Hook leaned out over the side of the Jolly Roger and flipped a fish into the water. The wind ruffled his hair as he gazed down into the depths. Emma emerged from below deck and joined him at the rail.
"What are you doing?" She peered curiously down into the water. Nothing but swirling waves and a few seagulls bobbing along next to the docked ship.
Hook reached down and grabbed another fish from the bucket. He tossed the fish further out, trying to keep it out of the gull's reach.
"What are you chumming the waters for-sharks?"
He smiled and scratched behind his ear in embarrassment. "No, there's been a creature lurking about the dock, and I'm just trying to lure it out."
"What sort of creature?" Emma's eyes scanned the water hunting for any hint of an animal. A splash from below drew their attention back towards the hull. A sea lion popped its head up and barked out a greeting.
Hook quickly tossed it another fish, the sea lion snatching it out of the air and gulping it down. A grin spread across Hook's face. It was like watching the pirate transform into a little boy. He gleefully snatched a few more snacks for his new friend out of the bait bucket.
"Are you looking for a mascot for the Jolly Roger?"
Hook blushed and gestured towards the waves. "Well, I was never a fan of parrots."
The sea lion barked up to them again, begging like a dog for table scraps. Hook hooked a larger mackerel out of his bucket and leaned farther out over the rail of the ship. Emma unconsciously grabbed the back of his coat to steady him and keep him from tumbling over the edge.
The sea lion splashed higher and spun in the water, barking happily at Hook. He flipped the big fish out and the sea lion caught it in it's jaws and munched at it happily.
"Looks like you're going to have a mascot, whether you were looking for one or not." Emma smiled at him. She slipped her hand into his and squeezed. "I'm really glad you got your ship back."
"Aye, so am I lass, so am I." The seal splashed and barked trying to get their attention. "At least Mr. Smee will have something to do on board when we're not sailing." Hook dropped another fish down into the water.
"I'm sure Henry will be happy to assist in his duties." Emma smiled up at Hook and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "It certainly gets my seal of approval."