Author's Note: Sorry that my updates have slowed, but I am back in school and I have a new job! So that means less time for writing, although don't worry I write whenever I have a spare moment. I wanted to make sure and take the time to thank everyone that has reviewed. I really do love hearing what you all think. And just a warning for this chapter it is "VERY SAPPY" but, believe it or not it, it is supposed to be. The next chapter will progressively get darker and I think I may need to make it an "R" So please enjoy and review!

Chapter 7

His mood already lightening at the sight of Julia above him. Taking notice that the wind had picked up, and the sky above them was rapidly darkening, threatening to storm. Apparently he had left the boy in a bad mood. He grinned, at least he knew that his words about Wendy had struck a chord. Although, now all he noticed was Julia, who was doing her best to conceal how cold she was, to no avail. Shivering as the wind whipped through her hair, as the water slowly began to fall above them.

Everything had seemed to oddly slow down to Julia, the cold intensifying as the rain steadily showered the deck, the men all scurrying below to escape the impending storm. James had stood up grasping her hand to guide her towards his cabin. Lightning flashed illuminating his features, ice blue eyes standing out against the darkness. She felt so at home, yet lost in the absurdity of the situation. Captain Hook had asked for permission to court her. She may have been a modern woman, but she needed no explanation of what courting someone entailed. Shaking her head, one moment she is in the safety of her home, the next she is wrapped in the arms of a complex, yet alluring pirate. She recalled the feel of his lips on her cheek and the bolt of electricity that had accompanied it. She hadn't given him a concise answer and in truth he hadn't exactly given her much of a choice in the matter. Frowning, conscious that he was behaving exactly how she might have expected him to, he was, after all, Captain Hook.

Her thoughts fled as the door behind them clicked closed, feeling the warmth of his cabin seep into her wet skin. Her eyes coming to rest on his bed which looked silky and inviting, the red velvet drapes giving a silent invitation of the pleasure that could be had within it's softness. She felt herself turning crimson as his hand rested on her shoulder, gently helping her from his wet jacket. He had not said a word to her since they had been on deck and she expectantly turned meeting his gaze. The ship had begun to gently rock as the rain began to pelt against the windows.

"Julia, you will catch your death if you don't get out of these wet clothes."

Guiding her to the changing screen she noticed that Mr. Smee had already filled the tub with hot water.

"Capn's right Miss, you'll catch a death of cold."

He then slowly scurried out bracing against the wind that burst in through the door.

"Seems like you got Pan in a right bad mood Cap'n."

Mr. Smee smirked as the door snapped closed with the wind.

At Mr. Smee's statement, Julia turned to look at James.

"His mood effects the weather?"

As she said the words the boat swayed violently to one side, water spilling slightly from the tub. Quickly grabbing hold of James for support, who in turn wrapped his hooked arm about her waist to steady her.

"Ai, my beauty, when the cursed brat gets upset the weather turns sour."

"Humph, serves him right, dumping that water on us! What a little devil."

He looked down at Julia, amused at the anger as it crossed her features. Gazing into her eyes he smiled wickedly.

"Yes, however I was more upset about the interruption than the water."

He tilted her face upwards again, lightly brushing some wet hair aside with his hook.

"Even covered in salt and water, you are so very lovely."

She blushed pulling herself from his grasp and walking behind the changing screen, nervously unfurling the ribbons of her bodice.

"James, thank you! Although, I mean, this whole courting thing. It's just a little overwhelming."

She laughed nervously.

"There is no need to feel overwhelmed, it appears that you and I will be spending a great deal of time together."

His eyebrows knitted together in frustration. How could he get her to become more comfortable with the situation, so he could get what he so desperately wanted? He ground out the next words, his jaw clenching at the foreign sweetness rolling from his tongue.

"I would very much like to get to know you better, Julia. Is that so much to ask for?"

"No, James that is not unreasonable." She quietly conceded.

Smiling he walked to his harpsichord and sitting down he began to play a simple tune. He didn't take his eyes off the changing screen, for he noticed that her figure was perfectly illuminated by the light behind it. Gasping as she peeled off the wet bodice and skirt revealing the beautiful outline of her curves. He felt terrible stooping to the level of a Peeping Tom, but he couldn't take his eyes off her exquisite body sinking into the water of the tub. His ears peeking at the moan of pleasure, that escaped her lips, as she was immersed in the hot water.

"There now, doesn't that feel better?"

He smiled running his hook over the keys.

"So much better, thank you James, and by the way you play beautifully, it is amazing that you manage to play such a complicated instrument, with just one hand."

Julia relaxed further into the water, she had felt uneasy with the knowledge that only a thin barrier stood between her and Captain Hook. However hearing him play the harpsichord told her exactly where he was in the room, allowing her to enjoy her bath. She sat up suddenly realizing that he must be freezing, he was just as soaked as she was. Washing quickly she wrapped herself in the towel that Mr. Smee had placed beside the tub. The music had stopped and she noticed a silver hook laying red velvety fabric over the screen.

"Sorry, but it appears that you are going to have to wear some of my clothes. Yours are still wet. I hope you don't mind?"

"James it's fine, believe me when I say I prefer this over the dress."

She pulled on the soft poet shirt and velvet pants, wrapping herself in a velvety robe that was trimmed in gold. Giggling as she pulled on the high striped socks.

She stepped out gazing at him his hair was wild an untamed from the saltwater, his vest and shirt wet, clinging to his skin. She was sure that he could use a hot bath to warm him.

"James, shall I call Mr. Smee to prepare you a bath? You must be so uncomfortable in those wet clothes."

He said nothing just simply walking to the water, she had just used, and placing his hand within.

"This is still quite warm. You need not call for Smee. Besides, in this weather he will be below deck."

"But I just used that water, are you sure you don't want fresh?"

She looked at him oddly.

He closed the distance between them, smiling into her face, as he admired her within his clothes.

"No, my dear, I would use any excuse to be closer to you, including using your bathwater."

Her face grew warm as he proceeded to play with a stray tendril of her wet hair. She had never once in her life had any man suggest using her bath water. She grinned at him unable to stop the warm laughter that erupted.

"James, tell me that was not just one of the most ridiculous lines you have ever fed a woman?"

"You don't like the idea? Hmmm?"

He grinned, his head cocking to the side, lifting his brow.

"From the way that you are blushing, my beautiful Julia, I would say that you do. Or perhaps you were thinking it would be better if you were still in the bath when I used it?"

He chuckled not giving her a chance to respond, as he ran his hand down her crimson face, while slowly gliding behind the screen, not another word said.

Julia turned even more beat red as she allowed his provocative words to sink in. What was disturbing her more however was the fact that she could actually picture herself enjoying his company immensely in the bathtub. Turning from the changing screen she walked to his desk, fiddling with the odd trinkets she found there. Unable to hold her tongue, she spun around facing the screen as the words slipped from her lips.

"James Hook! What happened to behaving in a gentlemanly accord? Hmmm?"

"Julia, I am sorry, but you must forgive me, I am but a humble pirate. My dear, I have been away from high society and its rules for quite some time. Forced to live trapped amid a group of blithering idiots, savages and obscene little flying pixies. You must understand why I delight in your company. It so refreshing compared to what I normally have to deal with in this tropical prison. Besides, I love seeing you blush!"

As she listened to his words she froze, the light that was behind the changing screen had illuminated his shadowed figure and she began to watch fascinated as he used his left hand to unbutton his shirt. Peeling the wet material from his skin, she could say nothing as the shadow of his lean muscular physique came into view. Even as a shadow he was stunning. Still more fascinating she could see the clear outline of the odd contraption that held his hook in place. It seemed as if it were a part of his body, bound over his muscles by what appeared to be thin leather straps. His left hand swiftly lifted a strap and she heard him sigh, as the harness slid off his arm revealing a stump where his hand should have been. She had to cover her mouth to hide her gasp. She knew that he was missing his hand, but to see the extent of his injury in person was very different from what she had expected. The injury had not been a clean one, for even as a shadow, she could see the unevenness of his bones meeting the stretched skin. The poor man, she could only imagine how painful it was. His left hand swiftly moved further down approaching his pants. A naughty grin spread across her face as she saw his hand fiddle with the buttons. But just as suddenly she turned away. She couldn't bring herself to violate his privacy in such a manner.

Quietly, she walked to his bed laying down in the softness as she could hear him settle into the water. Her eyebrows crossing as she realized that the light had been there the entire time, even when she had used the bath. She was about to open her mouth when she stopped herself, if she accused him of watching her she would be surrendering to having watched him as well. And she was ashamed to admit it, but she had definitely liked what she had seen. She rolled over watching him dip his head under the water, thoughts traveling to the previous statement of him using the bath with her in it. Her mind going fuzzy as she pictured his arms wrapped about her in the steaming water. Her heartbeat quickened as she could almost feel his lips and tongue, running down her throat, kissing along the base of her shoulders coming to rest on her pulse point. She shook her head as he began to rise from the water, rolling away from his shadow. This was getting out of control, she had to stop. But the image still stuck with her, even as she heard him dressing behind the screen, the rain making a pleasant pattering on the blue windows.

James smirked as he latched his hook back into place, pulling on his black shirt and black robe, he peaked his head around the screen, noticing Julia splayed across his bed. He wondered if she had watched him undress, he was hoping she had. He had certainly enjoyed watching her. But now all he could think of was how cozy and inviting she looked, wrapped in his clothes, encompassed in the softness of his bed. Her back was turned to him however, so he wasn't sure if she was awake. He edged up the stairs and approached the side of the bed, gazing down into her eyes that he noticed were open wide at his closeness.

"Julia, are you comfortable?" He smirked

Seeing him so close to her, she quickly sat up. All the while mentally chastising herself for laying down in the first place. She couldn't hold his eyes as she spoke, latching onto the velvet beneath her in anxiety.

"Yeah umm, your bed is well, very soft."

She replied stupidly, looking up and taking in the site of his dark wet hair, which he had pulled back in a loose ponytail. His distinct nose stood out and he held the air of a fine aristocrat, had he not the gigantic gold loop hanging from his right ear. His elegant hand was held out for her and she took it apprehensively. He drew her away from the bed to their usual seats near his desk, which she swiftly noticed was covered in deep gashes and marks from what surely had been his hook.

"Hungry?" He whispered into her ear, lifting an apple for her, as she settled into her seat.

She took it gratefully suddenly noticing him unfurl what appeared to be a large animal skin on his desk. He then turned around and fiddled with a large ornate wooden box. Taking the opportunity to lean forward as she ate her apple, looking with interest, at what appeared to be a map. He turned around from the box holding an ornate carved pipe that held two cigars. Lighting them with several breaths over a nearby oil lamp, she watched mesmerized as he smoked them. She was never one for cigarette smoke, but cigar smoke was different, she had partaken in a few socially and she found it exceptionally sexy when matched with the right guy. She was finding it very difficult to concentrate on anything else in the room as she watched him elegantly spin the cigars in his hand, lifting the device to his lips and taking several puffs. His hair pulled back from his face revealing his prominent cheek bones and the point of his goatee, eyes focused on the map and his brow furrowed in concentration. A familiar scent filled the air of the cabin, the sweet smell of tobacco, which spoke of the quality of the cigar.

Leaning over the map he traced his finger along the dotted paths. Obviously the map was certainly not an attempt to hide anything, it was simply there as a tool to memorize the path to whatever they had found. He stared at the most noteworthy words on the page, repeating it aloud as he took another puff of smoke.

" Etikaiele Ustagalayi , hmmm?"

He leaned back looking at the wooden roof of his cabin, his feet coming to rest on his desk. Taking in a large puff of smoke and blowing several large smoke rings at the ceiling, watching them dissipate as they met solid wood. His gaze turned to Julia who he noticed was staring at him, watching him fool around with his cigars. He grinned, she seemed utterly rapt and he swore that he could see a longing in her eyes at his device. He held it out to her smiling, he was shocked when she took it bringing the stem to her lips pulling smoke into her mouth. She handed it back grinning at his shocked expression.

"Don't tell me. Women smoke in your time as well?"

He changed his position so that he was leaning close to her.

"Women have been known to partake in a fine cigar every now and again just like men do. I for one used to smoke them socially in college. That surprises you?"

"Yes, of course. Society of my time would certainly have greatly looked down upon that. Well, come to think of it, men smoking wasn't looked very highly upon either."

"Sounds terribly boring, no wonder you turned pirate." She grinned. His response was a deep chuckle.

"Yes, could you imagine someone like me getting into the ridiculously uninspiring world of accounting?"

"The mind boggles." Was her response as she took the proffered pipe bringing it to her lips again.

"Did you say college, Julia?" His eyes brightened, as his finger traced over the map, delighting in the personal knowledge she was confiding in him.

"Yes of course, graduated and working as well, one has to make a living."

" You must understand Julia how truly shocking that is, to someone like me. Women aren't exactly held as equals."

"Well yes of course, you men all tend to be a bunch of sexist pigs, I'm sure."

"Oh, scathing! No need for hostilities, my beauty!"

They were both smiling across from each other, and seeing the mirth in his eyes caused them both to laugh. He had no idea that modern society had changed so much. He rather enjoyed the notion, Julia was so unrestricted, free and flowing, the opposite of women as he knew them. He was after all an educated man, unlike the idiots he surrounded himself with, he could certainly understand the positives in having an independent woman, such as Julia, around him. Her optimism glowed, making her confident and radiant and in turn lifting his own mood.

"Is that a treasure map, James?"

He could see the interest in her eyes, he could certainly use this to his advantage. What better way to impress his new adventurous paramour, then the possibility of finding gold and jewels.

"Aye, my dear, my men retrieved it from a pair of Savage scouts, they happened upon this morning."

"You mean killed this morning?" Her eyebrows lowered as she smirked at him, noticing the blood on several spots of the animal skin. At her words an evil sneer lifted his mouth, his white teeth bared menacingly.

"Killing is such a harsh word, don't you agree my dear? You see, they were dangerously close to my ship, that is the penalty for straying too close to my cove. Come here so you can have a better look."

He motioned for her to join him. Cautiously she stood, walking to his side of the desk, to stare at the map. He stood closely beside her, watching as she gazed at the perfect replica of the Island.

Her finger traced the dotted lines noticing that certain areas had unintelligible words scrawled upon it. Her hand coming to rest on a drawn cove which had a mermaid etched into it. Her hear rate increased as she felt his warm hand come down on hers.

"That is mermaid lagoon and believe me when I say they are not beautiful, but rather dangerous creatures."

"More dangerous than you?" She flushed.

"Oh, no, they are certainly not as dangerous as me."

He smirked lifting her hand to his lips. Looking at her paled and slightly freckled face, observing the dark circles under her eyes. She was much more fatigued than he had thought, being out in the cold and rain in truth had drained them both. Sending her for rest was the best option to insure she didn't get sick. He was loathe to admit it, but as he looked at her, he began to realize just how much she meant to him. He especially didn't want Peter Pan to be the reason she fell ill. He wrapped his arm over her shoulder walking her to the steps of his bed.

"You look very fatigued, my dear. That rain can make you sick if you don't get the rest that you need. I will not have you falling ill on account of that insolent little brat. There will be time for discussions on mermaids and treasure in the morning."

She couldn't believe it, but he was actually concerned for her. Yes, she could see it in his eyes. Captain James Hook may have been a dangerous pirate yet there was another side to him, that he was showing her, one that made her feelings for him warm even further. He stopped at the stairs as she turned to face him, the action came before she even had time to stop herself, leaning forward she pressed her lips to his cheek.

"Goodnight, James."

He stumbled slightly on his words, his hand flying to his cheek.

"Goodnight….my beauty."

He watched as she settled back into his bed. She had kissed him, that had certainly been a pleasant surprise. He was finding it difficult to evaluate his feelings, yet all he knew was that when she was near him he felt far less old, alone and done for, than he ever had in his life. As he distinguished the candles he once again forgot about the map, suddenly feeling tired himself, he laid back on his couch, his hand once again coming up to his face, memorizing the warmth of her lips as he slipped into rest.