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Port Royal was a great town, if not a quite big part of Jamaica. There was not a lot to do, a couple bars here and there, docks holding the Navy ships which now held Beckett’s HMS Endeavor. And some small shops: a floral, bookstore, knickknacks, Mr. Brown’s smith, and of course where you worked.
Not long after leaving England to follow the Governor and Elizabeth Swann to Jamaica, Port Royal. You took up a job to sew back clothing. And the Governor immediately realized how important it would be for you to set up shop so when the Navy men returned from sea they could go to you.
And it was the best way to make money, especially when soldiers came around and requested for their uniform to be fixed. They paid small, you weren’t needy. The only thing you had asked for was a couple hours or maybe a day at most. It truly depended on how much time you had with fixing other uniforms. They understood, and it made you feel relieved.
—
Business soon became slow after Beckett had turned and took control over Port Royal. Why? Well you didn’t know and honestly it was not your place to know. His soldiers, EITC men, didn’t go to sea that much and so they had no real reason to come to you.
You had honestly missed the years Lieutenant James Norrington would go and hunt pirates. As that’s when you were loaded with restoring uniforms, undershirts, or any other clothing that had gotten ruined while on their trip. You even had the talent of fixing leather straps for their weapons or holsters for their guns.
Leaning against the back of the chair, book in hand as you read quietly. The sound of the door opening didn’t go unnoticed by you. Looking up, a sigh of relief finally left your lips. Hoping and praying you could have your hands get to work on something. It had been so long and you were itching to fix anything. Even got to a point where you had thought you’d get rusty.
“Hello!” Your voice was quiet, but audible as you set the book down and stood up from the chair. Walking up to the counter you saw a rugged man, his back was turned to you so you thought it was some common folk around these parts.
The man turned, his eyes meeting yours as he stepped closer, and gently set a uniform on the counter. “I need resizing.” James’ voice spoke quietly, he was tired. Oh so very tired.
All you could do was stare as the voice of the man registered in your brain. “Mr. Norrington?”
James’ lips gently twitched up, almost a smile. “Yes, it’s me. I’m sure it’s been a long time since I’ve been here. Also please, just James.”
“Yes! A year. I thought…well since business had died completely and you or your men haven’t come around I thought something tragic happened.”
James stiffened slightly, looking down and shifting to slowly move in the seat across from the counter. “Well you wouldn’t be too far off.” His voice dropped, clearly remembering the horrendous past months.
“What happened? I can’t deny that I have missed you terribly, James. I was also very worried.” You added quickly.
“It’s a long story. Probably boring too.”
“And I have all the time in the world.” You stood, opening the cabinet that held measurements from past patrons, you found James’ information as you grabbed the file and stood up.
You motioned toward the open area as he sighed, heavily standing up as if he had weights attached to his boots. Grabbing out the measuring tape you stood and wrapped it around his waist.
Each and every measurement you’ve taken has not only been written down for references. But so that you could change how either tight or loose the clothing would be. Yet, you always remembered the measurements.
And it was no different to James waist length.
Your eyebrows simply furrowed and you lifted your head to look at him. His green eyes held a certain weight to them, as if he was upset about something that neither of you wanted to name.
He knew why you looked at him. He knew what you noticed.
“James-”
“I know…just-” He paused to take a deep breath, he didn’t want to get angry, he knew he had lost so much weight. It was a miracle he didn’t gain any by how much alcohol he drank. But maybe it was better that he didn't.
You stepped closer, lowering the measuring tape and looking up and down his rugged clothes, they were so dirty. His old uniform, clearly. Yet it was barely noticeable that it was a uniform. The only way to tell by what used to be the gold design.
“I’ve been through a lot.” He whispered, almost slightly leaning his head down to rest against yours. “And I’m so tired.”
“Did you just return?”
He nodded slowly, “Yes, I just spoke with Beckett and need,” He just motioned to the uniform on the counter still. “He gave me a promotion. Admiral.” He looked down at you, a self deprecating smile on his features. “And I don’t know if I deserve it or not.”
“Why do you think that you don’t deserve it?” You asked, not wanting to sound blunt but the question was just out of kindness. Maybe curiosity.
A sigh left his lips as he slouched, “I don’t know. I used to be so proud of getting promotions. I told myself I deserve it, but this time I feel like I don’t.”
Setting the measuring tape down on the table you slowly moved your hands to run along his uniform, “If you don’t think you deserve it, then maybe I’m the one who should be.” You smiled softly, your eyes meeting him as you admired this rugged version of the man you’ve seen so many times. The typical rigid Commodore was nowhere to be seen, all you saw was James Norrington. The man behind the whole facade of cruel words and sassy remarks to anyone who dared to challenge him.
“You want to be proud of me?” He smiled, a true one. It felt foreign to smile again, “That’s surprising.”
“How? I’ve seen you climb the ranks so easily, Commodore Norrington.” A teasing tone as you used the last rank he had.
“Admiral now, actually.” He corrected you.
“Ah, so you convince yourself you’re the admiral of the Royal Navy. If that is what you will introduce yourself as then you do want to be admiral.”
His mouth opened, shocked before he just looked away. A small grunt left his lips for being called out so casually. But he couldn’t help the smile appear on his face when he watched you tilt your head so he was forced to see your cute face. He raised his hand, gently pushing your head away playfully.
“Hey!” You exclaimed, a soft laugh leaving your lips as you gripped his uniform and tugged him.
He grunted, stumbling but catching his footing as he furrowed his eyebrows, “How bold.”
“Yeah, I am. And what are you going to do about it?” You asked, almost challenging him. “Don’t forget I can be really bold if I so desire, Admiral.”
“Oh, and do show or perhaps tell me how you can be bold.”
You smirked, raising an eyebrow as your hands ran up and down his chest again before slowly examining the rest of his body. Shoulders, forearms, stomach then slowly going lower. Managing to brush your hand along his bulge of his pants that no doubt were stolen. You heard his breath hitch as you kept moving downward.
“So, full uniform is in need of being redone, Admiral?” You asked, looking up at him where you had rested on one knee in front of him.
“Yes.” He hissed, looking down at you, his hand clenching and unclenching at his side. How badly he wanted to scold you for being so bold. Yet, he knew if he did scold you. He’d be played into your game.
“Very well, I’ll get your new measurements.”
—
It didn’t take that long, you were very efficient and quick at your job. Plus, James was very patient, even when you touched his side and he flinched and tried not to laugh as you found his tickle spot. No doubt that hadn’t surprised you; he was still ticklish.
Once you were done with the measurements you went to the uniform and checked it out. As James sat at the counter again he looked troubled, as if he was trying to get the courage to ask something.
“Would you like to accompany me to my home for dinner tonight?”
You nearly stabbed your finger with a needle as you clearly weren’t expecting that question. “Excuse me!? What?”
James looked up at you, and he sighed, “I guess that’s a no then.”
“Wait! God, stop being stubborn, James!” You scolded him, taking a bundled paper and smacking his head as he smiled slightly. “It’s not a no, actually! I was just surprised at your proposal. But I also can’t help but be curious as to why.”
“Because I…I need company.” His voice dropped down to a whisper as his eyes darted down. “I have been lonely quite a lot and I…I just need an old friend.”
“Friend? More so acquaintances, but I seem to know a lot more about you than an acquaintance would. I know how big your damn head is.”
James looked at you, and for a moment he just looked ticked off before a quiet laugh came and vibrated through the space. “My head is big because of how much knowledge I hold.”
“Oh right, sorry, forgot how nerdy you are in all your Navy bloom.” You raised your hands, shaking them as if you were doing jazz hands.
James laughed once more, a comforting sound from his lips. “Oh you wound me.” He replied sassily. “And my navy bloom looks good on me, thank you very much.”
“It does.” You admitted without thinking of it.
“Oh? Is that your way of admitting something, my dear?” The pet name was a tease, and it got out a reaction James was hoping for as you had blushed and turned away. Crossing your arms over your chest and puffing out your cheek.
“Well, you invited me to dinner. So I think it’s safe to say you should admit something first.”
“But I already told you why I wanted you to accompany me. I am lonely, I have been.” James repeated what he said earlier. “But, you…find me attractive in my navy bloom.”
“Shut up!” Your cheeks were so red it could be mistaken for the redcoats uniform. The dreaded uniforms you hated working on the most.
“Make me.”
Snapping your head over to look at James. Your eyes narrowed in slight frustration at how smug he looked. He leaned back in the chair, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned more to his left side. Followed by a smirk you only had wanted to kiss right off as your eyes rested on his lips before looking away.
“Oh I want to.”
“Then come over here and shut me up.”
As you tried to focus on his damn uniform and measuring the changes that needed to be made. It was becoming incredibly difficult with his words. He had become so bold and more…open. Back then he used to be such a closed off professional officer who barely smiled. Now he was openly flirting and being such a smug bastard about it.
“Do you want me to get your uniform done?”
“Oh please, my dear. There’s no rush, I have a week off. Beckett requested I…freshen up before we leave to sea in a week.”
Well that made you relax significantly at the idea that you had a week to get his uniform made and fitted. “You do need to freshen up.” You agreed. “You smell horrible.” It was supposed to be a jab, but no, he took the jab easily.
“Oh, my poor heart. How will I ever recover?” James asked nonchalantly, as if he’s gotten worse insults.
Shaking your head you sighed, setting the needle down and looking at him. “What do you want from me, James? And don’t tell me your uniform to be fitted. I already know that.”
“Oh, I want a lot of things, my dear.” He started, “But I’m afraid it would be a long list.”
Your eyes rolled in annoyance, leaning back in your own chair as you faced him. “Okay, what is it you desire the most then?” You asked, and oh how his eyes darkened with something you dare not name.
“Desire is a dangerous thing, and I’ve had my fair share of heartbreak. I don’t want to go back to what could have been. Nor am I looking for any attraction.”
“You are attractive though, James.”
He stared, his green eyes turning a bit brighter at the sudden compliment. “Are you saying that to make me feel better or do you genuinely mean that?”
You tilted your head, “I have no reason to use you for any advantage. Unlike the people in the past. So yes, I do mean that. You are attractive, especially when you’re all scruffy like this.” You motioned to his current rugged appearance.
He looked down at himself, “Ah like me dirty and smelly?”
“Perhaps, though it is the beard that really sells it.” You smirked, leaning forward and resting your elbows on your knees. “Plus, your eyes are more expressive.”
James frowned, “Is that a good thing?”
You nodded, “Of course it is, why would it be a bad thing?”
His eyes held a more hidden meaning on why he thought it would be a bad thing and looked away, not wanting to address it personally. Which, you had realized quite fast that it held a deep meaning.
Standing up you slowly walked up to him, taking your hand into his and gently pulled him closer. “Being more expressive doesn’t make you weak, James. It’s a lot more important, especially if you want a relationship. Not being the cold hard man you used to be especially in a uniform, it shows humanity. And I know that’s something you’ve struggled with, showing feelings. Saying what you want without a judging look. The world shoved you into a position you had no control over, and with it caused you to come into this hard shell.”
There was a brief silence, a pause that held so much weight.
“You’re right.” It was a whisper, and he took in a deep breath to try not to cry. Because how much he felt at ease when he was drunk on Tortuga, when he was aboard the Pearl. It felt like freedom.
Your eyes met his, raising your hand to cup his cheek as you rubbed away the moisture of his tears that slowly fell down his cheek. “It’s okay to cry, darling. I’m sure you need some release.”
He slowly nodded, and without thinking of it he just wrapped his arms around you in almost a bone crushing hug. He was still strong despite the loss of weight.
Your breath hitched, eyes widening at the sudden affection. But, it was entirely welcome as you wrapped your arms back around him and rubbed his back. “Oh, and James?”
“Mm?”
“I’d love to accompany you to yours for dinner. Only if I can take my things with us. I’d like to work on your uniform.”
“Of course. But remember, you don’t need to rush. I’m on leave for a week.” James reassured you.
“I know, but if I get it done I can spend more time with you.” Leaning up, you brought your lips to his cheek to give him a small peck.
—
James allowed you to pack your things after you both shared the moment together. It was quite nice, James was being vulnerable and you could tell he definitely needed it with how tight he had hugged you initially.
Looking up briefly from your task you watched as he just looked around the small store, admiring some things and some fabrics or small tools you had. Seeing him interested made you smile in joy as you finished packing your things and zipped up the bag.
“James, I’m ready to go.” You announced.
He turned, nodding as he walked over to you. Without even asking he took your bag and his uniform, then offered his arm out for you to take. Taking it without hesitation he guided you out of your place which you locked securely and followed him to his home.
The walk was quiet, comfortable as you both just admired Port Royal. Soon you realized this would be the first time that you actually would be spending time with James at his place. The true thought made you blush softly, your arm shifting around his.
James looked down, “You alright, my dear?”
“Yes!” You blurted, “It’s just hot.”
“I see, we’ll be there shortly. I do apologize for not having a carriage.” James apologized, looking back ahead as he turned to lead up a hill.
“No no, it’s okay. Besides, it’s quite nice.”
James smiled, “I’m glad.” He continued to lead the way. Before soon his home was revealed up on a hill. It was small, not drastically large that would hold way too many rooms. But enough space that it would be suitable for a family.
“Welcome to my humble abode,” James gently shifted his arm out of yours as he reached into his pockets and found a key, he unlocked the door, motioning for you to enter first. When you did he followed behind you.
Your eyes admired his home, it was clean, no doubt his military service made him be such a clean man. Plus, it felt really comfortable.
“My dear, where would you like your things?” James asked, his voice soft as he moved closer to you.
Your head looked up, “Oh! Umm, I’m actually not sure.” You thought, “Maybe the sitting room?” You offered.
James nodded, leading the way to the sitting room as he offered you a seat on the plush couch. He sat your bag and his uniform down on the table in front of the couch. “I’ll get some tea ready.”
Sitting down, your head tilted slightly. “Do you not have a butler?”
“No, I, well oddly enough I don’t have maids. The majority of the time I am at sea or at the fort, and my place stays clean. The only time I use my home is to sleep, get cleaned up and eat. That’s quite it.”
You raised an eyebrow, not expecting him to live alone and not have any butler, maids or servants. As he left you looked ahead, realizing one thing.
You were alone with him in his home.
The thought made you blush and shift in the seat on the couch, you could feel yourself get heated up between your thighs and your eyebrows furrowed, frantically trying not to get aroused.
“Fuck….” You cursed quietly. Standing you started to pace around, feeling so aroused. Damn it all. Eventually you went to find James in the nearby kitchen, “James could you show me the bathroom?”
He looked up, “Of course.” His eyes scanned over you quickly, seeing how flushed your cheeks were. As he walked over to you he gently raised his hand up, “You alright?”
“Mhm! Yes, I just ya know-” Pausing you just stared at him, his eyes so damn pretty. His beard, dirt all over his sun tanned skin from being at sea for so long. You swallowed nervously. “I just have to use the bathroom.” You shrugged, attempting to act nonchalant despite the fact your face and body was becoming more hot.
“Well, right this way.” He moved his hand down your back, guiding you in the direction, into the threshold of the kitchen door from the foyer and down a hall where some doors were at.
“Here we are,” He opened the door, “I’ll be in the kitchen. Holler if you need anything…” He turned, letting you attend to your needs. “Or help.” He added a knowing smirk on his face you couldn’t see but hear by just the tone in his voice.
Your eyes widened at the clear suggestion, no doubt he knew of your arousal. You walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind you. Closing your eyes, one deep breath in for a few seconds and slowly letting it go. Eyes searching the bathroom you did use it, washed your hands before rubbing some water on your face as you stared in the mirror. Your face was still as red as a tomato.
Leaving the room you went to the kitchen but found that James wasn’t in the room. Before you could turn to return to the sitting room a hand gripped your wrist and pinned you against the wall. Your back hit the wall as your eyes found James’.
“I can’t deny that I have been holding back, out of respect for you, my dear.” James started, moving his right forearm to rest against the wall next to your head. “But I am slowly losing control because you are too damn beautiful.”
“Not gonna wait to court me properly?”
“Oh I would, if I was a man worth a title. But I think I’m past that point now, don’t you agree?”
“Possibly.” Your voice whispered, soon you leaned up, your lips barely brushing against his jaw. “How long have you been holding back?”
James furrowed his eyebrows, his green eyes dark they could’ve been mistaken for a black color. But due to his dirt, the green was still prominent. “Ever since your boldness in your shop. Touching me so freely up and down.”
“I was measuring your body.” You replied, quickly.
“Without a measuring tape?” James raised an eyebrow, waiting for a response but he smirked when he left you speechless for a moment. “If you want to know how big it is, I’ll gladly show you.”
Fuck he was smooth. So damn smooth.
“Well, I’m sure it’s quite big. Though you’re still a virgin?”
James' breath hitched, before he grunted. Slowly he moved to press his chest against your own, keeping you pinned against his tall frame. “I am still a virgin, yes. But I am willing to change that if you want.”
“Mm, a shame such a handsome man such as yourself hasn’t gotten laid.” You remarked, teasing him to get him on that edge to break him down slowly until he snapped.
“Well, my last time I attempted to be civil and properly court the woman didn’t even like me. So I have a bad track record of being shut down.” His voice was deeper, an annoyance creeping up into his tone.
“Ah, but let’s not think of that, James. You have me in your hold, clearly.” Your hands slowly rubbed up and down his dirty commodore uniform before your arms wrapped around his neck.
“Yes, clearly.” He leaned down, his beard tickling your neck and rubbing against it that felt so satisfying.
“James…”
“Yes?”
“That feels good.”
“Good.” He tilted his head, bringing his lips down to your neck as he tightened his hand on your hip. The sounds of your breath hitching and your body reacting had James on fire. He continued to kiss your neck, gently nibbling slightly before he suddenly bit down and sucked to ease the pain.
“James!” You moaned his name. Not long after he laughed softly at your moan, feeling the tightness of your fingers digging into his uniform.
Before James could continue the tea kettle started whistling and he straightened up. Acting so nonchalant as he let you go and walked over to the tea kettle and finished making the tea.
“Any particular flavor you like, my dear?”
You were still so dazed from the kisses and his beard tickling your neck. “Any flavor is good.” You replied, voice quite out of breath from still feeling aroused. James nodded, continuing to work as your eyes slowly moved to watch his hands work.
Hard working calloused hands that had just gripped your hip to keep you in place. Now working efficiently making tea. Being so focused on his hands you didn’t acknowledge James’ smirk or the fact he curled his fingers and you nearly gasped and felt your knees buckle before leaning back against the wall more.
“Careful, darling.” He spoke, “Don’t want you growing weak on me now? Where was that boldness earlier? Why so shy now?” James asked, looking briefly at you before back down to the tea as he put two cups on a tray with the kettle.
“I’m not shy.” You refuted, “Just caught off guard.”
“Mm, well I’m glad to have brought you that same feeling I had felt earlier when you decided to tease my crotch. While you were ‘measuring me’ as you put it.” James held the tray, motioning his head toward the door to where the sitting room was at.
Watching him walk your eyes went up and down his body admiring his physique before you quietly followed him. As he sat down on the couch you moved to sit next to him. Your thighs brush against each other. As James gave you a cup of tea you took it, “Thank you, James.”
“Of course.” He poured his own cup, setting the kettle down and leaned back on the couch, he took a sip of his tea, it soothing his throat from the year at sea and drinking alcohol for so long. “So, how have you been while I’ve been gone?” He asked, arm slowly moving to rest on the back of the couch behind where you sat.
“Well without you and your men constantly going to sea and getting your uniforms ruined, I had almost no work. But otherwise I’ve been alright. Bored.” Taking a drink of your own tea you leaned back to lean back against him, head resting against his shoulder.
“I see. I’m sorry I hadn’t stopped to tell you I’d be leaving. Should’ve been beneficial, but I didn’t think much of it. Are you less bored now, though?” James smirked, looking down at you as he ran his hand through your hair slowly.
“Mm, yes. I’ve been entertained and on my toes. Thanks to a certain Admiral.”
“I’m glad,” Leaning in, he kissed the shell of your ear. “Glad I can make life entertaining for you.” He breathed, facial hair tickling your skin.
“You’re so confident, James. I like it.”
“Well, as I said, I don’t have this high society to keep up. I’ve quite frankly realized how much I’ve despised it.” A soft sigh left his lips as he kissed your neck again. “But, I will be dreading returning to work.”
You tilted your head, allowing him more access to your neck. “I’ll miss you when you return to work. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you, even if we were previously acquaintances.”
James smiled, lifting his head as he looked at you. “Again, you knew more about me regarding my size. Head to toe.” He rested his chin on the top of your head. Hand absentmindedly rubbing your arm up and down.
“Heh. Yeah.” You smiled, almost laughing at how it sounded. “So, any plans while you’re on leave for this week? Besides sleeping, cleaning yourself up and waiting for your uniform to get fixed by yours truly?”
“Well, honestly. No, I didn't have that many plans. I thought I would’ve been right to work immediately upon returning with the items to get my career back on track. Though, since you’re here maybe we could…spend time together. More than just tonight, I’d like to take you on some walks, and watch the stars.”
The ideas seemed entirely fun, and spending time with James after him being gone while you practically had no work was almost perfect. “Yes, I’d love to do those things. Maybe in between we could do more activities together.” Tilting your head back you saw his eyes meet down to look at you.
James laughed as you wiggled your eyebrows seductively. “That sounds like an invitation, dear. One I cannot refuse.” He kissed your forehead.
—
After a few hours of you working on James’ uniform while he prepped dinner your hands started to get tired as you took that as a sign to take a break. It truly felt nice to get back into the groove of things. Despite the fact you felt like this might be your last time working on a uniform.
Standing up, you walked toward the kitchen where you saw James cutting some vegetables. Slowly walking up to him to get his attention, and you did, James looked over and set the knife down.
“Are you alright? You look troubled.”
You looked to the side, then back at him as you shifted on your feet. “I was working on your uniform, but I guess my mind has been realizing this might be the last time I work on anything?”
James immediately furrowed his eyebrows. “What do you mean by that, my dear? I’ll return home. After the whole fiasco.”
“But I have a dreadful feeling you won’t, James.” Your voice raised just a bit, clearly this was eating at you more than anything. “You’ve already left for a year without a word. And now you’re going to be at sea for who knows how long, and doing whatever.” You shrugged, before pacing around the kitchen. “I don’t want to lose you, we’ve gotten so much closer and I’ve missed you last year.”
Before you could even continue with talking, James took your wrist and pulled you into his arms. “I cannot promise the things I will be dealing with that I won't come back without at least some new scars.” He started, “But, I will promise you that I will be safe, and I’ll do everything in my power to return home.”
You lifted your head to look at him, “You promise?”
James nodded, “Promise. It’ll probably be quite a few months.” He cupped your cheek, keeping your eyes on him. “But I will return home.”
Your arms wrapped around him as you hugged him tightly. You hoped his promise would hold true and that he would return back to Port Royal when he was done with whatever the hell he was needing to do.
—
The week went by so quickly, you had went with James to the docks, where you could see a ship nearby that looked odd compared to the other Royal Navy ships, but you had paid it no mind. You just focused on James and wished him good luck, safe travels and to come home safely.
But now, with almost if not all the EITC men gone from Port Royal, notably Beckett and any other higher ups. It had been dreadful. You stayed in James’ home, after he insisted that you stayed there while he was gone. And eventually, you did just move in because you figured it would be easier. Especially if you wanted to catch him when he got home.
Yet, the weeks passed, and then a month. Still nothing. You were sadly losing hope for the idea that James was either dead or still at sea. And truly you hoped for the latter. Looking out from the balcony of his bedroom window, which ironically faced the port, your eyes caught a shadow coming in, furrowing your eyebrows you realized it was a ship.
Heart leaping into your throat you quickly left his home to run down to the docks, praying by some sort of magic that he was on that ship! Please, he had to be!
As you got nearer you saw some other people before you looked around and spotted him, “James!!” You screamed out of genuine worry mixed with happiness at the sight of him. Running up to him you stopped, eyes searching his green ones. He looked so tired.
“James got injured.” Elizabeth’s voice rang out, “He’s still quite out of it, he got stabbed near the heart, thankfully me and my crew managed to save him in time before he passed on.”
Your eyes met Elizabeth’s and upon hearing that news your heart broke, “Oh James…what trouble did you get yourself into?” Stepping closer you wrapped your arms around his neck, resting your head on his shoulder and taking in the scent of him. Which with his usual scent of gunpowder and the sea. There was another smell that was utterly awful, like fish. But, you didn’t comment on it.
“James.” Elizabeth spoke up, “I must go now.” She sounded upset, as if she didn’t want to part ways. Yet, James met her gaze and nodded.
“Thank you, Elizabeth. I,” He paused, “I truly didn’t have any idea about your father, I am so sorry.”
Elizabeth nodded, smiling weakly at the grim reminder. “I believe you. Beckett was playing all of us, to gain what he wanted. To keep things quiet. I wish I had known you were telling the truth sooner, maybe then you wouldn’t have gotten severely hurt.”
James smiled, “And it was to protect you, I will always risk my life to save you.” His hand moved up and down your back. “I would risk my life to save anyone I love.”
Elizabeth looked down at you who were still hugging onto James before she gave him a knowing smile. “Then I assume that you will stay in Port Royal, where you know you won’t have to deal with undead, cursed crews of pirate ships.”
He sighed, “Believe me, I am getting tired of what I had been through these past years. I feel like I’ve grown 10 years. It’s only been one and a half.” He shook his head, noticing your body start to get heavy as he realized you had fallen asleep. “Anyways, Elizabeth, thank you for dropping me off. Please, be safe.” He nodded to her, watching as she returned back to the Empress and started to sail away from the docks.
Looking back down at you, he shifted his arms before lifting you up bridal style. His left side on his upper body aching from the stab wound, yet as usual he pushed through it. Knowing he’d need to get proper care for it anyways.
As he returned home, he opened the door and walked through it then used his foot to shut it. Walking up the stairs he entered the bedroom which he immediately realized had become custom with your stuff regarding your job. He smiled, glad that while he was away you had made his home your home.
He settled you on the bed, setting your things aside as he started to undress from the layers. He desperately wanted to bathe and get rid of the stench that clung to him. The awful smell of the Flying Dutchman made him cringe in disgust, he was glad to be off that horrid cursed ship. It didn't help that the crew members were insane, especially the one that had stabbed him.
Sitting on the edge of the bed he removed his shoes before pushing down his breeches and stockings, throwing the dirty clothes aside as he sighed heavily. He looked back at you, noticing how content you looked as you slept peacefully. He smiled, leaning forward to brush away a strand of hair as he admired your features. He pulled his hand away after a moment and removed his coat and the layers of his uniform and threw them in a pile.
Looking down at his wound he winced at the sight of it. It was still aching badly and he knew if he didn’t get treated, he would not be able to sleep. And the last thing he needed was an infection. He turned his attention back to you, soon walking over as he gently nudged you awake.
“Sweetheart, I need your help.”
You slowly stirred awake, eyes slowly opening before noticing James, “Mmm…James? What?” You slowly sat up, before realizing how bare he was. You immediately grabbed the pillow and threw it at his face. “Put on some clothes!”
He grunted as the pillow hit him as he grabbed it. “Damn! I’m sorry, but should I remind you this is my room.” He smirked, “But I need your help.”
“With what?” Raising your hand to rub the tiredness from them.
“Well, I have an injury, Elizabeth wasn’t able to fully treat me with what she had. But now, I would like to be able to have it fully recovered now that I’m home. I need stitches, and surely you would be able to help me?”
Tilting your head to look at him you took a deep breath, “I haven’t stitched a human body before. But…it should be the same as stitching clothes.” Your voice had a hint of nerves. “Are you sure you wouldn’t want to go to a professional?”
“It’s quite late, and I trust you enough to do this.” James walked over to a cabinet, soon grabbing out a kit and a towel. He set the things aside, before sitting on the bed.
Slowly sitting up you rubbed your face to get the tiredness from them before turning to face him, scooting closer you soon shifted to sit on his lap, feeling his hands rest on your waist as you gently moved him to lay back down so he was comfortable.
Checking the med kit you found the stitches as you examined them. “Are you sure about this, James?”
“If anyone could do it, it’s you. I know it’s not the same as mending clothes back together. But, I would rather have it be done by you now. Besides, it’s late and I know that no doctor will be awake to treat me either.” He shrugged slowly, moving his head fully back against the pillow to relax.
You sighed, but untimely you nodded and settled to lean forward and pull away at the old bandages. Once the wound had been revealed you winced. “How did you get stabbed?”
James sighed, “It’s still quite a blur, though I do remember a crew member repeating the same thing as if they were, oh I don’t know, confused.”
You shook your head, before grabbing a cloth and getting it wet with some water before slowly wiping off the skin as carefully as you could. “That sounds ridiculous.”
James nodded in agreement, “Trust me, it was.” He took a deep breath in his nose as he felt the wound sting before he slowly let it out. Allowing his body to relax completely he watched you work, admiring the intense focus in your eyes as you cleaned his word before starting to start stitching it.
“It might hurt, James. I don’t know, I’ve never done this before.” You put the stitch through the needle before gently poking his skin. You held still as his hand went up and gripped your hip, a hiss of pain leaving his lips. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.” He took a deep breath through his nose, trying so hard not to think of the absolute agony. “Keep going.”
Nodding you continued to stitch up the wound, it thankfully wasn’t too big length wise. Sure a sword was stabbed into his skin deep enough to puncture near his heart, but the blade must’ve been thin. Either that or he was very lucky it didn’t go all the way in.
James’ grip on you was bordering on painful, but you allowed him to grip onto you so tightly. “Take a deep breath, James.” As he followed your instruction you slowly moved the needle through his wound, before leaning down to find the perfect spot to cut off the access.
Sitting up, you admired your work. It was odd to be stitching up human flesh but as long as it would heal, you’d count it as a win. Reaching into the med kit, you grabbed out bandages and gently started to wrap it around his chest. Every time your fingers brushed against his skin you could feel him shiver.
“Am I tickling you?”
“No, your hands are warm, I’m a bit cold.”
“Adrenaline?”
“No,” He paused, thinking. “Probably due to the pain.”
You let out a hum, “Is this the worst injury you’ve gotten?”
“Physically, yes. Mentally, no.”
You nodded, already assuming that his mental injury he was referring to was the loss of his men in the hurricane. Finally taping the bandage you leaned back, “Is that alright? Not too tight?”
“It’s perfect, thank you.”
“Of course. I’m surprised that it’s alright. Considering I’ve never stitched up skin before.”
James let out a quiet chuckle, leaning back into the bed as he closed his eyes, allowing his body to relax. “First time for everything.”
“Yeah. Just don’t expect me to do it often for you, James.” Grabbing the items and putting them back in the med kit, you closed the box before shifting off his lap and moving to set it aside on the nearby desk. “Do you need anything else while I’m up?”
“No, I think I’ll be alright. Although,” He lifted his head to look over at you, a small smile on his lips. “I would like for you to join me in bed.”
You rolled your eyes playfully, “Fine. Because I doubt you’d get any sleep tonight anyway.” Walking over you settled into the bed next to him, feeling his arm rest behind your head as you cuddled up against his side, your hand coming up to slowly draw circles on his chest.
“I didn’t say it before. Truthfully I think now is the best time to say it more than ever, but I love you.” He tilted his head to kiss your forehead.
Your finger continued to draw the circles, tracing whatever scars he had that were now healed. “I love you too, James.”
His lips lingered on your forehead, his eyes looking around the room, clearly deep in thought. “If I have nightmares, will you help me overcome them? The Flying Dutchman was…awful. No doubt my time on that ship and miraculously surviving it would have me dealing with nightmares.”
You nodded your head softly, “Of course. I’ll be here, always will be. I ain’t going nowhere.”
James closed his eyes again, feeling his body start to shut down. “Thank you, darling.” With those final words he finally drifted off into slumber. Feeling safe with you next to him, that his stab wound was still aching but it wasn’t as bad. He was healed, he was home, and he was safe away from horrors he would’ve never considered real.