AN: If you've made it to this point, you know: italics are thoughts, bold words are lines from the show, and I own nothing. Thanks for all the reviews and follows, y'all. Sorry about the delay - I was moving and was without the internet for FOUR DAYS (not a fun experience, let me tell you!) Enjoy :D

Of Devils, Black Sheep, Villains, and Knaves

Chapter 54

Gold was none too pleased to see him. He was even less so when he heard Killian's request and the threat that accompanied it. Killian knew this was probably the last time he'd get to use his leverage against the Dark One but being a whole man for Emma…that was worth it.

The Dark One was unimpressed with Killian's reasoning. "Oh, I see blackmail brings out the romantic in you. But this hand may bring out the worst."

Is this the all magic comes with a price speech, really? I think the price is giving up valuable leverage on you, Crocodile. Killian wanted to be sure, however. "What the devil does that mean?"

"This hand belonged to the man you used to be... cunning, selfish pirate. If I reunite this with your body, there's no telling what influence it could have on you." Gold warned.

That's ridiculous. It's a hand. It has no say in any other part of the body. Killian narrowed his eyes for a moment and then laughed. "Sorry, Dark One. I'm not gonna fall for your tricks today. Nothing can change me back. Now give me my hand, or Belle finds out exactly who she's married to, because unlike me...You haven't changed one bit…Crocodile."

With a wave of his hand, Killian found his left hand back where it belonged. "Don't say I didn't warn you." The Dark One sighed.

That did give Killian pause, but he waited until he was outside to really consider his actions. But no, his hand couldn't make him evil, it couldn't undo a few years worth of trying to change his ways. Shaking his head of the thought, Killian made his way to the tailor, hoping his shirts would still fit okay without the brace.

"Hook, you don't have a hook." Taylor the tailor said in surprise when Killian walked in.

"Yeah. Long story, mate. Are my things ready? Will they fit?" The former pirate asked, unable to keep himself from flexing his left hand over and over, just making sure it was still there.

"Jacket's done, as are about half of the shirts. I will have them finished by closing time if you need them." Taylor nodded.

"Let me have one of the ones you haven't started on and the jacket. I need it for tonight." Killian said.

"The jacket should be fine. The cuff will be a bit big but not noticeably so." Taylor handed him two hangers with the items of clothing on them. "Stop by tomorrow and get the rest, if you like."

"Aye." Killian nodded. "Many thanks."

Clothes now in hand, Killian headed for his next stop: the restaurant. He'd used the phonebook in Granny's earlier to look up the place, but he wanted to actually see it before making a reservation. Luigi's seemed like a nice place, live music, candles, romantic setting.

"Excuse me, I'd like to make a reservation." Killian said, walking up to the maitre'd.

"For when?" The portly Italian man asked.

"Tonight. 7:30." Killian replied.

"You're in luck, if there are only two of you. I have one table left for tonight." The man smiled. "Name?"

Killian almost held up his left hand and waved it, but then remembered that his hook was gone. "Jones. Put it under Jones."

"Very well, Mr. Jones. We will see you tonight." The Italian bowed his head slightly. "It is for two, correct?"

"Yes. Two." Killian nodded and walked off towards Granny's. He had a phone call to make and he wanted to make it in private.

Pressing the button for Henry on his now fully charged phone, Killian waited for the boy to pick up.

"Hey Killian, what's up?" Henry's voice came back over the talking phone.

Killian belatedly remembered that there was school today. "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"It just let out." Henry replied. "What's up?"

"I…wanted to talk to you. Man to man." Killian said. He was not going to get approval from David to take Emma out but he felt it was only right that he consult Henry.

"I'm on my way to study at a friends house. Does it need to be face to face or can we talk on the phone?" Henry asked, curious.

"The talking phone will do. Your mother asked me out today. I agreed. But I wanted to check with you first." Killian explained.

"Look, I'm never really going to love the idea of my mom dating, but I want her to be happy." Henry sighed. "Are you calling to get my…permission?"

"Aye." The former pirate nodded, even though Henry couldn't see him. "She's your mother, it's only right."

"Did you talk to Gramps?"

"No. Your mother is old enough to make her own decisions. She doesn't need her father's permission, but if…if this were to go somewhere, Henry, I'd want you to be okay with it."

"I'm okay if you agree to a few rules. One, keep the pd…the displays of affection to a minimum, two, no more making out in front of Granny's. Three, you keep taking me sailing."

"I was going to do the last one anyway." Killian smiled. "I can agree to your terms. Thanks Henry. Good luck with your studies."

Killian hung up the phone and took a deep breath. That was more nerve-wracking than he expected it to be. He went through his mental to-do list again: reservations, check, clothes, check, flowers - will get them on the way, transportation - not needed at this time, Henry, check, Robin…

Grabbing his phone again, Killian set out for the forest. Robin had yet to acquire a phone, so the only way to talk to him was in person. And with the way the past few days had gone for the thief, Killian was going to check on him as often as possible. Robin was concentrating on what appeared to be one of Roland's toys.

"Hey mate." Killian said, walking in to the camp proper.

"Killian." Robin nodded. "What brings you out here."

"Just seeing how you were doing." Killian shrugged sitting next to him. "And I came to loan you a book."

"A book?" Robin raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Figured it could take your mind off of…everything. It's a good story. Lots of killing and not a lot of love." Killian handed him the copy of Henry IV. "Which is, I think, exactly what you need right now."

"A good story, huh?" Robin looked the book over. "Thanks, Killian. What brings you here so early in the day?"

"I've a date with Emma tonight. I wanted to drop this off before because much as I like you, I like her more." Killian smiled. "And I figured after last night you probably needed a night in with Roland and maybe a good book."

"Too right you are." Robin nodded. "A date with Emma, eh? Sure took you long enough."

"Emma's a…complex woman." Killian shrugged. "And a very impatient one. I've got to go. Let me know what you think of the book."

"Why?"

Killian grinned. "Just a little…competition of sorts going on between Emma and me."

"Oi! Your hand is back." Robin exclaimed, just noticing.

"Yeah." Killian glanced at the left hand.

The other man narrowed his eyes at his friend. "What did you do?"

"Nothing. I traded a bit of harmless information for it." Killian held up both hands. "I swear, Gold really has maybe turned over a new leaf."

"You sure?"

No, but no one else needs to know about the blackmail. "Positive, mate. I'm a new man, and I think he's trying to be too." Which is, actually, maybe a little bit true. But somehow I doubt it.

"I trust your judgement. Go. Have fun." Robin nodded and turned to look the book over again, the faintest of smiles on his face.

Robin, check. Killian thought. Now to get ready.