Hello my amigos :) I am back :)

I saw from my mail that quite some people have recently added this story to their following list, I am so happeee!

Thank you so much :) OH and this being one of the very first fanfics I have written, it reached a 2000 mark :)

I hope it continuessss to grow!

And you know what goes here: Happy Readings! Love, Eh.

"That's not how you do it," Hook commented lightly, as he sat on the loveseat across from the bed where Ariel was sitting on.

Ariel sniffed a little. It looked so easy. After watching Smee do it, she wanted to try so herself. Apparently she was not talented at all, and worse of all she didn't like the fact that Hook was good at this. Smee had mentioned that the Captian was one of the best on the ship. Defeated, she threw the dress to Hook, giving him the fine, you do it look.

Chuckling a little to himself, he picked up the torn dress. "You know, I only know how to do this because my family used to be poor and couldn't afford new clothes. It's not supposed to be a man thing, women are supposed to know how to do this." He paused, smirking with his eyes mocking her, "apparently not all women are talented in sewing."

Ariel simply glared at him. She was sorry that she had torn the dress. (It always amazed her how they had women clothing even though there were no women on the ship). Ever since her arrival she had been borrowing the clothes and she did feel terribly sorry for ruining something that was not hers. When Smee offered to sew it back together, the delicacy and elegant steps of sewing amused her.

It was like a glimpse of a new world she had only heard of but never seen. In the Ocean kingdom, their clothes were merely large shells that covered the inappropriate parts that were not allowed to show in public. They did have many choices for jewelry, but as for clothing, that's just for humans.

When Ariel stayed at Prince Eric (or Prince trashing)'s castle, Ariel was first introduced to the concept of clothing. But even then, she was never exposed to the unique precise making of the clothes. What amazed her most, was the time and patience it required a person to do these things. Smee had given up half way, explain that it takes too long, and he didn't have patience.

That was when he mentioned she should go to Hook for help. Hook was a man who would give everything in and not back out until he got what he wanted, the stubborn-ness in his personality forces him to complete the sewing in the best way he can.

"So tell me, how did you rip your dress from your ankle to your thigh? I remember this dress was an ankle length one." Teasing her, walked over with the white dress to sit on the bed, so he could see what Ariel was writing.

It got caught in the metal railing and I tried to pull it away. Then it ripped. Feeling guilty, she added, I'm sorry. I should have been more careful with other people's clothes.

"Oh it's fine." Hook replied, pulling on the tread. "Clothes need to be worn after all, not locked up in the closest."

Whose clothes are these?

Hook looked away. He smiled sadly, "Milah's clothes."

It almost hurt to look at Hook. His eyes suddenly clouded with sadness, the usually glowing with mischievous sparks died. Ariel knew she shouldn't ask, heck she already had a faint idea of what's going on, but the curiosity got the better of her.

Why are you so sad about her? Ariel knew she must have been frowning like a prune. Her eyebrows must have created so many knots that could strangle a snake. Hook laughed.

"It was a long time ago, a monster killed her… I have been on the hunt for the monster ever since."

You love her.

"Yeah. Something like that, I think." Hook laughed dryly. "I'm not even sure what love really is." How could a coldhearted pirate ever understand what love is anyway? They steal, they kill, and they lie. Men of the sea, their life belongs on the sea, would any women ever leave their hearts to one that's irresponsible, violent and always away?

It hurt more to watch him laugh at himself. Without thinking, her hand reached out to Hook. Ariel's thin arms wrapping him tightly, she wanted to comfort him. Watching him sulk in his own little world hurt so much. It was like seeing a proud dragon lose his fiery breath; it was like watching an eagle lose his wings. Watching something so strong and powerful losing its spark, watching Hook hurt, hurts.

It's ok, she wanted to say, I don't know what love is either. She knew he would never be able to hear her, but she hoped her hug would help.

Shocked, Hook was speechless for a while.

"Thank you." Hook muttered into her hair. Suddenly realizing the awkwardness, Ariel turned around, not looking at him. Her face was burning red like her hair as she scolded herself. What as I doing? He looked so sad… And I just couldn't help myself… That's no excuse, Ariel!

Hook chuckled to himself. If you're going to freak out, then why do it? Pulling her attention back to him, "Hey, I fixed your dress." She reached for the dress and pulled it over her underdress.

Instead of the long tear, it was replaced with a beautiful slit from the ankle to thigh. It looked like the same dress, but it gave off a more revealing vibe. Ariel was confused.

"I just figured since you've got such nice legs, why hide it? You did give up a lot for it, so why not make the best use of it?"

For the first time since leaving Prince Trashing, Ariel was glad she had legs.

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