~Sword Play~
She stared at the stranded vessel, wondering why on Misthaven he wanted to meet here for.
He landed in front of her, having jumped from the deck. He had a sword in his hand, though one was still sheathed in his belt.
Had he found out? Was he going to kidnap her for ransom? She laughed at the thought of him kidnapping her with a grounded ship. He wouldn't get very far.
"Something funny?"
She breathed deeply, calming herself down. "Ah… I wasn't expecting such a fierce display, Pirate."
He didn't falter one bit. "This is for you." He held the second sword out for her, a question in her eyes.
"Have I missed the punchline?"
"I owe you a debt, love. You saved my life. How, I'm not quite sure, but you did. I'm alive because of you."
"So… your life is worth a sword?"
He chuckled. "No, Swan. I'm going to teach you. I never want you to be in a dangerous situation without, least, being able to protect yourself. It's a dangerous world."
She stared at it as if it were a snake about to strike her. She rolled her eyes, looking back up at him. She tried to show as little emotion as possible. "I didn't come here to play around at sword fighting."
"Then you've changed your mind about touring my ship."
Her brow furrowed in confusion, before understanding struck her. "Does that line work for you?" She shook her head, amused. "I've been on many ships. I have no desire to see yours."
"Well, you did imply an interest in entertainment. Let me teach you. It might prove entertaining, and useful in the future."
"You owe me nothing. You saved me first."
"Aye, as any gentleman would. It does not compare." He tilted his head. "You choose to come here, yet you seem more interested in leaving."
She pursed her lips, nodding. "Okay, pirate. You caught me. I figured it didn't matter if I came or not, either would encourage more note passing. So I came to persuade you to stop."
He grinned, the exact opposite expression of what she was expecting. His tongue poked out of the left side of his mouth.
Could this man make any expression look incredibly tantalizing? She bet he could. She tried not to think about that.
His expression went back to what she assumed was his normal smirk, an eyebrow raised. "There's still the fact that I have yet to repay you. Now, take it, and let's see what I have to work with."
She raised an eyebrow of her own, crossing her arms. "If I take this, you'll stop with all the… leaving me notes?"
"On my honor." He bowed again. He had a thing for theatrics. Upon standing, he had a feigned looked of anxiety, sporting a wide frown, his teeth showing. "Though I have promised the Queen I would dance with her daughter during some… ball. No more notes, but I will be present at the table until then, unless you happen to change your mind." He winked.
She groaned. "That woman will invite anyone to dance with…" She looked up sharply, quickly changing her words. "The princess."
"That woman?" Both eyebrows were up this time.
When she refused to answer, he wiggled the hilt in her direction, and she sighed. "Infuriating man!" But he was grinning as she took it.
She played dumb for long enough to convince him she knew nothing about swords. She found it rather adorable how he explained things to her. Had she been a novice, he would have made an excellent teacher.
He was treating her as his equal, something she hadn't expected. Their second bout of swordplay, she had decided to give up the charade, and quickly took his own blade.
He laughed. "You really are a bloody minx." He was grinning again. He could absolutely stop that. "Where did you learn?"
"I live with royals in a castle." Not a lie. "I've found the time."
"Then I'll find another way to repay you." He was stepping closer.
"No need."
"Says you. And yet, you let me go on teaching you. One might ponder your motives."
Good question. One she didn't have a good answer to.
"Entertainment." Was the best answer she could come up with before leaping back and attacking. He was quick to parry. They were equally matched, almost dancing, neither could quite get the upper hand, both fully enjoying what felt like a game.
For a few blissful moments, she forgot about her inhibitions, completely enthralled in the dance, the logic to his movements, and the quick contemplation of her own. His main advantage was his hook. She would have to remember that.
They were grinning like children when Regina cleared her throat, obviously having stood there several moments. They ceased their game immediately, standing straight and looking guilty as if caught breaking into the sweets jar.
"You," she rolled her eyes. "girl. Your mother has been looking for you. She's waiting in your room. Captain, I see you've made yourself at home…" Regina turned, just enough to give Emma a pointed look, raising her eyebrows with a smug smile tugging at the corners of her lips, before she walked away.
Emma forcefully tossed the sword into the ground so it was sticking straight up, before turning toward the castle.
"Swan, wait." She stopped, only half turning to face him. He was grinning, of course. "I wouldn't mind this again, if you'd care to join me."
She rolled her eyes, not even bothering to give him a response.
