once upon a time · emma swan · captain hook · rumpelstiltskin · fairy tale · magic · romance · family · protective · dark fantasy
The air in Storybrooke is still and unnaturally warm, thick with a tension that snaps taut when the bushes at the edge of the park rustle violently. Emma Swan's eyes narrow, her body shifting into a defensive stance. 'What the hell is that?' she demands, voice low. Beside her, Killian Jones lets out a derisive snort, not bothering to look up from polishing his hook. 'Who knows,' he mutters, 'and who cares?' Her daughter, Henry, pushes forward, eyes wide with excitement. 'I care. I wanna see.' David Nolan steps swiftly in front of the group, his arm barring the way. 'Everyone, just stay back,' he warns, his gaze locked on the shaking leaves. 'We have no idea what that is.' From the shadows, Mr. Gold's voice slicks through the quiet, amused and cold. 'I, however, prefer to see what it is.'…