Mist had crept over the bare streets of Storybrooke. A faint bell could be heard, ringing periodically in the distance, as the waves crashed against The Jolly Roger. Darkness was beginning to close in, revealing glimpses of the twinkling stars above. Killian looked up at the Cygnus constellation, it's beauty could not equal his Swan's. And yet here he was, standing at the cold, wet docks and not curled up next to a warm, crackling fire with Emma.

Killian could only be described as torn. On one hand, he loved Emma more than his own life, and despised the fact that he had caused her any amount of pain. On the other hand, his daughter's happiness was everything to him. Seeing little Eliza's face fall, after telling her that her mother couldn't attend the play she had been looking forward to so much, caused something to snap inside him. He had always supported Emma, through thick and thin, for better or for worse. However, he refused to be the pitiful excuse of a father that his own had been. He had sworn the blissful day Elizabeth had been born, that he would do his finest to make sure his baby girl would never stop smiling. And today, she had stopped smiling because of something Emma had done.

Sighing, Killian turned and walked in the direction of Granny's. He couldn't face seeing the hurt in Emma's eyes, knowing he had put it there, again so soon. Darkness had fully fallen now, and the cold air was sharp against his cheek. The warmth of Granny's dinner was welcomed, along with the deliciously sweet smell of hot chocolate, which filled his nostrils. It seemed everything would remind him of his beloved Swan this evening.

He sat down in his usual seat, and grabbed a menu to attempt to distract his thoughts.

"I know that look." Said a sympathetic female voice in front of him.

Killian looked up, Granny wore a inquisitive smile as she placed his usual, a cup of black coffee, before him.

"On the house."

"I'm afraid bribing me with free coffee won't get you the latest gossip." Killian replied harshly, despite pouring a tot of rum from his flask into the steaming cup, and taking a sip. He had to admit, it did provide some much needed comfort, spreading warmth back into his bones.

"No, but it might make you less prickly." Granny teased.

This gained her an eye roll.

"Look," she said seriously "whatever it is that's bothering you, and I highly suspect it has something to do with a blonde Sherriff…"

"I have no problem with David, thank you very much." Killian interjected, roguishly.

Granny threw him an annoyed look.

"You knew very well which Sherriff I meant! Don't think that being the sarcastic Captain Hook will hide the pain you're feeling."

Killian gave no response, instead he looked into the steaming depths of the coffee in front of him. It seemed he was losing his knack for obscuring his emotions.

"Hey," Granny said softly, "You will work it out. You always do, but avoiding the problem by sitting here isn't going to make it go way."

"Now, do you want that free coffee or not?"

Killian gave her the best smile he could manage.

"Thank you, Granny." He said genuinely, looking directly at her for the first time. Granny knew the thanks wasn't just for the free coffee.

"Any time." She replied kindly, and smiled before leaving him to take someone else's order.

Killian knew he should head straight back home as soon as possible, but he hesitated. What would he say? He would tell her he was sorry, she was a brilliant mother and never meant to suggest otherwise. Yet how could they move forward if Emma continued to put her savior duties ahead of their family? Perhaps it was a risk he would have to take, knowing that the conversation he was dreading to have could go either way.

Seizing all the courage and hope he could muster, he drank the remains of his now cold coffee and strode out the door.