A/N - Wow! Thank you so much for such a positive response to the story. To everyone who reviewed who I can't reply to thank you, thank you, thank you! Now, bear with me on this because I did a complete 180 on the story. I changed my original idea when this new idea popped into my head, and I want to go with it. I really really hope you all like where I take it.

Disclaimer - I own nothing but the strange situations I put Adam Horowitz & Edward Kitsis' characters in.

Chapter 1

I lean down and take a moment to think about what to wish for. I know I'm being ridiculous about this, but for some reason it just feels like this wish will mean something. That for some reason it's important.

"C'mon Mom. Just make a wish already."

My eyes drift over to Henry leaning on the counter beside me, and watching me rather impatiently. I can't help but smile at how cute his eagerness is.

I pretend to blow out the candle, and then wink at him in amusement when he scowls at me. I know I shouldn't tease him, but I also know he's just excited about getting a piece of chocolate cake. He sighs dramatically and lowers his head to the counter, and I roll my eyes with a smile on my lips as I turn back to the small cake before me.

It's just a stupid birthday wish Emma, why are you making it into something it's not?

I close my eyes, breathe in, and think about what I've always wanted. The answer comes easier than I thought it would, and I softly blow out the candle. I keep my eyes closed, and wonder what it would mean for it to come true. What having a complete family even means?

"Finally!"

I wipe all thoughts of parents from my mind, and smile at Henry as he watches me expectantly. I already have all the family I need.

I pick up the knife, and move to cut Henry a piece of cake when there's a knock on the door. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion and place Henry's piece of cake on a plate for him. The door rattles again.

"Is someone coming over Mom?"

I frown and shake my head at him.

"Go to my room Henry."

"But Mom"

I keep the knife in my hand, and quickly clean the bits of cake and icing from it on a nearby dishtowel.

"Go!"

Henry moves to get a fork from the drawer, gives me a dirty look, and eats his cake on his way to my room. I overlook his attitude for now because I know that even if he doesn't like it, he knows I'm doing it to protect him.

I slowly make my way to the door, and keep the knife down and out of sight when I reach it. The knock sounds once more, and I prepare myself to answer it. I'm not expecting anyone, so it's quite possible that whoever is on the other end is someone out for revenge. As a bail bondsperson there have been instances in the past when old marks have found me, and it forced us to move around a lot. Luckily Henry's always been good at adapting to new environments, but I promised him we wouldn't ever have to move again if he didn't want to, and I keep my promises.

I quickly swing the door open with my left hand, and keep the knife in my right hidden behind my back. Though, at the sight before me, the knife clatters to the floor, and my eyes widen in shock. How is he? Why is he?

The whole situation just gets that much stranger when he watches me with just as much shock.

"Swan?"

My mouth falls open and closed, and I'm ashamed to admit just how unprepared I am for this reunion. I honestly never thought I'd see the man again, but here he is standing before me in that same leather jacket I met him in. His eyes still that same beautiful cobalt blue as they've always been. His body looks just as strong and solid as I remember, and unsurprisingly, he's covered completely in black. He still looks really good, and I immediately shake away the sinful thoughts that have entered my mind

"Jones?"

The word comes out sounding like a question, but it's more out of disbelief that he's here right now. I know it's him. He may be wearing quite a bit more eyeliner than I remember, and sporting a little more jewelry, but there's no doubt in my mind that the man before me is Killian Jones.

"What are you doing here? How did you find out where I live?"

My words seem to break him out of whatever spell he'd been under, and I watch his face morph into a mask I don't recognize. I've seen Killian Jones arrogant, confidant, reserved, horny, pleased in every sense of the word, but this face is none of those things. His beautiful eyes, which are usually so consumed with mischief, are hard. His anger almost palpable, and for a moment I wish I hadn't dropped the knife.

My back stiffens, and I square my shoulders. I always knew Killian Jones was trouble, but not this type of trouble.

"What do you want?"

My voice is hard, but he doesn't acknowledge the warning. No, instead he laughs at it, and my fists clench at the spitefulness behind it. He opens his eyes and finally notices the hardness of mine.

"Before we continue any further lass, I think it best to let you know that when I met you I had no idea who you really were. If I had…well… this little reunion would have happened years ago."

His smile widens at my sneer, and I want nothing more than to hit him. Why the hell had I thought it would be a good idea to get involved with this man. Nicely wrapped packages have always held nothing but shit for me.

"If you don't leave now, I'm going to make you leave."

"Oh love, is that meant to be a threat?"

He smirks at me, and I smirk right back at him.

"No, it's a promise."

He lowers his eyes, and licks his lips. I follow his tongue as he does, and scold myself for still being so attracted to him. What the fuck is wrong with me? Whatever Killian Jones is doing here on my doorstep isn't good, yet I still can't keep myself from having thoughts about fucking him. He catches me ogling him, and smirks.

"Well love…"

He steps closer to me, and I move my hand out to stop him. I doubt it will have much of an effect, but I'm trying my best to maintain the allusion that I still have control of the situation.

"…as I've already told you…"

He stops moving, but lowers his head so his face is only inches away from mine.

"I love a challenge."

My breath quickens, and my heart beats rapidly in my chest. He's not going to give up, and I can't risk him getting into the apartment.

I lift my leg, knee him in his groin, and then push him with as much force as I can muster into the hallway wall.

"If you don't leave right now I'm calling the cops."

I watch him whimper in distress with mild satisfaction, and decide I'm done with this. I'm done with him.

"Wait, Swan…"

I ignore him, and turn to close the door as he tries to limp over to me.

"I know where your parents are!"

My hand stills on the door, and I look at him without really seeing him. My parents…How does he…

I grab the knife from the floor and thrust it in front of his throat. I want answers, and as potentially dangerous as Jones is, I know he has them.

"Talk"

He tries to rise from his crouched position, and I push the knife a little closer to his throat.

"Come now love, my back isn't what it used to be. You may not see it, but I'm much older than I look."

My right eyebrow rises in disbelief.

"Is that right?"

"Well, it holds up well enough in other more enjoyable activities, as you're quite aware lass."

He winks at me, and I ignore the warmth creeping up my neck. I will not let him distract me with…himself.

"Move up against the wall, and stay there, or you're going to have a knife in your neck."

Jones smirks, and then slowly does as I say.

"Now what would you like to know first love?"

I keep my face impassive, and do my best not to let my hand shake. I'm terrified what this conversation will reveal, but at the same time I need to know. I need to know why I wasn't good enough for them to keep.

"Why didn't they come here themselves? Why send you?"

Jones's face changes to one that reads too much like pity, and I lower my eyes to the knife at his throat to avoid it. I've gotten it enough throughout my life, and I don't need it from him.

"They didn't send me here love, and from what I've been told of the curse, they don't even know who they really are to ever look for you."

"Curse? What curse?"

I can't hide the confusion and hesitation from my face. What the hell is he talking about? Have they honestly had amnesia for the last twenty-eight years? Did they actually want me?

No, don't do that to yourself Emma. They gave you up. Everyone gave you up.

"The curse that separated you from your family, and the reason you were sent to this land. Essentially, it's what made you an orphan love."

The smile reaches my lips before I can help it. He's crazy, that's the only plausible explanation. What he's talking about isn't possible. A magical curse that made me an orphan? He's definitely lost it… and what the hell does he mean this land? Boston?

"You're out of your mind."

He laughs and watches me from under his lashes, and the knife in my hand lowers a little. I don't want to use it, but I can't have him get into my apartment. He's nuts. Who knows what he'll do.

"I assure you love, I'm quite sane."

I snort at the absurdity of that being true after everything he's said to me.

"Now, why don't you ask me question your dying to know? The one you think will prove you're right to forgo any attachment to the opposite sex."

I turn to the door when I think I hear movement behind me, yet turn back to Jones when everything remains silent.

"Because, regardless of what you'll allow yourself to believe Swan, you know I've yet to tell you a lie."

I raise my hand so the knife is pushing extremely close to his neck.

"Careful love. That was a little too close for comfort."

I keep the knife exactly where it is.

How did he? I didn't...

"Open book love. You can't hide everything behind those walls of yours."

He smirks at me, and I scowl back.

"Who are you? Is Killian Jones just some kind of alias you made up? Were you trying to con me?"

He sighs before turning conflicted eyes on me. I back up a couple steps, unsure how exactly to process that look.

"That Swan, is a rather complex question, but I will tell you this much. I did not lie to you. My name really is Killian Jones, but most people do tend to call me by my more colourful moniker..."

"Your more colourful moniker?"

"Aye, hook."

"Hook?"

"Well, I do prefer Captain, but…"

"Captain? As in Captain Hook?"

He gives me a smile wide enough to showcase his gleaming white teeth, and lifts his left hand mockingly before my eyes.

"Aye"

He's definitely not lying, but that's only because he's crazy enough to believe all the crap he's saying.

"Funny thing about belief. It can actually stop you from seeing what's right in front of your face. While in your land, I've found that many Earth people are blinded in this way."

I sigh in exasperation.

"Alright, enough of this crap. You may not realize it, but you need help. Wait downstairs, and I'll call someone to come help you, but I'm done. I'm not doing this with you anymore."

I humoured him, but now it's time for Jones to leave. I back away from him, and am almost past the threshold when my leg bumps into something solid.

The answering giggle stops my heart in fear, and I close my eyes in the hopes that I haven't bumped into what I think I have. Though, when I open them to the shocked expression on Jones' face, I know my worst fear has come true.

"Liam no, come back!"

Henry's voice comes from directly behind me, and I don't know how to react. Jones has seen them both, and I have no idea how he'll react. But, even if it means hurting him, I'll do it to protect my children.

Little arms wrap around one of my legs, and I'm still too stunned to look down.

"Momma play!"

The blood drains from my face, but Jones isn't looking at me.

"Liam?"

He's watching Liam in confusion, but that look soon turns into one of surprise. The physical similarities between them are far too obvious to hide. Liam is a carbon copy of his father. Dark brown, almost black hair, thick eyebrows, and cerulean eyes that match Jones' perfectly. I could lie to him, but there's no way he would believe me. He knows Liam's his.

Before tonight I probably would have been okay with Jones finding out about Liam, but after hearing him talk about being a fictional character from Peter Pan, not so much. Now, I don't want him anywhere near Henry or Liam.

"Swan…"

I'm startled by the emotion on Jones' face, and in his voice. He actually sounds choked up by the whole thing. I never pegged him as someone who'd like kids.

"Jones, I think it's time you leave. I don't know why you're here, but…"

"Holy shit!"

I quickly turn around at the sound of Henry's voice, and give him a scolding look.

"Henry!"

Liam giggles, detangles himself from my leg, and runs to Henry with his arms raised. Henry automatically picks him up, and Liam wraps his arms around Henry's neck. I soften at the sight, but quickly remember the situation when I notice Henry's rapt fascination with Jones.

"Henry, I told you to stay in my room! I told you…"

"Liam woke up. I tried…uh… quietly playing with him, but he left when I wasn't paying attention. I went after him, but he heard your voice and ran. Sorry."

I know Henry isn't lying. Liam's a little rascal, and gets himself into all sorts of trouble. But, I raise my eyebrow at Henry when I realize he's still completely absorbed in Jones. What the hell? I give him a gentle nudge to remind him that he and Liam are supposed to be hiding in the apartment, but he doesn't move, and that worries me. I don't really trust Jones, and he's already proven himself unstable.

"Henry, take Liam and go back…"

"Is it real?"

Henry's not even listening to me; his eyes are still focused on Jones, but now Jones is watching him as well. A small smile breaks out onto Jones's face, and I'm stunned by how genuine it looks.

"Aye lad, it's quite real."

His smile turns into a smirk when his eyes land on me.

"At least someone in this bloody land believes! You've got a smart lad there Swan."

I can't help the small swell of pride I feel when Jones praises Henry, but I hide it. I'm far more concerned with what the hell they're talking about now to focus on Jones' brief moment of genuinity.

Jones moves closer to the three of us, and it's only then that I remember the knife in my hand. Oh my God, what if it nicked Liam!

I quickly turn around and inspect every inch of Liam with my eyes. He looks okay. No cuts or traces of blood, and I sigh in relief. That was too close. I can't ever be that careless again.

"As I was trying to tell your mother. She needs to come with me. Her parents, Snow White and Prince Charming, are being held captive by the Evil Queen, and she's the only one who can break the curse."

Again no trace of a lie, but what he's saying is far too insane to hold any truth. He thinks my parents are fairytale characters. Honest to God fairytale characters.

"That's so cool!"

I lower myself so I'm squatting right in front of Henry, but I make sure to keep the knife far enough away that it can't hurt him. I still don't trust Jones, but I'm almost certain he wouldn't hurt Henry or Liam.

I briefly notice Liam's eyes are locked on Jones, but I can't bear to think about how his father being put into a mental institution is going to affect him right now.

"No it's not, it's insane. He's insane. Fairytale characters aren't real, and he's not Captain Hook."

I smile at Henry, and lift my empty hand to gently rub his arm.

"He needs help Henry."

Henry shakes his head at me and drops Liam to the ground when he starts to fuss in his arms. I give Liam a look that clearly says stay where you are mister, and he gives me his best innocent face in return. I don't trust it, but right now I don't have much of a choice.

Henry puts both his arms on my shoulders, and I have to drop my hand from his arm to the floor to maintain my balance. When I raise my eyes back to his he's watching me uncertainly.

"But, what about his hook?"

I stare at Henry in confusion. Hook? What hook?

I glance down at the spot that I told Liam to stay put in, and realize he's not there. The fear returns, but I force it down. Jones has proven that he's not going to hurt Liam, but his mental health might make it so he does it by accident.

I take a deep breath, and then slowly turn around when I've calmed myself down. Liam's holding onto Jones' leg and trying to play with his left hand, but Jones is keeping it well out of his reach. But, wh…

"You see it, don't you Mom."

I blink a few times. It's not possible, but for a second his hand looked like…metal. I stare at it a bit more closely, and right before my eyes the pink flesh of skin morphs into a shiny metal hook.

"Impossible"

"Oh I assure you, it's quite possible."

I force my eyes away from the metal hook that has taken the place of Jones' flesh hand, and focus on him. His right hand is hesitantly stroking Liam's head, and he's staring down at him in something akin to awe.

"Yes love, we've much to discuss before our journey to Storybrooke."

I know there's probably some confusion about how long it's been since Emma and Killian's night together. It'll come up later, but just as a heads up, Liam's three, so it's been almost four years. A lot more will be revealed in time. Why Killian's not in the Enchanted Forest, and why he's come to take Emma to Storybrooke.

Thank you for reading, and please a review to let me know what you think:-)