Disclaimer: I only own Mason and Rose. None of the other characters.

A/N: Sorry for the lack of chapter last weekend. In my family we celebrate Christmas and my mom surprised us with a trip to New York City. We went and saw Matilda the Musical on Broadway and it was just absolutely brilliant!

Chapter 21

Killian

Rumplestiltskin walked towards me and I felt irrational fear spike inside of me, my arms involuntarily curling around Rose protectively. The fear wasn't irrational because I knew that Rumplestiltskin wouldn't hurt her. No, I knew the man was very dangerous and didn't think he had changed. I was not as willing to believe the man as the others who believed him to be changed. The fear was irrational because I really did not have any reason to feel protective of this girl. Sure, she spiked my interest and kept up with me easily when I flirted, but I really had no claim over her. I should not have felt so emotionally invested with this girl. After all, I had only met her two days ago. I barely knew anything about her.

Besides the fact that she is beautiful, and smart, and funny.

I shook my head, dispelling the thoughts from my mind. The last thing I needed was to become invested with Rumplestiltskin's daughter. My plan had been to shoot her mother, a love for a love, and then be done, completely separate myself from the monster who called himself a man. I did not need to be tangled back up into the web of deals and promises that followed Rumpelstiltskin around like a wanted curse.

I tried to tell myself that, but my arms still curled around her, holding her closer to me, keeping my hook carefully away from her delicate pale skin. She didn't so much as twitch in her sleep, making me wonder how often this young girl fell asleep in the arms of a stranger.

"Wake her up please," Rumplestiltskin ordered. The words were nearly hissed, pushed out through the gaps of teeth that did not unclench in order for the conversation to take place.

"Let the lass sleep," I shook my head. This plan was equally effective because not only would it annoy Rumplestiltskin greatly, it would also keep this beautiful girl in my arms for just a few more moments. "It is clear that she needs it."

Rumplestiltskin broke the glare he was holding with me and looked down at his daughter. I followed his stare. She did look exhausted, dark bruises blossoming like dark thorny roses underneath her eyes. She moved suddenly and her engagement ring glinted in the dimmed lights of the diner before her hand wormed her way into mine. My fingers threaded through her slender warm one before I had time to think, to ponder why she was reaching for my hand in her sleep and why she knew which hand to go for in order to avoid the sharp hook on my other hand.

"She cannot just stay here for the rest of the night," Rumplestiltskin said, his gaze landing on our entwined hands and scorching in its heat. His face darkened.

"Of course not," I scoffed. I may have been a pirate, but I knew how to treat a woman like she deserved. You did not let a woman sleep in a diner for the entire night. "I will take her to your house and set her in her bed."

"I fail to see why you need to be added into this equation, dearie," Rumplestiltskin snarled. I smiled, the most sinister smile that was intended to infuriate that I have ever done, and then gently raised our entwined hands.

"She seems rather attached, doesn't she?" I asked him. He looked like he wanted to pounce, but then he took a deep breath and visibly controlled himself.

"Fine." He said, the words short and hissed like they had been before. "But as soon as she is in her bed, you will be gone."

"I certainly wouldn't stick around for your company," I assured him. He took a step back and I smoothly lifted Rose onto my lap before getting to my feet and holding her carefully against my chest. I took extra care with my hook, praying I wouldn't unintentionally hurt her. I hated how troublesome this hook was. I was always in fear of hurting those I attempted to touch with tenderness.

Rumplestiltskin walked past us in order to gather his youngest son from his eldest child, holding him naturally against his chest. Although I was loath to admit it, he really was a good father. He had the kind of natural understanding with children that I wished I would have when I had children in the future.

The walk back to Rumpelstiltskin's place was completely silent. I did not have anything to say to the man. The sky was dark and the air slightly cold as we walked and Rose curled closer to me in comfort. I held her carefully, wishing that the walk between Rumplestiltskin's house and the diner was not as short as it was. When we got to the house Rumplestiltskin gestured in the direction I was supposed to go and I followed it, going to the room and laying her down carefully. Rose curled into the sheets and I pulled the blanket up over her.

I turned away and then hesitated, turning back and planting a swift kiss on her forehead. It was an innocent kiss, though not entirely platonic. Her lips curled slightly in her sleep and I wondered who exactly she thought had kissed her. Her father? Her fiancé?

I pushed away the jealousy and turned to leave again, stopping shortly when my path was blocked by Rumplestiltskin. He looked up at me, his face chiseled with fury.

"So help me, pirate, if I find that you ruin another marriage in the family," He threatened, his hand clenching sporadically at his side. I felt my own curl in response. It would be so easy to hit the man, make him feel a part of my pain.

Rose shifted on the bed, making a soft snuffling noise, and I let out a slow breath, glancing back at her shortly before brushing past Rumplestiltskin.

There were enough parentless children in the world. I didn't need to add to the numbers.