Worthwhile Friends
"I will be brave. I will not let anything take away what's standing in front of me."
- 'A Thousand Years,' by Christina Perri
_

The next afternoon, there was a Welcome Home celebration for Emma and Mary-Margaret. Like about half of the town, Arianna Callahan was in attendance. She ate and drank and laughed along with the others.

Leroy was telling her about the mines they were working in Storybrooke. Given where she'd lived in their home world, she'd never seen one of the dwarven mines, though she'd heard of their work.

"As long as you're not afraid of dirt, come on and check it out," he shrugged her casual welcome.

"I might just do that, maybe sometime after cla-"

She trailed off once she processed what she was hearing behind her where she sat at the counter with the dwarf.

"-and I can't believe you met Captain Hook!" Henry said, half-wrapped around his mother's hip as he had been since her return.

"And fought him and won," Mary-Margaret encouraged her grandson's near hero-worship.

"That's so cool..."

"Leaving him up the beanstalk with the giant was smart, Emma- fast thinking," David congratulated. "It was safer, clearly, not to put trust in him.

"You met Hook?" Arianna couldn't help but interrupt.

"Yeah, did you know him?" Emma asked incredulously.

"She was a mermaid, Emma," Mary-Margaret reminded her.

"Right- I'm sure you've met many sailors," David nodded his understanding.

"Killian- Hook, he's my friend," the redhead stared blankly at Emma as she clarified. "And you left him up a beanstalk? With a giant?"

Ariel felt sick, never mind that she had seen him with her own eyes twenty-four hours ago. To hear that he could have been crushed by a giant before they reunited and she would have never known...the thought made her nauseous.

"He's okay," Mary-Margaret interjected quickly, as her daughter seemed a little too taken aback with the accusatory tone the redhead was taking. "We saw him again before we left."

"Yeah, and he tried to stop us," Emma added.

"Do you think that's because you left him to deal with a giant?" Ariel spat.

"He wasn't going to hurt anyone," Emma sighed.

"Right, because you know all about giants..."

"Alright, alright," David intervened calmly, as they were starting to attract attention.

"I'm sorry if he's your pal, but he's not exactly forthcoming or easy to trust," Emma defended herself; she decided to ignore that guilt had eaten at her when she'd done it and that, even know, she had some doubts about the choice.

"Stop pretending you know him ...he was one of my best friends and that you could play loose with his life that way...it's disgusting," Ariel shook her head and grabbed her coat from the back of her chair.

"Ari, come on...don't go"

"Sorry, Ruby- thanks for the invite," she smiled tightly and left while she shrugged on her dark jacket.

Once she was outside, she realized Archie had slipped out with her.

"I'm fine"

"Are you?"

"Sure, that was just a lot to hear...I feel a little numb..."

"I'm sure they wouldn't have lied about him being alright," he assured her.

"Oh, yeah...I believe her. It's just scary to hear that about a friend..."

"I'm sure...can I walk you home?"

"You don't need to," she squeezed his arm. "I'll walk it off- the cool air will help."

"Alright, good n-"

The door of the diner opened again and David exited. Ariel sighed.

"Arianna, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, thanks"

"...okay, because he's fine. He's working with Cora," he added pointedly, "but fine."

The statement was like a fresh slap in the face, though she'd already tried to process that whole fact.

"Right"

"Don't be mad at them...he's a pirate- I'm sure you can understand why they didn't put trust in him."

Ariel let out a dry, humorless laugh; shaking her head, she looked away from him.

"David, defending their actions by casting aspersions on the character of the man she was defending...now's not the time," Archie said quietly, ever-practiced at mediation.

"Thanks, Archie," Ariel offered him as much of a smile as she could.

"I'm sorry, I just-"

"You're defending people you love- I get that. I'll see you both tomorrow," Ariel interrupted and finished the conversation.

She strode off, hands in her jacket pockets. She was confident neither would follow- Archie would understand.

Tears stung her eyes as she walked and she wasn't sure what they were for. Maybe relief that Killian had survived a giant, maybe deep frustration she was once again forced to defend her favored friendship.

She knew he was difficult- of course she knew that. He was not always kind to everyone, yet he was still a good man; being Prince-freaking-Charming wasn't the only way to be good. Why did so many people not understand that? Why was she treated like she was crazy for seeing good in him, for knowing him as a friend?

She wished people could accept that she wasn't stupid and could decide what did and didn't make a worthwhile friend...

"Your two-legged friend is calling you," her Uncle laughed.

By now, they all knew what sound always drew Ariel away and to whom it beckoned her to. Sometimes she returned quickly; other times she was gone a long while. Her father had tried to forbid it, but that came to no good...

"It's not like that," Ariel repeated yet again.

Kina, her childhood friend, was the only one who sincerely tried to understand. She didn't, not really, but she did try to be supportive- she asked about "her Pirate" and was morbidly fascinated with their ventures. Once she'd even gone with Ariel to look for Ahab in the waters of Narnia, but they'd found nothing.

"Oh, isn't it? Does he come when you call?" her Uncle's deep voice jeered.

"You know perfectly well he cannot come down- he is a human."

"And a pirate at that...any good pirate knows how to use what they have to get what benefits them- it's what they do, girl."

Ariel disliked both the insinuation that she was "used" or "had" by anyone.

"You don't know him"

"Rightfully so! You shouldn't either,"

Ariel shook her head, for her relationship with Killian was nothing he understood. No one did- her sisters had never even cared to try.

She knew it appeared one-sided, what with him having the shell to draw her up to the surface; it was simply the only way. But it wasn't so...she sought him out for news and things, he brought her things simply because he thought she'd be interested, and he did not always have questions or schemes. Sometimes he just wanted to talk or see how she was; they'd whiled away several mornings or afternoons just swapping stories and news...

"He's a good man"

"A pirate," her Uncle scoffed again, as though it were impossible to be both. "Go on- we won't bother trying to stop you...be his little pet. Pirates do like females best when they're less than clothed."

Ariel reeled back, but her Uncle made no acknowledgement that what he'd said was offensive. Stung, she quickly swam away.

She planned to go to Killian, for there was currently no one in the other direction that she wanted to talk to. She slowed on her way, though, and lazily moved through the water. She'd already realized she was crying, but she tired not to think about her tears blending with the rest of the salt water...

She ignored it, coming to focus instead on the dolphins she came across. For a while, she swam amongst them. When they began to speed up- perhaps to shallow waters to corral some fish for a meal- she fell back. Her spirits had not raised, exactly, but she felt more calm now.

Rallying, she swam once again to where she believed her friend to be.

She found the Jolly Roger, water lapping against its enchanted hull, where it was anchored some hundred yards from shore. Above, she could see Captain Jones at the helm. Smiling, she floated alongside the ship on her back, moving her tail occasionally so she didn't drift along. It was a while before he spotted her, raising a hand while a small flash of white signaled his smile.

She swam closer, watching as he called something to one of his men. Then he removed his belt and stripped of his shirt and vest. She saw him set aside his boots, too. When he was left in only dark, cotten breeches, he dove over the side.

Ariel liked when he joined her in the water- it was good to know he wasn't above meeting her in her element. It was appreciable today, especially.

"Afternoon, love...took you a while," he grinned when he resurfaced next to her.

"I got caught up with dolphins," she told him truthfully.

"And you held them in esteem over me?" he teased.

"Well they're nicer to look at," she sparred and, without thought, reached to move aside damp hair that threatened to cover his eyes.

"Parish the idea... what's wrong?" he asked after studying her a moment.

He read her well; her melancholy clearly wasn't well enough hidden.

"A strange day," she shrugged.

"Do tell," he prompted, treading water.

"Maybe later..."

"Come now...I'd thou-"

His sentence died when he disappeared under water. Ariel froze in shock for only a moment before flipping forward to dive after him.

He was descending away, flailing and feet first. She swam after, quickly gaining distance, and saw white blonde hair trailing through the clear blue water. Fury spurred her on and she caught Killian's arm, pulling against her older sister. Laughter danced through the water and seemed to give her strength in the morbid tug-of-war. Killian's rough hands clung tightly to her- he'd not let go of his life-line. Ariel could tell he was kicking his feet to free himself, and she could feel the moment that her sister relinquished him.

Swiftly, she propelled them upwards. She grabbed better hold of him under the arms so she could do the work for him faster than he'd have gotten to the top...she hoped he was okay on oxygen...

She could see ripples on the surface when she felt a pull on her own tail. Immediately, she gave up her hold on Killian and just prayed he could kick the last yards to the air.

Hissing, she bared her fingers and twisted to take a swipe at her sister. She missed, just barely, but she was released and she continued to the surface.

"What the bloody hell!" Killian sputtered, still coughing.

"Are you alright?" Ariel asked.

Nails retracting to normal length, she reached for him, meaning to help him back to the ship.

"I'll be fine...the hell was that about?!"

"...my sister..."

"Your sist- she has a funny way of saying helo..." he complained, looking down for a glimpse of movement through the water.

"I don't think 'hello' was the message she had in mind..."

Giggles peeled the air.

"Pearl," Ariel snapped, spotting her sister's light head.

"I just wanted him to come have some fun- you keep him all to yourself," she teased.

"I'm sure she's not opposed to sharing if you ask nicely," Killian drawled.

"Shut up," Ariel muttered.

"He's presumptuous," Pearl laughed but with little humor. "And I don't think you could handle my fun, pirate...not enough air for you, I think you'll fine..."

Scowling, Ariel shifted slightly to be in front of him to be between him and her sister.

"Look at you- meaning to protect him!" Pearl laughed her high giggle. "You are ever the oddity, aren't you?"

Ariel felt the water shift below her and then a gurgle signaled Killian's disappearance- Pearl hadn't come alone. She caught him much more quickly and didn't have to fight for him back. She dragged him up, heaving water.

He kept a cautious hand on her now, lightly holding her shoulder in case he had to cling on. Ariel could see him beside her, still gazing downward. She, however, had eyes on her sister. After a moment, one of her short-haired little maiden friends surfaced with a smile.

"Why don't you let him come play?" Pearl pouted.

Ariel heard Killian's labored breathing next to her while he caught his breath.

"Only if it's aboard my ship," his pride didn't let him go without his cheek.

"See? He wants to."

"If you want him, you'll have to come get him," Ariel hissed again and lifted a clawed hand.

"You pick the pirate over me?" Pearl glared.

"You're picking your piety over me," Ariel accused her.

Pearl snorted.

"Then keep him for all I care"

And she and her silly friend disappeared.

"Lovely girl," Killian muttered.

"...I'm going to make sure they're gone...you should get back onboard," Ariel sighed and twisted underwater.

She saw the pair growing further away and she circled the area to verify there were no more surprises.

"You're still in here," Ariel scolded, finding Killian holding loosely to the rope ladder up the side oft the Port side of his ship.

"Course. What if they attacked you and you needed help?"

Ariel wondered what help he'd lend in an underwater fight but didn't say so because she appreciated the intent that he would help.

"Sorry about them..." she muttered sheepishly.

"I don't see the family resemblance, I must say," he commented lightly.

It was a noble shot, but he could tell it wasn't working- she looked desperate.

"It's not your fault, Ariel," he assured her.

"She thinks we're better than humans...she finds your kind dull and useless except to fuel her ego- she's quite vain," Ariel explained.

"...do you find me dull and useless?"

"No," Ariel chuckled in spite of herself.

"Then I care not about her opinion."

"Good..."

"You never explained them properly, you know. You gave me the impression your family thought I was confusing or maybe annoying, not someone they'd kill," he accused her lightly.

"She might not have meant to actually kill you..." Ariel supplied meekly.

"Well, it was an attack all the same"

"...they've been growing more impatient about you. I'm sure they thought you were a phase to me..."

"And what is it that I am?" he shifted closer.

"My friend," she answered defensively.

"And a very grateful friend, I am...was it them you were upset about when you arrived?" he supposed.

Ariel sighed and lethargically let herself drift a little. Killian paddled along to float at her side.

"They make me mad"

"I can sympathize with that"

Ariel hummed her acknowledgement and closed her eyes so she could bask in the sun without being blinded by it.

"They aren't the only ones. Many of our kind think like Pearl...that humans are all well and good so long as they stay in their place and don't think they know better than us..."

"And many humans feel the same about merpeople. As I said- if you don't agree with your family, then I'm not worried," Killian shrugged.

"...do your crew members think you're stupid to have befriended me?" Ariel checked.

"Some are leery of merfolk as a whole- the ones from fishing towns"

They shared a knowing look, for she'd long ago told him about fishermen accidentally catching merfolk and slaughtering them along with the fish, which earned revenge from their kin. Several years had been full of retaliatory attacks on both sides before merpeople moved to deeper waters away from "the selfish brutes." That was long ago and mostly forgotten, but the string lasted and mistrust crept among many.

"But they've more or less met you, have seen you're kind... plus, you are important to me, so they'd do nothing even if they thought to," he told her confidently.

"Well...I don't care if they're wary of me as long as you aren't," she echoed his sentiment and shifted her weight so she was upright in the water again.

He copied this and treaded water slowly in front of her.

"So glad we have an agreement," he grinned and closed their small gap to peck her on the lips.

Areil froze. Wide-eyed, she paddled back a fraction.

"What?"

She looked away and then back...and away again.

"Ariel, what? -Oi!"

He started in surprise when she sunk out of sigh. He saw her twist underwater and dart off.

"Ay!"

For a moment he thought maybe her spiteful sister had returned, but after floating there alone for a few minutes he accepted she'd left. Apparently, to him, for no actual reason...

This was just the same, Ariel thought to herself. Assumptions. Judgement. No consideration for the fact that if she cared for him there must be something worth caring about.

She found herself at the small marina without consciously picking the route, but she was not surprised.

She didn't feel like bumbling about to try and get aboard. Maybe he wasn't even there...maybe he was off with Cora... the thought irked her. If he was with her, she'd surely never get the others to believe in him the way she did- they'd never understand. Of course, she'd known him most of her life, so they'd never really get him the same as her...

Rather than try to fumble aboard, she leaned against one of the support poles of the dock that rose above the planks. She thought about calling to Killian, but if Cora was aboard - that fucking witch- then she didn't want to join them. That thought made her want to leave and go straight home...

"You know perfectly well you're welcome to come up on board, mermaid," a voice drawled from above her.

She didn't see him when she looked towards the sound of him, but that tone told him what his face must look like. He was playing, daring her to find it.

"I don't much feel like it, Captain"

For the nature of the following silence, Ariel knew he'd rolled her eyes- she could feel it. Then she heard the thud of his boots as he descended wooden steps.

"Bee in your bonnet, lass?"

"...a giant?!" she scowled without proper greeting and straightened from where she was hunched.

"...I'm going to need more than that to go on, don't you think?" he sighed.

"You got stuck up a beanstalk with a giant?" she expounded.

"Ah, someone's telling tales," he frowned and nodded. "And it wasn't so much 'stuck' as 'got left' up that beanstalk..."

"I heard," Ariel planted her hands fussily on her hips, remembering her anger with Emma.

"You're getting fiery- I like it," he practically purred. "Always have."

"You," she poked his chest to stop him sliding forward at her, "could've told me. A giant- geeze!"

"Indeed... why so worked up? You know I made it out..."

"It was still a blow to hear. And," she poked his chest again but he brushed it aside with his hook. "You didn't mention you knew Emma and Mary-Margaret or that they know you have an alliance with Cora."

"I offered Ms. Swan my allegiance instead, but she chained me to a giant's mansion," he leaned in to hiss. "Anyway, how should I know they were friends of yours?" he added breezily.

"...how could I not know the Sheriff and Snow-freaking-White?" she countered.

"...touche..." he laughed. "You don't sound so friendly towards them just now, however..."

"Probably because I just found out what they did to my best friend!'

"Oh, I'm fond of you, too, love," he chuckled and curled an arm around her neck to start walking her home.

Ariel grew quiet, which drew his attention.

"Something else?"

"Just thinking about them; the way they treated you..."

"Most people don't hear pirate and think of anything good; you know that...ah," he nodded as comprehension dawned. "Reminding you of your dear sisters?"

"...and Uncles and friends and my father."

"Yes, all those who thought of me as a plaything you should have disposed of long ago."

He chortled at the thought. It genuinely never seemed to bother him what they thought of him. She admired his confidence, though it sometimes bordered on cockiness. It seemed natural of him- inborn, though maybe it was a learned habit of some sort. It worked for him, regardless.

"It's not fair"

"It never is, darling"

"Such a cheerful thought... come up?"

They'd reached her apartment and she'd unlocked the door.

He glanced up the wooden stairs. He'd like to see what kinds of things filled homes in this world. Furthermore, he'd like to know how Arianna and Ariel kept a home- for obvious reasons, he'd never seen her sea home. For such long friends, there were many simple things like this that they did not know about each other...but they knew the deeper, more important things that counted for something.

"'fraid I can't."

Ariel first looked surprised...then resigned.

"Cora"

"Aye"

She remembered the feeling of Emma announcing his affiliation with the witch. His appointment with her now would only affirm their feelings towards him.

"You're here now; why do you still need her? I'll help you."

"We have an agreement...besides, The Dark One - this Mr. Gold- has magic, so Cora is a useful ally."

"Dangerous ally," Ariel corrected. "She-"

"Shh..." he placed three fingers over her lips. "Don't...I'll see you soon."

"Mmhmm...just be careful, Captain," she pleaded once she turned her face away from his hand.

Hook nodded and watched her enter her home before he turned to make a beeline back onto the deck of his ship.

"Aye," he sighed, eyeing Cora and knowing she'd watched the whole exchange.

"...you're quite sure she's not a liability, Hook?"

"Yes," he insisted firmly.

"It won'd do for the town- for my daughter- to know I'm here yet...if she talks-"

"She won't," Hook growled. "She will not...you don't know here as I do."

"Oh...how sweet," she smiled her prim little smile.

Hers was never a smile that showed warmth. He happened to find this one exceptionally foreboding. He did not want her to be interested in Ariel- he shouldn't have made it obvious she meant much to him. Those weren't the kind of things he wanted her to know, lest she manipulate it all.

"...should we get back to work?"

"Indeed."