A/N: Life is not void of pain. Nor is it perfect and clean, and travels in a straight line, no, life is messy. So is any good story, IMO. I've survived, well, quite a lot for my age. And I'm stronger for it. Please read my profile, for more about me... I have updated it, putting myself out there, to address life, and why I write the way I do.
~Follow Your Heart~
In the wee hours of the morning, true to her word, Emma cleaned up after herself. She'd insisted Belle go on up, and argued with Mary the entire time she was tidying. It didn't take her long to clean up. They'd eaten most of it.
Finished with the task, she hazily headed in the general direction of her room. Slowly taking each step, she felt more and more weight on her shoulders. It had been one hell of a day, and it was weighing heavy on her mind. So many names, and faces, all misplaced. She clearly remembered Savas, Dylan, and Captain Jones out of her suitors. So much small talk.
When she made it to the main staircase, she felt a presence. Where? Who? She looked around, wondering. She didn't feel threatened. If anything, she felt more secure. There was something about that presence. Familiarity. Security. Whoever it was, they were close. But who would hide in the shadows like that?
It dawned on her, she mentally kicked herself for not realizing it sooner.
"Hook?" Turning, keeping her head on a swivel, she finally spotted him engulfed in light nearly right behind her. She jumped, hand instantly on her bosom in a futile attempt to stop the rapid beating of her heart. "What are you doing here? Sulking?"
He gave her an incredulous look. "A fierce pirate such as myself never sulks."
Emma groaned. "I'm too tired for this run a round. Just be straight with me."
"I can't exactly explain it."
"Try." She put her hands on her hips, cocking her head at him, shifting her body to lean on one leg over the other
"I just can't shake this… this desire to protect you. I knew you would protest, so I thought it best to stay hidden. Turned out bloody well."
Her gaze softened, and she moved her arms to cross at her waistline. "You know I can take care of myself."
"You don't carry a sword."
"I can wield magick now."
"Magick that you have no idea how to control."
"I know how to use my fists."
"Now that is something I'd like to see."
She scoffed. "Come on, pirate. You may accompany me to my room. This time."
She turned and started walking toward the stairs.
"Thank you, but I wasn't asking for permission."
"And yet you have it, you ungrateful cur!" The poured hotly over her shoulder.
"So that is how you see me, a lowly, aggressive mongrel. Good to know."
"Late. Tired." She waved her hands up in frustration, turning to take the first step up the stairs toward the second floor. She knew he wasn't far behind. "And thank you for the fruit." She rushed the words out before she had time to change her mind.
"My pleasure, love."
"Not your love." Not yet, anyway. "Just how long have you been following me?"
"Not long. A few moments."
"I don't understand you."
"Ask me anything, then."
She made it to the top, and turned right. She was too tired to hold her tongue. "You've gone from flirty, to scoundrel, to genuine and caring. And everything in between. I don't know what to believe about you."
He hooked her arm, causing her to swing around, her momentum causing her to bump into him. Again. He caught her, though this time she wasn't as eager to escape.
"Try your heart. Listen to it, and believe whatever it has to say."
"The heart is illogical, and cannot be trusted."
"So is love, darling. Yet it is always worth the risk. Ask your parents."
Her heart was pounding. Her mind was emptying. Her hand, a mind of its own, had reached for his jaw, feeling the scruff beneath her fingertips. His eyes were piercing into hers, and she knew she was in trouble. If she didn't get her mind back, she wouldn't be able to stop herself.
She didn't want to stop herself. She would just blame her exhaustion.
Her chin tilted up, and his head bent to meet her. He searched her eyes one final time before their lips came together.
Electricity shook through her, causing her body to shiver. This kiss was passion. Both her arms wrapped around his neck, as his arms wrapped around her waist tenderly, pulling her closer at her waist. His tongue lapped at her lips, and the kiss deepened. She felt time slipping from her, and she couldn't get enough of him.
Memories of a day she'd forgotten started resurfacing. She could feel her limbs going weak, falling, before she ever hit the ground.
