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It was the first time you had ever been invited to a ceremony to celebrate someone’s promotion. Thanks to Elizabeth, who invited you, much to how she convinced you that she needed someone to spend time with.
Yet, you had a feeling it was to avoid Commodore Norrington. Due to the fact you knew the man had a thing for her, perhaps only because her father was quite boisterous when it came even close to mentioning James Norrington in a simple conversation.
Of course, you knew that the commodore was a good looking man—that you couldn’t deny. Though, in some passing moments when you and Elizabeth were out, you saw one man who was really handsome. Elizabeth noticed, she always did, but didn’t say anything—at least not yet.
You met up with Elizabeth by the front entrance to the fort, looking absolutely bored. Yet, as the sound of a carriage stopped you looked up, seeing Elizabeth and her father, who held a black case—no doubt for a sword.
You nodded to Elizabeth and the Governor before following Elizabeth inside the fort. It would be the first time you ever would walk inside the cobblestone-like structure. As you never were in high society to get access to it like how Elizabeth or Governor Swann was.
You looked around, noting all the soldiers before you and Elizabeth went to go stand in the bleachers. Your eyes searched around the open area of the fort before you saw him, standing next to another soldier. He was wearing blue, so he must’ve been a decent high rank.
“Elizabeth?” You started, “Who is that soldier wearing the blue? Over there by the overhangs. Near the shadows?” It was horribly explained, but thankfully Elizabeth knew who you were talking about.
Elizabeth looked around, before soon noticing him. “Oh.” She smirked, “That’s Lieutenant Theodore Groves.” Her eyes searched your expression as she gently nudged you. “If you’re interested, he’s single. I could introduce you to him, since it’s not the first time you’ve been eyeing him.”
Your body turned warm at her reading remarks, “Lizzy!” You looked away, but returned your attention back to where he was as you watched him walk and continue helping get the ceremony started. “But…he’s cute.”
“When the ceremony is over you should ask him for a dance.” Elizabeth smiled, “The soldiers can’t deny anybody a dance, it would be a good opportunity for you to be close to him.”
You looked at Elizabeth, and before you could say anything else the ceremony started. Letting out a soft sigh at her mischief in her eyes, your attention went back toward the ceremony.
It was so boring, in all honesty. The drums, Commodore Norrington walking through in between the soldiers that had their guns pointed at an angle. You realized there was a reason you were glad you never went to these events. Shifting in your seat, you started to look around as you saw Lieutenant Groves again, standing along with some other soldiers in blue where the Governor was standing.
You watched him, eyes slowly trailing up and down his body, for what you could see that is. Elizabeth nudged you gently and you looked over at her, eyebrows furrowing as she tried not to smirk.
She lowered her head using her fan to hide her mouth, “Stop undressing the lieutenant with your eyes.”
You blushed, and quietly punched her in the arm. It wasn’t harsh by any means but enough as she suppressed her laughter and looked over at the lieutenant. “If you keep staring he might notice and look over.”
“Lizzy! Shut up!” You groaned, covering both your mouth and face due to embarrassment. “You’re being such a tease!”
Elizabeth grinned, “I know. But it’s quite cute seeing you this flustered!” She finally looked back up, trying to pay attention despite that even though she was bored. Which was the reason she decided to tease you in the first place.
You looked back up, eyes meeting Lieutenant Groves as you looked away and grabbed your fan to fan yourself. “So, what about the Commodore?” You whispered under your breath for Elizabeth to hear.
“What about him?”
“You gonna marry him?”
“Mm, I haven’t decided. It’s a smart match, father won’t shut up about him.”
You grinned, “I think you should marry him, he’s attractive.”
Elizabeth looked over at you, raising an eyebrow. “First Theodore, now James, who’s next?”
“Shut up. At least the Royal Navy has good looking men in Port Royal.”
“Sure, I can’t argue with that.”
As you both got shushed by other individuals behind you it was hard for both you and Elizabeth to hide your laughter. Leaning against each other as you both used your fans to hide your mouths. It was stupid, having a conversation in the middle of a ceremony. At least one of the soldiers was doing a speech.
“Lizzy, is it almost over.”
“Yes.” She answered, clearing her throat. “They do this speech, Governor Swann does a speech and lastly James exclaims his whole…appreciation.” She waved her hand dismissively, “It’s long, an hour sometimes two.”
“An hour long speech? Who is he thanking every man who served with him?”
Elizabeth snorted, soon coughing to hide the loud snort as you both were trying to hide your laughter. There's no doubt in your mind that in any future case you and Elizabeth would have to be separated from each other.
After another hour of listening to boring speeches that sound so similar to each other just said in different ways the after party started. Elizabeth kept near her father and you had slowly mingled and kept trying to find Theodore. As you tried to turn to talk to Elizabeth, you saw she was gone and you frowned.
You weren’t very good at public events. Only because it was the first time you were out of your element. Deciding to just walk around to relax your nerves you soon heard footsteps behind you as you quickly turned, seeing none other than Theo bumping into you.
“Apologies.” Theo quickly replied, his cheeks red, whether it was from the heat of the Caribbean or the fact secretly he had a small crush on you. “Are you alright?” He asked, trying to keep himself composed and not be his typical blunt self.
“Yes, are you?”
He blinked, not expecting that sudden quick response as a smile slowly appeared on his lips. “I’m doing well, yes. Just the heat is intense today.” Theo looked around nervously as he looked back at you, swallowing as he shifted on his feet.
Cute. He was nervous.
“I know. I’m surprised you can handle the heat in your uniform.” You motioned your hand to his uniform, watching as he looked down at it then up at you.
“Well… I’m quite used to it. But, on days like today it can be very difficult. I’d do anything to have it off.”
Now it was your turn to feel your face flush at the implication of what he was saying. “Oh?”
“Not like that!” Theo immediately turned beet red, “Just the coat itself.” He clarified as he leaned against the wall trying his hardest to hide away from any nearby officers. The last thing he needed was to be teased because he was acting like a shy little boy. As his comrades knew he was quite blunt, so seeing him be the opposite would ruin him.
“Well, I’m sure you could take off the coat, no?”
“I could, but I’d rather not.”
“Oh? Why not? It would be easier for you to feel light in this heat. Or is it because of all the propriety you have to follow?”
“It’s because of that, yes.” Theo nodded, “But…” He poked his head from the wall, looking around. “I’m sure if you’re not too interested in staying at the fort we could go find a relaxing place to sit and talk?” He offered, “I don’t think the Commodore will need me for anything.”
“Oh he’s talking to Elizabeth the last I saw.” You waved your hand, dismissing it. “But, I would love to go somewhere different. Near the docks?”
“Mm, I think I have somewhere better.” Theo smiled, offering his arm. Once you took it he led the way out of the fort, making sure that nobody would see him walking out of the party he should be keeping in attendance. But he was a bold man, and quite frankly he wouldn’t care if he got in trouble with the higher ranking officers. As James was his best friend and he’d get away with it. He could also come up with some poor excuses.
Walking through Port Royal he found the way to the opposite ends of the docks where the ships were located. As he slowed down his footsteps he looked at you, “This is one of the places I often come to when it comes to needing time alone. I doubt we’d be interrupted.” Theo sat down on the edge of the hill, offering his hand and helping you sit down next to him.
After a few beats of silence he soon spoke up, “So I saw you were staring at me quite a lot during the ceremony.” He looked down, noticing as you looked away. “I find it flattering, don’t worry. I’m actually quite surprised considering all the attention should’ve been on James. Not me.”
“All of the attention? It was just me staring.”
Theo smiled a tiny bit, “Yes but it means a lot when someone as beautiful as you were staring at me.” He was slowly gaining his usual confidence, the bluntness he often had, and his charm seemed to be working as he noticed you stared in awe.
“You seem bolder now that you’re away from the fort.” You noticed, looking back out into the ocean.
“I am…sometimes I know I have to remain professional. Even if at times I don’t around my friends I work with. But, whenever I’m away and able to express myself freely I’ll never take up that chance.”
“That’s a good way to see things. It’s quite interesting how the navy has to hide their true feelings behind a cold heart.”
“We’re not all like that. We, despite our jobs, have time to allow ourselves to be free. With no duties to attend to, a lot of us go to the tavern in Port Royal. Some of us will share stories or go to our homes for dinners. We see each other as a family, brothers in arms.” He took a deep breath, “Not all of us are cold cruel men, despite the training we were put through.”
“Well I can see that now you are quite honest about it. And you aren’t cruel.” As he looked at you, you offered him a smile in which he returned.
“May I ask something?”
“Of course, anything.”
“This was your first time in the fort. I’ve seen you around briefly before, but I wasn’t able to get a chance to talk to you. I was just wondering if you were there for the promotion or something else.”
A soft laugh left your lips, “Elizabeth invited me. I knew she just wanted to avoid the Commodore for as long as possible. But I accepted because I thought I’d be able to see you—and I did.”
Theo smiled a bit more, soon leaning back as he rubbed the back of his head. “Ah…well…” He fixed his hat, “I’m glad you got to see me. While I was standing on the side I kept feeling someone stare at me. When I looked over, I saw you. I was ecstatic when our eyes met, as I hoped we could talk. I just didn’t expect to bump into you by accident. But I’m glad I did.” His lips turned upright, a very bright smile that one could mistake for the sunlight.
You realized if one word could describe Theo it would be that. “You’re like the sunshine.”
“Pardon?”
“You’re very enthusiastic, energetic, kind, you bring joy to quite an awkward situation, you speak kindly of your officers. You’re the sunshine, Theodore.”
He stared, entirely surprised by the insane kind compliment as he felt his stomach do a flip. “That—thank you. I never had anyone say such a thing to me.” He looked back out to the ocean, admiring the view as he briefly saw you move closer to his side. His heart skipped a beat as he noticed now how close you were.
You leaned forward, not to kiss him—no. But to just admire him. It allowed him to admire you in return, taking in your features that he couldn’t do earlier during the ceremony as he didn’t want to get caught zoning out or missing something important that he had to do.
“Theodore.”
God how his name on your tongue made his chest flutter with butterflies. It’s been so long since he felt that way, perhaps even the last was when he was a little boy. “Yes?”
“May we be able to share a dance?”
“A dance?” He repeated, soon nodding almost immediately. “Yes of course.”
“Really?” You leaned back, soon moving to stand up as you felt him help you before you would fall. “Elizabeth told me the navy men aren’t allowed to deny a dance.”
“We aren’t, it would be rude. The only ones really allowed to deny it are anyone who is married.” Theo helped you stand up as he kept his hands on your waist. “But I’ll be honest this would be one of the very few times I’d dance.”
“Really? How come?” Your arms wrapped around his neck as the two of you slowly swayed to an unknown rhythm due to no music played in the area you both were at. But, it seemed a lot more intimate than with music.
“Not a lot of people ask me to dance during events. It’s normally James or Andrew that gets all the attention. They tell me I’m lucky, but honestly I don’t think so.” He sighed, “In a way I always feel jealous that they get to dance. I’m not the best dancer but I’d always think I’m not that attractive.”
“Oh Theo.” You started, stepping closer to him so your chests were up against each other. “You are quite attractive.” A small smile lifted on his lips, “Besides, don’t be so down on yourself. Maybe in future events, if you invite me I’ll always share multiple dances with you.”
He laughed, almost shyly. “I have a feeling I’ll be teased by my friends. But, I’d love that.”
“Oh and let them tease you. I’m sure that you’d be the first to have an official relationship.” You leaned up, kissing his cheek softly. “Besides, you’re really handsome.”
“Thank you.” He looked down at you, feeling you continue to sway slowly again. Despite his clear shyness he felt his courage come back around, he cupped your face, stopping your swaying as he leaned in and kissed you.
It surprised you that he initiated the first kiss. Although you couldn’t deny that it felt nice—his stubble slightly rubbing against your skin. As your arms tightened around his neck, you allowed your body to lean against him.
He laughed against the kiss, clearly enjoying the moment as his left hand rested on your back. Soon he broke it and looked at you. “That felt really nice.”
“It did.” You agreed, "Didn't expect you to be so good at kissing.”
Theo looked away, “I might’ve had a couple relationships that didn’t last long at all when I was younger.” He admitted.
“Well, if I’m honest. I’d love to learn more about Lieutenant Groves.” You smirked, watching his features light up like it did earlier. “Are you busy?”
“Yes. With you.” He took your hand gently twirling you around before he pulled you back in. “Let’s go to the tavern, I could go for a drink or two.”
“May you be able to tell me stories about you, Lieutenant?”
“If you behave.” He led the way to the nearby tavern in Port Royal. Soon chaos was heard as you both looked up and saw officers running around.
“So, are you needed?”
Theo looked at the men, before shrugging. “Eh, they have it handled. Come on, I have a lot of stories to share about me.” He guided you inside the tavern to continue the date you both were on. Finding a small corner to talk to, he sat across from you.
Hours into the date—many stories shared about himself the two of you were tipsy. Soon royal blue uniforms stood at the foot of your table. You and Theo both looked up, seeing both the Commodore and Gillette.
You giggled nervously, looking past them and seeing it was completely dark out. God, the hours went by fast. “Are you in trouble, Theo?”
He took an awkward sip of his alcohol, “When am I not.” He cleared his throat, attempting to stand normally but feeling the room spin as he smirked. “Commodore.” He started, trying to act nonchalant despite his tipsy state. “What is it?”
James looked between Theo and you. Before unfortunately letting out a sigh. “Nothing. Just wondering where my lieutenant went and disappeared off too.” He looked up, “A pirate is in custody. If you may be at work tomorrow officially and not getting drunk.”
“Of course. I apologize, Commodore.” Theo heard you giggle and he tried to hide his smirk, biting his lip. “Anything else, sir?”
James sighed, shaking his head. “No, that should be all. Just make sure you’re at work tomorrow.” As James walked away Andrew stood there, smirking as he looked at the two of you. “Congratulations on getting into a relationship, Theodore.” He patted his hand on his shoulder. “Better get some good sleep tomorrow, who knows what will happen.”
“I will, Andrew.” Theo reassured, hiccuping as he waved shakily as Andrew left. Soon he stepped back into the seat, groaning, “I thought I was gonna get yelled at.”
You laughed, “I’m guessing this isn’t the first time this has happened?”
“No, I’ve done this multiple times. Thank god, James is my friend.” Theo hiccuped again, “Should we head out then?”
“To yours?”
“Anywhere.” He smiled, “I don’t want the night to end though. But I should get some sleep. If a pirate is in custody I’m truly wondering what the hell happened.”
You stood up, gripping the table to keep yourself in your feet as your hand grabbed him and helped him up. “Then we go to yours, cuddle and sleep?”
“That sounds really nice.” He stood up, setting the tab down on the table before leaving the bar with you clung to his arm. Allowing to lead the way he found his home and opened the door. “My beloved first.” Hearing you giggle as you walked in you both stumbled inside as he closed the door behind him.
“This way, sweetheart.” He guided you through a hallway and to his bedroom. As he helped you sit down it was a nice silence between the two of you as you both removed extra layers.
Laying back in the bed, your head hit the pillow and a long sigh left your lips as you turned and watched him get undressed from his uniform. Or at least some of it. As he turned, all you could do was smile. “You’re attractive.”
“Thank you.” He set the white powdered wig down, ruffling his hair before getting into the bed next to you. He kissed you, albeit a bit sloppy due to alcohol clouding his mind. “Get some sleep.” He murmured and it didn’t take long before the both of you were fast asleep.
Although, that didn’t last long as cannonfire was heard and Theo immediately sat up in bed, adrenaline quickly filling his veins as he soon stumbled out of the bed and looked out the window. “Fuck!” He cursed, seeing a pirate ship attacking, as he soon grabbed his sword and saw you looking terrified in his bed. He knew he needed to get you somewhere safe, but with the fort currently being under attack he wasn’t even sure where to keep you.
Quickly going to his closet, he pulled out a pistol with powder as well as a knife. He returned back to you, “Sweetheart.” He started, immediately ducking as the cannonfire rang in his ear. They were getting way too close for comfort. “If anyone tries to do you harm, use these okay?” He set them down, frantically looking around. “I have to go.” He clipped his sheathe on his waist and got the rest of his uniform on.
As he was about to walk, you grabbed him, kissing him. “Be safe, Theo.”
“Always.” He returned it before letting you go and heading to the door. “I love you.” He smiled, quickly leaving his bedroom and out of his home to report to the fort.
This was not what he was expecting at all.