A/N Okay so here is the last little bit of CotBP. When I'm back I will start with a prelude to DMC and go on from there. I'm really excited for that because you get to see a darker side of Cass and learn a bit more about her. But I hope you guys enjoy this pure fluff chapter. Keep those reviews going.

Chapter 14 - Exchange of Words

I look up at the stars over my head, sighing and enjoying the feeling of just nothing. There is no more adrenaline, worry, or stress; we all made it out of this adventure safe and sound, heading back to Port Royal to resume our lives.

After the victory over the pirates, I was quickly escorted away by father, who was frantically worried, into the captain's room. Once I caught sight of Elizabeth and Will, safe and well, I collapsed into a deep sleep that had lasted just until an hour ago. I awoke to find the ship back in order and everyone besides those with a night shift sound asleep, also trying to cure their exhaustion of the last few weeks.

After I awoke, still in my stolen and dirty clothes next to a sleeping Liz, I snuck out of the cabin on deck, eager to just enjoy time to myself in peace. So here I am, just sitting on deck, leaning against the railing of the ship, simply breathing and staring at the stars and the sea.

"Cassandra?" a voice calls out to me. I turn and see Commodore Norrington in full uniform walking towards me. I quickly stand up, heart fluttering and pounding.

"Commodore," I breathe out, not knowing what else to say. I last saw him after fighting alongside him briefly and before that, I was stealing his now sunken ship. Standing mere inches away from me, hands behind his back, the Commodore struggles as well to find words. Before he can say anything to me, I sputter out "I am so so sorry for what I have done. Your ship has sunken, you have lost men, and your whole rescue mission was delayed because of my stupid rashness. How will you ever forgive me? I don't think I can even forgive myself. My only comfort is that this has a happy ending with everyone alive. But if not, I could have ruined everything."

"Cassandra," Norrington replies in astonishment. "There is no need to ask for my forgiveness. I am the one that should apologize."

"You?" I ask in disbelief. "I don't believe you capable of committing a wrong."

He smiles and practically blushes. "That is very flattering; however, I am not perfect. It was my pride and stubbornness that caused you to feel like your faith in Elizabeth's rescue needed to be placed elsewhere. At every step of this ordeal, my skills proved unsuccessful in keeping you and your sister safe."

I stare at him, completely confused. "Commodore, you are-"

"Please listen to me," he pleads, taking my hands in his. I look at our entwined hands, shocked by this bold move (especially for this time), and look into his eyes, trying to read him. "My biggest wrong doing in this whole matter was being blind to my feelings. Feelings about you."

My heart stops. "But Elizabeth?" I ask.

"Misplaced feelings. It has always been you, Cassandra. Since I saw you in my cabin quoting Shakespeare, ever since I pulled you from the ocean and you asked for my name. I would do anything for you, Cassandra." I start nervously laughing, not knowing how to process all of this information. "Elizabeth has refused my proposal, informing me of what was blind to me, but I hardly needed it. If you could ever find it in your heart to forgive and-"

"James," I say, "I have never doubted your skill as a commander, your ability to fulfill your duty, and your sincerity. I certainly didn't on this adventure, as I call it; I was bold and desperate. Most importantly, I was heart broken. The day of your promotion, which seems like an eon ago, I realized my feelings towards you. But I also knew of your intentions towards Elizabeth. More than anything, I was hurt."

James just smiles away tentatively reaching up from our grasp to wipe away a stray tear I didn't realize was slipping way. He returns his hand to mine, both of us just bowing our heads, trying to be as close as society would deem appropriate.

We just stand there, holding hands and staring into each other's eyes, green and blue. No words need to be spoken to communicate the love we have with each other. It is just enough to hold each other.

I sit in front my vanity as Elizabeth styles my hair for me. Ever since we returned to Port Royal, we have both been constantly fretting over each other with the smallest things. " Liz," I sigh. "I can't help but feel as if this is all my fault. I don't like Sparrow, but I trust him after he proved himself worthy. And he's being killed for it."

"I don't like it either. But it is not your fault," she corrects, finishing my curls and fastening on my gaudy hat.

"If I was back in my own time, this would have gone very differently. I am glad for not seeing any of the Navy men since our return because I would have argued with any and all of them," I huff. "Oh, and speaking of my time, I told Sparrow about that."

"What?"

"Well, he was annoying me. And if I have learned anything about this time, men fear one thing above all else: an insane women, because insanity equals independence here." Elizabeth chuckles as I smirk.

"I always felt stifled by this life too, Cass. Just like those damn corsets."

"But at least you're safe now," I reply, standing up and reaching for gloves. "And happy, I hope."

"Of course," Elizabeth smiles. "And what about your," she quirks an eyebrow, "happiness?"

I narrow my eyes at her. "I don't follow." Elizabeth just rolls her eyes and smirks.

Before I can rejoin, we hear father's yell for us to come downstairs and leave for the execution. Elizabeth and I exchange sad stares and exit my room, descending the staircase.

Below I see father, in his wig-ly glory, with his back turned chatting with James Norrington. James sees me and we connect eyes, both smiling. After leaving that night on the Dauntless, we haven't had the chance to speak freely since. We have been surrounded by others on board and I have barely seen him once we reached port. Our communications since have consisted of idle small talk, knowing looks, and secret smiles.

"Commodore," I smile, curtsying to my handsome rescuer in time with Elizabeth. "I trust you have been well."

"Very well, Miss Swann," he smiles, bowing down very low and kissing my hand even. As I blush, I faintly hear father gasp and Elizabeth chuckle.

"Well, um, it seems that we are needed to be present for the execution currently," father interrupts. Elizabeth and I once again exchange worried looks. "The Commodore just wanted to personally escort us."

"How kind," Elizabeth adds on my behalf, knowing I was seconds away from entering into a rant about criminal justice.

Father offers his arm to Elizabeth and walks her to the carriage as James does the same to me. All through out the ride, we are silent. I study James' face, looking out the window with a sorrowful glance, and to my relief, he seems somewhat bothered by the impending execution. Not as much as me, but a little, enough for me to be sure that he is the good man I always thought he was.

As I study him, he turns to me from the window, staring at me right back. Again, we find communication with just silence and our eyes. But, having a simple chat would be nice.

The carriage door swinging open finally draws me out of a trance. James hops out before me, helping both Liz and me out of the carriage and onto the ground, but he takes extra time holding my hand, even daring to squeeze it. We are quickly escorted to an arch in the fort, looking over a crowd of people, jeering at the pirate standing at the gallows.

I stand between Elizabeth and James, reaching for her hand as an official reads out the charge.

"This is wrong," Elizabeth sighs.

"Commodore Norrington is bound by law," father explains. "As are we all."

"But what if the laws are unjust?" I offer, earning a shocked look from father.

As we watch Sparrow and hear the very long list of charges, I notice a large hat with fathers approaching us in the crowd. Will approaches us. "Governor Swann. Commodore. Cassandra," he addresses before turning to his main focus. "Elizabeth, I should have told you every day from the moment I met you. I love you." Liz stares with a gaping mouth as we walk away right as the noose is pulled around Sparrow's neck.

I stare at the scene before me, my eyes wander anywhere else. Suddenly, a bright blur of lurid colors catches my eye. Is that the annoying parrot? But if it's here, then that means that they are here.

After making the connection, I shout out, "I can't breathe," instantly falling back into the Commodore's arms. Everyone begins to fuss over me as the drums crescendo and a shout is heard. I open my eyes and "regain consciousness" when I hear Elizabeth yell Will's name. The scene has completely changed. Sparrow is trying to stand on something, I can guess is a sword Will threw as a foot hold. They begin to fight with the Navy men, drawing James away from me and into the fray. Elizabeth support me (while I also have to support her) as we watch the skillful fighting of the now two pirates.

We rush forward as Will and Sparrow stand on the battlement surrounded by the Navy.

James holds up his sword to Will. "I thought we might have to endure some manner of ill-conceived escape attempt but not from you.

"On our return to Port Royal, I granted you clemency," father yells. "And this is how you thank me? By throwing in your lot with him? He's a pirate!"

"And a good man," Will shouts back. "If all I have achieved here is that the hangman will earn two pairs of boots instead of one, so be it. At least my conscience will be clear."

"You forget your place, Turner," James growls.

"It's right here…between you and Jack," Will replies.

Elizabeth steps forward suddenly, moving to stand next to Will. "As is mine."

I then step forward as well, between her and James. He automatically drops his weapon. "I think we all know that I am a stranger to this world," I say meekly.

"Elizabeth! Cassandra!" father yells. "Lower your weapons. For goodness' sake put them down!" The Navy men quickly lower the guns and swords.

"You are not a stranger to me," James smiles, causing me to grin as well.

Before any more words can be exchanged, Sparrow interrupts. "Well! I'm actually feeling rather good about this." He turns to father. "I think we've all arrived at a very special place, eh? Spiritually…Ecumenically…Grammatically?" He turns to James. "I want you to know that I was rooting for you, mate." He grins at me. "She is hysterical though. I don't understand what you see in her." I roll my eyes as he turns to Liz. "Know that. Elizabeth, it would never have worked between us, darling. I'm sorry." As he walks backwards towards the edge, he adds "Will, nice hat. Friends! This is the day that you will always remember as the day that-" before he can finish his little catchphrase, he falls over the battlement into the sea, back where he belongs.

We all rush over to look over the edge, where I can't help but notice James' hand gently resting on my waist. I blush and gently place my hand on his shoulder. Our tender moment is interrupted by Gillette's scoff. "Idiot. He has nowhere to go but back to the noose," Gillette laughs. But suddenly a sentry yells sail ho.

We all look out and see a ship of black sails, everyone a little happy at seeing everything wrapped up once and for all for the pirate captain.

"What's your plan of action? Sir?" Gillette asks.

"Perhaps on the rare occasion pursuing the right course demands an act of piracy, piracy itself can be the right course?" father offers.

James considers this and slyly smiles. He away from the edge of the edge, facing Will. "Mr. Turner," he huffs.

Will turns to Liz and whispers something to her and walks down to James who is unsheathing his ceremonial sword. "This is a beautiful sword. I would expect the man who made it to show the same care and devotion in every aspect of his life." He looks at Elizabeth pointedly.

"As I would expect the wielder to do the same," Will replies, looking at me. Elizabeth and I look at each us, nearly giggling with glee.

"Commodore!" Gillette shouts. "What about Sparrow?"

James smiles and offers me a hand. As I accept he explains. "Well, I think we can afford to give him one day's head start." He then turns all his focus to me and grins. "Now Miss Swann, it would be a pleasure if you would accompany me on a walk."

"It would be an honor, Commodore," I beam, letting James escort me away from the battlement and fort.

We walk in silence along the docks, then along the beach to where it is more secluded. How improper of him.

I smile as I lean into James' arm crossing the sand at the Cove. It doesn't feel real being here with him; I had practically gone through hell and back, my odyssey to get here, and now that I am, I was too happy to remain grounded in reality.

"You're grinning," James comments. "Any particular reason?"

"I think you're smart enough to know the answer to that." I pause, interrupting our calm walk. "It's just that I can't believe that I'm here, and," I grin even larger, "with you here and, with me being slightly presumptuous, but as something much, much more than friends."

James stares at me for a moment and completely catches me off guard with a passionate kiss and arms that encircle me. I can't resist the temptation to return the kiss and lean into his body, though there is no conscious way I would ever resist.

James finally pulls away, not looking into my eyes, instead focusing on the sand beneath our feet. "I'm so sorry, Cass- Miss Swann. That was incredibly forward of me."

I try to stifle my giggle, reaching down to remove my shoes. "It's Cassandra to you, or Cass even. Always has and always will be. And to hell to propriety. Or, at least for the day." I suddenly throw my shoes and socks away, toss my hat off, and run into the surf, dirtying my feet and blue dress. I scream in delight as the cold water rushed up to my legs. "You said you would doing anything for me! Forget rules and regulations and let's just be us. James and Cassandra."

James smiles and removed his own shoes, along with the heavy sword and military staples of his uniform. With throwing away his hat with his wig, he rushes into the water towards me, catching me and kissing me again as waves crash on us. He chuckles as we pull apart, "I was speaking in a more heroic sense when I promised that."

"Well not every bone in your body has to perfectly noble and proper," I smile, gently caressing his neck, playing with the unfamiliar dark hair. "You know, I believe this is the first time I have seen you with your wig. It's much longer than I would have ever guessed it to be."

"I do not look attractive with a bald scalp. I won't ever submit you to that torture."

"I would endure that sight," I laugh, twirling a strand of his hair, "and so much more for you, James Norrington."

James grasps my hands and rests them between us, bending his forehead to mine. "How could I have been so blind? I have always been yours, I just didn't know it."

"I didn't even realize until the day all that adventure with the Sparrow began myself. I saw you at your promotion ceremony, and everything just clicked for me. But I guess the hardest things to see are the most obvious. Hidden in plain sight."

"I never want to let you go, but eventually, and soon, my position will command-"

"James! Shut up about the future and the past. Aren't we together here now? Can't that be good enough?" I tease. He smiles at my comment, gripping my hand tighter.

"How can I ever let you go?"

"I think the real questions, is if you can ever catch me?" I giggle and turn and began to run downtime rest of the coast, holding my soaking dress with its layers of heavy petticoats as I climb out of the surf and back on the sand. As I sprint, I can see out of the corner of my eye James catching up quickly to me. In a sudden movement, James engulfs me, knocking me to the ground in the surf.

I am laughing so much out of joy and happiness, it is barely distinguishable from crying. James, of course, fears that I am doing the later, asking me if I am alright. I sit myself up and in between giggles, I say everything perfect. The ocean licks at me on the ground; I can see that a particularly large wave is coming. As James sighs of relief and offers a hand to help me up, I pull him down with me, right as water covers us completely.

"How is it that I forget everything proper, including duty, when I'm with you?" he laughs with hair dripping on his face. "Your father is never letting us see each other unescorted."

"I think I can easily stop that. We can say that you rescued me again. He will be more than comfortable with us than ever before." I begin to stand, but James leaps up and assists me, slightly weary. Before I am fully standing, a small piece of seaweed catches my eye and I grab it and hold it up to James.

"Curious," I smile.

"I personally don't think that much of seaweed," he comments. His sarcastic comments always entertain me.

I roll my eyes. "It's just that they are the exact same shade as your iris when held up to the sun. I know it's slightly disgusting, but then again I did just bathe in the ocean."

"Should I be flattered that seaweed reminds you of me?"

"If you play your cards right on finding an object that looks like the color of my eyes, yes," I smirk and drop the seaweed back in the surf.

"You are playing a dangerous game, Cassandra," James sighs, staring at the ocean in front of us. "I would hardly call this a game," I smirk in response. James grabs my wrist and quickly makes me cover my eyes.

"I think I found it," he says. I can practically feel his smile against my neck while I lean into his hand comfortably resting on my waist. He lifts his other hand obscuring my view, resting it on my waist across from his other hand.

"You do know how to flatter a girl," I sigh. We stare out at the ocean for a few bite moments, listening to the lapping of the waves. "You know, I don't think we have ever said the words to each other."

"I wasn't aware they needed to be said," James replies, smiling at me, obviously teasing me. I playfully shove him, but he only catches me arms and again embraces me. "I love you, Cassandra Holbrook Swann."

"And I love you, James Norrington," I smile in return.

We kiss once more as we feel the ocean swirling beneath our feet, but I feel as if I am flying in the clouds. When we finally break, James breathes out, "When I return, I have every intention of making me your wife."

I chuckle. "Most men tend to ask the woman the question instead of ordering it."

He rolls his eyes. "Will you marry me then?"

I smirk. "I'll have to consider it."

"Marry me."

"Of course."