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The Trade Off	By : LotornoMiko Category: M through R > Once Upon A Time Views: 5409 -:- 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
- 22
- 23
- 24
She was a brave one, Hook noted in his head. Of that there was little doubt, Belle the kind of woman whose courage and spirit had been forged in the hottest of fires. Tempered by those flames, the beauty herself was a blaze, her determination something that could never die out for good. That determination was what had led her to deal with monsters, to stare down danger head on. That same determination steeled in her now, the pirate smiling his approval as the beauty Belle held her head up high. She was almost defiant as she met the blatant stares of passersby, her fingers squeezing tighter around Hook’s. That squeeze was a subtle sign of her own internal anxiety, a tell tale flinch that only Hook was privy too.

Giving her a gentle squeeze back, Hook couldn't help grinning as he thought how the day was looking more and more up. The change of scenery had surely been needed, but more than that, a change in attitude was what was benefiting the beauty the most. Hook realized now he had been going about it all wrong, his little digs and barbs, those blatant insults and insinuations about the crocodile, hurting not helping Belle. Or HIM for that matter, Hook understanding he hadn't been endearing himself in any way to the woman by continuing to malign the person that she had loved. It didn't mean he could completely stop, he was after all no saint, especially when it came to Rumplestiltskin, to the hurt that monster had done him. But for one day? Hook thought he could manage.

Rumplestiltskin and all talk of him banned for the day, Hook set about to enjoying this outing with Belle. To enjoying and exploring the town with her, Storybrooke a large self enclosed kingdom Hook had yet to properly experience. Oh he had seen parts of it, especially the busy main street where the crocodile’s place of business had been, but so far much of Hook’s time in Storybrooke had been spent skulking in shadows. It hadn't been just Rumplestiltskin he had set to avoid, but the savior and her mother, and to a lesser extent the beauty Belle. Hook hadn't been sure she would remember him, but the pirate had been determined to avoid any and every one that could recognize him, the man content to sit back and wait for the most perfect of moments.

Belle had been the one to ultimately hand him that moment, her arrival on his ship a veritable domino effect that had led to Rumplestiltskin’s heart’s downfall. And with that bit of revenge taken care of, there was nothing that needed doing, save to reap the rewards of the victory Belle herself had given to Hook. He couldn't stop smiling, a kind of buoyancy to his long rotted heart. Something was birthing inside him, feelings and desires once buried, even forgotten, as the pirate realized and acknowledged he was not only enjoying himself, he was starting to look forward to life. To living, to doing more than just existing, his wants and desires wrapped so tightly with the woman whose hand he was now gripping. Belle was doing this, was making him want to be alive, to live and experience and it didn't all have to do with the revenge rubbing in Rumplestiltskin’s face.

Given a reason to not only live, but to do something besides exist for his revenge, Hook was finding he was looking forward to what could come next. Making a go at a life, a home with the beauty, and all that could entail. Purpose. Hook was starting to believe that there was a purpose to his life besides Milah’s revenge. He wasn't thinking in terms of love, assuming that ship had already sailed for him. But the pirate did think he and Belle could be happy together, and as always, Hook was convinced he was infinitely better for the beauty than that monster Rumplestiltskin could ever be. But he kept such thoughts to himself, almost biting at his tongue, to keep from letting a snide comment escape him.

It would take the better part of the hour to reach the busy thoroughfare that passed as Storybrooke’s business district. Main street wasn't all that far from the docks, but the trip still took some time when traveling on foot. Everywhere took time in this land, Storybrooke a large kingdom that encompassed much of Mysthaven, the enchanted realm. Calling it a town wasn't even accurate, this place huge like some thriving capital, the city nearly quadrupled the size of anything back in the realm. It HAD to be, to hold all the people from so many of the different kingdoms that the queen’s magic had cursed.

Hook didn’t know a lot of the people by name, but he could and did recognize nationalities. There were people walking about, and he counted among them, those who had to have originated from King George’s Kingdom, and the golden ruler, Midas’ land as well. There was so many from Queen Snow White’s homeland, and there were fairies, and dwarves, and even a were wolf or two making their home in this town. There was people hailing from as far out as Nottingham, and Belle herself was the princess of Avonlea. Truly, there was a representatives from all the corners of Mysthaven. It was really quite remarkable, and Hook couldn't keep from marveling over this aspect. He said as much out loud, Belle pausing to look around as though in surprise.

“You're right.” She said, slowly. “Storybrooke is a melting pot of many cultures. Or at least it SHOULD be.”

“Should?” Hook questioned.

Belle shrugged in response, a sad light in her eyes that Hook didn't like seeing one bit. “Haven't you noticed? We've all LOST our identities. We're not who we once were, our culture and traditions lost.”

“What do you mean?”

“The curse. It stripped us our original lives...made us all believe in it’s lies. But just because the lives we endured for the last twenty eight years are false ones handed to us...it doesn't make them any less lived.” She sighed then. “We have twenty eight years of new memories, of false culture and beliefs. We're of two lives now, and not many can reconcile between them. No one wants what the curse handed us, but few if any know how to move forward as who we once were. We just go on living our Storybrooke lives, losing more and more of ourselves in the process.”

“So what would be the solution?” He asked. “Break the curse....?”

“The curse has already been broken.” Belle interrupted him. “Emma herself saw to that.”

“Ah Swan. The town’s savior....” Although from the sound of it, she hadn't so much saved everyone, as awakened them to a whole new set of problems. Hook could admit to being curious, trying to imagine what it would be like to awakened from one life, to discover the joys and pains of having lived another. “But surely there is SOME good that has come of this?”

Belle looked like she had to give real thought on it. “Something?” He prodded her with an arch of an eyebrow. “Anything at all?”

“Modern comforts.” Belle finally muttered with a sigh. “The medicines, the mass production of goods and food, the jobs and education afforded everyone. Everyone lives a better style of life here, at least when it comes to material goods...”

“At least you all suffered in style.” remarked Hook. “That should compensate for something at least...”

“Maybe...” But she sounded doubtful. To the point that Hook decided a new tact was in order.

“So tell me, love.” He smiled encouragement at her. “What is YOUR favorite part of this modern world?”

“My favorite part?” She repeated with a slight head tilt to the side. But Belle didn't have to think long. “The books.”

“Books?” Hook frowned. “But that much was at least available in the many kingdoms of Mysthaven!”

“Not like it is here!” Belle protested. “You would not believe how many books exist in this world. Books about any thing and everything!” Her expression had lightened some, the look in her eyes speaking on how passionate this woman was about her books. “Educational books, reference tomes, even leisure reading. It’s...it’s amazing. And if one good thing can be said about the curse, it granted everyone a small boon.”

“And that is?”

“It gave every one of us the ability to READ these books.” That much was amazing, and Hook could admit to it. She very nearly smiled then, her sweetly kissable lips drawing his attention to them. “I could spend several lifetimes here, and not have enough time to read them all.”

“I enjoy a good book myself.” Hook admitted, though he hadn't spent much time these last few centuries on leisure reading. “But Belle, darling? A word of advice....”

“Yes?”

“You don't just want to read about life. You've got to go out and live it.” He told her, and watched the faintest of color dust her cheeks.

“Er....” She hesitated. “That hasn't always worked out so well for me...”

“Oh?” Hook arched an eyebrow at her.

“Books are far safer than the adventures I've had....”

“And what sort of adventures were those?” He asked her.

“I wasn't always a prisoner in a tower.” She reminded him. “And though my father tried to shelter me as a princess...there was a few times....”

“A few times what?”

“It doesn't matter.” She said at last. “It never ends well....”

“Sounds to me you just haven't been having the right adventures then.” Hook told her, then grinned. “Fortunately for you, I excel at those.”

There was a pause, Belle blinking slowly and repeatedly at him. “And just what sort of adventure do you think is to be found here in Storybrooke?”

“Not yet sure.” Hook admitted. “But I am sure there will be something. For now I am content with the adventure of discovery.”

“Discovery?” She repeated. “And what is it you think there is to discover?”

“You're looking at this town with the wrong set of eyes.” Hook used their entwined grip, to tug Belle over to a store’s window. “For me, just about everything here is some new marvel or wonder!”

The window in front of them, had several large rectangular boxes, with glass screens set in front of them. Each screen showed a moving picture, people and animals in motion, laughing, loving, even in one case, physically fighting.

“The television?!” Belle’s voice was a surprised exclamation of sound. “Everyone has one of those.”

“Everyone?” He asked sharply. “What sort of magic is this, that everyone can use it?”

“It’s not magic.” Belle explained. “It’s science.”

“Science?”

“Well I don't know the exact details....save to say it’s no spell. It’s a modern world’s invention, sort of like having your own private theatre troupe come to put on a show for you as often and as many times as you'd like.” She said. “Some people would say television is even better than books...”

“But not you.” It was an accurate statement too, Belle nodding her head.

“Not me.” She agreed. “It’s wonderful on occasion, but there is nothing quite like a book, having to use your own imagination to picture the people and their settings. The written word can explore so much, can delve in deep into the heart of a matter, into the very emotion a person is feeling.”

“Hmmm...” Hook thought about it. “There is that. Although....” His look was a mix of sheepish admittance, and almost childlike’s enthusiasm. “I still would like to purchase one of these...”

Again that slow, repeated blinking,, as though it was a physical sign of Belle having to think on how to react to him. “You want a television?” Hook nodded an affirmative. “Uh...” She glanced at the store window, then at the pirate once more. “I don't think...that is....the Jolly Roger isn't exactly equipped for once of these....I mean for one to actually work!”

He was disappointed and it showed. “But....I don't know, maybe they have something battery powered you can use.”

“Battery powered? More of the modern world’s brand of magic?” Hook asked.

“Um....I guess you could think of it that way.” Belle hesitated. “Though it’s more a matter of science. Televisions require a source of energy....that energy is a form of power called electricity. This world harnesses it through power plants, and wires...”

“Where can we get one of these power plants?”

“Oh it’s not a plant plant!” Belle quickly protested. “I meant the name of a kind of large building. It supplies the power to the town, through cables and wires. I don't believe it’s possible to outfit the Jolly Roger with these wires. Not if you want to still be able to sail it!”

“Bloody hell...”

“A LOT of this world’s inventions, require electricity...” Belle added. “But there are some things, that can use a thing called a battery. Think of it as a small portable form of energy....though it doesn't last all that long.” Now she was the one tugging on his hand, half dragging a still visibly disappointed Hook into the television store. A store Hook would learn had many other things, weird and marvelous inventions that Belle named as cell phones and computers, and even a small box that played music. He was looking around in utter fascination catching sight of another, much larger television. It’s screen showed a mirror image of the store, and Hook nearly jumped back, when HIS and Belle’s image appeared on it.

She actually giggled at his startled reaction. “Don't worry! You're still here, and it didn't steal your soul or anything.” Belle looked around. “There must be a camera somewhere around here....”

“A camera?”

“A video camera to be exact.” Belle clarified. “Think of it as one of the many necessary tools to make the theatre troupe’s performance show up on a television set. Though that is really over simplifying it....”

“Ah...” But he was only half listening, walking over to the screen. He waved at it, and saw his reflection wave as well. He moved fast, and depending on where he stood, the image sometimes vanished completely from the screen. “Fascinating...” He muttered, and turned to look for Belle. She was standing talking to a woman, dressed in colors of black and navy blue. The woman would nod, and hurry off just as Hook sauntered over.

“Good news!” Belle said almost brightly. “They do have a battery operated radio!”

“Radio?”

“it’s not quite the same as a television, but you can at least LISTEN to things on it.” She explained. “The news, or music....do you like music?”

“Depends on the song....”

“Funny, I'm much the same way when it comes to music that is...” Belle murmured it absentmindedly. “But I'm sure you'll be able to find something you'll like to listen to on it....” A pause, and then she gave him a sidelong glance. “Provided you have the money for it.”

“I've plenty of money.” Hook reminded her. “I'm rich from all my many years of plunder!”

“Ah that’s right. I do recall you making such claim.”

He bristled at that. “Was no claim, but mere fact! My mate Smee has been busy converting my gold into this world’s currency...although...” A frown, Hook reaching into his pocket to pull out a very thick wad of greenish colored paper. “How this paper can be worth even half as much as my actual gold, I'll never understand...” But Belle’s eyes had grown big like two huge saucers at the sight of that thick stack of cash. She wasn't the only one, the woman in black and blue nearly falling over upon her return to be accommodating. With Belle’s guidance, Hook would purchase a reasonable price radio that ran on batteries, and also consumed something called cds. The pirate didn't much understand it, and there was a time he wouldn't have believed a person’s voice could be recorded and stored for others to listen to at any time, but Hook was rapidly becoming a fan of the modern’s world’s many marvels and inventions.

He was still slightly disappointed over the television box, but was satisfied to have purchased the radio device. Belle assured him that they could always come back and purchase some of those cd things, once they had a better idea of the kind of music he might enjoy. He was overwhelmed at the many genres she revealed existed for music, Hook never imagining there could be that many songs. It seemed the modern world, was a time of inventions, of creation, plays, books, and music rivaling each other in insane amounts.

Belle made him pocket the rest of the still thick wad of money before they walked out of the store. She seemed worried about thieves, though Hook scoffed at the idea. He'd gut anyone who tried to rob him, or hurt the beauty, but that didn't seem to reassure her either.

“There are LAWS here. And don't pretend you do not know what those are!” She added quickly. “People may not like stealing, but they frown even worse on assault and murder! You'd best let the sheriff deal with handing out justice, rather than take it into your hand and your hook.....”

“A man’s got a right to protect what is his!” Hook protested. “Things can't be that different that that much would change!”

“No....but...” Belle shook her head. “Things are more complicated....you can get in a whole lot of trouble depending on how you handle a dangerous situation. You might end up in the jail cell next to the one who attacked you!” She touched his arm. “So please....try to....try to curb your first natural impulse IF we run into a pick pocket or something....”

“Fine...I'll try.” He grumbled at her. “But I make no promises....” Belle sighed in response, the most put upon sound he had ever heard. “Are you worried for me, love?”

“No.” She instantly denied. “Just wondering who if anyone would go pay your bail if you were arrested.”

“You wouldn't?” He asked in surprise.

“I don't exactly have much money to my name...” Belle pointed out.

“That won't be much of a problem for you anymore.” He said to her. “You're my woman, love, and entitled to your own share of my plunder.”

“I don't...I don't want your money!” She protested.

“You may not want it, but that won't stop me from taking care of you.” He told her. “And if for some reason I can't, Smee will be on hand to help you with whatever you need.”

“Smee....You keep mentioning that name. But I don't even know who that is, or what he looks like....or if Smee is even a he!”

“You'll meet him soon enough.” He caught around her arm with his hook in a gentle fashion. “But for now, what say we get you some clothes?” He was already trying to tug her towards a store, one that had life sized dolls in it’s windows, all modeling what the pirate assumed was clothing for sale. She wasn't anywhere as reluctant as Belle could have pretended, the woman actually tempted by the idea of a new wardrobe. They walked into the store, the jingle jangle of the bell over the doorway alerting the clerk and every other women inside to the pirate and his beauty.

He smiled his most charming smile at the women ogling them, then escorted Belle over to a section of racks and clothing. He was still holding the bag with the radio in it, but used his hook to carefully touch some of the racked up clothing. She was looking too, and her eyes had gone big again, like they had when she first saw the amount of green paper money Smee had gotten him.

“Don't worry love...” He tried to be reassuring. “Whatever it is, I can more than afford it!”

“Er...” She was looking at a white tag with some writing on it. “I'm not sure this section is right for me, or for your purse strings!” Belle took hold of his arm, and led him over to another part of the store. “As nice as some of those fabrics and designs are, I wouldn't feel right at those prices.” She shook her head. “I know you think you have enough, but....I'd rather not run you out of ALL your money on a few dresses!”

Belle seemed more at ease in this section, nodding to herself as she examined some of the white pieces of cardboard. “Much better.” She said, but it was murmured more to herself than to him. Hook began looking at the different outfits, even eyeing some of the clothing on two life sized dolls standing in the middle of the section. One had skin tight blue trousers on, the kind that the Swan woman often wore. The other doll had a short skirt on, it’s downright indecent length the perfect display for legs that were as lovely as Belle’s.

“Belle...” He spoke with a grin, and heard the sharp intake of breath. “What do you think, love?”

“Oh no...” She said, frantically waving a hand in the doll’s direction. “I am NOT wearing a skirt THAT short!”

“But...” he started to say, but her scathing tone cut him off.

“I am a librarian, not a street walker!” Belle huffed.

Hook couldn't help frowning as he processed her words. “I'm sorry.” He apologized. “I didn't realize...”

“Didn't realize what?” Belle hissed in a soft, but furious tone. “Do you think me a....” She shook her head, as though the woman couldn't bear to finish the thought.

“Never that, love!” He quickly protested. “It’s just....from a Mysthaven’s point of view, the clothes of this modern world, the way the women all dress, it’s all so scandalous and provocative. It’s terribly difficult for me to know what is the acceptable stuff, and what passes as indecent for THIS world.”

“Ah....when you put it that way...” Belle appeared mollified. “Okay...there’s such a thing as too tight, too short, and too low cut. If it looks too, too, TOO revealing, or like I might spill out of or pop out of, then that’s a no. We're not even CONSIDERING it. Got it?”

“Got it....” But he glanced at the short skirt again when her back was turned, the pirate disappointed he would not get to see Belle wear it. A little less enthusiastically, he began drafting about the racks of clothing, trying to find something that was sexy but retained enough modesty to it for Belle not to protest. The beauty also was looking through the clothing, draping things over her right arm, as she found her size and a style to her liking. He was about to approach her with his own selections, when a wolf’s growl was in his ear.

“What are YOU doing here?!”

Hook turned, and looked at the wolf, her red streaked, black hair almost as wild as her clothing. She looked to be existing in an in between, not quite as covered up as Belle would be, but still retaining some modicum of decency to her attire. She was also breathing slightly hard, as though she had run all the way here, and Hook supposed that was a very real possibility.

“Ruby?!” Belle squeaked out in surprise, having noticed the wolf, and approached her. “What...why are you here?”

“I'm here because I am concerned for you, Belle!” Ruby retorted. “it’s all over town!” She added, before Hook or the beauty could ask the wolf how she had known where they are. “Everyone is talking!”

“Everyone?!” Belle was dismayed.

“Surely you exaggerate.” Added Hook.

“Well...” Ruby frowned. “Well maybe a little. But it’s all main street and Granny’s in particular can talk about. Belle walking around town, shopping with an incredibly handsome man.”

Hook couldn't help perking up at that, smirking to hear that the town’s many gossips considered him a looker. He might not have said so out loud, but the wolf gave him her most withering look. “They only think that because they don't know what a lecherous pervert you are!”

“But you do, so that’s why you came here?” Hook asked. “And to do what? Protect your friend from the big bad pirate? When she’s already made her choice clear?”

Ruby let out a wordless snarl, and advanced on Hook.

“Ruby!” Belle hissed. “Don't make an even bigger scene!”

Never taking her eyes off of the pirate, Ruby addressed the brown haired beauty. “We NEED to TALK.” She snagged hold of Belle’s arm, the woman startled into dropping the clothes that she had been holding.

“By all means...” Hook muttered, as the wolf dragged off Belle to another part of the store. He bent to pick up the clothing Belle had dropped, then shot a glare in the direction of the two women. Belle’s back was to him, but the wolf was gesturing wildly. He didn't know what was being said, Ruby speaking in a tightlipped manner that made it difficult to make out the words that were being said.

Belle was standing tall and straight, with only the slightest flinching being done at whatever was being said by the wolf. It still concerned him, Hook worried Ruby would somehow talk Belle into leaving. He had to keep reminding himself that Belle was loyal to a fault, that the beauty would adhere to the bargain she had struck. That he would doubt one of the qualities he had so admired in her, bothered the pirate, Hook frowning and making a show of keeping his distance from the beauty and her wolfish friend. Though Ruby no longer looked his way, the pirate wasn't fooled into believing the wolf didn't know of his every precise gesture and movement. That was fine with him, for he was keeping close tabs on Belle in turn.

Or at least he was, until a woman hit him with some overly strong smelling flower. Hook turned with a glare aimed at the saleswoman, her smile faltering as she timidly asked him if he would like to buy a bottle of what she had sprayed him with. He was all set to snarl out an answer, but then he noticed a display behind her. One of the life sized dolls dressed in the flimsiest of scraps, the material sheer silk, and see through lace. It wasn't alone. All manner of ruffly creation, and sexy, scandalous, indecent attire was on display. Hook all but forgot about the saleswoman, drifting over to what he would later learn was the lingerie section of the store.

To be Continued!

Yay! This chapter was easier to write. Had a little difficulty to get it started, but once I did it started to flow. Unfortunately I worried it felt like too much filler, but I have been looking forward to them shopping for YEARS. And yes, Hook discovering the victoria’s secret display is the funny bit I believe I mentioned in an author’s note a long, long time ago! I have been so eager to get his discover of it, and Belle’s reaction to his discovering it written!

Also forgot to say something, when writing my last author’s note. Basically I wanted to say how it’s difficult to write this, and not let newer seasons affect some of the stuff...mainly some of the Rumple Milah Hook stuff I was gonna write for when Belle finally gets the nerve to read Milah’s journal. The cannon shouldn't affect most of the rest of the story. Just it might influence me heavily for the journal stuff!

As always, thanks for reading! And reviewing! Would love some feedback! :) It makes me want to write even more when I get reviews! XD

Until next time!

---Michelle
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The Trade Off