Norrington's Darling

Uniform

POV: James Norrington

Zuri stole a pair of my pants and my coat, which she threw over herself and came down with me. I glanced at her.

"You sure you wanna wear that?"

"What else am I supposed to do?"

"Okay, then."

The two of us hurried down the stairs and found Beckett standing at the door. Zuri hung back as I opened the door. Upon seeing Beckett, she glanced down at herself, then stole a second coat, this one larger, and wrapped it around herself.

Beckett raised an eyebrow at her. "What? I'm not going to bite."

Zuri flinched. 

Beckett suddenly looked very awkward and very red in the face. I cleared my throat before it could get even more awkward.

"Lord Beckett, sir?"

Beckett cleared his throat. "Ah, yes. Admiral Norrington, I need a moment to speak with your..." His eyes flicked to Zuri. He sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, are you two married or not?"

"Uhhh...no."

"Engaged?"

"No."

"Promised to each other?"

I remembered the promise ring. "Yes, as a matter of fact." I hoped the fact Zuri and I were "promised" (even though we really weren't) would save Zuri from anymore uncomfortable, sticky situations between herself and Beckett.

"I need a moment to speak to Zuri—if she would permit me. About the same things we discussed earlier."

My stomach flipped. "All due respect, sir, but I believe it would be easier for her to hear them if they came from me..."

"Regardless, it is customary."

I swallowed harshly. "A-alright."

"On the same coin," Beckett continued, "you are needed at the barracks. Your training begins in one hour."

My mouth felt dry. "Yes, sir."

Beckett nodded. "Off you go."

I spared a nervous glance at Zuri, who looked pale, as I slipped back upstairs, picked up my uniform, and hurried back downstairs. I took my coat from Zuri, who suddenly looked very small as if she was withdrawing into herself and trying to make herself less of a target. I hesitated before I crossed the threshold of the front door. I looked back at Zuri and met her eyes.

"I'll be back," I promised, though my throat felt raw, like I'd been yelling.

She nodded. I stepped out of the door and turned to close it when Zuri drew in a breath. I froze at the sound, which had a note of panic edged in it.

"I love you," she said.

I stepped back inside and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you, too." I gave her a light peck on the lips, very different from the heated, romantic kisses we'd been exchanging recently of late, but it was enough to make Beckett avert his eyes. It had clearly sent the message: she wasn't his. The only thing that could be clearer would be putting a wedding ring on her finger.

"It'll be alright," Zuri whispered. "I can handle myself."

"I know you can," I whispered back. I kissed her temple and hurried out of the door before Beckett could question anything.

The barracks, fort, and training field were just as I remembered, if a bit more empty. There weren't as many marines going back and forth, doing duties, or even training. The air felt cold and menacing. The stillness beat down on me as I disturbed it, walking through the courtyard and toward the barracks.