CHAPTER 8

JEWEL (noun) - A precious stone, typically a single crystal or piece of a hard lustrous or translucent mineral cut into shape with flat facets or smoothed and polished for use as an ornament.

"You're not going to do anything stupid, are you?"

The words hung heavily in the air between them as Hook looked over at Emma and noted her worried frown with a pang of guilt.

Currently they were sat in Granny's diner but earlier that evening he'd attended a meeting with her, David, Regina, Robin and Belle to discuss what to do about Zelena.

Belle's research had finally reached fruition when she'd discovered the spell the Witch was intending to cast. She was going to attempt to go back in time in order to stop Regina from being born and all she needed was Snow's baby to complete her list of 'ingredients'. There had been a shocked silence at the announcement of that little revelation until David had forcefully let out an oath that had surprised even Hook.

Belle had been sorry to be the bearer of bad news but had then been able to offer a glimmer of hope as to a way of defeating Zelena. By some fluke, the book she'd found the spell in also contained the knowledge that the jewel in the necklace the Witch wore contained all of her power.

He had perked up at that. If he could destroy that jewel, then her magic would be stripped away and everyone she'd cursed would be free. He would be free and no longer a threat to Emma's magic.

It was too good an opportunity to pass up…in his mind at least.

"You mean now or just in general, Swan?" Hook replied facetiously, trying to dispel the tense mood that had fallen over them both in the diner as she awaited his answer.

"You know what I mean," she retorted with a flash of annoyance. "I saw your face when Belle told us about the jewel. Don't go after Zelena on your own. We'll find a way to defeat her together."

Hook let out a heavy sigh and settled back into his seat more comfortably. He should have realised that he wouldn't have been able to hide something like that from Emma. She could read him almost as well as he could her. It was as wonderful as it was frustrating, particularly at times like these.

"Very well," he acquiesced with a shrug of his shoulders.

Her eyes narrowed as she gazed at him suspiciously but whatever she saw there evidently satisfied her scepticism and she visibly relaxed, much to his relief.

"I'm going to get a hot chocolate. You want one?" she asked with a small smile.

"No, thank you," he declined with his own brief smile that faded as soon as she got up and walked over to the counter.

Left with his thoughts, the pirate wondered if Emma would think that semantics were a justifiable excuse for him to still go and destroy the Witch's emerald. She had asked him not to go after Zelena; she never mentioned anything about not going after the necklace

It was a weak argument as well he knew, but knowing that Zelena had been so readily prepared to take Henry's life the day before made his resolve even firmer. Even now his stomach turned over and twisted into knots when he thought about what had happened.

He'd become very attached to the lad since their return to Storybrooke and it had scared the life out of him when his pistol had jammed and Henry had almost been killed by one of the Witch's winged monstrosities. Even though he would've physically placed himself between the boy and flying monkey before he let anything happen to him, he would be forever grateful for Emma's impeccable timing…and aim.

The sound of her laughter had him turning his head and he took a moment to simply look at her. Committing her to memory so that if anything bad befell him that night, she would be the last thing he would picture. Of course he had no intention of not returning but a man had to be prepared, just in case.

A subtle clearing of a throat drew his attention back to the booth where Robin now sat opposite him. He'd been so enthralled with watching Emma that he'd failed to notice when the archer had joined him.

"I have a proposition for you, Captain," Robin began in a hushed tone as he leaned forward.

Hook's eyes widened and he scratched at the back of his head before replying in amusement, "Well, thanks and all that, mate, but you're not really my type."

The archer looked baffled at his reply for a moment then rolled his eyes and shook his head as he realised the joke.

"I mean about Zelena and that jewel of hers," he clarified quietly.

The pirate darted a quick glance over at Emma and seeing that she was still talking to Charming, he looked back at Robin and nodded his head.

"Go on," he encouraged.

"I am of a mind to go to her house then steal her necklace and destroy the emerald," the thief explained. He paused briefly to ensure no one else was listening then added, "And if I'm not mistaken, I believe that you also wish to do the same."

"Aye," Hook admitted slowly, "you're not mistaken."

"Excellent. Then I propose we join forces and see to it that she doesn't attempt to harm any more of our loved one's."

The pirate drew back his head and stared at the archer silently for a moment as he contemplated his suggestion. He knew Robin had a son and was not willing to enter into any arrangement that would risk the man's life and possibly leave the child an orphan. He knew only too well what that felt like.

On the other hand, if he didn't agree then Robin would likely go ahead with his plan alone anyway.

"Where do you want to meet?" Hook asked, his own scheme taking shape in his head to ensure that Robin didn't make it to Zelena's house after all.

"My camp, say around midnight?" he suggested.

"I'll be there," the pirate agreed.

The thief nodded and gave him a brief smile before departing the booth just as Emma came back. She glanced at Robin's retreating figure then at Hook as she resumed her seat opposite him and set down two cups of hot chocolate.

"Here," she said pushing one of the steaming mugs towards him, "I got you one anyway. I know you like it even if you pretend you don't."

The pirate was touched at her gesture and gave her a smile of thanks before having a taste of the sweet drink.

"So, what were you and Robin talking about just now?" she queried inquisitively, "You two looked thick as thieves sitting here."

He paused in taking a second sip and checked her face to see if there was anything more to her choice of words. When she merely looked at him with an expression of mild curiosity he put the cup back down and leaned back into his seat.

"Maybe that's because we are thieves," the pirate reminded her lightly.

Her brow furrowed at his answer and she tilted her head slightly as she commented in a faintly accusing tone, "And maybe you're being evasive. Is there something going on that I should know about?"

Hook glanced away then looked back at her with a sigh knowing he had to tell her something otherwise she was going to get suspicious.

"Robin and I were simply conversing about our loved one's," he stated casually, "He and I have a lot in common it seems."

"Oh, I'm sorry," she apologised looking immediately contrite.

He stared at her blankly for a few moments until he suddenly realised that she'd taken his words to mean that he was referring to both the woman that he and Robin had lost long ago.

Unable to stop himself, he slid his hand across the table to where hers rested against her cup and reached out his forefinger to run a gentle caress lightly down her knuckles.

"Don't be; I wasn't talking about Milah," he revealed softly.

Emma's eyes widened a fraction and her cheeks coloured rapidly as his meaning hit home.

"Oh," was all she uttered, but the shy smile that played along her lips told him exactly how she felt about his veiled admission.

And hours later that night, as he was down on his knees with Zelena preparing to end his life, it was that memory of her realising his feelings that gave him peace as everything went black.

END CHAPTER 8