A short chapter but didn't want to wait too long to update :) Enjoy!


"Killy it's me!"

Emma watched from afar as Hook kept the woman at sword's length. She had long, brown, wind-swept hair and bright, green eyes. Her ample bosom overflowed from the tight corset that wrapped around her slender waist. Her skirt flickered down around her snug leather pants and a sword was sheathed at her side. Emma didn't have to guess as to the woman's identity - she knew exactly who the female pirate was, or was at least pretending to be. A pang of jealousy overcame Emma as she looked at the two of them – Hook and Milah - they looked like a matching pair.

Hook looked noticeably pale as he ground his teeth and clutched his sword tightly, raising the tip towards the woman's neck. "Clever mimicry demon, I'll give you that, but you cannot be my Milah." Hook's voice wavered, tears welling in his eyes as he choked back his emotions. "I watched the life fade from her eyes as she died in my arms. I wrapped her body with love and respect and gave her to the sea. I will not fall victim to this deception."

"My Love. I'm begging you, listen to me. Please!"

Hook took another step closer and inched the blade closer to her flesh. "I should kill you where you stand impostor. How dare you play this charade."

"Killian. Please. Rumple didn't kill me! He just, took me away for a while."

"Prove it," Hook snarled. "Prove to me you're Milah."

Milah took a few steps backwards and sighed. "There is only one language a pirate understands." She carefully drew her sword. "I'll convince you the only way I know how."

Milah lunged at Hook with a growl – their swords making a resounding clang as they met with force. It was like watching a pantomime or theatrical performance as the two pirates danced about the deck of the ship – their swords chiming rhythmically between parries, blocks and blows. Emma could only watch with wide-eyed concern from the gangway as they fought in unison. She hadn't seen Hook in action since their own little fight back in the Enchanted Forest, when he told her so deliciously that when he jabbed her with his sword she'd feel it. Emma found her mouth watering again with a mix of fear for his safety, and arousal at seeing him in such fine form. He was statuesque as he moved about the deck of the ship – his long coat tails gracefully following him with each step.

Hook suddenly threw down his sword. "Stop!" he commanded between ragged breaths. "Only one woman I know can fight like that."

Milah was panting too as she lowered her sword. "Do you believe me now?"

He waited until he caught his breath and took a few steps towards Milah, slowly and thoughtfully studying her face. He reached out and tenderly traced his finger along her cheekbone. "Is it really you Love?"

Emma's heart nearly broke upon hearing him refer to Milah in such a way. She had grown so used to Hook calling her 'Love' that she felt she owned the term exclusively. Suddenly it began to dawn on Emma that Milah wasn't just a story – she was no longer a myth for the pages of Henry's fairy-tale book. This was Hook's 'true love', the woman he spent hundreds of years trying to avenge, the woman whose name he had tattooed on his wrist. Emma had always felt in some ways she was competing with the memory of Milah, but now here she was in the flesh.

As the two pirates stared longingly into each others eyes, Emma suddenly felt like an unwelcome intruder. Two is company and three was most definitely feeling like a crowd. She didn't want to be here - to watch their reunion, to see the love that was still so apparent even after all their time apart. It was like a knife to the gut. As Emma crept quietly away from the docks she wondered if Hook would even notice she was gone. As she hurried down the path she listened for the sound of his footsteps, his voice calling after her, but could only hear the creaking of the boats as they rocked with the tide, and the scuff of her own boots upon the pavement.

As she rounded the corner she felt like her heart was breaking. She wiped away the tears that began to trickle down her cheeks, feeling like a fool for falling for the god-damn pirate so hard and so fast. Get your shit together, she told herself.

"Emma!" Hook breathlessly grabbed her by the shoulder. "Where are you going?"

"I thought-" her heart leapt as she turned to look at him. Emma sniffled and wiped away her tears, "I thought you two might need some time, to talk."

"I did not plan this." Hook's bottom lip trembled. "I-, I'm lost for words."

Emma could see the helplessness in his eyes, the confusion and angst. Her heart felt like it was in the pit of her stomach. "I know."

Hook paced in a small line, tugging at his hair with his right hand. "I just need some time, to sort this out, find out what's going on."

"Stay with her," Emma said reluctantly before swallowing hard. "I'll talk to Gold, see what I can find out."

Hook inhaled deeply through his nose and tapped his knuckle on his lip, looking back and forth between Emma and the direction of the Jolly Roger.

Emma folded her arms across her chest. "Just be careful OK? Don't trust her. Not yet. Not until you know for sure. This could just be some twisted game Gold is playing."

"I know Love."

There it was again. Love. Emma's lips tugged upward into a small smile.

"I learned long ago not to trust The Dark One," continued Hook. "My heart says this is Milah, but I'll remain cautious for now."

"I better go find Gold before he goes into hiding. He'll know we'll be looking for him." Emma turned and began to walk away again.

"Swan, wait." Hook grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to him, caressing her cheek gently with his fingertips as he leaned in to place a reassuring kiss upon her lips. When finally he pulled away he didn't venture far, resting his forehead against hers, reaching for her hand to give it a comforting squeeze. "I'll come find you at the inn later."

Emma was sniffling again as she pulled away. As she stared into his deep, soulful eyes she looked for a little hope - but all she could see was a future of uncertainty and heartbreak.