The Pirate Expedition

Part 6- 1/2

Emma woke up on the cool floorboards like she did every morning upon the ship. She was truly tired of sleeping on the rugged floor. She sat up, and stretched her arms. She stood up and walked quietly over to one of the small portholes, going up on her tip toes to see out. The sun still hadn't started to rise. It was so early not even Hook was awake which meant earlier than 5 am.

She had been aboard the ship for over 3 weeks now. They were almost at their destination, which was still kept a secret from her. She had gained more trust from Hook and was given more freedom. She never slept with restraints, and was able to wander the ship for the most part, unless Hook asked her to stay close. Ever since their late night conversation Emma saw him differently. He was a man with a broken heart, not a man without a heart. She looked over to him sound asleep across the room. When he slept he looked so peaceful, unlike when he was awake where his face was often laced with anger.

3 weeks was a long time to be trapped upon a ship unable to do anything. Emma had been going stir crazy. Eventually she found some books in one of Hook's chests. They weren't the most interesting of reads, mostly instructional books on navigation and rope knots. Through her reading she found out the type of knots Hook used to tie her up when she was captured. They were some of the most complicated knots in the book which explained why she was never able to get out of them. Emma was just glad she wouldn't have to spend the rest of her journey in those knots.

Hook stirred in his bed, and Emma turned to him. His eyes were still closed, and he still seemed to be deep in sleep. Emma walked over to him, and sat beside his bed. His hair was disheveled, and some locks had fallen across his face.

"I don't hate you," she sighed heavily to his sleeping body. "I should hate you shouldn't I? You kidnapped me, and are taking ransom from my family. I truly should hate you, but I can't." she paused. "I think it's because of my parents. They taught me to have compassion for everyone and I have it for you," she admitted. It had been hard to keep her thoughts in for the past weeks. She was used to having many people to talk to, and a journal for her deeper thoughts. Now all she had to talk to was a dreaming pirate. "I don't hate the ship either. I did at first. Now in a strange way it's starting to feel like home. That doesn't mean it is my home, it's not. I want to go home more than anything. I want to bring my parents the relief of having me home. I could forgive you for what you've to me, the kidnapping, the shackles... I see why you did it. But for what you're doing to my family and kingdom... that I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive." It felt more than good to finally say it aloud. Emma was about to continue when his raspy voice filled her ears.

"I didn't expect any kind of forgiveness lass," he mumbled and opened his eyes. Emma's eyes went wide, and she backed away from his bed. She had really thought he was asleep.

"I... um what did you hear?" she asked with flushed cheeks. He smirked at her reaction.

"Just the bit about forgiveness. Why, was there more than that?" he asked. Emma shook her head no quickly.

"I didn't think you could hear me,"

"Aye, I figured that," he chuckled as he stood up.

"Can I know where we are going yet? You know I will find out eventually." She changed the subject.

"Curious are we?" he pokes fun. He was in a really good mood, and Emma took note of that.

"Well that's why I asked Captain."

"I'll tell you tonight, if you're good," he winked. Emma rolled her eyes. She was glad she had the freedom to do that now. It would be hard to stop once she was back at the castle.

"Why tonight and not now?" she asked.

"I have the night shift," he told her with a huff.

"Ugh," Emma sighed heavily. The night shift meant that they both had to stay up until the sun began to rise. These were the days Emma hated most. Not only was she stuck awake, but being alone with Hook was still a bit awkward. They hadn't talked about the kiss they shared since he told Emma about Milah. There was just so many unanswered questions, and Emma knew she couldn't ask them. Overall, it just made for a very long night.