AN: Chapter Two! Thanks to all reviewers. Don't own POTC, as always. BTW--In this, at least, Will is freed from the curse after 10 years. Also, in this story, he's still immortal in the sense that he can't grow older. (But can still be killed by murder or someone stabbing his heart) Thanks for reading and reviews make my day!

Elizabeth Swann had been so sure that it would be the waiting that would kill her.

The hard ball of saddness and longing in the pit of her stomach, the overwelming pain that wrapped itself around her. The waiting, the horrible waiting. Knowing that her son--William, currently at his friends house--who would grow up without a father.

She had no idea that it would be an illness.

With difficulty, Elizabeth wrapped the blanket tighter around herself. She absolutely hated this. Hated being unable to defend herself, hated that she had to send Jack to get Will. Hated that she couldn't go herself.

Elizabeth sat up in bed and looked out the window. She coughed once, and then several more times, violently. Jack Sparrow had left almost two weeks ago. Two weeks and Elizabeth hadn't gotten any better--only worse. She knew herself, and she could death slowly creeping up on her. It took it's time. And right now, she needed that time.

But today, when William's friend's mom had stopped by to pick up William, she had learned that a small dinghy was getting close to shore--one that bore a makeshift pirates flag. Any minute now he'd come back with news--and maybe, somehow, Will.

Twelve minutes later and he came without knocking on the door. He let himself in and took a seat on the edge of her bed. She smiled expectantly. "You look terrible,luv," he slurred, wrinkling his nose. She gave him a playful hit on the shoulder.

"Did you find Will?" she asked in a hoarse, barely-there voice.

"That I did," Jack replied. He paused and dug a flask of rum out of his pocket. He took a large gulp before continueing. "Whelps on his way. Just need to get you out in a ship."

"Oh, Jack!" Elizabeth cried. Dropping the blanket, she turned to give him a hug and was met with his lips instead. She pulled back instantly. "Jack! If I'm not faithful to Will he'll be trapped as Captain forever." Jack grinned.

"Right then," he said. He stumbled to his feet. Elizabeth stood to join him but instead started to sink to the floor helplessly. Wordlessly, Jack scooped her up in his arms and led her out the door, to the beach.

The sky was punctured by a flash of green light.

Jack dropped Elizabeth into the small dinghy and effortlessly began to row them across the waves. "Jack," Elizabeth said. "If I couldn't go on the boat before, why can I now? And what about you?"

"First of all, then, you were niether dead nor dying. Fortontly, you are now," Jack replied. "Besides, it is my understanding that we can be on his ship as long as it in this world, savvy?"

"This world . . . this world meaning instead of the land of the dead?" Jack opened his mouth to answer but they had reached the ship. A wide grin broke out on Elizabeth's face and beautiful realization hit her smack in the face. Will.

A rope was hanging over the Flying Dutchman's side. Jack picked Elizabeth up again with rough, caloused hands and held her up.

And a moment later, warm, strong hands were under her armpits, lifting her into the air and into the arms of Will.

"Will!" she sobbed. Will kissed her passionatly, his hands on her back and in her air. He slowly pulled away and stared deep into her eyes.

"Elizabeth," he whispered. Tears fogged her vision. Before she could say a word she started to fall again, into Will, who stared in surprise. He carefully led her to a chair near a table normally reserved for Liar's dice. Will set her in the chair and stood next to her. She leaned her head on his chest and closed her eyes, happier then she had been in six years, with his hands on her sholders.

"I've missed so much," she breathed. Reluctantly he removed his hands and dragged a chair over, and sat next to her, their legs touching. She reached out and touched the long scar on his chest. Will took her hand and held it tight. She leaned in and kissed him again, tenderly.

"Not to interupt," Jack said. He sunk into a chair opposite them and propped his feet up on the wooden table. She wanted Will so badly, but she was weak and dizzy and this was not how she picture the reunian.

"How are you?" Will asked urgently. She forced a weak smile. There was nothing to say.

"If I might propse a proposition..." Jack swung his legs down, and picked something off the ground. He placed the circular map on the table and jabbed a finger at one of the continents. "There is the Fountain of Youth. One drink makes you immortle. It is my intutive thinking that this is our answer."

Will looked at Jack in surprise. "If you've had these all along, then why didn't you go there youself yet?"

Jack didn't answer. He just said, "What do you want most in this world?"

"To save Elizabeth," Will answered.

"Upon arriving there, you will guide us with the compass to the fountain."

"I can't go on la--"

"There's a river you can wade in if we can get ya across the beach," Jack explained. Elizabeth had a coughing fit. He waited before he continued. "Good? Great! That's settled then." Triumphitly, Jack made to take a gulp of rum to his flask but found it empty. "Bugger." He flung it to the floor.

Will held Elizabeth's hand and looked at her hard in the eyes. "You don't have to do this," he said quietly. "We can find another way. You don't have to be immor--"

"I'm ready to be immortle, Will," Elizabeth whispered. "I'm ready to be with you."

He was silent. She knew that even after Will was relieved of his duty he'd still be unable to die of old age or disease, having his heart cut out. He'd never be free of what was done until someone murdered him or his heart. She knew this as well as he did.

Will nodded. "I love you," he murmered. "Can you make the journey with us?"

She wanted to say yes. She wanted to with every part of her. But she knew that wasn't the answer. "I don't think I can, Will," she choked out.

"I'll be takin' her back to shore then, and you can get our heading," Jack announced, jumping to his feet.

Elizabeth stood and Will steadied her. He kissed her again. "We'll be back soon," he promised. Elizabeth kissed him back. Then Jack lowered her down into the dinghy and climbed down himself. Will made to go below deck. She knew he couldn't be the first to turn away.

Right before Jack went began to row ashore, Elizabeth called out, "Wait! Will!"

He stopped and rushed to the side of the boat, waiting, and before they sailed back to the island, Elizabeth spoke.

She smiled. "You're a father, Will."