SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN
Disclaimer: If you recognise it, it's probably not mine. Don't bother sueing me, I'm broke anyway. *grin* Eleanor and Lynn, however, are mine. You're welcome to use either of them if it takes your fancy, but please let me know. I'd like to see what they get up to.
Author's Note: While I would love to say that I wrote the song used here, I must admit that I didn't. The song is written by an Australian singer named Ross Ryan and is from his new album "One Person Queue". It just seemed like a really appropriate song for this fic, so I've borrowed it and given it to Lynn. Actually, if I'd thought about it earlier, I probably would have called the story "Chase the Ghosts Away". What do people think? Should I go with the name change or leave well enough alone?
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Chapter 4: The Song
Could life get any better? With the Captain at her side, Lynn eagerly explored every nook and cranny of the ship's deck. She couldn't help glancing at him occasionally from the corner of her eye, although it was disconcerting to find that he was often watching her in return. There was plenty to distract her from thinking too deeply about this, however, since along with the exploration he was inviting her to speak of her life at home.
Hook was a receptive audience, and before long she found herself pouring out her frustrations: how she had been sent away to a boarding school at an early age, how she didn't really fit in there as few of the students shared her interests in books and story-writing and music for music's sake rather than just as something to while away the time or impress the neighbours. How when she was home her parents always made her feel as if she had failed them somehow. It was the first time she had spoken to anyone of these feelings, either, and before she knew it she was standing with her hands clenched around a railing as tears ran in quiet streams down her cheeks.
"Hush, little one." Hook was beside her, arm comfortingly around her shoulders, fingers gently capturing her tears and brushing them away. "You're away from all that now. Here, you can be whatever you want, do whatever you want. I could never be disappointed in you for following a dream." She gave him a shaky smile, but it felt forced and soon fell away again as she continued to stare out to sea. The gentle sway of the deck was soothing, but it still failed to restore her equilibrium and the tears continued to fall. After a pause, the Captain asked, "What instrument do you play?"
A tactful way to change the subject, and she was grateful for it. Sniffling a little, she replied, "Piano, mostly."
"Piano... Hmm... I have a harpsichord in my cabin that you are welcome to use, if you like. Not quite the same, but perhaps it would do? I'm something of a musician myself. Maybe we could play for each other, take your mind from your worries for a while?"
He was so kind and gentle and understanding, she almost burst into fresh tears of gratitude. Embarrassed at the thought of doing something so hysterical, however, she choked down the lump in her throat and gave another weak smile. "Thank you, Captain, that sounds wonderful." It also gets you into his cabin, whispered a little voice in her mind, which she promptly squelched. That wasn't the reason she was agreeing at all, she told herself sharply.
Maybe if she told herself that enough, she could even believe it.
She lowered her head slightly as they crossed the deck and climbed the steps leading up to the main cabin, letting her hair fall forward to hide the tear-streaks from the crew. Bad enough that Hook had seen her cry without everyone else needing to. Then the door was pushed open and she raised her head to take in the opulence surrounding them. The furniture was an assortment of amazingly beautiful antiques, although she reminded herself that they were probably quite contemporary when the Jolly Roger first came to Neverland. The walls were hung with rich curtains and tapestries and priceless ornaments adorned tables and shelves. In one corner sat the harpsichord, ornately carved and lacquered wood gleaming in the soft light.
Looking around, she said softly, "It's all so beautiful!" Whenever she had dreamed of having her own home, one of the features had always been a room such as this; a room that spoke of richness and comfort and the elegance of bygone days. Her smile came more easily now, although she still wasn't feeling entirely settled.
Hook gently took her arm and steered her towards the harpsichord. "Will you play for me, little one?" he asked gently. She looked up at him and felt the breath catch in her throat. He's beautiful , she decided. It seemed a strange label to apply to a man, but she could think of no other way to describe it. The dark ringlets framing his face looked soft and luxurious, and she longed to be able to run her hands through them to see if they were truly as soft as they looked. He exuded an aura of power, yet the softness in his blue eyes made it seem comforting rather than forbidding.
Not really conscious of what she was doing, Lynn slid onto the padded stool and ran her hands experimentally over the keys. The sound was strange to one used to the piano, but she felt she could manage. But what to sing? Unbidden, words and music came to mind and she began to sing softly as her fingers picked out the melody.
It's such a journey, and the roads are haunted
By the ghosts of dreamers who kissed their gifts away,
And I'm a relay runner, a part-time companion,
With a heart that's made of clay.
I've long abandoned the burdens of ambition,
And I've long forgotten the meaning of my name.
I'm between that rock and a place that's even harder,
And there's nowhere safe to stay.
But can you give me shelter, can you give me silence,
Can you give me stars and perfect moonlight?
Can you give me thunder, can you give me laughter,
Can you give me happily ever afters?
I'm a true and fierce believer, but in shadows I see faces.
Can you give me love without a question, tell me can you chase the ghosts away?
Love's perfect moments, they're few and fleeting,
They give no warning, they're impossible to hold,
For even at that moment you cry out in celebration,
The ghosts are watching, waiting, for your heart to lose control.
The night was cold, and I woke up with a fever,
And from the shadows I heard voices call your name.
You gave your answer with eyes that stared straight through me,
And I've never been so afraid...
But can you give me shelter, can you give me silence,
Can you give me stars and perfect moonlight?
Can you give me thunder, can you give me laughter,
Can you give me happily ever afters?
I'm a true and fierce believer, but in shadows I see faces.
Can you give me love without a question, tell me can you chase the ghosts away?
As the last chords died away, Lynn drew in a deep breath. She couldn't believe she had just sung that. What had possessed her? It was almost impossible that he wouldn't take it the wrong way. The fact that the little voice in her mind was insistently pointing out that it wouldn't really be the wrong way at all wasn't making her feel any better. She kept her eyes lowered, her hair once again falling to hide her face.
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Many thanks to my wonderful reviewers:
tavingtionrose - Thanks for the feedback. Not sure what you mean about the higher rating making it cooler, but there will probably be a rating change as of next chapter. We'll see how it turns out when I finish it.
PeachDreamer - I'd say perfectly normal. I have to admit to being more than a little envious of her myself. ;)
wordwiz8121 - Cheer up, I'm sure it won't take long for it to be out on video.
Willow 'Black Rose' Edra - As of my first viewing of the new movie, I have definitively given Jason Isaacs top billing as the best Hook ever. He managed to portray that depth of character that Hook had in the book, and make evil seem like an incredibly attractive option. *grin* Not that I needed any urging - I always did like the bad guys best.
SerenBunny - Thanks. :) Here's the next bit.