Hook x Ariel - Chapter 1

Ariel's head was pounding, her eyes squinting as the daylight flooded in through the portholes in the cabin. Far too bright, she thought, gently rubbing  her temples. Wait -
Portholes?
Cabin?
...She was on a ship. Killian's ship.
The...erm. The J-.....Jolly Roger! That's it.

She tried desperately to remember the night before and what had happened, though it was rather hazy. she remembered being at The Rabbit Hole...Killian was there...and there was drinking. Yes, there was a lot of drinking. But then what?

"Morning, love" Killian burst into the cabin, a little too loudly for Ariel's liking. "I bought you a little drink" he said, louder than before. He's doing this on purpose, she thought. He handed her a cup, though as she brought it closer to her lips the smell overwhelmed her. Rum. She gagged.

Killian laughed, "I'm sorry, I must have given you mine" he said, feigning innocence "this one is yours - it's just water" he added, seeing how hesitant she was.

"Would you mind telling me why it is I'm on your ship?" Ariel squinted up at him.

"Well, love, you had rather a lot to drink and seeing as you couldn't remember where you lived, I took you in, gentleman that I am." A broad smile lit up the pirate's face.

Ariel scoffed "A gentleman, you? Since when?"

"I've always been a gentleman, you clearly weren't paying enough attention, love" Killian stood "and as much as I'd like to stay, you should probably get changed. Unless you want to wear your rum-soaked top." He smirked as she looked down at the stained top. "There's a shirt over there." he said, gesturing to a chest in the corner of the room before leaving the room.

* * * *

The cool breeze was welcoming as Ariel stepped up onto the deck on the ship, its steady rock almost calming. She walked over to the side of the deck and leant on the border, looking out to sea. The saltwater air filled up her lungs and it was like she was home.

"Missing it?" came a voice from beside her. She had been so much in a daze she didn't notice Killian stood next to her.

"Everyday." she replied "It was all I ever knew. I never thought that I'd give it up for anything."

"So why did you?" Ariel didn't answer. That was a story for another day.

"Any sign of your crocodile?" she asked, quickly changing the subject.

Killian decided not to push her any further. "Nothing as yet and I'm beginning to get impatient"

"I should probably get out of your hair, find some place dark to go and nurse this hangover" Ariel turned to face the captain, "It was good to see you Killian" she said, and walked across the deck and towards the harbour.

"I think we'll see each other again" he called, causing her to turn back, brows furrowed "when you return my shirt" he gestured his hook at her attire.

"Of course" she smiled and continued on her way.

And as he watched her leave, Killian tried to shake the thoughts of Ariel that now clouded his head. Stiltskin was his goal, and he couldn't let anyone stand in the way of that.