Disclaimer : the same as chapter 1.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

- This chapter has references to my POTC stories "For loving an angel" and "My father's eyes".

- A big "Thank you" to all my reviewers, you are so kind!

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Chapter 3

Bill Turner's breath hitched within his chest after hearing Will's gentle declaration.

Papa. He hadn't heard this word in years, not since he left England to seek his dishonest fortune in the Caribbean, and he'd thought he would never hear this child's word again. Even now, Will called him "Mr. Turner" while giving his orders out loud from the Flying Dutchman's helm and Bill understood it since hierarchy and protocol had to be maintained in front of the crewmembers. "Father" had been mentioned in the very few casual conversations the Turners had since Will became their Captain. But "Papa" had been an absent word so Bill had thought it gone forever… until now.

And his William had just told him he loved him. In spite of everything that had happened, his desertion and the other past mistakes following Bootstrap Bill like dusty, rusted chains dragged by a ghost, Will loved his father.

Bill crushed his son to his chest with all his might. He was too moved to answer and yet, Will didn't seem to mind. He hugged the older man back, as tightly as he could. After a few moments, the knot of emotion tied around Bill's throat loosened up a little, and he could finally say:

"Oh, my Little One…"

"I was dreaming about you, Papa."

"Indeed?" asked the elder Turner while gently stroking Will's temple with the side of his thumb.

"I was lost in a desert made of salt. Everything was white, including the sky and the sun, and I was standing in the middle of this nowhere with no food or shelter. The silence was deafening, I couldn't even hear my breathing. I tried to call out for you, Elizabeth, and even Jack, but my voice was gone. It was Davy Jones' Locker and I was alone, confronted with my greatest fear: being separated from the ones I love. Solitude was going to crush me like an insect and I felt so small and vulnerable."

Bill felt cold shivers crawling down his spine at the mention of the Flying Dutchman's former Captain, but he managed to keep quiet. It would take him years before he could hear the name of Davy Jones without shuddering!

"Then I heard something… a heartbeat. It was a soft and reassuring sound, full of love. I started laughing in relief because I knew someone was coming for me… And then, the skies became dark and the flood waters of the ocean rose at the horizon. A tidal wave swept me up but I wasn't afraid, in spite of the raging storm I could still hear the heartbeat. I floated on the water like a cork and the ocean's life engulfed the desert, there were packs of dolphins, whales breaching out of the waves, flying fishes gliding through the air. The Flying Dutchman appeared out of nowhere and the next thing I knew, I was sitting on its deck and you were holding me. I couldn't understand the words you were saying because of the tempest but it sounded like an oath and then I woke up… Am I right? Was it an oath, Papa?"

"Yes, my darling, it was."

Will raised his head from his father's lap, trying to look at his features, but only Bill's shining gaze was visible in the shadowy light. His blue eyes had acquired a bioluminescence quality under Davy Jones' tyranny but strangely, this ability had remained even after Bill Turner regained his human form along with the other crewmembers of the Flying Dutchman, thank to the influence of their new Captain.

"And what was it about?"

"I've sworn to accomplish something that I should have done years ago, Will: protecting you, helping you through your duties, and secure your happiness with your wife. I want to be a father for you at long least, and not a subject of shame or danger anymore."

"You've never been a subject of shame, Papa!" protested Will with vehemence, but Bill didn't answer. He appreciated this heart's cry but for the life of him, he couldn't believe his mild-mannered, law-abiding and noble son being proud to have a criminal as a father. Regrets were coming back with a vengeance and Will felt the elder Turner needed to know the depths of his feelings towards him.

He curled up in Bill's arms again and he covered his father's right hand with his left's. Immediately, their fingers intertwined and Will was grateful for this contact. He took a deep breath, bracing himself before confiding to the older man a secret which had weighted on his conscience for more than a year:

"I did feel shocked and angry when Jack told me you've been a pirate – but I was a naive young man at the time. I used to believe that all pirates, without exceptions, were bloodthirsty monsters, just like the ones who had sunk the ship I was serving on as a cabin boy, years ago. But then I met Jack and circumstances forced me to admit that this man, even if he's a scoundrel, also had a good nature. He even saved Elizabeth from drowning, without asking for anything in return! In spite of his double-dealings, his constant treachery and that silver-tongue of his, he's an honorable and likeable man – in his own ways. That's why I just couldn't let Commodore Norrington hang him after we've defeated Barbossa and his crew at the Isla de Muerta."

"And you saved Jack from the gallows… even though you knew it could mean the noose for you as well, my love."

"Yes. Norrington would have executed me too, if not for Elizabeth's intervention. Then I've spent the following year thinking about Jack's words, describing you as: "A good man and a good pirate". His First Mate, Joshamee Gibbs, also told me how you prevented Barbossa and his mutinous crew to lift the Aztec gold curse upon them by sending me the medallion, out of loyalty for Jack, even if you would face retaliation. So I acknowledged the truth: you are truly a good man. That's why I felt so sorry at the thought I had "killed" you after the last gold coin was put back into the Chest of Cortez, along with my blood. I found a little comfort in thinking your sufferings on the ocean's floor were over – until I discovered you've been shanghaied into service aboard the Flying Dutchman. Since then, I was resolute to free you at all costs."

Silence followed Will's words. The young man was tucked beneath Bill's left arm, his head close against his father's heart and he could feel fingers gently massaging his hair. Then the former pirate's voice asked with barely-contained emotion:

"What good I've ever done in my life to deserve you?"

"That's an easy question, Papa. You deserve me because you love me."

Will closed his eyes, remembering the maelstrom battle…

...He was dying and he couldn't feel a thing, not even the sword thrust into his chest, the pain, or Elizabeth's hands on him. He couldn't move nor speak, just able to see his beloved grief-stricken eyes, Jack's shocked face, Jones beaming in triumph, and he couldn't do a thing but feel sorry for his father, for Elizabeth, for being so foolish to think he was strong enough to vanquish Jones and deliver them all, for dying too young…

… A roar of anger had rung out and Bootstrap Bill was attacking Jones, punching the octopus-alike monster square in the face, pounding the Captain to the deck and hitting him again and again. Rage, sorrow and love were disfiguring the cursed seaman; his heart was ripened in two, his mind consumed by the flames of vengeance. The submissive slave and mindless zombie had disappeared and Davy Jones was learning the hard way that damned souls could still fight for their children…

… And yet Jones was too strong and he had flung Bootstrap Bill over his shoulder like a rag doll, making him land across the cannons, laughing at his paternal love again, openly rejoicing at the thought the young Turner would soon become a member of his crew or another dead body floating on the ocean…

… But Bill's blind attack had provided Jack enough time to place his own broken sword into Will's boneless grip. The young man had saw Jack closing his hands on his fist, forcing him to keep a firm hold on the sword's hilt. And then Will had heard Jack whispering in his ear:

"For you, little brother."

And he hadn't understood the meaning of those words until their joined hands had stabbed Jones' rotten heart. The Captain had disappeared into the whirlpool, Jack and Elizabeth had fled the ship and his father…

"Papa?"

"Yes, my son?"

"You don't hate yourself for… my heart, do you?"

Bill couldn't tell a lie. Even if the Great Cabin was plunged into shadows and it would be so easy to deny, he wouldn't dare jeopardize his blossoming relationship with Will, his own fear be damned. His son deserved the truth, everything that was good in this world, and much more.

"I do, Will."

"But… it was the only way to save me! You know that, better than anyone. I'd be dead by now if you haven't done it."

"That's true, my son, but it doesn't make it any easier. I cannot shake the feeling that what happened to you was entirely my fault. Everything went wrong after I left you and your mother, but I swear I've never wanted you to suffer from my actions. That's the reason why I abandoned you: I thought that if I cut all ties with you and your mother before disappearing in the Caribbean, you wouldn't have to face shame and to be treated like outcasts."

"Papa, listen to me. I love you and I forgive you, so you have to forgive yourself. I am proud to be your son, I could never ask for a better father. You are a good and loyal man. I'll never forget how you tried to spare me the whip, your sacrifice during the game of Liar's Dice and your attack on Jones after he wounded me. You've made mistakes, but your heart is your redemption."

"You are my redemption, William. But if it is your wish, I will try my best to forgive myself. Yes, I'll work very hard on it."

Will quietly chuckled and embraced his father again, just before asking:

"How long have you been watching me sleep?"

"Since you've became Captain. I couldn't leave you alone with your nightmares; I knew in my gut something was wrong, even if you didn't say a word about it, so I decided to keep vigil on you every night."

"No wonder you looked so tired. I thought it was an aftereffect of Jones' curse…"

"It doesn't matter, Will. Nothing matters, except you."

Bill thought his ribs would snap in two from his son's affectionate embrace, but it was a very good pain.

"Papa, the sound of your heartbeat helped me through my dream. Will you let me listen to it again?"

"I will gladly do it, my love. Every night, and anytime you'll need it. Please, do not hesitate to ask me and don't let pride or shyness stand between us. It will be our secret, son of mine!"

A long moment of silence followed Bill Turner's words. The ship's rocking had a lulling effect but the former pirate noticed the very first rays of dawn were coming through the stern's large windows, providing a bit more light inside the Great Cabin. Morning would be here soon and he hadn't slept a wink, still he felt renewed and ready to start another day. He didn't need sleep, actually; just a lot of healing.

Will's voice suddenly rose: "I take this secret with a promise, Papa."

Bill suddenly got frightened: the last time Will had made him a promise, it was to free him from Jones and it had ended with his son paying a terrible price. He opened his mouth to beg Will to stop but the younger Turner continued to speak:

"I promise you will live the rest of your life with Elizabeth and me. You will have a home with us, where you will be honored and cared for, and there will be a bunch of little Turners asking their Grandpa for stories, games and long walks. I am sure Elizabeth will agree; she has a very good nature and she knows how it feels to loose a father, her own has been murdered by order of Lord Beckett. She wouldn't want us to be separated again. You will grow old with your family because I refuse to let you die at sea, lost forever in the depths of the ocean."

Will sealed his promise with a kiss on his father's cheek, and Bootstrap Bill busted into tears.

His son, once again, wanted to save him! This time, it was from the watery grave he had always thought was waiting for him. During his time as a merchant seaman, the elder Turner had expected his corpse to be committed to the sea, in a shroud tied up with a rope and weighted with an old cannonball. During his pirating, Bootstrap Bill had imagined his body cut to pieces after a boarding and devoured by sharks. Then in his long years of enslavement to Jones, he had sadly concluded his destiny was to become an integral part of the Flying Dutchman's hull, his bones mixed with the wooden planks and beams.

But never, ever had he imagined himself aging in a warm house, full of laughter, surrounded by loved ones. Will had saved his life and his soul; and now, he was offering him a future! His son, his angel, his pure gift from the Heavens wanted him to stay by his side forever and Bill Turner was overwhelmed by such generosity.

He wants to share his happiness with me. My whole life won't be enough to repay him for his kindness.

Will patiently waited until his father reined in his tumultuous feelings; he knew it would take time before the former pirate got used to the idea of having some sunshine in his life. After a long time, the sobs finally quieted and, with much difficulty, Bill said:

"Thank you, my love."

"Thank you, Papa."

They remained silent for a few moments and then Bill felt his son's hand on his face, trying to dry the tear tracks. Then Will's fingers froze and he picked up something from his father's skin.

"Papa?" The younger Turner propped himself up on his elbow. "What is this?"

Bill smiled; he already knew what his son was referring to. His grin got even wider when he saw Will looking in amazement at the two shining particles on his fingertips.

"Papa! Your tears! They've turned into…!"

"Diamonds. Yes, it still happens; even now that Jones' oath is lifted."

"Still? Do you mean this prodigy has occurred before?"

"Yes, my darling. The first time happened when Jones condemned me to the brig after the Kraken had destroyed the merchant ship that had rescued you. I thought you were dead and I was desperate… until this phenomenon happened. It gave me a little hope for a while, until the curse drove me to madness and I've started to forget you. The second time occurred when… I took your heart, but in the maelstrom's fury no one noticed. The diamonds ricocheted on the deck and fell into the ocean before I could even see them. The third time, while I was guarding your dreams after you've said your farewells to Elizabeth on Shipwreck Island. I kept them in my pocket."

Will was astonished by this revelation: the elder Turner's love was so great it could turn tears into gems! He smiled, and delicately put the two diamonds on a nearby wooden shelve, located on the wall just above the couch: they would be a beautiful reminder of Bill's oath and Will's promise. Then he settled back into his father's arms, feeling sleepy again.

"Papa? Will you stay with me?"

"As long as you want me to, Will."

"Forever, then."

Bill chuckled softly at those words.

"Forever, my cherished."

Will promptly fell back asleep, feeling secure by his father's presence nearby him. Bill couldn't rest, too moved by the conversation he just had with the precious life nestled in his arms. He watched the dawn of a new day slowly coloring the horizon with purple, orange, pink colors. The stars were still brilliant but soon they would disappear, erased by the sun's glory emblazing the sky and the ocean.

After a long darkness, the sun finally rises… and in the darkness of my life, my sun's name is Will.

During the night, William Turner Sr. had sworn an oath to his new Captain and in exchange, he'd received a promise. What did that make him now?

A healing heart.

A mending soul.

A man eternally grateful for being granted a second chance in life.

And, above everything else, a loving father.

I am all this.

Out of impulse, he deposited a light kiss on Will's forehead. The young man unconsciously smiled and started to stir, but his father calmed him by stroking the dark tresses in a gentle gesture. Will returned to his dreams with a soft sigh.

Just sleep, my son. It is still early. Papa is watching over you.

THE END! ;-)