I own nothing except my delusions.
They had made port just before the sun set. Port Read was teeming with life, even as the sun began to decend on the horizon. Emma went down the gangplank behind Killian, descending into the port town. Most of the crew had gone on ahead, having disembarked as soon as they had docked. Curry decended after them, having decided to accompany his captain that night.
The approaching night air was cold, the late winter air blowing around them. Emma pulled her hair back behind her, trying to keep the stray strands out of her eyes. She examined the port as they walked along the docks. "Are people usually out this late at the ports you visit?"
"Some," Killian answered as they began to move throught the crowds that parted for them, having noticed the pirates. "This one is one of the more lively ones. Actually, as it gets later, more will come out."
"Port Read is actually a favorite amongst the men," Curry added. "It's fairly popular with pirates, but you'll be safe, lass."
Emma smirked, seeing Killian give a similar expression to her own. She glanced over at Curry. "I know."
He grinned, remembering about how Emma and Killian had handled themselves at the last port. He adressed both of them. "The men are on alert, and will report back if they notice anything amiss."
"Good," Killian replied as he spied the tavern he was looking for. He led them to the place, holding the door open for Emma.
Emma looked around, taking in the surrounding air. The tavern was larger than the last one they had been in. There were more people in the tavern, the voices and music buzzing through the air, giving the location an energetic atmosphere. Glancing around, she saw Murphy and McCullen sitting off in the back corner.
Killian, raising one eyebrow, grinned at her before leading them over to the table. McCullen and Murphy made room for them at the table, Emma settling in between McCullen and Killian while Curry sat next to Murphy. The men nodded at Killian when they sat down.
"Should have known we'd find you here, Ben," Curry said, looking at Murphy.
Murphy shrugged. "What can I say? The food is good, the spirits are good, and the lasses are pretty."
Curry rolled his eyes. "Yes, you would be looking at the women here." He looked over to Emma. "I'm sorry, lass. Just ignore him."
Emma chuckled. "Don't worry, I've learned how to over the past few months."
Killian chuckled as Curry and McCullen laughed, while Murphy rested his hand over his heart, feigning hurt. "That hurts, lass."
"You'll get over it," McCullen chimed in. "Besides, she orders you around now."
The men laughed again, this time Emma joining in, blushing. She had been surprised the first time she had given orders, the men easily accepting them. The only one reluctant to follow was Foley, who was quickly reprimanded by Curry before Killian got involved, but was made aware anyway.
They soon received their food and ale, the men finally quieting down as they ate. They always scanned the entrance, apprehensive of anyone of Blackbeard's crew coming in, but Emma felt herself relax, taking comfort in being surrounded by the crew.
Killian joined into the men's banter, allowing Emma to study him. She had always noticed it, but he had always seemed more at ease with the bosun, cook, and gunner versus the rest of his crew. Granted, he was more guarded than he usually was with just her, but the presence of the men could easily explain that. She turned back to her food before he could notice.
The food was soon finished, just leaving their drinks. Emma ignored the looks many of the women in the tavern were shooting her way, knowing they were annoyed she was there, not allowing for them to approach. She caught many of them giving her dirty looks as they eyed her close proximity to Killian, to which she couldn't help smirking, feeling the same sense of satisfaction she felt the last time she was in a tavern with Killian.
She instead watched the people twirling in front of where the music was playing when she was not watching the men around her. The dance the couples were doing was different than anything she had ever done, the pace quicker, the movements less controlled, but not any less graceful than the dances she had witnessed at the many balls she'd attended. There was something almost hypnotizing about the moves. The music itself was different from anything she'd heard, but found she loved the sound of it.
She looked away, seeing Killian also watching the dancers. He turned away from them, resting his blue eyes on her. "Care to join me for a dance, Swan?"
She looked at him nervously. "Yes, but I don't know if I can do that." She motioned to the dancers. "And won't I stick out with my dress?"
"You won't, love," he reassured her, smiling. He stood up, offering her his hand. She took it, allowing him to lead her towards the dancers.
"I thought what we had was special," Murphy called out to Emma, causing her to shake her head, laughing.
Killian moved them into the middle of the group of dancers. She placed one hand on his shoulder, the other on his hook, while he rested his hand on her waist. "And there's only one rule. Pick a partner that knows what he's doing."
He began moving them, leading them in the dance. She followed his moves, relaxing into them. She soon found herself enjoying the dance. As she moved with him, everything else faded away, the people around them fading into the background. There was only her and Killian.
He smiled at her. "You appear to be a natural."
She smiled back at him. "Thanks."
He spun her before resuming their original position. "I will admit, as nice as this is, getting to dance with you, I do enjoy our dinners more without the crew."
Her smile turned meek. "I do too. I like having the men around, but I like having it with just the two of us more."
Killian's smile grew. "I'm glad to hear that."
They continued their dance, continuing for a few songs, losing themselves in each other. Neither noticed the men watching them, each wearing a knowing smile. Finally as one of the songs ended, Killian began to draw away.
"We should probably head back," he told her softly.
Emma blinked, the spell between them breaking. "Oh, yeah. It's getting late, isn't it?"
He nodded as he released her, stepping away. He offered her his arm, leading them back to where the men were sitting at their table.
"Gentlemen," he greeted them. "We'll be going back to the ship, if you care to join us."
McCullen and Curry nodded while Murphy moved to drain the last of his ale.
"We'll accompany you back," Curry said. They rose, moving to stand by Emma and Killian, who led the way out of the tavern after they deposited some coins on the table.
Though forewarned, Emma was surprised to see the sheer amount of people milling about the port. She gripped tighter to Killian's arm, not wanting to be separated. Killian wove them through the throngs of people, moving back toward the docks.
Emma breathed a sigh of relief as they moved away from the rambunctious crowds and towards the much quieter shipyard. Killian glanced at her, one of his brows raised in questioning.
"What?" she asked, looking at him. "I'm just happy to be out of that crowd."
He chuckled. "Yes, I guess the crowds can be a bit overwhelming."
They ascended the gangplank, walking back onto the deck of the ship. Only a couple of the crew were on board, lounging around the deck.
"Goodnight, gentlemen," Killian said as he turned towards the hatch.
"Goodnight, Captain," Curry responded as McCullen and Murphy nodded. Curry turned to Emma. "Goodnight, Princess."
"Goodnight," Emma replied, smiling to the men as she followed Killian.
He led her back to his cabin. "How about a nightcap?"
Emma raised a critical brow.
"Just a drink," he clarified. "Nothing more than a drink."
"Alright," Emma said as she entered the cabin.
Killian walked past her, retrieving a bottle of rum and two glasses before joining her at the table. He filled the glasses before handing her one.
"Thanks," she said as she took a drink. She chuckled. "You know, I never thought I would come to like rum this much."
"Just one of the many perks of being around pirates," he responded with a smirk.
"I guess so," she responded. She watched him as he took a drink of his own rum. She kept her eyes on him, a strange feeling fluttering in her chest. It was the same feeling she often had around him, one she had always pushed away, but always came back to her, stronger.
Killian looked at her, concern etched on his features. "Emma, are you alright?"
She looked at him, quickly rearranging her features, embarrassed. "Um, yeah. Just tired is all."
"Do you wish to return to your cabin?" he asked her.
"Yeah, if you don't mind," she responded. She needed to be alone, to sort out her thoughts.
Killian shook his head, standing up. "Not at all."
He went with her back to her cabin, holding her door for her. She looked up at him, her voice soft as she spoke. "Thank you for tonight, Hook."
He smiled softly. "You're welcome, Swan. It was my pleasure." He gave her one last soft look. "Sleep tight."
She smiled at him before entering the cabin. "Goodnight."
She closed the door behind her, immediately sinking into her bed.
She knew a long time ago she cared about Killian, before she even knew his name. She even had an idea what her feelings for him may be, but she didn't want to name them. It would make them real. She had sworn herself off those feeling, the last man who she'd cared for had betrayed her. And what she felt for Killian was stronger than anything she had ever felt before. She knew now that the pull she had felt was to him, that that day in Port Rackham, the pull she felt had led back to him. She knew if she got hurt, she'd never recover. She had to protect herself from getting hurt. She couldn't let him break down anymore of her walls.
But as she fell asleep, a small part of her couldn't help hoping he would.
Author's note: Okay, just a couple things. First, yes, I know I'm Captain Swan trash. And I love it. Second, over 120 followers? You guys are awesome. I didn't think this many people would be interested in this story. And third, I want to let you guys know that I will not be updating this until after New Years. This story WILL NOT be abandoned (chapter 45 is being written). The reason why is because when I was looking at the calendar, I realized that chapter 14 will be posted right before Christmas, and to put it bluntly, the next three chapters suck. Both me and my beta agreed it would be better to wait on posting until after the holidays. So, while this won't be updated for a couple weeks, I'm planning on posting chapter 14 on Monday, January 2, then 15 on Wednesday, and 16 on Friday, so that you will actually get three chapters in one week, then it will go back to every Thursday. In the meantime, I'm planning on posting some one-shots to make up for the lack of postings. Thank you to all my readers, and I hope you have a merry Christmas.
Review?
Teaser: Curry took a breath, his face turning grim. "Captain, what do you plan to do?"