Warnings:

Although I have done research, there will most likely be many historical inaccuracies, as well as mistakes in regards to character biography - for the sake of this story, please ignore them.

No beta-reader, so all mistakes are mine - feel free to point any out, when proof reading myself they can be easy to overlook.

This story will often skip through 'time/scenes' throughout the first three films, so having a good understanding of the plot will be an advantage.

Disclaimer:

I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean or anything related to the franchise.

Prelude

1723

North Atlantic Ocean, HMS Anchorage

After the sweltering heat of an august sun, the breeze that accompanied sundown was a welcome relief for the HMS Anchorage and her crew as they made head for England.

Leaning against the starboard rail, midshipman James Norrington spread his wetted fingers across the back of his neck, sighing as the water soothed his overheated skin.

"Now that's a sight, innit, Jamie?"

James, neither surprised by the man who appeared as his side, nor feeling unwelcome of his company, allowed his lips to curl upward in amusement, sparing him a glance. "And what sight would that be, Jack?"

The other man, only a few scant years older than he, smirked and leant back against the rail, nodding towards the portside.

Humouring him, James turned and quirked a brow. "The sunset?"

"Aye. Grand, ain't it? Nothing like seeing the sun sink back into the sea's embrace." Jack's brow creased then.

"What is it?"

"'Tis a shame to be going back to Mother England." He sighed. "She may be bonny an' all that, but she ain't nothin' like being at sea."

James chuckled before admitting quietly; "I couldn't agree with you more."

A moment of companionable silence was shared until Jack turned to him with a glint in his eye that could only be described as a mischievous. "If yer doing nothin' else, come with me, there's something I wanted ta show yer down in the hold."

James licked his suddenly dry lips, his pulse suddenly thumping under the skin of his neck. "Oh? And what might that be?" But of course, this game was one he knew well.

The other man simply smirked again and strode away, ducking below the deck and disappearing from sight.

Trying in vein to suppress his smile, James took a swig of water before pocketing the flask and following Jack.

James had barely made it into the dimly lit hold before an arm snaked from between the tightly packed crates and pulled him deeper into the shadows.

Knowing no one could see them, James grinned openly, allowing himself to be towed forth before he was spun and pressed against the curved hull of the ship.

Hot, dry lips claimed his and he opened his mouth, tongue engaging in a sliding battle with Jack's as the older man pressed flush against him.

Sometime later, James lay in the cramped space, his still stockinged legs entwined with Jack's and head on the other man's chest. Listening to the steady thumping under his ear, James felt content and knew that if Jack were with him, he would be happy to lay here forever.

The sudden realisation hit him with as much force as a cannon ball and, as he lay in stunned silence, realised that propriety, logic and even God could damn him, for James Norrington was in love with Jack Sparrow.

- O -

1724

Celtic Sea, HMS Anchorage

"Jack?"

"Hmm?" Came the grunted reply, one tanned arm tightening around the Lieutenant's waist.

"It's time." James said, his voice steady despite his growing disappointment.

"Five more minutes." The words were muffled and spoken into his hair.

James ran his hand along Jack's arm, chuckling softly before sobering. "We can't. You were nearly caught last time."

"Yer no fun at all." There was a brief pause, followed by a sigh. "Oh very well."

James felt Jack shift behind him, and took the opportunity to kiss the elder's hand as it withdrew.

Sitting up, he watched as Jack dressed, finishing by pulling on his boots and neatly tying back his mane of dark hair.

"There, see now? All presentable like." Jack's words were spoken light-heartedly, but James didn't miss their hard undercurrent.

He caught the other man's hand as he made for the door. "What's the matter?"

Jack sighed and turned to face him, before sitting heavily upon the end of the bed. "I wish we didn't have ta hide." He muttered after a moment.

James raised an eyebrow. "But you know why we must."

Another sigh, followed by a sharp nod. "Aye. Short drop, sudden stop."

"Indeed."

"Jamie...have yer ever – would yer ever...never mind."

James frowned. "Would I ever what?"

Dark eyes bored into his. "We will never be accepted 'ere, luv."

It was James' turn to sigh and he looked away. "I know."

"If...if y-we left the navy...there are certain placed where we would."

James barked a mirthless laugh. "Where on earth would accept two sodomites, Jack?"

"Well...on certain ships-"

James gave him a sardonic smile. "Piracy, Jack?" Mirth did overtake him then, but it quickly died off with a choke under Jack's steady gaze. "You're serious?"

"As the plague, mate."

James stared at him for the space of several moments, but Jack, it seemed, was indeed serious. "That is the most nonsensical thing to have ever crossed your lips."

The other man frowned, his eyes flashing in recognisable annoyance. "And whys that?"

James spluttered indignantly. "Are you mad? Pirates are vile, degenerate and greedy. And, aside from that, I-we have a duty to our Country! It would be best if you never think these preposterous thoughts again."

Jack regarded him for a moment and James found that he couldn't decipher his lover's expression. Disappointment perhaps? Sadness? Resolution? A touch of anger? Some combination of all four?

Jack stood and James forgot about trying to read him, instead rushing from the bed and stopping the other man before he could leave. "Jack, wait."

"Hmm?" Came the non-committal reply.

"I love you, and I know this life will never be easy, but we have each other."

Jack turned to face him and although his expression remained impassive, his dark eyes were soft, though touched with sadness. He lifted one hand to cup James' jaw and his lips descended soon after, capturing the younger man's in the most gentle of kisses.

Withdrawing, Jack leant close, his words murmured and spoken directly into his ear. "You own me heart, Jamie. I hope yer remember that." And he was gone from the cabin in the next moment, leaving James wondering why Jack's words felt so much like a goodbye.

- O -

1724

English Channel, HMS Anchorage

Two weeks later

James woke to a cold bed, an empty bed. He frowned and sat up, the sheets pooling at his waist. It was rare to Jack to wake before James when he stayed, rarer still to find the other man already gone; and apparently well before dawn.

James lay back with a sigh and rolled over, his cheek crumpling the unseen note that lay on the other pillow.

Sitting up once more, he snatched up the scrap of paper and read Jack's scrawled – surprisingly well written – words, barely managing to make them out in the limited moonlight streaming in through the porthole.

He'd read the note three times, unable to comprehend the words, until finally...finally they sank in and the blood drained from his face.

Jamie,

This ain't how I wanted to tell you, but it seemed I lacked the courage, luv. Still do, in fact. All I will say is that there are certain things about me that will come to light by morning.

All of them are true I'm afraid.

It doesn't really need to be said that I will have already left by then. Just know that I meant what I said. You own me heart, have since we first met.

Take care James. Perhaps one day we'll meet again under a different sunset.

- Jack.

James was dressed and out of his cabin moments later, bursting onto the main deck and looking hopelessly around, knowing that Jack would, in fact, be already gone. He didn't even need to check to see if the cockboat was still aboard, he knew it wouldn't be.

Coming up to the starboard rail, James rested his hand against the smooth wood, gazing morosely out to sea. It must have been by some miracle that he managed to spot the small row-boat, but a spec in the distance under the haze of moonlight.

It was as he turned about to call attention, that he noticed the legs peaking out from under the quarterdeck stairs. Rushing over, he was relieved to find that the man was alive, but unconscious from a blow to the head.

James soon found three more men just like him and, though it hurt, he was duty-bound to alert the Captain.

The next several hours passed in a rush he didn't ever care to remember. But alas, he did all too well. Finding out the rudder chain had been disabled, that official missives where missing as well as the ship's log were but a few of the distressing discoveries made that night. Not to mention that a good portion of stock, including the Captain's and crew's personal valuables were gone too.

Countless questions, weeks, and an investigation later, the evidence and facts had become all too clear. HMS Anchorage had had a fox in the hen-house. A pirate cavorting as a naval man.

But, as bad as it seemed, that wasn't the worst part. Five English Man of War's had been attacked simultaneously, the enemy now possessing valuable information regarding the fleet's orders and the inner workings of a naval vessel. And, no doubt, all because of Jack Sparrow.

With the revelation that the King's most powerful ships were now vulnerable, James fell into bed aboard the Anchorage, now in port, an overwhelming feeling of sickness and betrayal curling in the pit of his stomach.

Jack Sparrow was a pirate, always had been it seemed. He had played James like a finely strung harp, blinding him to Jack's, at times, odder than normal behaviour. Behaviour he was only now beginning to recognise for what it was; suspicious and up to no good.

James could have prevented it, he realised. If he hadn't been so overcome by his damned emotions for that pirate, he would have seen what Jack had been up to ever since he first boarded the Anchorage.

James had never felt more like a fool.

Finally alone, and with no one to watch, he allowed himself a moment to really feel the sting of Jack's betrayal.

A long while later, his face shamefully wet and heart aching, James fell into oblivion's embrace, his last thoughts a vow that he would see every pirate hang for their crimes. Jack Sparrow included.

To be continued...