Okay, so I gave in for one last installment of "My Happy Ending". Enjoy!
It was the day of Alena's seventh birthday party. Emma and Killian's backyard had been decorated to go with the theme of pirates and princesses; their family, as well as Alena's friends, were starting to arrive, all of them wearing bright smiles.
Alena, however, had a frown on her face as she looked out toward the docks. Killian found her and bent down beside her.
He ran his fingers through her black curls as he told her, "Love, your party is about to start – why do you look so sad?"
The little girl sighed as she answered, "Daddy, I wanted Uncle William and Uncle Nemo to come to my party. They said they'd come visit again."
Killian kissed her forehead before he told her, "I know you do, Alena, and I'm sure if they knew it was your birthday, they would come." He then took a breath and assured her, "Even though they can't be here now, I know they will come visit soon."
"Do you promise?" she asked with wide blue eyes. "Aye, love," he answered with a smile, and his little girl returned it in response.
Just then, the front door opened, and Snow, David, and Neal came inside, and Alena leaped up to greet them.
She excitedly hugged all of them before she told Neal, "We should go play pirates!"
As the eight-year-old boy's eyes lit up, David couldn't help but roll his eyes while his son-in-law grinned.
The two kids then sprinted to the backyard with Alena shouting that Captain Jones and her first mate were about to set sail.
Killian and Snow chuckled while David crossed his arms and complained, "So much for my little princess."
"Well, mate, I did tell you when she was born that she was also a little pirate. She just happens to be her father's daughter," Killian teased, earning an eye roll from his father-in-law.
Snow shook her head before she looped her arm through her husband's and told him, "Come on, let's go watch them play." David nodded before they headed toward the backyard.
Killian was about to follow them when he heard, "Uncle Hook!"
He turned around and saw Robyn heading toward him. He bent down, and she ran into his arms. When they pulled away, she immediately asked, "Where's Alena?"
He smiled as he answered, "She and Neal are in the backyard. They're playing pirates."
The light-brown haired little girl furrowed her brows as she asked, "Do I have to be a pirate?"
"Well, Alena is quite determined, but I'm sure she'll let you be something else," Killian answered. He then asked her, "What would you like to be?"
Robyn thought for a moment before she excitedly answered, "I want to be a nice witch like Mommy and Regina."
Killian smiled as he answered, "Well, considering that Aunt Emma is also a nice witch, I'm sure that Alena will think that it's a wonderful idea."
Robyn smiled brightly before she took off toward the backyard.
When Killian stood up, he noticed a rather surprised expression on Regina's face. So, he questioned, "What?"
Regina then commented, "You were surprisingly good with her."
"I have had seven years of experience, Your Majesty," he countered, his tone laced with defiance.
Regina raised an eyebrow as she refuted, "Seven years that Emma helped you."
Robin then intervened, "Alright, you two. I believe we have a birthday to celebrate."
"So, we do," Killian resigned. The three of them then headed to join their family.
About 15 minutes later, all of the guests had arrived. Alena, Neal, and Robyn, as well as a few of Alena's friends, were playing a combination of pirates, princesses, and witches – much like the theme of the party itself, as well as the birthday girl.
Emma then announced, "Okay, you guys, it's time for Alena to blow out her candles!"
All of the kids then rushed over to the table and gathered around the round cake, which was pink with a crown decoration and had "Happy Birthday Alena" written across the top. One side of the cake was made to look like a castle door while the other had a pirate ship. The cake sat on another round, flattened cake, which resembled a treasure map.
Emma placed the last of the seven candles on the cake before she reached for a lighter – only to realize she didn't have it.
She then subtly whispered to her husband, "I forgot to get something to light the candles. I'll be right back."
Before she even managed to fully turn around, Killian began distracting the children. "How would you lads and lasses feel about a story?"
The kids cheered before Neal added, "I like the story of how Mommy and Daddy met."
Killian grinned before he turned to David and asked, "What do you say, mate? Care to enthrall them with the story of Snow White and Prince Charming?"
"Please, Grandpa?" Alena pleaded. "It's a fun story!" Robyn added. The other children followed suit before David smiled and spoke, "It would be my honor."
He then bent down to be on the kids' level, and they all crowded around him, the seven and eight-year-old's staring at him with widened eyes.
By the time Emma returned, David had gotten to the part where Snow hit him with the rock, resulting in laughter from the kids.
Emma smiled at the sight as she came and placed her arm around her husband's waist. She then told him, "Nice diversion, Captain."
Killian grinned at her before he kissed her forehead. She then turned her attention to the cake. As she started to turn on the lighter, she realized it wouldn't ignite.
"Are you kidding me?" she complained. She continued fumbling with it as her daughter happened to glance that way.
The little curl hopped up, black curls bouncing, and skipped the short distance between her grandfather and the table. She immediately conjured a fireball, and she expertly aimed at the candles, lighting all seven.
"Can I make a wish, now, Mommy?"
Both Emma and Killian's widened at their daughter's ability but knew that now wasn't the time to discuss it. So, Killian simply answered, "Of course, love."
With David's coaxing, the children piled back in around the table before Alena smiled brightly and leaned down in front of the cake. She closed her eyes and quietly whispered, "I wish that Uncle William and Uncle Nemo would come."
A moment later, she blew out the candles and heard the clapping of her family and friends. Emma and Killian then went to work cutting the cake and passing it out.
A few minutes later, the kids were settled at one table and the adults were at another.
Snow then commented, "I didn't even know that Alena knew how to make a fireball."
"Neither did we," Emma and Killian spoke at the same time. The blonde then shot a rather accusatory look toward her dark-haired friend.
Regina shrugged before she pointed out, "I wasn't aware that I to share every single detail of her training with you and Guyliner."
The couple in question rolled their eyes before Killian asked, "How did the lass even know about fireballs?"
"She probably saw it in the storybook," David suggested.
"She did," Regina agreed. She then elaborated, "She asked if I would teach her how to make fireballs, and I didn't see the harm in it. They have practical uses besides roasting your enemies."
Robin grinned at his wife's wording while David and Snow shook their heads. Emma and Killian rolled their eyes once more.
Seeing this, Regina interjected, "I thought you two wanted Alena to be in control of her magic and know how to use it. That was the point of coming to me two years ago."
"Of course we do, love - it is part of her. She just tends to use it too much, and she's becoming dependent on it," Killian clarified.
Regina nodded her understanding before she replied, "I won't make any promises. She's stubborn and she doesn't always listen."
"I wonder where she got that from," David teased while Emma rolled her eyes, earning a chuckle from everyone else.
Snow then added, "I'm sure she's just excited about her magic because she's still a child. I'm sure she'll grow out of it – even though I know she still has a lot to learn, she seems to already have great control.
"Unless she loses her temper. Though I've never seen her truly angry, I wouldn't want to be around when she is," Regina quipped.
"Those are rather comforting words, Your Majesty," Killian sarcastically remarked.
"She's right, Killian," Emma began. He turned to face her with a raised eyebrow, and she continued, "Aside from the fact that Alena looks like you, she acts a lot like you, too. She does have your temper, and that could prove to be a disastrous combination with her magic."
Killian ran his fingers through his hair as he thought over his wife's words. He then sighed, "I suppose you - and Regina - are right. We'll have to find a way to help our lass control that temper of hers."
"Good luck on that. You're Captain Temper Tantrum," Regina muttered. Robin heard her and shook his head.
David then chimed in, "If it's any consolation, I don't think you'll have to worry about giving the overprotective dad speech when she starts dating," with a teasing grin toward his son-in-law.
"Dating?" Killian repeated with a raised eyebrow as if the word offended him.
Emma rolled her eyes before she spoke, "Dad, please don't get him started. You won't believe how hard it was for me to convince him to let Nathan and Zachary come to the party."
"You do know I'm right here, love?" Killian pointed out. He then added, "I just don't understand why she has to be friends with lads in the first place."
His wife rolled her eyes once more before Robin added, "I do sympathize with Hook. Seeing our little girls grow up is not the easiest thing in the world."
"But I'm sure they will both grow up to be just as strong as their parents," Snow piped in with a bright smile, one that everyone at the table returned.
Just then, they heard Alena and Neal arguing. "You can't do it!" he shouted. "Yes, I can!" she argued.
"Bloody hell," Killian spoke, running his hand over his face. Emma squeezed his arm before going over to the kids, followed by David.
"Guys, what's going on here?" Emma asked as she bent down between her daughter and her brother.
"Alena can't do magic good," Neal responded with crossed arms.
"Why would say something like that?" David asked his son.
"Because he's mean!" Alena interjected. Both David and Emma then saw sparks erupting from her hands, and they noticed that the decorative strings of lights were flickering.
"I'm sure he wasn't trying to be mean, kid," Emma tried to assure and calm her little girl.
"Yes, he was!" Alena argued before running off to her pirate ship and castle playset.
Emma sighed before she heard her father tell Neal, "I need you to go have a talk with your mother."
"But, Daddy…" Neal started to complain. "Now," David firmly stated.
The little boy crossed his arms but agreed nonetheless. He got up and slowly made his way over to a waiting Snow.
He and Emma then both rose to their feet. The blonde began making her way over to her daughter when she felt her father's hand on her elbow.
"What is it, Dad?" she asked as she turned back around.
"Let me talk to her," David suggested.
"All due respect, but she's my kid," Emma pointed out.
David smiled at her as he spoke, "And you are an amazing mother – you always have been. But, I think a talk with her favorite grandpa might help."
Emma smiled at his words before she nodded her agreement. He kissed her forehead before he made his way to the play-set.
He found his granddaughter sitting crossed-legged and crossed-armed by the helm of the mostly plastic pirate ship. He sat down beside her and kissed her head.
He then commented, "You know, I'm not sure you can enjoy your birthday all by yourself."
Alena said nothing at first and simply sighed. After a moment, she repeated her words from earlier, "Neal was mean."
David sighed before he asked, "You wanna tell me what happened?"
"Neal hurted his leg when he was playing, and I told him I was gonna fix it. But he said it didn't feel bad," the seven-year-old explained.
"But you decided to fix it anyway, but your magic didn't work," David perceived.
Alena nodded before she complained, "I don't like it."
David then pulled her in his lap and assured her, "Well, sweetheart, I don't have magic, but your mommy and aunts do, and it doesn't always work sometimes. But that doesn't mean that you're not good at it."
The black-haired little girl was quiet for a moment before she blurted, "That means my wish won't come true!"
Her grandfather's eyebrows furrowed as he asked, "What wish?"
"Wishes is posed to be secret!" Alena argued. David couldn't help but grin at her stubbornness.
He then explained, "But if you tell me, I may can help make it come true."
She tilted her head as she thought a moment. She then relented, "I wanted Uncle William and Uncle Nemo to come to my party."
David ran his fingers through her black curls as he assured her, "I'm sure that if they knew it was your birthday, they would be here,"
"That's what Daddy told me," the little girl simply replied.
"Well, I happen to know that your daddy is absolutely right. You know that William and Nemo love you so very much, and I know they will come visit very soon."
"So, my wish will come true?"
David thought for a moment before something occurred to him. He then smiled and told her, "Your mommy's wish came true all those years ago."
"What wish?" Alena earnestly asked.
"On her 28th birthday, Emma bought herself a cupcake and lit a candle. She made a wish that she didn't have to be alone on her birthday. Do you know what happened?" David told his granddaughter.
"What?" she asked, now practically bursting with excitement.
"Your older brother Henry showed up at her door, and she brought him back to Storybrooke, and she ended up staying."
Alena's blue eyes widened, and she enthusiastically added, "And then she found you and Grandma! And then she met Daddy!"
"That's exactly right," David conceded before he kissed her forehead once more. He then continued, "So, I think we should be looking for William and Nemo to come very soon."
Alena smiled brightly before she tightly hugged him. When they pulled away, she spoke, "I got to go eat my cake!"
Before David could respond, the seven-year-old was climbing down from the ship. When she turned to walk back to the table, she saw Emma and Neal walking toward her.
Emma then told the kids, "I think you two have something to say to each other."
Both of them nodded before Neal said, "I'm sorry I said you can't do magic." "I'm sorry I said you was mean," Alena told him.
She then wrapped her arms around her uncle in a hug, and he hugged her back. The two of them then ran back to the table.
David and Emma both grinned at their children before she asked her father, "So, did you figure out what really happened?"
"Yeah, I did. Alena misses William and Nemo," he explained.
Emma nodded before she observed, "That's what Killian thought, too. He told me about the conversation they had before the party."
"Well, I basically reiterated it. It's safe to say that she feels a lot better now," David assured her with a smile.
Emma smiled back before she hugged her father. When they pulled away, she told him, "Thanks, Dad."
"Of course, Emma," he told her. The two them then returned to the table and finished their cake before it was time to open presents.
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A couple of days later, it was David's turn to do patrol. He put the sheriff's car in park before getting out and making his way up the docks.
Everything was still and quiet until he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned to face the water and smiled when he saw a familiar submarine rising to the surface.
A few minutes later, William and Nemo were making their way toward David. They both smiled and each of them shook the sheriff's hand.
"David, it's great to see you. How is life in Storybrooke?" Nemo spoke.
"Pleasantly peaceful," he answered with a smile. His expression then turned slightly serious as he continued, "I actually can't explain how happy I am to see both of you."
Both men incurred a confused expression as William asked, "Why is that?"
"Well, my granddaughter has been missing both of you like crazy, especially since we celebrated her birthday a couple days ago. She was hoping you both would come," David explained.
William and Nemo's expressions changed to that of surprise as the captain observed, "We were aware that it was her birthday, but we didn't think she take it so harshly that we weren't there. She has an abundance of family."
"And we only just met her the last time we were here," William added.
"That may be, but it seems that you two made quite an impression on her, and I know she'll be so happy to see both of you," David conceded.
Both sailors smiled before William spoke, "Well, I'd say it's a good thing that we do happen to have a present for her birthday."
"I think you two being here will be enough of a present, but I know she'll be thrilled with it anyway," the sheriff told them.
"I believe she'll be quite fond it," Nemo agreed with a smile.
David returned it before he nodded. He then told them, "Let me call Emma, and we can then make our way over to her and Hook's. I think we should surprise Alena."
William and Nemo nodded their agreement before David pulled out his phone from his pocket. He dialed his daughter's number before bringing the phone to his hear.
"Hey, Dad, what's up?" Emma greeted.
Though she couldn't see him, David grinned as he told her, "Well, it seems that Alena's wish came true after all."
"What are you…" Emma trailed off as the realization hit her. "William and Nemo are here?" she asked with surprise in her voice.
"Yeah, they are. I'm gonna bring them over, and I thought we could surprise Alena," David continued.
"I think that's a great idea. She'll be so excited," Emma agreed.
"Great. I'll see you guys soon." "See you, soon, Dad." David then hung up and slipped the phone back into his pocket.
He then addressed the two men with him, "Let's go make one little girl very, very happy." William and Nemo nodded before the three of them made their way down the docks.
A few minutes later, David pulled in front of Emma and Killian's house. He told William and Nemo to stay in the car before he gets out and calls Emma.
Inside, the blonde replies, "Great. Thanks, Dad." She then hangs up her phone before turning her attention to her husband and daughter, with whom she was sitting on the couch.
Alena was giggling at Peter Pan's outwitting of Captain Hook on the Disney movie while Killian was muttering something to the effect of "bloody inaccurate story."
Emma then reached for the remote and paused the movie, sharing a knowing look with her pirate. Alena whipped her head around, and she was about to protest when her mom told her, "Hey, kid, there's something I want you to see. I want you to come to the window."
Alena tilted her head in confusion for a moment, but her curiosity was peaked. So, she jumped up and sprinted to the window. She saw her grandfather motion with his hand, and a moment later, she saw two people climbing out of the car.
When she realized who they were, she squealed before taking off toward the front door. Luckily, Killian had already opened it.
"Uncle William! Uncle Nemo!" she shouted as she ran toward them. Immediately upon arriving, her uncles wrapped her in a fierce hug, one she was all too happy to return.
When they pulled away, William began, "We're sorry we couldn't be here, but I wanted to wish you a happy birthday."
Nemo then continued, "I hope your birthday was every bit as magical as you are, Alena."
Alena smiled brightly at both of them before she hugged them once more. She then whispered, "My wish came true!"
When the three of them had pulled away, William and Nemo stood up to greet Emma and Killian as David waved his goodbyes before getting in the car and driving away.
As the five of them were talking, which was mostly Alena recounting to her uncles everything that had happened since she seen them last, William pulled his older brother to the side.
"Everything alright, mate?" Killian asked with slight worry in his tone.
"Of course, brother. I just wanted to make sure that Alena's present is alright with you," William explained.
Killian tilted his head and his expression turned to one of confusion as he stated, "I don't follow you. I'm sure whatever you got her is lovely."
The younger Jones simply nodded before he pulled said present from his pocket. He then handed it to his brother.
Killian held up the locket, careful of Alena's prying eyes, and smiled. At the end of a gold chain was the round locket, which had an anchor inscribed on the front.
"Well, William, I say this is the perfect gift for my little pirate princess. She'll absolutely adore it," Killian spoke, his eyes still on the locket. He then turned to his brother and asked, "Wherever did you get it?"
"That is quite the story," William admitted. "Whatever do you mean?" Killian curiously questioned.
"Well, when we made port in the Enchanted Forest, I had realized a few days before that it was the anniversary of my mother's death. I decided to journey to the cottage that we all lived in so that I could honor her memory. While I was there, I discovered this locket…"
William was interrupted by Killian, "Mate, I couldn't stomach the idea of taking something that belonged to your mother. It wouldn't be good form."
The younger Jones smiled slightly as he continued, "I discovered the locket, and I realized it wasn't one of my mother's. Though I don't remember Father speaking of his other family, I made the assertion that he more than likely kept some things – the locket being one of them, and I believe it was your mother's."
Killian took in his brother's words before he pointed out, "While your assertion was rather accurate, the locket could easily be your mother's. There's no way to know."
William's smile grew as he spoke, "Actually there is. My mother's name was Sarah, not Elizabeth."
The oldest Jones said nothing and simply stared at William with a look of confusion and something akin to wonder. The younger Jones then spoke, "Turn over the locket."
Killian did so, and his blue eyes widened slightly as he read the script against the gold, "Elizabeth, my love."
As he looked back up at William, he smiled and spoke, "Well, mate, it seems this gift is even more perfect that I originally thought." The younger Jones smiled in response.
The two of them then returned to Emma, Alena, and Nemo. William shared a knowing look with his captain before he bent down on his niece's level.
He then told her, "I think it's time to give you your present, Alena." The little girl's eyes widened with excitement before she furiously nodded her head.
Killian then handed the locket back to his brother and William then held it up to Alena. "It's so pretty!" she exclaimed.
"That it is," William agreed. He then took a breath and continued, "Not only is it pretty, but it's very special."
"How?" Alena asked with curiosity in her voice.
The younger Jones took a few moments to consider his words before he answered, "I'm sure that your daddy has told you about his mommy, right?"
The little girl nodded before she elaborated, "He doesn't remember her." She then added, "But Daddy is the best, so I know that Grandma was the best, too."
Everyone smiled at her words before William told her, "I know that she was, too. This locket is special because it was hers, and Grandpa gave it to her."
Alena gasped before she asked, "And I get to keep it?"
Nemo then bent down and replied, "When William first showed me this locket, I knew that it would be perfect for you. As he said, this locket is special, and you are just as special, Alena."
The little girl smiled brightly before William handed the locket to her. She stared at it for a moment before she looked up and asked her parents, "Can I wear it now?"
"Of course, kid. It is your present after all," Emma answered with a smile. Alena smiled back before she placed the locket around her neck, looking down at it.
She then looked back up and exclaimed, "Thank you for my grandma's necklace!" "You are quite welcome," Nemo responded.
"I'm so glad that you like it," William added.
She smiled once more before a thought occurred to her. She then looked up at her father and exclaimed, "Daddy! Uncle William and Uncle Nemo don't know what a good first mate I am!"
Killian then bent down on his daughter's level and explained, "Love, your uncles have had a long trip. I'm quite certain they're not going anywhere just yet, so perhaps we should wait."
"But Daddy, I want to sail on the Jolly Roger!" Alena complained.
I know you do, love, but we'll have to wait until later," Killian told her.
The stubborn little girl looked ready to argue again when Nemo suggested, "I have an idea, Alena. Why don't you show William and I all of your birthday presents."
The little girl's blue eyes lit up before she grabbed both of her uncles' hands and dragged them toward the front door.
Killian and Emma couldn't help but chuckle before they entwined their fingers and headed inside as well.
The four adults spent the next two hours listening to Alena talk all about her presents, as well as all the fun that she had at her party. William and Nemo couldn't help but see that she was quite the storyteller.
The little girl then asked again if they could all go sailing, and with his brother's and friend's assurances, Killian relented.
Once the five of them were in the open water, the blinding smile that Alena had been wearing since her uncles' arrival only grew. The little girl couldn't help but think that this birthday had been the most fun. As the years passed – with many birthdays in between – that birthday still proved to be one of the best.
As with "My Happy Ending, Part 3", I invented a few details about Hook's parents, including his mother's name (it's not as if any of us know what it is). If you guys have read my other stories, y'all know I always pick Elizabeth for her name, but it is kind of fitting.