You’d been… working with The Dark One for a while now. The occasional deal, a few scares, summons, little calls for help that always seemed to be answered. Everyone knew about it. At least, everyone who mattered. He wasn’t exactly soft with you, per se, but more so accepting. He just accepted you in a way he didn’t even think about many.

And that was enough for Captain Killian ‘Hook’ Jones to use it to his advantage.

Hook had been hunting you down, sending his men after you to try and take you hostage or use you in order to lead Rumplestiltskin out of hiding. (Not that Rumple ever actually hid from the pirate, simply that Hook could never find him.) He’d failed each time but that had never stopped him from trying.

They were enemies, arch enemies, and Hook had long decided that you were his way to finally end the century-long rivalry.

——————

Slowly, you felt yourself beginning to wake. How long had it been? How long were you out? Why did it smell like fish and salt? Where were you? You were bound at the wrists, sat in a chair and unable to move due to the restraints.

Your eyes opened, taking in the large and infamous ship and its crew, all turning to look at you. Oh hell no! How had you been caught!? You always evaded him! It was all a bit blurry.

“Captain!” Called out of the crew members, Mr Smee, with an almost panicked expression across his face.

Soon, a man with short brunette hair and a bit of scruff looked towards you. He had a hook in place of his right hand and was dripping in silver jewellery. Admittedly, he would be handsome if his face wasn’t so punchable. “Ah… morning,” He cracked a sly grin and winked towards you. Bloody great!

You really should’ve seen this coming - it wasn’t like Hook had never taken hostages before - he’d kidnap anyone who’d bring Rumple to him. “Morning…” you eventually responded, “How about we speed this up a little bit and I tell you right now that you’ve got the wrong person? Rumple doesn’t care enough about me to walk into a trap.”

However, just as you were about to respond, footsteps could be heard stepping on deck. Then followed that wicked little giggle, signature of Rumplestiltskin, and the pirate crew looked up. “Hello, dearie…” Rumplestiltskin said, looking to you with a sly smirk, “I do hope I’m not late.”

Oops?