Heart of the Sea

Chapter 23 - New Surroundings

Hey guys!! So sorry it's been so long, but here's a new chapter! Hope everyone's new year is going well, and I hope you all enjoy. Please don't forget to comment and vote. Have a great rest of your day/night!

Le Chels

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The next four days were rather uneventful, Lili managing to resist getting any more attached to Killian than she already was, though her heart started to sink every time she saw the disappointment in his eyes at being pushed away. The day before her freedom, she packed her things, and she and Snow prepared a celebratory meal of steak and potatoes.
The little group exchanged witty tales and favorite moments into the night.
"You know I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad we were able to keep a pirate in our house," David said, raising his glass.
"Hear hear," Lili echoed, tapping hers to his before taking a sip. "Thank you all f'having me."
She was quiet for a moment, and the others waited, sensing there was more.
"I know..I know I haven't been very forthcoming with you all, and I am a bit to handle, but..I'm..going to make an effort to be sincere, as you all deserve it." She reflected for a few moments more. "Thank you f' housing me. I know many who wouldn't, based on the mere fact that I have been a pirate my entire life, and the very reason I'm here is becos I stole more than I should have. But..you took me in without hesitation, and you allowed me to eat your food and use your things and I am..very grateful for it. It's not always been that way, and..I won't f'get it. I won't f'get what you've done f'me. If any of you ever need a favor in which I might be able to assist you, please let me know. I will be more than willing to help." She raised her glass to them. "To your open hearts and open home." She took a sip. Several throats were cleared and David rubbed the heel of his palm to his eye.
"Ooh," Snow crooned before she got up, scooted around the table, and wrapped her arms around Lili's shoulders in a hug. Lili tensed, but relaxed into it after a moment, closing her eyes.
"You're always welcome here," Snow murmured.
Lili's hand hesitantly rose to rest on Snow's forearm for a moment before she patted it lightly. While she wasn't quite sure what to do, she couldn't help the warmth spreading into her heart. The sweet smell, the comfortable hug.
(So this was what a mother was like.)
After a few more moments Snow withdrew, retreating to her seat. Now Lili was the one drawing in a deep breath, sniffing. "Right, well. I think that's about enough mush f'me. If you'll excuse me I'm going to withdraw and brood now," she said, getting a few chuckles from around the room. She downed the rest of her whiskey in a gulp and scooted back from the table to get a few more laughs before she scooted back in, staying at her place. The conversation took up a lighter tone for another ten, fifteen minutes before Emma covered a yawn.
Killian watched her fondly. "I think that's our cue t'get going, love."
Emma nodded, resting her head on her hand.
Killian smiled and they both got up, everyone else rising and going with them to the door. Emma's parents hugged her and exchanged words of farewell and endearment, and Killian shook David's hand firmly, letting out a small "oof" as Snow hugged him.
"Well kid, this is it," Emma said as Killian and the older couple spoke quietly. She set a hand on Lili's shoulder, and Lili's lips pulled into a firm smile.
"So it is, lass." She was quiet for a moment, head bowing. "Thank you, Swan."
Emma's eyebrows twitched in confusion. "For what?"
"F'being a decent officer of the law. I've been arrested by many who weren't, and..I'm glad you're a good sort." She paused, thinking. "You're what it should be."
 "..Uh, thanks." Emma was quiet for a moment. "What's with all the genuity?"
Lili shrugged, hands in her pockets, a thumb tapping the outer seam. "I..guess I just felt like it was deserved. You can expect my dry wit back tomorrow," she said, a small twinkle in her eyes as a wry smile pulled at her lips, and Emma laughed.
"Good to know." She patted Lili's shoulder a few times before turning to the door, waiting for Killian, who stepped forward to speak to his daughter.
Lili shifted onto her left foot, which was placed further back than her right, letting out something of an uneasy breath as he approached her.
Killian sensed the change and did his best to keep his smile on his lips. "Well lass, I..guess I'll see you t'morrow."
She dipped her head to him, tight smile on her face. "See you tomorrow lad."
His hand rose for a moment, her heart sinking as she knew what he was about to suggest, but then it fell, and he turned, going to the door.
Everyone called "Good night!" to one another before the door closed and the loft fell into silence. Snow was about to turn to Lili but David's hand brushed over her arm and the question she was about to ask fell back from her lips.
"Good night, Lili. See you in the morning," the woman said instead, softly, again with that warmth, though Lili thought she could sense some disappointment in it, and she gave Snow the same smile, though not quite as tight.
David's hand brushed over Lili's shoulder in a silent good night before he followed his wife back behind the curtain.
Once they were out of sight and she'd turned the lights out, Lili let out a sigh, kicking herself mentally. Depths why did it have to be this way.
Becos you're no good f' him anymore, lass. All you'll do is pull him back from the way he's been going, and that's not what you want. He deserves the better pahth.
..And you don't.
She blew a quiet breath out of her nose, lying down on the couch, quilt pulled up over her legs. One of her arms rested behind her head, hand pillowing her curls, and she stared up at the ceiling. This was going to be a helluva lot of fun.