Disclaimer: As yet, I have not been informed that I own POTC. A company by the name of Disney still owns it. I cannot even claim my Norrington.

Chapter 11: One Last Dance

The remaining days of the voyage passed by fairly calmly, in relation to the weather. Pru and James continually sparred with each other, mainly about propriety standards. They also made it a habit to take a turn about the deck with one another each evening under the standards of a truce and Pru only had to threaten the wig's demise a few times to avoid what she called being 'Commodored'.

They agreed on as many things as they disagreed. Their arguments never left either of them bitter. Frustrated, yes, but not bitter. Rather, each argument actually became a battle of wits that either party looked forward to each time it happened and it happened often, about many things: women learning sword fighting, Jack Sparrow, Breeches for women, rum, among others. Pru personally believed that James secretly agreed with her on those subjects, but felt it wasn't proper to share such unconventional viewpoints.

The crew came to look upon Pru as a blessing. They all shared a quiet fondness for their commander and had seen the moody silences he had succumbed to after the Black Pearl debacle. Now, they often saw a smile on his face, not that theycommented on it. Theyknew how much Norrington prided himself on being a coolheaded unemotionalcommander.

So it finally came to be the last night of the voyage. The HMS Hunter had just stopped at an island near Port Royal and would arrive home the next day. The moment would finally come where Pru would know where her future lay. Because of this, Pru spent most of the day in silent worry over what would happen.

James entered Pru's room, for truly it would always be her room,after being bid entrance. He held a rather large box under his arm as he greeted her with a nod of his head.

"Miss Martin. I have noticed that you've been rather worried about your meeting with your uncle. I cannot say what can happen, but I thought to be of service in another way. I have to confess that the Hunter did not need to make the stop it just did. Rather, I ordered the ship to stop because I was in search of a dressmaker before we reached Port Royal. I had gotten a rather good idea of your measurements, if you forgive me for that, and I managed to secure a dress that should fit you. I thought that it might make your encounter tomorrow easier…"

" Thank you.," Pru said with a smile as she lifted the lid off the box.

The dress, of the round gown style, was a deep turquoise color with dainty lace around the collar. A gap in the skirt revealed a white petticoat with delicate embroidery around the hem.

"Tis Beautiful, Commodore! Thank you. I will repay you, of course…"

"Nonsense. I will hear none of it."

"but…a gentleman buying an unmarried woman a gown…it is improper!"

"No one else will know, will they? Now, accept it and no arguments!"

"Thank you for the wonderful gift.," Pru accepted with glistening eyes.

Norrington blushed a bit as he said, "You will also find that I have, ah, procured the necessary private pieces of clothing as well as a reticule and hat."

"That must have cost a fortune! How can you pay for it al-"

"Obey my orders, miss. Since it is our last night on board, I was hoping, that is, if it is acceptable to you, that you might wear the dress this evening.," Norrington nervously requested.

"Of course I will.," Pru agreed, her eyes filled with gratitude.

"Excellent. I will be arrive at your door at the usual time, but supper will be set up in my office. Until then."

Norrington bowed, kissed her hand, and left. Pru stared at the dress for at least five minutes before snapping into action. She could not, would not, look bad tonight because she had wasted time.

James knew that once the ship docked in Port Royal, Pru Martin and he would part ways. Yes, they would still see each socially, particularly when the Governor entertained, but it would be as casual acquaintances. Past experiences had taught him that he was not the gentleman that ladies clamored over and married. Pru did not even appear to think of clamoring over him, let alone marry him, not that he wanted her to. Furthermore, Pru was attractive, whether she acknowledged that fact or not, and she would have suitors. That bothered him far more than it should have.

I must resolve, James thought, to not let gossip misconstrue my relationship with Pru. I must not let myself misconstrue the relationship.

It was with that thought, James turned around at the sound of footsteps. Before him stood a vision. He had known the moment his eyes rested on the turquoise dress that it would look lovely on her. The color did wonders for her brown hair and eyes, giving them a lustrous shine that wasn't always present. Her skin was tanned and her hair was down, not at all becoming of a lady, but it didn't subtract from the way she looked to him.

It was about then that James realized he had forgotten to breathe. As Pru approached him, James suddenly was forced to take in a large gulp of air to avoid turning blue. As he wheezed, Pru chuckled.

"Good Evening Commodore. I finished preparing for supper early and I thought I might join you on deck.," she said.

"You…You…You look beautiful, Miss Martin.," he stuttered.

Pru smiled. It was not often that she could get Norrington to stutter. It was a small victory indeed.

"Please, under the circumstances, I give you leave to call me Pru…at least in Private."

"As you wish, but please if I am to call you Pru, then you must call me James." You do in all my dreams.

"Wonderful. Then may we proceed to supper, James?"

"Allow me."

James gave her his arm and they strolled to the office. Inside the large room, a table had been set up. The table had been set for two and several covered dishes had been set up on the table beside it. Candlelight flickered over the arrangements as James pulled out a chair for her.

They sat and began their supper. It was silent for the first part as both parties were preoccupied with eating. James gazed at her until she began to look up. Pru stared at him until he began to look up. The game continued through the meal until they were both sated enough for conversation.

"Thank you, James. I shall never forget this supper, nor your kindness and indulgence."

"No thanks are needed. It was my pleasure entirely."

"Never the less…"

"No."

"You are incredibly stubborn," Pru asserted.

"Yes, that's what my sister has said as well in the past.," Norrington remarked with a fond smile.

"You have a sister? Tell me about her.," Pru demanded.

"Her name is Anne Norrington. She is twenty years of age, so she is about a year younger than you. She lives in London with my parents who are currently trying to marry her off, as it were."

"Is she not receiving offers, then?"

"She is being proposed to, but she refuses them all. My parents are becoming quite frustrated. In that aspect, she is quite similar to you."

"Then she sounds quite delightful. If you will introduce me, I would be delighted to write her. I would love a friend close to my age. Has she ever visited Port Royal?"

"I will write a letter of introduction once we arrive in Port Royal. To answer your other question, she has not visited me at my post. I have actually not seen her in a few years as I have been busy with the navy."

"Perhaps, I shall have to advise her to stow away on a ship and come visit you then," Pru teased.

"Perhaps, then, I should rescind my earlier offer…"

"Why? I'm certainly glad I stowed away. We would not have met and that would have been a shame. It is an honor to meet an actual gentleman, even if you are a bit frustrating."

"That, Pru, is a most backhanded compliment. However, I have to agree. I have most enjoyed getting to know you. You are a rare woman with such intelligence and maddening opinions."

"Volley received, James, but I thank you for the complimentary part of that speech.," Pru stated.

With supper finished, James and Pru continued their conversation a bit longer before going for their turn about deck. James noticed Pru's wistful expression, this time a bit sadder than the ones before,and inquired about the reason behindit.

Pru answered, "Oh, It is just that I will miss being out on the sea. I will welcome land, of course, but I have not ever been quite so happy and free to be myself as I have been these past few weeks. I resolve, right now, that being on land will not change my personality. I like who I've discovered I am on this voyage and I do not want to hide that Pru again."

"I too shall miss this time as well, but I am happy to hear that you have enjoyed yourself, despite our somewhat rocky beginning.," James said as he led her back to her room. They went slowly, as each step took them closer to the end of the evening as well as the voyage, neither of which they were eager to end.

At the door, as James was just preparing to bid her goodnight, Pru stopped him. Her eyes were smiling that soft smile that he had come to adore in the past few weeks. Her hand on his arm, she began to speak.

"Could you grant me a favor?"

"Anything."

"One last dance, James, shall we?"

In that small hallway, James and Pru danced a slow waltz. The confines of the hallway necessitated a closer embrace, something that had both partners' hearts racing. Concluding the dance, James stopped her by the door. He intended to kiss her hand, as he had done every night before. What actually happened was quite different.His lipslanded lightly on her cheek, the closest he would come to what he really wanted. As he stepped back, Pru's eyes opened. He bowed, opened the door, and watched as she walked in the room.

"It was a pleasant evening...and voyage. Sleep well, Pru.," he said softly.

Pru smiled. "Sleep Well, James."

Pru closed the door and prepared for sleep. Her hand remained pressed to where he had kissed her all night.

AN: Thanks for the reviews! I know I said Pru and James would arrive in Port Royal, but this came out instead. I really do think they arrive in Port Royal next chapter. I really do:)