A/N: I feel like I no longer have time for anything but drabbles, so although I'd like to do a multi-chapter story for this couple, I just can't. I'm having a hell of a time finishing my other OUAT fics as it is, so I apologize for that. With that said, I hope you'll enjoy these Sailing Beauty drabbles - I really hope these two end up interacting at some point!

"Chances"

She knew it was wrong – she knew it was foolish – but Belle had always been a woman of impulse. With her mind made up, she paid Smee the bribery she owed and allowed him to lead the way to his captain's cabin.

With trembling knuckles she rapped on the door, only to wince when she heard a gruff, "I believe I told you before, Smee, that I am not to be disturbed."

Swallowing, Belle squared her shoulders and called out with more strength than she actually felt, "It is not Smee, good sir – it is Lady Belle of the Kingdom of Solace, and I have come on behalf of Rumpelstiltskin."

There came a pause, then the scratch of chair legs against the floor followed before several quick, hollow footsteps thudded against the boards.

In that instant the door opened, and Belle found herself face to face with a man who was easily considered beautiful. But that beauty, she realized, was masked by a tragic pallor that had overtaken his aura.

He was sad…sad like her.

"What do you want?" he demanded, thus breaking her out of her reverie.

"I…I have come because I am willing to do whatever you ask," Belle softly ventured. "I was Rumpelstiltskin's caretaker many years ago, so I am more than capable of offering my services onboard this ship."

Hook appeared scornful. "I do not need a servant – I have plenty of men onboard this ship to do my bidding." Now waving a hand at her, he urged, "Be gone, princess – I have no use for you, and I never shall."

"Please," Belle begged, her earnest eyes shining, "please spare him… Rumpelstiltskin has done nothing to deserve your hatred."

Hook snorted, yet a smile formed across his lips. "Indeed, fair princess? And what would you know of his transgressions against me? Were you present for our altercations?"

"W-well no, but-"

"Then kindly refrain from judging what you do not understand." Now revealing what he had been polishing prior to her arrival, the pirate smiled with an odd sense of pride at the sharp, silver hook that glinted within the dull light of the cabin. It was then that Belle realized it was actually attached to his arm, her mouth forming into a small "O" when he turned toward her.

"Does it repulse you?" he asked, indicating the weapon. As Belle fumbled for a feasible response, he gave a dark chuckle and answered, "Of course it does. No woman would ever willingly come near this…this thing. No woman of good breeding, that is."

Belle frowned. "Are you trying to distract me? I merely came so-"

"That you could beg for your lover's life – yes, yes, I know," Hook wearily assented. Now pointing toward her with his index finger, his gaze grew sharp as he demanded, "And what is it you think you can offer to appease my wrath? He has done me much, much wrong, princess, and a simple favor cannot make me forget. I shall never forget…"

"Then I feel sorry for you," Belle softly whispered. "Any man who cannot forgive lives a very sad life, indeed."

With that, she turned about on her heel and stormed out of the room, leaving Hook alone with a bitter emptiness that he could not explain.

A/N: Nothing major yet, but I'll lead up to better drabbles. If you have any particularly prompts that you would like to see written, I'd love to hear them - suggestions are always welcome (and encouraged)!