Commodore Norrington blinked and looked up at the Pirate captain, wondering if the other man could hear the frantic pounding of his heart. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen – not how it was supposed to happen at all. "How…how long…" he stammered, still blinking rather impotently up at the pirate.
Jack Sparrow grinned, broadly. "Long enough. I'm rather…impressed. I wouldn't have expected that we'd have had that much in common." His eyes flashed.
Norrington compressed his lips. "In common?"
"Your willingness to break the law, for one. And the pleasure you get from it."
The Commodore's eyes fluttered closed. "It is…a foolish law, Mister Sparrow," he murmured in a strained voice. Once again, he could hear Gillette's voice in his head, speaking of honour, praising his honour. Yet here it was, another matter of dishonour – a dishonour that they shared.
"Aye. And so are the laws against piracy, Commodore."
With a flinch, Norrington opened his eyes. "Point taken, Mister Sparrow." He sounded rather wearied.
"Captain," Jack corrected, almost automatically.
"Captain." Norrington sighed. "Captain…why have you come? Surely your purpose wasn't merely to see what was going on in my bed." He flushed, rather brightly, at the thought of Jack – and his bed – but this was nothing like his dreams, nothing like his fantasies.
"No, although that is a lovely bonus." Another grin from the pirate. "We've arrived. Isla de Muerta." A pause, and then, "You're blushing, Commodore."
Norrington sighed, once more. "What do you want from me, Captain Sparrow? Whatever it takes to buy your silence…"
"Blackmail, Norrington?" Captain Sparrow pouted, rather prettily. "Just because I'm a pirate…"
"He's done nothing to hurt you. You'll ruin him surely as you might ruin me, and I'll do anything…"
Jack Sparrow laughed. "You sound like young Turner going on about Elizabeth. As I recall, your pretty Lieutenant is the one who put me in irons…"
"Acting on my orders!"
With a smile, the pirate murmured "Of course. Loyalty…it's amazing. There's something I love like that, and if you need to keep me quiet…"
"Anything," the Commodore breathed.
"My Pearl," returned the pirate, his eyes sparkling as they always did when he thought of his ship. "You'll give me back my Pearl, let us sail away together."
So. That was it, then. Yet another matter of dishonour. He was to be coerced into letting a pirate go free…a pirate. A criminal. But there was nothing else to be done. "Fine," he said, wearily. "When you've reclaimed the Black Pearl, you're free to sail away.
"You protect what I love and I protect what you love, savvy," returned the pirate, with a smirk.
The comment about the pirate having horrible French was on the tip of Norrington's tongue, yet he refrained from saying it. Now was neither the time nor the place for flirtations.
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And now, for the author's notes. *grins*
I'd just like to thank everyone for reviewing, and comment on their comments, and hope that this will inspire more reviews. ;)
Chayter (Blue Wolftin) - You're welcome for updating so fast. I hope you enjoyed it. ;)
MaiaoLilta – well, here's more for you! I'm glad you like it, and hope you continue to enjoy it. (*whispers* I think I like Norrington/Gillette better too!)
EK (holepunch9@aol.com) - Eee, how flattering! I feel so special! If you're back, and you wouldn't mind leaving it, I'd love a link to your LJ…
Jehan's Muse – eee! I feel so special that you've reviewed me – I'm in love with your "Boundaries", you know. I'm glad I'm winning you over to Gillette – I adore him and think he's so adorable. But you'd better finish "Boundaries", because I'm dying for some good Norrington/Jack fic! *attempts to glare menacingly, then collapses into laughter*
Tracy (angel_wing0@yyhamil.com) - oh, I'm so glad you liked it! And yes, you do need to see the movie again. (Any excuse…*grins*).
glassneko - *munches on cookie*. Here's more for you! I'm glad you enjoy it.
Thanks again for everyone who takes the time to read and review. I'll be sure to acknowledge all of my reviews – so please, keep writing them! And keep enjoying it!
Peace,
Elske
