Summary: "As much as he didn't want to look up, he did. He couldn't bear her leaving without giving her some parting words." Aka an elaboration on Jack's POV of Elizabeth leaving for the final time. One-shot. Sparrabeth. Set during the end of AWE.

Prompt: Write a story that starts with two people saying goodbye.

A/N: With Darkness and Despair and Vaslin's Valor (A New Age) finished, I'm just working through my prompt list until I finally convince myself to start working on some other stories I have in mind. I've also been watching the TV series Merlin for the first time, hence why I haven't posted since New Year's Eve. That's a really good show. Can't believe I didn't watch it sooner.

A Pirate's Parting

Jack lifted his head at the sound of her saying his name. He'd heard the rest of the crew addressing her, biding their farewells. And now she stood before him. As much as he didn't want to look up, he did. He couldn't bear her leaving without giving her some parting words.

"It would never have worked out between us." She told him, her voice containing a hint of regret. She didn't want to leave any more than he wanted her to.

He forced a small smirk, recalling a time not too long ago when he had said the same thing to her. It'd been just over a year ago. Oh, how so much had happened since then. "Keep tellin' yourself that, darlin'."

She smiled back at him and moved forward, as if to kiss him. He held up his hands to stop her, knowing all too well she'd just married another man- a man she was doomed to see only once every ten years. He also recalled, all too well, that the last time she had kissed him, he had been left for dead- and had died. It was a little too soon to trust her, he thought to himself, despite wanting to oblige and give himself to her.

"Once was quite enough." He explained lightly, wiggling his fingers.

She pulled back, understanding, though her smile faded for just a moment. "Thank you."

Jack watched her with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. She disembarked the Black Pearl, climbing into her chariot. His eyes were glued to her as she began rowing away, her form growing smaller with each passing second. Goodbye, Elizabeth. My pirate.