A/N: So the chapter I wrote turned out to be longer than I expected, so I decided to split it into two chapters. Yay, that means you get an extra chapter! Thanks again to those of you who follow me and favorite the story. Please do not be afraid to leave me a review! If you leave reviews then I'll get more motivated to write knowing what you guys really think lol.

MsRose91: I'm glad you liked it! I'm trying so hard to keep him character, so he can be perfect :] Let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time, except for my own original characters.


"Put the dish down Mary Margaret."

April watched as her pixie-headed friend stood behind the sink and scrubbed a clean plate repeatedly. She was in Mary Margaret's apartment sitting on the counter next to Emma. She had come over to try and help her friend through her recent drama. Mary Margaret had feelings for David, but David was a married man. But although he was Kathryn's husband, he was showing feelings for Mary Margaret as well.

"Yeah you might wanna ease up or that brillo pad's gonna press charges." added Emma.

Mary Margaret sighed, dropping the dish back into the sink, "The dishes were just piling up."

"Does this have anything to do with David stopping by?" asked Emma. "I saw him sulking away as I pulled up."

April gasped, "What? He passed by again? What did he say to you?"

"I told him that we shouldn't have feelings for each other since he's married, but…" a small smile made its way to her lips, "he said that he's choosing me over Kathryn."

"How romantic!" gushed out April.

Emma narrowed her eyes at the two women. "The guy is still married though."

The comment made Mary Margaret whimper. "I know… So what do I do?"

"Well what does your heart tell you?"

Mary Margaret looked at April with a distressing gaze. "My heart tells me to go for it, but my brain tells me it's wrong."

April crossed her arms, "I've always been a firm believer of following one's heart. I think if it's meant to be, it'll find a way to work itself out."

"I on the other hand," spoke up Emma, "think you should follow your brain."

April laughed knowing that Emma's response would be the opposite of hers. Since she's gotten to Storybrooke, Emma and April have become good friends. They both love Henry and she's staying with her close friend Mary Margaret so they see one another quite often. Even though April was more the dreamer type and Emma was more realistic, that didn't stop them from being friends.

"Here's the thing, I don't know a lot about relationships, other than having many that failed. However, generally speaking, if you think something you wanna do is wrong…it is. So you gotta stay strong and he has to figure out his life." Emma concluded.

"The point is," said April, "we're your friends and we're going to support you no matter what decision you make."

Emma nodded in agreement and Mary Margaret gave them a tearful smile.

"Thank you guys."

Emma then got up from the counter and headed toward the cupboard. "You know what you need to do right now? Stop cleaning and have a drink."

"I second that!" giggled April while grabbing three glass cups.

The three young women sat down at the small dinning table. Emma unscrewed the cap of a 'MacCutcheon 60 year old Scotch' bottle and poured them all a drink. They raised their glasses and smiled.

"Cheers." They said in unison.

Gulping down the hard liquor, April took a glance at Emma and grinned. "So do we get to hear any ex-boyfriend stories?"

She shook her head, "There's nothing to tell, none of them were anything special."

"What about Henry's father?"

"Like I said, nothing special." She repeated dryly.

"What about you April?" questioned Mary Margaret. "Is there a man in your life?"

April frowned, "Nope."

"Was there ever? Maybe an ex-boyfriend?"

April scrunched her eyebrows together, trying to remember if there was ever anyone special to her. "I don't know."

Had she always been alone? Had there never been anyone she cared about? The more she thought about it, the more she started to feel like part of her brain was blocked off. How could she not remember? Nevertheless, she did have this strange feeling that there was someone very important to her in her past. She must've been in love with someone once right?


An untouched pigment of cerulean sustained vividly across the morning skies. The sun shined brightly, glaring down at the hard working crew of the Jolly Roger and the smell of the sea danced about in the air.

Clarissa inhaled the sweet scent and decided to take a break from swabbing the deck. She placed the mop and its bucket to a side as she walked toward the bow of the ship. Her hands gripped the railings while she peered out at the scenery. Her eyes were greeted by a dazzling horizon with nothing but calm waters for miles on end. She couldn't help but smile as she took in the beautiful atmosphere.

"Don't look now, but I think someone might be enjoying themselves." She had been so hypnotized by the view; she didn't notice Hook appear beside her.

A light chuckle escaped her lips as she glanced at him. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."

It has been more than a week since Clarissa has been aboard the Jolly Roger and to her surprise being a prisoner to pirates hasn't been as bad as she expected. Yes, she did have to work daily and yes, she didn't particularly have her own free will. But she enjoyed the scenery and she enjoyed hearing the crew tell stories about their adventures. And just as the Captain promised, the crew had not given her any trouble.

Clarissa turned back to the sea, "It's amazing. I didn't think the ocean could be so beautiful."

"Aye," he agreed. "The ocean captures many hearts; one of the reasons I decided to become a pirate."

Hook watched her as she continued to keep her eyes on the ocean. Her hair was being blown slightly by the wind, the color reminding him of fresh honey. It framed her slender face and fluttered at her breast line. She had big hazel eyes surrounded by long eyelashes and strong cheekbones with plump lips. The dress she had on hugged her in all the right places, showing off her natural curves. Hook had to admit that she was quite beautiful. Out of all the treasure he had hidden away on the ship, she was by far the prettiest jewel.

"What's that?" pointed Clarissa. There was a small dark speck in distance.

With his telescope, Hook looked out in the direction she pointed. "Ah, that's our next destination; the town of St. Terrance. We'll be docking there soon."

"St. Terrance?" she repeated to herself. She's heard that name before in her studies. It was a big town, famous for its multiple pubs and taverns. What really held her interest was that it was said to have a large marketplace packed with a variety of vendors. "May I get off the ship once we dock?"

"I'm sorry 'lass, but you must remain on board. I can't just let my prisoner scurry off into town alone. You might never return."

"What if you take me with you? I'll be under your supervision, so I won't try to escape." She suggested with a pout. "Please! I'd like to do some exploring and maybe buy myself some new clothes since I've been alternating between the same two."

Blue eyes met hazel ones and Hook couldn't resist the sad look she was giving him. He sighed in defeat, "Very well, but if you disobey any of my orders you'll be back here sweeping the crew's cabin. Understood?"

"Aye aye Captain!" Clarissa saluted with a smile.

The two went back to their duties as the ship continued its way to the town. Once the Jolly Roger arrived in the harbor of St. Terrance, the anchor was dropped and the gangplank lowered. Most of the crew rushed out, probably to find the nearest pub. Clarissa placed her satchel, which she received back from Hook, over her dress. Next she wore her baldric over her right shoulder, attaching her sword by her waist.

"Ready?" asked Hook who was waiting for her by the gangplank.

With a nod, she went to his side and they crossed over onto land. The town was large; maybe even twice the size of her village back home. There were buildings everywhere and so many people that one could barely see the ground. The majority of the layout though was similar to other towns, all except the marketplace. Instead of being just one street, it was a whole square. The square was made up of stalls, booths, and diverse merchants selling their goods to customers.

"Stay close to me."

Clarissa did she was told and never left Hook's sight. He led her inside the mob of people and toward makeshift booths that were selling women's clothing. He stood by idly as she skimmed through the fabrics. Using the extra money Aurora had given her, she bought clothes that she thought would be necessary. No more dresses. Since she was on a pirate ship, she might was well dress more comfortably. Clarissa was able to find some white long sleeved ruffled shirts, stockings, skirts, and some breathe-able corsets. She even bought a pair of trousers. When she finished shopping, they made their way out of the vicious crowds of the marketplace.

Hook noticed the way Clarissa placed her hand on her stomach. "Are you hungry?"

She blushed in embarrassment, "A little."

"Follow me."

The two sat at one of the famous pubs in town. Clarissa ordered herself a small meal while Hook had a glass of their finest rum. He sure likes rum. She looked at the man before her and thought how she barely knew anything about him.

"So besides loving the sea; why did you become a pirate?" Clarissa asked, striking up conversation.

"Why the sudden interest love? Are you trying to figure out my weaknesses?" he questioned with an eyebrow arched.

She glanced at him innocently, "I'm just trying to make conversation. Since being your prisoner hasn't allowed me to meet new people, I guess I have to settle for you."

He laughed, "Alright, I guess I can spare you some stories. To answer your question, I became a pirate because I like being a free man, taking no one's orders but my own. I was once a sailor under a King…didn't quite work out. Taking what I please and living by my own rules is the life for me now."

"What about going on quests and visiting other lands?"

"That's all part of the package 'lass." he grinned, "Getting to explore other worlds and seeing new lands is why I chose to become a sailor. But being a pirate is better because it allows me to go wherever and whenever I desire."

This sparked Clarissa's attention. He too had a similar interest as her; of going out to see the world and all its wonders. "What lands have you visited?"

"My most recent trip was to Neverland, that's where I –"

"Neverland?!" Clarissa exclaimed, not letting Hook finish his sentence. "That's the land where youth is eternal right? How did you manage to go there?"

Hook was taken aback by her sudden outburst. She looked at him with curiosity in her eyes as she waited for him to continue. He inwardly smiled, happy that she was so interested in his adventures.

"I used a magic bean to create a portal." He replied.

"That's incredible! What was Neverland like?"

Hook told her all about Neverland, about how truly dangerous it was and his encounters with mermaids, fairies with pixie dust, and the evil boy that lived there; Peter Pan. Clarissa listened closely, fascinated by all his daring tales. After Neverland, Hook went on about other lands he had visited and Clarissa was left even more amazed. For a moment it seemed as though the two had forgotten the roles they played; prisoner and pirate. It was as if they were ordinary people just enjoying the other's company.

During their conversation, Clarissa adjusted her sword to a more comfortable position on her lap. Hook took notice and frowned, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Why is that sword so important to you?" he asked.

Clarissa sucked in a breath, wondering if it was a good idea to tell him. She stared at him and found a small degree of concern in his eyes, enough to convince her. "It was my father's… He died a little over a month ago. It's all I have left of my family."

"I'm sorry." his voice was low. The way he said it, made Clarissa feel as though he truly meant it. Maybe there was more to this pirate than she thought.

"It's alright; I've done enough grieving, it's about time I move on. He was a brave Knight and I'll always love him."

"A Knight you say? Well then that gives you the title 'Lady' Clarissa." Hook spontaneously grabbed her hand and held it to his mouth, his lips brushing against her skin. "I'm honored to have a lovely Lady such as yourself aboard my ship."

His unexpected flirtatious act made her flush and she tried her best not to let it show. "You know for a pirate, you try to be quite the charmer."

"Try?" he laughed, "I do not try at all, it is merely who I am."

Clarissa giggled and then realized something, "You know what's funny? I don't even know your name."

"You never asked."

"Well I'm asking now." she smirked, "It obviously isn't Hook."

Taking another sip of his rum, he replied, "Killian Jones."

"Killian Jones…" she repeated, tasting the name in her mouth. "I think it's a rather nice name."

He smiled, but pointed at her in seriousness. "But you will address me as Captain in front of the crew."

She nodded with a grin and they shared a long moment of stillness. It wasn't awkward, more like a comfortable silence. Neither taking their eyes off the other for reason's unknown to them. It was like they were in a trance. Until,

"What happened to your left hand?"

In that instant, the face of a woman appeared in Killian's mind. Anger and guilt consumed him as recurring images claimed his thoughts. Clarissa watched as his expression suddenly fell and became dark. The man she was talking to had disappeared and what remained was the Captain she met in the alley way that first night.

"That's not something I discuss with servants." He spat.

It was as though the daydream she was in shattered. The good mood they once had was now gone and she didn't understand why. "What? Did I upset you? I'm sorry!"

"Wasted my time is what you've done. I'm here on business and you made me get sidetracked." He walked over to Mr. Smee who so happened to be in the same pub with some of the other men. "Take her back to the ship and keep your eyes on her. Her time in St. Terrance is now over. "

"What? But I –"

Killian turned around so fast that she didn't have time to finish. She just watched him leave the pub with some of his crew.

"Come along now miss, you heard the Captain." ordered Mr. Smee grabbing her by the arm.

How could I be so stupid? Her blood began to boil. I can't believe I actually thought I could have a decent conversation with that man. He is unreasonable! If he didn't want to answer the question; fine, but there was no need to be so cold. I was starting to think that being a prisoner aboard a ship of pirates wasn't so bad. I take it all back!

Clarissa left unwillingly with Mr. Smee and they headed back to the docks toward the ship. On their way there however, Clarissa spotted the familiar dark hair of the Captain within the crowd. Before rolling her eyes and looking away, she noticed he was talking to someone. From what she could see, the man he was talking to looked rather brawny with long brunette hair tied in a low ponytail. The only reason the scene caught her interest was because it looked as though the two men were arguing. Their expressions and body language clearly gave it away.

"Mr. Smee, who is that man the Captain is talking to?"

Mr. Smee took a look to his right, "That is Captain Garrick Barrington, he is also a pirate."

Clarissa raised an eyebrow, "Really? So are they friends or something?"

"Oh no miss," he frowned, "pirates don't really have friends. It's more like risky business associates. They sometimes trade and make deals amongst themselves."

"I see…" I guess that explains why they seem upset. I wonder what they're fighting about. Not that I care about that good for nothing pirate.

After walking across the gangplank and onto the ship, Clarissa put away the new attire she had gotten in the marketplace. She decided to stay on the upper deck and finish swabbing the floor. Since none of the crew had returned, it would be better to complete the task now rather than later. Mr. Smee did just as the Captain ordered and stayed on the deck too, keeping his eyes on her. Time passed, about two hours or more, and the sky darkened just as Clarissa finished cleaning the deck. There was still no sign of the Killian or his crew; it was just her and Mr. Smee alone on the ship.

"It's getting dark, I wonder if the Captain took care of his business with Garrick or if maybe he and the men ran into some trouble." worried Mr. Smee.

Clarissa groaned, "That filthy pirate is probably getting drunk off rum in one of the town's famous pubs."

"You mustn't speak of your Captain that way." urged Mr. Smee, "The Captain is a good man."

She turned her back on Mr. Smee to look at the ocean, which was hard to see as it camouflaged with the darken sky. "I haven't seen any good men behave the way he does."

"He's been through a lot is all…"

Been through a lot? She was curious to know more. "A lot like what?"

Silence followed her question.

"Mr. Smee?"

As soon as Clarissa spun back around, she gasped when she saw Mr. Smee being tied up by a dark figure. She immediately identified that the man was not one of the crew members of the Jolly Roger. But before she even had a chance to scream, she felt a fabric being put over her head. All she saw was black.