Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN ONCE UPON A TIME OR ANY CHARACTERS

A/N: This is my second attempt at Fanfiction so please be kind! I plan on updating every Friday or Saturday night if I can, should school and family permit. Enjoy!

Time Period: Mid-Third Season

Title: The Mood Ring

Chapter One: The Plan

"So, if I give this to Emma, I'll be able to read her emotions?" Hook asked, taking the ring with a small clear gemstone from Regina.

"Like a book." She grinned. "Red means anger and irritation, yellow means annoyance, green means happiness, black means sad; blue means indifferent, pink means love, and purple means hatred." She had enchanted the ring so it would give accurate readings on the wearer's attitude. Hook needed it because he was trying to figure her out so he could win her over. A fool's errand, no doubt, but Regina always enjoyed some humorous misadventures.

With a nod, Hook exited her underground vault, emerging into the bright sunlight. As he fingered the the small silver band—a mood ring, as Regina had called it—he tried to decide how to get the ring to her without raising suspicions.

Henry. The thought popped into his head suddenly. Of course! The only way to Emma was through her son. He quickly headed to Granny's Diner.

He received wary glances as he entered the restaurant. Most people looked that way because they couldn't decide if he was evil or good.

Just as he expected, Henry was in a booth toward the back, sipping on hot cocoa—with cinnamon, of course—and reading comic books.

"Hello, lad." Hook greeted, strolling over and sitting across from him.

Henry eyed him with a look of reproach. "What do you want?" It was asked in a flat tone, as if those ridiculous comics were better than conversing with Captain Hook himself.

"I've a favor to ask."

"No."

Hook sighed. "It's about your mum, Henry."

"Then definitely no."

"Please just listen." Hook struggled to keep his voice under control. "I need you to give this to her as a sort of peace offering." He pulled out the ring, silently hoping Henry would agree.

Much to his surprise, Henry took the ring. "So this is a truce?" Hook nodded. "Okay. I'll give it to her. But you just need to leave her alone for a while."

"A deal's a deal, lad." Hook consented, grinning.