Norrington's Darling

Too Much To Ask

POV: Zuri Sparrow

I swallowed. I couldn't look James in the eye. Instead, I cast my gaze on the deck, where the only part of James I could see was his boots.

Standing there, each of us waiting for the other to speak, my throat felt tight and my blood was pulsing through my ears, leaving a pounding sound as well as sensation in my head. Very briefly, I squeezed my eyes shut and mustered up the courage to say something.

Then, at the same time, we both said, "It's not that I don't love you— What?"

We stared at each other, and this time I managed to meet James's gaze. His green eyes were wide and full of surprise, his mouth dropped slightly open. I was sure I looked the same, save for the eye color.

"Uhh...ladies first?" James suggested.

I shook my head as my confidence and normal self came rushing back as if it had never even left. "Oh, no, mister! That's not getting you out of this one! You first." I put a cocky stance on my hips and put my hands on my hips. "I think I deserve an explanation, James Norrington."

James nodded, though his expression made it appear as though his mouth had gone very, very dry. He cleared his throat rather desperately before saying, "Yes, I believe I do owe you an explanation."

I threw up my hands. "Explain away, then!"

James went closer to the side. He didn't touch it, but he stared out to sea, the deep blue of the waves making his sea-green eyes glitter like emeralds. Made them as dark as emeralds, too. His lower jaw quivered as he fought to think of what to say. 

Something cold worked its way into my heart. "You don't have an explanation...do you?" And though my voice was level and calm, I suppose something in it alerted James to the fact I had given up—on an explanation, yes, and perhaps even on him. He turned abruptly, mouth open, as I took a step back.

"Zuri—"

"No, no," I said, shaking my head. I knew it was too much to ask, I thought. "I see how it is." I knew I'd gotten my hopes up too much.

"No, Zuri, please," James begged. "That's not— It's not that, Zuri!"

I shook my head, tears gathering in my eyes, and turned on my heel. I stalked down below decks and seated myself on a barrel full of rum. I put my elbows on my knees, my head in my hands, and began to sob.