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 from POTC. Don't sue me.

Part Eight: I'm Sorry

Jack looked over his shoulder, catching the back of Will's head once again. He had been distracted the past few days since their arrival back in Port Royal. Ever since Bradley's threat, Will hadn't spoken more than a few words. With a heavy sigh, Jack fixed his hat on his head, and strolled over behind his lost partner.

"It's not your fault, mate," he said, patting him on the back.

Will said nothing, his eyes lost in the blue of the ocean he looked out on.

"There was nothing more you could have done. Bradley is a powerful man, more than good ol' Norrington."

"That doesn't mean anything, Jack," Will said, his eyes turning to glare at the pirate before him. "I could have stayed and fought against him. I could have forced her father to listen to reason. Why didn't I?"

Jack didn't respond, not knowing what to say. Will only shook his head, spitting out a half laugh as he turned his gaze back unto the thrashing waves. The world had never seemed so cruel. For as long as he'd known Will, he was certain Elizabeth was the woman for him. Apparently, fate had a different idea in mind for the young man.

XOXOX

Elizabeth walked down the steps, feeling the misty air through the open windows. It was a dark and cloudy day, the clouds rumbling together with thunder and forming strikes of lighting against the sky. Her heart felt misplaced, though she already knew why. At first she thought it was just because she had eaten a bad supper the night before, but it was much more than an upset stomach.

Will had left for Port Royal a few days ago.

Leaving her without as much as a "farewell" or even a kiss on the cheek was unlike Will. There had to be something wrong for him to just up and leave her. And taking Jack with him. Things were not looking up for her.

Bradley was sitting in the parlor, a small shot glass of whiskey in his grip. He looked tired, yet he held a sly grin on his lips. Biting hers, Elizabeth took a deep breath and walked in.

"Have you seen them today?" She asked.

He didn't answer. He knew who she meant, he was just ignoring her. Ignorant man, just tell me where they are!

"Colonel?" she asked, leaning over to look at his face. "Did you hear me?"

"Oh, yes. Sorry," he said, downing his shot quickly. "Yes, your friends. They left a few days ago. I thought I told you?"

She laughed, "Yes. You did. I guess I just don't believe you."

He didn't laugh, he just eyed her. "You must believe me, Miss. I would never lie to you."

Nodding, she gave him a small bow before leaving. She dared not be in his presence for much longer. He had made her sick. With Will gone, no other man came to the house again. There were rumors around town that Bradley had killed them; hung their necks somewhere in the forest. No one was brave enough to find out the truth.

She knew better, though. Deep in her heart, Elizabeth knew Will was still alive out there.

"Miss Swann?"

She rolled her eyes before placing a fake smile on her lips as she turned to face him. "Yes, Colonel?"

"May we have a moment?"

"It would seem we already do, sir."

He laughed lightly, sending a chill up her spine. "May we sit in the parlor?" He waved his hand for her to go first, and she took it, briskly walking and sitting on the couch. He sat next to her, a little too close for her comfort.

"What do you wish to talk about?" She asked, trying to ignore the fact that his hand was in mere inches away from her legs.

"I wanted to discuss with you about your marriage proposal. Have you chosen a suitor, yet?"

She hesitated, yet she knew it would come. He had been staring at her for the past few days, and she had a feeling he would question her. She just didn't expect it to come so soon.

"To what, may I ask, is your reason for knowing?"

He hesitated, seemingly taken aback by her question. Maybe he didn't prepare for it? "I merely wish to know," he said nervously. "I was just wondering. It has been a few days."

"I just met so many nice men, it's hard to pick one to spend the rest of my life with."

"Is it really?" He asked, raising a brow at her. "I thought it would be quite easy for you?"

She raised her own brow, tilting her head as she questioned him, "What do you mean, Colonel?"

"I mean, Miss Swann, is it really hard to choose a man, even if he is, so to speak, right in front of you?"

She sighed, slowly shaking her head, "Mr. Bradley, if you wouldn't mind, this conversation is making me a bit uncomfortable. Shall we change the subject?"

He nodded, moving away from her slowly. "Of course, Milady. I would never do anything that offended you. You must believe me."

"Oh, I do believe that, Colonel."

His eyes looked up at her, trailing along the slope of her body. She bit the inside of her lip, regretting what had just left her mouth. He wouldn't take this the wrong way, would he?

"Please don't look at me like that," she whispered, her eyes firm on the lines of his face.

He grinned, "Why not?"

"It makes me feel uncomfortable," she said as she stood, bowing slightly. "Good day, Colonel."

"I'm sorry, Milady," he whispered as she walked out of the room, leaving him sitting on the couch alone.

XOXOX

AN: Okay, I know this chapter was short, but I'm still suffering from writer's block! Give me a break! Okay, I'm sneaking on to update, 'cause I don't think my brother cares that I get on this anymore. He gets on worse sites! So, yeah, I'm using my time to update as many stories as I can. Hope you enjoyed, and thanks for reading!