Potc | Beckett/James, Groves/James, Beckett/Groves
Title: the shape of things to come
Characters/Pairings: Beckett/James, James/Groves, Beckett/Groves, implied Elizabeth/James, James/Will, Mercer
Rating: PG-PG-13
Word Count: 30X100
Summary: Beckett likes to play with broken toys. Set after DMC.
originally posted here
I. - greeneyesurple
“I’m Admi…” James couldn’t finish introducing himself to the naked reflection in the mirror, looking at the upstanding ribs when he had exhaled. Running a hand over his stomach, James found nothing left of the man he had left behind when he went to hunt down Sparrow. James’ hands ran now over his chest, up his neck and with fingertips he traced his temples and pointy cheekbones. But he only let his tears run once his eyes roamed over his scalp - the chocolate colored hair, once long enough to fall over his shoulder, was cut down to nothing but stubbles.
II. - sunsetdawn20
He hadn’t cried in a long time, though there had never been a lack in occasions, losing the woman he’d thought he loved to the man he’d committed unutterable crimes with being the least crushing, only a faint shadow compared to the cries of women he’d turned into widows. Work had always proved an efficient antidote to crippling thoughts and rum had replaced it with frightening vehemence in the boiling belly of Tortuga. But now he had nothing left just the bald reminder of his own betrayal, his penance, his failure. And the numbing darkness pushing against the rattling window-glass.
III. - greeneyesurple
James held on to the bedpost, feeling nauseous all of a sudden. His own presence sickened him. With a groan he lifted the bed and threw it over, breaking the bedpost off then smashing the wicked mirror over and over again. Falling on his knees, James looked over the mirror pieces, in each a reflection of Lord Beckett chuckling at him. James fell on his side, wrapping his arms around his head blocking the devil and the echo of the haunting heartbeat out.
He blinked slowly and the bed was still in one piece. The only thing shattered was him.
IV. - sunsetdawn20
The soft knock on the door shook him with the force of an earthquake and he desperately scrambled to put the little pieces of his cracked mask back together before he called out in a raw voice.
“Enter.”
“Lord Beckett requires your presence, Admiral,” the maid announced, her high, unpleasant tone sending chills down James’ spine. He looked at the skinny, insignificant girl, this herald of his doomed future, wearing fear around her neck like a locket and James couldn’t help but wonder how soon it would take him to willingly offer his own neck for Beckett’s collar of choice.
V. - greeneyesurple
While the maid powdered his wig and helped James in his jacket, she noticed how the only things alive were his soft, gentle seeming eyes. When his hand twitched walking through the dark alleys to Beckett’s mansion, she of course didn’t know that James had imaged her being his wife and holding her close. Imagined how life must be like with somebody that stays with you, come what may. Somebody to shower affection on. James rolled his eyes, he should have been born a girl. No man could deal with as many emotions, no wonder Jones cut his heart out.
VI. - sunsetdawn20
The dark, old house was watching James threateningly as he was approaching, it was almost growling like a vicious guard dog at the unsuspecting intruder. Mercer was standing at the gates, his scarred, grim face showing the same intense dislike.
“Took your time, did you? The Master doesn’t like to be kept waiting,” Mercer said between clenched teeth with a mixture of loathing and eager delight about the Admiral’s bad start, and it made James shiver in fearful anticipation. With a well-aimed, knife-sharp look Mercer sent the intently watching girl away and then wordlessly nodded to James to follow him.
VII. - greeneyesurple
A dollhouse it was, James decided. One oversized doll whose eyes the child already stabbed out and had replaced with pitch, was walking in front of him, leading the way. James felt too tall, too insignificant walking through the halls. Everything seemed out of proportion and too neat, too thought through for his taste. James had to duck his head when he walked through the door. Brushing invisible spider webs from his arms as the Lord caught his eye, James straightened again.
“You called for me, Lord Beckett” James said in the well-studied monotone, low voice.
“Indeed. Indeed I did.”
VIII - sunsetdawn20
Cold, grey eyes were watching him intently and James felt the heat rise in his cheek, tingling the still slightly sunburnt skin. He fought the suddenly infinitely intense urge to break eye-contact and just run. It was ridiculous, really, he told himself, this fearful apprehension was so out of proportion. Lord Beckett was just a man like all others, maybe smarter and crueller, but a man all the same. A man with disproportionately large horses and ego but nothing more. The thought made James’ lips twitch ever so slightly but Beckett noticed.
“Would you care to share your thoughts, Admiral?”
IX. - greeneyesurple
The room immediately adapted to the scent of rum as James spoke. Lord Beckett rolled his fingers over his desk listening- Norrington’s gratitude towards him almost being a wry joke of the things that were about to come. James was an amusing creature, a chameleon. Currently crawling up the walls in the uniform of his choice. Earlier James perfectly fit in the role of the miserable Prince Charming offering Beckett the crystal slipper in form of a bleeding, stinking heart.
“Define irony for me, then seat yourself” Beckett purred, crossing his legs. The true question was, did mammals hunt reptiles?
X. - sunsetdawn20
“I wasn’t aware of being summoned for philosophical… or rather semantic discussions,” James said dryly, slightly raising an eyebrow, and he remained standing out of protest, which made Beckett’s lips twitch in annoyed amusement.
“I am certain we can find the best way to use your sharp tongue, Admiral,” Beckett’s calculated smile sent chills down James’ spine but just as he was about to reply there was a brisk knock outside.
“Enter.”
The first thing James noticed when the door opened at Beckett’s call was the stiff Navy walk coupled with EITC uniform before he even recognized the familiar face.
XI. - greeneyesurple
A million times he had dreamed seeing him again, telling him how sorry he was and cry at his feet.
A million times he had thought about breaking each bone of that coward and telling him how pathetic he was.
A million times he had relived the last longing kiss between them and the gentle words he had whispered against his lips.
A million times he had wished to run from Beckett and cradle James’ face again.
But only one time, this time, he found his lips against Beckett’s cheek and his eyes focused on the flame of the candle.
XII. - sunsetdawn20
James gulped, green eyes wide with more than shock that not even decades of careful schooling could mask, his heart after a sudden race now standing completely still as if waiting. For what, he didn’t know. Maybe that last feather-light touch that would make it finally shatter.
The eyes were the same shade James remembered, though lacking their playful shine, those lips seemed so naked without the light smile of old times, and when a greedy hand possessively slid over the man’s bottom James had to close his eyes, barely noticing the cold voice:
“I believe you know each other.”
XIII. - greeneyesurple
"You tried to kill us all, didn’t you?" the young man growled towards James.
"I didn’t… I did..." James’ hands formed to shivering fists.
"Can you blame him?" Cutler grinned.
The Lieutenant shook his head and gazed over James, sighing deeply and biting his lower lip - vain bastard.
"So you forgive me?" James whispered and stepped forward.
"No, much better, James. He invited you to live with us and I shall play with you. He might have given his approval to destroy you, but I haven’t decided yet" Cutler said chuckling, watching both of his pretty boys fighting with tears.
XIV. - sunsetdawn20
“Do I even get a say in any of this?” James asked silently, knowing the answer before the words were even out. Beckett’s only answer was an amused smirk.
“Very well,” James sighed. “What are my orders, Sir?”
“Always so very proper, James,” Beckett mocked and stood up. “I trust we can take this somewhere more comfortable and private.”
James didn’t flinch as Beckett walked past him but he suddenly grabbed the Lieutenant’s arm.
“Theo, please…” A pleading whisper.
The razor-sharp look made him pull back, but hope filled his heart all the same.
Spilt blood would wash him clean.
XV. - greeneyesurple
Theodore Groves was a follower not a leader. He knew that and didn’t even try to hide it. Following James had always been easy. He’d not only tell Theo what to do, but more or less do it for him. In bed, Theo didn’t have to move a finger or his tongue for that matter. An open throat and James’ hand at his neck was always enough.
Theodore Groves was vengeful. When rumours were spread that James was sailing with Jack Sparrow, Theo was furious. James took his place, his dream - Theo then had decided to take James’ in return.
XVI. - sunsetdawn20
“Undress.”
Sometimes the simplest command sends the cruellest chills down the unwilling spine and James’ hands were shaking as he undid his cravat with a guarded expression, trying not to meet Beckett’s calculating greys and Theo’s corral-sharp browns. Suddenly cold fingers joined his, answering a wordless command James whished he could have missed, and his coat soon hit the floor soundlessly. Something flashed in the dim light and Theo’s hand froze, hovering above the coin around James’ neck - he kept it. Theo’s eyes softened but then he tore the chain and flung the token of the past into the corner.
XVII. - greeneyesurple
James didn’t exactly see what happened next. His eyes were misted with tears and every movement of Theodore and Lord Beckett could have been a dream, a hallucination if it hadn’t been for the pain in James’ neck and chest. For a moment, James thought he could taste Theo’s blood on his tongue, feeling his lips pucker up to kiss it better until he blinked - bitter realization of still being in the dollhouse and Beckett was sucking the blood that the locket chain left off Theodore’s fingers.
“And this is alright with you?” a quivering whisper from James’ lips.
XVIII. - sunsetdawn20
Theo’s eyes closed in pure bliss and a soft moan was all the answer James got. When Beckett pulled away Theo whimpered silently at the loss of contact and Beckett reached out, brushing his fingers ever so slightly against Theo’s jaw. The lieutenant’s eyes fluttered close again as the hand suddenly wrapped around his neck and squeezed just a bit. James wanted to look away but found he couldn’t. How could a man enjoy humiliation so much?
“Can’t you see how much he craves this?” Beckett’s amused voice cut through James’ shock. “Don’t worry. You’ll learn to crave it too.”
XIX. - greeneyesurple
"Watch" Cutler said and turned to Theo again, whispering something in his ear. Theo frowned, bit his lip - a silent plead?
A gentle push on Theo’s lower back and he walked towards James. Slowly, carefully - the fierceness in Theo’s brown eyes faded away with each step. A little frown stayed on his forehead. James couldn’t see Theodore move but he felt the lieutenant’s hand on his shoulder and cold lips against his cheek. Theodore blew over the little wet spot on James’ cheek and forced a smile when he heard James moan.
“See?” Theo uttered “I don’t need a pirate”
XX. - sunsetdawn20
James shut his eyes tightly, hating yet craving the way Theo’s kisses could still make him shiver, and for a moment he almost forgot where he was. But as the words slowly connected in his mist-covered brain and once their meaning finally sunk in James’ eyes flew open, intent on catching Theo’s thoughts through his brown eyes. It’s been too long since he’d seen them up close.
“Theo…” he whispered but Theo cut him off with a soft kiss, lips pressed against lips in need, chasing lost innocence.
“Tell me, James,” Beckett suddenly said, “does he still taste the same?”
XXI. - greeneyesurple
“No, he tastes like a foul liar, nasty murderer and arrogant novice aristocrat” James said disgusted, his lips forming an upside down smile. “He tastes like you, like treachery”
“Treachery? Treachery!” Theo’s fist hit James’ jaw so quickly, that not even Hermes himself could have warned Cutler or James in time.
Theodore kept punching against James’ chest, as Beckett walked to the young boy, holding him by the neck gently.
“Enough” Beckett whispered and smiled “You said enough, leave us now.”
Lord Beckett didn’t have to turn to know that Theodore took the locket with him as he stomped away.
XXII. - sunsetdawn20
“What was this? A test?” James couldn’t help asking, his anger still fuelled by bitterness. But Beckett just smirked.
“I don’t need to test you, James.” I know you. The unsaid words hung between them like a pointed sword.
“Then what?”
“Oh I trust your linguistic skills, James, I’m sure you’ll find the right name. Game, bargain, leverage...”
“Or blackmail?” James interrupted. “No. Blackmail is Sparrow’s territory, isn’t it?”
Beckett’s eyes hardened visibly.
“You are stepping out of your bounds, Admiral.”
“Two can play this game, my Lord,” James hissed, sounding braver than he actually felt.
“Indeed” Beckett smirked coldly.
XXIII. - greeneyesurple
"Why you? Don’t be so foolish in believing that I am offering this to you because you are Admiral James Norrington" Beckett said and James fought the urge to roll his eyes "regardless what the Governor made you believe, he is all but a man trying to marry his bastard daughter. You’re not that special, James, not yet however. Now you are nothing but a puppet and I advise you to be with a skilled puppeteer"
Lord Beckett whispered and crossed his arms. The corner of his lips tickled of success.Nothing was easier to break than a man’s pride.
XXIV. - sunsetdawn20
Beckett’s words washed over James, licking his bruised soul with mocking tongues. But he didn’t need Beckett to tell him about his worthlessness, he’d learned that the day the Dauntless sunk, taking more of his men with her than James had nights to conjure up their faces in nightmarish visions. Sparrow, too, had been eager to remind him of the deaths he’d caused and James could never quite figure out if it was justice or cruelty that made the pirate’s voice hard and punishing.
“You and Sparrow are remarkably alike,” he whispered, not fearing consequences. He had nothing to lose.
XXV. - greeneyesurple
James thought he heard a dog growl, only to realize he stepped on Beckett’s tail. James wasn’t the man to smile at other people’s wounds; he rather licked each one for them.
“If that is so, you will rather enjoy this, James. You seemed to enjoy Jack’s contstant humiliation games with you, didn’t you?” Beckett’s eyes trailed down to James’ breaches and he smirked. “Just like dear Miss Swann - fate keeps intervening with both of you and I must function as its tool”
Beckett’s face turned soft: “Tell me James, what’s your place in the world? Who’s tool are you?”
XXVI. - sunsetdawn20
Hearing the almost conversational tone of the question for a moment James could delude himself into thinking Beckett might offer rather than order. Maybe he could live with that illusion, he thought. Pretence and obedience used to be his daily bread, maybe this wouldn’t be too different. Maybe forgiveness in brown eyes would be his payment for serving Beckett with body and blood.
Who’s tool are you? The question echoed in James’ head.
A stifled sigh and his mind was set as he finally made himself comfortable in the chair offered when he’d entered.
“That depends on what you’re offering.”
XXVII. - greeneyesurple
How often James held his member and watched as the liquid white cobwebs of ghostly desire ran down the mirror, he couldn’t remember. But he did remember the image of Andrew that appeared in it every time. He remembered Andrew’s unearthly foot steps behind him with each gentle stroke. He remembered the dent in his bed next to him where nobody could have laid.
Haunted but not wanted - as it had always been, before the Hurricane and after.
“The chance to be reunited with your friends, at least those not murdered” Beckett whispered and laid one hand on James’ shoulder.
XXVIII. - sunsetdawn20
Beckett’s hand on his shoulder felt like the materialisation of the heavy weight of all his guilt-ridden dreams, just punishment for the lives he’d taken and James couldn’t bring himself to shrug it off.
“And for that,” he cleared his throat to stifle the trembling, “I presume you want my loyalty to the East India Trading Company.”
The amused smirk that slowly spread on Beckett’s face sent a shiver of anticipation down James’ spine.
“No James,” Beckett stepped even closer, so close that James felt like drowning in the all-consuming grey of his eyes. “I want much more than that.”
XXIX. - greeneyesurple
When James looked up Lord Beckett was no longer next but in front of him, holding the door open.
“Come now, James. You don’t want to be late for work. Miss Olivia will make sure you don’t confuse your house with the tavern” Cutler beckoned somebody from outside to come in - only hearing the clicking of the woman’s shoes - she whispered to him:
“May I guide you home, Sir?”
James stood up and for a split second it was hard to tell which fragile creature supported who.
“I expect you at sunrise” Cutler purred at the both of them.
XXX. - sunsetdawn20
The walk back seemed torturously long without fearful anticipation to occupy him. His body felt heavy, his mind wrapped in impenetrable fog, his heart drumming numbly. Too much had happened too quickly: his sudden redemption, an untimely promotion, the painful meeting with Theo, a deal he wasn’t sure he completely understood just yet.
The maid’s inquisitive presence only deepened his need for the burning liquid forbidden to him.
“Goodnight, Sir,” Olivia smiled as they reached the house, not knowing her warm eyes would haunt him all night.
A silent curse was all James allowed himself as he closed the door.
Characters/Pairings: Beckett/James, James/Groves, Beckett/Groves, implied Elizabeth/James, James/Will, Mercer
Rating: PG-PG-13
Word Count: 30X100
Summary: Beckett likes to play with broken toys. Set after DMC.
originally posted here
I. - greeneyesurple
“I’m Admi…” James couldn’t finish introducing himself to the naked reflection in the mirror, looking at the upstanding ribs when he had exhaled. Running a hand over his stomach, James found nothing left of the man he had left behind when he went to hunt down Sparrow. James’ hands ran now over his chest, up his neck and with fingertips he traced his temples and pointy cheekbones. But he only let his tears run once his eyes roamed over his scalp - the chocolate colored hair, once long enough to fall over his shoulder, was cut down to nothing but stubbles.
II. - sunsetdawn20
He hadn’t cried in a long time, though there had never been a lack in occasions, losing the woman he’d thought he loved to the man he’d committed unutterable crimes with being the least crushing, only a faint shadow compared to the cries of women he’d turned into widows. Work had always proved an efficient antidote to crippling thoughts and rum had replaced it with frightening vehemence in the boiling belly of Tortuga. But now he had nothing left just the bald reminder of his own betrayal, his penance, his failure. And the numbing darkness pushing against the rattling window-glass.
III. - greeneyesurple
James held on to the bedpost, feeling nauseous all of a sudden. His own presence sickened him. With a groan he lifted the bed and threw it over, breaking the bedpost off then smashing the wicked mirror over and over again. Falling on his knees, James looked over the mirror pieces, in each a reflection of Lord Beckett chuckling at him. James fell on his side, wrapping his arms around his head blocking the devil and the echo of the haunting heartbeat out.
He blinked slowly and the bed was still in one piece. The only thing shattered was him.
IV. - sunsetdawn20
The soft knock on the door shook him with the force of an earthquake and he desperately scrambled to put the little pieces of his cracked mask back together before he called out in a raw voice.
“Enter.”
“Lord Beckett requires your presence, Admiral,” the maid announced, her high, unpleasant tone sending chills down James’ spine. He looked at the skinny, insignificant girl, this herald of his doomed future, wearing fear around her neck like a locket and James couldn’t help but wonder how soon it would take him to willingly offer his own neck for Beckett’s collar of choice.
V. - greeneyesurple
While the maid powdered his wig and helped James in his jacket, she noticed how the only things alive were his soft, gentle seeming eyes. When his hand twitched walking through the dark alleys to Beckett’s mansion, she of course didn’t know that James had imaged her being his wife and holding her close. Imagined how life must be like with somebody that stays with you, come what may. Somebody to shower affection on. James rolled his eyes, he should have been born a girl. No man could deal with as many emotions, no wonder Jones cut his heart out.
VI. - sunsetdawn20
The dark, old house was watching James threateningly as he was approaching, it was almost growling like a vicious guard dog at the unsuspecting intruder. Mercer was standing at the gates, his scarred, grim face showing the same intense dislike.
“Took your time, did you? The Master doesn’t like to be kept waiting,” Mercer said between clenched teeth with a mixture of loathing and eager delight about the Admiral’s bad start, and it made James shiver in fearful anticipation. With a well-aimed, knife-sharp look Mercer sent the intently watching girl away and then wordlessly nodded to James to follow him.
VII. - greeneyesurple
A dollhouse it was, James decided. One oversized doll whose eyes the child already stabbed out and had replaced with pitch, was walking in front of him, leading the way. James felt too tall, too insignificant walking through the halls. Everything seemed out of proportion and too neat, too thought through for his taste. James had to duck his head when he walked through the door. Brushing invisible spider webs from his arms as the Lord caught his eye, James straightened again.
“You called for me, Lord Beckett” James said in the well-studied monotone, low voice.
“Indeed. Indeed I did.”
VIII - sunsetdawn20
Cold, grey eyes were watching him intently and James felt the heat rise in his cheek, tingling the still slightly sunburnt skin. He fought the suddenly infinitely intense urge to break eye-contact and just run. It was ridiculous, really, he told himself, this fearful apprehension was so out of proportion. Lord Beckett was just a man like all others, maybe smarter and crueller, but a man all the same. A man with disproportionately large horses and ego but nothing more. The thought made James’ lips twitch ever so slightly but Beckett noticed.
“Would you care to share your thoughts, Admiral?”
IX. - greeneyesurple
The room immediately adapted to the scent of rum as James spoke. Lord Beckett rolled his fingers over his desk listening- Norrington’s gratitude towards him almost being a wry joke of the things that were about to come. James was an amusing creature, a chameleon. Currently crawling up the walls in the uniform of his choice. Earlier James perfectly fit in the role of the miserable Prince Charming offering Beckett the crystal slipper in form of a bleeding, stinking heart.
“Define irony for me, then seat yourself” Beckett purred, crossing his legs. The true question was, did mammals hunt reptiles?
X. - sunsetdawn20
“I wasn’t aware of being summoned for philosophical… or rather semantic discussions,” James said dryly, slightly raising an eyebrow, and he remained standing out of protest, which made Beckett’s lips twitch in annoyed amusement.
“I am certain we can find the best way to use your sharp tongue, Admiral,” Beckett’s calculated smile sent chills down James’ spine but just as he was about to reply there was a brisk knock outside.
“Enter.”
The first thing James noticed when the door opened at Beckett’s call was the stiff Navy walk coupled with EITC uniform before he even recognized the familiar face.
XI. - greeneyesurple
A million times he had dreamed seeing him again, telling him how sorry he was and cry at his feet.
A million times he had thought about breaking each bone of that coward and telling him how pathetic he was.
A million times he had relived the last longing kiss between them and the gentle words he had whispered against his lips.
A million times he had wished to run from Beckett and cradle James’ face again.
But only one time, this time, he found his lips against Beckett’s cheek and his eyes focused on the flame of the candle.
XII. - sunsetdawn20
James gulped, green eyes wide with more than shock that not even decades of careful schooling could mask, his heart after a sudden race now standing completely still as if waiting. For what, he didn’t know. Maybe that last feather-light touch that would make it finally shatter.
The eyes were the same shade James remembered, though lacking their playful shine, those lips seemed so naked without the light smile of old times, and when a greedy hand possessively slid over the man’s bottom James had to close his eyes, barely noticing the cold voice:
“I believe you know each other.”
XIII. - greeneyesurple
"You tried to kill us all, didn’t you?" the young man growled towards James.
"I didn’t… I did..." James’ hands formed to shivering fists.
"Can you blame him?" Cutler grinned.
The Lieutenant shook his head and gazed over James, sighing deeply and biting his lower lip - vain bastard.
"So you forgive me?" James whispered and stepped forward.
"No, much better, James. He invited you to live with us and I shall play with you. He might have given his approval to destroy you, but I haven’t decided yet" Cutler said chuckling, watching both of his pretty boys fighting with tears.
XIV. - sunsetdawn20
“Do I even get a say in any of this?” James asked silently, knowing the answer before the words were even out. Beckett’s only answer was an amused smirk.
“Very well,” James sighed. “What are my orders, Sir?”
“Always so very proper, James,” Beckett mocked and stood up. “I trust we can take this somewhere more comfortable and private.”
James didn’t flinch as Beckett walked past him but he suddenly grabbed the Lieutenant’s arm.
“Theo, please…” A pleading whisper.
The razor-sharp look made him pull back, but hope filled his heart all the same.
Spilt blood would wash him clean.
XV. - greeneyesurple
Theodore Groves was a follower not a leader. He knew that and didn’t even try to hide it. Following James had always been easy. He’d not only tell Theo what to do, but more or less do it for him. In bed, Theo didn’t have to move a finger or his tongue for that matter. An open throat and James’ hand at his neck was always enough.
Theodore Groves was vengeful. When rumours were spread that James was sailing with Jack Sparrow, Theo was furious. James took his place, his dream - Theo then had decided to take James’ in return.
XVI. - sunsetdawn20
“Undress.”
Sometimes the simplest command sends the cruellest chills down the unwilling spine and James’ hands were shaking as he undid his cravat with a guarded expression, trying not to meet Beckett’s calculating greys and Theo’s corral-sharp browns. Suddenly cold fingers joined his, answering a wordless command James whished he could have missed, and his coat soon hit the floor soundlessly. Something flashed in the dim light and Theo’s hand froze, hovering above the coin around James’ neck - he kept it. Theo’s eyes softened but then he tore the chain and flung the token of the past into the corner.
XVII. - greeneyesurple
James didn’t exactly see what happened next. His eyes were misted with tears and every movement of Theodore and Lord Beckett could have been a dream, a hallucination if it hadn’t been for the pain in James’ neck and chest. For a moment, James thought he could taste Theo’s blood on his tongue, feeling his lips pucker up to kiss it better until he blinked - bitter realization of still being in the dollhouse and Beckett was sucking the blood that the locket chain left off Theodore’s fingers.
“And this is alright with you?” a quivering whisper from James’ lips.
XVIII. - sunsetdawn20
Theo’s eyes closed in pure bliss and a soft moan was all the answer James got. When Beckett pulled away Theo whimpered silently at the loss of contact and Beckett reached out, brushing his fingers ever so slightly against Theo’s jaw. The lieutenant’s eyes fluttered close again as the hand suddenly wrapped around his neck and squeezed just a bit. James wanted to look away but found he couldn’t. How could a man enjoy humiliation so much?
“Can’t you see how much he craves this?” Beckett’s amused voice cut through James’ shock. “Don’t worry. You’ll learn to crave it too.”
XIX. - greeneyesurple
"Watch" Cutler said and turned to Theo again, whispering something in his ear. Theo frowned, bit his lip - a silent plead?
A gentle push on Theo’s lower back and he walked towards James. Slowly, carefully - the fierceness in Theo’s brown eyes faded away with each step. A little frown stayed on his forehead. James couldn’t see Theodore move but he felt the lieutenant’s hand on his shoulder and cold lips against his cheek. Theodore blew over the little wet spot on James’ cheek and forced a smile when he heard James moan.
“See?” Theo uttered “I don’t need a pirate”
XX. - sunsetdawn20
James shut his eyes tightly, hating yet craving the way Theo’s kisses could still make him shiver, and for a moment he almost forgot where he was. But as the words slowly connected in his mist-covered brain and once their meaning finally sunk in James’ eyes flew open, intent on catching Theo’s thoughts through his brown eyes. It’s been too long since he’d seen them up close.
“Theo…” he whispered but Theo cut him off with a soft kiss, lips pressed against lips in need, chasing lost innocence.
“Tell me, James,” Beckett suddenly said, “does he still taste the same?”
XXI. - greeneyesurple
“No, he tastes like a foul liar, nasty murderer and arrogant novice aristocrat” James said disgusted, his lips forming an upside down smile. “He tastes like you, like treachery”
“Treachery? Treachery!” Theo’s fist hit James’ jaw so quickly, that not even Hermes himself could have warned Cutler or James in time.
Theodore kept punching against James’ chest, as Beckett walked to the young boy, holding him by the neck gently.
“Enough” Beckett whispered and smiled “You said enough, leave us now.”
Lord Beckett didn’t have to turn to know that Theodore took the locket with him as he stomped away.
XXII. - sunsetdawn20
“What was this? A test?” James couldn’t help asking, his anger still fuelled by bitterness. But Beckett just smirked.
“I don’t need to test you, James.” I know you. The unsaid words hung between them like a pointed sword.
“Then what?”
“Oh I trust your linguistic skills, James, I’m sure you’ll find the right name. Game, bargain, leverage...”
“Or blackmail?” James interrupted. “No. Blackmail is Sparrow’s territory, isn’t it?”
Beckett’s eyes hardened visibly.
“You are stepping out of your bounds, Admiral.”
“Two can play this game, my Lord,” James hissed, sounding braver than he actually felt.
“Indeed” Beckett smirked coldly.
XXIII. - greeneyesurple
"Why you? Don’t be so foolish in believing that I am offering this to you because you are Admiral James Norrington" Beckett said and James fought the urge to roll his eyes "regardless what the Governor made you believe, he is all but a man trying to marry his bastard daughter. You’re not that special, James, not yet however. Now you are nothing but a puppet and I advise you to be with a skilled puppeteer"
Lord Beckett whispered and crossed his arms. The corner of his lips tickled of success.Nothing was easier to break than a man’s pride.
XXIV. - sunsetdawn20
Beckett’s words washed over James, licking his bruised soul with mocking tongues. But he didn’t need Beckett to tell him about his worthlessness, he’d learned that the day the Dauntless sunk, taking more of his men with her than James had nights to conjure up their faces in nightmarish visions. Sparrow, too, had been eager to remind him of the deaths he’d caused and James could never quite figure out if it was justice or cruelty that made the pirate’s voice hard and punishing.
“You and Sparrow are remarkably alike,” he whispered, not fearing consequences. He had nothing to lose.
XXV. - greeneyesurple
James thought he heard a dog growl, only to realize he stepped on Beckett’s tail. James wasn’t the man to smile at other people’s wounds; he rather licked each one for them.
“If that is so, you will rather enjoy this, James. You seemed to enjoy Jack’s contstant humiliation games with you, didn’t you?” Beckett’s eyes trailed down to James’ breaches and he smirked. “Just like dear Miss Swann - fate keeps intervening with both of you and I must function as its tool”
Beckett’s face turned soft: “Tell me James, what’s your place in the world? Who’s tool are you?”
XXVI. - sunsetdawn20
Hearing the almost conversational tone of the question for a moment James could delude himself into thinking Beckett might offer rather than order. Maybe he could live with that illusion, he thought. Pretence and obedience used to be his daily bread, maybe this wouldn’t be too different. Maybe forgiveness in brown eyes would be his payment for serving Beckett with body and blood.
Who’s tool are you? The question echoed in James’ head.
A stifled sigh and his mind was set as he finally made himself comfortable in the chair offered when he’d entered.
“That depends on what you’re offering.”
XXVII. - greeneyesurple
How often James held his member and watched as the liquid white cobwebs of ghostly desire ran down the mirror, he couldn’t remember. But he did remember the image of Andrew that appeared in it every time. He remembered Andrew’s unearthly foot steps behind him with each gentle stroke. He remembered the dent in his bed next to him where nobody could have laid.
Haunted but not wanted - as it had always been, before the Hurricane and after.
“The chance to be reunited with your friends, at least those not murdered” Beckett whispered and laid one hand on James’ shoulder.
XXVIII. - sunsetdawn20
Beckett’s hand on his shoulder felt like the materialisation of the heavy weight of all his guilt-ridden dreams, just punishment for the lives he’d taken and James couldn’t bring himself to shrug it off.
“And for that,” he cleared his throat to stifle the trembling, “I presume you want my loyalty to the East India Trading Company.”
The amused smirk that slowly spread on Beckett’s face sent a shiver of anticipation down James’ spine.
“No James,” Beckett stepped even closer, so close that James felt like drowning in the all-consuming grey of his eyes. “I want much more than that.”
XXIX. - greeneyesurple
When James looked up Lord Beckett was no longer next but in front of him, holding the door open.
“Come now, James. You don’t want to be late for work. Miss Olivia will make sure you don’t confuse your house with the tavern” Cutler beckoned somebody from outside to come in - only hearing the clicking of the woman’s shoes - she whispered to him:
“May I guide you home, Sir?”
James stood up and for a split second it was hard to tell which fragile creature supported who.
“I expect you at sunrise” Cutler purred at the both of them.
XXX. - sunsetdawn20
The walk back seemed torturously long without fearful anticipation to occupy him. His body felt heavy, his mind wrapped in impenetrable fog, his heart drumming numbly. Too much had happened too quickly: his sudden redemption, an untimely promotion, the painful meeting with Theo, a deal he wasn’t sure he completely understood just yet.
The maid’s inquisitive presence only deepened his need for the burning liquid forbidden to him.
“Goodnight, Sir,” Olivia smiled as they reached the house, not knowing her warm eyes would haunt him all night.
A silent curse was all James allowed himself as he closed the door.