Title: Fear Rated: M (for scariness!) Pairing: Sparrabeth(ish)

Summary: Events unfold to take people into new paths, new places that they never imagined some would go. Some are full of wonderful things, where others are filled with something more.

Notes: I wanted to write a really dark story. It took awhile to get there, and the original premise of this story (it was first titled "True Love's First Kiss") has changed. The first chapter is not the greatest in my opinion, but it clears up a lot of stuff and now we can move forward!

Chapter One

"I can't wait for you anymore."

Elizabeth sighed, and gripped the sides of the chest. Her knuckles turned white and filled with pain, but she had to do this. She had to move on. She sat one day, red eyed, and looked at the window. She saw the sea, and wondered why she was not on it. She only could see Will once every ten years... not much of a marriage. Not a marriage she wanted.

So she decided to leave him. But what was there to leave?

"I want to live my own life. And I can not live it with you in it. Or not in it. Not anymore." Elizabeth felt his calloused fingers grip hers as she handed over the chest, yet she pulled away.

"My heart will always belong to you." Captain William Turner spoke, brokenly.

Elizabeth looked up at the man she had loved for nearly fifteen years. She cared for him, she loved him still. She had to be away.

"Then that is your problem." She set her chin up. "Not mine."

A fair wind picked up, causing her hair to fly in front of her face and frill out her skirts as Elizabeth turned and walked away.

There was a time when maids and tea, houses and family were her dreams. Cozy evenings on the porch, watching her children play. A dream where Will laughed as he picked up his son and have him ride on his shoulders. But that was not what she dreamed anymore. Her dreams have changed.

Elizabeth felt the corners of her mouth twitch into a smile. For the first time in her life she has what she has always wanted. Freedom. The chance to do anything and everything, anytime and anywhere, with whomever she wished.

(J)(E)(J)(E)

One more step and he had it. Captain Jack Sparrow sighed and threw another look over his shoulder. Then he focused on the warm piece of bread.

He could not understand why he just couldn't seduce the baker's wife. Then she passed by the window, and Jack grimaced. Warts, boils on her neck and nearly busting out of her dress all over- THAT'S why he didn't go with that plan. Jack wasn't sure if he could possibly stomach it.

The daughter! Surely he could seduce the daughter. Then he remembered that the girl was about eleven years old and acted like she was six. Jack rolled his eyes. He could simply go in and pay for the bread. But what was the point of paying for something you can nab for free?

It would be so much easier if he could seduce someone. That way he could get the bread, pies- hell, even the whole damn bakery if he wanted it. But no.

He reached out, about to grab the crusty loaf and be on his merry way when the gap-toothed girl poked her head out of the window and screamed.

Jack grimaced again and hurried out of the alley. Along the way, he grabbed a blonde's arm and pulled her into the bakery. The woman protested but Jack gave her no heed. An angry looking man, holding the small child, approached the couple.

Jack smiled. "So sorry. Must'a seen me and the missus."

The baker looked the blonde up and down appreciatively, and nodded. "Stay out of my alley."

"Will do kind sir will do!" And he pulled the protesting blonde out of the shop. Once around the corner, he let go of the wiggling woman. He put on a charming smile and turned around to apologize.

"Why the nerve Jack Sparrow! Not even a warning- or even a hello! I should run you through-"

Jack smiled wide. "Hello, Elizabeth."

(J)(E)(J)(E)

Elizabeth took a deep pull from her own bottle, Jack watching her and licking his lips. Smiling, she handed over her bottle and watched as Jack greedily gulped down the water.

"Thirsty?"

Jack nodded, smacking his lips. "Thought it would be rum." he said, taking another drink.

Elizabeth laughed. "That doesn't seem to be bothering you."

Jack smirked and handed her the empty bottle. "Still just as good."

Elizabeth smiled again and waved a barmaiden over. "Two hot meals. I want beef, not fat."

Jack nodded. "Extra gravy."

"Really?"

"Drowns the bugs. Makes it easier to fish them out."

Elizabeth quickly looked over at the lady. "Extra gravy."

Jack rubbed his chin as he looked Elizabeth up and down. She had gotten a little more curvacious in all the right spots, but that is not what attracted Jack. It was her eyes. Bright, shining and smiling- not haunted or troubled, as he remembered them. She was beautiful.

"I actually am surprised you remembered me. Though it must have been hard not too." Elizabeth sheepishly grinned.

"Not everyday a beautiful woman kisses me and leaves me for the fishies." Jack waved his hand. "But that's all past. I take it life has been treating you well, Mrs. Turner?"

"Swann. I am no longer married."

Jack grinned and moved his chair closer to her. "So life has been treating you very well." Jack out a hand on her shoulder, drawing her close. "And I must say, Miss Swann, you look very... well."

Elizabeth pushed her chair away. Jack gave her a small frown but remained in his own spot.

"In answer to your first question, I am well." Elizabeth sighed. "I came to realize that my husband was dead."

Jack began to look uncomfortable. He did not know how to give her comfort, because he also wanted to smile- she had no ties, whatsoever, to the Whelp. Made it easier to get closer to her with no regrets. Even after ten years, he still thought of her rather fondly.

i And it is exactly what you wanted all along. /i Jack thought. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"I've cried my tears. I will never get over the loss, but I can take it and move on."

Jack nodded. "Wise move. No use dwelling on the pain." Jack said, absent-mindly stroking the P brand on his arm. "Any you left the Whelp?"

"I left William, yes."

"May I ask why? Though the answer seems to be obvious."

Elizabeth smiled. "What do you think?"

"Freedom."

"Aye. Freedom." Elizabeth answered, moving her elbows off the table as her and Jack's plates came.