An Affair With History (![[info]](http://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} historic_affair) wrote,@ 2008-06-13 15:38:00 |
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Title: An Affair With History
Authors: GoldenGardenias and SunsetDawn20
Rating: PG to NC-17
This Chapter: PG
Summary: This is the very first chapter of our Pirate of the Caribbean/Master and Commander crossover fic; filled with various pairings. To learn more, visit the site for this story. HERE
This Chapter: Lieutenant Thomas Pullings makes a not-so-grand entrance to Port Royal, where he meets James Norrington, a man well known as The Scourge of Piracy. But things don't run smoothly.
A/N: Blue parts are written by GoldenGardenias, Brown by SunsentDawn20.
Authors: GoldenGardenias and SunsetDawn20
Rating: PG to NC-17
This Chapter: PG
Summary: This is the very first chapter of our Pirate of the Caribbean/Master and Commander crossover fic; filled with various pairings. To learn more, visit the site for this story. HERE
This Chapter: Lieutenant Thomas Pullings makes a not-so-grand entrance to Port Royal, where he meets James Norrington, a man well known as The Scourge of Piracy. But things don't run smoothly.
A/N: Blue parts are written by GoldenGardenias, Brown by SunsentDawn20.
One
He cleared his throat for the hundredth time as he was finally allowed into the captain's office in Fort Charles. The short walk from the docks had been nearly unbearable, people packed close together, the heat like nothing he was used to. It made his cheeks flush and his breathing a bit heavier than usual. But other than that, he tried to look utterly unchanged. He wanted to impress this man. Nothing less would do. But he already wanted to go for a swim and relieve himself of his newly stuffy clothing. He'd never felt this uncomfortable in all his life. Well, aside from when he'd acquired his scar, the itching had been terrible... but that just wasn't the point.
James Norrington was sitting at his desk, leaning over official letters like he had all morning. Even in this crouched position he radiated power and authority that was unlike any other man's. Others had to work hard for these and wore them like women wear precious jewellery. They put them on, on special occasions but get rid of them as soon as they are in the safety of their homes. And next morning they put on their mask of indifference and cold power like their wig and coat.
But James, he was different. He didn't wear restraint and duty like a piece of clothing he could just take off for the night. He was the same dutiful Captain at night, alone in his too big bed as he was during the day in front of his superiors. He was famous for it, for living almost like a monk. What people didn't know was that this was a mask too, only James had become so good at acting that nobody could tell anymore - sometimes not even he himself. But it was good this way. It was his safe rock that would protect him from falling again. He would never fall again.
Tom licked his lips, standing tall as he stepped through the door.
"Captain Norrington." He stood at attention, switching the letters over to the other hand, to touch the back of his fingers to his forehead in a salute to the other man. "Lieutenant Thomas Pullings reporting for duty, sir." He said, lowering his hand and staring directly at him.
He didn't move a muscle from his position, he was well trained after all. Captain Aubrey would have no less. But then again, Jack Aubrey was dead. Killed along with so many others in a sea battle against the French. It was why he was here after all. If it weren't for that, he'd still be serving under his life long friend. He couldn't think of a single memory that didn't have Jack in it. But this was not a time to mourn. There were more important things to do. Like putting an end to piracy. Yes. A cause he could get behind. And forgo all others. Or so he hoped.
James looked up from his writing at the young man standing in front of him. He seemed nervous but was hiding it well, James could only tell by the almost unnoticeable flicker in his eyes - as if he wanted to look around, to take in his surroundings in order to feel more comfortable in this unfamiliar place but he always seemed to find his self-control just as his eyes started moving towards the window or the bookshelf and he pulled his attention back. At least this was James’ first impression of Lieutenant Thomas Pullings. But that might have been only his imagination, he thought almost angrily. He was not used to being distracted by such thoughts. But there was something in those eyes that he couldn’t explain, something unsettling, something he didn’t like the least.
Tom took a breath and switched the letter back to his right hand, before holding them out to the captain.
"Sir, these are my dispatches, and..." His could help the stutter in his speech as he locked eyes with the other man. They were so... green. And so..."m-mail. I was told to bring it up to you as well."
His eyes narrowed, and he cocked his head to the side just a bit, looking over the other man's face. He was lost. He knew it the very moment it happened. And for a second, he forgot how to breathe. But his world all rushed back to him and he took in a sharp breath, standing straight once more. It couldn't be, it wasn't possible. Of course out at sea... things happened. But not if you wanted to move up the ladder. He had never... and had never wanted to. And yet, he was sure his heart had skipped a beat. He thanked the heat now for making his face so flush, otherwise it would have been obvious he was blushing.
James was painfully conscious of not having said a word yet but he found himself unable to respond so he just nodded and took the papers the other man was holding out to him. James was careful not to look into those wicked, mesmerizing eyes that were as deep and changing as the sea he loved so much, but he still felt that his carefully constructed emotionless mask threatened to slip. He felt that the only solid rock he created for himself shook and grumbled and almost cracked in two under his feet.
But it was not by chance that the people of Port Royal half mockingly half lovingly called him the only ice sculpture that wouldn’t melt in the Caribbean heat. He had promised himself once that he would not fall again and it would take more than a pair of deep eyes to make him break that promise, he had proved that already not so long ago. This time would be no different. Thomas Pullings was just like the others. A temptation James would overcome by force, nothing more. He was sure of it.
Tom was quiet for a moment, listening to his heart beat. He wondered if the other man could hear it, for it was so loud in his ears. He could feel his stomach flutter, and he could keep his gaze on the other man no more. He lowered his eyes, swallowing hard as he looked to the, suddenly very interesting, floor boards.
"Sir..." He took a breath, looking up once more. "What are my orders, sir?" He asked firmly. Why would his new captain not speak to him? Had he done something to anger him already? Damn Aubrey's lax company. He's gotten so comfortable around his men and his captain... he'd forgotten what tension was like. He wasn't sure he was going to be able to bear it.
"Would it be best if I came back later this evening, or perhaps tomorrow?" He asked, perhaps he'd disturbed the man. "I did not intend to intrude."
In fact, maybe coming first thing was not the best idea. He didn't technically have to report until the next day. But he always liked to be prompt. Though to think of it, he still had no servants... just a modest home and furniture. Perhaps a pub would do well to feed him until he could hire help.
James was so deep in thoughts that he hardly heard when the young man spoke. The words came to James as if through a thick, almost impenetrable fog. He knew the words but seemed unable take in their meaning. He kept his eyes firmly directed at the papers in front of him, waiting for some miracle to happen. He was playing for time. Why was this man so intent on making him speak? But there was something in that voice that made James look up, despite his better judgement. Why did this man sound so upset? And why did it affect him so much, what was this young man to him? Why did those eyes pull him deeper into their depth? Why was his wig heavier than ever before – almost too heavy to bear, as if the whole world was resting on his shoulders. Why were his lips so dry all of a sudden?
Tom was a man whose eyes could at times say more than he wanted them to. And at this very moment, they were doing just that. They were filled with a sort of boyish innocence a man his age should be without, and the hurt and concern were plain as day. He looked at the other for a long moment, a frown slowly taking over his face.
"I'm sorry sir, I'll come back another time." He said softly, hanging his head ever so slightly, looking to the floor as he backed from the office.
He paused, looking at James again, lips parting as if to speak, but he didn't manage to get anything out. Instead he gave him a weak smile, before shutting the door and standing straight once more. Was he a complete fool? What in god's name was wrong with him!? He was mentally kicking himself, one hand balled into a fist without his knowing. His chest tight. He didn't understand this. Damn.
James was thinking frantically. He didn't know what to do. It was hardly proper to run after the man and apologise, even if that was what, in any other case, he would have done after being so rude. It was not the Lieutenant's fault that James had less restraint than he had thought and that he couldn't have moved or talked even if his life depended on it. Only a miracle could have helped him then. But miracles do happen. Even if sometimes too late. There was a knock on the door and Teddy Groves entered with an apologetic look on his face.
“I’m sorry to interrupt you, sir, but Governor Swann wishes to speak to you.”
James had never been so relieved and annoyed at the same time. If Teddy had come just a minute earlier it would have saved him from insulting the new Lieutenant. He got up from his seat, arranged his clothing and tried not to think about why he cared so much. After nodding to Teddy, he stepped out of his office almost bumping into an apparently very upset Thomas Pullings.
Tom jumped, startled and agitated. He looked sharply at the other man, though his face quickly softened as he turned to face him.
"I'm sorry sir..." He said, looking down, only then, realizing exactly how close they were. "O-oh..." He said, looking into James' eyes. His own were rather wide, eyebrows raised it a mixture of shock and surprise.
"S...sorry." He stepped back, not thinking twice and stumbling over his own feet. Though he looked behind himself, to see what he was tripping over. He'd never been clumsy! And now he was in danger of falling on his ass. Another movement without thinking, as he reached out to catch himself, dropping his hat, and grasping hold of James' arm. He steadied himself, and it was then he realized he'd gotten them right where they'd left off. Only this time his fingers were clutching James' heavily starched sleeve, and he couldn't remember how to make them let go.
James' heart skipped a beat as he came face to face with the one man he was so desperate to get away from. And now here they were face to face, close, too close. The other man seemed to notice too and took a step back but only managed to stumble over his own feet and lose his balance. James' first reaction was to reach out his hand in help and indeed the other man could get hold of it and steady himself.
Only when Tom regained his balance did James have time to think. It hit him with the force of a well-aimed bullet how close they were to each other. He could smell the scent of soap and fear on the other man. He imagined he could feel Tom’s fast heartbeat and he could even see himself drowning in the deep sea of those eyes. The whole world seemed to narrow down to Tom’s lean body pressed against his. Since when was it ‘Tom’, he wondered…
This thought finally pulled him back to reality and he swiftly broke away from the other man – with not much more grace than the other had tried but at least more efficiently. And without saying a word, he turned on his heels and hurried away, not even looking back.
For the second time that day, Tom had forgotten how to breathe. He staggered backwards, leaning heavily against the door frame. A hand went to his abdomen as he gasped for breath. When had he started holding it? He was still for a moment, before a grin broke out on his face. This was insane. He had to be mad, it was the only rational thing. He stood straight again, moving forward and snatching his hat from the floor before he moved off. He was sure he needed a drink. Very sure, in fact.
He was not on duty, so there was no better time than the present to see about the local pubs. Something strong, he was sure of it. Brandy, perhaps... rum even. He needed to feel it burn its way down. Needed to get his mind of those startlingly green eyes. He hadn't even heard the man's voice yet, but he was sure it would be deep and smooth... just the way he looked. What was he thinking!? That was just ridiculous. He was not having those sorts of thoughts. About another man. His new captain no less! He was suddenly very home sick for the HMS Surprise.
This couldn’t be happening. Not again. Not so soon when he didn’t even have time to recover from his last infatuation that fortunately didn’t turn into his second unforgivable mistake. It's been only a month since that disastrous afternoon at Will Turner's smithy and James could still feel the intensity of the blacksmith's scorching gaze and the almost unbearable longing that stirred in his heart and body for the boy’s touch. It hurt so much to leave, it hurt to deny something he desired so much. But it was for the best. He couldn't do this to Will, he couldn’t whisper sweet words in his ear at night and feign indifference the next day. Will wouldn’t have understood, he was too young to know all the horrors this life had in store for anybody who was different. It was better to nurse a broken heart for some weeks than being crushed by the unforgiving wrath of the world. James had been strong that time, he saved Will from this fate and he could at least hope that the boy understood the lesson and was looking for a nice wife, who could ease the emptiness of his heart. But would he be able to be strong now? James had no idea and it scared him to death.
Tom's mind was racing as he moved through the busy streets of Port Royal. He'd seen what could happen to men who felt this way. He'd watched them hang for their sins. Though he could never really see what sin it was to love. But he'd been careful never to feel that for anyone. Perhaps Jack... yes, he supposed he had loved the man, but he had never thought too deeply on it. After all, Jack had Sophie... and when at sea, he had Dr. Maturin. Tom, he had... himself. He and Jack had been aboard ships all their lives, and had served under all the same men. Yet the moment the doctor had come to Jack's life, Tom had been a third wheel.
Perhaps that is what made this different. The feelings for his new Captain had been sudden and intense, and left his mind reeling. That had been the difference. His love for Aubrey had grown through time... his attraction to Captain Norrington had been prominent and quick. There was no doubt in his mind that this would be trouble. He had already acted like a fool around the other man, and now he was grinning like an idiot... for no reason!
*
"Ah, Captain Norrington, what a pleasure to see you again. I'm glad you could come.” The Governor's jovial, almost fatherly tone made James smile inwardly. Ever since they came to Jamaica, the Governor seemed to consider it as his most important duty to make James feel as part of his family. It must have been partly because the Governor had been an old friend of James’ father back in England and partly because the old man considered James a smart match for his young daughter, Elizabeth.
James couldn’t be fooled of course, he knew of the Governor’s intentions but wasn’t really bothered by it. In fact, the idea of an arranged marriage between himself and Elizabeth was an idea he got used to easily. She was pretty and young, admittedly a bit wild but James could live with that – he had always thought it was better to have an independent but clever wife than a dumb doll. And this way he didn’t have the burden of wooing a stranger he hardly knew, a problem he didn’t have with Elizabeth, they had know each other for long years, practically since she was a baby.
James had often visited them with his mother, who had been very sorry for the little girl, whose mother had died when giving birth to her. He could still remember the first time he had been allowed to hold the fragile baby in his arms – how afraid he had been to drop her. He could remember how she had struggled to be able to say his name and how she had run towards him every time he had visited their house. She was still more like a little cousin to him than a woman he was to marry but at least he didn’t feel as awkward around her as around other women and that was all he could hope for.
“Come, take a seat my dear boy.” The Governor said still smiling brightly. “I hope I wasn't disturbing you in anything important!”
“Of course not, sir. I was just welcoming a new Lieutenant who was stationed here.”
Why did he have to say that? Why would this be of any interest to the Governor? He just made himself ridiculous in front of his superior simply because he couldn’t get his mind off his surreal encounter with that young man. He felt himself blushing but the Governor didn’t seem to notice.
“Ah, and what is he like? Is he to your liking?” James felt himself turn a darker shade of red at the question and his voice was shaking as he answered.
“I… I don’t know yet, sir.”
“I know, I know, it takes more than a few minutes to know what a man’s like but what’s your first impression, Captain? Your first impression is hardly ever wrong.”
“What is the matter that you wanted to talk to me about, sir?” James was shocked, that young man hasn’t been around for more than an hour and he’s already made James behave rudely towards his superior and friend.
“Ah, yes, yes, I almost forgot. I wanted to invite you to a party tomorrow night. Elizabeth will be thrilled to see you.”
“Thank you, sir, I will be there.” Of course, James was anything but thrilled at the idea of another insufferable night with insufferable snobs, and he also knew that Elizabeth must be feeling the same way, but at least they would have each other and they could continue arguing about whether pirates were villains or not – a question he was sure they could never agree upon.
“Splendid, my dear boy, splendid. Now, I won’t keep you any longer from your work. I’ll see you tomorrow then.” James stood up and with a nod turned to go. He was already at the door as he heard the Governor’s call from behind.
“Why don’t you bring that new Lieutenant with you? I’d like to meet him. Not to mention that the young ladies are always in need of handsome young men, aren’t they?” James’ breathless ‘Of course’ could hardly be heard from the carefree laughter of the Governor that still rang in his ear as he was walking back to his office.
*
Tom had been alone at his table for only moments before he was joined by a few other sailors. At first he was quiet, sipping from his mug of rum while listening to their stories. But by the third round, he was laughing and chatting along with them.
"Farewell and adieu to you, Spanish Ladies, farewell and adieu to you, ladies of Spain; For we've received orders for to sail for ol' England, but we hope in a short time. To see you again." He sang along with them, his voice a surprisingly lovely tenor. There was a pause as his voice rang out above them, and they looked at him, surprised. But it was only a moment, before, "We will rant and we'll roar like true British sailors, We'll rant and we'll roar all on the salt sea. Until we strike soundings in the channel of old England; From Ushant to Scilly is thirty-five leagues."
They burst out again. And halfway through the second verse, the rest of the pub had joined it. Perhaps Port Royal wouldn't be so bad after all! The tavern and the men inside helped him forget about the friends he'd lost not so long ago, and the handsome captain and his sea green eyes. He stayed quite late, and found himself attempting to find his new home in a drunken stupor. It wasn't too hard though. Little white house, black shutters. No one else had black shutters. He managed to get inside, and said a silent prayer of thanks that he'd sent his furniture ahead of himself. So now he was able to struggle out of most of his clothes, and pile himself onto the not so comfortable sofa. It didn't take him long, staring off at nothing, until he was sound asleep. Missing the feel of the ocean rocking him. It was always harder to sleep on land. He always longed for the sea.