Disclaimer: I own nothing

A/N: Hey, this is a pretty ballsy story, isn't it? Well, not really. But I hope you like it. And yeah, it's just the beginning, so you know…some things just get better with time?

Review! Noflames.

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But if something was really important, fate made sure it somehow came back to you and gave you another chance... Events conspired to bring you back to where you'd been. It was what you did then that made all the difference: it was all about potential.- Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever

2 months later...

Jack was finally back, finally free - for real this time. After Elizabeth, Will & Regina helped him escape; they freed Bill Turner and headed back to Port Royal for one last time. Though it was difficult to sneak around, they managed. Once they reached the home of the Swann's, Jack disappeared once again, only to promise he'd return.

Regina had barely said a word to Jack, but it was also Elizabeth who received this treatment. It wasn't so much of a cold shoulder as it was a stab in the chest. They both knew what they had done was wrong, but neither had time to address the matter, seeing as how they were busy fighting off Lords and Squids. But now the trip was over. It had been about two days since they'd arrived back home, and Mister Swann had become ill.

"Regina, would you mind sitting with father this evening?" Elizabeth asked, as they passed in the hall.

"Yes, I'm sorry, but I would." She responded, as she continued to walk away.

"Please, Reggie? I had been hoping to visit Will tonight. It's been so long since we've had time to ourselves."

"Oh, I do feel for you, really, Lizzie darling, but I've plans."

"What plans could you possibly have?" Elizabeth demanded, after all, what could be more important than their sick father?

"Spinster business, really, don't concern yourself with it."

"This is our father, we're talking about!"

"Which is exactly why you, his loving daughter, should stay and tend to him."

"Regina, please...what happened?" Elizabeth whispered, weighted down with sadness. Everything was going from bad to worse, when really they should have improved. Will and his father were reunited, even though Bootstrap had gone back to sailing on the Pearl, and Jack was safe. But now their father was ill, and no one understood why.

Of course, Regina wasn't helping, but that was something Elizabeth understood a little. Regina and her father never got on well. While Elizabeth was having formal balls to celebrate being a grown woman, Regina was doing something destructive somewhere. Being the older of the two, it was expected that Regina would be a good example to Elizabeth. But her father grew rather bothered when he learned that Elizabeth would be the only proper daughter he ever had. And look at her! How proper was a girl who held guns to people's heads, smashed bottles on drunks, and kissed pirates.

Kissed pirates. That was what it all truly boiled down too. Deep down inside, yes, Elizabeth was aware of her sister's affection for Jack Sparrow. But it wasn't right; everyone with eyes and half of a brain knew that! Yet as wrong as it was, the feelings were still there. Just because Elizabeth tried to change it, it didn't mean it worked. And in the end, she hurt her sister more then she'd ever admit to.

And that's why she was here, confronting her older sister in the hallway, playing at clueless. It was much easier to deal with then guilt, and knowing that Jack might not honor his word to return...well...things got a little deeper there.

"As if you can't fathom what happened."

"Reg- I'm sorry." Elizabeth mumbled, but her sister simply shook her off and headed down the stairs.

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"Reggie! Who is she to call me Reggie? That was my nickname growing up, and now that I'm grown up, I want to forget about it. Send it to the past! Along with a list of other things." Regina mumbled to herself, as she walked towards the cliffs. In all honesty, she really had no idea where she was going, but fresh air always seemed to help. As well as a briny bath, but that would have to be somewhere further off where no one could see her.

She pulled her cloak closer around her head, trying to be sure no one recognized the governor's daughter. Even though the charges had been dropped, funny looks were still given to the Swann daughters.

Regina closed her eyes and leaned against a tree, as she got closer to the cliffs overlooking the sea. She preferred this less crowded part of the island to the harbor for a vast amount of reasons. The main being the fact that she could overlook the sea without seeing a British flag or a sail on the horizon. Those were too much, even for her, for they kept making her think that it was someone she wanted to see.

Since the sun had just set, or should have set, about an hour ago, it was colder then usual. But today had been foggy all day, so there wasn't much to miss this time of the day. It was nice even though Reggie could feel a storm coming. She still managed to enjoy herself and the wind combing through her dark brown, almost black hair. "What will I do tomorrow?" she thought to herself, it was a routine, but asking herself this everyday only left her feeling a little empty, because she had no plan anymore.

"Someday, I will." she whispered to the wind.

Hands came out of nowhere and covered her eyes, she wanted to scream but another one covered her mouth. "Guess who?" A voice asked.

"Mmuhfferggggg!" Which was hand-over-mouth speak for "I don't know, let me go!"

The hand was gone, and Regina spun around to come face to face with her old...friend. He was laughing at her reaction. "What are you doing here?" Regina blurted.

"What, no greeting hug? Not even a slap? Come on, milady, show some respect!"

"Euch, to you? Never." She shook her head, and walked closer to the ledge. The sea was rough, and the wind had picked up a knot. This wasn't going to be your typical everyday storm.

"Aw, that's too bad. I think I'm a little offended too!"

"Well, I don't believe I can help you out in that area, my apologies." He walked up behind her and whispered in her ear, "Oh, but I believe you can, Miss Swann."

"Oh, do stop it." She swatted him away like a fly.

"Well, you seem to be in a rather bothered mood, so I shall be on my way. But do not fret, I shall be back before you can say, 'My hero!' eh, luv?"

"Don't hurry, really, there's no rush."

"No need for sarcasm, Miss Swann. I shall see you soon, you have my word."

Regina simply snorted, "Right."

With that, the pirate Jack Sparrow was gone. Regina sighed, and took things in now that she was alone again. So he was back, and he hadn't even made them wait more then a few days. But here was the million-dollar question: Who was he really here to see?

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Elizabeth greeted Regina when she walked into the house by hugging her tightly. Regina shrugged her off and just started to walk towards their father's study.

"Will shall be joining us for dinner." Elizabeth commented, dryly. The hug wasn't because she wanted her sister to know she loved her; it was because their father hadn't improved all day, and she was getting scared.

"Wonderful that you're still engaged."

"I will not go into this again, I owe nothing! I'm not explaining it all."

"Okay." Regina just mumbled opening the door, still a little dazed after her afternoon meeting, though it was brief.

"Wait, Okay? You are acting strange."

"Huh? Oh, nothing." Regina shook her head, "I mean, I don't know what you're talking about."

Elizabeth knew she'd get nothing out of her, so she gave up on the subject. "Father hasn't improved much today. The doctor was in though, and he says rest is the only thing we can hope for."

"I should go visit him." Elizabeth nodded as her sister walked passed, and agreed. It was the first sensible thing Regina had said all day.

"Father?" Regina asked, her timid side showing, as she knocked on the door. He made no sound, and she judged by his breathing that he was fast asleep. Sitting besides him in the chair that Elizabeth must have been using, she took his hand.

She liked seeing him this way, in sleep. It was better then knowing he was weak, or sick. This way he looked like everything was absolutely fine, and he was just dreaming. Regina imagined what he was dreaming of, and found that all her thoughts went towards her mother that she barely knew.

Squeezing his hand, she started to speak, but was at a loss for words. "If I whisper, maybe you won't wake up, and you'll get all your sleep." It was all filler, she knew that, but it made her feel like it was something.

"Mum used to stay up late reading, or at least, that's what you told me in the stories about her. But not you, you were always a stickler for making sure Elizabeth & I were tucked in and ready for sleep before it got too late.

I miss those days, when Elizabeth & I used to share a bed. She always made me take the side closest to the window, because the noise from the town scared her at first, and eventually it just kept her up. But me, on the other hand, oh no. I loved it. I loved the thought that the world was still going on while I lay there sleeping.

On nights when I couldn't sleep, I'd imagine that the people out there were all talking about me and trying to be careful not to wake up Liz and I. But the joke was certainly on them! I had been awake the whole time! And now, after everything that's happened, it's not just a thought anymore about them talking about me, it's true. Except Elizabeth and William are in on it too.

Sometimes, when I get to thinking about faith and trust and love, I wonder if perhaps everything would be different, if Elizabeth had slept on the other side of the bed. I wonder if I'll ever be something you'll be proud of. And I wonder...I wonder if you-"

"Regina, Master Turner has arrived, and dinner is ready- Oh, was I interrupting?" It was the maid, Marina. Ever since they returned to Port Royal, the girls had kicked all but 5 servants out. They were mainly there to tend their father's needs, but it was nice to have someone else in the room, especially when your other option is Elizabeth.

"No, no...Thank you Marina." Regina squeezed the sleeping man's hand one last time before heading downstairs to dinner, her thoughts floating so far above her, she couldn't even grasp one to think on.

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"What are you doing? I want you out of my room!" Regina shouted at her uninvited visitor.

"Now that's not-"

"This is a lady's bedchamber, you've no reason to be in here!"

"You don't have anything to back that up." Jack Sparrow replied with a smirk, not about to listen to her.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't scream for one of the maids right now?"

"Well, alright," He nodded calmly, taking her into his arms and kissing her full on the lips. She protested for a second before giving in. But it was a short-lived victory, because she immediately pulled back to slap him. He caught her arm, "Now lass, you shouldn't be one to kiss and slap! It's not a nice reputation...I would imagine."

"Oh, please, it's human nature to give in to something called lust. Doesn't mean anything."

"Means I'm attractive."

"Hardly! Perhaps I'm just desperate!" She seemed to realized what she just said and sighed, "I didn't mean...I meant...you're...oh..."

After dinner was done, Will & Liz invited Regina to walk with them, but they wanted time together and that was obvious, so Regina didn't deny them it. She came back to her room to find none other then Captain Jack Sparrow going through her things on her dresser. Her necklaces, earrings, and rings. She mentally reminded herself to check if it was all there when he left.

"I don't want you in my room, regardless of what you think. And stop kissing me like that!" She quickly pulled his hands off her waist.

"What? That's the first time I've gotten to do that since I've arrived."

"Yes," She said, crossing her arms, "But knowing you, it's certainly not going to be the last time you attempt it."

He smirked, "And achieve it, eh, luv?"

Regina shook her head, and tried to tell the voice to shut up that said 'He hasn't said your name since he's come back.' Because what did that voice know? It was wrong, everything that happened- they were wrong. And he didn't have to call her by her name; it's not like it mattered. 'But it does, whether you like it or not.'

She turned towards the mirror, trying to ignore him in the background. 'What do you do, when every time you look in the mirror, you see the reason he's not in love with you?' It was a line she read in a book that just stuck with her. At first, because it was preposterous - tell the man who doesn't love you for you looks to simply sod off! But later, because at times it became so easy to believe so little in yourself.

"Why are you here? Is this on your list of accomplishments? Annoy the girl who you used to know?"

"Used to? Since when did it become used to? I still know you...If I recall, we both wanted to know each other." She turned back towards him to glare, resting her hands behind her on her bureau.

"Please, people say stupid things."

"Aye, speaking of, it would seem you're the talk of the town."

"Funny – I forget the words. Now go away, please?" He laughed at this.

"Well since you said please…. no thank you."

"Ah, well then, perhaps I'll just call for the maids?"

"It's a team of female maids, they'll either swoon or faint when they first see me."

"Please, elaborate on the difference between the two."

"Well, they'll either become desperate for my affection, or so overwhelmed by my reputation – highly true – and fear for their lives."

"It's lovely to see that you're not faltering in the confidence department."

"And what about you, luv. How are you doing in the…" He gestured up and down her body, "department."

She scoffed, "Dear Lord, sod off!"

"That's an odd prayer."

"Ha-ha, the pirate has a sense of humor!"

"Would you just drop the act for a second, so that I may talk to you?" He asked, his tone getting serious.

"Why, Jack? Because you realize it's a battle of wits, and you stand no chance?"

"No, because we're not getting anywhere."

"And where exactly should we be getting? I didn't have a destination in mind, thank you very much."

He began pacing back and forth across her floor, with his arms behind his back. Regina simply crossed hers in front of her and pretended to be distracted by a painting of her and Elizabeth on the wall.

"Are you going to stand there, and keep putting on this charade all night? Or are you going to finally acknowledge what he both know."

"You've your own mind you-"

"Look, honestly, Regina, I'm going to kidnap you soon if you just don't…shut up!"

She opened her mouth to snap at him, but he held up a finger. A nasty swear word was prepared to come out, but she held back for some reason.

'You're curious…he's willing to talk, so just let him.'

"Let me make sure I'm on the same page as you, alright, lass? You're perturbed because you know about Elizabeth and I. Is this correct?"

"You're using big words, I see, therefore you must be serious. Yes, it's correct, sort of."

"Well make up your mind!"

"Watching you and my sister kiss wasn't something I needed to happen not even a day after I told you I was in love with you! So yes, I am quite 'perturbed' as you put it, about that."

He looked at her seriously, and stopped pacing. "You know what I felt when I kissed her."

"Yes," Regina shrugged, "I probably do."

"Nothing!" He said, gesturing with his hands.

"What?" This was news to her, she was certain it was something he wanted.

"I told her before we left that I didn't feel anything for her, and that I didn't even want to give it another thought."

"You did?" Regina found herself dropping her arms to her side and taking steps towards him. 'No, don't buy it, Reg…'

"Because I'm in love, Regina! I don't mean "one night kind of love'' or 'it's convenient kind of love''. I mean, I am in love with Regina Swann. And I want to be! There's no one else in the world for me, and there isn't going to be. I'm taken!"

Regina paused, mouth agape, staring at him. For someone who was arrogant and conceited and never really took much seriously in his life, he certainly was on a roll. It wasn't like him to talk like this, and to say those things…Regina recalled how she was certain he'd simply turn her down kindly when she said she loved him. Now he was saying he wanted only her…it wasn't that easy to believe.

In fact, it was just too good to be true. Before Regina had come clean about her feelings, he hadn't really made much of an indication that he had feelings for her. Sure, every now and then they would sneak kisses, but what did it mean? If those kisses meant something, then surely every night he went out to meet up with a woman of the street meant something too. None of it added up.

She cursed herself for leaving Port Royal behind and going with Jack after they got the Pearl back. And at the same time, she was thankful. But how could anything he was saying now be true? It wasn't the fact the he kissed Elizabeth so much that hurt, really. What got to her was the fact that no one would admit to the truth: that there was feeling behind it.

Regina knew it to be true, for various reasons. The first obvious sign was how after Jack died; Elizabeth took her time in making up with Will. Unaware that Regina and Jack shared a kiss beforehand, Elizabeth even confided in her. She mentioned that for a 'long time Jack and I had been hinting towards…well something more.' It wasn't until she finally made up with Will that she learned of their discussion in the cabin. It turned out that Will had overheard it all.

So how could this be true? Maybe she was being stubborn, but if someone was going to proclaim undying love for her, she wanted it to be real. Not just because the words fit.

"Look at me, Reggie. Tell me, what do you see in me?" She glanced at him briefly, loosing her train of thought, but she knew what to say.

"What I see in you? A portrait of someone I thought I knew. How were you able to kiss my sister and make her think you wanted something more with her, and come back and still think you care about me?" She snapped, speaking fast to disguise the pain in her voice. It hurt to say it, but a part of her knew it had to be said.

"Because I did, and I do!" He argued, his voice rising. They had been speaking low so that no one would hear outside, but now they were loud and uncaring.

"You don't! Or you wouldn't have been able to do those things, Jack. These things don't just happen for no reason."

"You're right. Besides, she kissed me." He said, trying to steady his voice yet again. Regina knew why – she could have sworn she had heard footsteps coming up the stairs.

"Oh! And you moved away? What did you do to stop her?" She had thought she gave the final blow, but he actually beat her.

"Nothing! I said, 'Elizabeth, darling, my love, kiss me, kill the relationship with the person I actually care about more than anything, and make me miserable for the rest of my horrible life!'"

She turned from him then, and steadied herself by holding the dresser. That wasn't what she expected at all. She thought she had him beat, and this is what he said. Regina was certain he'd never speak like that, after all the time they spent together. She had no idea that he was capable of saying something like that, and she wondered what else she didn't know.

When she looked up again, he was gone, leaving her numb. "You're miserable?" She whispered to the wind. Regina didn't want to believe anything he said, knowing it could all easily just be lines. But there was something in his tone, that as she repeated the words in her head, made her heart ache. Maybe he hadn't meant every word, but what he meant was still pretty damn important.

'What have I done?' She thought to herself. A cloud came over her that she couldn't tame, and sleep seemed like the only temporary solution. She collapsed onto her sheets then and there.

'I wish I had never met him, that way, when I go to sleep every night, I wouldn't have to think about how good I once had it, or how good it could have been.' Was her last thought before she drifted off to sleep, still in her dress from the day.

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Waking up the next day was simple, which most people will agree with, had they a sleep filled with nightmares. When she looked out the window, she found rain coming down in angry pellets, pounding her window. Her view of the sea showed it to be rough enough to sink an anchored ship. When she made her way downstairs, she found Elizabeth was in the kitchen, crying, when Regina found her. A bolt of lightening flashed through the house, but nothing was really affected.

"Liz…" Regina may be angry, but she wasn't heartless, "Liz, what's a matter?"

Regina walked over to her sister and awkwardly patted her hand. Liz pulled it back angrily; she wasn't interested in false pity.

"Well what's going on?" Regina couldn't mask the worry in her voice.

"It's father…" Liz trailed off, wiping her eyes.

"What? Is he worse?"

"He's not worse, but he's not better!" She shrieked.

"But Elizabeth, they said it would take time. It's better then having him get worse, isn't it?"

"Our father is ill, don't you understand?"

"What, am I talking to a wall? I mean, is this not penetrating that skull of yours?"

"We don't even know why he's sick in the first place, and now all he's been doing is laying about, barley moving…"

"You've seen him today, then, have you?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "Elizabeth, I don't mean to be rude, but are you dim or just shaken about in the head? How do you know he's not better?"

"…Regina, they think…" A new wave of tears hit Elizabeth then, causing a lump to form in Regina's throat.

"Liz, what? What do 'they' think?" She couldn't control herself anymore, and was holding Elizabeth by the arms.

"When you were out yesterday, the Doctor who came and looked at him had never seen anything like it before, so he called in his apprentice. There were whispers,"

"Bloody hell, Elizabeth, what is it already?"

"They think he was poisoned!"

This shocked Regina beyond belief. It wasn't hard to find someone who would want to poison the Governor, but why now? Lord Beckette was out of the picture completely, and there really wasn't anyone else who could have it in for him.

"Do you believe this, Elizabeth?" Regina's voice was shaking now, along with her hands. Having your father be sick was one thing, but having him murdered was another.

"I do." She whispered, before turning and running out of the house, and into the storm.

'That's sensible!' Regina thought.

"Great, run away. 'Lotta help it'll do!" Regina called after her, but it was worthless, her sister was gone.