated feelings mess.

"I wasn't a pirate," Will finally spoke as he gazed down at the accursed piece of treasure that had brought such misery to his life. "But… this is a pirate medallion. I know what trouble it would have brought me if someone else had seen it the day I was rescued... what trouble it has since brought. What trouble I've been in the dark about."

"Will-"

"As it turns out, my father wasn't as honorable as I thought him."

"So…" Elizabeth hesitated. "You know?"

Will looked up in surprise, "You know?"

"They mentioned Bootstrap Bill Turner a few times. It wasn't hard to come to the conclusion."

"Philip said that his mother told the two of you stories about him."

"My, Philip appears to have been quite chatty on this little adventure, hasn't he?"

"Yes. Yes, he has," Will smirked. "And in fact… he told me some interesting information about you."

"What did he tell you, and how fast do I need to kill him?"

"Don't worry, I'll tell your father he died trying to save you."

Elizabeth gave a hearty laugh, "Alright, so what did he tell you?"

Will took a deep breath, "He said that the reason you told the pirates your name was Turner was because… you wish it was."

All the colour drained from Elizabeth's face. Silence and shock was her only reply.

"Elizabeth," Will pushed on. "Do you… have feelings for me?"

Elizabeth just stared.

Will frowned, starting to worry that Philip had been wrong, "Elizabeth, please say something."

"I'm going to kill him," Elizabeth finally said. As her face flushed, Elizabeth let out a loud groan. She dropped her head into her hands and shook her head as if willing the situation to go away. "I'm completely embarrassed."

"Embarrassed?" Will raised a brow.

It was only too late Elizabeth realised the offensiveness of her words.

"No! I didn't mean-" Elizabeth objected. "What I meant to say- What I'm trying to-"

"Elizabeth," Will interrupted. "Do you have feelings for me?"

She took a deep breath; she was unable to deny it anymore. Might as well stand firm behind her feelings, even if she was about to be rejected.

"Yes," Elizabeth's answer was strong, though there was a slight quiver in her voice. "I have feelings for you, William Turner. Feelings I've had since the day I found you floating on a raft. But I accepted long ago that though I may care for you, you will never care for me. So, please allow me the privilege of leaving this conversation with my dignity."

In an instant, Will had pressed his lips to hers. Holding her head close, Will kissed her. Deeply, passionately, releasing all of their unspoken emotions in one beautiful action.

Elizabeth surrendered herself to the kiss. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back allowing Will to explore her lips. She wove her hand through his brunette curls and pulled him as close to her as possible. Elizabeth didn't mind his rough blacksmith hands as they trailed over her smooth high class skin.

She gasped as they broke for air. Will's lips shifted and he peppered small kisses along her jaw and under the sensitive skin of her ear.

"Will!" Elizabeth gasped when he finally pulled back.

"Elizabeth," Will whispered, rubbing her cheek. They were still panting from the intensity of the moment. Will didn't break eye contact for a second as he spoke, "I should have told you every day from the moment I met you. I love you."

She smiled wider than she had ever in her life, "I love you too."

Elizabeth tilted her head forward to rest her forehead against his, and when Will saw it, he bowed his head to meet hers. He held her cheek, thumb lazily stroking back and forth as he relished the moment, committing the precious scene to his memory forever.

And then Will said, "But…"

The moment had been beautiful, but as with every minute in time it eventually met its end. Once the moment had passed, Will and Elizabeth knew they had to face reality.

"Please don't say but," Elizabeth implored.

Will sighed and sat back in his chair, "Elizabeth, I do want to be with you but there's restrictions on our lives which means we can't always get what we want."

"Why can't we?" Elizabeth cried out in frustration. "If I love you and love me, why should anyone get to stand in the way of us being together?"

"Elizabeth," Will rubbed his face. He wanted just as badly to say to hell with it, but he understood the consequences. "I'm a blacksmith's apprentice who can't even claim his own work. I can't provide you the life you're accustomed to."

"William Turner, you know very well I despise that life. For goodness' sake! The fashion almost killed me!"

"I'm the son of a pirate!"

"I don't care! In fact, I think that fact makes me more attracted to you. Especially after seeing you sword fight."

"Elizabeth, please," Will took her hands in his, ignoring the fact that Philip had theorized Elizabeth's words exactly. "I can't ask you to turn your back on your family for me."

Elizabeth smiled and gently touched his face, "You won't. My father may initially object, but ultimately he only wants my happiness. I think he might be able to come round. And we both know Philip would be on board."

"There's no doubt of that. Honestly, from the rehearsed sounding way he told me of your feelings, I think he's been scheming to get us together for years."

"That would explain why I could have sworn I've heard him muttering something about locking us in a closet together."

The duo laughed loudly. When the sound had tapered off, the room filled with a tense uncertainty.

"So," Elizabeth carefully spoke, "where exactly does this leave us?"

Will considered his response, "There's no doubt of our feelings for each other, but there is doubt as to whether or not we can make this work."

"I'll do anything to be with you, Will. I'll even pull a Beckett Incident if I have to."

"Something tells me outrunning James Norrington is a lot harder than Cutler Beckett."

"You've done it once already, haven't you?"

"It appears so," Will gave a careless shrug.

Stroking his cheek, Elizabeth's voice became low and serious, "William Turner, there is no other man in heaven or earth that I want to be with than you. If you'll have me, whatever the question, my answer will always be yes."

"Elizabeth," Will smiled. He moved her hand from his cheek and clasped it delicately in his own, "I swear to you, I will find a way for us to be together, I promise."

They sealed that promise with another passionate kiss.

And another. And another.

Bittersweet was the moment when Jack set foot on the Black Pearl for the first time in ten years. Once the oars had been collected from the sea bed, Jack was forced into the same boat as Barbossa, the unconscious Philip, The Mermaid, and her little caretakers. Jack wanted to laugh as the duo tried to hide The Mermaid's legs from him; he had encountered enough mermaids in his life to know what happened to one out of water.

Once on deck, Barbossa ordered Ragetti and Pintel to take The Mermaid and Philip to The Mermaid's cabin. Jack didn't envy the Preacher. Being locked in a room with a feral siren was the last thing he'd wish on anyone.

Good. That's what the boy got for scheming to smack Jack in the face with an oar.

Jack looked around the ship as the crew readied to set sail. He breathed in deeply, a smile stretching across his face as he took in the familiar sights.

He was home.

Jack relished in the sight of it all. The tattered sails, the tangled maze of riggings, the sturdy helm, the bloodthirsty crew: it was all exactly how he remembered it.

Except for one significant detail.

"What did happen to old Bootstrap that you got you hunting for his offspring?" Jack asked still joyfully looking around.

"After leaving you behind, Turner started voicing his concerns," Barbossa explained. "Felt guilty about the mutiny and all. Couldn't kill him though, so we dealt with him in the only way we could. Left him for Jones and his pet."

"And how long after that did you find out you needed his blood?"

Barbossa was silent.

"I see," Jack grinned. "And there was no repercussions to your second crew member abandonment? Other than the need of blood and all?"

"To be honest, I was surprised Smith didn't come after us," Barbossa admitted.

"Oh yes, the First Mate that actually understood loyalty."

"She's so strongly about the Pirate Code," Barbossa rolled his eyes. "All because, what, her great great great great great grandfather helped write it? Still, I'd be a fool to underestimate Smith, so we hid out for a few months, but no revenge ever came."

Jack looked down, refusing to let Barbossa see the sorrow in his eyes as he thought about why Sarah never came after the crew. He fiddled with a handkerchief on his belt as he thought about the last time he had seen her. So pale, so sick, so aware of what was about to happen to her.

"Sarah Smith," Jack remembered fondly. "A great woman and a great pirate, and ten times the First Mate than you'll ever be. She'd never conspire secretly to stab me in the back."

"No, Smith is quite vocal about when she's about ready to stab you, and does it in the front to see the look on your face. I'd die a happy man to never see that smug grin of hers that broadcasted how much better than you she knew she was. And don't sound so offended; it's not like you didn't know the mutiny was coming."

Jack had no response. He had been aware that a mutiny was in the works, but he had been too arrogant to believe it could really happen.

Bill had been the one who tipped off Jack on the very last time Jack had boarded the Pearl. They had been in Cihuatlán, located in a country called Mexico, retrieving the maps that held the bearings to Isla de Muerta. Jack, Bill, and Hector had been the team who went ashore to get the map, and the whole thing had been uneventfully, boringly routine.

"Run! Run!"

Jack, Bill, and Hector ran towards the Black Pearl at breakneck speed. They couldn't have gone faster if even the Devil was on their heels.

"¡Disparar!" a soldier yelled, which Jack knew enough Spanish to know he was in trouble.

The Spaniards dropped into formation and began firing their guns. The pirate trio ducked, dodging the myriad of bullets that followed.

"Careful, Boys!" Hector called, pulling to the front of the group. "We're not invincible yet!"

Jack panted hard, his lungs feeling as if they were about to burst. They could see the crew of the Pearl throwing down some ropes for the trio.

"Set off!" Jack ordered the crew. "Get a move on!"

The trio was only a few metres from the ship when a sudden gust of wind blew the hat straight off Jack's head.

"Leave it!" Barbossa yelled, grabbing one of the ropes and the crew began to haul him up.

But Jack turned and chased after the hat.

"For the love of-" Bill groaned and ran after the Captain.

Jack was just securing the hat on his head when the Spanish fired again. Bill tackled Jack to the ground and bullets whizzed over them.

"What is it with you and that hat?" Bill pulled Jack to his feet and dragged them towards the Pearl.

"It – among many other things – is my trademark, Dear Billiam," Jack grinned as they grabbed the ropes waiting for them. Jack turned back to the Spanish, gave them a salute and called, "Señors! You will always remember this as the day you almost-"

The crew yanked Jack on board, slamming him harshly onto the deck.

"Captain Jack Sparrow," Jack muttered weakly as the crew dispersed to attend to their duties.

Bill shook his head and pulled Jack to his feet.

"You have the charts?" Barbossa demanded as Jack brushed himself off and readjusted his hat.

"Of course, Dear Hector," Jack grinned, waggling them in his hand teasingly at his First Mate. "Wouldn't have let without them."

"Then let's take a look."

"Now Hector, you know that's for the Captain's eyes only," Jack chastised. "Just set the heading I told you before and we'll be on our merry way."

Barbossa glared at Jack as Bill awkwardly looked between the two. Bill was used to being the awkward middle between Jack and Sarah, but Barbossa always set Turner with a nervous feeling in his stomach that spoke of a larger threat than petty squabbles. True, Jack did have many a scar from being on the wrong end of an argument with Sarah and her beloved daggers, but Barbossa always seemed like he was ready to push things a bit too far.

"Off you go," Jack made a shooing motion.

Barbossa stormed off, muttering some expletives that even Blackbeard would be taken aback by.

"Stubborn man, isn't he?" Jack mused.

Bill raised a brow, "I suppose that's one way of putting it. You'd think a Captain would want a more cooperative First Mate."

"Well, I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Mate. Job's yours if you want it."

"And I'll say this again, this is my last adventure with you Jack. Once we get the treasure, I'm settling down honestly with my family."

Jack snorted, heading towards his cabin, "Funny, that's what you said last time."

"I mean it this time," Bill followed closely.

"And the time before that."

"Jack."

"And the time before that."

"Jack!"

"In fact, you've said that every single time since you first sailed under my accursed colours. Yet time and time again, you've always come crawling back." Jack shook his head as he and Bill entered the cabin and shut the door behind them, "Face it, Mate, you're a pirate through and through. You'll always be craving just one more adventure. What possibly could ever tear you away from this life?"

"My son, Jack," Bill replied. "I'm doing this for my son. I don't want him to ever get caught up in this life, and if it means that I have to leave this all behind, then so be it."

"Oh, yes… the kid. You know you've never told me his name."

"And I don't intend to. The last thing I want is you dragging my son onto a pirate ship."

"With as much pirate in his blood that kid has, I doubt he'll stay away. Fine, don't tell me. You probably named the kid something unimaginative like Will or Liam."

"So, how much longer will this voyage be?" Bill asked as Jack began to spread out the charts. Barbossa would be furious when he found out Jack had shared the charts with Bill and not his own First Mate. "The crew is getting restless."

"Then maybe they should find some other Captain to sale under."

"...They might have already."

Jack looked up and frowned, "What does that mean?"

Bill debated with himself for a minute, "There's been… some talk Jack."

"What kind of talk?"

"Most of the crew favors Barbossa. They say you're too secretive, too eccentric, and too complicated. We spend most of our time chasing after supernatural objects and not enough time being real pirates."

"Forgive me if burning defenseless villages to the ground in exchange for a small amount of treasure seems unexciting."

"It's not just that," Bill sighed. "The crew hates how they never know what's going on until the very last minute. Have you even told the others about the possible side effects of stealing this treasure?"

"The rumors have spread around the ship."

"But you haven't told them yourself."

"Of course not."

"Jack, you're going down a dangerous path," Bill warned. "If you don't listen to what the crew wants, they'll turn against you. And I can tell you that the only person leaving this ship will be you."

"Nonsense," Jack shook his head. "They'd never take the Pearl from me."

"Wouldn't they?"

Jack paused. For a minute he thought of the crew. Other than Bill, was there many others on this ship he could trust?

"Alright," Jack conceded. "If I were to hypothetically make myself more open to the crew, what would I do?"

"First of all, try to get along with Barbossa. He's your First Mate for a reason and Sarah's not coming back anytime soon. As for the crew, listen to what they want and let them do it within reason," Bill answered. "That includes me. Let me leave, Jack. Let me put this life behind myself."

Jack sighed, "Alright, but don't blame me next time you come crawling back for an adventure."

"I won't, Jack."

"We'll see," Jack smiled. "It'll be a shame, you're a good pirate, and a good man. A rare combination."

"Thank you."

"Now back to work, you dog!" Jack let a hint of playfulness shine behind his orders.

"Aye, aye, Captain," Bill chuckled, giving Jack a small salute. As he reached the doorframe, Bill paused, "Jack?"

"Aye?"

"My son's name is Will. It's short for William Turner, named after me."

"Is that so?"

"Promise me something, Jack."

"Fine, I won't tell Smith you told me."

Bill paused, "... Besides that. If you ever encounter him, no matter what the circumstances, promise me that you'll never let him anywhere near the Black Pearl."

Jack took a long pause before earnestly replying, "I promise. I will never let William Turner Junior step foot on this ship."

"Thank you, Jack. You're a good man too."

"...I make no promises if he comes to me though."

"Deal."

Jack had in fact done his best to follow Bill's advice. So when three days later, Barbossa asked Jack for the bearings to Isla de Muerta, Jack happily gave them to Hector.

That night the crew had mutinied. Though Bill had not actively participated, he had stayed silent and not defended his friend. Jack saw the look of regret of Bill's face as the crew forced Sparrow from the ship. For years, Jack wondered if Bill's compliance had been due to a threat from Barbossa.

It was a query that Jack knew he'd never get an answer to, though he was convinced of it. Bill was gone forever, all because he dared to stand up for Jack and punish the crew that had betrayed him.

It was for that reason, Jack resolved to try and keep his promise. Bill had asked Jack to never help Will get anywhere near the Black Pearl. But Jack had merely sworn to not let Will step foot on the ship unless Will asked.

So, no matter what it took, Jack would do everything in his power to ensure Will never got on that ship.

… Even if the boy had smacked him in the face with an oar.