A/N: WOW. *stares at reviews* And the pressure is on! Hee hee, but seriously, you guys made my day. And I was very happy to find some 'constructive criticism' in there, too! And no flames, either! Don't you hate it when someone flames you like the person is a parent and you're a kid who accidentally burned down the house or something? Okay I'm rambling.

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Chapter 2

The next night Will did exactly as Jack instructed. He packed up some of his best weapons along with some other belongings and walked through the door of his workshop for the last time.

Jack stood waiting for him outside a nearby shop, absently admiring the rings on his fingers. When he saw Will he grinned, his gold teeth shining in the moonlight.

"Don't look so glum, mate," he said, noting the young man's expression. With another glance at Will he added, "It's not the end of the world, you know. It's just the beginning!"

Will swallowed hard and nodded, throwing his belongings into Jack's arms.

Jack swayed underneath the weight. "I'm a pirate, not a bloody slave!" he yelled after Will, who was already walking away. Jack rolled his eyes and grumbled, stomping rather hard as he followed the blacksmith.

"There," Will pointed, spotting Elizabeth's home in the distance. He looked at Jack. "Well you can't expect me to carry my belongings with me when I climb up to her window," he said apologetically.

Jack shifted the packages in his arms. "Just hurry, aye? We don't have all night and I'm certainly not getting any younger, so I'll meet you at the Pearl. Goodbye." He almost turned to go but then said, "Oh, and Will?"

"Let me guess. Don't do anything stupid?"

Jack frowned. "Actually…yes. Yes, that's it exactly." With that he spun on his heel, nearly dropping everything in the process, and marched away.

Will smiled, watching the pirate until he vanished behind a row of shops. He then turned to the Governor's house, took a deep breath, and headed in its direction.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

A tall figure stood atop a hill overlooking the dock, nearly invisible amid the trees.

Not far from shore floated the infamous Black Pearl, a boat from shore silently going out to meet it.

So, the figure thought, Captain Jack Sparrow is back in business. Too bad there isn't enough room for the Black Pearl and me. The figure breathed in the air, savoring the fragrance of promise that it held.

It will almost be a shame to kill them all, the figure thought, fine lips curving into a satisfied smile.

Almost.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

If his brief brush with piracy taught him anything, it was how to climb.

With less effort than he anticipated, Will Turner silently made his way up the stone wall of the Governor's home, the darkness easily obscuring him from any guards.

He nervously peered through Elizabeth's window, finding her standing in her gown before a mirror. It was now or never. He rapped softly on the glass.

Elizabeth turned and gasped, instantly recognizing the face at her window. She grinned, running across the room to let Will in.

As she opened the window, Will silently swung himself over the pane and into the room. He was immediately met with a warm embrace, and after a moment's hesitation Will wrapped his arms around the girl's waist.

Elizabeth no doubt noticed the brief pause, for she withdrew and peered into the blacksmith's eyes.

"Will?" she said, releasing him.

He exhaled and briefly rubbed his eyes with his hand, momentarily unable to meet her gaze.

"Don't just stand there," she prompted gently. "What is it?"

"I'm leaving," he blurted.

Elizabeth stepped back. "What?"

Will looked at her. What was he doing here? Suddenly he wasn't so sure. "I can't do this, Elizabeth. I can't stay here. Jack, he— I'm leaving with him."

Elizabeth stared at him in shock. "Why?" she demanded. "What have I done?"

"No, it's not you, Elizabeth…" he said. At least not all you. "I can't live this life anymore. I don't belong here." Desperately, he added, "Please, you must understand."

"Then I'm coming with you."

"No!" he said, instantly wishing he hadn't said it so fast. "No," he repeated, softer. "You are the Governor's daughter. You're needed here. I'm not."

"But—"

Will grasped her hands. "Please. Don't do this to me," he whispered. He kissed her palms, savoring their softness. Then, without warning, he tore away and disappeared through the window.

Elizabeth stared at the place where he stood, now empty. Emotions flowed through her heart, explanations ran through her mind… And finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she whispered:

"I understand."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Will ran to shore, to a hidden place hear the docks. Sure enough, a boat and a pirate were waiting there for him. Will hastily wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Where's—"

"At the bottom of the ocean," Jack said, waving his arms dramatically. "Actually, I've already kindly escorted your belongings to the boat…. Ship."

"Thanks," Will said, flashing a brief and utterly unconvincing smile as he plopped into the boat.

When Jack didn't start to row out into the water, Will looked up at him, finding the pirate's gaze on him.

"What?"

What next passed over the pirate's face momentarily shocked the pain right out of Will's heart: pure, heartfelt sympathy, mixed with a fondness so obvious that it almost brought new tears to Will's eyes. Will sat motionless, not quite believing what he saw.

Jack tilted his head to the side and sang softly, "Yo ho, yo ho…"

Will grinned. "A pirate's life for me," he whispered.

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To be continued!!!