Bells
"Wake up, darling."
"Mmm."
"Le temps pour se réveiller…" (Time to awaken)
"Mmmm."
"It's Christmas."
The covers were drawn over a head of mussed, fiery red hair. "All the more reason to stay in bed."
James laughed. He gently tugged at the sheets, revealing his lover once again. He propped his head up on a bent arm.
Andrew rolled onto his back, looking up at him. James's laugh had always stuck a cord within him. It was such a shame it was so rare, he told him.
"Good morning." James grinned cheekily and leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to lightly colored lips.
Andrew's eyes slid closed. He sighed in protest when James broke the kiss after only a few moments.
"Merry Christmas, Andrew Gillette." James murmured, lips brushing against Andrew's as he spoke.
Andrew smiled, a soft and gentle expression that lit up his warm-chocolate colored eyes, causing a subtle twinkle. "Merry Christmas, James Norrington…" He kissed him tenderly and held him close.
James held his arms around him, breathing in deeply. In each other's arms, there was nothing else.
"Mon chéri…" He whispered into his ear. (My love)
In the distance, the bells of the Fort announced the morning hour. Their steady, ringing echo came across the island. A force unchanging, throughout the ages.
The End