Title: A Captain Cobra Swan Christmas Adventure
Author: pinkcat4569
Rating: Teen
Pairings/Character: Emma/Hook (Killian), Henry, other characters briefly.
Description: Killian takes charge of bringing Christmas to the Enchanted Forest when the residents of Storybrooke are relocated there again. The holiday preparations turn into an adventure for the pirate, his love Emma, and Henry.
Spoilers: Not really. Robin appears. Rumplestilskin/Gold does not. HIs absence is briefly explained. No mention of major events of 5a. This is kind of Au.
Author's note: CS Secret Santa gift 2015 on Tumblr. Recipient asked for a romantic length is massive, around 27,000 words.
772 words this chapter
Chapter One
Killian sighed into the dark, chilly autumn air. Sometimes he felt like an outsider, which was ironic considering this was his homeland. He hadn't been taken by the first dark curse and given false memories. Compared to the others he had abided in that strange land called Maine only a short time. He was having the easiest time re-adjusting now that they had all been transported back to the Enchanted Forest. Again.
He looked at the little group sitting around a roaring fire, roasting pieces of meat and laughing. They were in a clearing just outside of Snow White's castle, singing what they called "campfire songs." Henry and his mother were bemoaning the lack of the puffy clouds of fluff known as marshmallows.
He supposed they found the little scene cozy and fun. To a centuries old pirate, it was odd and puzzling. He was not one to pretend, unless of course there was treasure involved.
He was so lost in thought that he hadn't noticed that his Swan had left the company of the others and silently walked to his side. "Penny for your thoughts."
He took a moment to simply stare at her. She was dressed in a light blue gown, one of the more simple ones that a princess could find, he wagered. It showed her shape, but wasn't clingy. It had slightly billowing long sleeve and was trimmed in light gold.
He gave her a sly smile. "I am not overly confident in the measure of that strange currency you used in the other world, Love, but I do believe my thoughts are worth much more than a 'penny."
She laughed. "It's just an expression. It means, what are you brooding over, Pirate?"
He shook his head and grimaced. "Why did you not phrase it as such?"
"Why are you over here all alone, hmm?"
He shrugged and flashed a smile. "I am simply contemplating ruby and emerald worthy thoughts, my dear Swan."
She gave him a half smile. "You don't fool me," she said as she grabbed his hand. "Come on."
"No, please, Emma. I do not wish to join the others."
"Why not?"
He simply looked at her. For an instant he looked vulnerable, even in his bold outfit of leather pants, black shirt and red vest. He recovered quickly. "I would feel compelled to join the conversation, Love, and I do not wish to overshadow the other tales with my incredible adventures."
She caressed his cheek. "Hey, I know we talk about the things we miss. It doesn't mean you can't be with us. In fact, we need you. You keep us in perspective."
He scoffed. "Hardly, Love."
"No, Killian, you have. The rest of us mope and wonder how we can keep living in this...rustic setting. Even my parents miss the other place. It was easier."
He scoffed again. "It was not! That land was one large, complicated, modern mess!"
She laughed. "See? Perspective."
He sighed but allowed her to lead him to the fire. As he expected they were talking about the other land.
"It would be Christmas in a few weeks," said Henry.
Everyone sighed at once. Killian noticed how dejected they all looked, especially Emma. "That is the colorful feast with the large man in red and white fur that comes down the fireplaces and puts toys in ridiculous footwear, yes?"
David chuckled. "Yeah, Hook. That's Christmas."
Mary-Margaret elbowed him. "Christmas is much more than that. It's about good will to men, spending time with your family and friends, and just being happy."
"It's about presents, and you know it," grumbled Leroy.
Henry nodded. "And pumpkin pie and turkey and...hot chocolate."
"With cinnamon," said Emma sadly.
Killain watched their faces grow sad with longing. "I never quite understood the purpose of the merriment."
"It was in celebration of a savior," said Blue.
Killain looked at Emma and smiled. "Why did no one enlighten me sooner? That kind of celebration I can definitely support."
She chuckled. "It's not for me, Killian, I promise."
"Perhaps the new holiday can be," he said.
"What new holiday?" asked Henry, perking up.
Killian watched with amusement as all eyes were on him. Emma smirked smugly, like 'I told you so.' He smiled and squeezed her hand, then he turned to the others and smiled widely. "Why, the one we're going to create, of course."
Henry smiled, so did Mary-Margaret. Regina scowled. Robin looked confused. Roland hopped around with excitement.
As for Emma, she leaned into Killian and kissed him. "Like I said, we need you."
He merely smiled.
End of Chapter One