#james norrington deserved better

[alderaanplacesss]

Where are my Pirates of the Caribbean pals at? Where are the Norribeth girlies? I’m like, 20 years late to actually writing something. I’ve always wanted to and I finally am. Even if it’s just for me alone, damnit, it’s going to go on ao3 soon.

I feel like summer is when I always rewatch the first three POTC movies and I’m like “Damn why did I never write fic for this before?”

Who else is out there that had their brain scrambled 20+ years ago when they let Norrington be messy and hot in Dead Man’s Chest? Anybody?

[emily-strange]

Who else would I discuss it with!? @below-average-fangirl

[itsadmiralactually]

My heart just screams every time I watch this scene. Even though I've seen it close on a thousand times, I literally have tears rolling down my cheeks, and I can't finish it...

[norringtondeservestheworld]

Happy Birthday Jack Davenport (01/03/1973)

[t-annuki]

Quick sketch of him. I'm in my Norrington era

[demonmoonsupreme]

James Norrington fic writers are hilarious because they’ll be like ‘James Norrington deserved better!’ and then drop a 50k piece of fiction that delivers the most gut-wrenching anguish you have ever experienced. Like, my dude, you single-handedly just made his life even more miserable — well done!

[itsadmiralactually]

If Norrington died, Lyri would be a mess. She could scarcely bear the thought.

As it is, that scene in AWE didn't happen as far as I'm concerned.....

// yes, I remember seeing the movie for the first time in theaters and stewing over the injustice of it! How unnecessary it seemed... //

[t-annuki]

YES! FUK YES! I've always seen him as a hero and my fav character,little me was like "oh the commodore is a really good man I want to be like him :D" and now 15 years later I'm like "Oh the commodore is a really good man,I wanna marry him"

Scruffingtonfuckmepleasewhat?

growing up is realizing that commodore norrington was hot, actually.

[asmo-d3us]

No because I just got this phenomenal fanfic idea of the Marauders Era. It's a Pirates of The Caribbean AU, and Voldemort is Davy Jones, while Barbosa is Dumbledore.

James is in the place of William Turner. He’s the black smith for The Blacks (Swans, in the movies). He was found on a “boat” made from the wood from the broken down ship, and Regulus was the one who had seen him. He was the one who had told his parents to bring him aboard, and they did so, reluctantly.

Sirius isn’t Elizabeth Swan, he’s like an added character. The older brother of Elizabeth (Regulus), who grew up with James and they were best friends. He always thanks Regulus for saving him and Reg merely sighs because that’s his crush and he can't spend any time with him! Sirius falls in love with Remus Lupin who is a servant/maid for The Blacks (Crimson Rivers, anyone?)

Remus works for The Black family as a servant since his family is low in status and wealth. He does it for his parents, and because he thinks he’s a disappointment for them and he wants to do better. He’s also falling in love with Sirius Black but tries to hold himself back. He’s like that one servant/maid Elizabeth told to hide in the first movie. This means Reg and Remus (and maybe Lily?) friendship!! Maybe he often sneaks off with Sirius and James to hang out? Maybe he and Reg often speak about Sirius and James?

Peter is kind of playing Snape right now. He’s friends with Sirius and James, and also befriended Remus! He ‘works’ as a shop-keeper for science and stuff like that, but secretly, he’s also working for Voldemort (Davy Jones) as a pirate. So he’s a traitor and is keeping an eagle eye on both sides, but he sides with the good in the end (or the bad, if you’d like).

Lily is a hardcore lesbian who got promised by James for a lavender marriage if she doesn't find the love she deserves. James used to be into her because, who wasn’t? When they were kids, she was his crush, and they were expected to be together. She’s middle class, too. The crush James had on her fades slowly, but Sirius still teases them. She’s actually in love with her neighbor, Mary Macdonald.

Mary is also middle class, quite normal, yet she’s kind of like Belle. Always in a book, and “too smart for a girl”. She’s kind of thought of as a ‘witch’ and there’s suspicion around her for it. She often steps into Peter’s shop and requests watches, compasses, etc. and who is Peter to deny? He’s not like those guys. Yes, she’s also in love with Lily, but makes her work for it.

Marlene is also a pirate, but for Dumbledore (Barbosa). She’s wild and carefree, and not afraid to fight for her captain! She’s in love with her job and her role as a ‘vice captain’ and will always fight and boast about her role. So, you can imagine how she feels when mid battle with Voldemort’s crew, (The Death Eaters), she encounters Dorcas Meadowes, and falls head over heels in love with her.

Dorcas works for Voldemort without the want or the desire to be, but she does it for her family because otherwise, he’d easily kill them with a snap of his fingers. Voldemort is very wary towards her since he knows she’s powerful and as strong as him, and keeps an eye on her, and to do so, he made her his ‘vice captain’.

Regulus is Elizabeth Swan. He’s trans, and he knows it, yet he can’t do a thing about it. He wears dresses, his hair is long and curly, and his mascara feels too heavy on his lids. The reason why he transitions is because James tells him to embrace his true self, and to never look back at who he used to be, and that his family doesn’t control him anymore. He’s literally in the middle of an ocean, with pirates, and yet, he cuts his hair off, wears his brother’s clothes, and keeps his voice low.

Barty is the son of Bartemius Crouch Senior and plays the role of Jack Sparrow. Crouch Senior, who basically takes the place of Commodore Norrington, and despite the age gap, requests Regina Black (Regulus) as his wife. His son ran off to be a pirate and embrace his grandfather’s genetics. Everyone has heard of him, even Voldemort, who he at one point used to work for (that’s how he knew Dorcas, one of his best friends he misses dearly and knows he’ll reunite with one day). He’s in love with Regulus, yet hides it and knows it’ll never work for them. (Evan is right there, dumbass).

Evan is like Mr. Gibbs, he’s always around Barty and is his ‘vice captain’, fights with him, protects the ship with him, and also will never give up his love and hope for him and being with him. They do end up together, it just takes a long fucking time. (The sexual tension is high).

Pandora plays the role of Shansa, the ‘sea-witch’ that unwillingly works for Barbosa (Dumbledore). Dumbledore had died from the hands of his friend Snape (who’s now dead, or not), and got resurrected by Pandora. She’s now in “debt” and is forced to tell him his future and what he should do to be successful. She just wants to find her brother again.

Jegulus: Regina (Regulus) was on the ship with her brother, their parents wanted to bring them along since Sirius was the future heir of their family, and he wouldn’t leave the house without his sister. They were having fun around the ship, Regina 7 and Sirius 8 or 9, maybe even 10 because that means James would also be 10 and age gaps were pretty big back then. They were playing hide and seek and Regina was the one seeking Sirius. She glanced over to the ocean and saw James passed out and floating in the water on a wooden board. She called out, “FATHER, MOTHER, THERE’S A BOY IN THE WATER! COME, LOOK!” Her father came running and so did Sirius from his hiding spot. They saved him, Regina saw his necklace and that he was a pirate, Sirius also saw the necklace and they decided to hide it from everyone, even James himself (he'd probably find out about it the same way Will did in the movies), they found out his name was James, and they basically saved him. Now in present times, he’s their family blacksmith (or the blacksmith’s (Aberforth) assistant, really), but the blacksmith gets all the credit even though he doesn’t do shit and James does everything (Regulus knows but acts like he doesn't. He respects it a lot.). He always hangs out with Sirius, Remus, and Peter, and Regina wishes she could also come along but she can’t because she’s a girl and she can’t do boy stuff, her family forbids it. This leads to her discovery of feeling different than other girls her age (she hangs out with Lily and Mary often times) and her finding out she’s trans. Their love storyline basically goes through the same as Wills and Elizabeth’s, except Regulus cutting his hair and transitioning.

Wolfstar: Wolfstar is so obvious and needs to happen already. Everyone knows about their obvious feelings for each other and the now sexual and overall general tension between the both of them. I don’t really know much about what their plot would be since they would be added characters because they don’t exist in the movies, yk? I can imagine them being very slow burn and when defeating Voldemort (Davy Jones), that’s when they finally kiss after seeing him die, and then they’re shocked and pull apart, but then dive back in and there’s more passion and James is laughing (he might or might not be the new captain of The Flying Dutchman, you decide), Barty’s gagging, Evan’s rolling his eyes, and Regulus is screaming “FUCKING FINALLY!”

Rosekiller: James and Barty go get a crew for their STOLEN ship, and in that crew, we meet quiet Evan Rosier, who seems quite out of his element. Barty takes a liking to him and afterwards calls him over to get to know him better (and also because he’s hot asf). He finds out that after losing his twin sister, he just hasn’t been the same, and he’s been trying to find her with no success. Barty offers to help him, and they make a kind of deal. Overtime, they both realize that this ‘friendship’ is more than just a friendship, and that they aren’t just trying to find his sister anymore, and that Evan feels happier like he used to be before Pandora was taken from him. Maybe they sleep together, or maybe they don’t, who knows? The writer does.

Bartylus: It was one-sided, and not that obvious because Barty was known to be a bit of a…well…slag, if you will. No one would have ever guessed that he was smitten for Regulus. Well, no one other than Regulus himself and Evan Rosier, his right hand man (not for long). Regulus used this to his advantage, even though he could tell James didn’t trust Barty fully yet. When he left Barty for death, he had kissed him goodbye, leaving him with unrequited hopes. When Evan found out, he was very upset and even tried to get back on the ship but they began quickly moving away. He was screaming for Barty, and I think that’s when Barty took one look at Evan from the distance, saw the look on his face, and immediately felt those feelings he’s had for so long towards the blonde overflow him, and recognize themselves as love. He was in love with his side-kick. Surprisingly, they had actually had their first kiss after Barty found out about James’ and Regulus’ wedding, he just finally stopped being in denial after that. He had made out with Evan and even slept with him, and he kept doing so, even when he was convincing himself it meant nothing, and it tore Evan’s heart into shambles every time. They do end up together of course, just through piles of angst and depression.

Marylily: They’re more of a side relationship, but still very important to the lore! Lily discovered herself when she was around Mary and felt like she had found herself and knew herself truly. She had always felt like something was missing, but when with Mary, everything felt perfect. When they first spoke, Mary felt a connection that she had never felt for anyone nor anything but her books. They first spoke when they saw each other in the library, them being the only women that ever stepped in there. They had reached for the same book at the same time, and that’s how they first spoke, even though Lily had been admiring her for the past 3 years. Mary knew, obviously, she just didn’t say anything about it because she wanted to see how deeply in love Lily was with her. Their relationship is like Remus’ (Mary) and Sirius’ (Lily) in Crimson Rivers. Tension, embarrassing themselves, stuttering over each other, blushing, laughing, etc. They both do become ‘pirates’ and join the Marauders and Skittles, they just live in their own little world, yet play big parts of course.

Before we move on to Dorlene, I wanted to mention that in this AU, Voldemort’s crew, The Death Eaters, wear flowy cloaks when underwater or during a battle. Otherwise, they look their usual selves, possibly with scars, piercings, and whatnot.

Dorlene: Marlene works for Dumbledore (Barbosa), while Dorcas works for Voldemort (Davy Jones) unwillingly. There’s two outcomes; 1, Dumbledore’s crew and Voldemort’s crew fought once, and during that fight, Marlene and Dorcas had fought together, and they both had been shocked at the other’s techniques and stuff (Dorcas was fully masked). Later on, during another battle (this time Marlene is friends with The Marauders and the girls, and Dorcas is with The Slytherin Skittles), Dorcas is unmasked and while fighting, they realize that they had been fighting each other before. Or 2, during the big battle scene with both Death Eaters and The Order, they stumble upon each other and Dorcas is, again, clothed. They fight, and Marlene marvels at her techniques and her smooth and slick movements, while Dorcas is entranced by Marlene’s beauty and flexibility. Suddenly, Marlene manages to slash off Dorcas’ mask when she’s distracted, and when picking it up, Dorcas looks up, and they make eye contact, and Marlene feels her heart drop. She runs off, panicking because she can not feel this way for someone on the opposing side! She won’t allow herself to fall that deep into this horrible hole!

I don’t really have an idea how Regulus, Barty, Evan, Dorcas, and Pandora would become friends, I also have no clue how they’d save Pandora and stuff, but hopefully I’ll figure that out if I write it, or you do! Also, Pandora definitely uses her cool powers and stuff and abilities to wreck anyone and everyone who touches her brother and soon-to-be brother-in-law! And her friends, of course.

I don’t know where this rant came from tbh but oh my DAYS I needed to get this out of me. I’ve had this idea for a while and wanted to write about it but I didn’t know how or what words to use. If there is a fic like this, please let me know! And if not, I’ll hopefully try my best to write it, or you can also claim this idea and make it your own!

[fandom-chameleon23]

JAMES NORRINGTON DESERVED BETTER

[demigoddessqueens]

the captain and the witch

Summary - he thought he could have it all, but it left him lonely. He sees the similarities between him and Jones starting to grow, and it pains him.

Author’s note: Yes i based these headcanons off this song! Yes I still love this character and always thinks he deserves better.

It seemed perfect to him! All the praise and glory back in his hands until Jones interferes as always.

Capturing you was a side quest, a means to taunt the goddess Calypso with her kinsmen, but one that Norrington greatly objected to given the cruel nature of it

James was drawn to you for the obvious reasons — your immortality, power, the history you shared with the Sea herself but you looked at him with such a disdain it got to him. Easily.

Still, it compelled him in the short few days you had together when he came by your “quarters”, either to drop off food for you or seek information.

Every word, be it a taunt at him or the blasé nature of yours in withholding, still kept him hooked as if it was your siren’s song.

You thought it annoying at first how this mortal man kept coming back to your cell. Does he wish to taunt you? But it becomes more than that.

He amused you. Very few cared what you had to say back then and now, except for him. Maybe he was try to be empathetic (or just liked the sound of his own voice), but you slowly began to tolerate him. Small accounts here and there, bits and pieces of life stories that fit like puzzles. Though it was humorous at seeing his eyes widen when you told the ancient tales of your life, you appreciated the images conjured by his life story.

Even though it made you feel sad and somewhat pity him.

James didn’t think it was anything serious until he heard you say his name. It rolled so flawlessly off your tongue, and it coursed through his body.

Was it your old magicks or the realization that something more had grown between you two?

When the crew of the Pearl had been captured and placed with you, they recognized you from the tales and stories used to scare others.

Call it an alliance of convenience when you escape, but before you flee The Dutchman, James catches you with the rest.

If this is goodbye, then it was a treasured time he does not regret. James knows it’s too late for him, but he can’t help but pause at your offer as you hold your hand out to him.

“Leave with me. Join me. I’m taking my life back. Will you do the same?”

Still, you deserve better, with or without him. The kiss goodbye catches you off guard before he sends you past the railing to the safety of the ocean.

You feel the life of him slip away when you hit the waters. It’s a sharp pain that leaves you gasping for air.

You want to see him again, uttering a meek offering to whatever deities of yours still reside in the oceans. Prayers mixed with the bitterness of what possibilities were taken from you.

“You foolish, idiotic caring man…” 💔

After the end of Jones’s defeat and the pirate world is freed for now, you dare to hope and reunite with James aboard the Dutchman.

Whoever heard your demand, you’re thankful to him. Part of the Dutchman, part of the crew, his eyes meet yours across the waters with that soft smile you looked forward to.

Despite the rivalry he once had with Turner, there’s a newfound appreciation he has for it. Because when Will crosses that shore, it’s for Elizabeth.

When James crosses it, you’re there for him. Fear of abandonment no longer exists in that hollow chest of his, and when the curse is lifted, you two will be together again.

“I found you.” “Can’t get rid of me that easily now, can you?”

[esta-elavaris]

Part Fourteen [2,710 words] ~ James Norrington/OC

An AU of my completed, 400k+ word fanfic Catch the Wind [AO3], in which Elizabeth, not James, is the one to discover Theodora Byrne after she crash-lands into the world of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Page breaks by cafekitsune.

Also now on AO3 and FF.net.

Masterpost - Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight - Part Nine - Part Ten - Part Eleven - Part Twelve - Part Thirteen - *Part Fourteen* [you're here!]

Tag list [let me know if you want to be added!]: @teawithshakespeare @missfronkensteen @dancerinthestorm

A/N: What's a cheeky early update between friends? Not gonna make a habit of it - but as long as I keep to my 'one update a week' thing, I don't see the point in this gathering dust in my documents ✨

While the menfolk were gone, Theo and Elizabeth kept much to their usual routine, although it was filled with less of the usual mirth than it had once been. If she was being honest, Theo had barely noticed that, her mind elsewhere, but after almost two full weeks of it, Elizabeth appeared to decide that it had gone on quite long enough.

Never one to let things lie if she was discontent with them, she strode into Theo’s bedroom one night in her nightgown, plopped herself down beside her on the bed, and addressed her without preamble.

“I understand you’re upset. You’ve every right to be. But I must point out that I am not among those who deserve to be punished for what happened that night.”

Theo blinked her surprise, watching Elizabeth with muted curiosity. That was the key word, she supposed. Muted.

“I’m not punishing you for anything,” she said quietly.

“You are not yourself,” Elizabeth replied archly. “You haven’t been yourself ever since…since all of that. And as I said, I understand that, but I do not deserve to be on the receiving end of it.”

“You don’t,” she replied readily. “And I’m not. Punishing you, I mean. I’m not doing that.”

Even the senior of the Swanns – Elizabeth’s father – had offered her a brief, awkward, but sincere apology for what had gone on that night. Either Elizabeth had pointed out to him that not all gathered had shared his spirit of everything being in good fun, or he’d realised it himself after sobering up, and after hearing the whispers about town. The Governor didn’t have to do that, she hadn’t blamed him for it either because he hadn’t meant harm, her ire was saved primarily for Amelia and Norrington, but she still appreciated the gesture all the same. They were good people, the Swanns.

“Then what are you doing?” Elizabeth entreated.

Her legs folded beneath her, she leaned forward and rested a hand on her arm. Theo, haltingly, placed her own hand over it.

Theo paused, debating on her answer. The thoughts that had been steadily circling her mind, on and on, ever since that disastrous dinner party, weren’t something she’d planned on sharing with any here. Not just because Elizabeth was the only person she really could share them with at all, but because she knew Elizabeth herself would not receive them well.

But maybe it was better than her thinking that she’d spontaneously decided to hate her.

“I got too comfortable. That night was a reminder not to do that. I can’t pretend it was a welcome reminder, but…it was a necessary one.”

She felt most like herself like this – if she ignored the excess of frills and lace and white linen that she sported from the collarbones down, anyway. Her hair unbound, rather than forced into a ridiculous updo, no corset, no seventy skirts, no bows, no satin slippers, and no jewellery other than that which she brought with her. Sure, she didn’t hate the adornments – sometimes they were even fun – but they weren’t her. She’d been reminded of that now, and she wasn’t in a rush to forget it.

“Too comfortable? What? Here?” Elizabeth’s hand slipped away, but she didn’t shift back.

“Not…not here as in here, with you, in your home. But in the general, wider sense of the word, yeah. I got too comfortable?”

“I don’t understand!”

“I don’t belong here, Elizabeth. It’s not my world. I’m- I’m three centuries out of time. I have no business swanning about, developing crushes-”

“Crushes?” Elizabeth’s dark eyes regarded her with concern. “Is…is that an ailment? Is it serious?”

“No, it just means to…to take a liking to someone.”

The concern changed to hurt, and she had to rush to clarify.

“In a way that means more than friendship. I wasn’t talking about you.”

Although if she had to keep clarifying that particular part of what was about to be a very impassioned speech, she’d find herself once again fleeing up the stairs in a fit of mortification. The sorrow that softened Elizabeth’s face then didn’t help matters. Her cheeks began to burn.

“Oh, Theo,” she sighed.

“It’s not like you didn’t know.”

“Yes, but you never admitted it.”

“I didn’t fully realise it until that night – when it was…” stamped all over and promptly set on fire, “…shown to be the idiocy that it was.”

“He looked positively wretched after the fact, you know.”

“Good.”

In order to settle for that one-worded response, she had to push down quite a few arguments – all of which she had no energy for. The primary one being that he probably only looked so wretched because he knew his little display would earn him Elizabeth’s scorn. But maybe that was the reason behind his actions. Not only to show Theo herself exactly where she sat in his estimations, but to show Elizabeth, too. If not the whole of Port Royal.

But mostly just Elizabeth. She’d certainly teased Theo enough about whatever spark she was so sure she’d seen, it wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility that she’d made similar comments to Norrington, and he’d seen fit to act accordingly. Especially after his ruse and been rumbled, and he had no reason to keep…to keep pretending that he…

She reined her emotions in before the lump in her throat could grow into something more embarrassing like, god forbid, tears. Instead, she turned her mind to practical matters. Like leaving. Because she’d spoken honestly to Elizabeth – it had been a sorely needed reminder, and she’d begun to piece together the beginnings of a plan.

That would’ve been part of why others were seeing a change in her. Not only because she no longer had the heart to put on a cheery face and make an effort with the people who had tittered and delighted in that display, but because she really was distracted. So she fell back to the sidelines – in spirit, when she couldn’t do so physically, kept her mouth shut, and retreated inward.

There were only two people she could think of from this story who might harbour knowledge of other worlds. The first was Davy Jones. His job, even if he ignored it, was distinctly supernatural in nature, and unlike Barbossa it wasn’t just a curse that had been unwittingly rained down upon him. It was possible that career instilled him with some knowledge beyond mortal means. However, she highly doubted he’d be inclined to help.

The other, far more obvious, choice was…well. His ex-girlfriend. And, being a goddess, she packed a hell of a lot more of a punch. The odds of Calypso being able to help her were greater, and – if she was doing her best to be optimistic – her inclination to help her might also be weighted in Theo’s benefit. But therein lay the problem. Because to get to her, she’d have to go through Captain Jack Sparrow, and she was barely more confident that he’d want to help her than she was that Jones ever would.

“I don’t know what his motives were – I can hardly pretend otherwise, because I cannot fathom what he was thinking – but he is not a bad man, Theo. There would have been a reason. However much it backfired.”

“You see a very different side to him than I do,” she replied. “He’s in love with you. It only makes sense that he makes sure you only see the highlight reel.”

The phrasing was odd, but Elizabeth seemed to get the spirit of what she was saying.

“I’ve known him for years. Years. Only the most artful social climber could pull off such a façade, and he has little taste for that mode of being. If he despised you, he would simply avoid you. He’s been doing the very opposite of that.”

“To pry information from me. To make sure that you are safe.”

“He’s not in love with me.”

Theo could only laugh at that. It didn’t go appreciated.

“He’s not!” Elizabeth said firmly, thinly controlled ire burning in her eyes. “Perhaps once he was. Perhaps now he thinks he still is, Theo, but he’s not. I just wish he would realise that.”

What could she say in response to that? Elizabeth had the trump card in this discussion each and every time – how long she’d known him. There was little Theo could say that the other woman wouldn’t confidently beat back with that fact, over and over again, even if Theo herself thought that it made precious little difference.

The only thing she could possibly use in favour of her argument was the movies, but Elizabeth knew nothing of them – nor Theo’s knowledge of them. If she unveiled that now, she’d show herself up as a liar to the only real friend and ally she had here, and she couldn’t face that. Even if it was selfish of her.

But the silence was taken as a sign of weakness, and Elizabeth seized on it to further her point. Her hand reached out again, taking her hand and using it to lever herself forward until she sat shoulder-to-shoulder with her on the bed, speaking softly.

“Captain Norrington is a man who prides himself in his plans. He sets goals, he meets them, he deviates from them only when necessary – and is only flexible with them when the heat of battle calls for it. Maybe he did fall for me, I do not live in his mind so I cannot say-”

“He did.”

“If you’re so certain, I’ll believe you. But you must believe me when I say I am certain of this – he has changed, since he got to know you. But he’s…he’s so committed to his original plan, and the way he thinks things should be, that he won’t let himself see it. That is the impediment. His inflexibility. Not his feelings. And if I’m as right as I’m sure I am, he’ll be going through a rotten time now because of it.”

Another ‘good’ was on the tip of her tongue in response to that last bit, but she didn’t have the heart to say it.

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” she said instead.

Although she took the bite from her words by leaning against Elizabeth, and squeezing her hand.

She squeezed back. “It does. You just share a common trait. You’re both too stubborn to see what’s directly in front of you.”

James Norrington had been in a foul mood ever since setting sail. Or, to be more accurate, since the night before setting sail.  

Having plans backfire was part and parcel of a naval career – or, indeed, sailing at all. But none had ever backfired quite so marvellously as his had that night, and…and her face haunted him. Haunted was an extreme word, melodramatic even, and he was not given to melodrama, but it was the only one that truly fit the bill. And many men might class themselves as lucky, to have the face of a fair woman so stuck within their minds during, if not their every waking moment, then certainly a great deal of them, but it was the expression on her face that he could not rid himself of.

The same expression, levelled at him three times throughout the night. Firstly, during that moment in the gardens. Then, when he supported Miss Simmonds’ ploy. Then, the final time, during that terrible encounter at the foot of the stairs. Each time, it increased in severity, and each time it struck him with the same force as a physical blow might – not least because how she usually allowed others to see little other than mirth.

If she showed her hurt, it was because it was so great that she could no longer bring herself to conceal it. And he was the one who’d caused it.

It mattered little that he had not meant to. No, indeed, it did not matter at all.

Those looks, even from the first, had his heart sinking further than he thought her capable of instilling in him – than he thought any capable of instilling in him. And while James was not prone to flights of fancy, he was sure in those moments, while they were being levelled his way, that he’d promise her all he owned if it would only take that expression off of her face.

And no higher power had opted to be merciful on him that night – not that he deserved it – for it hadn’t ended there. Her parting words, though they had not impacted him quite as much in the moment, had grown to gnaw on him endlessly, more and more with each day that went by.

You'll be rid of me soon enough.

It had the sound of a vow to it. An oath. To the extent where he expected – where he feared – that he would return to Port Royal, only to find she’d departed for Ireland in his absence. Or the Americas, perhaps. It didn’t matter, for either way he would find her gone, and though the prospect of her absence alone troubled him greatly, two other things bothered him when it came to that particular notion. The first, that he couldn’t quite pinpoint when the moment came that he began to view such an outcome not as a goal, nor a boon, but something to dread.

The second plagued him more. For the realisation that Miss Swann would scorn him for such an outcome was a delayed one – and, further still, even after he realised it, it was not his primary concern. And he could hardly pinpoint when that had changed, either.

Undoubtedly, the men had noticed his foul mood, along with how it only worsened with each day. It wasn’t as though he did much to hide it, regardless of the fact that those who had not witnessed the debacle firsthand would have heard the whispers of it since, and all would therefore know exactly why he was so displeased.

Perhaps they’d think his worries were based where they should have been. That he feared returning to find his standing with Miss Swann drastically lowered. If they suspected otherwise, they kept their whispers out of his earshot – even Groves, who had so openly voiced his bemusement at his actions made no further mention of it.

He had not explained his reasoning to the Lieutenant when he’d asked, but he suspected the question had been somewhat rhetorical in nature.

Explaining it would not justify it, in any case. It had been a gamble – but like all gambles, he only saw just how preposterous it was when it well and truly went up in smoke.

Timing was at the crux of it. That was his only excuse as to why he’d acted as he had without thinking it through properly. For Theod- Miss Byrne had been angry, and she’d been…well, while not drunk, certainly under the sway of the strong wine that the Governor liked to offer his guests. If she was ever going to allow a crack to form in her façade, it would have been then. If she was of higher birth than he’d suspected (and that fact was looking doubtful now), she would have played well out of spite, in that state.

What would have followed was a foolish daydream. He’d corner her and, seeing that the game was over, she’d confess everything in a flurry of tears, finally entrusting him with her true origins, and endeavouring to secure his help – which he would offer unconditionally.

Only it didn’t happen like that, did it? No, instead he’d embarrassed her twice in a row, and then finished things off by – for all he knew – driving her from Port Royal entirely. And even if she was there when he returned, she’d likely never speak to him again. And that, he feared, would be even worse than her absence.

And, though he’d so often wondered at just how little he could work out about Theodora Byrne, he knew one thing. Regaining a place in her good graces would be all but impossible. Not after a minor slight, perhaps, but after humiliation heaped on humiliation? Few could forgive that. Few should forgive that.

God, but he was a fool.

[montanabohemian]

#when he showed up all filthy and depressed and disheveled...... what an awakening for my young self

Jack Davenport as James Norrington

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN’S CHEST (2006)

[glamfellens]

its 2023 and i would like to announce yet again that james norrington was done dirty and deserved better. thank u for ur time

[bethanydelleman]

You recently reblogged a post about possible Pirates of the Caribbean and Jane Austen books crossover. Did you ever read this fic: https://archiveofourown.org/works/7838869 ?

Because it's literally about James Norrington coming back to London and meeting Elizabeth Bennett after Elizabeth Swann broke his heart.

I absolutely love this work. If you like the idea of a crossover between these two fandoms I'm sure you'll like it too.

This was cute! I do think James Norrington deserves a better ending. His only crime was... thinking piracy is wrong? Being the second male lead?

As a caveat, I don't think the author had a very good understanding of Regency culture and norms (Elizabeth would not be calling him by his first name), but it's a short and sweet story.

[ashortdropandasuddenstop]

Military Man | A Norrington MV

Military Man | James Norrington Tribute | Pirates of the Caribbean MV

James Norrington was brought up in the British royal navy. It’s the only life he knows. If ever there was a theme song for the Commodore who deserved better it's ‘Military Man’ by Gary Moore and Phil Lynott

I own nothing, just a fan doing this for fun and free.

If you guys want cheap Disney Pirates of the Caribbean Swag, with Norrington including Tshirts, Face Masks, Pins, Stickers, Phone Cases, Hoodies, Blankets, Pillows Cosplay and more check out this shop: https://rdbl.co/360SlIl