It was obvious to the entire town that Killian Jones was helplessly in love with Emma Swan.

David Nolan wasn't completely happy with it, but he knew the pirate was trying to change. His wife had told him (many times) that it was the right thing to give people a chance to redeem themselves. But as a father, David felt it was his duty to look out for his baby girl. He hadn't gotten the chance to protect her for her first twenty eight years, so he wanted to make up for it.

He decided that the best way to see Killian was intending to treat Emma with all of the honor and respect she deserved was by having the pirate join in on a guys only project.

Robin Hood was recruited as well. David thought the outlaw and the pirate would be able to get along, given that they both had vast experience evading law enforcement and pining over strong willed women.

Robin had been noticed on more than one occasion looking at Regina with pure fascination. Snow had told David that she believed that Regina and Robin would be really good together. David was certain his true love had every intention of playing matchmaker.

So that was how charming found himself with an outlaw and a pirate, setting up the obstacle courses for the carnival / talent show his wife was organizing.

"We need three different courses. One for those with dogs, one for those with horses, and a third that is for just humans."

"Will we still be aloud to enter, even though we are setting up the courses.?" Killian asked.

"Yes. Just because we're setting them up, it does not mean we would be able to master them better than anybody else." David said.

"You thinking of impressing your sheriff by running the gauntlet?" Robin Hood inquired with a grin.

"You mean to tell me you're not thinking of trying, in order to impress the mayor?"

David rolled his eyes.

But he really couldn't say much. Given the fact he was hoping to impress his true love with his own turn at the gauntlet.

The day of the Storybrooke Fair, as it was referred to, arrived and the entire town was gathered together to enjoy it.

As promised, areas for various competitions were set up and many people showed up to try their own hand at winning.

Challenges like the obstacle courses did not need judges. But other events did.

"Killian, we need you and Gold to be judges for the cooking contest." Snow White informed the pirate.

"Me with the Crocodile? I thought Regina was going to be a judge?"

"She wanted to enter her dish. I think she wants to impress Robin. Not that she would ever admit it." Snow said with a conspirator grin. "And since neither Belle or Emma are entering dishes, we all that you and Gold should Judge."

"I can understand why the pirate would be a judge. He's traveled all over and has probably had a lot of different food. But why Gold? Didn't he mostly stay in his castle for two hundred years?" Grumpy questioned.

"There were many from various realms that wanted to make a deal, so I have tried a wide range of cuisines." Gold informed the dwarf.

Snow left Gold and Hook to try the dishes and give their opinions while she took care of other things that needed her attention.

Killian took a bite of the lasagna. "That dish has a bit of heat in its flavor."

"That must be Regina's dish." Gold said. "She adds cayenne pepper to her lasagna."

"I have to admit it is quite good. Surprising given that she was a queen in another realm."

"She's a mother in this one. Without servants. Credit where it's due, Regina did do her best in caring for her son. And it seems she's trying to be a better person for him."

"It's easier to fight the darkness in one's self, if you're fighting to be better for someone good and full of light." Killian observed.

"Belle is that person for me. She's the only one to ever see the man beneath the monster."

"She's a good woman. Always trying to see the best in everything."

"Given our history, I would be tempted to think jealous thoughts. But the way you look at Miss Swan, I believe this time I have nothing to worry about."

"Don't blame me for your misfortune, crocodile. A woman's heart is not controlled by anyone other than herself. I may be guilty of a lot of things. Things that would make most men shudder. But forcing a woman to be with me has never and will never be one of them."

"You seduced her with your stories." Gold said in a low voice.

"You pushed her away with your cowardice." Killian returned in the same tone.

"You know, the best way to settle your argument is to tell every woman in Storybrooke that they are easily manipulated." Archie inserted into the conversation. He had been curious how the two men were getting along and had decided to eavesdrop on their conversation. Wanting to do his part in trying to keep the peace, he thought it best to interject something he knew would have the men reevaluating their opinions.

The two several centuries old men turned to the former cricket and current town psychiatrist. He grinned at them. "The outcome should prove very interesting."

The very long time enemies looked at one another, Without saying a single word, they agreed that they would let the matter drop. Neither one felt it was in their best interest to anger the women of the town. Especially not the women they had lost their hearts to.

Dishes were judged and the ribbons handed out.

Snow seemed to find more things for Killian to help out with. More people for him to meet and more ways of getting him involved in the community.

The pirate found he actually enjoyed himself greatly. He loved being paired with Emma in the three legged race. And he enjoyed helping Henry in a few games so the boy could get the prize he wanted.

With a huge grin fixed on his face for most of the day, the residents of the town found themselves very comfortable around the former villain. And cheered him on when he tried his hand at a few of the challenges.

Like the gauntlet. Which he made sure to take on when Emma was there watching.

Everyone cheered when he made with through without making a single mistake, but Killian only cared about the look of pride on his Swan's face.

"That was pretty amazing!" She beamed at him.

"Perhaps a reward is in order for succeeding?" He said, tapping his lips.

Emma rolled her eyes. "I think my mother is handing out the rewards."

Hook tilt his head and pouted. "I'm not interested in anything from anyone else, love."

For all his flirting and teasing, he was still caught off guard and pleasantly surprised when Emma grabbed hold of his shirt, pulling him to her and fastened her lips to his.

Breathless and dazed, Killian went easily with her when Emma wrapped his arm with the hook around her waist and said, "Come one, we'll share an order of onion rings."

Snow and Charming watched as their daughter walked away with the pirate. Snow with a huge smile on her face and charming with a scowl on his.

"Was it really necessary for her to kiss him?" David asked.

"Was it really necessary that I kissed you when you completed the gauntlet?" Snow asked.

"That was different."

"No it wasn't and you know it. And don't try to pretend you don't see what is going on with he and Emma. She looks really happy with him."

David begrudgingly had to agree. And in truth, the pirate had proved himself to be a pretty good guy when he wanted to be.

"Hook's making friends here. He makes Emma happy. I think we better get used to the fact we could have a pirate in the family."