It is a well-known fact that mermaids are immortal. What Hook, Peter, and the rest of the inhabitants of Neverland didn't know, is that Aurelia was now immortal. They sat, in silence. Hook hadn't spoken for a while.
"We need to stop fighting. For her" Was the first thing he said.
"I agree. She would've wanted that" Peter said.
Peter and Hook sat, opposite ends of the table.
"I can't believe she's gone" Peter said. "After everything that happened, I really thought we'd have a happy ending. Not us, but... well, everyone. She loved you, you know"
"I wish we'd had the chance to have a happy life. I tore her away from you, from her family- from everyone. This is all my fault"
"no, it's not, Hook. If you didn't take her, she could've died along with the village. You did your best"
"It wasn't good enough" Hook said, rubbing his face. "I'm cursed. Everyone I love, they always... She was special, though. She was the one. I knew it from the moment I saw her. I never dreamed she..." he dropped his face in his hands.
"You know, when we were kids, we used to play fight all the time. I used to pretend to let her win, but I tried my best. She was always a spirited thing. Everyone loved her. But the best thing about her- she sees the best in everyone. Even when she hates someone, she cant help but see good in them too. I couldn't possibly understand, but she saw something good in you. We have to fight for the greater good. it's what she would have wanted."
"I'm leaving" Hook said. "Even if we promise to stop fighting, I don't want to risk it. And I can't stay here… Not after what's happened"
"That's fair enough" Peter said. There was a silence stretching out between the men, linked in their misery.
"What are we going to do without her?" Peter said.
"I don't know" Hook said, looking away angrily as he blinked away a tear.
"You will stay for the funeral, of course" Peter said.
"Yes. Then I will take my ship and leave" Hooks voice was monotone, his eyes blank. His face was pale and he looked awful, not being able to sleep or eat much since the morning when Aurelia died.
"And what of your men?" Peter asked, suspiciously.
"I set them free. Some are still remaining loyal, and will return to me later, but right now I need to leave. To not be me for a little while. It hurts too much"
"I'm sorry" Peter said "I wish we could've avoided this"
"Me too. I've never loved anyone as much as I love her, you know"
"Well, she's a special girl" peter said. "God, you should've seen her when she was a child. Always dreaming of adventure and danger and princes. The amount of times she'd get me into trouble was ridiculous. Despite that, my parents loved her. Such a sweet girl…"
"I have to go" Hook said. "I'm sorry, but I need to be alone right now. I'll leave after the funeral tomorrow; Tiger lily is taking care of it. Good night"
"Good night, Killian." The first time Peter had called the pirate by his real name, and the two formed a small friendship.
Hook wandered around that night. He couldn't go near the room that she was in. If he did, he would be too tempted to pull out his dagger and stab it in his heart. Maybe it would be better to join her.
No. He'd fight on. He'd find Rumplestiltskin or some other magic man, who could find a way to bring her back. And if he couldn't, then he would dedicate his life to being good, or as good as he could be.
That night, everyone gathered to the beach. The pale white sands were lit with torches, and lines formed. Some of the pirates and Peters men had built a raft, and the mermaids had helped by weaving beautiful flowers in it. Aurelia lay, beautiful, in the middle. She was dressed in a beautiful green gown, and Nixie had put a beautiful pendant around her throat that the Mer King and Queen wanted Aurelia to have. The Indians from the camp began a slow chant, and slowly, all the different people joined, singing in their own way, forming a haunting melody.
Hook and Peter stood side by side, as they started to push the raft to sea. When they were waist deep in the water, Peter spoke to Aurelia.
"Aurelia. You are, and always will be my best friend. We've been through so much together, and you're the best person I have ever known. I hope, that wherever you are, you are happy and treated with the kindness, respect and love you deserve. Words cannot express how much we will all miss you. I will always remember you as the beautiful girl who dreamed of adventure, when we used to sneak out in the middle of the night down to the lake, and the amazing woman she grew up to be. Goodbye, Aurelia"
He walked away, patting Hook on the shoulder.
Killian cleared his throat. Then again.
"I've never been good with words, darling. Well, not emotional ones anyway. It's safe to say we got off on the wrong foot, but I don't regret a minute of knowing you. You've enchanted me, made me love you, and I am the luckiest person alive. The truth is, I'm scared. I don't know what I'm going to do without you. But this isn't goodbye for us, my love. We'll meet again, soon. I love you, I miss you, and I am forever yours. Sleep well, beautiful"
With a tear sliding down his cheek, he kissed the top of her pale forehead, and gave the raft one last push.
The rest was history.