AN: Sorry for the delay, I've had a lot going on; my health hasn't been great, and I recently reconnected with someone from my past, thank you for the reviews, and your continued support; in this chapter, Emma begins to battle her budding feelings for Hook. Read and review please, as it would be greatly appreciated, MysteryFan1997.

Disclaimer, I do not own any of the characters from OUAT.

Ch15 - It Couldn't Be True Love, Could It? Pt1

How is he still alive?...

The cabin, I'm now calling home; is where I'm going to stay, while Hook and his men explore the port that we are currently only hours from, I haven't seen much of Hook today, but I've heard the excited murmuring of his crew; I've also decided, it's best if I stay on the ship; as it decreases the risk of Hook being arrested.

I have to admit these past few days, have been interesting, Smith is now gone, he was marooned on a small island, after his attempt to assault me was stopped, I am now staying in a small cabin, instead of the brig.

I was also surprised, when Hook told me about his past and about Milah; I was stunned when he explained her connection to Rumplestiltskin, it must have been awful for her, being married to someone like him.

Then there's his need for vengeance against the dark one; I was completely surprised that he doesn't know of the consequences of killing him. I suppose that's something, I can mention tonight at supper; I sat up, when I heard a knock.

I stood up, before making my way toward the door; I opened it, and was greeted by Hook. He spoke.

"Good morning lass; how did you sleep?"

I nodded, before speaking.

"I slept just fine, Hook; how are the crew this morning, excited to go onto land I gather?"

He nodded, before speaking again.

"Aye love, they are; as am I" he looked at me, as he assessed my state of dress, before continuing. "I gather you'll be joining us?"

I shook my head, before answering.

"No, I figured I'd stay on the ship; I wouldn't want to risk someone recognising me, and it leading to your arrest"

He smiled softly, before speaking.

"You don't need to worry about that, Princess; you wouldn't be recognised, you see it's a port for Pirates, no royal vessels pass through there"

I nodded, before speaking.

"I see...but I still think, it would be best if I stayed here, and didn't you mention something about finding a tavern wench to spend some time with?"

He looked at me, before answering.

"Aye, that I did; that's why we visit ports, that still doesn't explain why you want to stay here, you're not a prisoner anymore, love. You have your freedom, so why would you want to waste it by spending your evening alone on the ship?"

I, spoke again.

"I have my reasons Captain, and besides I like to have time to myself, it gives me time to think"

He nodded, before speaking again.

"I see...Just know you have time to change your mind, if you decide that you want to join us after all"

I nodded, before speaking.

"Thank you, Captain"

He nodded, before leaving; once he was gone, I sat on the small bed again, I know I've probably hurt him, by rejecting his offer to spend the evening in the port town with him, but I just didn't want to be in the way of any tavern wenches that want to vie for his attentions.

I don't know, why; but I do believe, I am starting to develop feelings for Hook, I remember my mother explaining it, when I asked how she knew she loved my father, her eyes lit up, and she told me that true love can be difficult, but when you find that person, you just know.

I sighed, when I remembered the look on his face; when I said I was staying on the ship, did he really want me to go with him? I suppose, if he didn't; he wouldn't have said that I had time to change my mind.

I then remembered, he mentioned it was a port for Pirates, and that no royal vessels had ever stopped there. I do have my freedom, and I guess there won't be another opportunity like this for a while.

I sat up again, before looking at my bag; I stood up, before crouching down, I then opened it. I looked at each item, before coming across a pair of breeches that I didn't even realised I placed in the bag.

My riding breeches, that just happened to be leather, I must have thrown them in by accident, I guess at the time I was more interested in stopping Hook to pay attention to what I packed.

I lifted them out, before finding one of my shirts; it was white, I got dressed, before heading to Hook's cabin. I knocked, only entering when he spoke.

I looked at him, as he was seated at his desk; his eyes trained on a map, I waited patiently for him to finish his task, he lifted his head. His eyes widened, before he looked away; clearing his throat, as he did.

He spoke.

"I take, by the way you are dressed; you are going to join us, on land?"

I nodded, before speaking.

"If the offer, still stands; then yes"

He nodded, before speaking again.

"The offer still stands, lass; but first, where did you get those clothes? And why are you only wearing them now?"

I smiled internally, knowing my outfit choice worked; I spoke.

"When I was packing, the breeches must have been on my bed, and in my haste they were put into my bag...If you don't like the way I'm dressed, I can always change"

He shook his head, before answering.

"No, it's fine; you'll blend in better, dressed like that. If it's alright with you, I shall escort you to the port town myself"

I nodded, before speaking.

"Thats fine with me, Hook; I'll return cabin, until we reach the port, and thank you for convincing me to change my mind. I think it will be a good learning experience for me"

He nodded, before I left; I returned to my cabin, closing the door behind me, as I leant against it. He was obviously affected, by my outfit choice, and he wants to escort me onto land himself?

How, gentlemanly of him...

TBC

Part two, will be published in a couple of days, I promise.