Notes ~ Hello :) So I've realized this AU isn't really an AU – this was originally intended to be a breather scene. I will not be adding chapters to this little thing, instead I've expanded it into what I really wanted to tell you when I first wrote this scene almost three years ago. I'm also not deleting the first draft – I've turned this into a comparison/writing process over the years. Gosh, I needed to be more specific! So if you're starting out as a new writer and don't feel you've written what you had pictured so perfectly in mind, I hope this inspires you to keep going. I hope you like it X)
FIRST DRAFT ; written in 2013
This AU takes place between "The New Neverland" and "Going Home", right after they found out Pan [in Henry's body] stole the Dark Curse.
"Pan," Mr. Gold said, "is going to enact the Dark Curse."
On a field overlooking Storybrooke, Emma sat on the grass, Henry's storybook in her hands. The wind blew through her hair and rang in her ears; whispering a sad truth. It was as quiet as she was alone.
Hook walked through the field, slowly; silently; alone; taking a deep breath as he watched the view of the small town. "They're looking for you," he said in a hushed tone, unsure if she'd heard him.
She was aware of his presence.
When she didn't respond, he approached her. "Emma, I –"
"What's happening?" she said, staring in plain sight. "To the town; to them? To us?"
"I can't say I know the answer to that."
She looked at him with weary eyes. "What do you think?"
"I think," he sat beside her, "I think that, whatever happens, whatever Pan is planning to do next... I know that you always find a way. To stop him, or sabotage him."
"But that's just it. I don't want to find a way - I'm tired of always finding a way!" She paused and looked at the clock tower, remembering. "But I can't stop. I'm the savior - I have to find a way."
There was silence for several moments. Hook looked down at her hands, seeing them grip the book so tight, her knuckles turned white. He reached for her hand, hoping to calm it down.
She hesitated, then loosened her grip, letting him twine his fingers with hers.
"That's why I'm here, love," he said. "To help you find a way. I know you can."
"And you're so sure I can do that." She looked at him, "Why?"
"Well, because you're a hero. And heroes always find a way."
She smiled, for the first time in a while, and rested her head on his shoulder.
He stared at her, surprised. His heart raced, never expected anything of her now - not after he said he'd back away.
In that silence, unmoving, they knew what it meant. For once, she wasn't afraid of him; only of losing him. "Thank you," she said.
He smiled, "The uh, pleasure is all mine, love."
In that still moment they shared, mournful and yet happy; of being together now and separated later – they couldn't break the agony of the silence if they tried. But it was all they had.
- END -
