Author's note: Oh. My. God. That kiss. Ahhhh! Who else jumped up and down and screamed when they saw that?
Chapter 9: The Sooner the Better
Without even realizing, Hook's hand hadn't left his cheek since he'd lain down on his bed that night. For the first time in forever, he felt warm inside. Warm and content. Today had been fun. More fun than he'd had in a very long time. And if he was being entirely truthful, he'd pulled half the stunts he did just to bring a smile to her face.
That kiss had been a major achievement. But instead of triumph that he'd progressed, he felt…almost giddy. Hook hated to admit it, but he was already looking forward to what tomorrow would bring, already anticipating their inevitable banter. Earlier, as he'd exited her car, she'd mentioned something about finding him a place to live. Obviously she still thought he was living in that abandoned boat or in the forest like a barbarian or something.
Was that guilt? Captain Hook did not feel guilty, nor did he have anything to feel guilty for. Ugh. This whole situation was making him dizzy. Hook swung his legs out of his bed and pushed open the door to outside. Maybe some fresh air would clear his head.
Cora stood outside, waiting for him.
"Cora." Hook said in greeting.
"You're back late, Captain."
"Yes, well. Long drive." He answered.
"Cars are so strange, aren't they?" She replied. "New clothes. They suit you." She observed.
"Thank you." He bowed in response.
"How is everything going?" It was obvious by the sinister undercurrent in her voice that she was here for more than casual banter.
"Quite lovely." He hoped to try and keep the conversation light, for he had a strong feeling that something was about to go wrong.
"Good, good." She began pacing the ship, and for some reason this made Hook nervous. "Has she told you anything that might be of importance?"
"No." Hook answered. "I can honestly say she hasn't. She is a bit taciturn. Quite frustrating, actually."
"Well you must try harder, my dear Captain. I would hate to dispose of you after everything we've been through together." She said pleasantly, making it all the scarier.
"Aye. Of course." Hook nodded in understanding.
"Oh, I have one more mission for you."
"Another?" He frowned.
"Yes, it's quite simple, actually. You needn't worry. I want you to kill her."
The world just about froze. "What?" A nervous chuckle escaped his lips. "You want me to what?"
"Kill her." Cora said simply, as if she was merely describing the weather.
"Right now?"
"Oh no, of course not." She simpered. "When the time is right, and I'll let you know when that is, I want you to rip her heart out. I trust that you still know how to do so."
Hook nodded distractedly. "Yes, yes. But why?"
"Because she's a threat. And a big one. She is the product of true love, much stronger than Regina or myself can ever be. She will possibly be the only thing standing between Regina's and my happiness."
"Well why can't you do it?" He asked.
"I've already tried, but she was able to resist me. My dark magic repels hers. But you? You have no magic. You'll be able to do it. Any objections?" Cora raised an eyebrow.
"Oh no." Hook shook his head. "Of course not."
"Good. I'll see you soon." And with that, she was gone.
Kill her. He had to kill her. Rip her heart out and crush it front of her. Watch as she fell to the ground, never to rise again. Never to open that mouth and argue with him. Never to roll her eyes at him again. The very thought was making him nauseated.
But then again, it wasn't like he cared. Emma was nothing more than a pawn, a way for him to achieve his ultimate goal: killing Rumplestilskin. The sooner he took care of her, the sooner he could move on to what he came here for.
A small gnawing feeling of dread began to grow inside as the full force of what he would have to do hit him. And then something occurred to him, hitting him so hard he had to sit down to fully process it.
He was bloody falling in love with Emma Swan.
Author's note: Yep, bet some of you saw it coming. But now he has to kill her. Hmmm...