Hook couldn't sleep, it just wouldn't come. His whole body seemed to be buzzing and wide awake, the power coursing through his veins. He groaned and punched his pillow, hard. The moonlight was streaming through the window of the Jolly Roger and the waves were crashing against the side of the ship, the noise seemed to be so loud. Even though he had always found the sound relaxing. Now, it just seemed to be mocking him. He sat bolt upright, staring blankly out the window. It was strange to be filled with the power of the dark one, at times he felt almost normal. He saw no reason to act any different. But at other times...well it was like a drug. Once he got a taste that was it, it was addicting and sweet. He hated it. He hated that he wanted to cause people pain. He had liked hurting Emma.

Oh Emma. He longed for her company more than anything right now. If only he could hold her in his arms once again.

After he healed her, she had wanted to go see her family, not him. Which was entirely understandable. Hook could tell that a part of her was still a little afraid of him. It was the worst feeling, to see her that scared. When he had found her she had looked like a cornered animal, she thought she was going to die.

Hook growled and stood up. Why did it matter? His power was enough, he would get his revenge, he didn't need Emma. What did love ever bring him but pain? and more heartbreak.

With this power, he could finally kill the crocodile.

Then what?

Gods, he needed air. Hook waved his hand and in a second he was on the damp wood of the docks. It was a bright night, the moonlight overthrew the darkness. He could see the lines on his hand it was so light. He felt anger flare through his veins. What was the point in living if he had to be this way?

"Hello?"

He spun round, Emma was standing in the moonlight. Looking as beautiful as ever.

"Emma." He breathed.

She smiled. "I thought I'd better come see you

"Thanks love." He smiled.

"Killian, can we go inside? It's rather cold out here."

They lay together for hours, just in each other's arms, silent. Emma drifted off to sleep after a bit.

She jumped slightly. Hook's voice rang through the quiet room.

"Sorry. Please don't leave."

She frowned. "Hook, I'm not-" Then she smiled, he was actually still asleep. She tightened her arm around him.

"Emma."

She buried her face in his neck. "I'm here Hook." He was tense and highly strung even though he was asleep. Emma ran a hand down his neck, gently massaging. She pitied him a little. He couldn't handle the power very well. It controlled him so easily.

"No." He thrashed. "PLEASE!"

Emma sat up, her heart pounding. "Wake up Hook."

His eyes didn't open. Oh this wasn't good.

His arms were thrashing and a few tears had escaped down his cheeks. Emma crawled closer and cupped his face. "Please, wake up Killian."

He was begging now, more tears rolling down his pale cheeks. "Don't hurt her."

Emma's heart twisted in response. He clearly still cared about her.

Hook suddenly swung his arm out, cracking painfully against the side of Emma's head. She groaned and sat up. Massaging her skull. Why wasn't he waking up? Maybe it was something to do with his newfound power. She had never experienced it. But it seemed that the magic affected every dark one differently.

Her breath caught in her throat as Hook sat up, he had a strange glazed look in his eye. He was still asleep.

In a flash she was on her back, Hook was above her. His hands tightening on her throat. She squeaked, clawing at them. He pushed his weight down on her, his grip growing tighter as her throat seemed to contract, she couldn't take a breath. She couldn't cry. She tried kicking him, he remained still, his body stony and his grip deathly. Wake up, wake up. She prayed. Oh if only she had her magic now. The world began to fade, panic filled her.

Then suddenly realization dawned on his face, his grip slackened. "Emma?"

"Yes." She choked. "It's me."

Fear and confusion filled his eyes. "I was strangling you."

"Y-yes."

He squeezed his eyes shut. "Oh god, no." He rolled off her. He sat down on the edge of the bed, head in hands.

"Killian." Emma croaked. "It's okay."

"No." He hissed. "That's the second bloody time today. You shouldn't be around me."

Emma coughed again, rubbing her throat. Then she crawled closer to Hook. "It's not your fault."

"Swan it is. I don't see you acting this way. It's because I am weak."

Emma didn't answer. But she slid her arms around his neck and pulled him close. "Killian we can get through this."

He made a pained cry that was almost animal, then he pressed his body against her. His arms desperately clutching at her. "Swan. I'm so, so sorry." His voice was filled with utter despair and loneliness. He hated himself.

She rocked him back and forth. "I'm here. I won't give up on you."

His whole body shook, tears streaming down his face. He buried his face in her neck, shaking and apoligizing.

Emma ran fingers through his hair. "Killian it's not your fault. I love you. Cry. It's okay." She kissed his damp forehead, gently swaying him.

He had never hugged her so tightly, it seemed almost like he was saying goodbye. "I love you swan." He choked.

Emma didn't answer. She kept placing light kisses on, his forehead collarbone and neck. "I love you too, dear Killian and-" She brushed her lips against his. "I promise you we will fix this."

He was shaking violently, Emma closed her eyes and embraced him fully. They sat like that for a few seconds. Then suddenly Hook pulled away from her. "Emma, go to Regina, get her to take the brace off."

Emma frowned. "Why?"

"So you can protect yourself from me." He didn't meet her eye.

"That's not necessary."

He grabbed both her hands kissing them, hard. "Please Emma. For me. I won't be able to live with myself if I hurt you again."

She paused for a second. "Okay I will."

Hook smiled. "Thanks love." Though he knew in his heart that the only way to keep Emma safe was to make as much distance between them as possible.