Norrington's Darling

Absolutely Smitten

POV: Zuri Sparrow

Years prior...

I walked along the docks, enjoying the smell of the sea mixed with the fresh berries of the pastry I held in my hand, made by the street vendor I'd come to know quite well.

I glanced down at my simple attire. I'd chosen not to go with my pirate garb or my fancy-schmancy outfit from the governor, who had taken me in temporarily, despite the fact I was a Sparrow.

Governor Swann had heard my plea for help at Elizabeth's request. I'd explained I was the daughter of Jack Sparrow, a father I'd never met. I'd told them I was looking for him. I wanted to know who my father was and I wanted to learn what I could from him. I'd also told them about my mother's cryptic promise, and what it meant for me.

I smiled as the British soldiers walked by without giving me a second glance. It was nice to look like a normal citizen, not a pirate or a higher up.

Suddenly I felt a hand fall on my shoulder. "Zuri Sparrow?"

I turned and found Commodore James Norrington behind me, frowning at me. "Yes, Commodore?"

He stared out at sea. "I know your father. I've met him once."

Suddenly my interest was piqued. "Really? What's he like? I mean, not just a pirate. I know that."

Norrington cracked a smile. "Mischevious. Tricky. Strange."

"Hmmm...so, like me?"

Norrington laughed. "You are like him. But, you must be like your mother, too. There's something about you that's...kinder, more civil. You seem like you could be a regular person. But your father couldn't live in the normal world."

I shrugged. "I can't really live in the normal world. It's all an act. I'm much more comfortable at sea, on a ship, sailing without a care in the world, only knowing my destination and where I've been, not where I am."

Norrington followed my gaze out to sea. "I can see where you're coming from, honestly. I understand. The freedom of the ocean...it's just so—"

"—alluring," I finished.

"Exactly," Norrington breathed, looking at me strangely. I fell into the depths of his eyes, my heart suddenly racing.

"Commodore—" I started, but he cut me off with a finger pressed to my lips. 

"Shhh," he whispered. "If you're feeling what I'm feeling," he added, voice choked with emotion, "then I know exactly what's going on in your mind, in your heart."

I nodded slowly and glanced over at the street, which was mercifully empty. I looked back at Norrington just in time to see his adorable expression.

Oh, good tides, I thought. I...am...absolutely smitten!