Heart of the Sea

Chapter 20 - Peace and Quiet

Killian noticed Lili's worn expression the next day, and didn't try to talk to or press her, simply picking up a book after everyone else had gone and taking up his position in the armchair.

Lili was grateful he wasn't trying today, just sitting there. Despite her reluctance to admit it, his presence was comforting after last night. He was alright. Just sitting there, reading, peaceful as could be. He was never there in her dreams, not the way she feared, leastways, and that comforted her. When she was with him, she wasn't there. (She wasn't alone.) She sighed and focused on her drawing. She was working on a sketch of her view from the couch, of the coffeetable in front of her, the wall across the room, everything in between. It had nothing to do with anything, which was grand for her purposes.

Killian's eyes flicked up from the words on the page he hadn't actually been reading for the last few minutes, enchanted instead by his daughter's drawing. He'd guess she'd had bad dreams the night before; her lips were pressed and her movements were muted, posture not quite as straight as usual. He watched as she sketched, completely focused on the task. It must help, like cleaning did. He determined not to disturb her anymore when she was doing either unless the interruption was absolutely necessary. He wished her as much happiness as she would accept, and if it meant keeping his silence, then so be it. He was finally able to draw his eyes away from her, focusing back on his book. He got lost in the story easily, but every few pages he'd look up, just to see. Yep. She was still doing alright. Good.

He let her prepare lunch without a word, thanking her quietly.

She nodded, giving him a quiet "you're welcome" before munching on her own lunch.

He paced himself, waiting until she had finished and had cleaned her own dishes before handing her his own, thanking her again, a small smile on his lips.

She nodded, and he sensed something of a grateful understanding pass between them.

So he'd noticed. He knew. She tried not to get attached to the little fact. That he cared enough to let her calm the way she did, the way she knew best, to have control. To set one small bit of the world right. She washed away the remnants of peanut butter and crumbs, taking her time. Once that was done, she poured a bit of soap on the plate, rubbing it over the porcelain with her fingertips until she was certain it had covered every speck of the plate, turned it over, wiped at the backside of the plate. Turned on the water and washed off the plate until it was squeaky clean. Eyed it carefully, making sure she'd missed nothing before moving over to the other side of the counter, wiping it down with a towel. She dried her hands and returned to the couch, crossing one leg under the other, taking up her piece of coal once more.

Dinner that night was a somewhat peaceful affair, more so than the previous night's. Emma watched the Joneses carefully, noticing Killian's gentleness towards Lili, the softness of his gaze. Lili didn't seem to mind tonight, taking it in instead of deflecting. They didn't make contact much, either in words or sight, but..it seemed to work. Alright.

(Lili's hands trembled a little as she took to her rum that night, uncertain of what tomorrow's evening would hold, but..she could drink tonight, and that was something. She would sleep well tonight, and she could the night after, no matter what happened tomorrow.)

A/N

Hey guys! I know it's been a while and this is a bit short, but I'm happy to say the story's finally moving again. :) Hopefully I'll be able to post a bit more/sooner. In the meantime, if you wanna check out another fic I've been writing along with my good friend Soph_theScribe, I'd highly recommend it. It's called The Frozen Sea, a mixture of a OUAT and Frozen fanfic with my lovely Liliana as well. All I ask is that you not reveal her "true" identity/parentage in the comments, as it's a twist we're saving for a bit further on. X) Thanks so much for being patient and for reading! Please vote and comment, and I hope you enjoy. :)

Le Chels