Norrington's Darling

Handsome & Stupid

POV: Zuri Sparrow

I rubbed James's back as he threw up. He was on his hands and knees, groaning in pain.

"Zuri, tell me why I was such an idiot!"

"Because you were drunk," I murmured.

"I meant the getting drunk part."

"Then I don't know."

Elizabeth cast me a glance. I'm sorry, she mouthed.

I shrugged. It's his fault. Then I looked back at him and pulled a strand of his muddy, stringy brown hair out of his face, ever so gently. He retched another time, then sat up, back pressed to the brick wall. His eyes were closed and he seemed to be holding his breath.

Oh, why do you have to be so handsome? I wondered. Especially while you're scruffy looking. You hate being scruffy looking!

I sighed happily as I looked at James, comparing his scruffy appearance to his neat appearance. Yes, I liked scruffy better.

James took my sigh the wrong way. "I'm sorry, Zuri."

I shook my head. "Not that. Just...well...erm...ah," I stammered. A blush appeared on my cheeks. It was hard enough telling James I loved him or was thinking about him, not to mention do it while we had an audience. Not to mention while that audience was Elizabeth, who's eyes James would not meet.

James grinned cheekily. "Just what, Zuri?" he teased.

"Nothing," I said quietly.

"Oh, come on!" James said. "Tell me!"

I muttered, "Maybe later. When you're completely sober."

James gave me that hurt look. "Oh, stop it!"

I gave him a tiny smile. I would have given him a peck on the cheek if it weren't for the stupid mud. "How'd you manage to get thrown into the mud?" I asked for the fifth time. I'd never gotten an actual answer.

James looked away. He refused to speak.

"I can just ask Elizabeth...," I said dryly.

James only glanced at me.

"...but I'd rather if I heard it from you," I finished quietly.

James looked at me, looking as though his heart might burst with happiness.

"Will you tell me?" I asked quietly.

"Maybe later. When I'm completely sober," he said, throwing my own words right back at me. He gave me a mischievous and adorable smile.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, you stupid, handsome idiot." I wiped the mud from his lips and gave him a tiny kiss, then laughed at his priceless expression.

I glanced at Elizabeth, who was trying hard not to laugh. She pointed at James's face and I nodded, covering my mouth with my hand.

James wore a dreamy expression and the biggest, goofiest grin ever. "Stupid handsome idiot..." he murmured. Then his eyes widened and his expression became shocked. He keeled over again and threw up yet again.

I sighed and looked at Elizabeth. "And this is exactly why he's a stupid handsome idiot."

She laughed.