Sea Horses:

Chapter Fourteen:

Amaira's eyes fluttered, but she kept them closed. Sea, salt, spices, leather, and male. Definitely male. Killian's Room. A blue orb peeped open. Oh god everything hurts. She glanced down and drew the blue sheet up to cover her chest. He hadn't- No, Killian wouldn't do that. Yesterday came back to her in a rush. Right Kraken v.s. Dragon, that's why I feel like I got trampled by a herd of horses.She lifted a hand to her head. O-u-c-h. The door opened.

Killian walked in, a small pile of clothes in his hands. He set the pile on the trunk at the foot of his bed before glancing at her. She was awake much to his relief and he couldn't help the grin that found its way across his features.

"Well look who's finally awake. Decided to rejoin the world of the living then love?"

"Ha ha."

Amaira sat up, careful to keep the sheet covering her. Killian walked over and sat at the foot of the bed.

"You gave us quite the scare yesterday love."

"'M sorry," She glanced down at her lap.

Killian stared at her, "Sorry?" His eyebrow raised, "We owe you our lives."

Amaira's eyes met his, "I owe you mine."

Killian cleared his throat nervously and dropped his gaze.

"How are you feeling?"

"Well I've been better obviously."

Killian's smirk returned at her eye roll.

"My arm hurts a bit, but I'm fine."

She rubbed her aching shoulder carefully so as not to show Killian how much it really hurt. It wouldn't be good if he started fussing. Because that meant he'd be close, and Amaira didn't exactly want to be held accountable for her actions if he did just that.

"You're sure."

Amaira did not want to be looking at those concerned ridiculously blue eyes any longer. She pressed her lips together and nodded.

"I'll leave you to get dressed then?"

He motioned towards the pile of clothes he had left.

"Mhmm."

Killian searched her face looking like he wanted to say something else. He shook his head then and headed for the door. Just before he opened it he turned back to her.

"Amaira?"

"Yeah?"

"I- Never mind."

He left then, closing the door behind him with a slight squeak of the hinges.

Amaira let out a breath she hadn't even been aware she'd been holding. Worried pirate captains with their stupid hair and eyes and-and everything, were not her thing. She'd stick to animals, at least they just said what they were thinking. She couldn't handle him worried, he'd ask questions, and she'd end up admitting that- Well she wasn't the type to take a pounding from a sea monster without a very good reason. And he's starting to look like a very good reason. Oh god I did not just think that! She gingerly slid out of bed, and walked to the foot of the bed. She almost groaned when she caught sight of herself in the mirror. I knew it was going to be bad, but this! I'm purple! Where the Kraken had hit her were large angry bruises. She didn't even want to look at her spine. She poked one above her hip bone and winced. I hate dragon shape. Killian's gonna flip if he sees these, and the corset's not gonna help. Wonderful. I don't even remember it hitting my collarbone, how did-oh. That's gonna be fun to explain. Fighting the urge to continuously roll her eyes, Amaira grabbed her shirt and started to put her arm through the sleeve. Fire shot up her arm and she yelped.

Killian turned at her yelp, immediately throwing open the door.

"Are you alright-" He stopped when he saw her. "You said you were fine."

His voice was quiet, angry.

"I am fine," she snapped back.

"No you're not," he grabbed her wrist.

Amaira gasped, her eyes going wide as the pain rushed up her arm.

"Can you just help me get my arm through the freakin' sleeve,"she ground out.

He adjusted his grip.

"Just make it quick."

Killian slid her arm into the sleeve, hearing the pop as Amaira's shoulder was forced back into its socket. Amaira let out a cry, and tears squeezed past her tightly shut eyes. Wordlessly, Killian brought her pants over, easing her legs into them while avoiding the multicolored bruises. Backhanding the tears away, Amaira leaned forward and grabbed her corset.

"You're not really going to subject yourself to that too?"

Amaira let it fall back onto the trunk with a dull thud.

"You wanna explain where all those injuries came from?"

"Kraken and you're freaking deck ain't too soft there Killian."

"And apparently my deck has a hand now. Who touched you?"

"No one touched-"

"There's a bruise in the shape of a hand on your back, now don't lie to me!"

Killian was furious.

"It's yours Killian."

He stepped back, "I never-"

"If you would've let me explain-" she glared at him, "Magic makes up part of my blood, so when I use it up, I get bruises of just about anything I touch. Plus you know, a lion isn't fazed by a Kraken's little love tap, but it'd send a human across the deck."

"But-"

"You picked me up? I didn't have magic left. My eyes didn't change 'member? So you kinda inadvertently bruised me. Yours doesn't hurt though, because believe it or not I can be picked up without breaking. Now stop looking like a kicked puppy."

"Amaira I am so sorry."

"What are you? Killian it's not your fault at all. Just stop talking right now."

She stepped forward, grabbing his chin and forcing him to look at her.

"This is not your fault. I knew what I was getting in to. I wanted to help you."

"I don't want you getting hurt for me."

"Well tough."

Killian looked at her sharply.

"I'm not going to stop trying to help you. I'm not indestructible, but I'm not that fragile either. Neither of us are. Did you ever consider maybe I don't want you getting hurt for me either? Don't you think I felt horrible after I bit you!"

"You barely made a mark."

"Killian I bit you; there was blood. You're obsessing over a bruise that doesn't even hurt, that I would've gotten anyway because someone had to carry me downstairs."

"I made you pass out on a deck and injure yourself. Why shouldn't I be upset?"

"Because you didn't! I did that! I knew I was going to pass out. My god why is it so hard to get through to you! Nothing's the matter! Bruises heal, and I'd much rather take a few bruises than loose you!"

"You don't want to loose me?"

"Shut up."

"You don't want to loose me."

"Stop it! You're such a pirate!"

Killian grinned down at her.

"Well I don't want to loose you either."

"You're gonna get hit."

"Well then maybe I should just stop talking."

"Maybe you should."

They were inches from each other now. Killian's gaze dropped to her lips, and she felt his warm breath on her face.

"Would it be horribly wicked of me to kiss you right now?"

"Probably," she nodded ever so slightly before her mouth quirked up and she arched an eyebrow, "but you are a horribly wicked pirate."

"You're right."

"Aren't I always?"

"You thought my name was Hook."

"Oh shut up and kiss me!"

She grabbed his shirt and tugged him to her. Killian's lips crashed against hers. Amaira soft lips joined his, moving perfectly together. Killian just couldn't help himself; He nipped at her bottom lip.

"Told you I'd be doing the biting one of these days," he whispered before covering her mouth with his again.

Soon the need for air broke them apart, and Killian rested his forehead against hers. He chuckled softly.

"Been wanting to do that."

"Mmm have you now?"

"Just a bit. Your lips take such abuse from yourself, thought I might offer them a break."

She rolled her eyes, pushing him away from her lightly.

"Don't think you're getting away from me that easily love."

Killian pulled her back to him easing his lips over hers. Amaira's one hand raised to tangle in Killian's hair while his was busy cupping her cheek, his hook curled around her waist, pulling her closer. Killian's tongue slid against her lips silently asking permission. Amaira opened her mouth to his instantly, allowing her tongue to begin its duel against his. Killian pulled her tighter against him, his hand dropping to her thigh. Amaira pulled away with a gasp, eyes shut tight.

"Hit the bruise just right." She hissed.

"Oh love-" Killian released her instantly, fingertips barely touching her now.

"Well that's a mood killer," she grumbled.

Killian searched her face, concern etched across his own.

"Maybe you should just lie down."

"Oh please. It's just bruises-you fixed my shoulder. Just have to not touch'im for a day or two."

"But-"

"Don't be silly. 'M not that fragile!"

Killian didn't look convinced.

"Don't even start. We just went over this. Besides if you lock me up, I'll just get Smee to let me out, so I can save your sorry ass."

"Oh but you love my ass."

Amaira snorted.

"Uh huh, sure."

"So you admit it."

"Oh be quiet!"

She silenced him with her mouth and Killian found this form of communication much more enjoyable.

A knock sounded on the door and Killian groaned. Amaira bit back a laugh behind her hand, although her amusement still twinkled in her eyes.

"Captain, dinner's just about ready, might want to get the crew."

Killian ran his hand over his face, "One of these days I'm going to strangle him."

"You'll do no such thing. That man is a saint."

Killian shot her a look, "To you maybe, but he's no good to me when he lets you run amuck."

"I do not run amuck!"

"Nah just bite things then." Killian winked. "Well, Smee calls."

Amaira shot him a withering look before making her way to the hallway. She felt Killian's hand settle lightly around her waist. She wasn't horribly surprised to find that she liked it. She was, however, horribly surprised by the discomfort she felt when he removed said arm from her waist, in order to sit down.

Amaira noticed the change in the atmosphere as soon as she sat down. What had been a playful, slightly flirtatious, okay maybe very flirtatious, mood in Killian's room had shifted into a very quiet and somber dinner. Amaira shifted uncomfortably. The men were staring at her. I don't get it. It's not like they haven't seen me shift before. I mean, they saw me fight Killian. Granted it was only in practice, but still…Killian broke the silence.

"We lost some good men today. But they didn't die for nothing, as the Jolly Roger's still afloat. So let's not be too glad, we've still got to meet their ugly rotten souls in hell!"

"Aye!" The crew yelled and the mood lifted again. Amaira was slightly puzzled. As rallying speeches went, well she wasn't even sure it could be called that. But to each his own. If they want to look forward to that-then by all means. Heck-I'll probably join them there. When the wine was served, one of the crew men grabbed a goblet and raised it.

"To Miss Amaira, you scare the hell outta me, and I'd probably do better in a fight against Davy Jones then you, but we're glad to have you lass. And if it weren't for you we'd probably be at the bottom of the ocean right now."

"To Miss Amaira!" the crew echoed, Killian joining in as he grinned at her.

Amaira to her complete mortification turned bright red.

"Well look what you've gone and done. Face a sea monster no problem and a few kind words have me redder than Mr. Smee's hat!"

The crew chuckled, and Amaira bit her lip to hold in her own smile.

"Oh love, no biting!"

Dinner came to a close and the men bid her and Killian goodnight. It was just the two of them left, and the only noise came from the clanking of dishes as Smee cleaned them in the kitchen.

"So," Amaira bit her lip. "I'm off to bed then."

Killian grabbed her wrist, "Stay with me."

Amaira smiled, "I would believe me, but Killian I'm exhausted. I turned into a dragon after all."

"You could sleep in my room."

Amaira blanched, "Look I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea, but I'm not going to have sex with you."

"No! Not what I meant… although I'm not opposed to the idea…"

Amaira nodded, "Goodnight Killian."

Killian caught up to her before she left the room hand encircling both of her wrists.

"No, just sleeping. Promise."

Amaira bit her lip.

"Just sleeping?"

He held up his hand, "Pirate's honor."

Amaira snorted, "I think those words cancel each other out, Killian dear."

She shifted uncomfortably prepared to see no, but she caught sight of his hopeful blue eyes. She sighed.

"Alright."

Killian beamed.

"But you try one thing and I'll rip you to shreds!"

"I remember your claws well love. Not about to test them again."

Amaira smirked.

"Good, I'm gonna go get changed, but I'll meet you in your room, yeah?"

Killian nodded and sauntered off towards his room.

What have I gotten myself into!

Amaira slid the nightgown on, before carefully smoothing it down, allowing the soft purple fabric to accentuate her waist and slim down her generous hips. She ran her fingers through her wavy curls, untangling the worst snarls, before parting it in half and allowing each half to rest in front of her shoulders before sweeping over her chest. She bit her lip. C'mon now, don't be nervous. You fought a Kraken for crying out loud! But this is…Well it's not like you haven't slept with him before. I was unconscious! Great I'm arguing with myself. Oh get going, Killian's waiting!

Amaira made her way to Killian's room, bare feet padding lightly against the floor. She came to his door, fixed her dress a final time, and knocked on it. Killian answered immediately. Amaira drank in the sight of him. Clad only in sleeping-pants, well, he was Killian Jones after all. Killian stepped out of her way silently.

Oh this is awkward. Amaira chewed on her lip.

"Always biting."

Well it wouldn't exactly be us if he weren't scolding me.

Amaira nodded toward the bed, "Well goodnight then."

Amaira peeled the covers back and slid underneath. She caught Killian staring at her, his eyes darker than usual. He shook his head and turned then to blow out the light in the lantern. She felt, rather than saw him climb into bed.

"Goodnight love," his accent rumbled into the dark. Amaira snuggled further into the blankets, her head cushioned by Killian's pillows. Sleeping is not going to be easy. She was completely aware of Killian's body lying barely a foot away. Slowly her eyelids began to droop, her day finally catching up to her. She fought against it for a little bit, but sleep's call was far too strong.

Author's Note:

Thanks to anyone who has followed favorited or reviewed this story!

I'll try to have the next chap up soon, probs before this weekend if I can because I'm gonna be busy this weekend.

Thanks for Reading,

TheSparkedInfinity