Soo that awkward moment when you think it's only been two weeks since you last updated and then you realize it's actually been almost three...oops. But it all worked out because I had this in the works for a while, and then in this past Sunday's episode they brought back the lovely Rolly Joger ;) so I found this one kinda fitting to post with that in mind. We always knew Killian would get some kind of boat back.

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time or any of the affiliated characters.

11. Captain

"Hook," people used to say, their lips pulled up in disgust or their eyes wide with fear.

He'd reply disdainfully, "That would be Captain Hook."

He could remember walking down the streets of Storybrooke and getting those sideways glances from people. They hadn't know him, they hadn't trusted him. And who could blame them? He wouldn't have trusted him either. He had been a villain. He hadn't been one of them.

But now, he was. They looked at him with a smile and a wave. Like they weren't wondering if he was going to stick them with his hook.

"Hi, Killian!"

Not Hook. Killian. He used to be bothered when people left out the 'Captain,' but not anymore.

The Jolly Roger was somewhere far away, cutting through the waves, sails filled with wind. A part of him would always be with his ship, out on the water. That's probably why he always found himself at the harbor when he had nothing else to do.

Or, when Emma told him to meet her there, which happened less frequently.

The breeze from the water brushed his face, smelling slightly of fish, but he could ignore that and pick out the familiar salty aroma.

He heard footsteps approaching from behind, and he didn't need to turn around to see who it was. A hand wrapped around his. "Hello, Love." He greeted Emma with a kiss. "Do I get to know what I'm doing here?"

Her eyes were shining with eagerness. "Come on." She continued to hold his hand, leading him down the steps and onto the wooden dock.

Her obvious enthusiasm peaked his curiosity, and he couldn't help smiling at her excitement. "Emma?"

"Well...I was thinking about our conversation at Granny's that night." She tucked her hair behind her ear, her zeal in no way diminished though her voice had grown quiet. "When you told me you outran the curse and sold your ship for me."

He took a step forward, lessening the distance between them. "Aye."

"First you were in the navy, then you captained the Jolly Roger."

"Aye," he repeated, a little confused, wondering where she was going with this.

"Sailing is a part of you. It's who you are. You're a captain."

His hand cupped her face. "Emma, Love, I know that. But I chose to leave that behind." His hand slid to the back of her neck, gently pulling her forward to rest her forehead against his. "I chose you, and I don't regret it for a moment."

She raised her eyes to meet his. "But what if you could have both?"

He pulled away, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean...well..." She pointed over his shoulder. He spun.

Out no more than a quarter of a mile in the water was a small schooner, two masts, maybe forty feet long. He took in the sight, his jaw dropping.

"You got me a boat?" He turned back around to face her. She saw the disbelief in his eyes. "Emma, I can't-"

"You have no choice. Nonrefundable. No exchanges."

"No, Emma, it's too much." But he couldn't take his eyes off of it. It wasn't the Jolly, but it was his.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I wish you could see your face right now. You're meant to be on the water, Killian. It's part of who you are. If you can sell your ship for me, the least I can do is get you another." She looked down. "And I know it won't be the same as the Jolly Roger, but -"

He took her face in his hands and kissed her, pouring into it the same passion as when he kissed her that night at Granny's. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Just one thing," she added. "You have to take me sailing first."

"I wouldn't have anyone else. Where would you like to go?"

She shrugged. "You're the captain."

Eh, kinda fluffy, but we all know Killian is meant to be on the water