AN: Because I live for Captain Charming and just really want this conversation to happen.
Enjoy!
He finds Killian at the docks, legs slung over the edge of the pier, watching the moon reflect off the inky water.
It's the same position David has found him in every night this week. He and Snow- at Henry's insistence that Killian shouldn't be left alone- had been extending frequent dinner invitations. And often times, as Killian said his goodbyes before ducking out of the apartment, David sensed something was off. A particular edge to his voice, a certain blankness in his eyes- all of which unsettled David.
(So much so that when Mary Margaret would squeeze his hand and urge her husband to check on Hook, David didn't need to be told twice).
His footsteps echo against the wooden planks as he approaches, but Killian doesn't turn to see who might be there. He doesn't need to- they've now spent enough nights without Emma to have developed a routine. David sighs, long and low, as he takes a seat beside Killian. They don't speak for a long time, merely passing Hook's flask back and forth, falling into their usual pattern. It's comforting, in a way, to be able to simply sit beside someone who understands the heaviness in your heart. Someone who has the same piece of themself missing.
It's David's voice which finally breaks through the silence, his eyes still on the horizon. "When we find her, she won't be the same."
It's a truth they've all been hard-pressed to accept. Even now, the prince's voice holds a shred of what could be called hope, but what Killian can only believe is denial. He takes another pull from his flask, tries his damnedest not to picture familiar green eyes, hollow and unrecognizable.
"No, mate." he says eventually, blinking away the image of skin like a crocodile's. "She won't."
"It's a good thing we have you on our side."
Killian glances over, tilting his head at the prince. "What makes you say that?"
"True Love's kiss." David explains in a rather strained voice, as though the very idea is a weight which he's struggling to bear. There's a pregnant pause during which Killian thinks David's forcing himself to accept the words. "We don't know what we'll be up against, but it's as good a backup as any."
Killian's lips twitch upwards at the implications of David's words, the fact that Emma's own father believes what they share is something true. Then he recalls that wretched moment in New York and feels his grimace regain control. "I do hate to disappoint you, Dave. If you're hoping for True Love's kiss, I suggest you seek out Henry."
David studies the pirate for a long moment before shaking his head. "Are you really so insecure about Emma's feelings that you believe that? She told you she loves you. For Emma to say that out loud, trust me- she meant it."
Killian detects the envy in Dave's tone. He doesn't need to wonder at the cause of it; of the two of them, Killian is the only one to whom Emma's said those words. Still, he shakes his head. "It's not a question of my nor Emma's affections." David sees Killian's jaw clench as he hesitates. "I tried it, once. After I outran the curse which caused the missing year. When I found Emma in New York-" He halts, feeling as though saying the words aloud is akin to confessing some great weakness. "Well, needless to say, the reunion wasn't all I had hoped it would be."
There's a moment of quiet as the waves crash under their feet, and then David lets out a delighted chuckle. Killian shoots his lowered gaze up to the prince's, glaring sharply. "Glad you can find humor in my misfortune, mate."
Shaking his head, appearing downright amused, David claps Killian on the shoulder. "I take it you never read Henry's book."
Killian narrows his eyes further, not understanding the connection between this and the matter at hand. He curses himself for merely skimming the storybook, and his irked expression is answer enough, earning another grin from David. "True Love's kiss can't restore lost memories." He clues in, watching as Hook's face relaxes in understanding. "I once tried it on Snow after she drank a forgetting potion. But both parties have to remember each other for the kiss to work."
Killian feels the weight in his chest lighten a fraction. He hadn't particularly minded that he and Emma were not True Loves- in fact, he'd been fairly convinced that many a couple had deluded themselves into believing the myth. (Because if what he felt for Emma wasn't true, then surely such a phenomena couldn't exist).
But now, to know that he might be able to save her, to know that they possess such potential- well. Killian looks at David carefully. "So you're saying-"
He claps the pirate once more on the back. A certain understanding passes between them, and-as has become the norm-they've no need to speak it. "I'm saying it's a good thing we have you on our side."