Chapter Text
It had been a month and a half since Emma had left Storybrooke to return to her life in New York City with Henry, a month and a half of trying to get their life back to normal after the return of their memories and the defeat of the Wicked Witch of the West, a month and a half of no magic or fairytale characters–except for her parents who she called or texted regularly and two visits from the Evil Queen herself..
Regina’s third visit was scheduled for this weekend and though she usually swept Henry off to some fancy hotel for a few nights Emma wasn’t really in the mood for her sharp looks or pointed questions about life in the city. Emma wasn’t stupid and knew that the only reason Regina had agreed to let her take Henry back to New York was because she assumed they wouldn’t be staying there for long, an idea her parents had no doubt encouraged. They all seemed to think Emma was some unruly teenager and her return to New York was just a phase instead of a thought out and conscious decision made by a rational adult who didn’t want her son burned alive or captured by flying monkeys.
It was a little after five when the knock came and Emma took a fortifying breath before opening the door.
“Hook?”
“Swan!” The pirate beamed, his entire face lighting up at the sight of her, and her heart dropped down to her stomach. It had been a month and a half since she had seen him, all black leather, eyeliner, and dancing eyes; she wasn’t prepared for how good it felt. He had come after her and she knew that she should be angry, because she had explicitly told him not to follow her, but seeing him at her door all she felt was the rush of her blood and an overwhelming urge to smile. She fought the urge and forced her mouth into a thin line. His smile lost most of its brightness and his eyes flicked past her.
“Is the lad ready?” He asked in an almost formal tone.
“Henry? Why would you–?
“Regina didn’t–?“
As if on cue Emma’s phone went off and a big red apple filled the screen. With a huff, she answered.
“Regina, why the hell is Hook at my door?”
“He’s already there?”
“Yes.”
“He wasn’t kidding when he said his ship was fast. I thought it would take at least another hour.”
Emma looked at him and he quirked an eyebrow as a smile danced on his face. Yes, damn him, he was here and just as attractive as ever.
“Regina.” Emma fought to keep the anger from her voice and turned from the distracting pirate at her door.
“The Captain will be taking Henry to Storybrooke and then returning him Sunday night.”
“What?” Emma walked away from the door.
“It’s my weekend and we agreed that I could do anything with Henry on my weekend.”
“Yes, but–“
“And since I managed to get the pirate his ship back he is in my debt and more than willing to ferry him here. Since I know how much you trust Hook I didn’t see an issue. The trip will take a fraction of the time and Henry will get to be in his own bed, in the house he grew up in.”
Emma chewed her bottom lip, annoyed at being outmaneuvered. She glanced back to where Hook leaned against the doorframe with studied nonchalance but likely listening to the entire conversation.
“You should have talked to me about this.” Emma hissed.
“Like you talked to me about moving back to New York?” Emma had no reply to that and Regina knew it. “Make sure he remembers his homework this time.”
They said their terse goodbyes and then Emma took a moment to breathe before turning to Hook.
“Come in. I’ll get Henry.” She didn’t mean to snap at him, it wasn’t his fault really, but she couldn’t help it. She called for Henry as she walked to his room but before she could get to the door he was rushing out with a bag on his shoulder and his eyes bright with excitement.
“Is Killian here?”
Emma bit back a curse, doing her best to keep her pledge never to drag Henry into the little power struggles she had with Regina.
“Yeah, kid.”
Henry smiled even wider and rushed past her. She turned and watched as Hook greeted her son. They were all smiles and excitement.
“Is it true you got your ship back?:
“Aye, your mother was kind enough to assist me. Though I now believe she had ulterior motives.”
“Is that why you are still wearing that?” Henry teased.
“What is it with you and my clothing?” Killian glanced up to share the joke with Emma and for a moment she forgot to look away. His grin grew wider.
“I just think now that you live in Storybrooke you should try fitting in more.”
“Fitting in? That sounds dreadfully boring.” Killian gave him a wink.
Emma couldn’t help smiling, soft and wistful. She felt a stab of something that felt a lot like homesickness and pushed it away. She moved toward them breaking up the moment.
“Alright, you two better get going. Henry, you got everything?”
“Yep.”
She pulled him into a goodbye hug and then looked him in the eyes.
“Be careful and listen to Ho– Killian. I don’t want you drowning or something.”
“I won’t, Mom.” He rolled his eyes doing a very good impression of a teenager before going to the door to find his shoes.
Hook lingered but she refused to look at him. Why was it so hard to look at him?
“I promise no harm will come to your boy while he is in my care.”
She shifted her gaze to him, to his sincere blue eyes and his half-smile of comfort, and nodded. She hadn't been worried about that. Regina was right, she did trust Hook and knew he would protect Henry with his very life and it was her lack of worry that was disturbing.
“Thanks.”
He looked like he wanted to say more his mouth opening with unsaid words. What was there to say?
“I’m ready,” Henry called.
Hooks mouth twitched into a half-smile. “Aye, lad best be off then.” He gave Emma a slight nod and then turned and strode out the door with Henry. Emma waited until the latched clicked shut and then let out a curse.
It had been a month and a half and she had thought she was over whatever feelings she had for Hook but just seeing him, hearing his voice, smelling him, had sent her emotions skittering out of control and making it hard for her to ignore them. Despite her denials, there was still something between them.