Chapter 3 – Version 2.0

Disclaimer: I still don't own anything related to Pirates of the Caribbean, though Valerie is all mine.

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"Woah!"

Will pulled his horse to a halt under a weathered wooden sign that swung idly in the breeze, an anvil and hammer barely visible in the sunlight. Will dismounted, tethered his horse, and stepped into the forgotten shop. Inside, time stood still. Old swords and other metal objects adorned the walls coated with thick layers of dust. The air was stale and cobwebs hung in every corner. Will felt nostalgia wash over him as he recalled all the days he had spent here. After his engagement to Elizabeth, he had no time to continue his work as a blacksmith. He missed the sweltering heat, the long hours, and the sound of metal striking metal, but most of all, he missed the pride that filled him upon completion of a project.

The shop had shut down after the death of the former owner, Mr. Brown, who on one warm summer evening had consumed enough rum to stop his heart. Will had never returned, even after he was informed that his employer had left the shop to him in his will. He suddenly regretted his decision to not take over the place.

Something in particular caught Will's eye. He walked over to an anvil and gently blew the dust off a half-finished sword. It had been the last thing he had worked on. He picked it up and ran his finger along the dull blade that would never be sharpened. He frowned.

'If I'm engaged to the woman of my dreams, then why does my life feel so incomplete?'

Something was amiss between him and Elizabeth. He just needed to figure out what it was. Maybe engaging in his old trade would help.

Feeling stifled by the memories that continued to wash over him, Will placed the sword onto a shelf and turned his back on it. He walked toward the heavy wooden door and pushed it open forcefully, suddenly furious with himself, Elizabeth, and the rest of the world.

"Oomph!"

The door had connected with something. Will squinted as his eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight. As they did, he noticed someone curled up on the ground. A wave of guilt washed over him.

"I apologize," he said, realizing that the stranger was a young woman. "Let me help you up, Miss."

As he knelt beside the girl, her eyes met his. She crinkled her nose and touched it gingerly in several places. Once she reassured herself that it wasn't broken, she broke into a smile. Will's heart stopped.

Her piercing green eyes that were adorned with long, thick, onyx lashes seemed to stare straight into his soul. Her sweet smile made something deep inside of him stir. Her fiery red hair fell in waves around her beautiful face and seemed to warn him that she was not as innocent as she appeared.

Will couldn't tear his eyes away from her. She was captivating.

"Is that how they say hello around here?" she finally asked, cocking her head at him. Will was afraid to smile, but her sparkling eyes assured him that she wouldn't be offended. He grinned.

"Only to beautiful women," he replied.

'What am I saying?' He mentally slapped himself. 'Think of your fiancée.' But he couldn't. All he could think about was the beautiful young woman that he had just assaulted with a door.

"My name is Valerie," she said, interrupting his thoughts. "Valerie Springfield."

"Hello, I'm William Turner." Will smiled meekly. "Will."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Will," she grinned. "I think I'll take you up on that offer to help me up now."

Will blushed, suddenly realizing that she was still on the ground. "Sorry," he mumbled as he extended his hand to her. She gripped it firmly and pulled herself up. Will studied her again. She was shorter than him by about a head. The long, dark green dress she was wearing reflected in her eyes, enhancing their natural color. He couldn't get over those emerald eyes. They were so full of mischief, mystery, and playfulness.

Valerie cleared her throat, snapping Will from his stupor. She glanced down at her hand, which was still resting gently in his. Will's cheeks turned pink again as he pulled away from her. Valerie silently noted how adorable Will looked when he was blushing.

"I'm new in town," Valerie said, breaking the silence. "I've just arrived from England for a friend's wedding."

"Well, welcome to Port Royal, Miss Springfield."

"Please, call me Valerie."

"Can I show you around, Miss Spri—Valerie?" Will stumbled over his words. 'Why am I acting like this?' he wondered.

"I'd like that very much, Mister Turner," she giggled. "As long as no one else greets me the way you just did. I'm afraid my face wouldn't be able to handle any more doors."

Will groaned and averted his eyes to the ground, feeling guilty again. Valerie gently placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze.

"Hey, I'm only joking. I'm alright, see?" She lifted his chin up with her other hand so he was looking into her eyes. Her smile was contagious and he returned it with ease.

Will didn't want her touch to leave his body, but he reluctantly pulled away and walked over to his horse.

"Where can I take you? Is there anything in particular you'd like to see first?" he asked, untying the beast and pulling himself into the saddle.

Valerie shrugged. "You're my guide. Why don't you show me your favorite place?"

'That would be wherever you are,' he thought to himself.

"I know just the spot." He smiled at her warmly and helped her onto the horse. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled herself close to him. Neither could see the others smile, but both grinned like schoolchildren during the entire ride.

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"Here we are," Will said, pulling his horse to a stop. He dismounted and helped Valerie do the same.

"It's perfect," she breathed, taking in her surroundings. He had brought her to a meadow beside a small river. Wildflowers covered the clearing and small songbirds chirped loudly as they floated through the air.

Valerie slowly made her way toward the riverbank, admiring the nature that surrounded her. Will followed her steps silently, not wanting to break the magical moment. Once she had reached the crystal waters of the bank, she kicked off her shoes and took a step in. The cool, calm water lapped at the hem of her dress. She closed her eyes and titled her head up towards the sun, welcoming its warm rays.

"Do you like it?" Will asked quietly.

"I adore it," she replied, turning to look at him. Will's heart skipped a beat as they locked eyes again. He wondered if he would ever grow immune to the effect her eyes had on him.

Before he could say anything else, Valerie winked at him, turned sharply, and dove into the water. Will's jaw dropped.

"Are you mad?" he asked her when she emerged.

She laughed. "Maybe just a bit. Honestly, where's your sense of adventure?" she asked, cocking her head and giving him a playful smile. For a moment, she reminded him of Jack Sparrow.

"Do you always swim in your dress?" he chuckled.

"Would you rather I removed it?" she grinned mischievously. Will turned scarlet. "What's the matter, Mister Turner? Scared of a little water?"

Will sighed at her challenge and dove in. He emerged beside her, laughing.

"See? Nothing to be afraid of," she teased.

"Are you certain of that?" he asked with a devilish grin.

She gave him an inquisitive look. "What could you possibly mean—"

She was interrupted by a large splash that drenched her face. After wiping the water from her eyes, she looked at Will in disbelief.

"What on earth was—" She was interrupted by another wave.

"William!" she exclaimed.

"Surrender, do you?" he teased.

"Such behavior towards a lady. You should be ashamed," she scolded.

Will felt his stomach drop. "Miss Springfield, I apologize if I—"

He was interrupted by a wave.

"How many times must I ask you to call me Valerie?" she smiled. Will looked at her in wonder. He couldn't remember the last time he had done anything this carefree.

"At least once more, Miss Springfield."

"William."

"Valerie."

"Do you surrender?"

"Never!"

And with that cry, a war erupted. They were children again, splasing and playfully dunking one another.

After what seemed to be an eternity, exhaustion overtook them. With enormous grins on their faces, they climbed out of the water and collapsed onto the grass.

"You're soaked," Will commented as he studied her.

"I hadn't noticed," Valerie teased. "Thank you for that bit of information."

He couldn't help but laugh at her sarcasm and soon she joined him.

"Your laugh is such a wonderful sound."

"Why William, I do believe you've made me blush," she replied playfully, touching her cheeks and fluttering her eyelashes at him.

"I mean it," he said softly. "Your laughter makes my heart skip a beat."

At these words, Valerie turned as crimson as her hair and looked down at her hands that were folded in her lap.

Will chuckled. "I think this is the first time since I've met you that you've been at a loss for words."

She looked up at him with a shy smile, but did not speak. Instead, she bit her bottom lip softly and lowered her gaze again.

Will could not describe the emotions that were coursing through him at that moment. With one look, she had set off a chained reaction in his heart. He felt a surge of adrenaline rush through his veins as his mouth turned dry. His engagement to Elizabeth, his morals, everything was forgotten as he surrendered to this moment. He pushed himself up from the grass and moved closer towards Valerie. As her eyes met his gaze, he felt himself swallow hard. Her eyes were ablaze with desire of such magnitude that he almost froze, but he pushed past his fear and moved even closer until he was kneeling directly in front of her. With their faces just inches apart, their breathing became uneven and ragged.

"We should probably head back," Valerie whispered.

"That would be wise on our part," Will agreed. Neither of them moved. Raw desire seeped from every pore in their bodies.

Suddenly, Will was transported back in time. He was standing in a cave, watching Elizabeth walk away. 'If you were looking for the opportune moment, that was it,' Jack had told him.

He wasn't about to make the same mistake again.

In one fluid motion, Will cupped his hand under Valerie's chin and crushed his lips against hers. She responded eagerly as she entwined her fingers into his hair and tugged gently. Will moaned softly and deepened the kiss, his tongue hungrily invading her mouth. As their passion escalated, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place. Will realized what had been missing in his relationship with Elizabeth.

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Vickay: Woot! Another chapter down. Hope you guys enjoy version 2.0!

Will: *smiles sheepishly*

Vickay: What pray tell are you smiling at?

Will: I got my first real chapter!

Vickay: *laughs* You're so cute!

Elizabeth: I think I'm going to be sick.

Jack: *curses under his breath*

Elizabeth: What's wrong?

Jack: Didn't even bloody appear in this chapter. Where are my steamy scenes?

Vickay: I'm sorry you two! I promise we're going to be seeing a lot more of you guys soon! Unfortunately that's it for now. Please review! Love you all!

Will: *whispering* Love you too.

Vickay: What was that, sweetie?

Will: Huh? Oh nothing.

Vickay: *shrugs* Whatever...till next time folks!