Disclaimer: I own nothing. OH EM GEE NO WAY.
The sun was too bright and Will squinted at Elizabeth through his hair and the blinding light. He tried not to look to closely at her – her clear eyes had a worrying tendency to make his heart feel light and heavy as an anchor at once. He wondered if she felt the rush he felt when they touched. Her small hand curled around his, not minding the calluses and scars, as she dragged him, laughing, into the surf. Will couldn't even feel the water, only his heart slowly breaking when she smiled.
PPPPPPPPP
The Governor stood before them, poker face present, and his stiff upper lip ominously starched. Elizabeth stared at the ground, biting her tongue trying desperately not to laugh as her soaked hair and clothes made little puddles on the spotless marble floor. Will stood beside her, scared witless under the Governors fierce glare. After their lecture, Elizabeth was sent to the powder room to clean herself up. And Will was sent back to the blacksmith. He was politely yet firmly nudged out the door and as soon as he reached the gate, a hand clapped over his mouth and pulled him into the foliage. He wasn't alarmed. He'd memorised the feel of her hands. She smiled at him.
'I just wanted to thank you for today,' her eyes were unusually bright. Will smiled back.
'You're most welcome Miss Sw- I mean, Elizabeth,' he stuttered as she narrowed her eyes. She opened her mouth to reply when they heard the maid calling as she waddled down the drive searching for Elizabeth. Will pushed Elizabeth into the fence, flattening their bodies as the maid peered into the overgrown garden. Elizabeth blushed. She could feel Will's rapid heartbeat through the fabric of his shirt.
'You should be inside,' he whispered and Elizabeth felt her stomach twist as his lips grazed her ear.
'I…y-yes,' she murmured, feeling suddenly breathless. 'I should be.'
They were still, staring at each other, not realising the maid had turned back to the house. Elizabeth tilted her face closer to his…before Will, in a sudden attack of conscience and propriety, straightened up and stepped back abruptly, releasing her.
'Forgive me, Miss Swann, I-,' he stammered as Elizabeth stared at him.
'Oh for heaven's sake, Will!' she pushed past him and stormed toward the house, leaving him silently cursing himself by the gate.