I own nothing except my delusions.

Killian tossed his bag in the corner of the tent he shared with his brothers, laying claim to the spot where he would be sleeping. Deciding to hold off on laying out his roll and blankets, he stretched lazily, stiff from the long drive.

"You know what's going to happen as soon as you step out of the tent, right?" Liam asked, claiming his own spot by laying out his bed roll.

"Then you do it," Killian countered, barely glancing over at his older brother.

Liam smirked. "You're the one who's good at doing runs, not me."

"And that still doesn't mean you can't run your arse out for once and do it without me," Killian replied, throwing a pillow towards his head.

Liam ducked at the last second, resulting in the pillow smacking Ian squarely in the face as he entered the tent.

He raised his brow critically, eyeing the other two men. "And you two are supposed to be older than me?"

Shrugging, Killian looked back at his younger brother. "Liam is being Liam."

Smirking, Ian nodded. "So the usual?"

"Why does everyone think I'm a stubborn arse?" Liam asked them.

Killian clapped him on the shoulder as he moved to exit the tent. "Because you are, brother."

He stepped outside, inhaling deeply as he relaxed in the briny air. They had settled in a spot near the sea, nearly on a cliff that dropped into the ocean. They were secluded, the place surrounded by thick forest in three directions, the sea resting just beyond a copse of trees in the fourth.

The sea calmed him like nothing else could, putting him at ease, even if only temporarily.

His head snapped in David's direction when he heard the other man calling him.

"Killian," David said as he walked closer to him. "Think you can check out that little harbor we passed? I would ask Emma, but she's still not wanting to leave Henry."

Killian nodded in understanding, sympathetic. "Aye, I can understand that. She almost lost her son, it makes sense she doesn't want to leave him. But yeah, I can take Liam with me and we can take a look."

David nodded in thanks. "Alright. Will just the two of you be enough?"

"We should be," Killian replied. "Liam and I know how to take care of ourselves. We can handle it. I'll get him and we'll head out now."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the tent opened as the two remaining brothers stepped back into the camp.

Killian smirked smugly towards Liam. "Brother, it seems our services are required."

"And I'm guessing you volunteered me, little brother?" Liam asked.

"Younger," Killian immediately corrected. "And yes, I did."

Liam turned back into the tent, returning a second later with some weapons in hand.

Killian took the gun offered to him, glancing around the camp. His eyes quickly found Emma where she sat beside Henry on a makeshift bench, showing him how to set up a snare. His gaze rested on her for a second longer before shifting his attention back to Liam and their task in going into the town.

"Come along, brother," Liam said, leading the way towards their Jeep.

Following behind, Killian climbed into the passanger's seat, letting Liam drive. He couldn't help but look in the rear view mirror at the camp as they drove off.

They were quiet for a few minutes as the flew past the trees, seeing the occasional glimpse of the blue ocean beyond.

"You know, you can't blame her for avoiding you," Liam finally said.

Killian shook his head. "I know, and I don't."

He noticed his brother sneak a furtive glance towards him.

Shaking his head, he sighed. "I seriously don't blame her, especially with that bastard she's with."

Liam raised a curious brow. "I can tell he's not the most ideal partner, but care to elaborate? How do you know about their relationship, anyway?"

Suddenly nervous, Killian looked away from him. He had confided in his brothers about how Emma had kissed him, but hadn't told them any of what she had confessed to him in the forest. He wouldn't betray her trust, believing it was her own story to tell, even if Liam had said she shouldn't have kissed him if she was with another and he wanted to defend her.

Killian hadn't told anyone at all what the kiss had done to him, how he felt something spark within himself as she pressed her lips to his. It had been a long time since he had had a relationship, reluctant to have anything since the woman he thought he would spend the rest of his life with had passed. Emma had changed that, making him crave something more, even in the new world they lived in. He had been drawn to her from the beginning, and their shared kiss had only drew him in further. He began to wonder of what could possibly grow between them, but knew it was useless. She was with someone else, and Killian would respect that, offering nothing but his friendship to her.

He shook his head. "It isn't my place to share her story. That's up to her to tell, not me. The only thing I will say is that that sod doesn't deserve her."

"That may be, but that doesn't mean you can treat her as a damsel in distress that needs saving," Liam said sagely.

Killian couldn't help snorting. "I highly doubt that she's ever been or ever will be a damsel in distress."

Liam cracked a small smile of his own before his voice grew serious again. "You know what I mean. But you can't try to be a knight in shining armor. I know it's been a while since you've actually been with someone, but Emma is not a good choice."

Killian brushed his fingers over his right forearm, feeling the ink in his skin burning beneath his leather jacket. "Emma's not Milah. This is different, Liam."

"I just don't want you to fall for this lass and get hurt," Liam sighed as the town came into view.

"I know," Killian replied quietly. "But I promise you, I'm not going to peruse her. If one day say something did happen, that would be because it's her choice."

Giving him a long look as he stopped the car, Liam pulled the keys from the ignition before climbing out, not bothering to lock the doors.

"And before you ask or comment, no, offering for us to teach Henry has nothing to do with Emma," Killian told him as he exited the car and fell into step beside his brother. "He needs to know how to survive out here, and his father isn't doing anything to help him."

Liam nodded in understanding. "I have no qualms about teaching him, especially because he does need to know how to fight. We've taught those under us combat, we can teach Henry easily enough."

They moved through the deserted town, noticing nothing moving.

"Hear anything?" Killian asked, straining his ears for any noise.

His eyes sweeping the area, Liam shook his head. "No. Maybe we've gotten lucky and there's nothing here at all."

"Since when are we lucky?" Killian asked.

"Too right, brother," Liam replied, a laugh in his voice.

Looking over the various shops, Killian noticed the small bookstore on one of the streets, making a mental note to check out the inside of it before they left.

He started slightly as he felt Liam smack his arm lightly.

"Actually, our luck may have changed," Liam remarked, pointing towards a small police station.

Feeling himself grinning at the thought of possibly getting more weapons and ammunition, Killian led them over to the building. He crouched down at the door, pulling a couple picks from his pocket as Liam watched the streets.

"I told you when we were kids it would be useful to learn to do this," Killian said smugly as he began pressing into the tumblers.

"I always thought it was because you wanted to get me in trouble when we were kids," Liam said, lightly kicking Killian's leg. "Who would have guessed we would be having to deal with the apocalypse and actually need to know how to pick a lock."

"I can always teach you how to do it still," Killian said as he got the lock oven, removing it and tossing it aside. "Despite what they say, I believe you can still teach an old dog new tricks."

Liam walked past him into the station, holding up his index and middle finger to Killian and making him snigger. Killian loved antagonizing his brother, drawing immature reactions from him, such as Liam flicking him off.

He kept a firm grip on his knife as he entered the station, wary of any walkers that could possibly be inside. He relaxed as he found it to be deserted.

They were able to quickly find the locker with various weapons, all protected by a simple lock. Killian quickly picked the lock before tossing it away and stepping into the locker.

He reached out, grabbing a couple of metal cannisters, grinning widely as he examined them.

"I think we've found ourselves some very valuable treasure here," he said, holding up the smoke bombs for Liam to examine.

Liam laughed, taking one of the pieces. "I do believe you're right. They're going to love these at the camp."

Nodding, Killian checked for more, finding a large stash. Knowing they would be enough, he packed them away as Liam grabbed a duffel bag from the outside so they could pack away more weapons and ammunition.

The heavy weight of the bag reassuring, Killian carried it out back to the Jeep, loading it in the back before going back with Liam for them to scavenge for food.

"So how long do you think before we find more people?" he asked after a while as they began to scour the shelves of a small store.

"I have no idea," Liam said. "It has to be soon. We can't be the only people out here. I know the town's are smaller, but that should mean more people got out."

Killian nodded as he checked the weight of his bag, finding it filled and grabbing another.

He completely passed by any liquor he saw, knowing it would be useless except for a few medical purposes. As much as he would find himself desiring rum, he knew it was a poor choice to indulge. He had began drinking at an early age, something Liam had tried to break him from, but was only met with resentment for it. After Milah's death, rum had become his crutch, often using it to try to ease the pain he felt of her passing.

He knew that as much as he craved it, he couldn't afford a drink. He couldn't risk drinking and something happening, someone dying for an error he could make while inebriated. He had made mistakes before while drunk that Liam had always tried to fix, but knew things were different.

Filling the bags they brought with food, they took them back to the car, glancing around the town again to see if there was anything else they could look for that would be of use.

"I'm going to go back into some places," Liam said. "Check for some blankets. I know winter is a ways a way, but it wouldn't hurt to have more, especially out here."

"I'll help you in a moment," Killian responded. "I just need to take care of something first."

Liam nodded once before turning on his heel, going back into the streets.

Killian followed him until his destination came into view, turning towards the small shop. He could see easily it was clear, the silence almost deafening.

As he walked between the rows of books, he realized he didn't know what books Henry already possessed. He had gotten lucky in his previous choice in what he had gotten the boy.

Going past a section labeled off as 'classics' inspiration struck him, remembering one of his own favorite novels as a child. Killian had always had an affinity for pirates, enjoying stories of them as a boy.

Grinning as he found a copy of Treasure Island, he pulled it from the shelf, remembering the old battered copy he used to have when he was young as he tucked it in his leather jacket before turning to leave and help his brother.

He found Liam by the docks, examining something. Stepping closer, Killian saw it was ship equipment, the object in his brother's hands a long metal spike.

"New weapon?" Killian asked him curiously.

Liam nodded, raising the metal so the tip was pointed upward as he continued to look at it. "Aye. I'm thinking this would be pretty effective against walkers."

"And you tease me for the hook," Killian chuckled.

Liam shrugged as he pocketed the marlin spike. "Come on. We still need to look for some more things for the camp."

Driving back into the camp, Killian turned off the Jeep's engine before jumping down.

As the camp came forward to help them unload, he grinned widely back at them, raising his arms out dramatically. "We have come back with gifts."

He quickly grabbed the gun bag, setting it on the forest floor and unzipping it, presenting the various weapons and ammo.

The rest of the group looked at the bag with their eyes wide, David and Emma ducking down to rummage through it.

"Believe it or not, that's not all we found," Killian added, showing them the smoke bombs.

"Where did you find these?" Emma asked as she took one from him to examine it.

"We raided the police station," Liam told her. "It was locked and untouched."

Lance returned a rifle to the bag as he stood up. "Good thing for small towns then. Is it worth it to go back there to search again?"

Liam shook his head. "We covered most of it. It may not hurt if we're to stay here longer, but otherwise, no."

"The guns alone were worth it," Mulan said as shifted through the bag.

As Liam led the others to the back of the Jeep to unload everything, Killian stepped away, moving close to Emma.

"A word, Swan?" he requested quietly, looking only at her.

Emma glanced at the group once, seeing Henry beside Mary Margaret, before slowly nodding. She stepped slightly away, closer to the trees to allow them more privacy.

He pulled the book form his jacket, holding it out for her to see. "I picked this up in town. Of course I won't give it to him without your permission, but I thought your boy might enjoy it."

She bit her lip before nodding, a grateful expression on her features. "Yeah, and thank you."

Killian gave her an easy smile. "It's nothing, love. Though it has occurred to me, I don't know what the lad has already. If you'll allow me give him any more, that is."

She released a small chuckle, shaking her head. "I'll make you a list."

Snorting in amusement, he nodded.

"I think he's already finished his last book, anyway," she said, looking back over at Henry. "He's a fast reader. He used to drive his teachers crazy with how fast he can finish books."

"He's a bright boy," Killian agreed. "He's learning everything fast."

Emma smiled proudly. "Good."

Returning her snile, Killian nodded. "As a matter of fact, I was curious if we could do it again today? Or do you wish for him to remain by your side?"

She shook her head. "No, it's fine. Besides, I know he's safe with you guys."

He nodded, warm at the knowledge that she trusted him with her son. He knew how big it was that she would trust him that he would keep Henry safe.

Giving her one last smile, he turned to find the boy in question, seeing him still near Mary Margaret.

"Henry," he called, just loud enough to be heard over the sounds of the camp.

Henry's head snapped toward him before walking over, an easy look on his face.

"Hey, Killian," he said lightly, grinning.

"Hey, lad," Killian replied. "I found something for you on my run."

At Henry's curious look, Killian reached into his jacket pocket, pulling the novel and handing it over to Henry. He grinned widely as the boy's face lit up, knowing he made a good choice in the book.

"Thanks," Henry said, smiling up at him. "I finished the last book, by the way."

"And what did you think of it?" Killian asked him, genuinely wanting to hear Henry's opinion.

"Really different from how the movies tell it," Henry replied, wrinkling his nose. "Peter Pan actually reminded me of that Malcolm guy who tried to kidnap me. He wasn't as good as people say he is."

Chuckling, Killian nodded. "Aye. Hook personally has always been my favorite."

Henry nodded in agreement. "I felt bad for him, especially at the end. It seemed like Pan was more of a villain than he was."

"Well, then I think you should enjoy this book," Killian told him. "This was my favorite besides Peter Pan when I was a boy."

Henry's grin grew impossibly wider.

"Come on," Killian said, resting his hand on Henry's shoulder. "Let's see about teaching you to shoot, shall we?"

Killian walked near Liam as they ran a sweep of the perimeter, checking for any walkers nearing the camp as the sun began setting, giving the forest an eerie light.

"Thanks for the help earlier," Killian said as they scanned the area for any movement.

"It's no problem," Liam replied. "Henry is a fast learner."

Grinning at his words from earlier being repeated back to him, Killian nodded. "Aye, he truely is."

They continued on in easy silence, content as they moved to continue their task.

Nearing the camp again, they heard movement but didn't draw their weapons, knowing of Emma's habit of sometimes going away from the camp for a moment to herself, needing to think or relax. Prepared to leave her be, he led the way for Liam and himself to return to the camp before suddenly stopping, hearing she wasn't alone.

Liam nearly walked into him, opening his mouth to question him before Killian raised his hand to silence him

"I came out here to be alone," Emma's voice came from nearby, sounding irritated.

Killian stiffened as he heard Neal's voice carry through the trees. "And I didn't think you should be alone."

Emma snorted. "Really? Since when? Just leave me alone, Neal. I want to just be out here for a while."

"C'mon, Ems," he replied. "Don't be like that."

Feeling his stomach twisting, Killian shared a brief concerned glance with Liam before they both moved closer, careful not to make any noises.

"No, Neal," Emma said, her irritation giving way to frustration. "I said to just leave me alone."

"And I said to stop," he said, a threatening edge to his tone.

Killian caught sight of them just as Neal grabbed onto Emma's arms, pushing her back against a tree and causing her to begin to fight back. An instinct to help and protect despite knowing she could take care of herself flared within him as he rounded the tree, drawing attention to himself and Liam.

"I believe the lass said no, mate," he said firmly, glaring at Neal.

Neal's eyes sharpened as he looked at Killian and Liam. "Screw off, Jones. It's none of your business."

"Yet we think you're the one who should scew off," Liam bit back. "No means no, and she told you no."

"Go away, Neal," Emma said, using the distraction to push him off her.

Seeing the brothers were going to remain where they stood until he left, Neal gave them dark look, his eyes mainly focused on Killian, before he stalked away, fuming.

Killian wasn't afraid of him, instead meeting his glare head on, showing he wasn't going to be intimidated.

They all watched Neal walk away, waiting until they could no longer see him before the men looked back at Emma.

"You alright, love?" Killian asked, his tone much softer than what he had used when he had spoken to Neal.

Rubbing her arm where she was grabbed, Emma nodded. "I'm fine."

"Is there anything we can do?" Liam asked, concern plain in his voice.

She shook her head. "No, but thanks. I'll just have me and Henry bunk with Mary Margaret and David tonight."

Killian knew that somehow, it wasn't the first time that Emma had to fight Neal off.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "I'm sorry Swan, but something like that-"

"I've got it, okay?" she interrupted. "I can handle Neal. I just need some space is all."

Slowly, he nodded, trusting her.

"I'll see you guys back at the camp," she said, moving to walk away. She stopped suddenly, her brow pinched in worry. "Please, don't tell Henry about this."

He nodded. "We won't, Swan. I can promise you that."

She nodded once in return before finally departing, leaving him and Liam alone.

"Brother, be careful," Liam said urgently. "You need to watch your back."

"I know, Liam," Killian replied quietly, looking back at the spot where they had saw Neal assault Emma.

He started slightly when he felt a hand clap on his shoulder.

"I'm serious, Killian," Liam stressed. "Neal is dangerous. I didn't trust him before, and now... Believe me, I feel horrible for Emma for having to put up with that son of a bitch."

"I understand why she does it though," Killian said in a low voice. "She wants to keep him around because he's Henry's father, but I know she even regrets her choice."

Exhaling a hard breath, Liam looked back at him. "And now for interfering, I fear you may have put a target on your back. I saw the way he looked at you. Just please, Killian, promise me you'll be careful."

Killian nodded once solemnly. "I will, Liam. I promise you."

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