It took every ounce of willpower that Commodore Norrington possessed to keep his thoughts on the plan that Jack Sparrow was outlining when they wanted so desperately to wander. It was all he could do to keep from melting into the pirate's arms when Jack threw his arm about his shoulders and leaned in close…they'd never been quite so close, outside of the Commodore's tortured fantasies. And there were so many other priorities, so many other things to think of…so many reasons why lusting over this irresistible pirate was not a good idea. And yet…

"…what have you got to lose?" the pirate wondered, with a saucy smile, and Norrington quickly fought to bring his wandering thoughts back to the task at hand. "Nothing I'd lament being rid of," Norrington returned in his iciest tones, reaching out and removing Jack's hand before the temptation got the better of him. Not…that it would have, not in such a compromising situation, but still…it was best. Yes. Even if he missed the comforting warm weight of the pirate's arm once it was gone.

"Now…to be quite honest with you, there's still a slight risk to those aboard the Dauntless," Jack continued, "which includes the future Mrs. Commodore." His dark eyes met the Commodore's, and he smiled – this time a strangely-tender smile – and Norrington realized at once that Jack knew whose safety of those still aboard the Dauntless he was the most concerned for.

"Someone…take a message. Back to the Dauntless," the Commodore ordered, as he tried not to think about danger.

"Aye, Commodore?"

"Find Lieutenant Gillette. Tell him to fetch Miss Swann and to lock her in my office. She needs no part in this…she's but a girl, and this is not her fight. And tell him…" his voice faltered there, as emotion got the better of him for a moment, "Tell him that – above all – the one I love should be kept safe." Cryptic, yes, but Norrington knew that Gillette would understand.

There was a look of surprise on the pirate captain's face, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Well said, Commodore. Now if I may…?"

"Of course, " returned Norrington. "And good luck."

The only response was a soft gentle laughter, as the pirate rowed away, off to where Barbossa and his men were plotting.

And now there was nothing to be done but to sit and watch and wait and imagine all sorts of horrible eventualities. He answered automatically when his orders were questioned by one of his men; every minute that passed with no sign of the emergence of the pirates only served to increase his worries…and his guilt.

The sound of a bell ringing cut through the fog of self-absorbed melancholy that had surrounded the Commodore. A warning. Gillette. His stomach turned to ice. "Make for the ship. Move!" he ordered, and he only hoped he wasn't too late.

If he lived through this – if they both lived through this – he swore he wasn't ever letting go again, laws and conventions be damned.

******************************************************************************************************************************************

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. ;)

Jehan's Muse – *laughs* Leverage _is_ great, isn't it? Tell you what – I'll write faster if you do. *grins* Is this update soon enough for you? I'll do anything to save Gillette from those elephants. (ooo…that is a fun plot bunny, isn't it? Norrington and Gillette go to India! Maybe Jack too…oohh, yum!)

Chayter (Blue Wolftin) -- *dies laughing* Yes, Jack _is_ a cocky little shit. But that's why we love 'im. *winks*

August DuMonte – eee! *hugsback* I'm so glad you liked this! *dances around* Hey, bringing people out of the closet is one of my purposes in life, I think, *wicked grin*. And we shouldn't be ashamed for loving our Commodore. Hmm…there doesn't seem to be a Norrington-specific yahoogroup yet. Maybe I should start one? Would people be interested in joining it? Oh, and your ficcy is hysterical. It needs more Commodore. And more slash. *winks*

Jehan's Muse – Yay! Hopefully this one makes your day too. And yes, I adore "Boundaries" – although to be honest, I like your new one (I've forgotten the name temporarily, *hides*) better, almost. So…just write more Jack/Norrington goodness, and that'll make me happy.  *grins* (And yes, the bit about ca va/savvy will be coming up again, at some point…)

SocialistgurlJwl - *laughs* Because Norrington _is_ gay…as far as I'm concerned.

Laureloth – Hmm…maybe it's because most PotC slash is Will/Jack? Which I'm not fond of, purely because Will is just too heterosexual for his own good, as far as the movie goes. I'm glad you like this anyway. *grins*. I write fic primarily to flesh out secondary characters, and I love playing with dear Norrington. He is under appreciated – but I appreciate him. ;) I'm glad you do too.

Seraphim – *glomps back* I'm glad you're enjoying this. Here's some more. ;)

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