Author's note: Oh my God the premiere was amazing!

Chapter 4: Pirate Hunting

As far as Emma could tell, all in Storybrooke was normal. Better than normal, in fact. Obviously, Storybrooke would never be the crime capital of Maine. But even for a sleepy town, all was calm. From what David had told her, Storybrooke had been the definition of chaos several weeks ago, around the time she and Mary Margaret were in the Enchanted Forest. People had been threatening to leave, crime had increased, and schools and shops had closed indefinitely. But now? Now, she sat around the station, just waiting for something to do.

That just made Emma all the more apprehensive. Instead of a reprieve, this felt like the calm before the storm. This brought her back to Hook. She knew, just knew, that he was up to no good. He was a pirate, for crying out loud. There was no way he'd jumped into the portal just for the hell of it.

Might as well get something done. Emma thought as she jumped up and grabbed her keys and coat. Time to go pirate hunting.


Emma had no idea where he was staying, but she did know that wherever he was, he was doing a good job of staying hidden. If not, she would've heard something about a "mysterious newcomer" by now, as Storybrooke did not take kindly to outsiders.

She crossed Granny's off the list, since that was pretty much the last place Hook would go, seeing as most of Storybrooke's residents frequented the bed/breakfast. The park? Maybe. That was where the homeless slept. But then again, it was too out in the open. The docks? Well, he was a pirate. Maybe he was sleeping in an abandoned boat or something.

So, that's where she headed. The docks. Armed with her binoculars and a crowbar (from her thief days), Emma began her search. Most of the boats looked fairly new and well kept, but there was one towards the end that stood out in stark contrast. The windows were pretty dusty, making it more likely that he was living in it. She rubbed at the dust with her sleeve, but it was pretty thick. Looking around to make sure she was alone, Emma deftly used the crowbar to wrench open the door, pleasantly surprised that she still knew how to do it.

Guess it's like riding a bike. She thought as she slipped inside. The movement brought back vivid memories of stealing cars and running from cops, memories that suddenly brought tears to her eyes. Memories that she pushed to the back of her mind as she began her search.

She didn't know what exactly she was looking for. Maybe a big poster with the words: Evil Plan? Much to her chagrin, the inside of the boat was fairly innocent. Rundown, but innocent. The controls were covered with a thick cloth and the leather seats had numerous cracks. The floor had clearly seen better days.

But other than that, the boat was empty. Not what she was expecting. She would've thought there'd be a blanket or a stash of food or something. Maybe Hook was a light traveler.

"See something you like?" A familiar voice asked. Emma immediately stiffened and turned around. Hook. Of course. So he was living here.

"Looks like I found your hideout." She said.

"Hideout?" Hook laughed lightly. "I may be a simple pirate, but even I have standards." His eyes surveyed the room. Using his hook, he picked up the dirty cloth. "You honestly couldn't think that I'm staying here." He released the cloth, and a cloud of dust rose into the air.

Emma shrugged, waving away the dust. "Pirates love boats."

"So you decided to just, what, look in every boat until you found me?" Hook slowly approached her. "I believe that's called stalking, darling."

"It's not stalking if I have every reason to do so." Emma pointed out.

"And what's that?" Hook challenged, raising his eyebrows suggestively. "I knew you found me irresistible."

"In your dreams, buddy." She rolled her eyes. "You're a threat."

"Am I?"

"Yes. You are." She said. "You were working for Cora. Or maybe you still are. For all I know, you two are plotting something."

"Well, aren't you quite perceptive." He commented.

"So I'm right."

"I didn't say you were. Why are you so sure I'm evil?" Hook asked.

"You're a pirate." Emma argued.

"And that makes me automatically bad?" Hook responded. "I take back what I said about you being perceptive. You're making assumptions based on what you know. Which I'm willing to bet is nothing. You don't even know me, Swan."

"No, but I know your kind."

"Oh I have a kind now? And what's that?" He asked.

"Selfish. Greedy. Willing to do anything to get what you want, even if it hurts others."

"Unless I'm mistaken, darling, I'm not the one who left someone on top of a beanstalk to die."

"Never gonna let me forget that, are you?"

"Nope." He winked again.

"You know what?" Emma snapped. "I did what I needed to get back to my son. But what about you? You've probably never cared about anyone in your life. Whatever you're doing here, it's not good. The fact that you've worked with Cora just proves it."

"Maybe I was working with her because she was the only who could help me achieve my goal?"

"And what was that?"

"None of your business." His dark eyes glittered playfully.

"And that is exactly why I can't trust you! You won't tell me anything!"

"Maybe I'll tell you over a drink."

"There's no way in hell I'm having a drink with you." She wrinkled her nose at the very thought.

"Tell me this, Swan. Why are you dead set on the fact that I'm here for evil? Maybe I'm here to see you."

"I highly doubt it." Emma retorted.

"Suit yourself." Hook started heading towards the door. "Aren't you coming?

"Where?" Emma asked.

"I believe you owe me a drink. Coffee, wasn't it?"

Author's note: Next ch=coffee date. Who's curious as to what that will be like?