An apology, and a birthday present.

[nocorsetsplease]

Who:  Elizabeth Swann and James Norrington
What:  Elizabeth has come to apologize for disappearing, and all the while, offer James Norrington a peace offering/birthday present.
When:  Backdated to January the 1st, during the afternoon.
Where: James' office
Warnings:  Arguing, though probably just them both being giant balls of awkward.  Maybe angst.  (

Comments

[nocorsetsplease]

When he opened the door, he looked so very worn. Instantly, she felt guilt begin to flood, as though she were standing in a room that were rising with water and it quickly gushed up to her calves. His eyes were pronged by wrinkled squints, hours spent looking at things in dim light. Circled and dark, they peered at her, and she had to swallow before she could say a thing

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Oh! Of course. She hadn't even named a place where they could go. She'd not frequented many of the options that Traverse Town had to offer. She'd only passed them by.

"I've not yet dined at any of them, however, I have passed most of them by when I've gone into town. There is one, perhaps, that has looked quite inviting in the past that could be suitable for a... dinner."

A dinner together, she thought. Why was it that only after she spoke such things did she feel just how bold they were?

"It's a small cafe. Not much, really, however... it always smells of wonderful things."

[destinyentwined]

"Ah, yes. That sounds most enjoyable. Shall we meet by the fountain in say... An hour?"

Not that he really needed that much time to prepare, he would much rather go straight away, but it was always proper to allow the lady to take her time.

He also quickly struck down the brief thought of 'dressing for diner'. This was a cafe, not a soiree, it was best to stick to the modern concept of dressing practically.

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She was already quite set, having dressed herself up to come and see him. After all, it was not on many occurrences she donned a proper Englishwoman's dress, pinned her hair and the like. Yet she smiled regardless. James was, after all, being the proper gentleman, offering her time to freshen if necessary.

"That sounds perfect. I should probably at least fetch myself a coat for this cold weather. I admit I did not wear one over to the offices. A bit foolish, perhaps, with the snow."

[destinyentwined]

"You are determined to catch your death." He gently scolded her, with a hint of amusement on his lips. Elizabeth was still ill-prepared for the snow, even after he initially scolded her. How very much like her.

"Yes, please, a heavy one. For my sake if not your own." His smile was brief.

Interesting. Years ago he would have phrased that 'for the sake of your father'.

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"Oh yes. For your sake indeed! You are too much of a gentleman, and I could not possibly take your coat from you. Warm hearted as you may be, you are still a man and as immune to chill as I. So, I will fetch a heavy one as you please."

It was so easy to tease him, a tone she fell so comfortably in to around him. The dynamic was not unlike the bespeckled girl she had once been. Always a saucy thing, eager to ruffle the feathers of his hat when she received the chance. Of course, the situation was entirely different. Yet it did not seem to matter. A spirited woman, she was still as eager to tease him as she was eager to keep his company.

[destinyentwined]

There was a moment that he looked distressed that he did not offer her his coat, but then it quickly faded when he realized what an improper thing that would be (unless in an emergency). He chuckled as he shook his head.

"Miss Swann, cease your mockery and fetch the proper attire at once. Or must escort you to your dressing room myself?"

Now that was improper, but as the mood was light-hearted he was able to say it without blushing... too brightly.

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"I think I am perfectly capable of fetching a coat, Mister Norrington. However, if you think me so ridiculous in my claims, by all means!"

She couldn't keep a straight face as she spoke, though she dearly tried to be serious. Rather, she ended up half laughing through part of it, particularly defaulting back to a proper title. Which, of course, was one that she had not used in quite some time. Not addressing him, anyway. The tease that followed left her laughing behind a gloved set of fingers, eyes alit with mirth and contentment.

[destinyentwined]

"I say!" He exclaimed with a laugh in the back of his throat. "I will do no such thing! Be off at once!" He made a 'shooing' motion to encourage her on her way.

What was he to do with her?! She was the absolute end of him.

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She gasped melodramatically. "Well, since my invitation into your office is being most hastily withdrawn, I shall hop to and leave at once!" She made a wild gesture of mock offense before settling into a much softer smile.

"For an hour, then, I take my leave of you."

She bowed her head gracefully, a small curtsy tucked beneath her skirts and made for the door. There, in that temporary farewell was a tenderness that was beginning to take hold of more than her voice.

For that evening, it would lace its way into her heart.