Sword Edge

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the movie soundtrack

A/N: WOW!! FIFTEEN REVIEWS for ONE CHAPTER!!! I don't think I've ever been that popular before!!! I think it's high time I put author thanks at the bottom of the story; they seem to go on for ever!!!! (Which is a good thing; I like reviews!!) I know you just want to get on with the story!!

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Chapter 4

It was a long time before Will's sobs subsided. Jack let him cry, knowing it was necessary. Jack himself wasn't one to weep over someone's death – even someone he cared a great deal about – but Will wasn't like him.

Eventually, the sobs subsided into sniffles, interspersed with quiet hiccups, and Will wiped at his eyes.

"Feelin' better?" inquired Jack gently, handing Will the handkerchief that had fallen from the blacksmith's pocket. Will took it, whispering, "Thanks."

"Has it 'elped?"

Will nodded briefly. "A bit, I suppose."

"So when do I get to meet me namesake?"

"He'll be at home at the moment."

"What are we waitin' for, then?" Jack placed his hat back on his head and got to his feet, hauling Will up as he did so. "Pick up that sword of yours that you seem so fond of and we shall depart from this smithy."

Will did as he was told, though his movements were slow and clumsy. He was drained, both physically and emotionally, from the crying. Jack, seeing this, slung an arm around his waist to support him. "Lead me to your elegant abode, William," he commanded authoritatively. "As your captain, that is a direct order."

"I'm not one of your crew, Jack," Will pointed out tiredly.

"Ah, but you're forgettin' that you were. Once a crew member of the Black Pearl, always a crew member of the Black Pearl."

Will declined to respond to that statement, instead leading the pirate to his home. It was nowhere near the size of the Governor's home, in which Elizabeth had spent many years, but it was attractive and big enough – bigger than anything Will had been used to – and he liked it (as had Elizabeth).

The Governor was sitting on the small lawn, playing with a small child. Will stopped abruptly, causing Jack to stumble. The pirate nodded at the child. "That your boy?"

Will nodded once, face impassive, unreadable.

Jack began walking over to the Governor. After a moment, Will reluctantly followed. The Governor looked as the two approached and his gaze settled on Jack. "Captain Sparrow," he stated.

Jack bowed elaborately. "Pleasure to be reacquaintin' me onesies with your good self, Guv'nor Swann."

"Yes, well," the Governor replied, looking somewhat unconvinced. "Should I ask how your ship is doing these days?"

"Much better now that the rightful captain is in charge."

"We've had far less trouble from those of your ilk since you departed Port Royal."

Jack nodded, smiling knowledgeably. "That, my dear Guv'nor, is because the Black Pearl is watchin' over your port. Bit like a guardian angel, 'cept the Pearl's more a guardian ship – though she's an angel in my eyes."

The Governor frowned. "But why would she do that?"

Jack sighed impatiently. "Surely yeh can't 'ave forgotten who captains the aforementioned beautiful ship that's the fastest in the Caribbean?"

"I know you captain her, but why? Why protect the very place that you would be arrested – and quite possibly killed – in, apart from on this one occasion, should you ever set foot in it?"

Jack sat down in his usual flamboyant manner and leaned in close to the Governor, lowering his voice. "Because there was somethin' about your daughter that made me care about her. Perhaps it was due to my savin' of 'er life. Same goes for young William. He's someone special. And I ain't sayin' that just 'cause I knew his father. He's important to me." Jack shrugged nonchalantly and leaned back again. "Besides, all those other pirate ships with loot – and, most importantly, lots of rum – all headin' for Port Royal? What pirate in 'is right mind would pass up a business opportunity such as that? Savvy?" He glanced up to where Will was still standing, a vague, unfocused look in his dark brown eyes. "Oi, William! There are other people here that might want your attention!"

"Da!"

This cry startled Jack (not that he would ever admit it), as he had momentarily forgotten about the presence of the small boy. "See? Jack wants your attention." He watched closely as Will knelt down and halfheartedly offered the nearby teddy bear to his son. He did no more than that, and Jack, sharp-eyed and observant as always, did not miss the pain in the young man's eyes.

Deciding that he had had enough, the pirate leaned across and gently tickled his namesake's stomach. Little Jack shrieked and dropped the teddy, making a noise that the pirate suspected was a baby equivalent of a giggle (not that Jack Sparrow had had many dealings with babies). The child hit the pirate's hand with his own small ones, a smile on his face. This served only to make the pirate tickle him more, and he shrieked and giggled until he began hiccuping. The pirate shot the Governor and Will a panicked look. The Governor smiled in amusement and picked up the child, quickly and easily soothing him.

Will stood up. "I have to get back to the smithy," he announced in what he hoped was a neutral tone. He couldn't bring himself to look at his father-in-law; it was another reminder of both Elizabeth and of his own failings as a father.

Jack caught the pain and hurt in Will's eyes and voice, and he was quick to his feet as the blacksmith began to walk quickly away. A few long strides and Jack had caught up with him, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him to a stop. "Not so fast, mate."

Will attempted to pull his arm free, but the pirate merely gripped more tightly. "Let go of me, Jack!"

"Can't do that, mate. That boy of yours needs you."

"No he doesn't. He's got his grandfather. He doesn't need me. I can't look after him. I'm useless! I don't know what to do! Whenever he cries it's the nurse or his grandfather that comforts him; he won't quieten if it's me! I can't do anything right, Jack! I've failed him! I'm no father!"

Jack gripped both his shoulders and gave him a quick, firm, sharp shake. "You listen to me, William Turner! You are not goin' to get things right first time! You're goin' to make mistakes! It's not goin' to be easy! But you've got to keep trying! You think I was successful at first? I bloody well got meself captured and locked in the brig of the other ship for a week! You have to keep workin' at it! I know you miss Elizabeth. I know it hurts. But it'll only hurt more if you don't show your son that you love him and then a few years down the line he rejects and hates you! You can do it, William! Show a little faith in yourself!"

Will shook his head hard, desperately fighting the rising tears. "No, Jack," he whispered. "I can't do it. It hurts too much. I – I'm useless…"

Jack, realising that words were ineffective at this moment in time, put his arms around Will and drew him into a comforting embrace. Will did not put up a fight, something for which Jack was extremely grateful. The boy needed to know that someone cared for him and was able to comfort him. If only someone had thought to inform me of Elizabeth's death sooner, thought the pirate angrily, perhaps young William wouldn't be in the state he's in now. Many questioned Jack's sanity, but he knew that he was sane, and his view of himself was the only one that mattered to him. He was also an excellent judge of character (usually), and he was fully aware that he knew Bootstrap Bill's son far better than the boy himself did. And Jack knew that Will Turner could be a wonderful father if he let himself do so.

"Will?"

Will pulled away from Jack's embrace and hurriedly wiped the tears from his eyes. "S-sir?"

"Don't go back to the smithy today. Norrington's swords can wait until tomorrow," said the Governor kindly. "You're needed here."

Will looked nervous and apprehensive. "But –"

"No buts, mate. Do as he says," Jack interrupted firmly, giving Will a gentle push.

The Governor carefully stood, little Jack in his arms, and handed him to Will. Will took him awkwardly and Jack flung his arms around his father's neck, tugging at his ponytail. The Governor turned to the pirate. "Won't you stay for a while, Jack?"

"I could do, I s'pose…"

The Governor leaned in close to Jack to avoid being overheard by his son-in-law. "I rather think that Will needs you around while he gets used to being a proper father. I haven't seen him cry over Elizabeth's death until today. Before now, he's been silent and withdrawn. Refused to speak of it. God knows I tried, but he just didn't want to know. I've been so worried about him…Recently, I've feared that he may attempt to take his own life." He sighed sadly.

"The Commodore said as much to me," replied Jack soberly, watching Will tentatively play with his son's small hand. "Don't blame 'im; the boy was a wreck when I found 'im earlier. I might 'ave talked some sense into 'im, though. He's lookin' a lot better."

"How long can you stay?"

Jack shrugged. "A week? Two? Not much more, mind. Can't be havin' the business sufferin'."

"I'm grateful that you can give us that much."

"Will Turner matters to me," replied the pirate softly.

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TBC

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Thanks to:

Lucidity: Jack's really hard to write (as I've said before), but it looks like I've made some people happy! I aim to please!!

Lilith11: Each to their own with regards to slash. I've only written a couple (neither of which I've posted, mainly because I've got too much other stuff on that's much better quality). I do read Jack/Will PotC slash, though – it's almost always really well-written. I don't do the explicit stuff, though. What's worse, though – someone I know once came across (for Harry Potter): Dobby/Mrs. Norris romance. Seriously.

The Bonnie Pirate Lass: Oh, I hate it when floppies misbehave! I nearly had to rewrite a chapter of Rain in Rivendell because I was saving straight to floppy (I was in the uni IT room at the time) and forgot to save to my hard drive when I got back to my room – and the wretched file got corrupted! Fortunately the wonderful guys in the IT Help room salvaged it. Seriously long review from you!! And the line you said you liked – I really liked it too!! I hope there are some more lines in this chapter that you really like.

Strangled lies: a new reviewer!! Yay! High praise indeed!! beams

Oneiriad: It's all written; it's just sitting on my computer waiting its turn to be posted. Glad you like!

Bluekrystal1: It's not all sad, promise! I rather liked the idea of Jack being a surrogate father to Will, as well. And you play badminton! I like you!!

Lord Elrond of Hogwarts: Glad you agree with me about Jack!

Riob: At which point does Jack remind you of Barbossa? Glad you like Norrington. And I've written you a letter, which I've given to my mother to post, so it should be arriving in Ecuador in the not-too-distant future!

Koretta: dutifully hands her the tissues

MagickalStar135: I agree with the "poor Will" statement; he's not exactly had an easy life.

Also:

The devil 666, diedbysuicide, Lyn, EnglishMystic, banana nut muffin