"We're not going to get out that way."
"What's that love?" Hook was busy trying to shift a giant boulder, but was having little to no luck, only managing to shift the rock a few inches. It was times like this where he sorely felt the loss of his hand, as the lack of it might doom them to remain trapped for some time to come.
"I said we're not going to get out that way." Emma sighed heavily and leaned against the cave wall. It had been a foolish idea and now they were paying for it. Fresh water was at a premium and they'd hoped the cave would yield at least one underground spring. Unfortunately for them they were now both trapped and weren't expected back for several hours.
Hook was still grunting and sweating, trying to move the group of boulders, with his efforts coming to naught. She stared at him, his face set firm, mouth frowning in frustration, hair disheveled.
"Care to lend a hand love or do you just care to watch?" He looked over at her with a smirk. She merely smiled and shook her head.
"We're going to have to wait for help. I told them we were coming up here. They'll have to look for us eventually." At least that was her hope. The fleet had only stopped for supplies and had plans to leave before nightfall. They were in haste and a delay of even a day would cause problems down the line. And Emma did not wish to be the cause of any delays.
Hook stood and leaned against the boulder he'd been trying to move, crossing his arms. He looked up at her through his bangs, his eyes exhibiting a come hither look.
"And what do you suggest we do while we wait for rescue?"
Emma rolled her eyes. Even in a burning building he'd be full of innuendos, doing his best to sidle up to her.
"We could try and find another way out." She motioned towards the back of the cave. "Then we won't be stuck here waiting for someone to move those," she nodded to the boulders. She made to walk off towards the back of the cave when she felt his hand around her wrist, his strong grip holding her in place. His voice close by her ear, whispering.
"Perhaps I would rather remain here."
She felt her breath catch, her face flush, and was only too grateful that she was facing away from him. She shook off his hand with some effort. "Suit yourself." They didn't have time to waste and every minute they did was an hour closer to sunset and a cold and dark climb down the mountain. That is if they ever got out of this cave.
She didn't need to turn around to know he was following her. She could hear his heavy boots methodically echoing behind her. With one hand pressed to the cave wall, the light grew steadily dimmer the further they walked from the entrance. Even now she had to squint to see. Several times she almost stumbled, but a steadying hand reached out to hold her elbow every time. She knew she shouldn't let the silence build up around them but she was too busy trying not to fall on her face to try and engage him in conversation.
When it finally came to the point where she couldn't see in front of her face, she slowed, uncertain of what lay before them. She flinched when she felt his fingers interlace with hers. His hand was warm and comforting, though she would never admit that to his face.
"I don't want to lose you Swan." He spoke softly, as if knowing she would question his motives. Her mouth settled into a grimace but she kept hold of his hand. She knew he meant the dark of the cave but what he said had larger implications. Implications she didn't want to think about.
Their progress had slowed. Every step was a mystery, a push into the void. But Emma was determined. The cave showed no sign of narrowing out, a good sign as far as she could tell. Her grip tightened on Hook as she pulled him along. He had been silent for some time, apparently satisfied with following her lead. She could hear the sound of their boots on the ground and tried to control her breathing. Because despite not being able to see, everything felt close. The cave wall, Hook, the air in the cave. She could feel that flicker of doubt growing in her core but she pushed it away. There was no time for doubts. But Hook had picked up on her unspoken worries.
"Swan we should turn back." He didn't sound worried but she knew he was. The further they walked into the cave without finding an entrance, the less likely they would be found. And there was no telling what lay before them. She turned to speak to him, only to have her foot fail to find the ground. She stumbled, pulling Hook with her as the two fell into cold water.
She'd lost hold of his hand in the fall and her leg had hit something on the way down. The water was so very cold, clutching at her skin like needles dipped in ice. Her first instinct was to gasp. She tried calling out but could barely draw breath. Instead her voice was thin and hollow and desperate.
"Hook!"