Disclaimer - I own nothing, wish I did, I'm not that cool.

I wrote this for all of you crazy CaptainSwans (don't be insulted, I'm one of them), who has a dark secret - you don't really want Hook to be with Emma because you want him for yourself! I wrote this for everyone who would like to step into the story, so take "her" description and make it yours. :)

Also, I haven't completely worked out all the details, so this will take a little suspension of belief, please just go with it. But, I am open to suggestions! Also, not everything is 100% cannon because my imagination can't work around all the rules. If you're open to some fun and a lovey, romantic, squishy (maybe steamy down the road) good time, please read and review!

When I started this, I imagined it this taking place after S3, and what I'm assuming will only be more life-endangering craziness. That was before S3B. Not it's just all for fun.

"So the only way to stop all of this for good is to find whoever is writing Henry's book?" Regina sounded exasperated, which was understandable considering everything they'd been through in the last few months.

Gold simply raised his eyebrows and offered a cool nod in response. "I'm afraid so."

Mary Margaret looked defeated as she glanced up at David, who ran a hand through his hair. Emma, usually the first one to step forward when it came to protecting those she loved, took a small step back. "How in the hell are we supposed to do that? Track down some random person without a name or even a clue?" She asked quietly. "It's impossible." Her frustration showed in the slump of her shoulders. Neal attempted to comfort her by slinging an arm around her, but she shook him off.

Hook had been silent through the whole exchange, lost in the memories that came jolting back when Rumple spoke of finding a way to influence the author, the unseen force that had apparently been driving all of their fates since day one. The only way to end it was to find their puppet master and cut the strings. He dropped his head, studying his fingers which were absently twisting around his hook. The hard metal appendage was not a part of him the last time he'd seen her. He was a complete man then. He hadn't seen her in years, and had tried desperately not to let her invade his thoughts every second of every day after the pain he'd gone through. He wasn't sure he was ready to open that wound again, but perhaps this could grant him a bit of closure, he thought.

Finally, thinking only of the safety of Emma and her son, he set his own reservations aside. "I think I know someone who can help," he admitted with a sigh. Everyone's attention snapped to his corner of the room as they watched him. Waiting, expecting.

Stopping his nervous twiddling he looked to them, surveying their faces. He had thought about backtracking, not wanting to revisit that part of his life, but this family needed him. Mary Margaret, David, Regina, Neal, Emma and Gold – they all needed him.

"It's not going to be easy."

300 or so years before…

"So this was your plan? To steal away in the middle of the night?"

He could hear the smile in her voice as she called to him from the dock. Her playful tone made him smile. He turned around to see her walking up the gang plank, her skirts swirling lightly around her feet with each gust of wind off the sea.

"And without even a kiss goodbye?" She reached out and took hold of the lapel of his leather coat as she approached, pulling him closer. She clicked her tongue at him, her voice dropping to a whisper, "Really, Killian, I'm disappointed." She looked up at him from beneath long, dark lashes, feigning a pout.

She was teasing him again. He always found her irresistible when she teased him. Hell, who was he kidding, he always found her irresistible. Somehow this delicate woman managed to break through whatever facades he'd raised to protect himself.

He reached out his hand to slide his fingers gently down her cheek as his other hand rested on the small of her back. "I didn't want to wake you, love."

Their faces where just inches apart, her green eyes flashing with each word. "You think I would have cared?"

His boyish grin widened as he moved his hand around to cup the back of her neck, pulling her in for a soft, lingering kiss, not caring whether the eyes of his whole crew were upon them. God how he'd miss the taste of her on his lips, the silky feel of her soft skin, the light scent of rosewater that surrounded her. For a moment, he thought about canceling his voyage just to stay by her side.

"No, I know you wouldn't have," he said as he pulled away. "But that's not the point." He kissed her gently on the cheek before moving from her embrace, knowing if he lingered too long, he wouldn't be able to fight his urge to rush her back to their home and lock them inside forever. He walked to the helm and looked to the charts spread out in front of him. He tried to focus on the maps, the headings, anything that would allow him to clear his mind from the haze she brought to his thoughts.

She laughed softly as if she knew exactly what he'd been thinking.

"When will you be back?" She walked to his side, hooked her arm around his and leaned her head against his shoulder.

He glanced over at her as he answered with a sigh. "Two weeks, maybe three." He was about to turn back to his work when he caught the look in her eyes and was suddenly unable to pull away from those shining emeralds.

Another amused smile spread across her face. He was putty in her hands. She suddenly reached up and pulled him in for another kiss. It was different this time, stronger, almost desperate. She didn't want him to leave, either. She slowly pulled away and looked up at him. His eyes remained closed, as if he were trying to commit every second to memory. "God, how I love you," he whispered gently.

"As I love you," she whispered in reply.

He reached up and grabbed her hand, glancing down at her fingers and the ring he had placed there just last night: a thin band of gold holding a gem the same color of her eyes, framed on either side by the Fleur de Lis.

"When I return," he began, his thumb running over the stone, "We'll have forever."

She turned and sauntered slowly from his arms, knowing with every second that his eyes were following her. "I hope so." She continued to walk toward the gang plank before she paused to call back at him over her shoulder. "Because you're going to miss me when I'm gone." She winked at him then before disembarking the Jolly Roger and throwing the hood of her cape back over her long, brown hair.

She stood on the docks, watching the ship make its way out to sea, neither of them able to pull their eyes from one another. Finally, when had to redirect his attention to the task at hand, he blew her a kiss and waved, wondering again if he were a fool not to cancel his plans. He knew she was right as he watched her shrink into the moonlight. He would miss her.