June's prompt was: "David makes sure his mate rides back to Storybrooke in his car after their New York adventure."
Check out flslp87's take on it on her fanfiction page!
Maybe You've Become Family
It wasn't until the entire group was back together in Neal's apartment that everything hit home for David. It was always like that in times of crisis. While the crisis was going on, he was laser focused on finding a solution, saving those he loved, but as soon as calm descended, he suddenly realized what had almost happened.
"You okay?" Snow asked softly, squeezing his hand and leaning down to look into his eyes.
He should have known she'd realize when he was dealing with something. They did, after all, share a heart.
"Yeah," he said, flashing her a big toothy grin (that he suspected did nothing to reassure her), "what's not to be okay about? We all made it!"
She gave him a skeptical look, but let the matter drop.
Across the room, Killian sat with Emma, their heads close, their hands clasped, as they shared a quiet conversation. David smiled, joy filling him at the sight of his daughter experiencing such obvious happiness.
The joy quickly turned to reflection once more. The stupid pirate had almost gotten himself killedagain! How many times did that make now? Four? Five? One of them coming at David's own hand in Rumple's twisted alternative universe. It was more than Emma should ever have to deal with.
It was more than he should ever have to deal with. Fact was, Killian had somehow made his way into David's affections. He was not only family (or would be so as soon as Killian and Emma made it official), he was a true friend.
Watching your friend almost die, die (multiple times), and have to be left in the Underworld, was too much for any man to deal with.
And so it was, when the group from Storybrooke found themselves standing before the two cars that would take them back to their home, that David made his decision. Come hell or high water, he was going to watch his mate's back. It was the right thing to do. For his daughter, for his family.
For himself.
"So I suppose we'll take Gold's Cadillac as well as your bug, Emma," David said. "Seeing as how he's currently in another land, I doubt he'd mind."
"Sound's good to me," Emma answered, leaning her head on Killian's shoulder. "So how about you and mom take Zelena, Regina and Dr. Jekyll, and Killian and I will transport the two truants here."
David frowned. "I don't know Emma," he said. "Maybe Regina better go with you. I mean…I'm sure she wants to spend time with Henry after being so worried about him."
"Um…doubt five people could fit comfortably in the bug, Dad," Emma said with a raised eyebrow. "I mean, this is going to be a long trip."
"Well that's no problem," David answered. "Hook can come with us instead."
"Dad," Emma said, holding tightly to her pirate's arm, "my boyfriend just came back from the dead, and then a couple of hours later he got sucked into a portal and I thought, again, that we may be separated forever. No offense, but I don't exactly want to let him out of my sight again for a good long while."
"And I get that," David said. "Trust me, your mother and I know what it's like to be separated again and again and again, but, I mean, doesn't it just make sense for everyone to travel back in the same groups they came here in?"
Regina shot him an exasperated look. "No, David. That makes no sense whatsoever. Who careswho rides in which vehicle? I'm just ready to get the hell back to Storybrooke where we can make sure no other catastrophe has taken place in the last couple of hours."
"I gotta say, Dad," Emma said with a grin, "I'm wondering if I should be insulted that you seem more concerned with spending time with my boyfriend than you do with me."
David blew out a frustrated breath. "It's not that, Emma! It's just…" David looked around closely, hoping for inspiration. After a moment he found it. "Dr. Jekyll! Think about it! He's new here. Doesn't know anything about our modern, 21st century world. He needs someone to help him navigate the wonders and frustrations. Killian is perfect for that! He knows exactly what it's like to be a stranger in Storybrooke who has no clue what to do with the modern world."
"I'm not sure whether I should be honored by that assessment of myself or insulted, mate," Killian said with a smirk.
"I'm just saying you figured it all out! You know what's going to confuse him the most," David said again. "We've got a good seven hours of driving ahead of us; be an excellent time for you to fill the good doctor in on the particulars."
Zelena stepped forward and rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh for the love of all the gods," she groused, "just declare your undying love and be done with it!"
"Excuse me?!" David said.
"Isn't it obvious?" Zelena said. "Emma, your father wants to keep your boyfriend with him because he missed him while he was worm-food and wants to make sure he doesn't kick the bucket again…especially after his near murder in the Land of Untold Stories."
"His what?" Emma asked, turning toward Killian with a glare. "Killian, I love you with all my heart, but you have got to stop dying. It's starting to get ridiculous!"
"I second that!" David said vehemently.
"Ha!" Zelena said, pointing a finger in David's direction. "I told you so!"
"It's nothing to be embarrassed about, Dave," Killian said with a teasing grin. "I tend to have that effect on people."
Emma smacked his arm.
David took a deep breath. "Fine. You've…well, you've become family, okay? I just want to make sure you're safe."
"If it means that much to you," Killian said, a genuinely pleased look on his face, "then I would be honored to share your vessel with you David."