Disclaimer: They are not mine (belong to the Disney company, I think). I take responsibility for the characters' actions and thoughts in this fic, though.
Warnings: none
Pairing: Will/Elizabeth
A/N: Dedicated to those who think Will and Elizabeth belong together and especially to mz-turner whose review sparked the inspiration.
Side by SideWill loves walking on the beach. He looks up into the endless sky, listens to the sound of the waves and can sometimes – almost – feel the rolling of the deck beneath his feet. It's been a long time since he's been aboard of a ship. The air smells of salt and the seagulls call out to each other.
He comes here often in the evenings. From this part of beach he can see ships coming to the harbor and sailing out again, going into the wide world he, kind of, wanted to see, but never quite managed.
Sometimes he wonders that if things had gone differently – if his mother had survived and father returned to them – would his father have walked on the beach and listened to the call of the sea?
But he can't imagine his father living on dry land anymore than he can imagine Jack away from the "Pearl." They both were the men of the sea and the sea was their life. And Will…
He looks where his wife is sitting quietly, deep in the thoughts of her own. Elizabeth loves people and parties but she also loves the calm sunsets by the sea.
Now she looks up, notices Will watching and smiles. Her smile – it always takes his breath away. So beautiful, his wife.
Elizabeth looks at the setting sun and stands up.
"It's almost time, we should get going. Madeleine would never forgive us for being late for her engagement party."
Will turns away from the sea and goes to her. A choice he made long ago, a choice he will always make. They stand on the beach, together.
"We can't have that," he meets her laughing eyes. "What kind of an engagement party would it be without the loving grandfather embarrassing the proud bride-to-be? Besides, there are some things I want to tell Edward."
Elizabeth slaps his hand playfully vainly trying to look disapproving.
"Will! No swords this time! I don't think Henry ever got over your "Hurt her and…" speech."
"And Olivia and him are perfectly happy, aren't they?"
Elizabeth shakes her head.
"I should be grateful you never tried that on Georgette."
"I explained to Bill the duties of a good husband. Georgette's father took care of the speech."
Elizabeth laughs, takes his hand and under the sounds of continued banter they walk slowly back towards the manor. They could walk quicker, they're not that old yet… But it's a beautiful evening.
The ever-changing flow of time
Gives everything it's due
But still the greatest joy of mine
Is growing old side by side with you