A/N: Oh my gosh I am so sorry guys! Another late update, I have been away and it's been really hectic trying to get this chapter finished, but I promise that the next chapter will faster (hopefully) and better (hopefully). Are you all coping with the hiatus? I'm not.. Oh well. On with the story!
P.S I forgot to mention last week that I wrote that chapter on my phone so I sincerley apologise for the 262627282 mistakes (hopefully this is not as bad, although I did write it on my phone)
Disclaimer- I own nothing however much I would like to
Chapter 6 - Forgiveness
Watching the sunrise had been an activity Killian Jones has partaken in since he was a boy. The tranquillity of the ocean and the soft taint of orange the sky possessed created a sense of calm and peacefulness within him. He recalled a time in which he and Milah would wake up at the crack of dawn, she would bring her ink and parchment, and the two would simply sit on the ship's edge. She would draw and he would watch.
At this point in time, however, he was the only person on deck, the other members of the company and the lost boys had long since departed.
Killian had not bothered to join them, after all, somebody was needed as a guard.
Not long after the sun had risen fully, Hook was able to see the faint outline of a familiar town in the distance, he couldn't help it as a small grin appeared on his face.
They had done it.
"So that is Storybrooke?" A voice drawled from behind him, Hook turned slowly to see the lanky form of Felix standing further up-deck with his usual smirk plastered on his features,
The Captain didn't bother to reply as no sooner had Felix spoken, most of the other Lost Boys had clambered on deck, still tousled with sleep. They looked in awe at the quickly approaching town in front of them, most with excitement.
It seemed that this was the wake up call for the rest of the 'crew' as soon enough, Snow and David, Regina, Neal, Rumpelstiltskin, Tink, Wendy, Henry and Emma all joined the Lost Boys on deck. Hook's breath hitched in his throat as she walked out. Although they had had no time for cleanliness on Neverland, he thought Emma still looked beautiful. Her golden hair fell in elegant waves past her shoulders, her emerald eyes, filled with hope and relief, stared out at Storybrooke happily. She had one arm around her boy's shoulders, as if to protect the him, and she stood next to her parents proudly, and at that point Killian's jaw clenched at the sight. It was not jealousy he felt, it was more along the lines of longing. For Killian Jones had never truly been a part of a family, his Mother was long since dead, she had died during his childbirth. This was something his Father had never really forgiven him for, which was not of great importance, as this supposed 'father' of his, abandoned him, chose being a fugitive over a father. Liam was the only family he had - it had been only them and they only had each other. Joining the navy was supposed to have been the turning point, from street urchins to servers of the Royal Naval fleet.
So much for that, Hook thought grimly.
"Hook!" A voice returned the Captain from his thoughts, it was David.
"When are we going to land?" The Prince inquired, Hook noticed, for the first time, the Storybrooke was no longer in the distance, and the ship was impending on it rather quickly.
"All brace for landing!" Hook called out as he grasped the wheel his hand. He turned the vessel swiftly, and brought it down gently on the water, right next to the town's port. He did not miss the impressed look that David tried, and failed to hide, replacing it quickly with a stern glare to the pirate, who smirked and raised his eyebrow in response.
It seemed as if the entire town had gathered in anticipation of their return, Belle was at the front eagerly waiting for her lover, the dwarves were also present - all waiting for their beloved King and Queen to arrive.
Henry and Emma were the first to depart the ship, Henry ran into the arms of the elderly woman who owned the diner, with Emma close behind. The rest of the party also left quite quickly, the last to leave were Tink, Wendy and the Lost Boys - with Hook at their tail, guarding Felix.
Soon enough it was just the Captain and his ship left at the docks, unsure of whether or not to follow the rest into town. He decided against it,
"Well done old girl." Hook said quietly, gently patting the Roger's polished side, and climbing aboard.
The day grew older and Killian remained on his ship, tidying the deck and downing himself with his faithful companion, rum. As he lay in his quarters, he remembered something that probably should do. And so he reluctantly put away the rum and departed the vessel.
The town of Storybrooke was still quite unfamiliar to him, the entire realm was still unfamiliar to him in all honesty, however Hook did remember the majority of places he had previously visited. The library being one of them. He soon neared the white building, and taking a deep breath he entered apprehensively.
Killian had not expected Belle to actually be in there, but rather with Rumpelstiltskin, but alas, here she was. He cleared his throat quietly, and the girl turned and was immediately startled by the pirate's appearance.
"Ho-o-k," She stammered, "What are you doing here?" As she said this Belle backed away from him slightly,
"Not to worry lass, I mean you no harm," Hook assured, "I simply want to talk to you."
"Oh, um ok," Belle replied, clearly confused by this outcome.
Hook took another deep breath and began,
"I know that I have acted appalling towards you las- Belle. I allowed my desire for revenge to cloud my judgement, and thereby believed that harming you was necessary. And, although this well never fully compensate for my actions, want to apologise immensely and ask for your forgiveness, though I do not deserve it." This all came out rather quickly as apologies were not really Hook's area. Belle, however, smiled softly,
"Thank you, Hook, that obviously took guts to say. And believe me when I say that I have had much experience dealing with actions that do not always define the person, and I can see this may be the case for you. I in turn apologise, my original judgement of you was false and of course, of course I forgive you."
Hook sighed in relief, and then took the time to actually turn and marvel at the building.
"What is this place really for?" He inquired,
"Oh, well people can choose any books and read them at their own leisure. They bring them back at the assigned time." She explained simply. Killian ran his hands through the firm covers of the books,
"I used to read, quite often really," He said softly, "Liam, my brother, and I, we gathered quite a collection of stories."
"So, you like reading?" Belle asked, standing next to the pirate,
"I haven't partaken in the activity for, quite literally, centuries," He answered,
"Well feel free to come up here anytime!" She suggested brightly,
"Thank you, I - well I shall try."
Hook then headed towards the door, turned to Belle, who gave him a hesitant wave, which he returned and then left the building.
As the Captain stepped out of the library he bumped into a familiar form,
"Henry?" He asked, surprised that the boy was out unaccompanied already,
"Hook!" The child cried, "I was looking for you, you see we are having a celebration party and since you helped in the rescue, you should come!" All of this was gushed out quite speedily,
"Ahh Henry I'm not sure that is such a good idea.." Hook trailed off, thinking about his past experiences with the citizens of Storybrooke,
"Come on, you have to!" Henry pleaded, "You're a pirate captain! It would be so cool!"
Hook sighed in defeat, he could not argue with the puppy dog eyes this boy was giving him,
"Alright, I shall join this celebration,"
"Great! It's at Granny's at 6- oh and dress nice!" Henry instructed,
"What is wrong with my current attire?!" Hook replied dejectedly,
"No, you're right. It looks cool." Henry said, observing the pirate, "I should go. I guess I'll see you tonight, well I'd better!"
Hook chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair,
"Yes! I'll be there!"
"Good." And with that Henry, continued on his way with a spring in his step.
"Great." Hook said to himself, "A party." He scratched his head, sighed and made his way back to the Jolly Roger.
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