Author Note: Hey guys! I hope I didn't lose too many of you in the huge hiatus between chapters, but I'm grateful for those of you who are still reading. I was very busy this past semester – getting used to college, taking hard classes, getting sick a lot (the flu, ear infections and ultimately MONO!), and just balancing a social life – but I'm trying really hard to get some updates in now that I'm home for the summer. This chapter comes from James' perspective. It's a bit short and not my best, but it's something. Hope you guys enjoy!

Also, I mentioned this on my profile page, but just recently I began writing a new blog and I tend to update it much more than I do my stories. In case any of you are bored in between fanfiction updates, feel free to check the blog out and drop a comment if you'd like! I left the link up as my Homepage on my profile here, and if you're a member of the site let me know and we can be friends!

Chapter Twenty-One

He had forgotten all this – the dark elegance the Dragon Coast was best known for. The overcast skies, the singed homes and structures, the nearly black roses that blanketed the landscape. It was exactly as he had left it, he realized, although much time had elapsed since his previous visit.

In many ways, the Dragon Coast seemed untouched by those hands of time, still scarred by the devastation that had taken place so long ago. But when James turned to look at the golden-haired child who was a child no more, he could also see that much had changed.

"I still cannot believe you're here!" Persephone gushed, squeezing James' arm firmly. "I always dreamed that your crew would return."

James beamed. "The pleasure is mine," he told her sincerely. "And it's wonderful to see how you've grown."

A rush of color rose to Persephone's perfectly pale cheeks, but she smiled nonetheless. "I was a young girl when you rescued me," she said. For a moment she paused, gazing at the young captain and his features. "You haven't changed all that much, James, except for one thing."

"Which is…?"

Persephone's expression softened. "Your eyes," she told him, really taking a moment to look at him. "When I first met you, it seemed like there was a certain sadness behind them, perhaps even heartbreak. But now, you seem much happier."

Happier. James hesitated at this, wondering if the girl's words rang true. Yes, he still missed Jenna, but no longer to the point that it hurt. How could that be, when just last night the wounds still seemed fresh? What was happening to him?

Of course, he reasoned, he was in the company of a beautiful girl, and beautiful girls were his weakness.

"I suppose some things have taken a turn for the better," James replied with a grin, as they turned a corner on their path. "After all, I am seeing you again." Sometimes James could not help himself; he loved to turn on the charm.

Persephone blushed again, biting her lip and looking down at the ground. "Surely that isn't why you're here?" she asked, her expression less certain than before. "I assume you've got some other unfinished business on our island?"

James paused for a moment. Persephone's words did ring true, but how could he tell her that? He had only brought his crew here for closure, to finally take home the treasure his father had sought out so long ago, but as he looked into those deep blue eyes, he knew those were not the words she wanted to hear. Before his arrival, he hadn't even considered becoming reacquainted with the people he had left behind. Young Persephone had been for him but a distant memory.

Still, they were here together now. She was older… nearly a woman… and beautiful. Just because he was here for a specific mission did not mean he had to forego any opportunities he had with her. Perhaps she could even be the one…

"Whatever business I have on this island has nothing to do with how much I've enjoyed our time together," James finally replied, reaching out for her hand. "And I hope you'll let me prove that to you somehow."

Persephone's gaze traveled up from the ground and back into James' eyes. "Fair enough," she said, revealing a small smile. She let her fingers interlace with his as they continued down the pathway, and soon enough, she spoke again. "So, have you had any recent adventures you'd care to indulge me with?"

Shaking his head, James laughed. "I'm afraid my life has been quite dull since the Dragon Coast. Traveled around a bit, but my voyages weren't at all what I'd hoped they would be." Because I couldn't stop thinking of Jenna, he added silently. "What about you? How is it that no man on this island has managed to sweep you off your feet?"

Persephone giggled. "James Hook! Are you trying to make me blush?"

"It's an honest question, Persephone." James smirked.

As her laughter subsided, she shrugged. "I suppose I've received an offer or two," she admitted, "but the thought of marrying someone I don't love makes me uneasy. My parents don't want to force the issue because then they may keep me working in the tavern, which is of course its own adventure, and thus they always know where I am and that I have been accounted for."

"And yet, it doesn't sound as though you are too keen on that life, either," James observed.

"It can be exhausting," Persephone replied with a nod, "doing what your family asks of you when you know that there could be a whole different world out there, waiting for you. I know they love me dearly, but sometimes I wish…"

"…That you didn't have to focus so much on what they want, and that you had more time for yourself?" James filled in for her.

Penelope smiled. "How is it, James, that you seem to know exactly what I am thinking and feeling?"

"Because, in this case, your thoughts and feelings seem to match my own," he told her. It was true; many of the decisions he had made thus far in his life had been based on what his father would have expected of him. "Also, I am a man of many talents."

Slowly, the Dragon Coast Tavern came into view. "I would love to hear more about those talents," Persephone said, "but unfortunately, I must return to work now."

James nodded. "Will I see you again?" He hoped he would, for he had greatly enjoyed their walk and wanted to spend more time with her.

Biting her lip, Persephone squeezed his hand. "I would love that." She hesitated for a moment, then took a step toward him. "Before you go…"

"Yes?"

"I never had the opportunity to properly thank you," Persephone continued, "for saving my life." Before James could respond, she leaned in and pressed her lips lightly against his cheek. "Thank you, James."

And as the young woman disappeared inside the tavern, James couldn't help but touch his cheek and grin.

Acknowledgments: I would like to thank CheshireDreaming, sssweetie, NobleBrokenBeauty, EragonPeep, Yuki Asao, Kairi0403, and Ra'iira The Fiend for their lovely reviews! I hope to hear from everyone soon! Sorry for such a long wait.