Summary: Two fathers, both thought long dead, but very much alive, are introduced to their daughters, who they never even knew existed!
Dunnottar – The Black Dog Inn
Killian Jones was stunned. And it took a lot to stun Killian Jones! Over nearly three centuries, he'd faced merciless cutthroats, crazed Spanish pirates, mermaids, gods, wizards, dragons, giants, ogres and everything the world could throw at him. And in all that time, he was rarely lost for words!
"I'm sorry, say that again?"
"Ye heard me right the first time. I said ye've already met ma Isla. She's yours right enough!"
Killian's jaw hung, unable to process. Even Maleficent and Lily looked shocked, although the younger woman could see the similarities between the supposed father and daughter. It was in the eyes, and the shape of her face. The hair was clearly her mothers.
"You're…" he struggled, unsure how best to respond, without seeming callous, or disregarding. Could she be wrong? They had been intimate. Several times as far as he could remember, but then it was so long ago. But theirs was but a passing relationship, wasn't it? Two ships in the night. There'd been no coercion. Just two adults seeking comfort in one another.
"I can see yer heed's spinnin', so let me put ye out of ye misery before you say anythin' stoopid! Aye, she's yours right enough. I was with nae other man for a good four months before ye left, and none two months before. It was three before I even found out!"
"I'm…I'm sorry. Forgive me, I'm not usually lost for words, but this is more than a surprise. Again, I'm sorry!"
"Why? I'm not! I'll admit, I was a bit peeved at first, puttin' it mildly, when I found out I was carryin'. But I'm no exactly a silly simperin' wee gurlie, am I? No, she always been a braw lass, my Isla. Ma mither and fatha helped take care o' her. An' I married well, when she was two. Ma Jacob loved her like she was his own, god rest his soul! We've been happy…"
"I'm pleased. But if only I'd known Peg, I would have returned. I swear."
"You was a goddam pirate, Jones! I knew what I'd got meself into. Besides, yer reputation proved useful on occasion. Whenever we were havin' a spot o' bother with some of the local firms, I'd merely mention who's Isla's fatha was, usually while holdin' a knife mind! And I'd remind 'em what a vicious band o' cutthroat bastards ye ran. Kept people on side, I can tell ye!"
"Glad to have been of service, somehow. But if I'd known I'd sired the lass, I would have helped…if only with coin! Even in my lowest days, I never ran from my obligations."
"We had no need. Fatha made us a good livin', fencin' all the booty your kind brought to shore. Besides, if ye bed a pirate, ye knew full well he probably had a wee lassie in every port! No, my Isla's wanted for nowt. She's a good un', and her brothers love her to bits!"
"That's good to know. So why are you telling me now? Does she even know who I am?"
"Of course I told her! I'd never lie to ma bairns! She asked, and I told. I thought ye'd perished off the Spanish Main, and I told her so. Once she'd heard all the stories, she was quite proud of havin' Captain Hook, the scourge of the high seas, as her fatha! That's quite the handle. Ye know, it's an awfy long time since I last saw ye, but I remember ye well enough to know she shares some o' ye traits, ye rogue!"
"She's…very beautiful." He felt a lump in his throat, his eyes beginning to water. "So…she doesn't think…ill of me?"
"Why should she? She knows you never even knew she existed!"
He nodded, trying to take it all in. "So, hearing you yell my old soubriquet just now, she's probably upset. Where's she gone? Can I talk to her?"
"She's her own woman, Jones! Thirty-five years old here, more like a hundred and fifty in the non-magical world, where she'd be long deed by now. So she makes her own decisions. But seein' her own fatha for the first time would be a shock for any gurl! Best leave it a while, and give her a chance to compose herself."
"Mrs. Long? Peggy?" said a voice from nearby. "Would you let me go through, and talk to her? Isla and I have something in common. I'm here to see my own dad, who I thought was dead too. He doesn't know I exist either, so he's going to have the same shock Killian's just had! May I?"
The standing woman studied her, considering her words. "I guess it wouldn't make it worse. Aye, go on through. She's probably out the back, puffin' a ciggie to calm herself, anyway. Ye say ye're here to see yer fatha? Who's the lucky man?"
Maleficent answered for her. "Apparently, his name here is Magnus. I knew him as Zorro. I discovered I was expecting Lily here, after he'd been…lost to us."
"Magnus? The dragon?" Peggy's brow rose in realisation. "Ah, that explains it! I knew you reminded me o' someone!"
"You know him?"
"Aye, I know him all right - he's the law aroond here!"
Back in Storybrooke – That same morning...
After the unusual and tentative agreement (or was it just an understanding?) between the four of them yesterday, Snow went to bed fairly soon after supper. Even though she'd returned to live at the farm a few days ago, she remained sleeping in a guest bedroom, feeling that they still weren't ready for that step And frankly, she wouldn't come back to their bed until David specifically invited her in. The tension between them had been reduced, although she still wasn't sure how the next few days were going to bpad out for everyone. Nonetheless, she'd determined to turn over a new leaf. She'd had the makeover, and was now building her new wardrobe of clothes, determined to rid herself of that stale, middle-aged, frumpish Mary Margaret persona that had overtaken her. It was time to do things differently!
So, when she came downstairs to the kitchen just before seven, the sight before them took David and Neal by surprise.
"Hey ma, I've never seen you in gym gear before!" Neal was impressed at he figure. "I thought you're coming to school today?"
"I am, Neal." She stood in front of them, wearing a pair of thigh-high black running shorts, pale pink sports bra top, and new running shoes. "But I'm going jogging first. I've decided to run every other day from now on; just for an hour to begin with. I figure I needed to get fit again. Climbing up that tree last weekend was harder than it should have been!"
David looked her up and down as he swigged his coffee, clearly also impressed by the sight. Most of her midriff, thighs and legs were exposed, showing she was still exceptionally trim for a woman who'd had two kids and in the recent past hadn't taken any regular exercise. She was more than pleasing to the eye. "Yes right Snow, you're looking good. Where are you going running?"
"Just to the edge of town and back, just for a couple of miles to start. I don't expect to be anywhere near Emma's, or your pace, to start. But, who knows…"
"Good idea. If you're doing it this weekend, perhaps I could join you? You know, if we're not on early shift, Dot and I sometimes jog and meet up at Frank's coffee bar from either direction. You know, the one near the cliffs? It's about halfway between us. Then head back."
"I didn't know that." She was instantly reminded of the recent close relationship that had sprung up between him and Ruby's wife. "That might be a bit far for me for the moment, but give it time…"
"Well just let me know if you need a partner. Anyway, I'll drop Neal this morning, and I'll shop for dinner tonight for everyone. They should be here by six."
"Everyone? Who's coming?" She hoped it wasn't Ruby and Dorothy again. Last night's dinner was a little awkward and Snow just wanted to settle in with her own family for a quiet night while they were trying to repair the strain that had been put on their marriage.
"Just Emma and the girls. As Killian's away for a couple of nights I thought it might be nice for her not to be alone. Maybe even invite Henry and Ella. What do you think?"
Dunnottar
It was a dark cloudless night, but the full moon still lit up the sky. As Isla sat on the ancient rocky wall, itself perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the North Sea, she drew heavily on her second cigarette. Hell, she wish she had something stronger right now! But her brother Robert wasn't due back for another week, and he was the one who usually got hold of decent weed from someone he knew in Aberdeen. As her mind wandered over what she'd just heard inside, she remembered all the things she'd been told about him. Her father. Captain Hook. The legend. The man she rarely dreamt about these days but who'd occupied her imagination so much during her younger days. The man who, if her mother was right, was now alive and inside the pub, waiting to see her!
"Can I join you?" said a soft, cautious voice from nearby. She looked up to find the brown-eyed woman she'd just served drinks to, only a few minutes ago. The one with the lovely smile, but now looking anxious. "Is that okay?"
"No one's stopping ye," she answered back, a little more curt than intended. "Though this stone's a bit sharp on the arse!"
Lily gave her a small smirk as she climbed on to the wall. "I've sat on a lot worse in my time. I've….ooh!" Only then did she realise the other woman's feet were dangling over a drop of at least a hundred and fifty foot! " Shit, that's steep!"
"Aye. The Vikings used tae chuck people over here, apparently. Ye best stay doon there, if ye're bothered by heights."
"No, it's not that, it just took me by surprise." She sat down a couple of feet away from her, looking out over the sea as the gentle breeze hit her face.
"Did they sent ye oot to talk to me?"
"No. I suggested it. Killian offered, but your mum thought it was way too soon."
"Too soon?" she gave a hollow laugh. "That's rich! I didnae even know he was alive! Ma said he was long deed."
"He didn't know about you, either. I think it's just hit him as hard as it's hit you!"
Isla nodded, pulling another lungful from the cigarette. "I'm no surprised..." she held it out, offering it to the other woman. "Ye smoke?"
"I gave up five years ago, but…" she took it from her regardless. "All things considered, what the hell. Thanks..." She put it between her own lips, drawing it down, and as she started to exhale, coughed violently. "Shit!" she wheezed "I know I'm out of practice but…what the hell is this?" As she continued coughing, she started laughing, making the other woman laugh too, as she took the offending back stick from her.
"I've no idea. Ma brother Bobby picks up all kind a shite from the markets. I'm waitin' for him to bring back some decent weed tomorrow, instead of this muck!"
"Yeah, I'd join you for that, but not sure about this stuff." She finished her coughing. "So you've got brothers?"
"Aye. Three. Two are fine and one's an arsehole. Still…" she flicked the remains over the cliff. "What about you? I don't even know ye name?"
"Lily. Lily Page. Though my mum calls me Lilith," she offered her hand, which the other woman took. As the other woman turned to look at her properly, Lily was struck by how much her eyes resembled her father's. But she was very beautiful. "It's nice to meet you, Isla Long."
"Nice to meet you too, Lily Page. Sorry about runnin' oot like that, but the shock kinda…well, ye know?"
"More than you realise! As I told your mother just now, I've only just found out my dad's alive too. And he's living here!"
"Ye're kidding, right?" but Lily just shook her head. "What's his name?"
"Magnus. He's a dragon, like my mum. He was called Zorro in the olden days. Mum thought he was dead too, just like you and yours."
"I know Marcus…" Isla shook her head, her eyes and mouth breaking into a warm smile. "Ye look like him, actually. Handsome bugger! He's nice. Fair. Tough bastard, mind, to people who cross him!"
"Your mother said he's the 'law' around here?
"Aye, he's the Marshall. If ye're a yank, it's a bit like one of ye sheriff's back home? But with more power tae jail people before chargin' em. Bein' a fuckin' dragon, there's no many who argue with him!"
"I'm scared shitless about meeting him! Mum said he has a wife and kids here?""
"Aye. She's a sorceress. And a doctor." Then her mind drifted back to more pressing matters. "So how long have you known Captain Hook?"
"About ten years. He lives in the same town as my mum. Storybrooke. He married someone who used to be my best friend years ago. They've got two kids there. But I live in New York, these days." She could see she needed to know more about her father. "They stopped calling him Hook when Merlin fixed his left hand some time ago. They know him as Killian Jones. He's actually a hero these days, and his wife, Emma, is called The Saviour, for some reason. He still owns the Jolly Roger and that's what we used to get here!"
"A hero? Is he…nice? Decent?"
"Very. He's a good man, from what I can tell. Seriously good poker player, too. I think you'd like him. Likes his rum, mind!"
"That explains where I get it from!" she stopped, another anxious look coming over her. "How'd he take it, when mum told him…about me?"
"Even more shocked than you! As I said, he wanted to come out here. Shall I go get him?"
"No, I'll come in with ye." She started to climb down from the wall, before reaching her hand up to Lily. "Can I help you down?"
She was about to decline, but acquiesced, nodding at the simple chance to hold her hand. As she took the last step to reach the flagstones she found herself momentarily standing right in front of her, mere inches separating them, as brown eyes met blue, before awkwardly turning to one side. Both felt something in that moment, both unsure what it was.
"Lily. Can I…show you around the town sometime? That is…if ye're here a while?" Her cheeks pinked, blushing, a look instantly picked up by the other woman.
"I'd like that. Maybe I could buy you a drink?"
"I'd like that too. Though as we're standin' outside ma mither's pub, perhaps ye should finish the one I poured ye, while I go meet ma new fatha?"
Meanwhile, in a villa on the other side of the walled town, about half a mile away…
"Maleficent's here?" He couldn't believe his ears. "How?"
"She sailed into the harbour with me this evening, along with some others to work on setting up the new academy. We jumped realms with the Sorcerer."
"So it's Merlin's doing? I might have known. Never mind 'how', the question is 'why' is she here, Morgana?" asked a tall blonde woman walking in to join them.
"As I just said to your husband, Circe, she's helping us at the academy. She's going to be teaching potions and protection classes this year. Merlin agreed this with her before we even knew about her link to Magnus. I never assumed it would be a problem? She's staying at the manor. Should I go and talk to her?"
"No," Magnus insisted, "I must meet her. It's been so long since I last saw her, and I've jumped two realms since I was resurrected. Circe, would that a problem for you?"
"Of course not, my dear. It's just, there's something else, isn't there? Morgana, what aren't you telling us?"
"You're right, there is. You may both want to sit down for this!"
~o0o~
"What's taking them so long?" Killian paced nervously, backwards and forwards, between the bar and their table. "I should go out there! I should-"
"Ye should sit yerself doon, pirate, before ye wear ma floor oot! Dinna fret. She's a tough 'un, ma gurlie, but she's had quite the shock. As have I! Let her be. Yer other lassie's wi' her now. Just hold yer horses, till they come back."
"Lilith isn't his other daughter!" said Mal, firmly. "She's definitely Zorro's. Or Magnus's."
"Aye well, whatever. All I know is-" she stopped the moment the door behind the bar opened, and Lily walked in, with Isla right behind her, her eyes immediately seeking out and locking on to Killian's.
"Hello, again?" he began, unsure how to do this. "I guess you're as shocked as me?" He edged forward, wanting to get a closer look. She was almost as tall as him, and from the wild, black hair, it was obvious she was Peggy's. But with deep blue eyes. "Forgive me, but I don't know how to greet a very beautiful, very grown-up daughter for the first time. Perhaps you could help?"
She could see he was trying, as he looked her up and down, still with a look of disbelief. "Perhaps we start with a drink? Lily here tells me ye like yer rum?" She attempted a smile. "I'll get 'em, and it'll give me time to think. I thought ye were deed. And you never even knew I existed! How about we start from that?"
Back in Storybrooke…
Snow had been running for just over fifteen minutes. Her body completely unused to it, she slowed as she reached the little bridge on the far side of their estate, the one with the brook running beneath. There was a large stone by the side, which, once she'd discovered the beautiful location shortly after they bought the farm, she used to regularly sit on, to just watch the evening birdlife in happier times. As her thighs now ached from underuse, she realised just how unfit she'd now become. There was once time she would cover nearly twenty miles in a day without even breaking sweat. But today she'd stopped at that specific spot for a reason. And the reason made itself known as some of the lower hanging branches gave way, a larger figure looming into view.
The wolf, measuring some ten foot long and the size of a large bear, spotted her, slowing, before padding forward slowly. As it grew close, it shrank, its body morphing into that of a naked woman, with a cloth strapped to her back.
"Here, allow me?" said Snow, jumping up to untie the small rope, unfurl the robe, and place it over her. "Hi."
"Hi," said Ruby straightening, "I haven't got long." She pulled a sports bra and undies out from one of the pockets of the gown, and started putting them on. "I only nipped out while Mike's briefing the team. You okay?"
"As well as could be expected." Snow resumed her seat, Ruby sitting down next to her. "David's invited Emma and the girls over for dinner tonight, when she brings Neal back from school. He wants to tell them what's going on."
"I thought we'd all agreed not to say anything?"
"Not about the four of us, just that I've moved back in, and we're trying to repair things. They both know most of it, anyway."
"And how do you feel about all this? I mean, I heard what you said then, but…are you really okay? About those two?"
"You mean about my husband and your wife possibly having sex?" she sighed. "No, not really. But I can hardly complain, can I? I just…I just want him back! The way we were, Rubes. So, I guess if this is one way of making that happen…"
"Or it could drive a more permanent wedge between you! I feel the same about Dot. She's still sleeping in one of the guest rooms. You know it's funny; until she said it, I'd never imagined she'd be interested in David that way. At least, not without both of us there. After all, I just assumed she was gay, not bi!"
"People change, don't they? And, she's expecting his baby…"
"Yeah. Still. I guess there is one good thing to come out of all this. You and me."
Snow looked confused. "Sorry?"
"The truth stone. When Dot asked me if I was in love with you, I said no. But it went red, didn't it? The same thing happened when David asked you about me!"
Snow knew this was the main reason David cited for their separation. Not the infidelity, but the fact that, based on that damned stone, he was convinced she was in love with her best friend! She'd never spoken to her about it since. "Ruby…" What does she say? Does she deny it, after everything? "We're married. To other people!"
"I never asked you what we should do about it, Snow. Just…admit it! That bloody truth stone may have caused us no end of trouble; but, it got me thinking. I love Dot, I really do. I mean, I woke her up from a sleeping curse for fuck's sake! That means something, right? We have true love, and all that bullshit. I'd die for her, and I can't imagine life without her. Or Nat. But…" She looked at her like she was in pain. "The stone wasn't lying, was it? I don't just love you Snow, I'm in love with you! And Dot and David know it!" She gave her a look that Snow recognised from when they'd met her mother, Anita, and her family. Vulnerable. It was like the wolf was pleading not to break her heart!
"I feel it, the same as you. Perhaps I've always wanted to deny it, but I'm in love you too, Ruby, even though it pains me to admit it. I guess I can understand how Regina feels, to be in love with two people at once. But-"
"Don't say it…" Ruby reached out, taking her hand. "Please don't finish that sentence!"
"You know something, Rubes?" Snow felt her eyes start to tear up. "Years ago, I watched Emma and Regina confess to each other that they were in love with one another. But they loved Killian and Marian more, didn't they? They learned to live with it, and get on with their lives. Perhaps we have to learn to do the same?"
"Yeah, but why should we? It's completely different from them. If Dot and David want to open things up, why can't we? Haven't the two of us held back long enough?"
She couldn't give her an answer, because it was true, they had held back. She'd always felt that pull to the wolf, ever since she'd saved her life in the wolf den, sacrificing her mother in the process of rescuing her. Ruby had stuck by her through thick and thin and their bond had always been unbreakable. Though she hated to admit it, the truth stone had only confirmed what she already knew!
Instead of answering, Snow turned, facing her, two hands sliding around the taller woman's cheeks to hold her, as she latched their lips together in an unexpected kiss. Barely a moment later, as Ruby's mouth widened, she felt that long-forgotten sensation as Snow's warm tongue entered, to be immediately welcomed by her own.
The Black Dog, Dunnottar
"How do you think they're getting on?"
"Well ma gurl's no lobbed anythin' at him yet," said an equally concerned Peggy. "So I think he's okay. She's a tough 'un, ma Isla, but nothin' can compare ye for that, can it? Funding oot not only that ye have a fatha, but he's standin in front of ye!"
The three of them watched as, over in the far side of the room, father and daughter got to know each other after an awkward start. They'd been there for half an hour now and, and watched as Isla had been to shed a few tears, Killian instantly producing a clean handkerchief for her. Lily could only see the woman's back as she sat opposite her father, both heads leaning forward and neither raising their voices. The young dragon and the pub owner were both relieved when then the former pirate whispered something, which in turn made Isla roar with laughter, using the same cloth to dab very different tears, in turn causing the captain to laugh in relief.
"That's a sound I havnae heard for a while," said her mother, smiling. "So he's really a hero now?"
"Yep. For a good ten years now, but as I said, I don't live near them. His wife, Emma, was my closest friend for a while. She has quite powerful magic, and both of her daughters have it, too."
"Well there's plenty o' people with the gift around here! Either of you have it? I guess ye must if ye're both dragons?"
"I have," Mal spoke as she finished her whisky. "So does Lily, though hers hasn't fully come out yet. We haven't discussed it but…if she were to stay with us at the manor for the academy's first season, perhaps we can develop that?" Although she looked at the bar owner, the question was obviously addressed to her daughter.
Lily's eyes never left the back of Isla's head, as she pondered the question. Although she quite liked her latest job in New York, the recent change in her personal life, especially her break up with Cassie, made her wonder whether there could be options elsewhere? She'd always wanted to travel ut the lack of sufficient income, despite her mother regularly offering to help, ruled it out. She'd tried to avoid facing what she was and who she was. A dragon. But now, could she take another path? One that offered something new?
"I think I might like that like that. I've never even been out of the country till now, let alone in another realm."
Maleficent face broke into a cautious smile. Could this be a chance to spend some real time with her own daughter, something she'd always wanted. "Well you wouldn't have to worry about the financial side, dear. I have more than enough to help you, as you well know."
As they talked, another bout of laughter came from the end table, as Isla had clearly told Killian something that tickled him. The woman stood, before moving around the table to sit right beside him as he pulled out something from his jacket. It looked like he was showing her some photographs, Isla leaning in close as he pointed, both smiling. Lily felt good seeing both parent and child had clearly warmed to each other.
"They seem tae be getting on like a house on fire," said Peggy watching her daughter closely. "Merlin told me once that time works awfy slow in these parts, compared to the rest o' the world. But I still canna believe that old bugger's still alive!"
"He's a survivor," Maleficent agreed. "I should know. Even I tried to kill him once!"
"Understandable. He could be an annoyin' sod at times. So tell me, ye gurlie here's lookin' to meet Magnus. What about yerself? Have ye anyone special at home yerself?"
"I have. He runs a bar, like you. Though if you know anything about dragons, you'll know we don't tend to attach to one person. Not usually, anyway. We're used to living quite solitary lives; though we're open with our affections when we wish to be. So when I discovered from Morgana le Fey that Magnus was married with children, it was of no concern to me either way. I hope he's happy. But I would like to meet him. And for Lily to meet her father."
"Aye well, ye'll get yer chance, I'm sure." She turned to face Lily. "And what about you, lassie? Do ye have someone special back home?"
"No…" Lily drained her glass. "We broke up a couple of weeks ago. She was two-timing me with someone else. He didn't know she was cheating on him, either."
"She?"
"Yeah," she replied cautiously, not sure how same-sex relationship were viewed in this realm. Would this get awkward? "Like mum, I'm a dragon. So men, women, there's no difference to me. It's the person that counts, after all."
But Peggy saw the change in her. "Dinna fash yerself, ma angel. We dinna judge ye! It takes all sorts. Ma Duncan has been livin' wi' a young man for the best part of five years now, in the land without magic. As I say, ye'll get no judgment here!"
And what about Isla? Was she straight, or did she like girls? Or both? Either way, she wanted to find out what she was saying to Killian. "I'll get some more drinks in. Whisky again, mum?"
~o0o~
"So ye're really married to the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming? And she's called the Saviour? That's bloody hilarious!" She looked at the four small, well-thumbed photographs that Killian kept in his wallet. "Mind you – she's very beautiful!"
"Aye she is. I'm blessed. And she's given me two precious angels, Hope and Elizabeth." He looked up at her as she held up a picture of the three of them. The woman sitting beside him looked so very different. Coal-black hair, deep blue eyes and a strong likeness to her own mother. "But I can't believe I've just discovered I have a third angel."
"Hmph. From what ma used tae tell me about ye, ye've probably got quite a few more 'angels' dotted around the various ports! She said ye had quite the reputation fer the women, paid or otherwise!"
"Completely undeserved, I assure you. While I was never exactly a monk, I hope I always respected any lady who showed me such kindness. And I swear to you, I have never in my life paid for such kindness, either. Even if I was a pirate!"
"She did go on to say ye were kindly to those who didnae cross, or rob ye. As for them…"
"I lost my way, I'll admit. I was once an officer in His Majesty's Navy, along with my older brother, Liam. He was a much nobler soul than me. You would have liked him. But it was his killing, at the hands of a truly evil bastard, and the murder of my first love, Milah, that set me on a path to piracy and darkness from which it look centuries to recover."
Her fingers roamed over the photos, looking at his obviously adored family. As bad memories had caused a sudden change, she needed to lighten it again. "So I had an Uncle Liam? Anyone else?"
"None that are relevant. Now, we've spent far too long talking about me. What about you? I want to know all about Isla Long! Let me go and get us another drink, then I'll want you to start by telling me all about your three brothers and your family."
"Seems daft, you buyin' the drinks when ma mither owns the damn pub!" she stood. "I'll go get 'em." But as she saw Lily heading towards the bar from the other side, she stopped herself, turning back to him. "By the way, what's your connection to Lily?"
He followed where she was looking. "Ah, Maleficent's daughter? Well to be honest, I don't know too much about her. She was once very close to my Emma, when they were orphans. She rediscovered her some years later. She doesn't live in our town, but in New York."
"Very close? You mean they were a couple? They were together?"
"I asked her that once. But she said no." He noticed how she turned her head to look at the young dragon now standing by the bar. Seeing Lily look back, with a coy smile, she looked away, awkwardly. Killian recognised the signs. "I saw the looks you two were exchanging earlier. I take it you're interested in her, if you get what I mean?"
"What? No…no, I wasn't… she positively blushed at the suggestion. "I never...why'd ye say that?"
"Well that's a shame." He waited till he had her full attention. "I made the assumption based on my long experience of reading people's faces. For the record, Lily does like both men and women, though I strongly suspect her preference is for the fairer sex. And I happen to know she's recently become single."
As Isla moved closer to the bar, about to lift up the wooden panel to walk behind it, and serve herself, her older brother stopped her. "No sis, I've got this! I'll sort yer drinks while ye carry on talkin' to yer fatha. Ma told me. Two big rums again?"
"Aye. Thanks Hame…" as she stood there, she saw something come and stand next to her. Lily.
"So? Was it as bad as you thought? Killian?"
Isla turned to see warm, sympathetic brown eyes looking right back at her. "No. It's…good."
"Only good? Not 'bloody hell, I just met my dad for the first time!' good?"
That made her chuckle. "Aye, he's pretty bloody…brilliant. My own fatha, the hero-pirate Captain Hook!"
"I'm glad. Listen, do you-" she was interrupted by a momentary shivering sensation, as a weird warm breeze seemed to pass straight through her. Had she spent more time in Storybrooke she would have recognised the sensation as magic. Strong magic. From outside the front door.
The wide oak door opened, followed by a large full-bearded man walking in. A good six foot five and broad chested, he wore a dark tweed jacket, with leather lapels and matching trousers. His hair was salt and pepper grey, and his unusually coloured purple eyes shone with curiosity as he scanned the bar.
"Hamish," His deep voice, used as a baritone in the church choir, sounded across the room.
"Marshall," Hamish replied, as he reached for the man's empty silver tankard, putting it on the bar. "Give me a moment, while I serve the ladies? Pint of the usual?"
"No thanks. Better just get down a bottle of the single malt and three glasses? I've got ma wife and Madame le Fey joining me in a minute." Then he recognised the side of the barman's sister, who was standing alongside a brown haired woman with her back to him. "Isla? It's nice to see you again."
"Marcus," Isla turned to face him, her smile even warmer than usual. "We were just talking about you this evening," he noticed that she seemed to be looking at something behind him. "There's a couple of people arrived in town today, who've also come to see you, among other things."
He turned to see where she was looking, first spotting Peggy, the owner, who was standing next to someone else. Someone taller, who he hadn't seen for many years, but recognised instantly.
"Maleficent?" Although he'd been told she was here, it was still a shock seeing her in the flesh. She'd barely changed from the last moment he'd seen her.
"Hello Zorro," said the once Mistress of All Evil, who tried to sound calm but felt anything but! "Been a while, hasn't it? I'd been told you were killed. By the Dark One?"
"It's true. But you know us dragons? All it takes is the right spells and potions."
"I do," she walked forward to stand right in front of him. "I'm currently on my fifth life, last time I counted. Morgana told you I was here?"
"She did. She's waiting outside, with Circe, my wife, to give us a few minutes." He stared in wonder at her large pale-blue eyes and blonde hair, which draped over one shoulder. Without even thinking, he slid his arms around her slender waist, pulling her gently to him, the back of his left hand tenderly stroking her cheek. She didn't resist. "Mal, you look as enchanting as you always did."
"Thank you," unusually fo her, she had to tilt her head back, him being a good eight inches taller. "You're looking very handsome yourself, Zorro. You've hardly changed."
"Time's runs a little differently for dragons, it would seem?"
"Did Morgana also happen to tell you that you left me with something...rather wonderful?"
"Oh…yes!" In the shock of seeing her, he'd almost forgotten the main reason he'd rushed over. "Where is she?"
"Standing right behind you. Next to Isla, at the bar."
The tall man turned his head, not letting go of his former love, to see a dark brown haired woman, looking nervously right back at him. It wasn't very often Marcus Menzies was lost for words, but everything he'd planned to say had been forgotten, as his mouth ran dry.
"Dad?" said the woman, her voice timid. The entire bar seemed to have gone silent. "Not expecting me, were you?"
Maleficent moved away, but kept a tight hold on his hand. "Zorro, I'd like you to meet Lilith. Our daughter."
Back in Storybrooke. The Swan-Jones House
It was almost ten at night in Maine, and Emma's girls were all tucked up in bed, having spent the evening having dinner at their grandparents' farm. It had been a welcome invitation, seeing as Killian wasn't just away from home, sailing on the Jolly; he was in another realm. Another time zone. Another continent. The first time they'd been so far apart since before they were even engaged, let alone married. And she missed him. Terribly. Yes, she had her girls, her friends, and her parents, but he was her partner. Her true love. He said that, as he'd be in another realm, he wasn't sure how he could contact her for the three days he was away. After all, it's not as though anyone had ever invented a multi-dimension cell phone, had they? Perhaps Merlin could find a way? No, she'd resigned herself to missing him for a few days, and just got on with it.
The dinner at the farm had been odd. Much more low-key than usual. She'd arrived to find them in the kitchen, side-by-side, preparing dinner. Which was nice, considering what they'd recently been through. And then, over the meal, her dad had said something along the lines of how he and Snow had decided to set aside recent 'difficulties', she'd moved back in, and they'd get through it, with love and support. Her mother had stayed unusually quiet for most of the evening, although she welcomed the chance to play with the girls after dinner. There was certainly no hope speech! Throughout it all, Emma and her younger brother had exchanged knowing glances, guessing their parents found any talk of their decision regarding the Lucas family far too awkward to discuss. And now, back home, as she sat in bed trying to reread the same chapter of a book Belle had recommended, the silence of the night made her loneliness come to the fore.
She nearly jumped out of her skin when her phone suddenly rang!
That stupid bloody 'Sailor's Hornpipe' theme tune that Neal had set against Killian's name, as a joke, rang out from the chest of drawers. She half-smiled, thinking she really was going to have to strangle the little bugger one of these days!
"K-Killian? Is that you?"
"Aye love. Surprise?" His voice was surprisingly clear.
"How the hell did you manage to call me? I thought you were in another realm?"
"I am! Don't ask me how love, you'll have to ask the Sorcerer. He just took my phone, and did something to it. You okay?"
"I'm fine. The girls are fine. Just a bit lonely without you, that's all. What time is it over there?"
"About six in the morning. It's been a long night. What have you been up to?"
"Nothing much today. I'll tell you all about it when you get home. What about Lily? Has she met her dad?"
"Oh yes! He made quite the impression. He's a sort of sheriff and judge in this land."
"I want to here everything. It must have been weird for him, discovering he's got a daughter he knew nothing about?"
"Yeah," there was a small gap as he figured out how to tell her. "You have no idea! Swan, you're alone right now, I take it?"
"Yep. It's about ten at night, and the girls are sound asleep. I was just reading before I turn in. Why?"
"Okay. Look…last night I discovered something. Something from my past. Or someone, I should say. It goes back to my pirating days…"
"You'll have to do better than that. Come on, out with it. What have you done? Who'd you rob this time?"
"I love you, Swan. Always have, always will. I've never loved anyone so-"
"Get on with it, Jones! I know you well enough so stop buttering me up! What have you done this time?"
There followed an awkward silence as he plucked up the courage to explain.