CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE: Alas, I do not own much of this, only original ideas and characters…

SPECIAL NOTE: To taylorjade . watkins (minus the spaces): I responded to your review in the last chapter, but I think due to the period, your name didn't show up. I wanted to apologize. If you look at the review responses in the last chapter, there is one without a username, and that is to you. So sorry about that!

A/N: Greetings and salutations, readers! I'm alive! So sorry it took so long, but in case you want to know why, look at the other Author's Note :) So at the end of the last chapter, I decided to leave out this first part, which (should) clear up some timing issues, but a big part of this story is that as you read, you learn. A great example of that would be Ariel's mother's curse that I keep mentioning. (Sadly, that may be a while off…) I just wanted to warn you that I enjoy leaving readers hanging and wanting to know more, so if I don't answer something right away, it will either be explained later, or I didn't even realize the problem. So if you do have questions, please send them! It not only helps, but also makes me want to write faster…Okay enough with this…Read on!

"Thanks, Ruby. I'm so glad you're feeling better."

"Thanks, Mira, so am I," Ruby replied, her voice still nasally. "I hate just lying around, especially with everything that's happening."

The redhead rolled her eyes. "I know, right? It's absolutely crazy."

"Speaking of crazy, I heard you had an admirer."

"You think that's crazy? Good to know how much faith you have in my powers of attraction."

Ruby snorted. "Stop trying to dodge, mermaid. Tell me about it. Granny said you rushed after him. That was the crazy part."

Mira winced as she sipped her hot chocolate. "Whatever, wolfie. I have to go." Mira responded, gathering up the two hot chocolates and smiling at Archie as he held the door open for her.

"You aren't getting away with this, Mira! I know where you live!" Getting quite a few looks at her outburst, Ruby smiled weakly and returned to her cash register as the door shut behind her friend.

Almost to the library, Mira's phone chimed in her pocket, but she ignored it. Her hands were already full with her and Belle's hot cocoas. It would only be another two minutes until she could respond, and she needed some hot chocolate before she talked to anyone, except maybe Belle.

"Morning, Belle. You're not going to believe how badly I need this hot chocolate this morning."

But when she turned, it wasn't her best friend she was looking at.

"Damn."

"You know, love, when women say that to me, they usually say it with more admiration, not such annoyance."

"I'm not most women."

"No, you really are not."

Mira gave Killian a dark look as she began gathering up books on the counter. "What do you want, Hook?"

The pirate grinned brightly and shut the book he held in one hand. "You."

Mira scoffed as she grabbed the book from Killian, noticing it was Peter and the Starcatchers. Oh, the jokes to be made. "Right, Hook. That's the reason you pretended not to recognize me."

"I admit I may have been scared."

Mira raised a fiery eyebrow, not turning around from the counter. "You, admitting a fault? Now I must be dreaming."

Before she knew what was happening, Mira was pinned to the counter by Killian, his hand tucking her hair behind her shoulder as he leaned in to whisper in her ear, "I knew you dreamt of me."

Mira fought the shivers racing down her spine and attempted to shove Killian away. "Keep telling yourself that, Hook. I have work to do and I don't need a pirate bothering me." Taking a deep breath when Killian didn't move, Mira sighed and flipped around, still pinned by the pirate, but now facing him. "Shoo," she said, motioning Killian to leave.

And there went the smirk. "Have you eaten today, love?"

"Excuse me?"

Killian's smirk turned into a grin. "Food. Have you had anything to eat?"

Mira attempted to claim she had, only to be interrupted by a very large grumble from her stomach. "Not exactly."

"Great! Grab your coat and we shall go to Granny's then."

"I have work to do."

"Oh, but Belle told me you do not. I believe she said it was your day off. Nice girl," Killian admired his hook, shining it up a bit using his shirt.

Finally free, Mira slid out from between Killian and the counter, surprised that she missed the warmth he had given off. It was rather chilly in the library…Yeah. That was it. "You talked to Belle?"

Killian pointed to the phone on the wall. "A very useful invention, don't you think? I called her from one of those things on the street, and she told me you were not working today, but would likely be stopping by anyway, since you almost always do."

Mira glared at the pirate, waiting for a witty response to come.

"Oh! Isn't this amazing? It's my favorite because you'll see. Here's where she meets Prince Charming. But she won't discover that it's him till chapter three!" Mira breathed a sigh of relief, making it a mental note to thank whoever it was that came up with the cell phone.

Saved by the Belle! "It's Belle. Don't move."

"Darling, I wouldn't dream of it."

Holding back an eye roll, Mira held her phone up to her ear. "Belle?"

"Mira, where are you?"

"Where am I supposed to be? And shouldn't I be the one asking that question?"

"Well, I figured you would be at home, sleeping, since it's your day off, so I went home to check on you."

"Why would you have to check on me? I'm a grown mermaid that can take care of herself. I have my grown-up fins and everything."

Belle laughed. "Yes, well, I got a call asking about your schedule today. With all that has been happening, I got worried."

Mira smiled, touched by how her friend was concerned for her. "Thanks, Belle, but I'm fine. I'm at the library right now, actually."

"But why? It's your day off?"

Mira glanced at Killian, who was staring at the computer in confusion. He pushed a button and jumped when it beeped at him. Mira let loose a sigh and rubbed her forehead. "It's a long story. Dinner tonight?"

"Sure! But only if you stay away from the library today. I can handle it on my own."

Mira nodded, forgetting Belle couldn't see her. "Oh, fine. I'll lock up when I leave, alright?"

"Good. Oh, wait, Granny has the welcome home party planned. Meet up right before then go together?"

"Sounds perfect. Bye, beauty."

"Bye, mermaid!"

Mira heard the click as Belle hung up and put her phone into the back pocket of her jeans. It was way too big for her front pockets. Stupid smart phone. "Alright, Hook. I am leaving, so get out of here."

Killian frowned. "No diner?"

"No diner," Mira confirmed, grabbing her bag, hot cocoa, and jacket.

"Why are you so angry with me? I know it isn't just because I denied knowing you."

Mira's fist slammed down on the counter. She heard a crack and felt pain, but ignored it. "Because you left me! You left me alone in Neverland, waiting for you! I waited for so long…And you just left me there…When I finally remembered everything here, I thought you were dead. You hadn't crossed over and I had heard nothing since you left. You suddenly show up and what? Expect me to come running into your arms like the past didn't happen?"

"That had been the plan actually."

Mira scoffed, still ignoring the pain in her hand. "You never were one for thinking ahead, were you, Hook?"

"Must you call me that?"

"What, Hook? Don't like being called Hook? It's your name, isn't it, Hook?" Mira attempted to flex her hand, but winced from the pain of it. Damn. At least it wasn't broken.

"You know very well what my name is."

"No, I don't. Peter died when you became Hook. You killed Peter. You aren't him."

"What about you? You pretended to be dead for four years before you even bothered to tell me you were not only alive, but had been swimming around without a care in the world as I mourned you. I needed you, but apparently just like then, it's all about you, isn't it, Princess?"

"I'm not a princess, pirate."

"I'm not a pirate in this world, princess. What is there to pirate?"

"Movies," Mira grumbled, taking a sip of her cocoa and wrinkling her nose. It had already gone cold.

"What?"

"Nothing. Once a pirate, always a pirate." Mira tossed both cocoas and pulled on her jacket, being careful of her injured hand.

"Once a princess, always a princess."

Mira didn't respond, instead fishing in her purse for her keys to lock up the library.

"I'm not giving up on us, Ariel."

"That's not my name. Not anymore."

"You may deny your past life, but I won't. You called me a pirate, but the only treasure I want now is your heart." Killian walked up to Mira, gently grabbing her chin and turning it to face him. "We belong together, Ariel, and I'm going to prove it to you."

"You're off to a great start, siding with Cora." Mira pushed Killian's hand away, not willing to remember how many times those calloused hands had touched her the same way, gently, lovingly.

"She and I parted ways almost right away. She could not hold up her side of the bargain."

"That's why you're here, isn't it? You're hoping being close to me will help you get rid of Rumple." And I almost fell for it. "I won't be a part of your revenge, Hook."

"I admit I came here for vengeance, but that is not what I want anymore." His voice was soft and Mira could feel his eyes on her, but she couldn't risk facing him. Not now. Not ever.

"Oh, really? Then what do you want? Don't you dare say me."

"Whether or not you believe it, I want you, Ariel, and you know very well I always get what I want."

Mira swung around to respond, but Killian was already gone. Suddenly feeling very lost, Mira sunk to the floor into the fetal position. "But at what cost, Peter?"

The sun shone brightly above as two figures ran through the orchard, ducking behind tress and kissing between their laughs. They ran at the same pace, holding hands and turning together occasionally. The woman turned to the man with a grin on her face, her red hair whipping behind her. The man smiled back and pulled her behind another tree to kiss her.

"Oh, Triton! Can you believe it? We're going to be married!"

Triton laughed and brushed back his love's fiery hair. "Not if you keep causing trouble for my father, Morgana."

Morgana grinned and went in for another kiss. "Oh, please, your father adores me! And he knows this is a good union!"

"If only your parents were still here to see you," Triton said quietly.

Morgana bit her lip. "If only…But I have Ursula, and I have you."

"You will always have me, my love."

Morgana's smile returned and she tugged on Triton's hand. "Come on! Race you back!"

Triton followed after his betrothed, a smile tugging on his lips.

"Beat you!" Morgana declared breathlessly with a smile at her fiancée. Who would have thought when her father and mother had been killed and her aunt had married her off to the first kingdom that offered, she would have found her best friend?

"Beat again by a girl, little brother?"

Triton grinned at his brother and shrugged. "What can I say, Percival? She's as fast as she is beautiful."

Percival smiled at Morgana and gently kissed her hand. "She is rather beautiful, isn't she?"

Morgana rolled her green eyes and shoved Percival gently. "You had your chance, Percy. I was betrothed to you first. Remember?"

"Oh, I remember," Percival said very quietly into Morgana's ear, gently brushing his lips over her cheek. He placed his lips firmly to Morgana's hand again, slipping a note into it. "Farewell, you two."

"Where are you off to, big brother?"

"Oh, no where in particular. I simply have not ridden Jade in a while," referring to his auburn horse. "See you both later."

Morgana turned to her fiancée, trying to calm her fast-beating heart. "I think I may go lie down. I haven't been feeling so well."

Triton frowned in concern. "Alright. Are you sure you're alright?"

Morgana smiled brilliantly. "Yes, of course. See you at dinner?"

Triton smiled back and nodded as Morgana turned and quickly walked back to her room, deciding through the kitchen and up the servant stairs was the best way. Smiling weakly at the cooks as they greeted her, Morgana ducked into the servant stairs, leaning against the wall for support. Oh, how did Percival manage to make her heart beat so fast with a mere whisper?

Sighing deeply, Morgana pulled out the note and opened it carefully.

Morgana, my love, I miss you dearly. Watching you with my brother gives me such indescribable pain. I must see you, alone. Meet me in the stables tonight after dinner. Love forever, Percival.

Who would have thought when her father and mother had been killed and her aunt had married her off to the first kingdom that offered, she would have found her true love? For that matter, who would have thought her best true love would be the brother of her best friend as well as her betrothed?

"You need to stop seeing him, m'lady."

Morgana looked up at her handmaiden, Guienvere, who also happened to be her friend and confidant.

"I know, Gwen…I know. I just don't know what to do."

Gwen smiled sympathetically and gently placed her hand on her mistress' arm. "You must make a choice, and tell them both, and do it before Prince Triton finds out."

Morgana sighed and nodded. "You're right, Gwen, of course. I think I will go for a ride. Maybe it will calm me down?"

"Yes, m'lady. Would you like for me to draw you a bath for when you return?"

"Please. Thank you, Gwen." Morgana smiled at her friend then quickly followed one of the servant passageways that led to outside. Gwen was right, but Morgana needed to see Percival…Just one more time…

"Welcome home!" Mira yelled with everyone, cheering and clapping for Emma and Mary Margaret.

"I wasn't worried a bit," Ruby said, hugging her best friend from back home. Mira laughed at that.

"Right. That's why you kept pacing in the library. Not kidding. You can see the leftover fur."

Ruby glared as Mary Margaret smiled. "I can tell."

"Tacos. I cannot tell you the relief of cooking something that I didn't have to kill first," Emma passed the bag to Granny with a smile.

"Don't I know it. Meat loaf back home? What a bitch."

"I just wanted to, uh, thank you all for joining us tonight," David began, everyone gladly paying attention. "Mary Margaret and I we have a saying, that we will always find each other, and while I believe that with all my heart, I'd like you all to raise your glasses and join me when I say, here's to not having to look for a while. To Mary Margaret and Emma."

The door to the diner opened, revealing Regina. "Sorry I'm late."

Leroy picked up a knife, brandishing it at the ex-Queen. "What is she doing here?"

"I invited her," Emma responded defensively.

Mary Margaret and David pulled away their daughter as Mira approached Regina.

"I see you brought your lasagna," Mira said with a smile. "Want some help serving it?"

Regina smiled back gratefully. "Thank you, Mira."

"Mira, what are you doing? The secret ingredient is probably poison!" Leroy said, trying to pull the librarian away.

Mira rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, Leroy. If Regina wanted to kill us, she would have. Plus, this is my recipe. I recognize the red pepper flakes."

"They give it some kick," Regina added, smirking slightly.

Leroy sniffed the piece he was offered, but accepted it, walking away.

"You didn't have to do that," Regina said quietly.

"Yes, I did. I won't let them treat you like this for your past. Don't forget, Regina, I knew you before. Plus, Rumple is my best friend and I dated Captain Hook. Baddies are my specialty. Now give me a piece of this lasagna. I have to see if it meets my standards." Regina and Mira shared a smile as Regina passed her a plate. "Thank you, Regina."

"No, thank you."

The party was a success, everyone talking and having fun together, even Regina enjoying herself. When the other guests saw Mira, one of their most beloved, laughing and talking with Regina, they had slowly started to relax around her. It helped even more when Emma joined the two at one of the booths. If their Savior could give the Evil Queen a chance, why couldn't they, right?

"I'm starting to think about heading home," Regina said, glancing over at her empty lasagna dish.

Her tablemate smiled at the empty dish. "Want me to walk with you? It's on my way anyway."

Regina smiled and nodded. "That would actually be very nice."

Mira smiled and nodded, standing with Regina. "Let me just say goodbye to everyone."

Regina nodded, her smile slowly falling as she watched the librarian hug and say goodbye, everyone so sad to see her go and obviously caring very much about her. Why couldn't she have that? She just kept trying, but it felt like no matter what she did, no one would ever let go of what she had done as the Evil Queen. Didn't they understand that wasn't who she was anymore? That even when she did those things, she regretted them as she did them. She just had figured that there was no turning back…So press on. She had at one point even tried to patch things up with Snow, but that hadn't worked out so well for Regina. She knew she didn't deserve it…But she truly wanted to change, to be the mother Henry wanted her to be. Maybe Mira would be able to help her? After all, Mira seemed happy to sit and talk with her, and had said she believed Regina wanted to change. The town loved her…Yes, maybe Mira could help Regina get the chance she so desperately wanted…

"Ready to go?" Mira asked with a grin, passing the empty lasagna dish to Regina.

Regina nodded and smiled. "I would say goodbye to Henry…But…"

The two looked to where said boy was asleep in one of the booths, David's jacket being used as a blanket.

Mira and Regina smiled at each other again and Mira waved at everyone one final time as the door shut behind them.

"So what's wrong?"

Regina raised her eyebrows to Mira, surprised she had caught on quite so quickly. "Why, I don't know what you mean…"

"Uh huh. Listen here, Queeny. If we're going to be friends, and I hope we are, you have to be honest with me. I know something changed. My guess is it has to do with how everyone said goodbye to me but not to you. There is a reason for that. I know you're good deep down, but they don't. You brought them here, cursing them. For some, it ended up being good, such as Hansel and Gretel finding their father, but you had also been the one to separate them. They blame you for all their unhappiness. You have to give them time to realize that you, just like all of them, deserve another chance. I will gladly defend you again and again, but only if you are a friend to me as well. Deal?"

Regina stared in shock, trying to make herself form words, but she just couldn't quite figure out what to say. Instead she wrapped her arms around Mira, hugging her tightly as tears slipped from her eyes.

Mira hugged her back, her own tears threatening to fall. "And you don't have to say thanks, Regina. This is what friends are for."

Friends. Regina could get used to that.

Percival paced the stable, his jaw clenched as he tried to keep his worry in check. His hazel eyes were bloodshot from a lack of sleep, unsure of what to do. His love had taken ill recently and he felt so lost without her. He knew it wasn't right for him to see her as he was no longer her fiancée, but he had to see her, just to make sure she was alright.

The Crown Prince had seen Morgana when she had went to see him in the stable that day, but it had now been nearly three weeks. It was ridiculous, especially after what they had shared that day…

"Hello, Percival."

Percival turned, smiling at Morgana, dressed in a beautiful white dress that flowed to the floor. He loved her in white. It contrasted her fiery red hair so well, almost like fire and ice. She was beautiful in everything, of course, but white was his favorite.

"Morgana. I'm so glad you came."

"Of course I did. How could I not?"

Percival smiled and tucked some of her hair behind her ear and gently leaned forward to kiss her gently. She responded and kissed him back with a passion as fiery as her hair.

Their kisses didn't stop, only separating long enough to climb the ladder up to their secret place. Morgana giggled as she skipped past bales of hay to see their area, a blanket set up, covered in rose flower petals. She gasped and grinned at Percival, dragging him into another kiss.

"I would have brought candles, but seeing as we are surrounded by hay…"

Morgana laughed and pressed her lips to Percival's ear, whispering gently, "Don't worry. We have enough fire together."

Percival found himself shudder, and he could no longer take it. He scooped Morgana up and lay her down gently on the blanket, trailing kisses along her jawline and down, grinning as he heard her gasp. He pressed kisses along the edge of her dress, knowing it drove her crazy. Slowly, clothes fell from them, the only thing keeping from touching each other and as the moon rose high in the sky, Percival made Morgana his, knowing nothing could take this from them.

After Morgana had drifted off, Percival lay awake, running his fingers through his love's hair as she slept, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face. He knew he had Morgana's heart just as she had his, and now they had shared everything together. Percival pulled up a blanket, covering Morgana's bare shoulder.

"I love you, Morgana. Always."

"Prince Percival!"

Percival quickly turned to see Guienevere, Morgana's handmaiden, running to him. "What is it, Gwen? Is it Morgana?"

Gwen nodded, fear in her eyes. "Please, m'lord! You must come quickly!"

Percival felt the worry and desperation clawing at him as he raced back to the castle and to Morgana's room.

"Percy! It's wonderful that you're here! Have you heard yet?"

Percival looked at his younger brother with raised eyebrows. "Have I heard what, Triton? Where's Morgana?"

"That's the news! The wedding must be pushed up to sooner! Morgana, she's pregnant!"

Percival felt his world come crashing down around him, unable to breathe. "Pregnant?"

Triton grinned, oblivious to his brother's pain. "Yes! She wasn't ill at all!"

Percival breathed deeply, trying to reign in his emotions. "That's wonderful, brother. But no, I actually came to tell you I will be leaving for a few months to go on a mission for father. I suppose I will be missing the wedding then. I am sorry, brother."

Triton frowned, grasping his brother's shoulder. "Do not worry. I understand. When do you leave?"

"Tonight. Tell Morgana farewell for me?"

The younger brother nodded. "Of course. Will you be back for the coronation?"

"No, I don't think I will. I am glad father decided to give you your own kingdom though. I wish I could see you become King."

"Just come visit me when I am King. We can go to a tavern and you'll pay. We'll call it even!" Triton laughed, still oblivious to his brother's distress.

"Yes, of course. I must go, brother. I will write you. Good luck." With a hug and one last longing look at Morgana's door, Percival left to write his father.

Dear Father,

I have decided to accept this mission, though I will miss the wedding and coronation. This is Triton's time, not mine. I know how dangerous this mission is, but I plan to make you proud. I will be going alone, besides my manservant, Lancelot. I will write you when I arrive in Camelot.

-Percival.

A/N: Wow, it's been a while, hasn't it? I'm so sorry! It's been absolutely wacky around here. Let me start by saying Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, Happy St. Patrick's Day, Happy Easter, and any other holidays I missed! Hope you all still like this story…I plan to update more regularly now that life is returning to normal. Many of you probably don't care, but in case you're curious, I've been very sick recently and having a lot of family things, including one of my uncles passing away. This has been a rather tough year for me already, but writing has helped, just like always. My characters are there for me, as are you, my readers. Just knowing you read makes me feel so much better, so I wanted to say THANK YOU to you all. You are all wonderful, and I hope I have not driven you all away with my absence. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I decided on going completely off the path OUaT went since I don't particularly like how they made Killian a pompous jerkface coward. (Such articulation right there.) As you can see, I started that with changing what happened in The Cricket Game by having Regina go home with Mira and know she isn't alone, so even if Cora tried framing Regina, Mira would know it wasn't true. So I plan on having some things from the show, but I believe we can officially call this an Alternate Universe fic. Hope you still enjoy! Would love to hear your feedback! Feel free to PM me anytime :)

REFERENCES: Some but not limited to: (1) "Left is always better." – Lady of the Camellias (play), (2) Wendy correcting Peter and calling him Captain – Pirates of the Caribbean, (3) "Why is the rum gone?" – Pirates of the Caribbean, (4) "Well, hello, Peter." – Lupin to Pettigrew in Harry Potter, (5) "So you have heard of me?" – both Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean and Killian, (6) "bippity boppity boo" – Cinderella (Disney), (7) "Ships in the Night" (chapter title) – song by Mat Kearney.

THANKS TO:

Reviews: sn-46: I'm really glad you like it! I try to have my characters' back stories be unexpected, like many of them are on the show, and it's so great to hear I'm doing a good job of it :) Yes, indeed it is! It's four years after, which gets explained in the first part of this story. I had planned on having that as part of the last chapter, but I decided to switch it over to this one, forgetting about the whole four years explanation thing…Go, me! Sorry about the confusion! Happy late new year from the US! It's been a crazy few months and have been unable to update until now…But here it is! Hope you liked it!

odetted99: Oh, but wait! There's more! :)

Eline: Hope the teaser met your expectations!

Aletheia229: It's so sweet that you apologized for not reviewing a chapter! Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like my writing, but perfect? Geewillickers, that makes me feel so good! Thank you so, so, so much! Hope you liked this chapter as much!

Guest: Glad you like it and hope you continue to like it!

For The Love Of Cheese: Sorry it took so long to update, but I'm glad you like it so much!

WinterInMyVeins: Muahahahaha I have made someone obsessed! Too bad it took so long to update…

SemiraBlake: So, I'm just going to combine your two reviews into one response if that's alright? :) Oh, yes, I have a tendency to get carried away with my author's notes, but it's kind of a place for me to just ramble since most of my friends think I ramble too much…Which I do…Anyway…Feel free to skip the author's notes! I swear I won't be insulted! Oh, fudgesicles, I'm so glad you like it so much! Yes, Colin is fantastic! I love his lyrics too! I actually plan on basing one of my chapters on his lyrics, so I hope you look forward to that :) Thank you for the luck! I could probably use it considering my update schedule…Gah. I truly am so glad you like it this much, and hope you continue to like it! Thank you!

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STARTED: 2 January 2013. FINISHED: 16 May 2013. FINAL WORD COUNT: 3,984.

TEASER: "Fine. I will leave you alone and no longer "get in your way" as you put it, on one condition."

Mira raised her fiery eyebrows at the pirate, not believing it for a moment. "What's the condition?"

"You, Ariel, must kiss me. Not just a peck on the cheek, either. No, this must be one of those kisses we shared in Neverland during those nights together aboard the Jolly Roger."

Mira scoffed, ignoring the rush she felt at his words, the memories of his lips against her skin. "No way."

Killian shrugged, his smirk still in place. "Then I suppose I will have to keep getting in your way. Get ready, Ariel. I know your games better than you. It won't be long until you are begging to kiss me." He leaned in, brushing his lips against her neck at the spot Killian knew she was most vulnerable. "Don't worry, Princess. I won't bite. Much."