Norrington's Darling

Love of the Brother...

POV: Zuri Sparrow

I woke to the gentle toss of the waves and the quiet swishing of the water beneath the ship. My eyes still closed, I enjoyed the simplicity of the sound and remembered a time when my heart was mine to command and not in the possession of the now former Commodore.

We'd just managed to skirt a hurricane in the night, but we hadn't missed the rain. I already knew the planks of the deck would be slick and dangerous. It would be better off for me if I remained on deck instead of up in the crow's nest or in the rigging.

I wiped the sleep from my eyes rather blearily and then frowned. I found that I was curled up in the fetal position, my arms wrapped around one of my many pillows. Being with James had prevented me from curling up in my much-preferred sleeping position—the fetal position. I felt a little guilty about the fact I was glad I had automatically resumed the position by natural default.

I stretched out and rolled over, finding myself warming up as sunlight streamed in through the glass of the windows and portholes.

I rolled back over again and shot straight up into a sitting position. 

Jack was standing there, looking at me with a strange expression.

"...Hi?" I say, the word more of a question than just a general statement.

"You're alone," Jack commented.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, Jack, I am alone."

"Hmm."

"And you are here because...?"

"I had figured you were with the former Commodore as you slept late again," Jack said. "And yet. You are alone."

"And your point is...?"

"Not much of a point, really, but more of your question."

I throw my hands up. "Ask away!"

"Why are you alone?" Jack asked, tilting his head.

I took in a deep breath through my nose and slowly exhale through my nose. "Yesterday...Norrington—"

"Mad enough just to call him Norrington?" Jack asked, eyebrows both shooting up on his forehead.

"Yes," I said. "Norrington... He—" My voice cracked and I started over. "It was something he did that made me think he might not love me as much as he says he does."

Jack's nostrils briefly flared. "And why is that?" He sat down on the edge of my bed. "What happened?"

I took another deep breath and told him everything about yesterday. From Norrington watching him about the letters to confronting Elizabeth to the look we'd shared. I even told him about my mostly sleepless night.

When I was finished, Jack stood abruptly. "I'll be back," he said shortly and disappeared.