Breaking The Habit

[Killian Jones]

Tag Grace
Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Hook was consumed by darkness, but ever so slowly, he felt himself regaining consciousness. He slightly moved his hand, his head feeling heavier than usual. The amount of times he had been knocked out or tied up was disturbingly high recently, and matters didn't help when the recent attacker had supposedly been an ally. He had deciphered the map for them and how was he repaid? By being told that he had served his purpose and then dismissed like something so easily disposable.

But no. He was hardly that. He was a surviver, and he'd be damned if he came all the way over here just to fail in his mission to kill the Dark One. He just had to get to him before Cora and Regina were able to execute their plan. Cora had her agenda all along and Hook should have known better . . . but he was far too consumed with his need for vengeance that he hadn't realized her insincerity.

He quietly groaned, attempting to move as he slowly opened his heavily lidded eyes. His vision was hazy, his surroundings a blur. He closed his eyes again, deciding that was easier than moving right away. But he needed to get up. He needed to do what he came here to do. He was on a bit of a time limit. But damn! His bloody head felt like it was weight down by ten anchors. Damn Cora. Damn her and her betrayal.

[Grace Hatter]

So much had been going on recently! Grace was certainly relieved to hear that Archie wasn’t dead! She was less enthused to hear that her captain had somehow been involved in the abduction. She didn’t know the details. But Storybrooke was a small town; and, people talked. It was all about knowing where to listen and asking the right questions. It also helped that Grace was close to Herny who was involved in pretty much everything. The good news was that Archie was alive. But one bit of bad news was someone else was dead in his place. Magic had been used to shift the corpse to look like someone else, in this case Archie. They still hadn’t figured out who yet. And determining that wasn’t the priority at the moment. A worse piece of news was that Cora, the Queen of Hearts, was here. And that could only mean terrible things. That was why Emma had taken Henry with her on her trip to New York to find Rumplestiltskin's son. Henry had come to say goodbye to Grace first which she was grateful for. And he’d warned her to be careful since Cora was here in Storybrooke (which was really sweet of him)! Grace knew she was both powerful and dangerous thanks to her magic mirror. She’d seen what the woman had done to Papa, how she terrified all those that resided in Wonderland. So yes...This was very, very bad! And more upsetting was the fact that her captain had been working alongside Cora! But Grace wanted to believe in him! There had to be a reason! She’d ask when she got the chance. But at the moment...Things had just been insanely hectic even by Storybrooke standards. Cora had captured some giant who’d gotten big for a time. Grace could guess how. She was willing to bet a Wonderland mushroom was involved. She’d had a bite herself when she’d used Papa’s hat to get there. It could easily make him that huge. He'd caused some destruction; and, a few people got injured. Nothing super serious; but, the General Hospital had seen some activity. And Archie had come to the hospital for a bit after his return, to make sure he was alright. And for the most part he was. Well..At least there was one other piece of good news. Archie wasn’t dead which meant Regina hadn’t killed him. Grace was the type of person to believe in the best of others to begin with. She’d been convinced that Regina wanted to change for Henry’s sake! So she didn’t want to believe the terrible things people were saying about Archie. She wasn’t sure if it had been wrong of her but...She’d tried to give Henry hope, say he should trust his mother. Regina might have been Henry’s adoptive mother; but, she’d raised him all his life! So Grace was sure she loved him! You didn’t give people a home if you didn’t love them! Regina might have made all sorts of mistakes. As Paige she’d learned just how alienated and unloved Henry felt. But well...She still wanted to believe Henry and Regina could be a happy family. So she hadn’t been so willing to accept Regina had killed Archie. And her belief had been rewarded! Regina was innocent! Although now there was the issue of her captain. Well hopefully her belief there would be well founded too! And although Archie had been abducted, he hadn’t been killed. Belle had been shot; but, fortunately she was recovering fine. Well...minus the memories. Grace was still hopeful there was a way to restore them! She didn’t know enough about magic to begin to guess how; but, maybe one of the books in the library would help! She knew that the odds were slim; but, she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t at least try! Belle was suffering because she didn’t know who she was anymore! And this library was no ordinary library. Regina had made it. Grace knew there were all kind of books inside, including ones about magic. She should know. As Paige she’d...Well she’d been a bit of a delinquent which was a weird thought considering she’d had top notch grades, volunteered in the hospital, and been a girl scout. So yeah...She was the last person people would suspect for that sort of thing. And well..breaking into a library wasn’t that awful! It was shut down; and, the books were just collecting dust! She’d only wanted access to more books! The lock picking skills had stayed with her apparently. Although it wasn’t like a closed library was terribly protected. It was better to have something to occupy her mind now anyways. Otherwise she’d go nuts worrying. Henry was safe for the moment in New York. But with Cora in town...Certainly no one else was! Grace hoped that the Queen of Hearts wouldn’t care about Papa enough to bother him. But...Cora was ambitious and cruel; and, her being here spelled the worst news for everyone! Grace knew she had some magic given her teleportation stunts. But control...She didn’t really have it at least not that much at the moment. It was more reflexive, triggered by intense emotions. And even if she had completely mastered it, that wouldn’t really help with Cora level magic! No, she was smart enough to realize she’d only get in people’s way. Hopefully Henry would be gone for a while so she wouldn’t need to worry about him too. And hopefully Snow and Prince Charming, the experienced heroes, would figure out some way to deal with Cora. Although..Neither one of them had any magic. Not a comforting thought. But they were used to fighting sorcerers at least! Right then..No point in getting depressed! If all Grace could do was research to try and find some way to help either Belle or the heroes with Cora...That’s what she’d do! It was nice that the library was open; and, everyone could read books now. But if Grace was honest, she missed picking the lock a little bit. The library had once been her refuge, her secret garden of sorts. But she could always find a new place just for her, some abandoned warehouse or something. And books were meant to be read! Grace swung open the library doors, eager to get to work when she saw a most familiar form slumped over on the ground. “Captain!” she cried out, immediately running to his side. She quickly pressed her fingers against his wrist, sighing in relief when she felt a pulse. She leaned down near his head and felt his warm breath on her ear, confirming he was in fact breathing. So it was alright. He was just knocked out. He’d come to quickly. Well, at least she suspected he would. He was Captain Hook after all. She knew for a fact this wasn’t the first time he’d been knocked out. If this was anyone else, she’d call the hospital to get them checked out. But he’d certainly seen worse and...He wasn’t exactly an outstanding citizen. Emma wasn’t in town at the moment, being off in New York with Henry and Rumplestiltskin. But Charming or someone else could easily arrest Hook and throw him in a cell. He was wanted for a number of crimes by this point. At least she assumed he still was. (Storybrooke wasn’t entirely conventional.) Best not to risk it over something minor like this. He didn’t look too bruised. He should be fine. Grace knew she wasn’t strong enough to drag her captain far. And there really wasn’t much point in trying to move him anyways. The library was small and lacked basic luxuries like couches. It really was best to leave him where he was. She’d just try and make him more comfortable when he woke up. Fortunately, she’d planned on staying in the library for a while with her research project. So she’d brought some bottled water and crackers for snacks. (She also had a box of girl scout cookies to sate her sweet tooth.) So she’d have something to offer her captain when he awoke. She heard his groan and saw the way his eyes fluttered open for a moment before promptly closing them again. “Captain, can you hear me?!” she asked concerned. “You’re probably dehydrated! You should drink something!” She twisted off the cap and placed the bottle up to his lips. Even if he wasn’t ready to move, he should get something into his system, especially water! “Drink!” she ordered in a tone that brooked no argument. Yes, it was presumptuous for her to command her captain. She knew that. But she was training to be a doctor! And this was no time for stubbornness or indecision on his part! She knew the water would help him! tag: --- notes: ---

TEMPLATE BY ELIZA

[Killian Jones]

Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

Hook could vaguely hear someone in the background asking if he he could hear them. As he slowly slipped back into consciousness, he was able to determine the voice was female . . . and young. A young female speaking to him with concern . . . well, it wasn't hard to figure out who that was. But Hook still made no immediate movement. Whatever had knocked him out, was done so with quite the force. He was still working on piecing together the events that led him to this unconscious state. And in his delirium, he parted his lips as he heard someone instructing him to drink.

Once the cool liquid touched his lips, he coughed a little and quickly jerked his head up. A big mistake. It just made everything spin around him and his head feel heavier. He moved to sit in an upright position, blinking a few times, trying to force his vision to clear and he looked at his surroundings. "Cora." Recollection hit him. Cora had done this. She betrayed him. Used him. Disposed of him. And that, was not something Hook was going to tolerate.

His eyes eventually rested on the only other presence here. "Where is she?" He demanded, aware that it may be a bit irrational to ask Grace but at the same time, it was the first words that escaped from his lips. Why? Because he was angry. He had done all she told him to in the hopes of gaining assistance to kill the Dark One . . . yet she had turned everything around and revealed her own agenda which had nothing to do with him. All that meant, was that he would have to take matters into his own hands.

[Grace Hatter]

Grace smiled, relieved when Hook parted his lips to drink. But the smile quickly vanished as he sputtered on the liquid and jerked his head up far too quickly. Then he continued to make matters worse by moving into an upright position. “You shouldn’t move yet!” she reprimanded, concern evident in her voice. Not like she expected her captain to listen. He was a stubborn one. And clearly someone had knocked him out. And as he was working with Cora...It didn’t take a genius to figure out who. And that being the case, he’d been betrayed and would likely be in a temper. Pirates held no love for those who crossed them. So if she knew her captain, and she’d wager she did, he’d be hell bent on chasing after Cora immediately which was a dreadful idea all the way around! What did he honestly think he could do to Cora?! The Queen of Hearts had crazy magic! Grace had been in the diner, sipping some tea in a corner, reading a book when Regina barged in on Rumplestiltskin’s and Belle’s date. Granny had tried to close up early and force everyone out, fearing a confrontation; but, Regina assured Granny it was okay, that they were civil. And then Regina told Rumplesttiltskin Cora was coming from their land! Even the Dark One had looked nervous! So yes...She was not an opponent her captain could handle, certainly not on his own and certainly not in this condition! Grace had witnessed some of her terrifying magic through the mirror. If Hook was smart, he’d stay far away. But well...She knew how he got when vengeance was involved. So yes, she was very worried! The first word out of Hook’s mouth was Cora. She knew it! This line of thought was going nowhere good! This was promptly followed by a “where is she”. Just great. Her captain was in a temper. She knew that tone. “I don’t know,” she said honestly. “But I overheard Snow White and Prince Charming. They’re looking for the dagger. I’m sure Cora is too.” Things were only going to escalate. Even if Snow and Charming got a hold of the dagger first...All Cora had to do was find them. How could they protect themselves without magic?! “But no going after her now! You need to rest and get some fluid in you!” she said firmly, holding up the water bottle to him. She really wanted to question him, ask how and why he’d gotten entangled with someone as cruel and malicious as Cora. But he wasn’t feeling well. So questions could and would wait. His health was the priority. She didn’t want to encourage him to go after Cora period. But well..She knew he wouldn’t take that well. It would be a miracle if he’d stay put long enough to recover completely. But if he insisted on being reckless, she’d pull out all the stops and point out just how foolish opposing Cora would be. If he wanted to stand any chance against her, he’d need some powerful magical artifact or weapon or something. And as far as Grace knew, he was fresh out. tag: --- notes: ---

TEMPLATE BY ELIZA

[Killian Jones]

Note: proper gif coming soon!

It's Always Nice

TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION

He shouldn't move. No. Perhaps he shouldn't. But it wasn't a matter of it being that he couldn't. He was perfectly capable of moving and well, he had to! He had been so close to claiming his vengeance. He had been dragged to this bloody town for the sole purpose of killing The Dark One. And if he didn't, this entire thing would be for naught. Going after Cora, siding with Cora, turning against everyone else, leaving the world he knew behind . . . it would all have been futile, if he did not fulfill his life's mission. The anger of how Cora had used him was strong, but the one feeling that would always be stronger was vengeance.

So he focused more on her answer to the second question, saying that everyone was looking for the dagger. Hook knew that him looking would only throw him into the mix . . . no. Everyone was distracted looking for the dagger, so Hook could look for the demon himself. He wanted the source of his vengeance. If what he had heard was true, and the Dark One was outside of the town . . . then he was no longer untouchable.

According to what was explained, he would not have his magic. Yes. This seemed like a perfect opportunity indeed. He would end this: once and for all. "Then it will be a race of who gets to it first," he said, feeling strongly disoriented though attempting to show no sign of this. He needed to regain his strength and coherence and quickly! Time was of the essence.

She once again tried to offer him water and he knew he had to act calm and collected, so that she nor anyone else was tipped off about his plan. He needed to ensure no one else knew. Because that would only mean that they would try to stop him. He briefly glanced at the water, making no move to drink it as he brought his hand to his head, placing it on his forehead, his fingers on both sides of his temple.

"If you're going to offer me fluids, the least you could do is give me something stronger than water," he said, only half kidding. With that thought he reached into his pocket and pulled out his flask, raising it to his lips he placed the cover between his teeth, opened it, and took a rather large swig of the beverage. Swallowing, he closed his eyes with satisfaction. "Now that's much better." All he needed was a good swig of rum.

[Grace Hatter]

Grace simply sighed when Hook said it was a race of who would get to it first. “Is it really?” she asked, concerned. “Let’s say Snow White and Prince Charming get to it first. Then what?” she questioned. “I seriously doubt someone as determined and powerful as Cora will simply call it a day. She has impressive magic. Not to be rude but...Snow has a bow and arrow and Charming a sword...They’re great fighters for sure. But..I’m not convinced Cora is someone they can handle. Even Rumplestiltskin looked nervous when Regina said she was coming! Regina said Cora was the one thing that could possibly unite them. And...That’s really saying a lot given she locked up Belle in the psyche ward for the entire curse.” Rumplestiltskin loved Belle. Apparently Regina had lied to him, told him she was dead. But really, all this time she’d had her locked her away. So no Rumple and Regina weren’t on the best of terms right now. For one small town...There certainly were a great number of people with intense grudges. As far as Grace knew no one held a grudge against her. She’d really like to keep it that way. And well...Apparently Cora hadn't united Regina and Rumplestiltskin. Regina was actually working with Cora! Now that was a terrifying thought. With their magic combined, Grace didn't even want to think about what they could do. And Rumplestiltskin was away in New York! If he was here, Grace would feel a little safer. He had impressive magic too. But he couldn't do anything outside of Storybrooke. But she couldn't say she wanted him to return quickly. That would mean Herny was coming back too. And he'd be much safer never meeting Cora! She didn't want anything bad to happen to him! “I think if Snow or Charming get it, Cora will just take it from them by force.” Thanks to her magic mirror, Grace had witnessed the many terrors of Cora. When she wanted something...Nothing stood in her way! She was cruel and vicious, merciless! Grace had no doubt she’d rip apart the town searching for the dagger if she had to. Hook glanced down at the water but stubbornly refused to reach for it. Grace knew he had to be disoriented and in pain! Why couldn’t he just drink the water like a good patient?! It would help! He should listen to the doctor in training! And then he had to go and do the worst possible thing! Okay..Not the worse possible thing. He wasn’t shoving his sword through his scalp after all. But for all the damage the liquor would do...He might as well have! “That’s not going to help your pounding head!” she exclaimed, glaring at him. She thought it was safe to assume his head was pounding. He’d been knocked out; and, she was willing to bet he’d hit his head. “Captain, you should just drink some water!” Of course she knew he wasn’t going to listen. He always thought Rum was this magical solution to all his problems. Well since he wasn’t doing the intelligent thing..No reason to play nice! And honestly...She just wanted to know. Grace took a deep breath. “Captain, please tell me why would you work with someone like Cora? Do you have any idea how horrible she is?” tag: --- notes: ---

TEMPLATE BY ELIZA