It has become his habit to walk the docks in the late evening hours, after most of the town has gone to sleep for the night. This is the only place where he feels at home. The water laps against the pier supports and the salty mist inhabits the soft breeze. He inhales it deeply. It is his drug, calming his unease and settling his mind, if only for a short while.
Nobody bothers him here at this hour. For over two centuries he's been the one who has been sought out, the one in charge, the one who is obeyed. But this town doesn't know or care about that. Here, he is just Hook, that interloper who gets under their skin, but helps when an extra hand is needed. Occasionally, there's Smee, poking up to remind him of these things. He sometimes wishes the man were still a rat, but then again, having a reminder of who he's been isn't all bad.
A low moan from a ship's horn sounds in the distance. He closes his eyes and for a few moments he pretends he's there, bracing his feet against the solidness of the ship's deck as the seas roll the ship to and fro. The remembered sensation invigorates him and he feels strong and in command. He and the ship are one, he steers her where she wants to go, and she rewards him with treasure when they close in on their prey, plundering any who foolishly thought they could evade the captain and his mistress.
He smiles as another wave crashes and the mist once again falls upon his face. The sensation is like a kiss, and he thinks of her, Emma, and her soft lips against his skin. The wind brushes through his hair like her fingers and he knows why he stays in this strange, modern world.
His love is not a vessel of cold, hard wood, but rather a warm, passionate woman. He'll follow her where she wills him to go, and stand alongside of her as an equal as they pursue their adventures. She is mercurial, challenging his wits and pulling him into ever-changing worlds of adventure.
She's a treasure, his Emma Swan, and well worth the price of what he's left behind. One day, she will be able to accept what he holds in his heart for her. A centuries long existence has proven that he can wait for what he desires, and he knows that this is a gift that only he can give her.
He bids goodnight to his ocean, and walks back to his world.