True Love: Forever Reunited

AN: First of all, let me apologize profusely for the delay in posting. I have been busy and very distracted by a few things going on lately, and I suffered from writer's block, which has now, thankfully gone. My muse has returned, and for that I am glad. I hope you enjoy this chapter; it's a much happier one, because I felt that the poor characters needed a break. Enjoy, and thank you so much for all the reviews!!!!

Chapter 16: Momentary Relief

The journey to Tortuga was a peaceful one, and for that, everyone was appreciative. Elizabeth insisted that Will rest during the journey, seeing as he had been through a lot over the past few days. Luckily, they had managed to outrun any EITC ships that had tried to pursue them, but everyone knew that they only had a matter of days before the Company would discover their location at Tortuga. They reached the pirate haven on the third day of their journey, and while the rest of the pirates went off to the Faithful Bride to get a drink, Will and Elizabeth sat down with Willy to have the promised Davy Jones conversation.

After alerting the other Brethren Court members to their presence, the Turners went back to the Empress, in order to have peace and quiet during their talk. The three sat on the deck of the ship, the stars twinkling above them, and the distant echo of the mayhem that was Tortuga in the background. Will, Elizabeth, and Willy sat in silence for a few minutes, enjoying one of the few purely family moments they had experienced in the last weeks. Will had been back for just over a month, but so much had happened since then, that family moments had been few and far between, and each of them dreamed of a time when they could live peacefully.

"Well, I suppose now is the time to tell you the full story of Davy Jones," said Will, a little apprehension in his voice. "Shall we start from the beginning?"

"Yes," said Willy with a nod. "Mum has told me bits of it, but it might be less confusing it you start from where it all began."

"I think that might make it simpler," said Elizabeth, placing her hand in Will's for what she knew would be a difficult conversation. "Are you sure you're for ready for this darling?" she asked Willy, her eyes concerned.

"Absolutely," said Willy firmly, his young face set with determination to know exactly how his father had become Captain of the Dutchman.

"It all started a good number of years ago, when a young sailor named Davy Jones fell in love with Calypso, the sea goddess," said Will, "Calypso promised him that if he captained the Flying Dutchman for ten years, she would give him her love forever. But when he stepped ashore ten years later, Calypso wasn't there, and Jones was forced to eternity on the Dutchman. He was so heartbroken that he, well… he cut out his own heart. He then proceeded to tell the first Brethren Court how to bind Calypso in her human form, from which she was let loose just ten years ago." Will finished, and looked up at his son, looking for a reaction.

"He cut out his own heart?" questioned, clearly astounded. "Is that why you had to keep your heart in the chest, Papa?"

"Yes," said Will. "The only way for Jones to die, was to stab his heart, and it would be replaced with another living heart. But we'll get to that in a moment." He looked over at Elizabeth, who continued on.

"Jones abandoned his job," she said, trying to make sure she got in all the details, "And he began to wreak terror upon the mortal world. As I told you before, Lord Beckett was after the heart of Jones, and he eventually got it, which led to the fabled battle that I've told you so many stories about." She stopped, hesitant, her eyes catching Will's; both were worried about the affect this story might have on their son.

Willy, who was quite intelligent, caught this small exchange. "I can handle it," he said sincerely. "I promise."

Will and Elizabeth nodded, and Elizabeth continued on. "During the battle, I found myself face to face with Jones. We fought, but he had the advantage and knocked the sword out of my hand. Your father came over to save me," her speech halted, and Will knew that she wasn't sure if she could go on with the story. Willy looked slightly impatient to know the end, but he put a small arm around his mother, trying to comfort her, while Will finished what he knew would be the hardest story he would ever have to tell.

"I ran at Jones, and stabbed him where his heart would normally be," said Will with a shake of his head, his heart pounding. "I suppose I forgot that his heart was no longer there in all the chaos that was going on. This of course, left me weaponless, and Jones cornered me. He saw….." Will's voice tried to leave him, but he pressed on, wanting to finish, his eyes feeling moist, "He saw that your mother and I were in love, and before we or Jack or anyone could do anything, Jones…." Will's voice shook, but he stayed strong. He could almost feel that cold metal piercing his beating heart. "Jones stabbed me in the heart. "

A loud gasp escaped Willy, and he ran at his father, squeezing him tightly, small sobs racking his little body at the thought of such a horrible thing happening to his father. He reached out an arm for his mother, and she joined the embrace. They remained this way for a few moments, until Elizabeth broke the silence.

"We thought all was lost," she said quietly, her own eyes tear filled. "But Jack, who had managed to secure Jones' heart, put his dagger in your father's hand, helping him to stab the heart of Davy Jones. It was a true act of friendship on Jack's part. And then your Papa was forced to put his own heart into the chest."

"And then the Dutchman and the Pearl overtook the Endeavour, just like you told me," said Willy, one of his hand's in each of his parent's.

"Yes," answered Will, smiling at his son, "Team Sparrow, and Turner, together again."

"So that's how you became Captain of the Flying Dutchman?" asked Willy.

"That's how I became Captain of the Flying Dutchman. There was no defeating the curse for ten years. But your mother here," he said, grinning over at his wife. "She stayed faithful to me, and I to her, and so, the curse was broken," said Will, feeling relived now that the story was told.

"Thank you for telling me all this," said Willy. "I feel better for knowing the whole story." He yawned profusely, as it was getting late. "Wait," he said suddenly curious. "Was this the same battle that you finally got married in?"

"Indeed it was," replied Elizabeth with a contented sight, "Married by a pirate captain."

"That's nifty!!!" exclaimed Willy, eyes wide. "So that's why people aren't afraid of the Flying Dutchman anymore, because Papa was such a kind captain?"

"Right," said Elizabeth, kissing Will on the cheek, "And now the new captain has to follow in his footsteps. Well, it's off to bed with you, son," she said, scooping her son up in her arms and carrying him to the cabin he shared with Charles and Anna, who were already asleep.

They had elected to sleep on the ship, incase they needed to make a quick escape, not to mention that Tortuga was rather loud, and the inns were rather full, due to the Brethren Court's presence. Once Willy had been put safely into bed, Elizabeth changed into a nightgown, and Will sat in a chair in their small cabin, surveying her. His beloved's birthday was tomorrow, and despite all that was going on, he still wanted to do something for her, however small it may be. Elizabeth, who had caught him looking at her, glanced over, a curious look on her face.

"What is it?" she asked. "Do I look funny?"

"No," answered Will sheepishly. "You look beautiful, as always. I was thinking of going to find Jack on the island. Do you think you'll be all right here?" he asked worriedly, refusing to leave if it wasn't safe.

"I should be fine. Andrew and Amelia are in the next cabin over, and Barbossa, Groves, Pintel, and Ragetti are on guard duty, and no is likely to trifle with them, especially not Barbossa," responded Elizabeth knowingly. "You go on and have a drink with Jack, Willy and I will be perfectly all right. I would go with you, but I'm just exhausted."

"If you insist," said Will, leaning over to kiss her, his lips brushing ever so gently over hers. "Elizabeth." He adored the sound of her name on his lips, and she smiled as he said it, kissing him in return.

Will turned to go, noticing as he grabbed his own sword, that Elizabeth's was right next to the bed. He chuckled to himself; he certainly wouldn't want to be on the other end of her fierce sword attacks. He had been the one who had taught her, and he knew what she was fully capable of with a blade. He stepped lightly off the ship, and his feet carried him towards the Faithful Bride, where he knew Jack would be. He was hoping for Jack to assist him in his plans for Elizabeth's birthday; it was an odd idea to be sure, but Jack was an expert at getting things done in a pinch. Andrew and Amelia had agreed to help already, so hopefully Jack would as well. And if he didn't, perhaps Norrington or Gibbs would.

He entered the barely controlled chaos that was the Faithful Bride, locating Jack towards the back sitting by the bar, talking to none other than Norrington. Gibbs sat with them also. Jack greeted him with an exuberant wave, a rather large bottle of rum in hand.

"William!!!" he exclaimed merrily, clearly having had a good bit rum, "Feeling better I see? It's good to see you up and about mate!"

"Thanks Jack," answered Will with a chuckle as he sat down. "I still feel rather sore, but better."

"So tell me," said Jack, "What is that you need help with?"

"How do you know I need help?" asked Will, slightly bewildered.

"You always have the same look on your face when you come to ask me for help, and it nearly always involves Elizabeth," answered Jack knowingly. "What is it?"

Will shook his head, surprised at just how well Jack appeared to read him. "Well, it's Elizabeth's birthday tomorrow, and I know I won't be able to do much because of everything that's going on, but I just wanted to do something, however small."

"Ah," said Jack with a grin. "It's dear Lizzie's birthday. Of course I'll help mate."

"You will?" questioned Will, eyes widened slightly.

"Sure," answered Jack, looking around at Norrington and Gibbs. "And so will these two scallywags."

Gibbs nodded, a large smile on his face. "After what she went through worrying over you and little Willy," he said, "She deserves it."

"For the record," remarked Norrington dryly, "I'm not a scallywag. But I would love to assist with Elizabeth's birthday."

"It doesn't have to be anything big," said Will, "Just something to let her know I haven't forgotten it in the midst of all this chaos. I do wish we could have spent her birthday in a more peaceful manner, though, without all this bloody trouble."

"Indeed," said Norrington. "But hopefully we will get the best of Clinton soon enough. Perhaps the owner of the pub will allow us to use their oven to make a cake for Elizabeth; I'll go ask and then I'll fetch Estrella; I know she make quite the tasty cake," he said, sending Will a smile as he rose to go.

"Thank you James," responded Will, glad to have his friends to help him.

"I'll go with you," said Gibbs, "To see if we can arrange to have a table in this madhouse."

With that, the two of them left, leaving Jack and Will alone. Will stretched his arms overhead, yawning. As he did so, his shirt sleeve pulled up to reveal the new pirate brand on his arm. He caught Jack eyeing it warily, and quickly put his arm down, a frown on his face.

"I am sorry that bastard did that to you, mate," said Jack, taking a prolonged sip of rum, "I know from personal experience that it hurts like the devil."

"It certainly did," said Will grimly, "And now I have to live with that on my arm for the rest of my life."

"Like uncle, like nephew I suppose," answered Jack thoughtfully. "That really was a low blow, but you'll learn to live with it. You were the last person that deserved that, but it's not like you weren't a pirate already." Jack grinned at this, elbowing Will in the ribs, obviously trying to cheer him up.

"True enough," said Will, returning the grin. "And too think I used to scorn the very word. Ah, well, things change, and now I've got a pirate family of my very own." He chuckled, feeling better, and Jack laughed uproariously.

The two continued talking for some hours afterward, catching up, reminiscing, and planning for Elizabeth's birthday surprise.

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Will woke at nine the next morning, and crawled ever so silently out of bed; Elizabeth was asleep, and he needed her to remain that way. The Empress swayed slightly beneath the morning waves, but Will was used to such things after ten years at sea. He walked over the Andrew and Amelia's cabin and quickly woke them, asking for them to wake the others, then proceeded to the children's cabin and woke them as well. He bid them to get dressed, so they could walk over to the Faithful Bride and make sure everything was ready. As predicted, the children were dressed within minutes, as they made their way over, Willy begged his father for a piggy back ride. Will obliged, and Charles and Anna each took one of his hands as they walked on.

"Mama is going to be so surprised!!" said Willy excitedly. "We always celebrated her birthday but we never had a party with so many people before, she'll be thrilled!!"

"I do hope so," commented Will as they entered the deserted Faithful Bride. "She needs some relief after everything that has happened recently."

"Uncle Will?" asked Anna curiously. "Why is there no one inside this pub?"

"That would be because it is only just past nine in the morning, Anna, and pirates, more often than not, sleep until at least noon," said Will, winking at her.

"Look!!!!" exclaimed Charles, as they laid eyes on a table in the center of the room. In the center was the cake that Estrella and Norrington had baked, and candles were set all around, along with plates and silverware set for everyone. A few streamers and placemats had been procured from somewhere by Andrew and Amelia, and they accented the room nicely. It had been decided among them to have the party early, due to the fact that the pub would be empty and devoid of brawling pirates.

"It looks wonderful!!!" said Will in response. "It's perfect." As he said this, Amelia and Andrew entered, bringing a band of sleepy looking people with them, including the Empress' crew, the Pearl's crew, and Captain Barbossa.

"It's bloody early!!" piped up Jack rubbing his eyes, his arm draped loosely over Ana Maria, her nose wrinkled up, as though she heartily wished he had bathed recently, but looking pleased nonetheless. "I only went to bed a few hours ago, William!"

"That may be," said Will with a laugh, "But you also promised to be here for Elizabeth's birthday. Speaking of her, it's time to go and get her. Thanks for your help everyone, I know she'll be pleasantly surprised."

There was a rousing chorus of "you're welcome," and with that, Will made his way back to the Empress to wake his beloved. He fingered a small box in his pocket as he walked. Inside the box lay a locket that he had made himself during his time on the Dutchman. It was gold, because Will had thought that gold would bring out the sun kissed streaks in Elizabeth's hair. It was heart shaped, and three letters were carved on the front; a large ornate W at the top, a large E on the bottom, and a smaller W in the middle. It represented their love, and the beautiful child they had created. He hoped to have a portrait of them all, and hopefully their future children, to put inside of it someday.

He stepped on board the Empress and walked slowly to the cabin he and his wife shared. He knelt down gently next to the bed, and slipped the necklace around her neck. He kissed her eyelids, and they popped open instantly.

"Happy Birthday love," he said, his voice shaking slightly from all the emotion he felt at being here with her on her birthday for the first time in 10 years.

"Thank you," she said with a smile, reaching down to finger the necklace. "What's this?" she questioned, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, Will," she breathed. "It's gorgeous. Did you make this?"

He nodded silently, his eyes alight. "Do you like it?"

"I adore it," she said softly, before leaning in and capturing his lips in an ardent kiss. He picked her up and swung her about, both laughing. He set her down after a moment, grinning. "Well, love, why don't you get dressed and we'll go have breakfast before everyone else wakes up?"

"That sounds lovely," she said, "Let me get dressed." She reached around in her suitcase, settling upon a simple yellow sundress that accented her hair and eyes nicely. She pulled half her hair back, leaving the rest to flow around her shoulders. "It is quite nice to be able to wear a dress," she said, "after having worn pants for so many days; it's nice to feel feminine."

Will nodded, thinking that she always looked feminine to him; she was beautiful.

"Where is Willy?" she questioned, seeing her son's cabin door ajar as she and Will walked off the ship.

"Off playing with Anna and Charles," said Will, taking her hand, his insides writhing with excitement at what his wife would think of the surprise.

She gave him a worried look; she had kept even closer tabs on her son's whereabouts ever since the kidnapping episode.

"Don't worry," said Will reassuringly. "They are in the care of Andrew and Amelia."

They walked in contented silence for the few minutes it took to reach the Faithful Bride. Will slowly opened the door, and the couple was greeted with a rousing chorus of "Surprise, Elizabeth!!!!!"

Elizabeth clapped a hand to her mouth, a huge smile erupting onto her features, gazing around at all of her friends.

"Happy Birthday, Mum!!!!" said Willy, running up to give her a hug.

"Thank you Willy," she said, hugging him fiercely, "Thank you everyone, what a lovely surprise!!!!" Her face emanated with true happiness for the first time in days, and Will was glad to know, that despite all of the pain and trouble they had faced in the past weeks, that there could still be wonderful, normal things, like birthday celebrations.

Elizabeth turned to him, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Did you plan this, William Turner?"

"Yes," he admitted, "But everyone helped; Estrella baked the cake with James' help, Gibbs arranged to have the table and plates and things from the pub owner, Andrew and Amelia helped with the decorations, and Jack supplied both alcoholic and the non alcoholic drinks. Everyone helped in some way or another," he said. "We all thought you deserved it."

"Well I thoroughly appreciate it," she answered. "And that cake does look delectable."

"It does," agreed Will, "And you might like to know that Willy, Charles and Anna helped with decorating it," he continued, unable to suppress a chuckle as he looked over at the cake, that read "Happy Birthday Pirate King" in large blue letters made of cake icing.

Elizabeth, who was very touched by this, grabbed the three children and hugged them all.

"Well I think we should eat some of this delicious looking cake," said Jack, licking his lips, and reaching for it.

But his hand was slapped away by Ana. "We must sing Happy Birthday first, Jack," she reprimanded him.

"Oh, right," he said looking sheepish, and slowly pulled his hand away.

"What kind of person doesn't know that?" questioned Norrington. "You always sing Happy Birthday before you cut into the cake!!! Just how uncivilized are you Sparrow?"

"Well excuse me!!!" exclaimed Jack.

"Anyway," said Will loudly, clearing his throat. "Let's get to it then!"

With that, the large group of pirates, who were so like family, sand Happy Birthday to Elizabeth and enjoyed a wonderfully baked cake and had a lovely party that each and every one of them deserved, thanking God for this moment of peace to simply have fun, and be together.

AN: I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! I know it wasn't full of action, but don't worry, the next chapter will be. And I wanted to write a happy chapter, seeing as the characters needed a break, lol!