Dark Hearts | Once Upon A Time

XLViii. Rough Waters

Neverland. Present-day.

AS THE GROUP left Echo Caves now with Neal in tow, Erica couldn't help but feel lighter than she had in a while but she knew of the concerned look she was getting from friends and family but she stayed a good ways behind them hoping that they wouldn't try and talk to and she knew it was because of what she had revealed what she had in the caves, but she ignored them as best she could until she felt an arm clamp down on her shoulder

She spun around and saw Jaclyn standing behind her and she internally groaned, it wasn't like she didn't want to talk to the pirate, the blonde enjoyed talking to Jaclyn as even in her worst moods the brunette always found a way to make the smile on Erica's face genuine but she didn't want a lecture about fighting the darkness because she knew they were coming from Emma and Jaclyn

Jaclyn looked at her for a moment, her dark eyes studying the woman in front of her, she recounted everyone she had met while venturing on the Seven Seas, including her crew which made her heartache just for a second with the images of her friends fleeting from her mind like grains of sand the longer she stayed away from them -- she hadn't seen them in almost five years -- they were all starting families and moving on from the life on piracy while Jaclyn was left clinging onto something that had long gone, but finally the woman mustered enough courage to be able to speak "That was brave, what you said back there I mean"

Erica blinked, not expecting that response "Thanks"

"You're welcome" Jaclyn responded sheepishly quite out of character for the usually ever so bold pirate and Erica was about to ask what the hell was wrong but before she could, Jaclyn continued "Since you were so brave spilling your secret to free your sister's lover, I thought you would like to know one of my deepest darkest secrets and that is I like you a lot, I may even love you although I'm not sure because the woman I did think I loved chose another, not that I blame her he was a better fit for her and so I left sailed the Seven Seas before coming across some cursed treasure that allowed me to keep my youthful glow --"

"Hang on I thought you said you went to Neverland?" Erica questioned

"Aye. I was supposed to but got sidetracked and made my crew"

"So that's why Pan only knew Killian"

"I knew you were a smart lass"

"While I appreciate what you told me, I need time please respect that the darkness is growing and while I want to be with you trust me I do I also don't want to rush into a relationship that could end up with you getting hurt because believe it or not in the short time you've known me I've grown attached to you and would hate to see you get hurt or worse" Erica explains, trying not to cry as she breaks her own heart

"I understand" Jaclyn nods before kissing Erica on the cheek "But I won't stop fighting for your love"

"As you should" Erica chuckles softly

* * * * *

Neverland. Present-day.

"Pan's shadow? That's what you used to get off the island?" Emma asked, shock and worry running through her tone and not for the first time Erica could see how much stress her sister was putting on her shoulders the longer the three of them didn't find the eleven-year-old boy and she wondered if she was taking the stress out on her body and food

"Unfortunately it's the only way," Neal tells her softly

"Oh. We thought you learned how to navigate the stars" David says, curiosity seeping into his tone and Erica must admit she was wildly confused because she realised she was talking to Tinker Bell but she didn't mention she was quite lost because she knew people were going to have to have to explain things to her and take time off coming up with a plan