Once Upon A Wonderland~ Killian Jones

The Jolly Roger

It was verging on day 5 of quarantine and my brain was officially mush.

I'd already finished three seasons of Mad Men, re-read my favorite book, cleaned Killian's whole apartment- twice- and started researching a new surgery technique, and Emma and David wanted me to stay in hiding for at least a month.

"Hello!" Killian called as he entered the apartment.

"Hey," I replied from my position on the couch, where I was starting season four of Mad Men and stuffing salt and vinegar chips into my mouth.

Killian frowned, picking up the remote and shutting the TV off abruptly.

"Hey!" I protested, fixing him with my most scathing glare. "I was watching that!"

"Not anymore you're not," Killian replied, flopping onto the couch next to me. "You look dreadful. You need to get outside."

"Oh, I'd like nothing more than to go outside, believe me. I'm losing my mind! I mean, not that your apartment isn't nice- it's a great place to be stuck inside for a month- but I just want to take a walk down the street, or check on my patients!" I huffed, pouring another handful of chips into my mouth.

Killian chuckled, reaching for the bag of chips. I swiped them away before he could reach them, stuffing a few more in my mouth for good measure and fixing him with a haughty frown just to push it in his face. "I'm afraid you're going to destroy something if I keep you here much longer," Killian remarked, scooting closer. "I had an idea. If you're up to it."

I raised an eyebrow. "Do tell."

His eyes sparkled with mischief, a small smirk raising his lips as he scooted even closer, his arm coming to rest behind my shoulders on the couch. "What do you say you and me take a little expedition on my ship?"

I frowned, angling my body towards his. "On the Jolly Roger?"

His smirk broke out into a full grin, dipping his chin deviously. "Of course, love. What other ship could I be talking about? After all, she is the finest sailing vessel in all the realms."

I hesitated, averting my eyes to avoid meeting the electric intensity of his gaze. "But Emma and David told me to stay home... besides, by the time we get to the harbor, it'll be the middle of the night..."

"My thoughts exactly. No one will see us leave."

My eyes met his for a brief moment, heat instantly breaking out along my collarbone. "Killian..." I started.

"I promise, you will perfectly safe with me." Hook swore, holding out a hand for me to take.

I paused momentarily, eyeing his outstretched hand. I could use an outing... and I definitely trusted Killian... but what if Hades decided to check in?

"Grace?" Killian asked softly. My gaze attached to his, and I shivered, feeling tingles run down my spine. His eyes were infuriatingly captivating; one look into those pools of vibrant ocean blue, and it was impossible for me to say no to him.

What is wrong with me?!

"Oh, what the hell," I finally relented, placing my hand in his with a matching grin.

"Excellent!" Killian smiled, pulling me to my feet suddenly. "Grab a swimsuit, love. The smallest one you have, preferably."

"That's it, I'm not going."

~~~

We arrived at the docks under the cover of night, the full moon casting a sheer silver glow over the damp wood of the walkways and shining hull of the ships rocking against the lazy wave of the Maine sea. Killian led me to the far side of the docks, where some of the older ships were located. The Jolly Roger sat nestled between two schooners, its hull a vibrant oak marked by bright yellow, red, and blue stripes, with a mast stretching so high it seemed to disappear into the low-hanging clouds. Killian took my hand gently and guided me up the gangplank to the Jolly Roger's main deck.