Disclaimer: Pirates of the Caribbean belongs to Disney, not myself.

A/N: This is disregarding On Stranger Tides, or it may be in the gap between AWE and OST. This might also be seen as related to my one-shot, Liar, but with slightly more mature.

Constructive criticism and varying opinions welcome.

"I tried to hold the crew off when they wanted to mutiny against ye, Jack. I was the one sent to the depths in your place, for trying te keep you as Captain. And this is how you choose to repay me?"

"I was mutinied upon despite your best efforts," Jack defended himself, glancing at the woman on the bed behind him.

"Yet I risked my life in the hopes that it wouldn't happen. You were my captain."

Jack angled his head downwards, contemplating his words. "I have done nothing wrong by you," he said after a while. "And you know I'm grateful for what you did. You were a good friend to me."

"Yet you have stolen from my son," Bootstrap said with passion, stepping towards the pirate.

"She gave herself to me," Jack's head snapped up.

"And you didn't say no," Bootstrap accused, an angry edge to his voice as he loomed over the other man, the lanterns reflecting off his darkened eyes.

"I'll do what I want," Jack stated. "As you said, I was your captain. You have no authority over me." But he stepped back nonetheless, touching the hilt of his sword resting on the rickety wooden table behind him.

"I'll tell him," Bill warned. He looked at the young woman, hugging the sheets to her body. Her eyes went wide before he turned back to Jack. "I'll tell him and you'll never be able to set foot to sea ever again. I guarantee you that he will sink your beloved ship the moment you have her back."

"You'd be hurting him yourself if you did that," Jack accused, carefully navigating the situation. His eyes flashed at the threat.

Bootstrap remained silent, emotions ebbing away as reason came back to him, the implications of telling his son running through his head as he stared at the pirate.

"You have no right," he finally said, quietly. "And my son."

"I hold the utmost respect for him," Jack said. "But it won't change what has happened, and what is happening."

Bill turned to look at Elizabeth and his expression was pained, shadowed by the lantern light. "You don't deserve him," he said, jabbing a finger in her direction. "Neither of you. I will tell him." Then he turned and left, slamming the door on the two lovers, walking with heavy steps away from the tiny inn. The two listened, breathing quietly as the footsteps receded.

Jack turned to the frightened woman in his bed, removing his hat from the table and placing it on his head as well as grabbing his sword and coat. "He won't say a word, luv."

"Where are you going?" she asked, clearly shaken.

"To buy meself a drink," he replied, and followed Bootstrap's path out the door.