IMPORTANT! I probably won't be able to update the next weeks, because I am moving into another town and I havn't yet Internet there. But in November the next chapter will be up! I promise!

4. Chapter: Will

"Will." she breathed, leaning back into the security of his arms.

"I am late, forgive me!" He appologized softly, but Elizabeth only shook her head weakly, showing that it was okay. He was there, at least, now everything was okay. He always made her world seem brighter, happier. Will would make things okay! She leaned back even more, knowing Will would hold her, and sighed deeply.

Will frowned. "Elizabeth? Are you well, my love?" He asked, voice tinged with concern.

Then he looked up at Norrington sharply. "Have you been harassing her again, Norrington?!?" Will glared at the Commodore who's eyes started blazing with anger and - Will noticed - jealousy. He slightly tightened his grip on Elizabeth's waist.

"How dare you! Accusing me of something like this!! I am a gentleman and I am not the Commodore for nothing. You are in no place to insult my honour! So hold your tongue, pirate!" Norrington said those words with vehemence, disgust dripping from his voice.

"I like the place I am in, thank you." Will pulled Elizabeth closer to emphasize his point and, noticing the hatred darkening the other man's eyes, added: "Better a pirate, than an arrogant coward who can't take a hint."

"I am sure the lady will tell me if she doesn't appreciates my company. So hold your jealousy to yourself and your tongue in your mouth...-" Everybody understood the second meaning of this comment, save Hannah and Cait, who still stood by, confused as to what was going on who this new participant of the discussion was.

Elizabeth saw her chance and cut in. "Is that what you want? What you need to hear before you leave me alone?"

Startled the Commodore pulled his hateful stare from Will and looked at Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, I..-"

But she didn't let finish. "Yes you do, obviously! I tried to drop the hints to you, but you, like Will said, did not comprehend anything. I tried it the more gentle way, not wanting to offend your honour and hurt your feelings, but I've had enough!!" She quickly took a deep breath, her fingers desperatly searching for Will's, who took her hand and squeezed it comfortingly. He knew what was to come now and if it was what she wanted to do, then he would stand by her side, as always, showing her that he supported her decision.

*This will be nasty...* Both thought at the same time.

Elizabeth started her tirade.

"If you need to hear this, then I will tell you! I am tired of your company! I dislike the way you show your interest in me, though you know that I am in love with another man. Your attitude annoys me, and I hate the way you are treating Will!! Did it ever occur to you that I don't like and love him for his social status, but because he isn't a stuck up snob like the rest of you men from the upper class!! Frankly speaking I don't trust your intention towards me. You changed since the time we first met and now I dislike everything about you! I would appreciate it if you would stay away from me from now!! I am not interested in you or any kind of relationship with you!! Get lost!!" A little more quietly she added: "I am sorry, Commodore Norrington."

She turned around and wrapped her arms around Will's waist, burrying her face in his chest, seeking comfort and some kind of sign from him, that she had done the right thing.

Will stroked her back soothingly.

He hadn't wished for this to happen this way. Of course, he had wanted Elizabeth to tell the annoying Commodore off, though he never asked her to. But not like this, in public. He could already hear the whispers start, hovering in the air, spreading through the ballroom as the noise of the chattering grew louder. He looked at Norrington.

The man looked totally dumbfounded. As did the two woman beside him. He noticed to himself that he hadn't greeted them, yet. How unpolite! He sighed to himself. *Well the young one looks more confused than the older lady. She looks not so much puzzled, but more amused over the situation. What's so amusing?* He locked eyes with Hannah and could see the twinkle in her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. He frowned at her, but she only smiled at him.

Will looked back at Norrington, who seemed to have found his composure again. It was obvious, that he hadn't expected Elizabeth to really tell him, to leave her, at all.

"As you wish, Miss Swann." He ground out formally, not looking at her at all. His eyes bored into Will's, who didn't avert his gaze, taking in the powerful emotions, mostly hatred, burning in those orbs, growing with the increasing noise in the room. Will could see that the Commodore blamed all this on him. The intruder. The poor blacksmith.The pirate! His eyes screamed: 'If it hadn't been for this damned pirate, then Elizabeth would be mine! But noo, the pirate had deceived and confused her mind and now she had embarassed me in front of the entire room, the prominence of Port Royal!' The officer's image was ruined and he was seething!

Will was too concerned for the woman in his arms to give much on Norringtons thoughts at the moment, but he knew, that he would have to keep an eye on this one. The man would not up this easily. He also seemed angry because of all the commotion and whispers around them, spreading the first rumours. *Arrogant, selfish Bastard!* People talked about Elizabeth, not the Commodore! She had rejected the Commodore and practically shouted out her love for him (Will) openly. Who hadn't suspected anything until now, for they had alwas been careful to act not that obviously in love in front of people, did know now for sure.

And they were shocked.

This love was kind out of their system. Something new, different. And people didn't like different. Elizabeth's good reputation for being a well mannered lady was overshadowed by the prejudice of the men and women around them.

The governor's daughter in love with the local blacksmith's 'apprentice'!

Will snorted mentally.

They did not understand.

Will leaned down to his love and whispered quietly in her ear. " 'Liz? Love, don't worry. I am here, you are not alone!"

She nodded into his chest and he gently rubbed the back of her neck.

"Would anyone care to explain to me, what for heaven's sake is going on here??" A voice rose over the murmurs and all eyes fell on Cait, standing there, hands on her hips.

"You!" she pointed at Will, "Take your hands of Elizabeth! Hasn't your mother taught you any manners? Who are you anyway?" She demanded.

Will looked down at Elizabeth, who had also looked up at him. He let go of her and she turned around again, but she still had her back pressed against his chest slightly, preserving their contact. He turned back to face the angry woman.

"Miss Witherby, Mrs.Crawford, I appologize for interrupting your conversation. My name is William Turner and I am pleased to meet both of you." Will nodded his head at both women.

"He is the local blacksmith's apprentice and a cursed pirate!!" Norrington sneered at Will.

"A blacksmith??? And a pirate at that too? Elizabeth what are you doing with him?" Cait gasped and grabbed Elizabeth's arm, pulling her away from 'The pirate'. "How can you do that to the Commodore? He is such a noble man, and you offend your fiancèe with your inappropriate behaviour!" She scolded her niece.

Will's jaw tightened. "She is not his fiancèe!" He stated.

"What do you know, pirate? Don't you ever dare touch Elizabeth again, do you hear me? Where are the guards by the way?" She shouted. "Norrington, arrest this criminal!"

"Believe me, Miss Witherby, I would, if I could. There is nothing that I would like more than throwing him into the dungeons-"

Elizabeth screamed at him. "Don't you dare doing that Norrington!! You have no authorization to do that! Father granted him amnesty! He is a free and honest man!!"

"Let me go, Cait." She urged her aunt, who still had a grip on her arm.

Cait ignored her plead and chided her. "Don't talk to your fiancèe like that. He will be agriev-"

"HE IS NOT MY FIANCÈE!!" Elizabeth screamed at her aunt, snatching her arm back to herself, backing away towards Will. "I hate him!" She pointed at Norrington."Why did you do that? You didn't have to tell them that! Will isn't like the others. He is an honest pirate and he doesn't hurt anybody!" She glared at im accusingly.

"My dear, come back here." Cait beckoned her niece in a soothing voice. "He might be danger-"

"He is not dangerous! He is the most gentle and caring man ever! You don't even know him Cait!" Elizabeth yelled back. Will put one arm around her waist again and forced her to look up at him with the other. Gently he shook his head. "Don't." He whispered barely audible. "Not here. There are enough rumours already. They will avoid you, if you continue this way. They won't accept it."

"But-"

"William, my boy, I think it is time you showed me what it is you have hidden in this box of yours." A voice from behind them cut through her response.....



For my reviewers:

Odango-Chan: Thanks for your long review. I always love to read them!

Orli*N*Keira: *grins* Thanks. I love it the fluffy way. So I won't change that.

Natters: Thank you!!

PirateAngel: Thank you! I love to read long reviews! I am glad you like it. I will look out for your story. Nad I might think about this sword duell...



Ah, so Will met the relatives now. Poor lad. So, what do you think? Good this way? Tell me!

The next chapter will have to wait a bit. (Look at the note in the beginning!) I am sorry.

See you. NightLight4