This is an au fic with Mulan as a pirate with Hood and his merry men as well as Hook. Aurora is a land bound lady of the evening.
A/N: I do not own any of this. These characters are from OUAT and Disney. Also, I may never finish this, so read it knowing that it might be open ended. And yeah… enjoy!
Aurora sits on the bed clutching the sheet damp with sweat to her chest. This was always both the best and worst part of the job, the leaving.
She didn't even care to look around the room, they all looked the same. A picture of loneliness constantly scattered throughout shown through the misplaced clothing scattered across the floor, pictures folded down in sadness, a breeze passing through the haphazard windows.
She didn't even turn to look at her client. This particular one tended to keep the money on the table, allowing for her to just leave as soon as she wore him out, which was actually a blessing compared to most. Aurora let go of the sheet and began to feel around the room for her clothing. She was lucky the moon was bright tonight; it made this part much easier. There had been plenty of times where she found herself cursing under her breath due to a stubbed toe or inability to find some of her smaller garments.
After grabbing her pay off the table, Aurora whispered a goodnight to the room as she slid out the door. Her own home wasn't too far from here, but she never liked walking around in the darkness. Too many people were out at night, from ruffians to beggars; saints to thieves.
Once making it home safely she picked the lock to her door before sliding into the room. She never brought the key with her to a client's house in case it could be misplaced. The night was still slightly young considering how late she had to stay up on normal nights so she opted to light a candle to read. Tonight she would lose herself in research until the candle dimmed and her eyes could no longer stay open.
Mulan slowly opened her heavy eyes. Her hammock had lulled her into another restful sleep, making it difficult to actually get moving most mornings. Carefully, she swung her legs over the side to fall to her feet and stretch out the sleep. Lying against the wall beside her hammock she found her sword and sheath to equip. She hadn't had much use for the sword on most days, but it always made her feel more comfortable to have it on her person. She knew she could find her armor in her chest by the wall as well, but it would only be cumbersome as she climbed riggings and swerved through the bustling ship.
After slipping on her shoes and hat she opened her door to the hallway. She was lucky, Hook and Hood both were more interested in her comfort than the rest of their men. Mulan was the only person on the ship to be housed in her own room. There were some objections, but the captains made it clear that objections meant mutiny, and such behavior would not be tolerated.
There was little light from the rooms indicating many late sleepers as she tiptoed her way up onto the deck of the ship. The creaks and sway of the vessel felt like home the longer she sailed. Once on the deck she made her way to the railing, grabbing onto the strong, rough wood. Looking out at the water she could see the sun beginning to rise in the horizon. This was the best part of every day, when she could feel the world waking up around her. Yes, she did indeed love sailing, but…
"Something is missing, isn't it?" Hook said quietly to the ocean. Mulan hadn't heard him come up behind her. She mentally lectured herself about how careless she had gotten since boarding the ship.
"What do you mean" Was all she could say in response. Hook was always quite the pensive person in these early hours of the day, but usually he didn't vocalize his musings.
Hook just smiled sadly at her and rested his hand on her shoulder. "We best be getting ready for port. Look out for me wouldya? Hood is waking the rest of the men to begin preparations."
Mulan nodded and walked over to the rigging to begin the long climb. If only Hook had kept his thoughts to himself. She was content in her own delusions and didn't need anyone pointing them out to her. This would be a long sail to port.