Collection of one shots about Killian Jones and Emma Swan.

This was my first time writing fic in two years. Trying to get back in the groove, because honestly, I love these two so much, and I have a bunch of ideas filed away for them. Anyway, here's some Enchanted Forest AU. The italics are flashbacks. Killian has both hands.

Originally posted on AO3 on 8/25/17.

I do not own Once Upon a Time or its characters.

-/-

Emma sighed heavily as she finally let herself relax. She knew this path would by no means be easy, but it was a relief to finally be under way, to be physically moving closer and closer to her goal. The Evil Queen may have taken Henry, but she'd be keeping him over Emma's dead body.

She closed her eyes and slowly inhaled the salty sea air, wincing slightly as the cold wind stung her face. It had only been two days since her son was taken, but it was an eternity to her. She ached to hold him in her arms, his little face pressed against her shoulder (It wouldn't be long before he'd grow too big to hold in such a way. She'd be damned if some vengeful witch took these precious days from her.), to see his bright smile and brighter eyes lighting up at the sight of her, to hear his endless stream of questions and stories (Such an inquisitive one, her boy. His imagination knew no bounds, and neither did his curiosity.). A sudden heat and wetness sprang behind her eyes, and she furiously blinked to hold back the sudden tears, tightening her grip on the ship's railing. Now was not the time to cry. She had been there, done that. It was time for action.

Emma straightened up as she felt eyes on her (again), returning her current situation to the forefront of her mind. She happily embraced the distraction from her melancholy thoughts, which she'd never meant to slip into in the first place. A pirate ship was no place to lose one's focus, especially with the Captain studying her every move.

While Emma did not fear him or his crew, she couldn't help the unease pulsing at the back of her mind. This was his domain, his ship, far different from the tavern where they'd drank and played dice together a couple of times (He'd tried for more, but after one refusal from her, had fallen back to being the perfect gentleman, at least as much of one as a pirate could ever be.). She did not have the option to leave if she wanted. While he'd kept his promises as long as she had known him, a lot more was riding on this than a couple of doubloons.

Her musings were interrupted as the planks creaked slightly with his approaching footsteps.

"So, Swan, care to tell me why you still refuse my help against the Evil Queen? A man wants to know why he's being rejected." He smirked, raising an eyebrow in inquiry while running his tongue over his upper lip. He leaned casually against the railing next to her, just close enough to be invading her personal space. Emma rolled her eyes.

"Your job is to take me there and back," she said brusquely, "that's what we agreed upon."

"Aye, I remember the terms, darling, but you can't blame me for trying. Perhaps it would be easier, though, whatever your task or purpose, if you had a devilishly handsome pirate on your side."

"I don't think your pretty face would be much help, Jones," she said wryly. "Besides, I didn't think you'd want to risk anything ruining it".

"Why, Swan, do you find me attractive?" he asked, waggling his eyebrows.

"It's all you've got going for you." She allowed herself a small smirk at that one. While he spewed innuendos and flirtations like a mad man spewed nonsense, she enjoyed the easy banter they'd established over the past few months. It was a refreshing divergence from the sometimes strict boundaries of palace interactions. "Besides, why do you even care? You've already been promised more than enough compensation for your efforts."

"A pirate is always drawn to adventure, love," he said evasively.

She narrowed her eyes at his not-quite-a-lie. He was very much aware of her superpower, which is why, more often than not, they found themselves playing together in games of dice and cards rather than as opponents. After she had seen through his bluff the first night they met, and won most of his money, he had learned to watch his words with her. Which was why this not-lie sparked annoyance. "If you think you're gonna interfere for a chance at more money, save your energy. There's nothing in it for you."

"That is not my aim," he lowered his voice, "your highness. I seem to remember agreeing to help you before we discussed a reward. And even if that was my goal, I do believe there would be more money. Aiding a princess if often rewarded handsomely."

Emma resisted the urge to roll her eyes again. He wasn't wrong, but... "You're forgetting something Jones. In the eyes of the law, you are kidnapping me, not helping me."

"You want me to what?!"

"Shut up, I don't want anyone else to know about this. I will pay you, and I promise, I wouldn't let you be prosecuted for it. Once I explain everything after we return, they'll understand."

"And why can't the explaining happen now? I thought you said your parents trusted you."

"They do, it's just..."

"Darling, I'm not about to risk my crew's necks- nor mine, for that matter-"

"Regina took my son, Killian! That's where I want you to take me. I need to get him back, but my parents would never let me go alone if they knew I was trying. They're talking about summoning the army, strength in numbers, but I will not wait that long!" Her whisper-shout seemed to echo down the dimly lit alley. Killian's face changed in an instant, his blossoming anger dissipating into shock and concern.

"She has your boy?" he said lowly, brows drawing together.

"Yes, and if you won't-"

"Say no more, Swan, we set out at first light."

She blinked through the burgeoning tears of frustration. "Wait- Just like that?"

"Aye, love," he said evenly. "It's your boy. I know what he means to you. And no child should have to bear the company of that evil woman." One hand rubbed her arm, while the other wiped away an escaped tear. She felt her skin tingle where he touched her. He lowered his gaze so she was forced to look into his eyes, bright blue even in the dim light of night. "I promise you, Emma," he said slowly, "I will get you there, and we will retrieve your son."

She took a step back, regaining some of her regal posture. "No one but me is going into her castle. It's too dangerous."

He sighed dramatically, raising his eyes skyward. "Fine, your highness," he said with much exaggeration. "Now is there anything else I should know before I gather the crew?"

Emma groaned internally. She knew he hadn't dropped the subject just yet. "Tell them where we're going, but not why, or my identity. I want to remain 'just Swan' as long as possible so word doesn't reach my parents."

"Alright, although they are going to figure it out at some point. Half of them already suspect you aren't who you say you are."

"As long as it's not before we leave shore," she said firmly. "Shall I meet you on your ship then?"

"Aye, in three hours. She's second to last at the dock, nearest to the woods."

"Good," she said, and promptly turned to leave the alley.

"Bloody stubborn woman," he muttered, shaking his head. As he followed, the torchlight revealed a small smile on his face.

He ignored her attempt at diverting the subject, and took a step closer. "Emma, why can't you admit that having an ally in this battle- and you can't deny it, this will be a battle- would be to your benefit? You may not have had the opportunity to see for yourself, but I'm very good in a fight. I want to help you."

Something in his voice stopped her next refusal from leaving her tongue. He sounded... sincere. Like he actually cared. Part of her, the part she often forced down, fluttered slightly at this show of loyalty. The other part, the part that stopped her from- How did he say it?- 'accompanying him to his ship for a nightcap' in the first place, waved a red flag. Too much! Trust 'em like that and they're free to drop you like a sack of flour as soon as they're through. But... just because it happened once... no, she couldn't risk it.

"Emma," he whispered. His eyes bore into hers, imploring her to allow him this.

Looking at him in that moment, she knew she couldn't refuse him. Not because all of his flirting and intense gazing had won her over, but because of Henry. She couldn't turn down an offer of help, especially from a (she admitted it grudgingly) very valuable ally. She knew Jones would not betray her trust, at least not in that sense. But that's as close as he gets, she told herself sternly. You learned your lesson before. Even if he does have those stupid big blue eyes.

"Perhaps... it wouldn't hurt to have backup," she said slowly. His eyes lit up in triumph. "But we do it my way, on my terms. No going all rogue pirate on me, got it?"

"Aye, milady. Although if you ever find yourself in need of a rogue pirate, all you have to do is ask."

She felt her defenses sag in relief. His insufferable innuendos were much easier to handle than the startling sincerity he had shown minutes ago. She was beginning to realize how she felt about it, and she didn't like it one bit.

"Not to worry, love," he said as he straightened up, "We'll have your boy back safe and sound. We already know we make quite the team." He winked at her as he backed away.

She smiled reluctantly. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad, having an ally.

-/-

Thank you for reading! Comments are greatly appreciated! :)