My first Captain Swan story. Sorry for the weird errors in the first version I posted earlier. I was writing on an iPad and autocorrect had some strange ideas. -KM-
Henry screamed as the flying monkey sank its teeth into his shoulder. His anguished cry of "Mom! Help me!" turned to an animalistic screech as fur and wings sprouted from his back. In an instant, he took off with the other monkeys, flying into the distance. "Henry!" Emma screamed after him, reaching a hand helplessly into the sky. She fell to her knees, arm still outstretched, whispering "Henry..."
Instinctively, Hook moved toward her, but Snow and Charming were suddenly by her side, wrapping a coat around her shoulders and murmuring reassurances that Henry would be safe as they hurried her away to the safety of their home.
For the next few days, he barely saw her outside her office, the light in her window burning late into the night, it's glow visible from where he stood on the quarterdeck of the Jolly Roger, watching from a distance. Almost a week later as he walked past her window, she looked up, her eyes haunted, the dark circles underneath them and the emptiness in her stare shaking him to the core. He took up residence at Granny's that afternoon, occupying a window booth so he could keep an eye on her office.
He was relieved when he saw her leave just after dusk, but instead of heading home or to Granny's for dinner, she went straight across the street to the Rabbit Hole. After a few quick words to Ruby, he headed after Emma. He found her sitting at the bar, staring into what could only be a Jameson, neat. Approaching her cautiously, he whispered "Fancy a walk, Swan?"
She jumped at his voice and turned to look at him, annoyed. "I haven't finished my drink."
He picked up her glass and downed it in one gulp, setting it firmly upside down on the bar. "Now it's done."
"That was mine, Hook." Emma's eyes narrowed.
He gave her a half-smile. "I do have a name, love."
"So do I, Killian." She glared. "And you owe me a drink."
He paused, glancing toward the empty pool table. "Fancy a bet?"
"What kind of bet?" She asked suspiciously.
"Eight ball. I win, you come for a walk."
"And if I win?"
"We stay here and I pick up your tab for the evening." He figured even if he lost, he could keep an eye on her and ensure she got safely home.
She considered his proposition for a moment, and then turned to him, dangling the triangle from the tip of her finger. "Break or rack?"
Wordlessly, he took the triangle from her, his fingertips lightly brushing hers, causing her breath to catch in her throat as she turned away to select a cue from the wall. As she turned back, she could see he'd expertly racked the balls and he could see her shoulders stiffen as she vowed not to underestimate him.
She stalked the table like a cat, drawing back her cue and sinking two solids on the break, followed by another, but scratching as she saw him watching her intently. He deftly caught the cue ball as it hit the rail and flew off the table, smirking at her as he rounded the table, his breath hot on the back of her neck as he whispered "Thanks, love."
The game went on, the two of them equally matched, neither noticing the crowd that grew as the town heard that the sheriff and the pirate were playing an intense game of pool, money changing hands as the onlookers placed their bets on the outcome. Finally, Hook managed to sink the eight ball while Emma still had one solid on the table.
She looked up, noticing the crowd, and shook off the eyes of the bystanders as she replaced her cue and gestured to Hook to lead on. His hand rested against the small of her back as he guided her out the door and down the street toward the docks. "When's the last time you slept, love?" he asked quietly, concern evident in his voice.
"Last night." She answered reflexively.
"I didn't ask when you last went to bed. I asked when you last properly slept." He stated.
She shrugged. "It's been a while."
"And did you eat today? Minus the liquid barley, of course." He asked, growing more concerned at her confirmation of his suspicions as he guided her down the waterfront.
"No." She shrugged again. "I was so busy I forgot."
They stopped at the gangplank to the Jolly Roger and he turned to look at her, his hand grasping her arm gently. "Emma, love, you need to take better care of yourself. You won't be any help to Henry if you're weak from hunger and exhaustion."
"I know." She stammered. "I just...I haven't been hungry."
"And you've been lying awake with worry." he finished for her. "Sheriff Swan, the savior, always looking out for everyone else..." He walked up the gangplank a few steps and extended a hand to her. "Please allow me to look after you this evening?"
So... should she go with him? Stay on the dock? Run away? Please let me know what you think! I really look forward to your reviews, especially if you've followed or favorited! I love knowing what my readers like (and don't like)!
-KM-
