Disclaimer: Disney owns all of POTC. The only thing that I derive from my writing is lack of sleep.

AN: Please take the time to read the notes at end of chapter. Important info contained.

Katherine felt as if she had had the rug pulled out from under her. His kiss, that toe curling wonderful kiss, had been nothing more than an opportunity for him to further prove his point. That he could stand there and so calmly apologize and return to the issue of their debate illustrated just how very unfazed he had been by the experience. Katherine wanted to burst into tears and she neverburst into tears. She would be damned if she would let him see just how very affected she had been by his kiss. Forcing herself to give a tinkling little laugh she told him, "No apology necessary, Commodore. It was just a meaningless moment in the moonlight."

She called that kiss a meaningless moment? James was about to haul her back into her arms and show her just how very meaningful it had been , when common sense prevailed. If he took her in his arms again tonight he would not be able to stop at kisses and as delightful as that might be, he needed to figure out exactly what it was about Miss Thompson that so tied him up in knots before proceeding any further. He had a sneaking suspicion that he would not like the answer to the question but the time had come for him to stop avoiding answering it. Meanwhile he would do nothing to tip his hand, "As you say, Miss Thompson, it was a most diverting entertainment."

Katherine wanted to slap him for that dismissive comment but pride came to the rescue and led her to fabricate, "As for my not being able to protect myself, please do not give it any further thought. While I may not be in the market for marriage, I've had plenty of offers from suitable men willing to engage in a relationship of a… well let's just call it of a romantic nature. I am certain that whoever I choose will be able to afford me any protection that I may require. Now, if you will excuse me?" and she serenely strolled away towards the door.

James was thankful that her back was to him or she would have been able to see the pure rage that her comment caused him to feel. He would see her in Hell before he allowed her to engage in a relationship of a romantic nature with another man! Breathing deeply he calmed himself and was glad that he had done so when she turned at the door to deliver one last verbal sally.

"Oh, Commodore Norrington if I may be so bold as to give you a piece of advice?"

"Yes, Miss Thompson?" he answered with what he felt was admirable aplomb.

"I do not wish to be rude but you may want to reconsider going around declaring your kisses unforgettable. It's half forgotten already." With that, she sailed through the door feeling assured that she had put Commodore James Norrington firmly in his place.

Katherine would have been highly disconcerted to hear the shout of delighted laughter that he gave and his soft murmur of "little liar"; fortunately for her peace of mind she did not hear it.

James spent awhile on the terrace assessing the untenable situation he now found himself in. Somehow, contrary to all logical and rational thought, he had grown to care for Miss Katherine Thompson. No, that was not true. It was more than mere caring. He was hesitant to call it love but it sure felt quite a bit like it, which was really very annoying because she was highly unsuitable. Still, he could no longer fight the invisible thread of attraction that pulled them together. Neither could she; although she certainly was trying to convince herself and him that the thread did not exist. However, she had overplayed her hand with her parting comment. If she truly had not felt anything with their kisses then she would not have felt compelled to assert how little it had affected her.

He was both relieved and frightened that she also was aware of the connection. James was glad that the allure was not one sided but he was at a loss as to how to pursue a deepening of their relationship. Katherine was a bit of an enigma to him and he was uncertain as to how to woo her. As touchy and independent as she was, he would not put it past her to throw herself into another relationship if he so much as hinted at the possibility of a union. Did he even want a union between them? He recalled the sheer relief that he had felt upon learning that she had declined the Lieutenant's proposal.

In a moment of crystalline clarity the answer came to him; it was a resounding and definite yes. He wanted her for himself. Even the thought of her with another man caused his blood to boil and his stomach to wrench. The sensations Katherine evoked in him were not comfortable and most definitely not what he would have chosen if he had a choice but they were real and undeniable and more than mere lust. The dilemma was how to court her without either scaring her off or resorting to kidnapping. He needed assistance and he knew the very person to ask.

Elizabeth had watched with interest when James and Katherine disappeared onto the balcony. She noted that when Katherine reemerged she looked flustered. Upon closer inspection she also appeared as if she had just been well and thoroughly kissed. Good; it was about time the two of them realized that they had feelings for each other. Elizabeth waited for James to discreetly reappear a few minutes behind Katherine so as not to raise suspicions. She was surprised when several minutes passed and there was no sign of James. She was even more surprised when she noted that Katherine was determinedly flirting with a circle of young officers and drinking champagne as if it were water. Elizabeth heaved an exasperated sigh; something evidently had gone amiss in their tête-à-tête. Really, were there two more mule headed people on this earth? It was obvious that they belonged together; the sparks fairly flew between them.

At last James reentered the ballroom but instead of wearing the smile that Elizabeth had hoped for he looked deep in thought. But this expression did not last for long. Elizabeth knew the exact moment that he spotted Katherine and the officers for his countenance grew thunderous and he looked as if he wished to do physical harm to someone. Seeking to forestall a potentially unpleasant scene, Elizabeth rushed over to his side.

"James. We've barely spoken all evening. Are you enjoying the party?"

"At this moment, not particularly," he answered shortly.

Elizabeth affectionately chided him, "James, do stop looking at Katherine as if you wish to throttle her. It will not help your cause."

The two stood in a companionable silence for some minutes. Then appearing to reach a decision James asked, "Elizabeth, would you be willing to assist me in a matter of a personal nature?"

Elizabeth smiled, "Of course, James. I would be delighted to assist you." With anyone else Elizabeth might have seized on the opportunity for a bit of teasing but she knew James well enough to know how very difficult this situation must be for him. Instead she broached the subject directly, "If you seek advice regarding Katherine, I would say that the first thing you must do is to stop scowling at her. She will not appreciate it and it is likely to cause her to act in the exact opposite manner than you would prefer."

James colored slightly, "Am I that obvious?"

"Well I have the benefit of having known you for many years and Katherine informed me of all that transpired on your journey," and here she could not resist tormenting him just the tiniest bit, "I must say, you never seemed to be so concerned with my wardrobe choices."

The flush along James' cheekbones deepened and he embarrassedly admitted, "Yes, well there is something about Miss Thompson that brings out a side of me that I would rather did not exist. Frankly, Elizabeth, I am at a loss as to how to proceed with her. Every time we are together we end up fighting."

"I take it that you no longer wish to remain at odds with her but would rather reach a more peaceful accord?"

James gave a small chuckle, 'I do not believe that things could ever be peaceful between the two of us but yes I would like to deepen our relationship. Unfortunately, she is as prickly as a hedgehog and as skittish as a new colt. Anything I do or say sets her off. I am afraid that if I suggested an outing together she would flatly refuse."

Elizabeth gave a brilliant smile, "Leave it to me, James. I will arrange it so that you can have time together without it appearing as if it were your idea. One other piece of advice; Katherine does not respond well to orders. Perhaps you should refrain from confronting her about the house."

James gave a rueful smile, "Oddly enough, Elizabeth, I had managed to reach that conclusion myself. Do not worry; I shall let the subject rest. I have decided on another means of ensuring that she does not move into the house alone."

Elizabeth gave him a shrewd glance. "Something tells me that I do not wish to know your plan. Please do not tell me or I may feel obligated to divulge it to Katherine."

James smiled affectionately at Elizabeth, "You women do tend to stick together."

"Yet here I am assisting you in your pursuit," she laughed.

"Ah yes, but this will benefit Katherine as well as myself." and growing serious again he added, "Thank you, Elizabeth."

"Do not mention it, James. I am just happy that you found your match. I was fearful that you would decide to tie yourself to some insipid little miss and that would never do. Now be a good friend and escort me back to my table. I am afraid that even standing has become taxing"

While the two had been conversing, Katherine had been sneaking glances at them. When James had first come into the room, he had looked to be in a horrible mood but that had changed while he spoke with Elizabeth. As the pair made their way to the table, Katherine squared her shoulders and told herself to cease thinking about Commodore Norrington and the caresses that they had shared. It was apparent from the intimate interchange and the smile that he had bestowed on her that James still cared deeply for Elizabeth. She should not be surprised. Jack was also still carrying a torch for her. Katherine wanted to hate her but could not find it in her heart to do so. It was not Elizabeth's fault that James was still in love with her. Besides, did it really matter? After all, bone melting kisses aside; it was not as if she, Katherine, cared one whit for exasperating man.

AN: Just a heads up. I will not be posting another chapter for awhile. I am going on vacation. As much as I enjoy writing this story, I do not think that I will be taking the time to do so while I am in Florence and Venice. I shall be too busy searching for my Italian Count!

I will likely post next around October 17th. Stay tuned, there is a lot more in store for these two. A little bit of angst and hopefully a lot more humor. Probably some visits from Katherine's father and Jack and maybe even James' mother. Oh and don't forget the lemons!