Title: At Least Once More

Rating: PG-13

Summary: A day just like any other. But this day was going to be special. Will was finally going to propose to Elizabeth, and he even brought back Jack Sparrow to celebrate the wedding! But there's only one thing wrong with Will's plan: there was no blushing bride-to-be on Port Royal.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything POTC, so don't kill me.

AN: Hey guys! I hope you all liked the last chapter, and I hope you all enjoy this one! Thanks so much for reading guys! I really appreciate that you guys like it! If you guys are wondering, I know that Will and Jack's names are not Gibbs and Clarks. Just so you know, they had to go under different names so know one knew it was them. I don't think I wrote that in this chapter, but that's why, okay? So don't think I'm stupid and I don't know the character's names, okay? Lol. Thanks, enjoy!

Part Five: Lions Den

"I do not like that Mr. Clarks," Bradley whispered as he led Elizabeth through the home and into the den.

"And why would that be?" she almost barked back.

"He just seems too ruthless, too much like, well, like a pirate. Men like that should not court ladies like you."

Elizabeth blushed, "What makes you think he is courting me?" She had to lie. She couldn't let him know how much she loved Will. It would ruin her father's job.

"By the way he looked at you," Bradley said, placing his arm on the fireplace. "He had lust in his eyes, I could feel it chilling in my bones."

"Well, he's a man. And men seem to lust for women, no matter what their social rank."

His eyes turned to her, looking her over as though she were a piece of property. She felt a chill run up her spine. "What are you looking at Colonel?"

He let out a deep breath, running his palm over his sweating forehead. "Perhaps you are right."

There was a cough to turn their attention, and Elizabeth froze as she gazed at Jack Sparrow standing at Will's side. Bradley stood up straight, "Well, who is your friend, Mr. Clarks?"

"This is Jack Gibbs," Will said, taking a moment to look at Elizabeth.

She saw the look in his eyes, and she looked at Jack to confirm her suspicions. He winked at her quickly, and she knew it was true. They came up with a fake name for Jack so he wouldn't be shipped off to jail at first glance.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Gibbs," Bradley said, extending his hands. "Please, gentlemen, sit down and join us."

Will and Jack took their seats on a couch across from Elizabeth.

"So, how do you two gentlemen know Miss Swann?" Bradley asked, taking the seat next to Elizabeth.

It was almost too close for comfort, yet Elizabeth tried to keep a straight and calm face. "They both lived on Port Royal," she said. "Mr. Clarks and Mr. Gibbs were kind enough to save my life a few times."

"Oh? Really? Tell me all about it," Bradley said.

"Well it was more of a few accidents, really," Jack said. "Miss Swann was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, so to say. And we happened to be there at the right place at the right time," he grinned at his own joke. Yet Bradley didn't crack a smirk.

"So how exactly was she so close to death?"

Will coughed looked exchanged glances with Elizabeth and Jack, "We'd rather not discuss that. Too personal, it hits us deep in the heart, really pains to talk about it."

Bradley nodded, "I see. So, what brings you to London?"

"Mr. Gibbs and I were traveling for quite some time," Will said. "And I had a matter at Port Royal I was waiting to take care of. But, that matter was thrown off when I learned that Miss Swann had moved here."

"What matter was that, Mr. Clarks?" Elizabeth asked. She hated calling him by his formal name, yet she knew she had to.

"Ah, um, it was to, uh," He stuttered, unable to complete his sentences.

"He was going to open his new blacksmith shop!" Jack shouted, Will turning to face him.

"Ah, yes, my new blacksmiths shop."

"You're a blacksmith?" Bradley asked, almost choking the words out.

Will swallowed, "Uh, yes, I am."

"Mr. Clarks is the owner of the building," Elizabeth told Bradley. "He never does any of the work himself, he just manages the finances and the fees for the real blacksmiths."

Bradley nodded, "Interesting. How does that pay?"

"Oh, enough for a butler or two," Will said, cracking a smile.

"Uh-huh," Bradley said, rubbing his palm under his chin. "Well, it seems I have misjudged you, Mr. Clarks."

"Oh?"

"Yes, I thought of you and Mr. Gibbs here as pirates. I guess I need to get to know people before I judge, wouldn't you say?"

"Uh, yes, of course." Will said, giving a nervous laugh.

Bradley stood, as did everyone else. "Well, it is time for tea. If you'll excuse me, I shall leave you to visit with your guests, Miss Swann."

Elizabeth bowed her head, "Thank you, Colonel."

He grabbed her hand and pecked it softly before he left the room. The three just stood there, waiting until they were sure he was gone before they each took a deep sigh of relief.

"That was a close one," Jack said, taking off his hat to wipe his brow. "I was sure he was going to catch on to us."

Will laughed, "I guess we still have a few tricks up our sleeves."

Elizabeth smiled, "Oh, Will, I'm sorry I let Port Royal without telling you. It's just – "

He placed his finger on her lips, stopping her sentence. "Ssh, there's no need to explain, Elizabeth. We are both here now, and that's all that matters."

She smiled, taking his hand in hers. "Yes, of course."

They leaned in to kiss, but Jack's voice turned their attention away.

"You best not be doing that," Jack said.

"Oh, yes," Will said, taking a step away from Elizabeth. "While we are here we must keep the impression that we are completely formal friends. Nothing more."

Elizabeth sighed, feeling disappointed she could not kiss him. "Yes, I understand. But you better leave. Father should be home soon, and if he sees you then it'll ruin everything."

"Very well, we shall leave," Will said, taking her hand and giving it a gentle kiss. "But we will return. That much I promise."

"I shall hold you to your word, Mr. Clarks." Elizabeth smiled, looking up at Jack. "And you as well, Mr. Gibbs."

"Aye, Milady," Jack said, bowing slightly. "I will accompany young Mr. Clarks."