Fours Days Before Docking at Neverland

Well this was just shameful.

Killian Jones, Captain of the fastest ship of the realms and feared by every living soul as the formidable Captain Hook, was reduced to hiding away like the coward he knew he was not in his own bloody Quarters. Pitiful.

And why was he currently studying a pile of maps he already knew like the back of his hand? Women. The blasted sweet sounding, long legged, mayhem causing, pain in the ass sirens who were currently wreaking havoc in his life. Not just one of them. Or two. But three. Three vixens who made him think twice about setting foot outside his own bloody door.

Killian let out a growl and swiped away the parchment before him, it and the pile beneath it falling near soundlessly to the floor. Some sort of bang would have been more satisfying to his ears and he couldn't even accomplish that. He leant back and ran a hand through his hair. Damn women.

It wasn't even his fault.

…not really anyway.

Ever since the one-one-day Regina had decided to play with Emma's feelings and Killian had helped her do it (for much different reasons a less spiteful might he add), it seemed the Jolly Roger became a battle ground. Regina, despite Snow's fearsome warning, kept right on with her mischief and provoking of Emma and was using him to do it. Of course he did his best to not be a part of her plans but this was the Evil Queen here. He sometimes succeeded in dodging her and sometimes….not. This would then only make Emma more irritable to be around, especially if said person was him. If he thought she hated him before, like abandoning him on a beanstalk with a giant kind of hate, Emma had severely proved him wrong. Severely.

Then the perfect cherry on top, Mama Snow. As if trying to stay away from Regina wasn't enough nor trying to assure Emma there was nothing between them, he also had to fear for his life by the arrow wilding pixie cut haired princess coming for his ass because he, quote on quote, "dared to mess with my daughter's feelings."

He credited his never ending migraine to the three of them.

There was only one saving grace in this mess and that was Charming hadn't caught on. Yet. Oh that would be a pleasant day when he was finally clued it in and then Killian would have to watch his back around both of the doting parents.

Yea, the headache just got worst. Killian groaned.

He had thought that this shit storm was coming to an end that one day-that glorious wonderful day-when the sword lessons ensued and Emma had called him by his first name. But of course it was ruined by dinner time when Regina had slid right up next to him on the bench, her hand landing right on his thigh and in Emma's line of vision.

Killian let out another groan.

And look at that, the bloody mess was shaking him so much he didn't even realize someone had waltzed right into his cabin.

Oh no.

"Leave. Now."

Regina smirked. "Well that isn't very hospitable of you Captain."

"When it comes to you Regina-well, I'd rather not describe the feelings you invoke. Wouldn't be very hospitable of me."

"Ah, I love it when you talk dirty." She began to stroll around the room, feigning interest in the various knickknacks strew about. "I just thought I'd pop in, see how you were and all. You haven't really been around much lately."

Killian rolled his eyes. "Your concern is overwhelming. We arrive in Neverland soon enough. There isn't much need for me above deck now that the Prince has gotten steering down pact."

Regina glanced back to the doorway and Killian could practically see the wheels turning in her head. And just like that, he realized. Killian nearly groaned out loud. He had unwittingly fallen prey to yet another one of her devious plans. "Let me guess, Swan was passing by the door the same time your concern for me was too much to bear."

She smirked. Killian now understood why people hated it so much when he did it. "Why, what kind of person would I be if that was the truth?"

"I don't know, the Evil Queen?"

"…How witty of you."

Killian again grasped at his hair, resisting the urge to rip it all out. "Look, whatever damage you were hoping to do I'm sure you accomplished it. Now just leave." Curse him for sounding so defeated. Stupid women.

Thankfully, Regina did as asked…for once.

Killian closed his eyes and praised for peace from the powers above when he heard his door creak open once more.

"Bloody hell Regina if you don't get the hell out of here right now-"

"Wow, is that the tone you take with all of your lucky ladies?"

Killian's eyes snapped open and he nearly tipped his chair back too far. It banged loudly against the floor as it fell down properly.

Emma almost laughed at the little show. Almost. "A little jumpy aren't we?"

"I-" Killian expertly composed himself within seconds. "You always seem to knock me off my feet lass."

The blonde rolled her eyes and, in her signature move, crossed her arms over the chest and gave him that Don't fuck with me look. "Look, I just came in here to talk with you. We're landing in Neverland soon-"

"Aye, I was already aware of that."

"And," She gave him a glare. "I just wanted to tell you-well…ask you," Emma let out a shuttering breathe as if it had severely hurt her to say the following, "Whatever you and Regina have going on just…just cool it down a little alright? Our priority is finding Henry and with you paying attention to her-"

"Emma!" Killian snapped, more harshly then he had intended to. He couldn't help it. This had seriously gone on long enough. "I'm surprised your excellent observation skills haven't picked up on this but there is nothing-absolutely nothing-going on between Regina and I."

"Hook I really don't care-"

"Oh, we're back to Hook than are we?" He growled, not even bothering to hide his anger. Killian jumped from his seat and began to stalk his away over to the blonde, not caring when she tried to step away and especially not caring when he pinned her against the door. "Last time I checked, you were the only one on this ship to call me by my first name. Not even my supposed lover does that. Odd don't you think."

The close proximity and his boldness had Emma stunned for a few seconds. First, she had to deal with and more importantly put down her body's response to being so close to Killian's. So close. She was all too aware of all those points they were touching and how his scent was suddenly drowning her. And when had it got this hot? Unconsciously, her tongue darted out to wet her suddenly very dry lips. Killian eyed it with a hunger, so dark and full of desire that Emma nearly collapsed right then and there.

God, she had to get a hold of herself. Priorities.

"I don't care what you two call each other. I don't care about anything between the two of you for that matter."

"Well that actually works in your favor since there is nothing there to care about."

"Just-God, just get off me will you?"

"Not until you believe me."

"Does it really matter if I do or not?" Emma near screamed. She looked challengingly into his blue eyes.

"Actually, yes."

Actually, no. His words so long ago in the cell echoed from her memories but Emma quickly pushed them away. Not point in remembering that now.

"Hook, please get off me."

He was so angry at her Killian had to resist the urge to shake her body in his capable hand and hook. "Killian, Emma. My name is Killian. Get it through your thick skull."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh well that's convincing. You and Regina's foreplay must be-"

Emma didn't have the time to finish her sentence. Killian's lips had crashed down onto hers, hard and demanding. She gasped in surprise because she seriously did not see that coming. Killian expertly slipped his tongue and before they knew it the two were dueling for dominance. Emma arched into his body eliciting a primal groan from Killian that only spurred her on more. His arms wrapped around her waist, dragging them even closer, and Emma's hands were in his dark locks, combing and pulling.

Then, to both their dismays, Killian pulled back. "Why would I ever consider being with Regina when I can have this? When I can have you?" He leant forward and captured her lips again, this time in a much more kinder and warmer embrace. The kind of kiss that would melt any girls heart.

Emma wasn't really sure what it was doing to her at the moment.

When Killian pulled back, Emma had to take a moment to catch her breath. A real long moment. Then, after what seemed like an eternity, she whispered "Who says I'm yours to take?"

The answer made him grin. "Pirate, love. I always take what I want. But," His hands began to trace up and down her back, sending waves of shivers all over. "It would mean a great deal if you'd come willingly."

Get a grip Emma. Walls, remember your walls. You're not going to fall for another smooth talking, good looking, stupid man. No matter how good looking he may be. She blinked rapidly. "W-What about Regina?"

"God Emma" Killian laughed mirthlessly and put a regretful amount of space between them. "You honestly think I have feelings for her?"

She resisted the urge to grab him by his jacket and pull him back. Focus. You wanted him away. Now you could actually think and get a grip on this madness. "Well I do have eyes."

"And a brain, I hope, to actually rationalize what exactly is going on. She's mad. She's trying to make you jealous for whatever reason and is using me to do it."

Well, that wasn't too hard to believe but… "Oh sure Hook. Funny though, I don't take you for a man who is easily used."

Hook again. This damned woman. Killian's eyes darkened viciously. "I've been trying to avoid her every waking moment on this trip if you hadn't noticed. Which, obviously, you haven't. How convenient."

Emma shook her head. "Listen buddy and listen carefully. I. Don't. Care. Do what you want with who you want. But don't sneak around with Regina then try and kiss me-"

"I am not sneaking around with Regina!"

She should have walked away. Really, right then and there she should have just twirled around and stomped away before this conversation got even more out of hand. But, of course, she did the exact opposite. "Bull shit! She's always all over you whenever-crap-damn it-I don't care! I said I don't care and I don't care!"

Killian narrowed his eyes. "I don't know lass you seem to care a tad bit if you ask me."

"All I care about," Emma seethed through clenched teeth, approaching him with a pointed index finger, "Is getting Henry back. That's all. Not Regina and not you. This may come as a shock but you mean nothing to me Hook, absolutely nothing." She stabbed him violently in the chest with each pronunciation.

Before Emma could walk away Killian grasped her offensive finger, clenching it tightly between his own. To hell with her if it hurt. "You're a liar Swan. A filthy liar and you couldn't be any more obvious about it."

She struggled with him, trying to free herself, but it only spurred Killian on more as he then hooked her waist with his other arm and once again brought their bodies close together "Is this how you handle women?" She spat. "Force yourself on them till they say yes?"

While that particular insult hit a little closer to home then Killian would like to admit (because that was completely not the kind of man he was) he knew better then to fall prey to it. Emma was trying to avoid this conversation, avoid talking about feelings, and he'd be damned if he let her distract him with this other bull shit. "The only thing I'm trying to force out of you is the truth. For someone who puts it in such high regard you're bloody awful at it yourself."

"Go to hell!"

"Oh I have no doubt I will. But for right now I'm here with you."

Thankfully, it was her left hand that Hook was keeping prisoner. Her right one was free and ready to rock. Without a seconds thought Emma reared it back and landed a hard punch right into her captor's jaw. H

The attack more shocked then hurt Killian and it was enough to release his hold on Emma. He staggered back a little and grasped his offended face, the skin beneath it stinging and growing warm with every second. "Well lass, you truly are your father's daughter."

The comment was deaf to Emma's ears. Her blood was pounding too hard and her breathing too labored to even hear if a wave suddenly crushed against the walls of the ship. This bastard. This stupid bastard with his stupid face and stupid gall. "You don't know me. You know nothing about me."

Still cradling his face, Hook sent her a very strained sympathetic look. "I know enough. I know you're afraid to actually have a connection with someone with the chance that might turn around leave. Because that's all people have been doing to you your whole life. Leaving. But Emma, I'm here. Right. Here. I'm standing here, taking you to Neverland, on my ship, to help save your son. Does that sound like some grand escape plan to you?"

No. Don't listen. Don't listen to him. Emma closed her eyes and shook her head. "I can't-"

"Emma, look at me."

Someone in the back of their heads, where painful memories were meant to be kept and never seen again, voices whispered the same words over and over again.

And like the last time it happened, Emma fearfully cranked open her eyes.

"Have I told you a lie?"

No, he hadn't. It had all been true and real. But she hadn't cared. No, she couldn't afford to care. All she cared about was getting home, back to her son and her newfound father. Not a pirate who had broke down her walls within one day of knowing her. A pirate who was a villain, who was helping yet another one, but looked like-if she asked-would help her without another moments thought. And what had she done? Took a rusty handcuffed and trapped him in a castle in the sky.

So what would she do this time?

"Killian…."

With that one whispered word Killian dared to hope like he never did before. She was calling him Killian again. Killian. That had to count for something. "I swear on my honor, there is nothing going on between Regina and I."

Emma caught her lip with her teeth. It's not like she didn't believe him, no, that wasn't the case at all. Perhaps she hadn't in the beginning but the truth was so raw and real on his face that there was no way to deny it any longer. But admitting to believing him-well, it was also admitting to something else entirely. "…I don't care."

The lack of conviction behind the words said otherwise.

Killian noticed. He was so close to breaking those walls he couldn't stop now. "You do care. You know you do so for the love of God stop trying to deny it."

"You don't understand." Emma implored, "It's easy to say you won't leave. It's easy for anyone to say. But saying it and doing it are two different things. People leave whether they want to or not. It just happens. You or any person in this world can't promise me otherwise."

"Maybe I can't" Killian dared to step closer to her and internally cried for joy when she didn't move away. "But I can promise I'll try. I'll try with my last dying breath Emma I swear to it."

Her body started to tremble with conflicting feelings. She wanted to believe him, to close to the distance between them and be wrapped up in his warm embrace, but every instinct that thought it knew better was screaming to do otherwise. "It's not easy for me-"

"Was is it easy with Graham?"

The name sent a jolt through Emma. Her face paled and brought more painful memories to the surface. How did he even know who Graham was let alone what happened between them? He couldn't. It was impossible. She was too confused to even be angry about it (but suspected she would be fast enough) and managed to stutter out "How do you know about him?"

Stupid pirate. Killian resisted the urge to smack himself. Right now was really not the time to bring up Graham-whoever the hell he was. But it had just come out, spilling out of his lips drowned with his own insane curiosity and jealousy. "I, well, I don't really know anything about him to be honest. Just his name. Your mother may have dropped it in my presence."

"And why would she do that?"

"Her Majesty had just pulled another one of her stunts and poked at your jealousy love and your mother decided to voice her opinion on the matter. Lovely woman your mother, have I told you how much I admire her bravado?"

"Who Graham is-is none of your business!"

"And why not? You claim you can't let people close yet you had this man as your lover? Why the hell was he so special?"

"He wasn't my lover! It wasn't….we couldn't…"

Warm brown eyes shining with tears. A smile, so small yet so hopeful. His hands warm and large palming her cheeks, brushing away strays tears that dared rolled down. Whispered words. I remember. A kiss, so soft but with so much love. Thank you.

Then pain. So much pain.

Emma squeezed her eyes shut and willed it all away. She wouldn't cry. Not again. She had spent more than a lifetime of tears on him. "Maybe we would have been if he…if he hadn't died."

Killian froze at that.

"He…he was the sheriff before me. He offered me the job of deputy but it wasn't just that. He offered me a chance to actually be a part of something for once in my life."

You can join us and be a part of something. The words meant something much more in Killian's mind now.

"We were friends. He was one of my first friends actually. We became close and some feelings grew. But then I found out he was sleeping with Regina…." Emma sighed, her whole body sagging with the action. "But he tried to tell me that it wasn't what I thought. I didn't believe him of course and only started to when he officially broke things off between them. But before that he kept saying all these things…they didn't make sense at the time but now…"

My heart Emma. I have to find it.

I remember.

Thank you.

"He was the Huntsman whose heart was stolen by the Evil Queen. And when Graham broke up with Regina, when he chose me…she crushed it."

Killian's eyes snapped open. Another crushed heart. Another broken pair of lovers. Another death. What had happened to him had happened to Emma as well. God, they had more things in common then he thought. "Emma love, I'm so sorry."

"He died in my arms Killian. You have no idea-"

"Actually…I do."

And then Emma realized. Out of everyone Killian was probably the only person who understood. Sure, she had known Milah had died at Rumplestilskin's hands but the details as to how that exactly happened weren't so apparent. She had never asked-never even felt comfortable enough about it to ask…and asking meant assuming she was close enough to Killian to actually even request the information. Well, now that they were talking about Graham maybe they had become that close without her even realizing. Oh boy.

"Well, like I said. Maybe we could have been something but…but I guess it just wasn't mean to be."

"And he just became another person to leave you."

Emma let out another puff of air. "So now you know what I mean when people leave without even trying."

"Aye I suppose I do. But Emma…what happened to him, you can't let it scar you."

"Oh and you walked away fine and dandy from Milah's death? Does the word revenge not ring a bell anymore?"

His eyes narrowed at that. "How I handled it and how you handled it are a bit different don't you think? Me swearing revenge isn't the same as me swearing off women."

"Because we both know that's too much to ask…"

"I loved Milah." Killian all but snarled. "She was my life and for a time-for a very long time, I thought avenging her was all I had left in my life. After I accomplished that I was more than content to leave this world and be reunited with her. That's how much I loved her."

"And now?" Emma dared to ask.

"And now…well," Killian lifted his good hand and cupped her cheek. "I can be man enough to admit when I'm wrong."

Emma unconsciously leant into his touch. "Are you asking me to man up?"

"Aye"

"You do realize I'm a woman."

"Oh I'm more then aware of the fact. Painfully aware actually."

Emma snorted. "You never stop don't you?"

"You wouldn't love me any other way."

"Assuming a bit much aren't we?"

Killian took advantage of her good mood and leant forward, pressing their foreheads together. "You haven't punched me in the face yet so…"

Their eyes met, a passionate collision of blue and green, and Emma began to wonder why she had fought so hard against this to begin with. "So you and Regina are…not."

"No, definitely not."

She let out a embarrassing but unavoidable sigh of relief. "Well, can't say I'm not happy to hear that."

"Oh really?" Killian smirked and pulled their bodies even closer. "So you were jealous then."

Emma's hands came to rest on his chest, seemingly to push him away yet she never made the final shove. "Not at all. It just gets rid of some really ugly images I have floating in my head."

There was some witty comment hanging on his tongue per usual and Killian was more than ready to deliver it. But as he looked into Emma's eyes, saw how beautiful they and the smile she was giving was, he was suddenly very tired of hearing his own voice. He was very tired of talking all together actually. "Emma my love, if you don't stop me I 'm going to kiss you right now."

Her heart fluttered. My love. He said my love. He never said that before. Then she realized there was something even more heart pounding for her to get hung up. He was about to kiss her. Emma's mouth fell open, then shut, than open again. Her hands were still on his chest too, ready to just push him away.

She looked into those eyes again. "Screw it."

And then, they were kissing.

And it was more than either of them ever dreamed of.

"They've been in there for a while."

"I know."

"Well shouldn't we go check on them?"

"Since the last five minutes when you asked? Nope, the answer is still a no."

"Snow…"

"Charming…"

The prince let out a huff and collapsed down next to his wife on the bunk bed. "He's a pirate. A villain."

Snow curled up into his side, enveloping his much larger form in her arms. "It's not so black and white and you know that. I don't like him either. Like, really don't like him. And until Emma makes it clear she chooses him I'm not going to support it at all. But if she does wind up choosing him…well, I don't think there's much we can do."

Charming sighed. "I could punch him again."

Snow chuckled. "While satisfying I don't think it's going to accomplish much. If it's love…"

"Don't even joke about that."

"Come on. If it's love then we'll stand behind her and Hook. I want her to be happy no matter who it's with."

"I do too. But…" Charming shut his eyes. "Fine, fine. I'll learn to deal with it."

"If we have to learn to deal with it."

Charming began to rub soothing circles onto Snow's back. "Well the longer they stay in that room the longer that becomes a possibility."

Now it was her turn to sigh. "What were they yelling about when you were eavesdropping?"

"I was not eavesdropping."

"Charming…"

"I wasn't eavesdropping." He pouted like a child. "But I did hear Graham's name."

A blush colored Snow's cheeks and she buried her face into his shirt. "Oh no. That's my fault. I might have mentioned him to Hook. But it was completely unintentional."

"Don't worry I'm sure Emma won't be mad. Well, maybe not that mad. Why are they even talking about him?"

Snow peeked up at him. "Well I really said it to Regina in front of Hook and I might have made some insinuation to make him jealous. But he had it coming! He was doing the same thing to Emma with Regina."

Charming titled his head. "What? Making her jealous?"

"She's been doing it for the past week if you haven't noticed."

"I try not to pay much attention to anyone who isn't you or Emma on this boat. It assures no headaches."

"Well she has and I'm guessing the conversation those two are having right now in there has something to do with it."

"Well all I know if she doesn't come out in the next ten minutes I'm busting in."

"Oh how fun it would have been to see you with her in the teen age years."

"Do you ever think about it? Emma and Graham I mean."

Snow brought her face back into full sight, her eyes now gleaming with a sadness Charming regretted putting there with the question. "Yes. Not at first since there was just so many things to process but after a while…he sparred my life Charming. And saved yours. Then he and Emma almost become involved. It was a little odd but also…I don't know. Fitting? I just wish we knew-about his heart I mean. We could have helped-could have done something."

"Don't do that to yourself. We were cursed."

"Still. Graham deserved better. He's done so much for our family."

Charming placed a chaste kiss to her head. "I know, I know. But maybe he did find some peace finally being out of Regina's grasp. Even if he had to die to accomplish it."

"He and Emma would have been lovely together. And now we have the pirate."

Charming chuckled. "Care there, you almost sound as disapproving as me."

Snow leant up and caught him in a kiss. "Like I said, once we know what Emma wants, we'll know what we want. But until then…" They kissed again, much slower and passionately.

Charming rolled over, pinning her below him. "I think I like we're you're going with this."

Authors Note: Because I think Graham should have been talked about a lot more in the show after his death. How do you like Killian and Emma's first kiss?