Author's note: Written a long time ago. Like, after seeing PotC1 on regular-channel tv. That was maybe a year or two after the movie came out? Yeah, a while. So it's not canon-compliant. Sorry 'bout that ;)
EXTA-SEA
His body draws sinewy ripples from the calm surface of the water. It is dark and Elizabeth is likely to be admonished for being late for dinner, but the sight of him is mesmerising. Long, strong limbs. Sooty and sweaty face with dirty browned hands that carress his sore members with soothing pressure. There are the constant sounds of Port-Royal not far behind, but they are both oblivious; she, from watching from her hiding place just beyond the beach; he, from his retreat into his mind. She wonders what he is thinking of, but cannot fathom it for the life of her. She wants to crawl in, but remains rooted and well hidden. Many years have gone by; his body has grown into that of a handsome young man since she has first met him. She had realised the changing over the years, but now is the first time she has seen its importance, its potential. He is a man, now, and as a woman herself, she cannot help but feel warm excitement fill her belly. Heat flows through her veins.
Will's head disappears into the water. For a moment, Elizabeth starts to panick, and at once her instinct is to save him before he drowns. Does he know how to swim? she wonders at lightning speed. She fears for him, remembering that it was she who saved him from the sea once many years ago. Must she fail him now? Elizabeth rises, limbs taut – her answer is a resounding no – and then… he reappears, at ease in the water. She sighs in relief, squatting once more. Has he seen her?
The moon lights on him as he emerges from the water. Elizabeth watches, a gasp lost on her lips, unable to take her gaze from his unclothed body. And Will lies down in the sand, completely relaxed.