"The ship is ours, gentlemen," Commodore Norrington announced, the cool evenness of his tone – like always – betraying no hint of the inner turmoil he felt as his gaze swept the scene, looking first at the fallen – of which there were many. Too many. But that was what happened when you were fighting inhuman pirates that could not be killed by conventional means – it was only to be expected. And although he kept telling himself that risk was a given when one became a member of the Royal Navy and that that risk doubled or perhaps even tripled when one fell in love with a member of the Royal Navy; that logically and rationally he had no excuse to be upset – that didn't help much. He tried to keep from hoping as he failed to find that familiar face amongst the fallen.

Through the choruses of "Huzzah!" he could discern someone calling his name – and he whirled around, a flicker of hope in his eyes – that faded, when his eyes fell on the other officer. "What is it?" he snapped.

"Commodore? What shall we do with them?" He jerked his head, indicating the surrendered pirates.

"Take them to the brig," Norrington ordered, sharply, and turned away, searching through the fallen men, once more. It was easier than looking through the survivors…it was easier to hope, this way. There were many fallen. Too many fallen.

His eyes fell on something, and he stooped to pick it up. It was a hat…a hat with a bullet hole clean through it. There was something about it that seemed strangely…familiar…in his hands. And then, turning it over, he noticed it…the delicate scrawl on the identification tag inside that read "A. Gillette". Gillette's had…with a bullet hole. Gillette. Glories. He nearly swooned.

"Ohh…I'd been wondering what happened to that," a familiar voice murmured from somewhere behind the Commodore.

Not quite believing his ears, Norrington whirled, and his eyes widened as he gazed on his lover. His hat was missing, his wig askew – but he was alive, alive and well and… "Thank God you're alive," he whispered, his voice dark and heavy with emotion.

"Yes…I kept myself safe. Just as you ordered," came the Lieutenant's reply as he gazed up adoringly into Norrington's eyes.

That look…it was too much. Norrington reached out and took Gillette's hand, pulling him into an alcove or sorts near the Governor's cabin and into his arms. Half-hidden from prying eyes, the only thing to be done was for Norrington to kiss his lover, rather passionately. Gillette was more than happy to return the favour; the two managed to spend many rather blissful moments occupied thusly, until…

"Commodore? Commodore?" It was the worried tones of Governor Swann, and they were coming ever closer.

With a small sigh, Norrington reluctantly let go of his lover and emerged from the alcove. "What is it, Governor?" he inquired, rather breathlessly.

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth, she's gone and she still hasn't returned!"

"The blacksmith and the pirate aren't back either, sir," added another officer, helpfully.

"They'll be back," Norrington told them, rather decisively. "We'll remain here, waiting for them, until morning. In the meantime…Gillette!"

"Aye, sir?" the Lieutenant replied, rather adorably.

"In the meantime, the Lieutenant and myself are going to be in my office, planning our course of action. Post a guard – we're not to be disturbed."

It seemed they settled on an appropriate course of action rather quickly – and found it most satisfactory, for neither the Lieutenant nor the Commodore got very much sleep that night. Reunions were wonderful things.

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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. ;)

Jehan's Muse - *huggles back*. Updates _do_ make the world go 'round…I'm still giddy over the next chapter of "Boundaries". Mmm, if you've leverage on me…I've leverage on you too, you know. Shall I threaten to hold chapter seven for ransom in exchange for another chapter of "Boundaries"? *innocent look* SexyFrench-speaking!Norrington is the ultimate…it's a flaw of mine to make everyone French-speaking, but…it fits Norrington, eh? The Latin fits too…I'd think he'd be uber-well educated. *sniff* I want Latin! *pouts* Maybe Spring semester…anyway…lookie! Update! More "Boundaries" now, please? *puppy eyes*

Sanely Challenged – Thanks! I love both of these pairings too. Gillette is just too, too adorable. *squishes him*. And no, Gillette doesn't die in the movie – he has several lines of dialogue after everyone returns to Port Royal, and is the recipient of the Sexy Look ™ from Norrington after the hanging…or non-hanging as the case may be. And he's not going to die in my fic, either. *clings to Gillette*

Chayter (Blue Wolftin) - You'll just have to wait and see who he ends up with! *grins evilly*. As for Gillette's name, it's actually said in the movie, so I don't get credit for making that up. (well, except for his first initial in this chapter, *grins*)

August DuMonte – Don't worry, he's not dead. *hugs Norrington, and Gillette too, for good measure*. Oh, and thanks for the link to the group – I've joined, and will have to post the link all over the place, in hopes of finding more fans. *grins*

Mercuria – Whee! Norrington-angst! *grins* I've spared him, so…angst all around. :)

DragonLadyKhushrenada – Thanks for your compliments! I found an online fan-transcript of the movie, and that's how I got my quotes right…thank goodness, because I wouldn't have wanted them incorrectly. You're right about Gillette at the hanging…he has several lines afterward, including "Idiot! He's nowhere to go but back to the noose!" and "Commodore! What about Sparrow?"; after the latter of which he's rewarded by the Sexy Look ™ from Norrington. So watch for that when you go back to the movies. ;)

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