A/N: After finishing finals and enjoying the holiday season, I finally found time to write the next chapter. Sorry for taking so long, but thank you for not giving up on the story! This chapter felt kinda 'blah', but the next one is going to be great! Promise ;) So thanks again to those of you who follow me and favorite the story. Please do not be afraid to leave me a review! :D

MsRose91: Thanks! And you won't have to wait too long hehe ;)

NatalyaEnkou: I'm glad you enjoyed the fight scene, I really tried my best!

Thinkpink808: All I will say is that it's coming soon ;)

Laurafxox: Your review made me really happy lol. I hope you like the future chapters just as much!

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


The salty smell of the sea came carried across on a warm breeze. Clarissa inhaled the familiar scent and watched as the Jolly Roger's next destination came into view. She could already make out the dock and a few tied ships in the distance. The village of Willowdale was a small settlement on the south side of the Enchanted Forest. The reason for this visit was due to the Captain's broken sword, which was shattered in two by the Nandi Bear. According to Killian, Willowdale is said to have an incredible blacksmith who can make stunning swords.

Clarissa made her way up to the quarterdeck where she found Killian steering the ship. His expression was blank. Ever since they left the island, he hadn't been the same. He's been quieter, less focused and a little moody. Even his teasing remarks had ceased. Not finding the real dagger to kill the Dark One hit him harder than he let on.

"So Captain, how do you know this blacksmith is as good as they say?"

He turned to her, his eyes finally leaving the sea. "I once had a mate from this village tell me about the mighty weapons the blacksmith could create."

"Oh," she nodded, "Well once you get your sword, what do you think we'll do after?" Maybe go treasure hunting? See new lands I hope?

"Who knows…" Killian returned to staring at the sea, his voice holding no emotion. "It's back to square one."

The frown on Clarissa's face was no stranger. Everyday since they left, she's tried to hold a conversation with him, tried to make him smile or laugh. But it was hopeless, nothing was affecting him. She wanted to do something – anything – to take his mind off his troubles. His crew was also starting to notice his dull demeanor. What else can I do? I need to think of something to help him.

The anchor dropped and the gangplank was lowered the moment the ship entered into the docks of Willowdale. While everyone was still getting prepared to get off the ship, Clarissa went to find the only other person she could confide in on this ship. Thankfully, she was able to spot Mr. Smee as he headed for the main deck.

"Mr. Smee, may I please have a word with you?"

"Of course miss," he answered with a smile. "What is it you need?"

Mr. Smee had always showed her kindness and so she did not hesitate to trust him with her task. "I need your help Mr. Smee. I do not know if you've noticed, but our Captain is not his usual self."

"Yes, sadly I have noticed." His smile faltered as he thought about his troubled Captain. "Since the day I became part of his crew, all the Captain has wanted is revenge for his lost love. Now after this failure, he must feel devastated."

"Revenge isn't the answer though… It won't make him happy in the end." The last thing Clarissa wanted to see was Killian suffer, but there had to be some other way to lift his spirits.

"I agree with you miss; revenge holds no joy for its victims."

Happy to hear that she wasn't the only one who was against getting vengeance; she continued on. "So then what do we do?"

"I'll talk to the crew. I know they love and respect the Captain as much as we do. Maybe together we could think of an idea." He suggested.

That sounds like a good plan. His crew has known him longer than I have. Surely they know what makes him happy. "Alright, I'll leave it to you then. If you think of anything, come find me. I'll be accompanying the Captain in his visit to see the blacksmith."

Mr. Smee nodded one last time before departing. "Yes miss, I'll try my best."

The darkened streets of Willowdale were quiet as Clarissa and Killian made their way back toward the Jolly Roger. The two had just finished their visit to the blacksmith; the proof being the impeccable silver sword at the Captain's waist. Their visit had been rather long, due to the men bargaining a suitable price for the sword. Thankfully, Killian was able to get a fantastic new sword which brought a small smile to his lips. And that in turn made Clarissa smile, finally seeing some sort of emotion on her Captain's face.

"It's quite a beautiful sword." She commented, hoping to see that smile again.

She did. "Aye, it is." Killian held up the sword in front of him, gazing at its un-used beauty. He looked at the blonde and smirked. "Even nicer than your sword."

A giggle was heard as Clarissa rolled her eyes at him. "Oh, I wouldn't go that far." I think he's starting to cheer up. Once Clarissa spotted the ship in the distance, she thought about Mr. Smee. Did he talk to the crew? Was he able to think of a plan? There was only one way to find out.

"Captain!"

Speak of the devil.

The chubby man in the red cap ran up to Killian and Clarissa slightly out of breath.

"Mr. Smee!" announced Killian, "What brings you here? We were just headed back to the ship."

"I wanted to find you before you could go aboard."

"Why?" His posture changed, he stood tall with arms crossed. "Is there a problem?"

"The crew isn't there." He stated bluntly.

Killian raised an eyebrow, "Then where are my men?"

"Follow me Captain." Before Mr. Smee turned around, he shot Clarissa a wink.

Clarissa followed Mr. Smee and Killian happily. She didn't know where they were going, but wherever it was, she hoped it was going to make Killian happy. I knew Mr. Smee wouldn't let me down. They approached a two story building by the end of the village. Mr. Smee halted at the door and faced his Captain.

"Your crew, Miss Clarissa and I included, have noticed you haven't been yourself since the island, so we thought you could use some cheering up." As his explanation finished, Mr. Smee opened the door to reveal a loud pub full of people.

From inside the door, the crew spotted Killian and all raised their glasses to him, rejoicing his arrival with shouts and whistles. As the three stepped inside, Killian's grin returned. Clarissa hadn't seen him grin that big since they left the island.

Killian placed his hands on Mr. Smee's shoulders. "This is exactly what I needed." He walked with him toward his crew and yelled, "Let us drink all night!"

The room erupted in applause and laughter as the Captain sat down to celebrate with the rest of his men. Clarissa took this opportunity to look around the pub. It was a nice looking room with a fireplace and a large quantity of tables and chairs. But as hard as she looked, she could not find the bar which most pubs had. Then she noticed the people in the room. They were all mostly women; beautiful women who were all focusing their attention on the men.

She froze.

This wasn't a pub, it was a brothel. Why on Earth would Mr. Smee and the crew bring him here? When Clarissa turned to her left, she got her answer. Killian was sitting down having a drink with two women under both his arms. A red head and brunette sat in his lap, flirting and giggling at every word he said. And from his expression, he was obviously having a good time. So that's why…

What do I do now? I feel so out of place. Being in the brothel made her feel uncomfortable, but she didn't just want to leave right away. She wanted to see the plan through and watch him cheer up. It was her idea anyway; and from the looks of it, it didn't look like that would take long. So Clarissa walked her way quietly to one of the empty tables on the other side of the room. She decided to have a drink while she waited, but her hazel eyes could not stop watching the joyful one-handed pirate from across the room.

The more she watched the more something inside her stirred. She did not like seeing those women on top of him; seeing him use his charm on someone other than her. Clarissa internally struggled with her thoughts, wondering why the little green bug had bitten her. Jealously was not an emotion she was familiar with. But why am I jealous? She knew the answer to that all too well. The moment she saw the Nandi Bear over Killian's body on the island, she knew she couldn't lose him. She didn't want to lose him. She even risked her life and threw rocks at its back in order for Killian to be safe. Even now, Clarissa was enduring her displeasure to stay in the brothel all so she can see him be happy. It was time for her to accept what she'd been refusing since she met him. She had feelings for Killian Jones.

"Excuse me miss," a woman holding a wooden tray approached her, "is there anything I can get you?"

"Another drink."

As time went on, the empty cups on Clarissa's table began to pile up. She couldn't help it, ever time she saw a woman flirting with Killian she took a sip until she had to get another drink. Is he going to stay the night? The thought itself made her take another long sip. It must've been the effect of the alcohol because she felt as though every mouthful of liquor made her torment just a little bit easier to bear. Besides a few drops here and there Clarissa had never been much of a drinker, so that would make her tolerance pretty small. Therefore after her fifth drink the alcohol in her system took a strong hold. The room soon began to spin or maybe it was just in her head. She blinked unevenly several times hoping her vision would clear up, but it was no use.

After a series of random events – which wouldn't be remembered the next day – Clarissa somehow ended up on top of one the tables. She was singing and dancing. Why? She hadn't the slightest clue, but it felt good. Her drunken crew mates surrounded her, clapping and even singing along.

"We burn up the city, we're really a fright. Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho!" She sang the words at the top of her lungs, not having a care in the world. "Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me!" Clarissa was about to twirl, but suddenly lost her balance.

"Whoa, whoa." Killian came to her rescue, catching her by the arm. "Come down from there love."

Killian had been watching her since the moment she stood on top of the table. He instantly realized she was intoxicated, but having not seen her in this state before, he decided to let her have fun for a bit. But now he thought it was best if she went to bed before she could somehow hurt herself.

He kept his grip on her arm as she stepped off the table. "I think it's time you head back to the ship."

"B-But I don't want to leeeaaave!" She looked at the crew and giggled. "I was just starting to have some f-fun!"

Despite her plea and the crew's cheering, he shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I think you've had enough for tonight." He pulled her toward the exit, "Come on along now, I'll walk you."

Killian had some drinks in him as well, but was still sober enough to not let the alcohol take effect. Clarissa on the other hand was pretty much out of it. She walked next to the pirate trying hard not to stumble or fall. It was a quiet stroll, except for the small mumbles and giggles that escaped the young woman. Once aboard the ship, Killian led her carefully in the direction of her room. It was originally the storage room, but after a few renovations made last month, it looked more like a proper bedroom.

"You siiiir," her voice slurred, "are a party pooper."

He chuckled as he sat the drunken woman down on the bed. "Call me what you'd like, but what you need now is some rest. You're in for quite a headache tomorrow."

She nodded slowly and so Killian felt satisfied with his good deed. Reassured that she would do what he said and go to sleep, he walked toward the door. But just as he was about to grab the door knob, her voice stopped him.

"Are you going back?"

When he turned around to face her, he was surprised by her change of expression. Seconds ago she was giggling and happy, but now it looked like she was about to weep. He didn't know what to do. The last thing he wanted was to see her cry, so he tried the only thing he could think of. Tease her. It always made her feel flushed and embarrassed.

"Why?" He gave her a playful smile. "Are you jealous?"

"Yes."

He froze. He was not expecting her to answer him so frankly. Apparently alcohol makes her truthful.

"Well you need not worry. No one compares to your beauty m'lady."

She giggled, rising from the bed, taking steps toward him. "You know, I really missed you teasing me. I know I say I don't like it, but I secretly do."

With every step she took, he grew anxious. Not knowing what she could do next. "I'll keep that in mind." Yet at the same time, he was pleased to know he was affecting her just as much as she affected him.

When Clarissa reached him, she looked at him with her big hazel eyes which only made Killian melt inside. "Why did you kiss me?"

"What?" He was taken aback by her sudden question. A question he was hoping to avoid.

"Back at the island; why did you kiss me?" she paused for a bit, "And why haven't you done it again?"

He stayed silent, trying to figure out the best way to answer her question.

"Did it not mean anything to you? Because to me…to me it meant –" Clarissa shook her head in order to set her thoughts straight, but it only triggered her dizziness.

She felt her knees give out, but thankfully Killian caught her once more. "I got you love."

Her world was spinning yet again, but when she looked into Killian's eyes, it all seemed to have stopped. Being so close to him brought back memories of the island; when he had his body up against her, and she couldn't help have that feeling spark up through her body again.

While surrounded in silence, the tension between them rose as they kept eye contact. For a split second, Clarissa glanced at his lips, then back up to his eyes. She didn't know who grabbed who first, but when she felt Killian's lips on hers it didn't matter.

The taste of alcohol was exchanged between their tongues as their burning need for one another grew. Clarissa held nothing back as she kissed him with full urgency, finally submitting into her feelings. If she wasn't drunk already, his kisses would've had the same effect on her. He was intoxicating. Killian moved his mouth rhythmically with hers while allowing his hands to feel her every curve. Suddenly, realization struck him. Clarissa was drunk and he couldn't let himself take advantage of her, no matter how much he was enjoying the moment. So gathering all his inner strength, he gently pushed her away.

"Clarissa," he had to swallow before he could speak properly. "you should rest now."

Surprisingly, the young woman did not object to Killian's proposal as her wooziness caught up to her. "Y-You're right, I'm n-not feeling so g-good."

Killian held her firmly in his arms while carefully leading her back to bed. He did not want her to feel any worse. Upon reaching the bed, he took the time to help her lay down and cover her in a warm blanket.

"There you go 'lass," he spoke softly as he unconsciously caressed her arm. She yawned drowsily and soon her eyelids began to sink down due to the affect of the liquor. Killian smiled watching her try to fight her eyelids from closing. How cute.

Before the pirate could stand up however, Clarissa made an attempt to stop him once more. "Wait."

"What is it?"

"I want y-you to know how I f-feel…" The stuttering and her low tone made it hard to hear, "Killian, I...I...I…"

There was never a moment before where Killian felt as nervous as he felt right now.

The soft sound of snoring filled the room. Clarissa had fallen asleep, taking with her the mystery of her unspoken words. A sigh escaped the Captain's lips while he gazed at her gently. This was defiantly an eventful night.

"Goodnight."

The next morning Clarissa awoke to the vibrations of drums pounding inside her head. Her throat was dry and one wrong move could cause her stomach to explode. Even the small amount of sunlight that made itself into her room caused her eyes to hurt. She felt horrible.

"Ah, so you're finally awake."

The strong voice of her Captain made her wince in pain, her head still throbbing uncontrollably. She could hear the crew's footsteps outside, but right now it sounded more like canon fire going off in her head.

"Do you feel like your head might burst?" Killian smirked playfully at her displeasure.

She nodded, trying her best to ease the pain by massaging her temples.

"Well here, this should help."

Clarissa took from his hand a small cup filled with some sort of green liquid. "What's this?"

"It's a special mixture of herbs. It will help with your headache."

Smelling the repulsive liquid from the cup, Clarissa knew it wasn't going to taste well. But she trusted Killian's guidance since she knew that he probably had mornings like this as well, given his obsession with rum. It only took her a few big gulps to finish the drink. She lowered the empty cup to her lap and frowned.

"What happened last night?"

Killian's eyes widened in shock. "You don't remember anything at all?"

"I remember being at the brothel, but everything after that is a blur. I know I had a couple more drinks than I'm used to, but that's about it."

So she doesn't remember the kiss… It is probably for the best. "Well truth be told, there wasn't anything worth remembering last night. After I noticed that you were drunk at the brothel, I simply walked you back to the ship. Nothing else."

She sighed, "I'm sorry."

Her apology made Killian raise an eyebrow. "Sorry for what love?"

"For ruining your night..." Her expression fell and he wanted nothing more than to soothe her. "I was the one who told Mr. Smee to help think of a plan to cheer you up. I just wanted you to be happy, but I ruined it by being drunk and taking you away from it."

Oh, you silly girl. How wrong you are. "You did no such thing, so don't beat yourself up." He commanded.

"Aye Captain."

"Now rest up; I will check back on you later."

All he received was a nod as she snuggled herself back under the blankets. But right before he closed the door, he stopped and turned to her. "And Clarissa,"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

With that said he turned and closed the door, leaving them both with a smile.