the Dalaverse

This one brought to you by aradiria, who wanted Norrington/Groves, fun and lighthearted. Takes place on the day of the commodorification ceremony.



A Bit of Luck


“Are you quite sure you don’t want to borrow some of my cufflinks?”

Flushing, Norrington snatched the worn little bits of gold from his lieutenant. “Thank you, but no.”

Groves made a face as the captain – commodore, in fact, though it would not be official for another few hours – fastened his shirt cuffs. “I mean no disrespect, sir. It’s just that the rest of your uniform is so –” Grand. Magnificent. Stately. Lovely. “– so fine. It only seems right that you have everything match.”

Norrington held up one wrist and gazed at the out-of-date, unfashionable cufflink fondly. “I wore these when I made lieutenant, Theodore.” His eyes fell to the floor, and his mouth curved in a faintly embarrassed manner. “It’s probably foolish, but I have always thought them rather lucky.”

Groves almost dropped the heavy brocade coat over his arm. The man should have ten of anything that made him smile like that; so few things did. “Well, why didn’t you say so?”

Norrington shrugged and turned. Groves lifted the dress coat, helping him slide his arms into its sleeves. “Do you believe in luck, Groves?”

“Of course I do,” said Groves promptly, smoothing his hands down Norrington’s shoulders. “My mother thought a new moon was lucky. ‘All of my children were born under a new moon,’ she’d say, and then she’d narrow her eyes at me and add, ‘Except for you, Teddy.’”

Norrington laughed, some of the apprehension behind his eyes easing.

“Some of the native people claim rabbit’s feet bring good luck,” Groves continued, lifting his commander’s hat and brushing imaginary dust from it.

“I daresay the rabbits would disagree,” said Norrington dryly. He took a deep breath as Groves settled the hat atop his powdered wig. “Well? Am I put together to your liking?”

Groves leaned back, enjoying the opportunity to study Norrington with such freedom. He did cut a fine figure today. Even the little Swann minx wouldn’t be able to say otherwise.

“One more thing, if I may be so bold,” said Groves thoughtfully, finger and thumb to his chin. “For luck.”

Norrington raised his elegant eyebrows, and Groves leaned in to kiss him.