A/N: Sorry for the 'hiatus' in posting. RL put a damper on my writing time AND my muse. But hey, how about that finale?! I'm still not over it. :D

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this chapter. The end is so close…

Chapter 18

Bonding Time

The heat of the sun burned deliciously across my face, having strengthened throughout the day in a rare display of cheerful weather. While it was hardly 'hot' outside, the temperature was perfect for a late picnic lunch on deck of the Jolly Roger. At least for the moment. Confined to either wait for Tink to procure the tracking potion, or search Storybrooke door to door for our wanted man, the first option had proven to be the best choice given the addition of Henry.

"You should try it with mushrooms next time," Henry suggested before taking a huge bite out of his slice of pizza. Grease dripped unbecomingly down his hand.

Killian's face wrinkled in slight disgust. His own slice rested untouched on a paper plate, the congealing cheese glistening beneath thick slices of pepperoni. He poked at it with his hook. "And this rates as food in this realm?"

My lips twisted wryly. "Some might even say it's addictive," I commented before stealing his slice and taking a bite. I set it back on his plate, my eyebrows arched playfully.

"First my heart, now my food. What else will you steal from me, Swan?" His internal voice sounded gruff in my thoughts.

"That depends on you. Isn't it a pirate's privilege to plunder?" I replied cheekily.

His mouth twitched as he braved a bite of the pizza. "Aye. Pilfering a maiden's virtue is a particularly nice reward; though, yours is the only treasure I seek." His mind projected a naughty image in which the slice he held was replaced with a rather intimate part of the female anatomy.

"It'd better be!" I warned. "Tease!" I mentally chastised.

"It'd better be what?" Henry asked.

I sucked in a breath as my face burst crimson. Shit! Had I said that out loud? I scrambled back through the bit of conversation, trying to recall the last part I'd actually spoken. "Um…the pizza…it's my favorite so he'd better like it…you know…since we have it a lot."

"Smooth recovery, love. Really bang-up job." Killian laughed, full and rich. I glared. "Fear not, Swan; despite its rather unusual appearance, I find the flavor quite pleasing."

"So weird," Henry muttered under his breath. Shaking his head, he polished off his slice before wiping his hands on a napkin. Turning to Killian he said, "Mom said…I mean my other mom," he side-eyed me a bit apologetically, "you're originally from the Enchanted Forest, too?"

"You discussed me with the queen?" Killian asked, setting his own food aside.

Henry shrugged. "Um yeah; I mean, all I know about you is the stories and the stuff in Neverland."

I watched the pair of them with slight fascination. Killian's part of the bond vacillated between wonder and wariness, much like his expression. "He's just curious," I tried to soothe him. "It's a good thing."

Killian cleared his throat once and shifted his position. I smirked at his obvious discomfort. "Aye, I hail from a lesser known kingdom, though prior to the curse it had been annexed by a neighboring monarchy." His brow lifted in thought as he carefully watched Henry's reactions.

"Like Risk?" Henry's face lit up with excitement while Killian's grew tighter with his ignorance.

"A little help here, love?" He pleaded.

I stifled a laugh. "It's a game. You play as different…erm…kingdoms and conquer neighboring lands. The goal is to gain the most territory."

Killian nodded enthusiastically. "Aye, like Risk. Only, nothing about those times was a game."

"How did you end up in Neverland?"

"That, m'boy, is a long story perhaps suited for another time." He glanced at a distant bank of clouds, likely noting their darker hue. "Though, I will say it began with severe disillusionment."

My lips curved in amusement at Henry's puzzled expression as my mind warned Killian, "Remember who you're talking to; he's smarter than your average kid, but he's still a kid."

Killian's eyes met mine and I winked in encouragement. He sighed before turning back to Henry. "My brother and I were officers in the king's navy. He tasked us with procuring…retrieving…a medicinal plant from Neverland believed to be a powerful alleviant…cure." He paused, his fingers scratching lightly behind his ear. "At the time, the isle was thought to be pure myth. When we found it and the plant, we discovered we'd been misled."

"So you became a pirate instead?" Henry asked without a trace of judgment. His eyes shone with sincere interest.

Killian's eyes probed mine again, maintaining contact as he answered, "It wasn't as simple as that. Though, aye, it was a significant contributing factor."

A vacant, haunted look overtook his face in conjunction with a memory sifting through our thoughts: a feathered sail burning…a host of men raucously cheering while their newly christened captain donned a mask of bitterness which spurned his actions far longer than he could likely even imagine. My hand flinched, wanting to reach out to Killian but mindful of Henry. Sure, he knew we were dating, but we'd yet to reveal our true relationship to him. Not to mention the whole 'PDA' angle was definitely new to me. Yet another side effect of true love, I supposed.

"Yeah, but I bet you had loads of adventures," Henry continued before reaching for another slice. Seeing my disapproval his hand fell back, empty. "Like, I never understood the whole 'Captain Hook is afraid of clocks' thing?"

"I think those stories are best left for another time," I asserted, noting Killian's continued reverie. "We should think about heading back to the apartment. Looks like a storm might be rolling in."

Henry grumbled but began cleaning up his trash. When he traipsed across the deck to repack his sweatshirt and homework – of course he hadn't finished at Regina's – I gave in to the desire to touch him…Killian. "Are you alright?" I inquired softly, setting my palm on his forearm.

Slowly, his eyes focused on my face and he offered me a half-smile. "Aye, love."

Gazes locked, I spoke to his mind; "Some memories are harder to forget."

He nodded and his smile softened, sparking something raw and honest in his eyes. "I would not trade a moment of that past regret. It shaped my course and led me to you."

My lips parted in a soft gasp. That raw emotion brimming in his eyes burned into my chest. Would it always be like this between us? An image, or rather a feeling took shape in my thoughts. As he held my gaze from at least a foot away, I felt his mouth press tenderly against my own. His phantom tongue stroked against mine, awakening my desire as thoroughly as a real kiss would. I could even taste him; though logically I knew I should be tasting pizza, not the expected trace of rum.

"Killian," I murmured, blinking rapidly in a weak attempt at holding back the bloom of lust.

The corner of his lips turned up in a delighted grin as his mental counterpart added a hand against my breast. "Love?"

"You don't play fair," I chastised loudly in my thoughts.

He chuckled. "Should I?"

"I seem to recall something about no trickery." My brow arched.

The real, physical Killian sitting before me stood and offered me a hand. "That was when I was trying to win your heart." His smile widened to show off his perfect teeth. "We're in an entirely different game now, Swan."

My eyes narrowed, but I took his hand just the same. "I'll remember you said that."

"I'm counting on it," he replied cheekily.

"Counting on what?" Henry asked as he stopped before us, bag slung over his shoulder. I shifted nervously, tampering down the momentary jolt of shock at being caught out a second time by my preteen son. While it was admittedly becoming second nature to use this bond with Killian, we had to get better at our transitions.

Releasing my hand Killian commented, "Your mother believes you'd rather spend next weekend with your grandparents instead of a proper sail. I believe the contrary." He shot me a devious look accompanied by his trademark smirk. I supposed it was good that he was a smoother liar than I was, though he'd backed me straight into a corner. And judging by his expression, he knew it, too. My own expression hardened. He merely shrugged.

"You mean we can actually take the Jolly Roger out into the ocean next time?" Henry inquired, beaming with excitement. My irritation melted away completely. Henry had been openly hinting at his desire to sail the open seas with Captain Hook since we got back from Neverland. Had it not been for Killian's accident, his wish probably would've come true this very weekend. As it was, he'd had to settle for this afternoon visit while the ship stayed safely moored to Storybrooke's dock. Not nearly the same thing, although Henry would never complain.

I rolled my eyes half-heartedly. "Of course. I already said it was okay. As long as Killian isn't busy."

"Cool," Henry commented under his breath. Turning toward Killian he added, "And maybe we can go to the Caribbean this summer?"

"Whoa," I exclaimed through light laughter. "Getting a little ahead of ourselves, aren't we?"

"I don't know; am I?" Henry challenged, darting his eyes back and forth from Killian to me.

My face schooled itself despite my racing thoughts. Killian's eyes gleamed more brightly than his hook. "The lad is exceedingly clever; you said so yourself," he projected.

Ignoring his comment, I focused back on Henry, noting the sincere hope brimming across his face. My son: the eternal optimist. Shaking my head softly I said, "Come on; let's head home." I picked up the leftover pizza and handed the small bag of trash to Henry. Resting my hand on his shoulder, I steered us to the gang plank.

"Isn't Killian coming with us?" Henry asked, looking back to see Killian staring out across the bay. His hand and hook rested against the polished rail of his beloved ship, a pensive look imprinted on his features.

My steps halted. I'd just assumed it was understood that Killian would continue staying with me – with us – at least as long as the suspect was at large. But it had recently been pointed out to me that I needed to work at including others in my decisions. The Jolly Roger had been his home far longer than I could even comprehend. Now that he was healed, perhaps he preferred to stay aboard his ship?

My pulse leapt seemingly out of nowhere. Panic bled through my veins. I didn't want him to stay away. I wanted him to make his home with us. And not just for a night or two; I wanted him to be there when I woke up and be the last person I saw before I went to sleep. What the hell happened to you? My subconscious smiled with awe and incredulity. Was I really ready to take such a huge step so quickly? Yes. The absolute surety of it was astounding, but true nonetheless.

I swallowed, suddenly nervous. He could say no. Looking down at Henry I spoke seriously, "Do you want him to stay with us?"

Henry grinned. "Of course. He makes you happy."

My lips tightened. "Yeah, but –"

"- I like him, too," he added; cognizant of my concerns as always. "And it will be great to have another guy around."

I stared into Henry's hazel eyes for several moments, but was only met with the same honesty as his words. A smile spread across my face without my permission. "Well, why don't you go ask him then?"

The sight of Henry rushing across the deck of the Jolly Roger toward Killian was one I knew I would always treasure. I watched as Henry animatedly relayed our message, knowing the instant Killian interpreted what he was really being offered. His startling eyes swung to find mine, searching for my sincerity much as I just had with Henry.

"Please come home with us," I whispered in my thoughts, forgetting for a second that the bond would reveal my wish to him. When his face broke into a stunning smile, I released the breath I'd unconsciously been holding. He didn't ask me if I was sure, and he didn't look for an explanation.

As he crossed to me – walking side-by-side with Henry – he simply said, "I was hoping you'd ask, love."

"Have everything you need?" I questioned, more as a courtesy than actual inquiry. That nervous part of me was now replaced with an odd giddiness that I somehow found even more disconcerting.

"I do now," Killian replied quietly. Those sapphires parading as his eyes beamed at me, obliterating my anxiousness and leaving nothing but his love in its wake. Distantly, I was aware of my pulse pounding in my chest again, though nothing could pull my focus from the man before me. In my mind, I saw myself leaning across the small space between us and pressing my lips firmly against his. My hand would weave through his dark hair, luxuriating in the soft texture against my fingers. I imagined sweeping my tongue against his as I let my other hand trail across the exposed skin of his chest before clasping the lapel of his coat and pulling him even closer.

"Um, mom?" Henry's voice eased through my thoughts. "You're kind of…glowing?"

My head turned toward him, eyes blinking too swiftly again. "It's my magic. It's got a mind of its own," I lied.

"I dare say you're getting better at that, love," Killian's thoughts complimented. Whether he meant the lying or the mental projection, I wasn't sure.

Henry's puzzled expression made it clear that more questions were on the way. But for once, luck was on my side. Several large droplets of rain splashed against the aged wood mere seconds before the sky opened up, releasing a torrent of water. Acting on impulse, the three of us bolted for the Beetle.

Killian took the pizza box from me as I fumbled for the keys. "Just put it in the back; we'll add it to the other leftovers when we get home," I said a bit breathlessly. He waited for Henry to climb in before setting the box on the adjacent seat and rushing around to the other side of the car. Our eyes met above the roof and we both laughed. I knew I was just as soaked as he was, but something about the joy radiating between us made me not care. We bent to settle into our seats at the same time, but a sudden crash swung our attention toward the nearby cannery.

"Henry, stay in the car and lock the doors," I commanded. Straightening to my full height and shutting the door as quietly as possible, I noticed Killian mirror my movements. I waited to hear the telltale click of the automatic locks before edging toward the building. I didn't even have to look back to know that Killian followed behind me, keeping an equal distance to me and the Beetle. Protecting us both.

The door of the cannery had obvious signs of forced entry. I reached into my jacket and retrieved my gun from the concealed holster, releasing the safety as I slowly pushed the wooden door open. My face tightened in a wince with each groan of the old hinges. How had I not noticed those the last time I was here?

The inside was dark, made even more so by the increasing storm dampening the afternoon sun. I fumbled at the light switch, but either the power was out, or it wasn't currently connected. With my back to the wall, I swept the gun from one side of the large space to the other, nearly jumping out of my skin at the sudden exclamation of an unfamiliar voice.

"Captain!"

"Smee," Killian commented darkly as he paused in the open doorway. "You've got a lot of explaining to do."

I kept my gun trained in the direction of the voice, even after the portly man appeared from the shadows with his hands raised. "Are you alone?" I questioned.

His nervous eyes darted from Killian to me. "Y-yes," he responded, his voice meeker than I would've expected. He turned to Killian again, the relief in his gaze palpable…and strange. Why would he be relieved? Was he happy to be caught, or were we missing something?

"Something's not right," I cautioned to Killian.

"Agreed. This miscreant has yet to confess," he remarked, the sting of his anger transforming my Killian into his alter ego. "Lying, spineless traitor…" he breathed out. There was no doubting his sudden anger, but I could feel true hurt coming from him, too.

"No, no, you've got it all wrong!" Smee exclaimed. "At least, I think you do. I would never betray you…" His eyes widened as he observed Killian's gathering fury.

My arm was beginning to ache from maintaining the same stance, but I forced myself to continue holding the gun upright as I glanced behind Smee, peering into the dim room for any other clues. A dirty sleeping bag lay crumpled against the wall next to a jug filled with water. A metal barrel was tipped on its side nearby, likely accounting for the noise we'd originally heard.

"How long have you been staying here?" I asked, nodding toward the makeshift camp.

"I…I don't know," Smee replied. He shrugged and turned his palms upward in the universal symbol of confusion.

"You were following us this morning," I stated. "Why?"

"I wanted to speak with you," he spoke to Killian, "but when I saw you with the Sherriff I wasn't sure…" His voice trailed off, but his intention was easy enough to read. The last time we'd seen Mr. Smee, Killian was very much still bent on his revenge rather than being my ally. I suppose it wasn't entirely out of the question to think Smee would wait to find out Killian's position before revealing himself. And just when did you get so understanding? My conscience inquired.

"So you ran like the coward you are," Killian surmised.

Smee shifted. He opened his mouth to speak but seemingly couldn't find the words. "I…I d-don't know."

Killian lunged forward, brandishing his hook in front of Smee's face. "You'd best start producing answers…mate."

"Killian," I shouted in my thoughts. "Look at him. He's terrified."

"He bloody well should be," he replied aloud. His emotions roiled throughout his entire body, making my own skin feel too tight, too prickly.

Eyeing Killian's one time first mate, I noted his genuine anxiety. He wasn't scared of Killian – though he certainly took his captain's ire seriously – he had the distinct look of someone who had no idea what was going on. I'd seen that look on countless marks, not to mention most of the residents of the town once the curse ended. Something was definitely not right here. While it was obvious to me Smee was involved in whatever plot had been set against us, his willingness was a different question. I'd always prided myself on my ability to read people, and Smee's story was not adding up. Making a decision I hoped I wouldn't regret, I put the gun away and took out my cell phone.

"What are you doing?" Killian asked with distinct disbelief. "You aren't thinking of letting him go?"

I scoffed. "Of course not. I'm calling David. We're bringing him in." Speaking directly to Smee, I began the familiar lines of dialogue that anyone who'd ever watched cable tv could recite from memory. "You have the right to remain silent…"

A/N: Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you wonderful people who have taken Hollow Beginnings into your heart. I am still awed by the response! It is an honor to be a part of this fandom, and I truly appreciate all your kindness. Shout out again to my BrOTP Yettoseeyoufail, and my tumblr friends; you brighten my day!

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