The days flew by for Elizabeth and Jack as they reminisced on all that had happened in the past and the events that had led up to this moment. In between their frequent heart-to-heart chats, Jack found himself absorbed with keeping little William amused. The boy was quite curious and intelligent for a two year old and seemed oddly fascinated with Jack's life as a pirate. Elizabeth would sit on her chair that overlooked the inlet and smile to herself as Jack told William stories of the high seas.
Once in awhile Jack would tell William stories about his father's daring and bravery and how they had met. William was especially interested in these stories and listened with great interest and excitement. Elizabeth found herself oftentimes wiping away a stray tear as she listened to the stories of their old adventures, her heart aching to go back to those days. Jack would hesitate every time he noted that Elizabeth was getting emotional, but she would shake her head and motion for him to continue. She enjoyed hearing the stories as much as little William did. Something about the way Jack told them made them seem real again…he spoke with such passion and his eyes would get round with excitement as if he were reliving each and every moment as he spoke. It was absolutely enchanting and Elizabeth felt her heart race with adrenalin as she recapped the battles and dangers they had faced.
"Alright now you little whelp," said Jack as he affectionately ruffled William's hair, "its high-time you go to bed."
William pouted, "Aw, but Jack…"
"Now, now, no buts!" scolded Jack with a serious face, "Your Mommy would have me head if I kept you up any later than I already do."
William sighed sadly and then reached forward, wrapping his arms tightly around Jack's neck, "Thank you, Jack…I like your stories."
Jack smiled as he hugged the young boy, struck again by how much like his father he truly was, "Aye, lad…and I like tellin' em to ya. Now hurry off to bed so we can start again tomorrow, aye?"
"Aye, aye, Captain!" shouted William as he scurried off back into the house.
Jack watched him leave with a huge grin of amusement on his face. He turned to face Elizabeth who was sitting quietly in her chair, smiling as she gazed at Jack.
"He really admires you, you know?" she said after a moment.
Jack sighed as he sank down into the chair next to her and looked out over the sea, "Aye…and you've done a mighty fine job raising him, Lizzie."
Elizabeth smiled at that, "Thank you…although he could use a father figure in his life," she added quietly, her throat tightening with emotion, "It's not good for such a young boy to not have a man around."
Jack smirked a little, his eyes dancing with mischief, "Aye, Lizzie but Jackie's here now."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes in mock exasperation, "Yes, Jack I know…but for how long? You're…you're a pirate. Eventually you and your men are going to leave port."
Jack frowned, looking away as he contemplated that. He knew his men must be getting anxious by now. After all, they'd been at port for almost a week now. They never stayed in any one place for that amount of time…not even in Tortuga. Elizabeth was right…he would have to leave…and soon.
"When you go," said Elizabeth, her voice barely above a whisper, "Just…just go, okay? Don't tell William…he'll be awfully upset."
Jack felt his heart clench at the very thought of upsetting that precious little boy, "I would never want to do that, Lizzie…I'll leave first thing in the morning."
Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment as a pang of longing and loneliness hit her. She shouldn't have gotten her hopes up. Deep down she had hoped he would stay…but this was Captain Jack Sparrow she was talking about. He couldn't stay anywhere for long. It wasn't in his nature.
"Ah, Lizzie," murmured Jack as he moved over and knelt down next to where she was sitting, "I'm so sorry, love…"
Elizabeth shook her head, "No…no it's…it's alright," but the tears falling softly down her face said otherwise.
Jack frowned as he realized that once again he was hurting her, but wondered why she was so distraught at him leaving. Surely she had known he wouldn't stay? Then another thought struck him…she had said she wished William had a father figure around, seeing as how Will Turner wouldn't be back for another seven years and all. Had she hoped he would stay…and be William's father? And what would that have meant for the two of them?
He looked up into Elizabeth's eyes and saw the same questions reflecting in her saddened gaze. In that moment Jack felt his control slipping. He reached up, brushing tears off of her face and then cupped her chin in his hand, drawing her face closer to his. His lips brushed against hers and he felt her shudder with desire. He parted his lips and kissed her, slowly and carefully at first, unsure of her boundaries, and then with passion and desire. He felt the wetness of her tears as they spilled onto his face as he kissed her, his hands roaming over her still-slim figure while her hands explored his chest, arms, stomach. After a moment, Jack pulled away, gasping for air.
"Ah, Lizzie," he murmured, regretting having to pull away, "I can't…I can't do that to you love. I know…I know what we both want to happen right now…but I cannot be doing that to you and then leaving you tomorrow. It…it wouldn't be right."
Elizabeth nodded, unable to speak as she wrapped her arms around Jack. He held her for a long moment and let her cry on his shoulder.
"I love you, Jack Sparrow," murmured Elizabeth after a long moment.
Jack froze at hearing those three words…words he was sure he would never hear from this gorgeous creature's mouth. His heart skipped a beat as he murmured back, "I love you too, Elizabeth Swann…I always have…and I always will."
…
Should've kissed you there
I should've held your face
I should've watched those eyes
Instead of run in place
I should've called you out
I should've said your name
I should've turned around
I should've looked again
But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I 'm staring at the mess I made
I 'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away
Should've held my ground
I could've been redeemed
For every second chance
That changed its mind on me
I should've spoken up
I should've proudly claimed
That oh my head's to blame
For all my heart's mistakes
But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I 'm staring at the mess I made
I 'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away
And it's you, and it's you
And it's you, and it's you
And it's falling down, as you walk away
And it's on me now, as you go
But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I 'm staring at the mess I made
I 'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away…
…
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