A/N: Hey everyone, I know this is a shorter chapter, but I wanted to get something posted in the meantime while I write the next one. Thank you to everyone who has been reading/reviewing my story, it means so much to me! Hope you enjoy!

"Are we not going to talk about what just happened?" Melody looked incredulously at Jim, who was leaning back in his chair across the table from her.

"About you kissing me? What's there to talk about?" he replied smugly.

"Excuse me, Lieutenant, but I believe it was you who kissed me!"

"That's not how I remember it, but if you want to talk about it, then who am I to reject a Princess' wishes?" he suddenly leaned forward and clasped his hands in front of the chessboard, waiting for her next move.

"I...well...hmm," she stood up from her chair, wobbling on her good foot, and scratched her chin. "I don't know exactly, but it seems like something we can't just ignore. I mean, it wasn't... unpleasant..." she blushed fiercely and looked away.

Jim tried to keep his emotions in check, and blew air out of his mouth, causing his bangs to flutter upward. What sort of game was she playing at? Was she seriously saying that she liked kissing him? He would be lying to himself if he said that he didn't enjoy it as well, but this just couldn't happen.

"Okay, Melody, you deserve the truth," he stood up as well and circled the table until he was right in front of her. "Look, I can't deny that from the moment I first saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Not only that, but you're smart, funny, and caring. You don't treat me like I'm inferior to you, despite our different positions. I've really enjoyed getting to know you, and I wish that we could continue getting to know each other better...but the fact is, you're a princess..."

"Jim, stop," she cut him off. "Don't play the princess card. Do you really think that matters to me? I really like you! I had no idea that you might feel the same way towards me, but now that it's out in the open, I think we owe it to ourselves to see where this goes!"

"You're literally days away from meeting an eligible member of royalty who can give you a good life - something I could never provide. It's my duty to protect you, and I just can't let you throw your life away for someone like me. I would be a complete failure if I allowed that," his eyes creased with regret, knowing that they could never be together. "And besides, I'm due back at the Academy after this mission. On another planet. Do you really think your parents would let you follow me there?"

"If they knew how I felt about you, absolutely. My mother sacrificed her life as a mermaid and gave up her voice just to be with my father. If anyone would understand our situation, it would be her! And don't presume to know what kind of life I want; you think I want to be cooped up in a castle, constantly being told what to do?" she paused for breath, giving Jim a chance to respond.

"And what is it that you want, Mel?" he looked down into her eyes, knowing he was fighting a losing battle.

"I want adventure! I know it's cliché, the princess who longs for more than what royalty can offer, but it's true! These past few days have been the best time I've had in my life - that's how dull palace life is - I would rather risk my life on dangerous excursions than spend one more minute in a castle! Please Jim, all I ask is that you give us a chance..."

"But what about the Duke? We'll be arriving at Arlington in less than three days, what are you planning on telling him?"

"I'll allow him to show me his kingdom, throw a ball, whatever he likes. Then I'll just politely tell him that I'm not interested, thank him for his hospitality, and leave."

"Leave, huh? Just like that?"

"Just like that," she confirmed. "And I'll even request Captain Howell to allow you to stay on as my bodyguard."

"He would fail me for sure, if he knew about any of this. I'm pretty sure that falling for the person you are supposed to be protecting is against protocol, especially if that person is a princess," he said nonchalantly.

"Then we don't let him find out. We keep ourselves in check, and steal little moments when we can. It'll work out," she turned her chin up and stared directly into his eyes, daring him to say otherwise.

"How can you be so sure?" he quirked one eyebrow up in disbelief.

"I told you Jim, a little bit of optimism goes a long way," she smiled innocently up at him, pleased with herself at having seemingly won him over.

"Uh huh, and what if we get caught?" he playfully caught her by the waist and pulled her in closer, until they were almost touching. Melody rested her hands on his strong arms in response.

"In that unlikely event, I'll tell them it was all my idea and that I was blackmailing you. How's that?"

"Oh, I don't like that at all. It wouldn't look good on my record that I had allowed myself to be blackmailed. Plus, nobody would ever believe that I was being forced to do anything I didn't want to do." Melody looked thoughtful for a moment before responding.

"Yeah, that's true. You are pretty stubborn," she smirked up at him.

"Pfft, you're one to talk," he narrowed his eyes.

"So do we have a deal, or what?" her grin grew wider.

Jim suddenly leaned down and firmly kissed her on the mouth, which Melody returned eagerly by wrapping her arms around his neck and parting her lips slightly. He ran the tip of his tongue along her teeth in response and pulled her in closer. He couldn't believe this was really happening - to think that the princess actually returned his feelings towards her! He was initially so set on breaking things off before they began, yet this little minx had somehow managed to persuade him to take part in what he felt was the most dangerous situation he could find himself in!

This could only end badly, he thought, but he decided to just live in the present and enjoy this moment, however fleeting. He relished the feeling of her warm body nestled against his as she deepened their kiss. He wanted this moment to last forever...

Knock knock!*

They broke apart with a jolt as they stared at the door. Melody backed up, putting too much weight on her bandaged foot, and she almost toppled over. Jim was quick on his feet and grabbed her hand, supporting her back with his arm.

At that exact moment, Silver opened the door, carrying a tray of food. He nearly dropped it when he saw the sight before him.

"Silver! It's not what it looks like - she tripped..."Jim began to explain. A grin slowly formed on the Cyborg's face as he nodded in understanding.

"Whatever ye say, lad. Ah jus' t'aught ah'd bring down some dinner so's de princess didn' 'ave to make de trek upstairs again."

"That's very kind of you Silver, thank you. You may leave the tray here," Melody smiled graciously.

"T'is not a t'ing, lassie. Enjoy," he removed his hat and bowed with a flourish, quickly exiting the sitting room.

"Do you think he knows?" Melody glanced up at Jim, who was still holding her.

"Ohhh undoubtedly," Jim confirmed, not seeming too concerned. He then helped her back to her chair. "I'll go talk to him, you eat and rest your foot."

Jim reached the top deck and was immediately greeted by Silver, hands on his hips. He had clearly been waiting for him.

"Before you say anything, Silver, I know. I know it's a bad idea, I know it'll probably cost me my job, and I know you're disappointed in me."

"Disappointed? Belay that! Ah couldn' be happier for ye. Always t'aught ye'd meet a nice lass and settle down."

"Silver keep it down!" Jim whispered, looking around frantically to make sure no one had overheard. "This isn't exactly part of my job description - I could get into huge trouble if we're found out!"

"Ye shoulda t'aught o'dat before ye started makin eyes at her!" Silver tried not to chuckle at Jim's distress.

"Honestly, I tried to shut it down, but she wouldn't take no for an answer! She gave me no choice, Silver, what was I supposed to do?" Jim dragged himself to the railing and slumped over it in defeat. "She's probably more stubborn than me!" he covered his face with one arm, rubbing it tiredly.

"Ah didn' know such a t'ing was possible!" he chuckled as he joined Jim at the railing. "She seems t' like ye well enough. Perhaps it'll be good for ye, havin' a lady friend."

"So you don't think I'm crazy? You think I should just go along with it?" Jim snuck a glance at his friend.

"Aye laddy, ah do. Ah never told ye dis, but many years ago, when ah I was about yer age, d'ere was a special someone in my life. Ah didn' t'ink dat she would really be happy wit someone like me though, so ah broke things off and took off on the next ship out of d'ere. Ah can tell you dis, d'ere isn't a day dat goes by when ah don't t'ink of her. When you 'ave somethin' special like dat with someone, ye gotta be willin' to fight for it. T'is no small feat t'be sure, but t'is worth it, Jimbo."

Jim was completely taken by surprise. He had never considered what Silver was like in his youth, or what led him to a life of piracy, but he appreciated the insight that he was offering. Maybe he should heed his advice and see where this new path would lead...