Elizabeth Swann sniffled once more, dabbing at her eyes with the borrowed handkerchief before shifting position, curling up into an even tighter protective ball, chin resting on her knees. It was all thanks to the male uniform she wore that she could do such things…it wouldn't have been ladylike to have had such posture in a dress, and impossible to sit so in a corset. But it was comfortable and comforting; a little compensation for all that she'd lost. It was a nice place to sit and hide, a little alcove, tucked away near the Governor's cabin.
"Lieutenant?" A voice wondered, from somewhere nearby, and Elizabeth lifted her head, curious. It was the Commodore, her fiancé, she'd recognize his voice anywhere. "Armand, love, is that you?"
The girl's eyes widened, and she smiled, slowly. "Commodore?"
Norrington froze, hearing her voice; he paused, uncertain if he should stay or if he should flee, wondering how much she'd heard. "Miss Swann? What are you doing down there?"
She got to her feet smoothly, quickly – again, thanks to the breeches she wore – sniffled, and dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief, perhaps out of habit. "Crying," she admitted, with a rather teary smile.
The expression on Norrington's face softened, and he smiled. "Oh. Well. That's rather a good reason, isn't it?"
She nodded.
"Might I be so bold as to inquire…why the tears, Miss Swann?"
"Elizabeth," she corrected, softly, crumpling the useless dampened handkerchief in one hand.
"Elizabeth," Norrington agreed, reaching into a pocket and finding her a fresh handkerchief, handing it to her wordlessly.
"Thank you," she whispered, before giving him another teary-eyed smile. "Commodore? Might I…ask you something?"
"Of course," the commodore replied, a bit hesitantly.
"Do you love me?" She seemed entirely guile-less, looking up and meeting his eyes.
Norrington stared at her, speechless, for a long moment. Finally, after the silence had become unbearable, he spoke. "How on earth am I supposed to answer a question like that? I…I care for you. I've known you all my life. It…would make a smart match."
She sniffled, smiled weakly. "I knew it. I've always known…that you did not love me, just as I've always known that Will Turner did. And then I thought…if I were wrong about one, it was possible that I was wrong about the other."
"Forgive me, but…I don't believe you were wrong about either, Miss Swann."
"Elizabeth."
"Elizabeth." Norrington smiled, softly. "He cares the world for you. And you for him."
The girl's dark eyes widened. "You…you knew?" she wondered, rather incredulously. "This whole time, you knew and…and you kept pursuing and you kept…"
"It's a smart match, Elizabeth." He paused, sighed. "I will not keep you to it, even if your father wishes it."
"But Will…"
"Go and make things up with him. You, of all people…you deserve to be loved, Elizabeth." His voice was soft, almost heart-breaking in its sweetness.
"No," Elizabeth murmured, reaching up, placing one hand on the Commodore's cheek, greatly daring. "It's you, of all people, who deserves it. I hope you find what you're searching for, James." She smiled up at him, a moment longer, than turned, leaving the alcove, leaving the Commodore alone with his thoughts.
Author's Notes:
Whew! Finally updated, after a neverending spell of writer's block. Elizabeth just sort-of…attacked, I swear. The next chapter should come soon; it'll feature Jealous!Gillette. What fun. *grins* I'd like to thank all the gals at the NorringtonDefenseLeague ( being generally wonderful. Yay! And now, a shoutout to all of my reviewers. :)
Mercuria – Oh, goodness, I hope there's no Norrington mpreg! I find Mpreg very squicky. *shudders* He would make a good father, though…
MaiaoLilta – Yes, the Norrington Defense League is great. Are you a member? If so, stop lurking!! *hands on hips*. Lurking is no fun for anyone! *grins*
August DuMonte – Oh, dear. This hardly counts as sharpish, does it? *hides* This chapter wasn't even very slashy, although it was rather angsty, wasn't it? Next chapter will be fun. Slashier. Angstier. Good times. ;) And yes, I'll definitely let Gillette out…we can't keep him in bed all the time, can we?
glassneko - *munches cupcakes*. Hey, I finally figured out what he's doing with Elizabeth…well, sort-of. *grins*
Sanely Challenged – Ooh, thanks, can I play with them now? *grins*
DragonLadyKhushrenada – Thank you much for your comments. I'm glad the governor didn't come off as too slashy…*glares at characters who try to be slashy even when I don't want them to* Thanks for your advice…I was rather intending that bit as the governor telling Norrington to grow up and stop avoiding responsibility. *shrugs neatly* Maybe I should rework that bit…
Chayter (Blue Wolftin) - Don't worry, you shan't have to resort to author-beating. *winks*
Guinevere Sparrow – I'm very glad you enjoy it. Here's some more, finally. Yay for the NDL! *g*
ten miles til midnight – Thank you much for all your compliments! I love getting feedback from people whose work I admire, and you're definitely on that list. *grins* Nothing makes my day better than people saying I'm doing a good job of characterizing Jack…I worry over that all the time; he's very difficult to write. Thanks again!
Koenta ([email protected]) - ThankYouThankYouThankYou! Here's more…hopefully I didn't keep you sitting too very long. *winks*
shinken – Yes, the world does! Here's a bit more for you…sort-of? I'm doing my part to spread the Norrington/Gillette love. *whispers "Rowboat of Slash!"*
diana ([email protected]) - Thanks for your interest! I'd like to see your site before I give you permission to put "One Night" there…drop me an email or a review or something?
SucidialSovergin ([email protected]) - Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it; here's a little bit more for you. :) Thanks for the cookies!