CHAPTER TWELVE —
( In life, in love, this time, I can't afford to lose. )

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        The Jolly Roger sailed smoothly through the ocean's waters under the blazing sun. The refreshing scent of sea salt filled the air as Killian confidently steered the ship from the helm with Cordelia by his side. In the sky above, Ladon let out mighty roars as he guided his younger sister, Dratini, through her first lessons in flight. Dratini, now with wings strong enough to defy the wind, soared gracefully through the sky, brushing the ocean's gentle waves below. With his eyes on the horizon, Killian decided to share his seafaring knowledge with Cordelia, using the opportunity to flirt mercilessly.

Killian began by instructing Cordelia on the basics of navigation. His deep voice carried a hint of flirtation as he explained the concepts of wind and tide. "You must feel the wind on your skin, Love," he said, his hand brushing against hers as he pointed to the billowing sails above them. "It's like a secret language that guides us across the sea. We pirates must respect the wind and use it to our advantage."

Cordelia nodded. "Much like flying."

As Killian spoke, he slowly moved closer to Cordelia, his presence comforting yet commanding. A subtle closeness developed between them as he demonstrated the nuances of sailing, his body pressing lightly against hers. His touch was reassuring and purposeful. His hand grazed hers as he guided her on how to hold the wheel. "Feel the strength of the ship in your hands," he whispered, his warm breath brushing against her ear. "It listens to your touch, to your every word."

Cordelia's pulse quickened as she took hold of the wheel, her fingertips meeting Killian's. She sensed the ship's raw power flowing through her, momentarily imagining it as an extension of Killian himself. "It's as if I'm soaring on Ladon," she remarked, a radiant smile gracing her face. "Elegant and Powerful all at once."

"But much safer," Killian replied, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I don't feel like I'm to vomit when steering my beauty. A ship responds to gentleness and firmness in equal measure. It's all about finding the right balance. "

As the ship glided through the water, Killian guided Cordelia through the subtle movements needed to keep their course. Their hands touched, their bodies moved in sync, and their breathing became synchronised. It was as if they were performing an intricate dance, with the ship as their stage and the vast ocean as their audience.

"Now," Killian said, his voice low, "dance for me, Princess. Show me your moves and dance with me across these waters, love."

Cordelia's eyes flickered with determination as she took control of the wheel, her hands confidently guiding the ship in a graceful arc. The sails billowed above them, filling with the warm wind, and the ship responded to Cordelia's touch as if it were an extension of her own body. "Like this?" she asked, a playful smile crossing her face.

"Perfect," Killian whispered, his lips mere inches from her ear. "You're a natural-born pirate, love. I've never seen anyone take to the wheel so quickly."

Cordelia felt a rush of satisfaction as Killian praised her, his words stirring something deep within her. She wanted to impress him, to show that she was more than capable of handling the challenges of the sea as she was the back of a dragon. "I aim to please, Captain," she said, her voice laced with flirtation.

Killian's eyes sparkled with amusement at the title, and he stepped back, allowing Cordelia to take complete control of the wheel. "Perhaps I should make it official and bestow upon you a proper pirate title."

"Oh?" Cordelia's interest was piqued, and she spared him a glance, her eyes full of curiosity. "And what title would a scoundrel like you bestow upon a sailor like me?"

"How about..." Killian paused for dramatic effect. "How about 'Lady of the Winds'? You can fly through the winds on your dragon, but you also seem to have tamed the air we breathe, guiding my ship perfectly."

Cordelia's cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she felt a warm glow spread throughout her body. "I believe you meant 'Queen of the Winds', Captain," she said, her voice steady despite the teasing grin on her face. "And I shall strive to live up to the honour you've bestowed upon me."

For hours, they sailed together, the sun slowly making its way across the sky. Cordelia's hands grew more confident on the wheel, and the ship responded to her every command. Killian watched her with admiration, his flirty nature taking a back seat as he witnessed the strength and determination in her eyes.

As the sun descended, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, Killian approached Cordelia once more. "You've done an impressive job today, Queen of the Winds," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "I daresay you might make a pirate out of you yet."

Cordelia's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she stepped back, allowing Killian to resume control of the wheel. "I couldn't have done it without you, Captain," she said, her voice soft in the fading light. "Thank you, Killian."

Killian's heart raced at her words, and he felt a connection with Cordelia that went beyond the ship and the sea. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but the words stuck in his throat, trapped by a heart broken years ago and the unspoken limits of their relationship.

Instead, he nodded, his hand resting briefly on hers. "We make a fine team, you and I," he said, his voice hoarse with unspoken emotions. "Perhaps our paths were always meant to cross, Queen of the Winds."

As the sky darkened and the first stars appeared, Killian and Cordelia stood side by side, their silhouettes blending. The ship sailed on, its course set by two souls who had found something precious and rare in each other. For now, they would continue their voyage, leaving their destiny open to the wind and the ever-changing tides.

And in the quiet moments, as the moon rose over the tranquil sea, Killian and Cordelia exchanged longing glances, their hands brushing against each other's, knowing they had a long story ahead of them.

Luna stood in the middle of Storybrooke's main strip, using her magic to clear the debris off and around the road so everyone could return to normalcy. After the town went into a frenzy and everyone almost left, David persuaded the people to stay in Storybrooke; otherwise, they'd turn back into their cursed selves and forget everything about themselves and their loved ones. Some townsfolk stood to the side of the road and watched as Luna performed her magic, mainly children stopping their parents to watch, but most people were at home or in their shops setting things up for things to go back to Storybrooke normal. She straightened up light posts, fixed shop signs and straightened out the torn-up roads.

A man suddenly stopped beside her, catching Luna's attention, and she immediately recognised the man in the bright red beanie. "Cordelia, how have you been?"

Luna's smile widened as she gazed at Mr. Smee, relieved at seeing someone familiar besides Rumplestiltskin, who had been a constant presence in her life for decades before the curse was cast. "It's good to see you, William Smee," she exclaimed with a grin. "How have you been? Did cursed life treat you well?"

He shrugged. "It was alright, as good as it could've been for a trader."

"So you had the same occupation you had before turning to a life of piracy?"

"Pretty much," Smee said with a light laugh, and Luna's lips curved into a gentle smile as she mirrored his expression. Then, she turned her head, deep in thought, and began to scratch her shoulder lightly. "You seem nervous. Go ahead, ask me about what's on your mind."

Her hand paused mid-scratch, and she fixed her gaze on him. "Is he here?"

Mr. Smee shook his head. "Not as far as I've seen. His ship isn't here either."

"The Jolly Roger," Luna said lightly. "But if the curse struck and he was on land, wouldn't he be...dead? Because the land was destroyed," she pondered anxiously.

Smee tilted his head slightly, considering. "We don't know if the Enchanted Forest has been destroyed."

Luna remarked with a hint of disdain, "God forbid he's in Neverland again."

Smee let out a small chuckle. "Doubt it. He'd never go back."

Luna chuckled softly. "Pan would throttle him."

Mr. Smee nodded in agreement. "That he would."

"Please come to me immediately if you see him," she urgently pleaded with Mr. Smee, her eyes filled with anxiety.

In response, Mr. Smee gave a small, reassuring smile. "Of course I will, Cordelia.

Cordelia was sitting in Killian's quarters aboard the Jolly Roger, her fingers tapping an anxious rhythm on a wooden chest that safeguarded her most treasured possessions. Meanwhile, Killian and his crew were busy on deck, leaving Cordelia to grapple with a weighty decision. She was torn over whether to finally reveal a secret she had kept hidden from Killian for two years.

As Killian descended the steps into his chamber, Cordelia turned to him with a troubled expression. "Killian," she said softly, crossing her arms.

Killian immediately stopped on the steps, noticing Cordelia's demeanour. "What's wrong, Princess?"

Cordelia's gaze dropped as Killian approached. "There's something I've been hiding from you for a while," she confessed. "Given all that you've shared with me and this life we've experienced together, I truly believe you deserve to know this."

"Cordelia, what's the matter?" Killian asked, concern etched on his face. As Cordelia remained silent, he closed the distance between them, standing directly before her. Gently placing his hand and hook on her arms, he smiled reassuringly. "Love, you know you can talk to me. I'll never view you any differently than I do at this moment."

Cordelia gave a dry laugh. "I think you will."

Killian tenderly lifted Cordelia's chin, their eyes meeting. "Cordelia, you're a magnificent woman and a phenomenal mother. There's nothing you can't achieve," he said warmly. Cordelia felt the fear of past abandonment but knew she had to confide in him.

Cordelia's determination radiated from her as she pressed forward, exhaling deeply and lowering her head once more. "The man who cared for me, trained me in the intricate art of magic, and gifted me my dragons was Rumplestiltskin."

A heavy silence settled between them. "I know."

Confusion rapidly etched across Cordelia's features as she jerked her gaze back to him. "Wait, you know?"

Killian nodded slowly, his eyes shadowed by guilt and understanding. "I have known all along," he admitted, his voice steady. "I had heard countless tales of the woman raised by the Dark One, the one who mothered mighty dragons. I recognised you the moment you entered that raucous tavern with a dragon perched on your shoulder."

Cordelia shook her head, disbelief flooding her senses. "How can you bear to look at me now, knowing what he did to your love?"

A shadow of guilt passed over Killian's face. "Initially, I approached you with the intent to use you against the Dark One," he confessed, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. "But the moment you stood resolute, inviting me to leave the tavern with you to meet your dragon, everything shifted within me. The trust you extended and the bond you shared with Ladon awakened something in my heart. I couldn't bring myself to exploit you."

Cordelia paused, absorbing his words.

"And also, well... also because Milah no longer owns my heart."

Cordelia's steely grey eyes locked onto Killian's deep ocean-blue ones, each gaze brimming with unspoken emotions that hung palpably between them. She could see the sincerity reflected in his eyes as he spoke softly, his voice gentle. "I thought all the flirting and closeness were just a part of your natural charm?"

Killian's expression softened even further, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly as he ventured to confess, "It started that way, but my feelings for you have always been genuine, love." The weight of his words lingered, rich with vulnerability and longing, as if the world around them faded away, leaving only their connection in sharp focus.

Cordelia was at a loss for words.

"Killian," she whispered, her voice trembling as emotions surged within her like a tidal wave. Every fibre of her being longed to surrender to the intense feelings that enveloped her, to press her lips against the man she adored with an all-consuming passion. Yet, deep down, she understood the weight of her choices, the bargain she had forged, and her upbringing had instilled in her the unwavering necessity of honouring her commitments lest she face dire consequences. "I'm sorry, but I don't like you like that."

Killian's brows knitted in confusion, instinctually, he stepped back as if physically recoiling from her words. "That's—that's alright. I don't mind. I won't hold any resentment towards you for your feelings."

"I know you won't," she replied, her voice steady despite the tempest of conflicting emotions in her heart. "But I can't bear the thought of being with you, knowing that I don't love you, and I doubt I ever will. I shouldn't have let it go this far. Your charming appearance and sweet words entranced me, blinding me to the truth."

As her words hung in the air, Killian shook his head slowly in disbelief, unable to reconcile them with the bond they had built over two long years. "Love... Cordelia..."

Cordelia felt the weight of his gaze, a mixture of hope and despair, pressing down on her chest. "It's... I... No, Killian. I won't love you." With a heavy heart, she forged ahead, "I only feigned affection to gather information for Rumplestiltskin. Now, he's expecting me, and I must go."

At these words, Killian's heart splintered, each shard piercing deeper than the last. Despite her allegiance to his long-standing adversary, he could not punish the woman he cherished. Clenching his jaw, he turned away, the ache within him becoming almost unbearable. "Then go," he spoke softly, the weight of finality thick between them. "I guess I'll see you when I finally drive the Dark One's dagger into his chest."

Cordelia's eyes shimmered like stars as she stepped back, a profound ache spreading through her chest. "Goodbye, Killian," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crashing waves. Turning away, she felt her life as a pirate slip away, leaving behind her dreams and the essence of who she had been.

Mulan was busy tying a man to a tree while Emma, Mary Margaret, and Aurora attempted to interrogate him. He was the only living person found among a village of corpses left behind by Cora. "I already told you," the man insisted. "I'm just a blacksmith."

Emma scoffed. "Sure you are." She then let out a loud whistle and turned back around with a smirk. "You don't want to talk to us? Maybe you'll talk to the ogres while they rip you limb from limb." She nodded at the other women, and they turned to leave. "Come on."

The man struggled to break free from the tight, secure knots binding him. "W-What? You...you can't just leave me here like this!" he stammered, his voice tinged with fear and disbelief.

Aurora paused. "What if he's telling the truth?"

Emma shook her head. "He's not."

The man finally surrendered and emitted a humourless chuckle. "Good for you! You bested me. I can count the amount of people who've done that on one hand."

Emma turned back around and raised her eyebrows. "That supposed to be funny? Who are you?"

"Killian Jones, but most people have taken to calling me by my more colourful moniker," he smirked. "Hook."

"Killian Jones," Mary Margaret murmured, trying to remember where she had heard the name before.

Killian nodded towards his bag. "Check my satchel." Mary Margaret quickly checked his bag and pulled out his hook.

Emma scoffed. "As in Captain Hook?"

Killian smirked. "Ah, so you've heard of me."

Mary Margaret gasped, her breath caught in her throat, as she instinctively raised the hook toward Killian. "You're the Killian that Cordelia has told me about," she exclaimed, her voice a mix of awe and recognition.

Killian's brow furrowed in surprise, the shadows of his past flickering in his eyes. "You know Cordelia?" he asked, his voice steady yet filled with curiosity.

"Cordelia?" Emma interjected, her brow knit with confusion.

Mary Margaret turned to Emma and clarified, "Luna."

Emma's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Luna's involved with Captain Hook?" she exclaimed.

With a smirk, Killian replied, "Many moons ago, yes. In many adventures, we journeyed across the seas on my ship, accompanied by her dragons."

"She's told me all about you," Mary Margaret continued, her gaze sweeping over the man who had become a legend in her mind, the echoes of Cordelia's stories intertwining with the reality before her.

"All good things, I hope," he replied, a hint of playful challenge dancing in his eyes.

"The curse is broken!" Mary Margaret exclaimed, the weight of her words filling the air with hope. "That means she remembers you. She's probably looking for you right now!"

Killian scoffed, a bitter edge to his tone. "Doubtful."

"Why wouldn't she?" Mary Margaret pressed. "She loves you."

Killian's eyes narrowed. "She doesn't. She made that very clear when we last spoke," he stated, the pain of rejection etched into his features.

"She's in this new land," Mary Margaret urged, her conviction unwavering. "There's so much more to the story than you realise, and I'm certain she'll tell you everything." Her words hung in the air, a promise of reconciliation and a long-awaited reunion.

Killian's tense demeanour towards Mary Margaret softened, his furrowed brow easing at the thought of Cordelia. Suddenly, there was a loud roar and everyone looked towards the direction it was from. The ogre was on his way. Emma stepped forward to draw Killian's attention back towards her. "Alright, enough chitchat, what do you want?"

AUTHORS NOTE

I made some manips 😁 I hope you all like them!!!
I also hope y'all enjoyed this chapter, and don't forget to tell me what you thought of it!
Phoebs/-rosepetal