Sparrow is as relieved as he to escape the uncomfortable sobriety of their discussion, James can tell, and he nods back ever so slightly when the pirate inclines his head in James's direction, a gesture of thanks and recognition. The fact that he doesn't question James's understanding of his admittedly cryptic hints is rather comforting as well; makes him feel as though he's somewhere on the right track. James smiles. It's not a terribly broad smile, but genuine nonetheless.

'I do believe I am,' he says sincerely, one eyebrow lifting in a familiar gesture, and then after a pause- 'Captain.'

There's no mocking behind the word now; no jibing, no flirting, nothing but 'Captain' the way Sparrow- Jack so likes it. The pirate has, perhaps, earned the title, James feels now, knowing what he knows (or thinks he knows) now. Meeting Jack's eyes there is a pause from both of them, and then he grins.

'Or Jack,' he echoes the other man's words, 'If you prefer that.'

There are, of course, a whole slew of consequences to be taken in mind; Commodores of the Fleet taking the position of first mate aboard a pirate ship, after all, was not at all the sort of thing the higher-ups in the Navy took well. At the moment, however, James doesn't really feel like considering them, so he turns his gaze on Sp- Jack again.

'Duties, Captain?'