How could I not fall in love?

"Nick stood before the massive wooden desk, hands clasped behind her back. The captain paced in front of the window, and Prince Alexandre sat behind the desk. 'How could you let this happen?' shouted the captain. 'You broke the law, you dressed as a boy, you picked fights with the entire crew, you endangered the life of the crown princess-- and then you drag my first mate into the whole mess! How in the Etherium could you let this happen?'

Nick stared out the window silently. She seemed to be struggling with a variety of responses, but settled for a shrug and a muttered, 'I don't know, sir.'

The captain stared at her. He wasn't surprised by her taciturnity-- he hadn't honestly expected her to lose the composure she'd maintained throughout the journey. He hadn't expected tears or apologies. He was surprised by how lost she seemed. The determined, feisty lad who'd gone toe-to-toe with everyone on the ship seemed to have lost that spark of rebellion. She just seemed tired and ready to give in.

'Do you really love him?' asked the prince quietly.

Nick tore her gaze from the sky outside. 'It's Jim,' she shrugged. 'How could I not fall in love?'"

A/N: So far, this isn't in the story. It may never be. But I liked the idea, and it tied in nicely with the idea I had been toying with for an avatar.

Enjoy, and please comment!!