Hi everyone!

This chapter is like 8k words long lol. We're dipping into the plot of s2B here :)

So you're all on the right track with the plot, we're arriving back in Storybrooke when Snow and David still think that Regina is not working with her mother, and is as concerned about Cora as they are. But as just a little reminder, when Hook left for New York, he'd been 'allied' with Cora and Regina while they searched for Gold's dagger. He found them a map in the library, and they betrayed him and knocked him out (famous Captain Floor moment there).

So, in this divergence, Emma would never have gotten a text about Snow and David looking for the dagger before Cora. There is also no "Cora kills Snow's friend" making Snow want to kill her as well.

Hopefully you guys like this next chapter :)

~cosette141


The moment Hook left his cabin, he shut his eyes. His legs felt numb. Hook leaned his back to the wall and ran his hand over his face.

Baelfire?

Baelfire was Emma's past love?

"Have you ever even been in love?"

"Maybe I was… once."

She had been speaking of Baelfire?

He could hardly wrap his head around it.

Hook knew that Baelfire had managed to escape Neverland some time before he had himself, but how he'd gotten to this world, he had no idea. Hook had heard of many realms in his time, but he's never even heard of this "Land Without Magic" until Cora had mentioned it. And to think of Bae as a grown man, physically Hook's own age by now felt beyond comprehension.

But for him to have found Emma of all people?

And what he did to her—

Hook took a slow breath to steady himself, fury consuming him almost as completely as his contempt for Rumplestiltskin.

Bae's reasons be damned; how do you leave Emma Swan?

It was something that Hook was beginning to realize was impossible.

And for him to send her back to his father with a flimsy lie, at the demon's mercy—or lack thereof?

Hook's fist shook with rage.

Bloody hell, they were both cowards.

Hook shut his eyes, trying to remind himself that she was alive, she was safe.

He took a shuddering breath, his eyes on the door to his own cabin.

Not to mention the fact that he was Henry's father.

Briefly, Hook recalled the several instances over the past day, of similarities between Henry and young Bae, from appearance to nuisances to the fact that they were both bloody naturals when it came to sailing.

Henry's father was Baelfire?!

Hook's chest suddenly constricted.

Milah.

Henry was Milah's grandson.

He couldn't breathe.

What in the realms are the odds of such a thing?

But nothing—not even the news about Baelfire—shocked him more than what seemed to be happening between himself and Emma.

He remembered the beanstalk suddenly, when he'd nearly fallen victim to the tripwire. When Emma had grabbed him.

Back then, she was a beautiful curiosity, and he'd been intrigued by her. He would have been thrilled if her grabbing him had meant what he'd thought it had meant that day. But then, the moment his arms wrapped around her, she fought him instantly, like it was an innate reflex.

And when she woke up in his bed today, he knew instantly she had no recollection of how she'd gotten there. She'd bloody panicked, and he'd only grabbed her to prevent her from falling.

But even before she recalled what had led her here, she'd let him grab her.

She didn't fight him.

If anything, it seemed to calm her.

Emma Swan, who's natural state was consistently readying herself for a fight.

Hook's eyes shut suddenly, his mind again flashing back to the beanstalk.

"What are you doing?"

"I… I can't…"

"You're just going to leave me here?"

"I can't take the chance that I'm wrong about you."

For the life of him, he could not figure out why she'd chosen to leave him there. And it shocked him how much it had hurt. He was used to people not trusting him, but that day… Emma… had been different.

He'd actually been telling the truth for once. He would have much preferred to have traveled with Emma and her company than Cora. And he had certainly been looking forward to getting to know Emma much better.

He knew that Emma could read the truth in his eyes at that moment.

She'd heard his lies; she knew what they looked and sounded like.

She knew he was telling the truth, and still couldn't trust it.

It had plagued him for weeks.

But finally, he understood.

For Baelfire to betray her trust in such a way, to hurt her in such a way…

To gain the rare trust of, and then leave someone who had already been abandoned?

Emma's trust had shattered to something far beyond repair.

Hook's eyes opened.

And yet…

Back in the apartment, and just now…

She gave it to him.

She trusted him.

Him.

Hook felt himself smile.

Something had certainly changed between them. It breathed life into him.

His eyes found the cabin door, feeling an indescribable urge to return to her.

The last time he'd felt something similar was with Milah.

But, with a hitch in his chest, he's never quite felt it like this.

This

His eyes shut, the pull in his chest so strong, so sure, it almost scared him.

"You went with the demon to protect me?"

He smiled faintly.

He didn't know how he managed it, knew for sure he didn't deserve it, but it was now clear that Emma didn't just trust him.

She cared for him.

No one's cared for him in centuries.

He's never let anyone come close, not since Liam, not since Milah.

He pushed away everyone who made it within arm's reach.

But he knew, from the moment he had held her in that room…

He's already let her in.

Even now, the moment subsided, the desire to hold her, to protect her, to be near her… hasn't changed.

And with a smile at his lips, he realized he didn't want it to.


Storybrooke.

Hook, with the aid of Henry, had once again docked the Jolly Roger where he had the last time he'd arrived here.

While Emma had still been unconscious, Hook had ensured his hook was clean, and now had it reattached, for trying to dock a ship—trying to do bloody anything—with one hand was a feat.

Instructing Henry on finishing securing the ship, Hook finally, gratefully, succumbed to the desire to return to Emma's side.

When he returned to his cabin, Emma was sitting up in his bed, her hand on the wall to steady herself. She was swaying a bit, in a way that had nothing to do with the waves under the floorboards. Her face was still pale, and it only made the bruising on her face look even darker.

That wasn't the only bruising that stood out on her now, however.

There was black and blue in a very, too-specific pattern around her throat, and with horrible pain in his chest, Hook realized the demon had his hands around her throat.

He'd bloody strangled her.

Hook felt rage build within him, again feeling the regret of not getting to her sooner.

He's dead, he reminded himself firmly.

"Swan?" he asked, approaching her, his voice laced with the concern he couldn't help feeling. "Are you all right, love?"

Emma managed to blink open her eyes after a second, the knuckles on her hand white from how tightly she was holding onto the wall to keep herself from falling back to the pillows. "Yeah, I think so," she managed, her other hand tenderly wrapped around herself.

"Can you stand?" he asked, brows creased, hand hovering over her.

Her eyes shut as if in preparation, and she gave a short nod, only to wince when it hurt.

And to Hook's utter astonishment, Emma tentatively held her free arm out to him.

He was frozen in shock for a moment.

"Don't think I'm taking my eyes off you for a second."

Emma Swan, shutting her eyes in his presence, asking him for help.

He felt a warmth spread in his chest.

It would never cease to amaze him that he's managed to gain so much of her trust.

And he was more than honored to have it.

He detached his hook in case he'd need to support her with both arms, slipping it into his jacket pocket, and took her by the forearm, holding her tightly but gently. She stood slowly, relying heavily on him, her wince growing—Hook knew firsthand how much standing with broken ribs hurt—and she made it to her feet, one hand still holding tightly to the wall, and her other holding tightly to him. She was more than unsteady—the natural sway of the ship not helping—and her eyes were still screwed shut.

He tightened his hold around her, his right arm wrapped around her waist, her left hand holding his left forearm tightly. She was so close to him now, he could feel her every breath. The scent of her hair, something flowery and sweet, her face inches from his. "I've got you," he found himself whispering, frozen there with her in his arms. And perhaps the words were spoken to them both, like something between a wish and a realization to himself.

Emma's head turned, her eyes opening to meet his, as if she seemed to realize how close she was to him as well.

And it was there that time felt like it froze for a second, like it had more than once after she'd woken. The air was tight with something almost… unsaid.

And then, Emma's hold on his arm only tightened, and he felt her relax, the movement so subtle he only felt it through touch. Emma slowly let go of the wall, transferring her full trust to him, using her hand instead to tenderly wrap around her middle with a wince.

They took a step, and Hook felt her stumble, her eyes shutting with a grimace.

"All right, Swan?" asked Hook quickly, his hold on her tightening more.

Little footsteps suddenly grew nearer, and Henry came back in the cabin. "All set," said Henry, stopping when he saw the tight wince on Emma's face. "Mom?" he asked shakily.

"I'm okay, kid," she said, though she didn't open her eyes to say it, and her grip only tightened on Hook's arm.

"Don't worry," said Henry, brows creasing even more. "Dr. Whale can help. I tried to call Grandma and Grandpa but your phone died," he said, pulling out a black box that made Hook's brow hitch in puzzlement. "But the hospital is only a few minutes walk from here," Henry rushed out nervously, clearly just as worried as Hook at the amount of pain Emma was in.

Emma groaned. "Dr. Frankenstein, really?" She opened her eyes, blinking a few times. "I really don't think I—" She tried straightening, as if to prove her point, but her eyes screwed shut again, her weight falling into him.

"Aye, I think you do, love," said Hook softly, brows creased, catching her easily. "Humor us, would you?"

Emma's eyes opened through a wince. "Damn concussion," she muttered under her breath. "Fine."

Despite his concern for her, Hook felt himself chuckle a little. "That's the spirit, Swan."

And without giving her warning, he shifted her a little in his arms, and slowly, carefully, swept her off her feet, pulling her to his chest.

Emma's eyes opened, and he felt her surprise, every one of her muscles growing taut. "What are you—"

"Carrying you," he said simply, adjusting her in his arms, smiling at the familiarity of the feeling of her in his arms now, suddenly wanting to do this one day when he doesn't have to.

She met his eyes, something unsure in her eyes, an innocence there that she usually hides away. "Hook," she whispered, voice small. "You really don't ha—"

"It's not a worry, Swan. I've carried rum barrels heavier than you." he said with a wink. Something more genuine slipped into his eyes. "I… want to," he said softly.

Emma held his gaze, that uncertainty tensing her muscles with discomfort. And it was a sort of discomfort that wasn't a distrust, it was that this sort of gesture was something new to her.

"Try something new, darling."

And it struck Hook how little chivalry, or even simply kindness that Emma must have been shown in her life.

"Love has been all too rare in your life, hasn't it?"

Hook swallowed, wanting desperately to change that fact.

And slowly, Emma seemed to let go of her discomfort, as if her muscles relaxed one-by-one.

And she let her weight settle into his arms, as carefully as someone dipping a toe to test water.

But, finally, she smiled, something small and soft.

And Hook smiled back.


Emma tight in his arms, Hook followed Henry's directions, and carried Emma from his ship to the healer's location on foot. Hook had managed to remember it was coined a hospital, and they were lucky the town was small. They were there in less than ten minutes. His own healing ribs twinged with every step, but he didn't care. Ensuring that Emma wasn't in more pain made his own worth it.

Emma's eyes were shut as they went, her face drawn into a tight wince, and Hook's chest clenched, realizing every movement exacerbated her injuries. He found himself again whispering reassurances to her as they went, trying to be as gentle as he could. Sometimes she'd open her eyes through her wince, eyes meeting his again, as if she perhaps thought what she was experiencing wasn't real. But every time, he'd give her a little smile, and she returned it, relaxing that much more into his arms. With every step, it felt like it was becoming more and more comfortable, more and more… right, to be holding her like this.

Bloody hell, he didn't ever want to let her go.

They entered the building, and Henry again led him through. Every person they passed gave him a look of shock, and wariness that Hook no longer held proudly. Hook had developed quite the distaste for the hospital, but he had to admit; their medical care seemed to be far more advanced than what he was used to, aside from magical cures.

The only thing that seemed to be keeping him from being thrown out was Emma in his arms, and her boy leading him through. Somewhere along the way, Emma'd either consciously or unconsciously grabbed the material of his vest in a fist as if to alleviate her pain, just like she had last night, her knuckles white. It both touched him and made his chest pang with the desire to heal her pain.

"We need Dr. Whale," said Henry to nearly everyone he walked past. By the time the man himself walked out of a room and into their path, he stopped short, lifting a sharp brow.

"Hook," he said flatly, looking disinterestedly from Emma in his arms back to Hook's face. "Shoot someone else?"

Something hurt inside him. Clenched tight and hurt.

He hadn't thought of Belle, honestly hadn't bothered to. She had been a means to an end and he didn't care who needed to suffer along his path to revenge.

But his eyes falling to Emma, his chest tightened.

He suddenly hated himself more than he ever has before.

Shaking away the guilt creeping up his spine, Hook dismissed the man's words. "She's been hurt," he said through clenched teeth.

"It was Mr. Gold," said Henry, brows creased, and Whale turned his gaze to Henry. "Captain Hook saved her."

The suspicion Whale had been looking at Hook with faded at Henry's words.

Surprise filled its place.

And it was becoming more and more painful to realize how horribly people thought of him.

But hell, he gave them every reason to.

Whale gestured to an open room, and Hook carried Emma to the bed. Very carefully, Hook laid Emma down. She gasped a little as she was moved, and Hook felt his own breath catch. Emma's eyes were screwed shut as he laid her against the pillow, and she slowly let go of her grip on Hook's vest.

He pulled away, swallowing at his own reluctance to move away from her.

But before he could, Emma's hand grabbed Hook's wrist.

Hook's heart stopped.

Her eyes were still screwed shut with pain, and her knuckles were still white on her grip on him. But Hook had a feeling that her grabbing him had nothing to do with alleviating pain.

Emma's eyes cracked open, finding him, a bit of that desperate fear from the apartment coloring her eyes.

"Don't leave."

Hook swallowed.

And, slowly, carefully, he gently tugged a little at her fingers' vice grip on his wrist until her fingers loosened a little. And then, he slipped his wrist through her fingers, offering his hand instead. Her fingers naturally interlocked with his, holding him just as tightly.

And this… it felt so much more than her just feeling safe with him.

The sheer feeling that shot through his body was something so intimate, so… pure.

The last time he'd offered her his hand, she'd left him on the beanstalk.

But this time, as he lifted his eyes back to hers, the fearful uncertainty in her eyes faded, replaced with complete, unadulterated trust.

"Gold did this?" said Whale, stealing Hook's attention. The doctor had stepped closer, examining the gash at Emma's forehead. He went to touch her, and Hook nearly moved to stop him out of protective reflex. But he forced himself to allow it, and Whale pressed gently around the wound. Emma hissed sharply, a gasp escaping her, and Hook felt his chest tighten at the sound of her pain. Her hand squeezed his harder, and without thinking, his thumb brushed over the back of her hand. Whale winced a little himself, then lightened his touch. The doctor's tenderness was surprising, considering his disposition, as well as Hook's experience with the man, who hadn't bothered to use any sort of gentleness with him. Though, Hook had to admit, he's never exactly done anything to deserve kindness from anyone.

Over the next while, Whale examined her, asking her what he called 'concussion questions', assessing her injuries, and bandaging the gash at her forehead. Emma refused the hospital 'gown', and Hook didn't blame her. The bloody things were hideous. Hook remained at Emma's side, and to Hook's utter shock, Emma's hand never left his.

"Well," said Whale, leaning back. "The bastard gave you a pretty nasty concussion." he said. "And some broken or cracked ribs, at that." Lowering the papers, he said, "Sad to say we can't give you anything for the pain; not with that concussion."

"Great," muttered Emma, laying her head back down.

"But she's all right?" Hook found himself asking.

"Nothing dangerous, no," said Whale. With a disinterested sigh, he said, "You'll be fine, Miss. Swan. Just rest is all you can do, really."

Emma nodded through a wince, and Whale left them alone.

"Are you feeling better?"

Hook and Emma turned to see Henry walking back into the room, and Hook realized he hadn't noticed that the lad had left the room.

Emma looked at him, giving him a tired, "Hey, kid." Sighing, she said, "I'll be okay."

Emma's pain seemed to subside as time passed, most likely from the fact that she wasn't being moved anymore. The lines of pain had receded marginally from her face, and Hook was only grateful that her injuries weren't life-threatening.

But suddenly the door to her room burst open.

Startled, Hook released Emma's hand, heart pounding, moving to block her from an prospective enemy as his hand shot for the hook that was still in his pocket.

But it wasn't an enemy.

Snow White ran inside, and Hook felt himself relax a little. Her eyes were wide and worried, and she was panting as if she'd been running for some time.

When she saw Emma, they widened even more. "Emma!" she breathed. "Henry called us, he said you were—" Her eyes suddenly found the bruises on Emma's face and throat, as well as the bandaging on her head, courtesy of one of the nurses. Snow's hand covered her mouth, tears springing to her eyes.

It was only then that Snow noticed Hook, and she froze. "Hook—" she breathed, startled.

Afraid.

Hook felt himself go rigid, realizing the last, less-than-pleasant encounter he'd had with the Queen…

and her husband.

The prince, whom Hook had knocked out with a metal bar he found at the town guard station.

This should be interesting.

But Snow suddenly looked from Hook to Emma and back, eyes growing even more wary, and—

Bloody hell.

With a coldness, Hook realized she thought he was responsible for Emma's condition.

But before he could say anything, the door opened again, and the prince rushed inside.

His eyes immediately found Emma injured on the bed, and just as much pain colored his eyes. "Emma—" he breathed, but he saw Snow's face, who was still staring fearfully at Hook.

The prince turned.

His face changed in an instant.

"Hook!" he roared, launching himself toward Hook.

"I didn—" began Hook, but before he could get the words out, David struck him hard across the jaw, sending Hook crashing into the wall.

Pain radiated from his jaw, and Hook caught himself on the wall, but not before David's hand slammed to his chest, pinning him painfully hard to it. The prince's other hand reared back to strike him again. "What the hell did you do to her?!"

"Hook!" cried Emma.

Hook could see her trying to get up, Snow rushing to push her back to the pillows, but Hook held his hand toward Emma, gasping, "Swan, it's all ri—" David shoved him again, cutting off his words, snarling, "Don't talk to her!"

David shoved Hook even harder into the wall, making him cringe, but he forced himself not to retaliate. He could not attack Emma's father. He turned his head away in an attempt to roll with whatever blow would come from David.

But suddenly, Henry ran in between the two men, standing firmly in front of Hook, hands out in front of him. "Stop!" he cried.

Hook and David froze, both sets of eyes darting to the boy between them.

"Henry," began David warningly, eyes snapping back angrily to Hook's.

"Captain Hook didn't hurt my mom!" exclaimed Henry.

David hesitated, his eyes falling back to Henry. "What?"

"Captain Hook didn't hurt her," said Henry, out of breath. Swallowing, he said, "Mr. Gold did."

Shock fell over David's face.

His fist lowered to his side, but his hand still pinned Hook to the wall. Turning to Emma, David breathed, "Gold did this to you?"

Snow had her hand gently on Emma's shoulder, trying to keep her against the pillows. Emma's face was pulled into a harsh grimace, no doubt in pain from trying to get up, but she stopped fighting her mother, seeing David's fist lowered. Something haunted slipping into Emma's eyes, and slowly, she nodded.

Snow let out a little gasp, and David's eyes shut briefly with barely-contained rage. "I told him to keep you safe, and he—" he hissed, voice nearly cracking from fury.

"Emma," said Snow wetly, looking at her. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," said Emma. "Some broken bones and a concussion, nothing I haven't had before," she muttered, only making her parents and Hook feel a sharp sadness at the truth of her words.

With a shaking breath, David opened his eyes, meeting Hook's again. "If… if it was Gold who…" His eyes narrowed. "Then what the hell are you doing here?" he demanded.

Hook opened his mouth to reply, but Henry beat him to it.

Voice still firm with something that touched Hook to the core, Henry said, "Captain Hook saved her."

More shock flooded David's eyes. "He what?"

"Mr. Gold…" said Henry, voice shaking over the name. "He… he got mad at her, and… and he st-started…" He couldn't voice it, and Hook saw Emma flinch. Hook nearly did himself. "I ran to find help and I found Captain Hook. And then he…" His voice hesitated. "He stopped Mr. Gold. He saved her."

The shock from Emma's parents was palpable.

Brows creased, Henry went on, "M-Mom couldn't…" His voice caught. He sniffed. "Captain Hook carried her to the Jolly Roger and he brought us home."

Absolute silence followed Henry's words.

David's eyes slowly dragged from Henry to Hook. Settled there. Utter disbelief colored his eyes. "You saved her?" he breathed.

Swallowing, Hook said heavily, "Aye."

Slowly, David released his grip on Hook's chest. He took a step back, and Hook straightened, rubbing at the throbbing in his jaw.

Snow's eyes were misty as she looked at Emma. Her hand hovered by Emma's cheek, but she looked afraid to touch her. "Emma," she whispered in a pained voice. "Why on earth did Gold do this to you?"

Emma's eyes dropped from hers, more pain slipping into the hazel.

Snow's face fell. "Emma, you didn't."

Emma shut her eyes.

"Emma," breathed Snow.

"What?" asked David.

"I made a mistake," whispered Emma brokenly.

And as if pulled by an invisible force, Hook approached her again, barely restraining himself from touching her. Didn't need her father striking him again. But it didn't stop him from standing over her protectively. "No, love, you didn't." Eyes hard, he met her mother's eyes. "Baelfire is the one who made the mistake. And many of them, at that." His own fist clenched at his side with the knowledge of what he'd done to Emma.

"Wait," said David, brows shooting up. He looked from Snow to Emma. "Snow told me that…" He looked to Henry, seeming unsure.

"I told Henry," said Emma softly.

"Emma," said Snow, voice pained. "You risked your life to avoid seeing Henry's father again?" she asked in disbelief.

Hook saw Emma's fingers clutch the edge of the blanket. "You don't understand," she whispered, voice barely above a whisper.

But Emma's mother seemed oblivious to her daughter's pain. "It's just that you of all people know what it's like to—"

Emma's eyes screwed shut, and Hook felt fury grow.

And before he could stop himself, he said haughtily, "After pinning his crime on her and leaving her alone, with child, in a brig, I think you can understand Emma's aversion to seeing Baelfire again."

Snow's jaw dropped.

David looked like he'd been punched.

"He what?" breathed David.

Emma's fingers clutched the blanket tighter.

And for a moment, Hook realized with his own shock that Emma hadn't told her parents what happened between her and Baelfire.

Emma hadn't told anyone what had happened.

But she told him.

"Emma—" gasped Snow, looking horrified. "I—I had no idea—you never told me that," she breathed hollowly.

"You never asked." said Emma almost inaudibly.

And, the movement so small Hook nearly missed it, he saw Emma's eyes flick to him.

Snow's eyes welled with tears, and one fell down her cheek. "I didn't," she agreed brokenly. "Emma, I'm so sorry."

Taking a breath, Emma said, "It's fine." She attempted a smile that looked entirely faked.

David looked like he was tearing himself from the shock of the new information. "So… you let him get away?" he asked, gently prompting the rest of the story.

Nodding, Emma said, "Gold… he found out I lied. And he…" Her voice caught, and Hook's chest hurt. Her eyes suddenly found Hook. "I couldn't, um…" She swallowed, fingers tightening on the blanket.

Another slight silence spread, and no one had trouble hearing the words Emma didn't say.

"Where's Gold now?" asked Snow, stricken.

"Dead." said Hook firmly.

"Dead?" echoed Snow with shock. "But… I thought he couldn't be killed!"

David suddenly looked wary, eyes flicking to Hook, and added, "I thought whoever killed a Dark One becomes a Dark One."

Both Emma's parents suddenly looked at Hook with a new sort of fear.

And Hook was beginning to truly hate eliciting it from everyone.

"Not if you kill them in a world without magic," muttered Hook. "He's dead and so is his power."

"Wait," said Snow, looking from Emma to Hook. "Gold is really gone?"

Emma nodded.

Snow, as well as David, both seemed just as relieved with that information as Hook was himself.

"Wait so… if he's dead and the Darkness didn't transfer to anyone else… does that mean there's no more Dark One?" said Snow after a moment. "Like… ever?"

Hook blinked.

He'd never actually thought much past killing Rumplestiltskin. He'd spent his centuries looking for a way to kill the Crocodile without damning himself to such a curse, but he never realized that doing so would rid the realms of the most evil presence to ever live.

"Yeah," said Henry suddenly, looking at Hook with a big grin. "That sorta makes you a hero!"

Hook froze.

Hero.

His eyes found Emma's, and she smiled, like she agreed.

But David, however, scoffed.

And David was approaching him again, suspicion in his eyes. "His intentions were never to save the world from the Dark One," he said lowly. "It was to get your revenge."

The word revenge, for some reason, made Hook flinch.

"Saving Emma aligned with your interests," said David, eyes narrowing even more. "That does not make you a hero. You're still a pirate who only cares about himself."

A muscle tensed in Hook's jaw, the words striking him somewhere that hurt.

"So," continued David, stepping even closer to him, "consider me letting you go as a very small token of gratitude that you happened to conveniently save Emma." Hook's entire body lit with anger. "Now that your little crusade is over," David went on, making Hook bristle, "you can get back on your ship and wreck havoc or whatever the hell you have planned for the rest of your life. But if I catch you doing it here, I will have no problem throwing your ass in a cell to rot, pirate."

Hook felt every muscle in his body coiled tight.

And David stared him down, as if waiting for him to leave.

He felt his eyes fall to Emma, who was looking at her father in shock, stunned to silence. Her eyes tore from his to find Hook's. And there was something like fear in her eyes. And Hook could have sworn he saw her hand flinch toward his direction.

"Don't leave."

Hook felt the same fear in Emma's eyes suddenly coil somewhere deep inside his chest.

Because he didn't want to.

But before he could tell the prince he wasn't going bloody anywhere, the door opened again, rather forcefully, revealing Regina.

Hook felt himself move to Emma's side in an instant, hand again reaching for his hook. Emma tensed herself, and this time her hand did move toward him, whether consciously or unconsciously.

The last time Hook had seen Regina, he'd been allied with her and Cora in the search for the Crocodile's dagger. He'd decoded the map in a slightly incorrect way, attempting to buy himself some leverage if he needed it. But what he hadn't expected was for them to bloody betray him, knocking him out before giving him the location of the Crocodile, this 'New York City'.

Hook was only lucky that the Crocodile's blood globe device was still displaying his son's location in his shop.

However… it seemed that Regina wasn't here to cause trouble.

The moment Regina saw Henry, a smile broke out on her face. "Henry!"

At everyone's hesitation, Henry smiled sheepishly. "I… kinda called her, too," he said with a shaky grin.

Regina hugged him, and after a second, Henry hugged her back.

Hook still didn't quite understand the story explaining why Regina of all people had raised Emma's son, but he filed the questions away for later.

And was he bloody hoping there would be a later.

"Thank god you're all right," said Regina to Henry. "You said you were at the hospital and I was worried sick—" But she lifted her gaze to the room, seeing Emma, and the rest of them. "Oh, my gosh," she said, with concern that was clearly forced. "What happened?"

"She… got hurt," said Henry. "Can you heal her?"

Regina hesitated, looking like she'd rather do anything else.

But at Henry's innocent hope, she forced a smile. "Of… course I can," she said with artificial brightness. She looked up to see Hook, her brows shooting up. "Hook," she said with surprise.

Hook felt himself freeze, realizing something he should have realized earlier. But his entire attention had been on Emma from the moment he killed the Crocodile to now.

He killed Rumplestiltskin.

The Dark One was no more.

When Cora finds that dagger, and it would only be a matter of time before she figures out the map herself…

She'll be finding a powerless scrap of metal.

And a Cora that didn't get what she wanted…

Hook felt himself swallow hard.

He'd been at her mercy before, her hand inside his chest, fingers curled around his own heart. She was not one to lose, and she's about to realize she just has.

Bloody hell, they were all in danger.

"Regina," greeted Hook emotionlessly, offering nothing more.

Regina's gaze lingered on him, suspicion only growing. Then, to Emma, she said, "I heard you went to New York with Henry and Gold."

"Yeah." said Emma shortly, breaking Hook from the daze. "But now we're back." She didn't elaborate, and Regina looked slightly irritated.

"Where's Gold?" said Regina, her tone sounding innocent enough, but Hook caught the level of interest underlying it.

"He's—" began Snow hesitantly.

"Still in New York with his son," said Hook smoothly. Emma's eyes flicked to Hook at the lie, and he met her gaze, trying to convey the need for her to follow his lead.

At this point, delaying Cora's wrath was the best he could do.

Hook's heart pounded.

"Oh," said Regina, brows raised. "So he did find his son, then."

Emma's eyes were still on Hook's, confusion in them, but since it was bloody Emma, she instantly read Hook's tension.

"Yeah," said Emma slowly, eyes back on Regina. Swallowing, she said, "I got… hurt though, and… Henry and I came home." Eyes unwavering, she said, "My part of the deal was done."

Regina didn't quite seem to buy every part of the story. "How did you get hurt, Miss. Swan?" she asked slowly.

"New York is a dangerous place," said Emma flatly.

Regina's lips pursed. "As I've heard." She clearly didn't fully buy it. But Henry gave her an expectant look, and with a shake of her head, Regina's sunny disposition was back, and she said, "Well, just lay still for a moment, Miss. Swan." She moved toward the bed, hands out, a purple glow emanating from them. But Hook grabbed her wrist, looking her hard in the eye. "Do anything other than heal her, you'll be sorry."

Regina's brows narrowed a little at the threat. But she forced that smile. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Hook had a feeling that was what most of her dreams were about.

Hook released her, and they watched as Regina waved a hand over Emma, and slowly, the bruises, cuts and too-pale color of her skin began to return to normal.

And in seconds, Emma was beautifully healed.

Regina stepped back, and Emma let out a breath in relief, pushing herself up. She touched her forehead, smiling when she didn't feel the gash. Emma looked at Hook, this time without any sort of pain in her face, and Hook felt a smile grace his lips in return.

Seeing Emma healed released a sort of agony that had been in his own veins.

"Thank god," said Emma, smiling more, making everyone return it. To Regina, she said genuinely, "Thanks."

"Thank Henry." said Regina with that fake smile, and everyone in the room knew just how true that was.

Henry gave Regina a hug. "Thanks, Mom."

The use of Mom made Regina light up, seeming like the reluctant task of helping her enemy was suddenly worth it. She hugged Henry back. "Anything for you, Henry." Pulling back, she said, "Want to go to lunch with me? You can tell me all about New York!"

Henry hesitated. "I, um… can we do that later? I kinda want to be with Emma right now," he mumbled.

Regina looked like the words caused her physical pain, but she swallowed it, rising. "Of… of course." Forced a smile. "Miss. Swan has been through a lot, it would seem."

Henry nodded with that crease in his brow, but smiled a little at Regina. "Thanks for understanding, Mom."

The Mom got Regina again, making her fake smile real. She nodded. A slight awkward silence grew, then, "I… guess I'll leave you to your reunion, then."

She moved to go, and then Snow said, "Oh—Regina."

"Yes?" she said tightly.

"Any word on your mother?"

Regina hesitated for half a second, then, "Ah… no, not yet. But I'll let you know if I do."

Snow nodded, and Regina forced one more smile and left.

Another slight silence, then David seemed to realize Hook was still in the room.

"Hook," he began, eyes narrowing. "I thought I told you to—"

"Afraid we have bigger problems, mate," said Hook, a sense of foreboding growing in his chest.

"I am not your mate," growled David.

"What?" asked Emma, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "And why'd we lie about Gold?"

"Regina is aligned with her mother," said Hook, watching Snow's brows hitch up.

"No," she said, shaking her head. "She told me—"

"Before I left for New York," Hook cut her off, "I was aiding them." he admitted.

"Of course you were," muttered David.

Hook ignored him. "They were looking for the Crocodile's dagger."

"The what?" asked Snow, brows kneading.

"Rumplestiltskin had a dagger, it was the source of all his power," said Hook. "Whoever were to wield it would be able to control the Dark One, or kill him with it, and assume the power as their own."

Snow swallowed hard. "That would have been a disaster," she whispered. "But he's dead, so…"

"The dagger will have lost all its power," said Hook.

"So we're fine," said Snow slowly. "...Right?"

Emma suddenly caught the gravity of it. She rose to her feet, standing beside Hook. "No… we're not. Cora's about to realize she's not going to get what she wanted."

Fear darkened Snow's eyes in horror.

"She murdered an entire village as a tactic," said Hook, nearly shivering at the memory of witnessing it. "Her fury knows no bounds. And…"

He shut his eyes.

He could never get a bloody break.

But there was a chance he could buy them some time, could do something good.

And that was becoming more and more enticing the longer Emma was near.

And if he could do something to protect her

Sighing something weary, he said, "When Cora knows of the Crocodile's fate, she'll know it was at my hands. Or, rather, hook." Taking a breath, spilling the words before his heart could interfere, he said, "She'll want to start with me, I presume. I can draw her out, keep her away from you, give you enough time to—"

"No," said Emma immediately, and Hook felt himself freeze at the sheer desperate way she said the word.

"Don't leave."

Both pleas held the same fear, the same rawness, and for a moment it stole his breath.

"No," she repeated, this time softer, but no less desperate. Facing her parents, Emma said firmly, "We'll defeat Cora together. Hook is one of us."

Hook froze.

She was on his side, in every bloody context of the word.

She was healed, she was reunited with her family.

She didn't need him anymore.

She wanted him.

For a moment, Hook couldn't find his voice.

Snow's gaze suddenly flitted between Emma and Hook, back and forth, multiple times. A curiosity slowly dawned in her eyes.

David, however, had his gaze locked only on Hook.

"No." he said firmly, crossing his arms.

"David—" began Emma.

"We can't trust him," said David firmly. "After everything he's done? All of a sudden Hook wants to play a hero?" David glared at Hook. "He's probably going to go off and ally with Cora for all we know—"

"He's not." said Emma just as firmly, and the sheer trust she had in him, growing by the minute, still astounded him.

"Hook bludgeoned me with a crowbar two days ago, Emma," snapped David, eyes glowering at Hook, and Hook could still see the bruise over the man's eye. "He is not one of us and never will be."

Hook winced, and Emma hesitated, looking at him. "You hit him with a crowbar?"

"He took my hook." muttered Hook. But looking her parents in the eye, Hook said firmly, "I am not allied with Cora. I only ever allied with her in order to get my revenge. I am no more a fan of the witch than any of you. And as the prince concluded," he said, words slipping frustratedly through clenched teeth, "my purpose has been met." However inadvertently. "I have no reason to ally with her."

"So, what is your purpose now, pirate?" demanded David.

The way he spoke the word almost made Hook flinch.

Yet, he had an answer to that.

She was standing right beside him.

"Emma," said Snow, gaze wary. "I don't know…"

"You can trust him," said Emma firmly. And taking a breath, Emma said heavily, "Because I do."

Hook felt himself nearly gape at the words.

He'd had the feeling she trusted him, but to hear the words out loud?

In an attempt to defend him?

"Try something new, darling."

She looked at him then, such confidence in her eyes.

She didn't regret the words; she bloody meant them and they made her smile.

"It's called trust."

Henry stepped up suddenly, saying, "I trust him, too."

Hook blinked.

He had never once felt as touched in his life as he did right here, right now.

After a long moment, Snow let out a breath, saying, "Okay. If you trust him, Emma… so do we." To Hook, she said, "You saved her, and you got her back home to us. We owe you a chance." It wasn't trust in him, but… it was close enough.

Hook's eyes turned to David, who was still glaring at him. Hook already knew he wasn't getting trust from the prince. At the very least, it seemed the prince saw the logic in a united front. Finally, he said, "Fine. We'll defeat Cora together."

"But how?"

Everyone looked at Henry. His voice was small.

"Even my mom—even Regina isn't as powerful as Cora," said Henry, brows creased. "I don't think anyone is."

"Henry's right. Regina is terrified of the woman," said Snow, worry furrowing her own brows. Looking at Emma, she said, "You and I got lucky in the Enchanted Forest, but… but to defeat Cora? Is there even a way?"

Hook felt his chest tighten at their dwindling odds. "I've spent my fair share of time with Cora," he said, reluctance coloring the words. "I've yet to see a weakness. When I first met her it was when Regina tasked me to kill her. Cora spared my life in exchange for my help."

"Regina asked you to kill her own mother?" breathed Emma.

"Aye," he said, his own brows furrowing at his less than pleasant past. "Regina enchanted my hook to take a heart, and I tried to take Cora's. Bloody woman didn't have one."

For the first time, David ignored his distaste for Hook to ask, "What?"

"Cora doesn't keep it in her body," said Hook. "She coined it safer to keep it elsewhere."

"That's it."

All heads turned to Snow.

"What's it?" asked Emma.

"Cora's heart," said Snow with a grin.

"You… you want to crush Cora's heart? Kill her?" asked David, brows raising.

"I don't want to crush it," said Snow, smile growing. "You know what Cora did with Aurora's heart in the Enchanted Forest." Hook felt himself tense, the same type of guilt slipping through him at what he did to Belle, recalling that he'd taken the princess' heart. "She controlled her just by holding it!" said Snow.

Emma perked up. She smiled. "We can control Cora if we find her heart."

"Think about it!" said Snow. "We don't have to kill her if we can control her and make her do the right thing." Shaking her head a little, she said, "It's not the most ethic thing but… but it's better than killing her."

A little silence grew at her words. Hook had to admit; if they could find the woman's heart, it wasn't a bad plan.

"Then we best find it before she finds the Crocodile's powerless dagger," said Hook heavily.

David glared at Hook, but sighed. "Then let's go."

Emma's parents headed out of the room, Henry behind them, but Hook found himself looking at Emma.

She was already looking at him.

That unsaid tension was back, flickering in the air.

"Thank you," she said softly, nervously. "For… helping us." And even softer, "And… for everything."

Hook felt a warmth touch him.

She was healed.

She could walk away.

Yet, she's still…

Here.

He may have saved her, but she'd saved him right back.

However, before he could find words to respond, to put his own gratitude into words, she said abruptly, "We should go."

Hook blinked, pulling himself from the rush of feeling. "Aye," he managed softly.

They both headed out of the room together, that unsaid tension following them.

And it didn't escape Hook's notice just how closely Emma was hovering beside him with every step.


"They said Gold's with his son in New York."

Cora didn't turn at Regina's voice, yet smiled something cold and distant; she hardly felt emotions. "For now, he is. But he will be back," she said, inspecting the mechanism of the clock tower. Hook had thought he was clever, steering them in the wrong direction. But she was no fool, and it only took a day more of inspecting that map to locate what she was looking for. The dagger was here, somewhere. "There's no magic out there," continued Cora. "Gold will be back. With his son or without his son, power is everything to him."
"You… you think that?"

Cora turned to see Regina, a slight frown on her face.

So emotional, that girl.

Turning away, eyes back on her search for the dagger, Cora said, "Gold has proven it many times over."

"What if…" Regina hesitated, an uncertainty she rarely showed in front of anyone. "What if it were me?"

"What if what were you, darling?" murmured Cora, squinting as she saw a part of the mechanism that didn't look quite like it should be there.

"If it was me, over power," said Regina softly. "What would you choose?"

But Cora smiled, because there it was.

The Dark One dagger.

She reached, pulling it free from the hand of the clock. Smiling at the dagger, she said, "Well, darling, I don't have to choose. I have both of you."

But she paused.

Because the dagger…

…was blank.

She turned it over, and then back.

Blank.

Where it should say Rumplestiltskin, and soon, Cora, it was blank.

It was the dagger, the real thing. She could feel the lingering dark magic inside it, like a residue.

"Is that it?" breathed Regina.

But even as she held it, Cora knew it was only tainted with dark magic.

There was none tethered to it anymore.

"What?" asked Regina.

But Cora curled her fingers, flames erupting from her palm, dissolving the dagger that should have withstood anything into ash that fell to her feet.

The Dark One no longer existed.

Which meant, she would never gain more power.

Dark magic boiled under her skin, knowing exactly who was responsible.

And who was going to suffer for it.

Her eyes narrowed.

"Hook."


a/n: dun dun dun...