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The Trade Off	By : LotornoMiko Category: M through R > Once Upon A Time Views: 5410 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Once Upon A Time fandom. Nor do I make any money off of it or this story.

Chapter List
- 1-The Trade Off
- 2-Two
- 3-Three
- 4-Four
- 5-Five
- 6-Six
- 7-Seven
- 8-Eight
- 9-Nine
- 10-Ten
- 11-Trade 11
- 12-Twelve
- 13-Thirteen
- 14-Fourteen
- 15-Fifteen
- 16-Sixteen
- 17-Seventeen
- 18-Eighteen
- 19-Nineteen
- 20-Twenty
- 21-Twenty One
- 22-Twenty Two
- 23-Twenty Three
- 24-Twenty Four
- 25-Twenty Five
- 26-Twenty Six
- 10
- 11
- 12
Not for the first time, did Hook wonder what he was doing. Wondered WHY he hadn't just given into his first, exasperated impulse and thrown Belle over his shoulder. Instead he had taken the time to face down that willful streak of stubbornness that had manifested within the girl, actually patient as he coaxed her into leaning on him for the walk back to the pier. Belle had been more than reluctant, actually arguing against it, as though she had had better options to choose from.
Belle hadn't, a fact that clearly upset her. Hook wasn't sure what he would have done, if she had broken down and cried again. Luckily it hadn't happened, Hook instead left to deal with her stubborn refusal of the help he offered, and her ultimate realization that he wasn't going to go away. Not now, not any time soon.
It had felt like far too great a victory, when she had reluctantly taken hold of his arm. Hook had inwardly celebrated even as he had chided her out loud, maneuvering her to lean into him, to relax away some of that tension that left her body stiffer than it should be. That had been nearly two hours ago, and by now much of Belle's initial hesitations had faded in response to the pain of her injury.
Hook had tried to distract her from the worst of it by engaging in idle chatter. Belle had remained uninterested, too lost in her various pains, to truly hold a conversation. But neither did she complain to him. Not about her ankle which had to be throbbing with every limped step, to the grief and heartbreak she was suffering through. Pain that manifested in her eyes, the blue seeming dull with it, the strain of it showing on her pale face and down turned lips.
Hook knew that look well. He had after all, once upon a time, seen it in the mirror every single day for the first years that had followed Mila's murder. It was a bleak look, a hollow look, though the pain was too real, too potent for one to feel completely empty. It was a look that followed one spiraling out of control. A look that usually followed some desperate, despairing act.
It was a look that had followed many a destructive action on Hook's part. There had been drinking, and drugs, not to mention duels to the death. Hook hadn't truly cared if he had lived or died, wanting, needing something, anything to deaden his pain. It took years before the need for revenge overcame the despair, before revenge gave him a reason to live, shaping his purpose.
Not that revenge made a good reason for living. If anything, Hook had been merely existing, expecting to die once he had his revenge. He hadn't for one second considered that he would survive the encounter with Rumplestiltskin, and in some ways he was still in shock that he had. Shocked but pleasantly surprised, because Hook found he now had some other reason for existing.
He gave a side long glance at Belle, who had been leaning more and more into him as her ankle's pain worsened. It was strange, the circumstances that had thrown them together. Almost as strange as thinking this beautiful, bravely loyal, and suffering woman was now HIS. That he was responsible for much of her pain, Hook acknowledged and dismissed. Hook truly felt he was the better course for Belle, that almost anyone was better for her than Rumplestiltskin. And though that relationship had ended with misery and heart ache, at least no one had died.
That in itself was a small miracle. Rumplestiltskin had been the Dark One for a great many years. He had hurt countless people, made damning deals and ruined lives. He had killed, tortured, and manipulated. He had been doing such things for far longer than Belle had been alive. Already having made a reputation for himself for cruelty, the time Hook had spent in Neverland had seen Rumplestiltskin add on to his misdeeds a thousand fold.
Hook still wasn't sure how Rumplestiltskin had gotten a fine woman like Belle to fall in love with him. Or how she could overlook so awful a reputation, to stridently defend a monster like Rumplestiltskin.
Of course, Hook was under no delusions about what kind of man HE was. He didn't see himself as a good guy, or a noble knight, or some hero. He was a pirate, and used to being bad. He had his own twisted sense of honor, and even grayer moral code. He certainly wasn't worthy of a good woman's attention, which is why he had to do some cheating and manipulating of his own. He supposed it made him no better than Rumplestiltskin, as both of them had to have tricked Belle into a relationship.
But even knowing he had blackmailed her into his bed, Hook wouldn't let her go. He couldn't, finding he liked her a little more than he had expected too. It was merely a added bonus, that she was a delight in bed, that their involvement was further sticking it to Rumplestiltskin. Because of Belle, Hook had had a reason to get up this morning, actually looking forward to whatever might happen next.
Of course the day wasn't turning out exactly like Hook had hoped. They had pretty much started the day out with arguing, Belle refusing to eat, to so much as be bullied into sharing a meal with him. That time he HAD given in to his exasperation, though he had kept up his pleasant facade when telling Belle she would either eat with him, or get back into bed with him. And though it was a blow to his male ego, Hook had been sure she would hurriedly start the meal.
Instead, Belle had refused to give in. She had actually dared walk out on him, a fact that annoyed Hook more than he liked. He had actually broken a bottle, rather than chase after her, and even then it had only delayed his pursuit of her by a few hours.
It didn't take much self examination for Hook to realize he was in effect bored. For so many years, more lifetimes then Hook cared to admit to, he had spent the days either grieving or being fueled by his need for revenge. The last few years, revenge had been all that had been on his mind. Hook had lived, breathed, thought revenge. Plot after plot was considered, dismissed, then looked at again. He had actively hunted Rumplestiltskin, questing for items, searching for the thing that would let him finally have his revenge.
Hook had talked to many people, some but not all, powerful beings. Trying to find one who could destroy the Dark One, one who had the power and was willing to be bribed, blackmailed, even actively forced into doing Hook's bidding. It had taken a woman, a beautiful, smart, courageous but otherwise ordinary princess, to be the key to Rumplestiltskin's downfall.
Hook had few regrets for involving Belle in his revenge schemes. He WAS sorry that she was hurting, but was also convinced she'd get over it eventually. Especially with the way Rumplestiltskin was acting, the cold way he now treated her. Belle would see how lucky she was to escape unscathed from the Dark One's clutches, she might even one day feel indebted to Hook for his help in that.
He could imagine the form her gratitude would take, and it left him hard and practically salivating. But it wasn't just for sex that he had gone after Belle. It was the bad feeling, the one that persisted after she had gone. The one that told him to not only check up on her, but insisted he should perhaps make amends for what he had said that morning.
Bad feelings aside, he had never, never been prepared to see Belle attempt to fling herself over the boundary's line. It has shocked him as well as left him furious with her and with himself. Furious for he had realized just how hurt she was by his and Rumplestiltskin's actions, a hurt that would only worsen the longer she was left on her own to think about and wallow in her grief.
Knowing that, it was difficult to maintain being angry with her. Even as his heart had beat wildly from the near disaster, Hook had tried to comfort her. Of course, being who he was, it wasn't the best attempt at comfort. But at least she appeared to LISTEN to him, and the fact that Belle hadn't attempted a second trip across the boundary, was something.
Hook intended to keep a very close eye on her at all times. He wasn't about to let her go off on her own again, given the panic and hysteria he had witnessed today. That depth of fear, it was enough to drive her to do something stupidly dangerous again, and that was something Hook would avoid happening at all costs.
It was because he was invested in Belle. Invested in the relationship, twisted though it was. Hook was interested in having a future, actually having something to look forward to for once in his life. He wasn't in love with Belle, but he thought the two of them could be good together. It was just another reason he was determined to be patient, to help her deal with her upsets no matter how long it took.
He didn't expect it to be easy. Belle wasn't exactly warming up to him, the woman seeing him as her enemy. Hook knew he had his work cut out for him, if he wanted to endear himself to Belle. But he was nothing if not willing to try, and try his very best to succeed at that.
It wasn't discouraging that Belle refused to hold a conversation with him. It was enough that she listened, that she came with him, albeit reluctantly. Time would do the rest, allowing Belle to see that Hook could be so much more than just an unwanted lover. But he was eager to resume that aspect of their relationship, finding it difficult to behave with her so close. With her scent in the air, her soft body pressing against his arm, her sweet lips begging to be kissed.
If Hook let it, desire would rapidly over take his senses. Which is why it was a fortuitous chance, that the storm that had been threathening all afternoon, finally opened up. With loud, crashing sounds of thunder, it's lightning a white streaking arc in the sky, the rains fell, and fell hard. Belle and Hook were soaked to the bone within a minute of the storm starting, and many of the people out on the streets quickly scattered, searching for a dry spot to wait out the storm.
The unlikely pair however, were only a few blocks away from the pier. Hook didn't have to think much on what to do, quickly scooping up a startled Belle into his arms. He got a glimpse of wide open eyes, the blue of them still dull with pain. Her hair, a brown made darker from the rain, was plastered to her, as was her clothes. Even wet and bedraggled, she looked good, Hook glad for the rain and the cooling affect it was having on the worst of his ardor.
"Hang on to me tightly now." Hook advised her with a grin. His lusts might have been cooled by several degrees, but it didn't stop Hook from taking advantage of the rain to press Belle against him. To cradle her against his chest, and enjoy the feel of her wrapping her arms around him. Belle hadn't hesitated long, sensing his intent, and the relief it would offer from both the storm and her ankle's pain.
There wasn't many if any people left on the streets, as Hook made a mad dash for the pier. Thunder sounded louder, the storm almost angry. The air itself seemed to sizzle, lightning preparing to strike several times. But they made it to the ship without further incident, Hook carrying Belle up the invisible stairs, and then into the deck below.
"It's only going to get worse." Hook said, when Belle began trying to shift out of his arms. He refused to take the hint, only holding her more securely as he carried her through the ship. "This kind of weather, it causes bad things to happen to ships out on the sea."
Looking worried, Belle spoke. "Will we be all right then?"
"We're practically land locked." Answered Hook. "This close to shore, there's not much the storm can do. The Jolly Roger's enchanted wood will make sure of that."
"Enchanted wood?" Belle asked, and Hook almost puffed with pride.
"My entire ship's made of it. It gives an added boost of speed and protection, allows the Jolly Roger to travel with ease to just about anywhere." Hook explained, practically boasting about his beloved ship. "Comes with the added bonus of blocking most magic, which cuts down on the spying most practitioners can do."
She seemed to be taking in what he said, and she had stopped trying to get free of his hold. "Is the invisibility part of the package?"
"No." Hook answered. "That's a recent addition. A gift if you will, from an old friend."
"Cora?"
"The one and the same." Hook nodded. "If it wasn't for her advice, I doubt you and I would be here now." By Belle's frown, she didn't look happy to hear that. "We weren't expecting Storybrooke to have any magic." Hook continued, now walking the path to his bedroom. He had to firmly plant his feet down with every step, the ship rocking in the water even with it's anchor down.
"I thought I'd finally be on equal ground with Rumplestiltskin." Hook added. "You can imagine the disaster it would have been for me otherwise." It wasn't Hook's imagination, Belle had actually shuddered in response. He hid a smile, wondering just what Belle had witnessed, what atrocity Rumplestiltskin had committed, to make her feel fright at the thought of someone, anyone, even Hook, going to face him when the Dark One's magic was at full strength.
"It's a hard thing." Hook said, carefully stepping through the wrecked remains of the doorway. Someday soon he'd do what he could to repair it, but for now he had other interests to pursue. "To get revenge on a man who cannot die through conventional means."
"Yet somehow you managed it." Belle sounded bitter then, to which Hook pretended not to notice.
"Aye pet, that I did." He grinned at her, and she looked away. Belle would turn back to him when he walked past the bed, Hook not setting her down anywhere near it. Instead he would carry her into the bathroom, and only then gently ease her onto the bench there.
Clearly confused, Belle stared at him, even as Hook reached to work the buttons open of her wet sweater. "Wait." Belle said, grabbing at his wrist with both hands. "What are you..."
"Ah love, you're wet from the rain, and already starting to shake from it's chill." Even with her trying to stop him, Hook got another button open. "We've got to get you out of these soaked things, before you catch your death in them."
"Wait....wait..." Belle was saying, straining to keep him from undoing anymore buttons. "I don't..."
"No need to be shy, love. I've already seen all your treasures." Hook got the next button open, and couldn't resist brushing his fingers over the top swell of her cleavage. An in drawn hiss of breath was heard from him, the pirate's smirk gone, as he felt how like ice her skin already was.
"We've got to get you warm." He said, fighting the urge to just rip the sweater off of her. "Come now, stop fussing." It took more urging than that, Hook getting the sweater off her, and flinging it to the floor.
"But...what....what will I wear?" Belle wondered out loud.
"You let me worry about that." Hook's words hardly had her reassured. He tried not to let out a breath in appreciation when he peeled off her soaked shirt, staring at her breasts and the wet bra that barely succeeded in covering them. "You..." He had to swallow several times, Hook finding his mouth had gone dry.
"Finish with your undressing." He finally said. "I want you to take a hot shower, while I go brew you something that will warm you up from the inside out."
Making her a drink was the last thing Hook wanted to do, but even he wasn't such a brute as to force his desires on her, when she was so badly off. Even if Hook knew it would be decidedly more delicious to warm Belle up with his own body, with his big hands caressing all over, his dick thrusting inside her.
And then he was coughing, more to cover the fact he had started to fantasize, and react to the ideas. "I'll..." His tone was gruffer than usual, Hook quickly turning away from Belle. "Get in the shower. I shouldn't be gone for more than a few minutes."
He didn't linger for Belle's reply, hurrying out of the room. Once back in the bedroom, Hook quickly pulled off his long leather coat, and the soaked shirt beneath it. He then proceeded to the ship's galley, brewing Belle some tea that was topped off with a bit of rum. It wasn't his intent to get her drunk, just to warm her as quick as possible.
Carrying the hot mug back to the bedroom, Hook set it aside on the room's table. He'd then get a clean shirt from his closet, the size of it such that it would fall down to Belle's knees should she wear it. And damn if he didn't like the thought of her in it, wearing something of his with nothing else underneath it.
More than one fantasy about Belle and his shirt ran through his mind, Hook heading back to the bathroom. She wouldn't hear the door opening over the roar of the shower, and truly Hook's intention was just to check on her. He wasn't expecting to be so profoundly struck by her naked form, her body a beautifully arresting sight, especially with the shower water leaving many slick trails trickling everywhere.
Belle wasn't aware he was watching her. Not when she had her eyes closed, her arms hugging close to her chest, her hands resting on her shoulders. It was a shame that most of her beautiful breasts were covered by her arms, but as for the rest of her Hook had uninterrupted view. He saw everything from her slim waist, the flare of her shapely hips, to her dimpled bottom. He saw her hair falling in loose, wet curls down her back, and Hook longed to sweep them aside and lave his tongue between her shoulder blades.
The fiercest want swept through him, forcing Hook to exert every inch of a control he didn't often make use of. It was almost impossible NOT to go to her, to keep his hands off of Belle. Not caring that he was half dressed, Hook wanted to fall to his knees in the shower, and thoroughly worship at Belle's flesh.
Hook told himself he wasn't a big enough bastard, to jump Belle in the shower when she was still shaking from the cold. Still favoring her left ankle, and might actually be crying at this moment. He told himself he could wait, that he could behave himself for a little while more. It was a lot harder to believe, with his hand gripping the shirt so tightly his knuckles had bled out their color.
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To Be Continued of course...
Yay! A long awaited Hook point of view! I'm pleased I didn't have to do any trashing and rewriting too! A little iffy on how I ended it, but every time I tried to add a few sentences more, it felt like it was wrong or going off on a tangent I didn't want. But also I had thought the chapter would end with the Charmings and Ruby's arrival....Oh well, guess that can happen mid chapter....pretty sure I'll do a Belle POV next. Even though I feel like the story is unbalanced with too many Belle POV's...but I'm glad I got to do Hook's thoughts on everything for this one!
For those wondering why I had him think he's not in love with her. I've been trying to establish that, because I didn't want to do the easy thing, or the cliche thing, and have it they had sex, and bam! He now thinks he's in love just cause of bedding her. I want him to get to know Belle beyond sex, to have that realization. Though it doesn't mean it's an end to sex, just this story is being demanding that I not sacrifice my plot ideas for smut scenes. (Even though I've really been wanting to write smut lately. XD)
I ended up with a lot of notes/thoughts for this chapter. Almost tempted to post them, and all the opening lines I trashed, just to show you how amazing it is, that I go from these bare bone rambles of ideas (Which I call notes) to a fully fleshed out chapter. I went through a lot of different opening lines, cause for some reason couldn't get the damn chapter to start. I tend to find starting the hardest, but once I get the opening paragraphs to my satisfaction, the rest of the scene tends to just flow for me. So while it was rough getting this one started, once I found the right words, it all flowed from there! Whoo hoo!
---Michelle
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The Trade Off