What would the world be without Captain Hook?

Indie Captain Hook roleplay blog

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

URL is read as "Need a hand, Peter Pan?"

Mun plays a mash up of several versions of Captain Hook, not any specific one, but will lean more closely to one or another depending on what is needed for the scene.

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “Yeah. That… I have to confess something… I think Magic might turn into one for me. Maybe that’s what the dark one means by it always having a price… Neal always hated magic. Even just the concept of it… I don’t… I don’t want Henry hating me. I’m already surprised he doesn’t yet.” She frowns.

“Easier doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.” Belle replies. squaring her shoulders and leading Neal inside.

Doctor Whale is sitting in the quiet waiting room. Reading a magazine.

He does a double take as Belle walks in.

“Hello Miss French…” he looks behind her for Rumple.

“What did your master let you out for a walk? Why the hell would you come here?” He asks. Completely ignoring Neal. Just blatantly staring at Belle.

“Don’t suppose you missed my company?~” he winks with a smirk.

“Fat chance… my son needs medical treatment.” Belle replies sternly.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Henry won't hate you... he adores you... I don't think Baelfire ever adored his father... not in the same way Henry does for you," Killian says softly.

Baelfire immediately bursts into tears, no time to even properly process what her statement implies. "My own mom didn't wanna be my mom, why would you?" He asks through sobs

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Could you do me a favor? I want to know more about exactly what my parents did… you know Henry’s book right? Aparently there’s a man stuck in there. And I think it’s time I ask him a few questions.” She says Seriously.

“Oh! Oh…” Belle pulls him into a hug. “So do I need to make a call or?”

“I’ll get you guys a room.” Whale replies.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can't get him out but I might be able to talk Rumple into taking a look at it? Think he was curious about it for a while back in the forest..." Killian muses.

Baelfire sobs into her shoulder and hugs her tight. He's shaking and fully incoherent at this point

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Oh I fully meant talking to the book… it’s just upstairs in on the desk at the top of the stairs.” Ruth replies.

Belle holds him and starts humming a little calming tune. Soon Doctor Whale is back and leading them to a room.

“Is there anyone I should call? Gold? Ruth?” Whale asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Luv, I don't know if it will respond... the book has so far acted as a book regardless of there being a man inside," Killian says thoughtfully.

Bae calms down a bit and shakes his head, "I relapsed, dude, I don't want either of them knowing... Ruth's the sheriff, she'd have to arrest me and Henry's teacher and grandma volunteers here"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I can be pretty persuasive. After all. I own a fireplace.” She smirks. “Why don’t we see what we can smoke out of him?”

Belle shakes her head. “No. Not for now thank you.”

Whale nods and gets to work. Taking Bae’s blood pressure. Shining a light in his eyes.

“What has he taken? Do you know? Baelfire did you think far enough ahead to make a list?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well. I suppose so long as we don't really damage it too much it's worth a shot, but the information inside could still be useful..."

Baelfire pulls a crumpled uo pharmacy receipt from his pocket. "I distilled every liquid on this list, and crushed all the pills I could up to mix in... except the tums, those were for after, I get heartburn when I do these desperate home brew tricks..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Okay. Good. Because I have a very soft face. People don’t tend to believe me if I threaten them. Unless they’ve known me a while…” Ruth replies. She looks at him for a moment.

“So are you going to let me out of bed Captain? Or are you grabbing the book?” She asks.

Whale stares at him for a long moment after reading the list. “And they call me a mad scientist… okay…. Let’s get you ready for a stomach pump.” He sighs.

“Have you had this procedure before Neal?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can grab the book, you rest," he stands up.

"You're not even a scientist, you never graduated from university," Neal points out. "I've read your damn story. Yeah, a few times..." Neal admits reluctantly. "Lets get it over with..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs and waits impatiently for him to return. She debates getting out of bed. But decides against it. Even though the idea of him manhandling her back into bed is intriguing.

She’s blushing when he returns. And also wishing she hadn’t parted on such bad terms with Marie. Perhaps she had overreacted.

“Yeah well at least I graduated high school… or school at all.” Whale retorts.

Belle glares at him. Clearing her throat.

“I’ll go get the machine and the numbing spray…” he mutters leaving the room.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian sets the book down gently on her lap, "shall I go get something hot to threaten the book with?"

"Just because you did doesn't mean you should have, doc, you're lacking in key social skills that I have even while stoned off my ass," Neal sasses right back. "If you're so genius, you could have handled being held back until you learned social norms and how not to be a dick"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I mean you’re here.” Ruth mutters. “No not yet. Let’s try reason first.”

She sits up. Propping pillows behind her.

“Hello M- man in the book. Look. It’s got to be lonely in there. You would know my parents more than you know me. But I would say I’m pretty good at mercy. I know what you did to my friend. Justice has to be served. But in order for you to face Justice. You’ll need to get out of the book. So- how do we get you out?”

The book opens on its own. Showing a door. The carving on the door. Unfamiliar. But very fancy.

“Huh… do you recognize this door Killian?” Ruth asks.

Whale rolls his eyes. Before leaving the room.

Belle pats Neal’s hand.

“Pay him no mind. He clearly grew up rich. If his story is true to the version I read his parents practically had to buy him a wife. And force them to marry as a dying wish.” Belle whispers.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"No, it's not... perhaps it would be more familiar to someone who was in more castles?" Killian suggests. "Looks like it would belong in a castle..."

"Someone should kick his ass," Neal mumbles. "I should kick his ass..." he's starting to get up, convinced he has to fight Whale

[muses-under-the-bed]

“The dark one…” Ruth replies. “Or maybe Merlin?” She shrugs pulling out her phone to take a picture.

The book shuts on its own.

“Okay. Well… I’ve got to put this somewhere safe. And then I need some things from the store.” Ruth says.

Belle giggles delightedly. Before standing up to block him.

“Sit down Bae that’s not you speaking. It’s the dark magic you consumed.” She says her hand on his arm guiding him back to the hospital bed.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can run to the store for you," Killian volunteers.

"But he's a dick, Belle! He deserves to be punched in the mouth," Bae whines as he gets back on the hospital bed

[muses-under-the-bed]

“That’s sweet but I don’t think you’d know what I need… besides it’s been years since something was stolen for me and I’d like to keep it that way.” Ruth replies. “I uh- need… hmm let me try and figure out the right old timey slang for this… I’m on the rag. And there’s modern stuff to help that. So I’m going to grab some… and probably some things for Wendy as well…” Ruth replies, blushing a bit.

“Baelfire! You shouldn’t use such language in mixed company!” Belle scolds.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Oh... well I should learn about that stuff, it's only gentlemanly to have spare supplies of any kind on the ship for any passengers we may get, and since my ship is currently the one way in or out of town to the enchanted forest it should be well stocked," Killian rationalizes. "I should accompany you to the store so I can learn of these things."

"What mixed company? You're just Belle..." he mumbles as he slumps against the pillow, in much the same way a child might say such things about their mother or sister or other such close lady relatives

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “Yeah. That… I have to confess something… I think Magic might turn into one for me. Maybe that’s what the dark one means by it always having a price… Neal always hated magic. Even just the concept of it… I don’t… I don’t want Henry hating me. I’m already surprised he doesn’t yet.” She frowns.

“Easier doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.” Belle replies. squaring her shoulders and leading Neal inside.

Doctor Whale is sitting in the quiet waiting room. Reading a magazine.

He does a double take as Belle walks in.

“Hello Miss French…” he looks behind her for Rumple.

“What did your master let you out for a walk? Why the hell would you come here?” He asks. Completely ignoring Neal. Just blatantly staring at Belle.

“Don’t suppose you missed my company?~” he winks with a smirk.

“Fat chance… my son needs medical treatment.” Belle replies sternly.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Henry won't hate you... he adores you... I don't think Baelfire ever adored his father... not in the same way Henry does for you," Killian says softly.

Baelfire immediately bursts into tears, no time to even properly process what her statement implies. "My own mom didn't wanna be my mom, why would you?" He asks through sobs

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Could you do me a favor? I want to know more about exactly what my parents did… you know Henry’s book right? Aparently there’s a man stuck in there. And I think it’s time I ask him a few questions.” She says Seriously.

“Oh! Oh…” Belle pulls him into a hug. “So do I need to make a call or?”

“I’ll get you guys a room.” Whale replies.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can't get him out but I might be able to talk Rumple into taking a look at it? Think he was curious about it for a while back in the forest..." Killian muses.

Baelfire sobs into her shoulder and hugs her tight. He's shaking and fully incoherent at this point

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Oh I fully meant talking to the book… it’s just upstairs in on the desk at the top of the stairs.” Ruth replies.

Belle holds him and starts humming a little calming tune. Soon Doctor Whale is back and leading them to a room.

“Is there anyone I should call? Gold? Ruth?” Whale asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Luv, I don't know if it will respond... the book has so far acted as a book regardless of there being a man inside," Killian says thoughtfully.

Bae calms down a bit and shakes his head, "I relapsed, dude, I don't want either of them knowing... Ruth's the sheriff, she'd have to arrest me and Henry's teacher and grandma volunteers here"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I can be pretty persuasive. After all. I own a fireplace.” She smirks. “Why don’t we see what we can smoke out of him?”

Belle shakes her head. “No. Not for now thank you.”

Whale nods and gets to work. Taking Bae’s blood pressure. Shining a light in his eyes.

“What has he taken? Do you know? Baelfire did you think far enough ahead to make a list?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well. I suppose so long as we don't really damage it too much it's worth a shot, but the information inside could still be useful..."

Baelfire pulls a crumpled uo pharmacy receipt from his pocket. "I distilled every liquid on this list, and crushed all the pills I could up to mix in... except the tums, those were for after, I get heartburn when I do these desperate home brew tricks..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Okay. Good. Because I have a very soft face. People don’t tend to believe me if I threaten them. Unless they’ve known me a while…” Ruth replies. She looks at him for a moment.

“So are you going to let me out of bed Captain? Or are you grabbing the book?” She asks.

Whale stares at him for a long moment after reading the list. “And they call me a mad scientist… okay…. Let’s get you ready for a stomach pump.” He sighs.

“Have you had this procedure before Neal?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can grab the book, you rest," he stands up.

"You're not even a scientist, you never graduated from university," Neal points out. "I've read your damn story. Yeah, a few times..." Neal admits reluctantly. "Lets get it over with..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs and waits impatiently for him to return. She debates getting out of bed. But decides against it. Even though the idea of him manhandling her back into bed is intriguing.

She’s blushing when he returns. And also wishing she hadn’t parted on such bad terms with Marie. Perhaps she had overreacted.

“Yeah well at least I graduated high school… or school at all.” Whale retorts.

Belle glares at him. Clearing her throat.

“I’ll go get the machine and the numbing spray…” he mutters leaving the room.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian sets the book down gently on her lap, "shall I go get something hot to threaten the book with?"

"Just because you did doesn't mean you should have, doc, you're lacking in key social skills that I have even while stoned off my ass," Neal sasses right back. "If you're so genius, you could have handled being held back until you learned social norms and how not to be a dick"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I mean you’re here.” Ruth mutters. “No not yet. Let’s try reason first.”

She sits up. Propping pillows behind her.

“Hello M- man in the book. Look. It’s got to be lonely in there. You would know my parents more than you know me. But I would say I’m pretty good at mercy. I know what you did to my friend. Justice has to be served. But in order for you to face Justice. You’ll need to get out of the book. So- how do we get you out?”

The book opens on its own. Showing a door. The carving on the door. Unfamiliar. But very fancy.

“Huh… do you recognize this door Killian?” Ruth asks.

Whale rolls his eyes. Before leaving the room.

Belle pats Neal’s hand.

“Pay him no mind. He clearly grew up rich. If his story is true to the version I read his parents practically had to buy him a wife. And force them to marry as a dying wish.” Belle whispers.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"No, it's not... perhaps it would be more familiar to someone who was in more castles?" Killian suggests. "Looks like it would belong in a castle..."

"Someone should kick his ass," Neal mumbles. "I should kick his ass..." he's starting to get up, convinced he has to fight Whale

[muses-under-the-bed]

“The dark one…” Ruth replies. “Or maybe Merlin?” She shrugs pulling out her phone to take a picture.

The book shuts on its own.

“Okay. Well… I’ve got to put this somewhere safe. And then I need some things from the store.” Ruth says.

Belle giggles delightedly. Before standing up to block him.

“Sit down Bae that’s not you speaking. It’s the dark magic you consumed.” She says her hand on his arm guiding him back to the hospital bed.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can run to the store for you," Killian volunteers.

"But he's a dick, Belle! He deserves to be punched in the mouth," Bae whines as he gets back on the hospital bed

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “Yeah. That… I have to confess something… I think Magic might turn into one for me. Maybe that’s what the dark one means by it always having a price… Neal always hated magic. Even just the concept of it… I don’t… I don’t want Henry hating me. I’m already surprised he doesn’t yet.” She frowns.

“Easier doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.” Belle replies. squaring her shoulders and leading Neal inside.

Doctor Whale is sitting in the quiet waiting room. Reading a magazine.

He does a double take as Belle walks in.

“Hello Miss French…” he looks behind her for Rumple.

“What did your master let you out for a walk? Why the hell would you come here?” He asks. Completely ignoring Neal. Just blatantly staring at Belle.

“Don’t suppose you missed my company?~” he winks with a smirk.

“Fat chance… my son needs medical treatment.” Belle replies sternly.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Henry won't hate you... he adores you... I don't think Baelfire ever adored his father... not in the same way Henry does for you," Killian says softly.

Baelfire immediately bursts into tears, no time to even properly process what her statement implies. "My own mom didn't wanna be my mom, why would you?" He asks through sobs

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Could you do me a favor? I want to know more about exactly what my parents did… you know Henry’s book right? Aparently there’s a man stuck in there. And I think it’s time I ask him a few questions.” She says Seriously.

“Oh! Oh…” Belle pulls him into a hug. “So do I need to make a call or?”

“I’ll get you guys a room.” Whale replies.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can't get him out but I might be able to talk Rumple into taking a look at it? Think he was curious about it for a while back in the forest..." Killian muses.

Baelfire sobs into her shoulder and hugs her tight. He's shaking and fully incoherent at this point

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Oh I fully meant talking to the book… it’s just upstairs in on the desk at the top of the stairs.” Ruth replies.

Belle holds him and starts humming a little calming tune. Soon Doctor Whale is back and leading them to a room.

“Is there anyone I should call? Gold? Ruth?” Whale asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Luv, I don't know if it will respond... the book has so far acted as a book regardless of there being a man inside," Killian says thoughtfully.

Bae calms down a bit and shakes his head, "I relapsed, dude, I don't want either of them knowing... Ruth's the sheriff, she'd have to arrest me and Henry's teacher and grandma volunteers here"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I can be pretty persuasive. After all. I own a fireplace.” She smirks. “Why don’t we see what we can smoke out of him?”

Belle shakes her head. “No. Not for now thank you.”

Whale nods and gets to work. Taking Bae’s blood pressure. Shining a light in his eyes.

“What has he taken? Do you know? Baelfire did you think far enough ahead to make a list?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well. I suppose so long as we don't really damage it too much it's worth a shot, but the information inside could still be useful..."

Baelfire pulls a crumpled uo pharmacy receipt from his pocket. "I distilled every liquid on this list, and crushed all the pills I could up to mix in... except the tums, those were for after, I get heartburn when I do these desperate home brew tricks..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Okay. Good. Because I have a very soft face. People don’t tend to believe me if I threaten them. Unless they’ve known me a while…” Ruth replies. She looks at him for a moment.

“So are you going to let me out of bed Captain? Or are you grabbing the book?” She asks.

Whale stares at him for a long moment after reading the list. “And they call me a mad scientist… okay…. Let’s get you ready for a stomach pump.” He sighs.

“Have you had this procedure before Neal?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can grab the book, you rest," he stands up.

"You're not even a scientist, you never graduated from university," Neal points out. "I've read your damn story. Yeah, a few times..." Neal admits reluctantly. "Lets get it over with..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs and waits impatiently for him to return. She debates getting out of bed. But decides against it. Even though the idea of him manhandling her back into bed is intriguing.

She’s blushing when he returns. And also wishing she hadn’t parted on such bad terms with Marie. Perhaps she had overreacted.

“Yeah well at least I graduated high school… or school at all.” Whale retorts.

Belle glares at him. Clearing her throat.

“I’ll go get the machine and the numbing spray…” he mutters leaving the room.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian sets the book down gently on her lap, "shall I go get something hot to threaten the book with?"

"Just because you did doesn't mean you should have, doc, you're lacking in key social skills that I have even while stoned off my ass," Neal sasses right back. "If you're so genius, you could have handled being held back until you learned social norms and how not to be a dick"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I mean you’re here.” Ruth mutters. “No not yet. Let’s try reason first.”

She sits up. Propping pillows behind her.

“Hello M- man in the book. Look. It’s got to be lonely in there. You would know my parents more than you know me. But I would say I’m pretty good at mercy. I know what you did to my friend. Justice has to be served. But in order for you to face Justice. You’ll need to get out of the book. So- how do we get you out?”

The book opens on its own. Showing a door. The carving on the door. Unfamiliar. But very fancy.

“Huh… do you recognize this door Killian?” Ruth asks.

Whale rolls his eyes. Before leaving the room.

Belle pats Neal’s hand.

“Pay him no mind. He clearly grew up rich. If his story is true to the version I read his parents practically had to buy him a wife. And force them to marry as a dying wish.” Belle whispers.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"No, it's not... perhaps it would be more familiar to someone who was in more castles?" Killian suggests. "Looks like it would belong in a castle..."

"Someone should kick his ass," Neal mumbles. "I should kick his ass..." he's starting to get up, convinced he has to fight Whale

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “Yeah. That… I have to confess something… I think Magic might turn into one for me. Maybe that’s what the dark one means by it always having a price… Neal always hated magic. Even just the concept of it… I don’t… I don’t want Henry hating me. I’m already surprised he doesn’t yet.” She frowns.

“Easier doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.” Belle replies. squaring her shoulders and leading Neal inside.

Doctor Whale is sitting in the quiet waiting room. Reading a magazine.

He does a double take as Belle walks in.

“Hello Miss French…” he looks behind her for Rumple.

“What did your master let you out for a walk? Why the hell would you come here?” He asks. Completely ignoring Neal. Just blatantly staring at Belle.

“Don’t suppose you missed my company?~” he winks with a smirk.

“Fat chance… my son needs medical treatment.” Belle replies sternly.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Henry won't hate you... he adores you... I don't think Baelfire ever adored his father... not in the same way Henry does for you," Killian says softly.

Baelfire immediately bursts into tears, no time to even properly process what her statement implies. "My own mom didn't wanna be my mom, why would you?" He asks through sobs

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Could you do me a favor? I want to know more about exactly what my parents did… you know Henry’s book right? Aparently there’s a man stuck in there. And I think it’s time I ask him a few questions.” She says Seriously.

“Oh! Oh…” Belle pulls him into a hug. “So do I need to make a call or?”

“I’ll get you guys a room.” Whale replies.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can't get him out but I might be able to talk Rumple into taking a look at it? Think he was curious about it for a while back in the forest..." Killian muses.

Baelfire sobs into her shoulder and hugs her tight. He's shaking and fully incoherent at this point

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Oh I fully meant talking to the book… it’s just upstairs in on the desk at the top of the stairs.” Ruth replies.

Belle holds him and starts humming a little calming tune. Soon Doctor Whale is back and leading them to a room.

“Is there anyone I should call? Gold? Ruth?” Whale asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Luv, I don't know if it will respond... the book has so far acted as a book regardless of there being a man inside," Killian says thoughtfully.

Bae calms down a bit and shakes his head, "I relapsed, dude, I don't want either of them knowing... Ruth's the sheriff, she'd have to arrest me and Henry's teacher and grandma volunteers here"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I can be pretty persuasive. After all. I own a fireplace.” She smirks. “Why don’t we see what we can smoke out of him?”

Belle shakes her head. “No. Not for now thank you.”

Whale nods and gets to work. Taking Bae’s blood pressure. Shining a light in his eyes.

“What has he taken? Do you know? Baelfire did you think far enough ahead to make a list?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well. I suppose so long as we don't really damage it too much it's worth a shot, but the information inside could still be useful..."

Baelfire pulls a crumpled uo pharmacy receipt from his pocket. "I distilled every liquid on this list, and crushed all the pills I could up to mix in... except the tums, those were for after, I get heartburn when I do these desperate home brew tricks..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Okay. Good. Because I have a very soft face. People don’t tend to believe me if I threaten them. Unless they’ve known me a while…” Ruth replies. She looks at him for a moment.

“So are you going to let me out of bed Captain? Or are you grabbing the book?” She asks.

Whale stares at him for a long moment after reading the list. “And they call me a mad scientist… okay…. Let’s get you ready for a stomach pump.” He sighs.

“Have you had this procedure before Neal?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can grab the book, you rest," he stands up.

"You're not even a scientist, you never graduated from university," Neal points out. "I've read your damn story. Yeah, a few times..." Neal admits reluctantly. "Lets get it over with..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs and waits impatiently for him to return. She debates getting out of bed. But decides against it. Even though the idea of him manhandling her back into bed is intriguing.

She’s blushing when he returns. And also wishing she hadn’t parted on such bad terms with Marie. Perhaps she had overreacted.

“Yeah well at least I graduated high school… or school at all.” Whale retorts.

Belle glares at him. Clearing her throat.

“I’ll go get the machine and the numbing spray…” he mutters leaving the room.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian sets the book down gently on her lap, "shall I go get something hot to threaten the book with?"

"Just because you did doesn't mean you should have, doc, you're lacking in key social skills that I have even while stoned off my ass," Neal sasses right back. "If you're so genius, you could have handled being held back until you learned social norms and how not to be a dick"

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “Yeah. That… I have to confess something… I think Magic might turn into one for me. Maybe that’s what the dark one means by it always having a price… Neal always hated magic. Even just the concept of it… I don’t… I don’t want Henry hating me. I’m already surprised he doesn’t yet.” She frowns.

“Easier doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.” Belle replies. squaring her shoulders and leading Neal inside.

Doctor Whale is sitting in the quiet waiting room. Reading a magazine.

He does a double take as Belle walks in.

“Hello Miss French…” he looks behind her for Rumple.

“What did your master let you out for a walk? Why the hell would you come here?” He asks. Completely ignoring Neal. Just blatantly staring at Belle.

“Don’t suppose you missed my company?~” he winks with a smirk.

“Fat chance… my son needs medical treatment.” Belle replies sternly.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Henry won't hate you... he adores you... I don't think Baelfire ever adored his father... not in the same way Henry does for you," Killian says softly.

Baelfire immediately bursts into tears, no time to even properly process what her statement implies. "My own mom didn't wanna be my mom, why would you?" He asks through sobs

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Could you do me a favor? I want to know more about exactly what my parents did… you know Henry’s book right? Aparently there’s a man stuck in there. And I think it’s time I ask him a few questions.” She says Seriously.

“Oh! Oh…” Belle pulls him into a hug. “So do I need to make a call or?”

“I’ll get you guys a room.” Whale replies.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can't get him out but I might be able to talk Rumple into taking a look at it? Think he was curious about it for a while back in the forest..." Killian muses.

Baelfire sobs into her shoulder and hugs her tight. He's shaking and fully incoherent at this point

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Oh I fully meant talking to the book… it’s just upstairs in on the desk at the top of the stairs.” Ruth replies.

Belle holds him and starts humming a little calming tune. Soon Doctor Whale is back and leading them to a room.

“Is there anyone I should call? Gold? Ruth?” Whale asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Luv, I don't know if it will respond... the book has so far acted as a book regardless of there being a man inside," Killian says thoughtfully.

Bae calms down a bit and shakes his head, "I relapsed, dude, I don't want either of them knowing... Ruth's the sheriff, she'd have to arrest me and Henry's teacher and grandma volunteers here"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I can be pretty persuasive. After all. I own a fireplace.” She smirks. “Why don’t we see what we can smoke out of him?”

Belle shakes her head. “No. Not for now thank you.”

Whale nods and gets to work. Taking Bae’s blood pressure. Shining a light in his eyes.

“What has he taken? Do you know? Baelfire did you think far enough ahead to make a list?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well. I suppose so long as we don't really damage it too much it's worth a shot, but the information inside could still be useful..."

Baelfire pulls a crumpled uo pharmacy receipt from his pocket. "I distilled every liquid on this list, and crushed all the pills I could up to mix in... except the tums, those were for after, I get heartburn when I do these desperate home brew tricks..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Okay. Good. Because I have a very soft face. People don’t tend to believe me if I threaten them. Unless they’ve known me a while…” Ruth replies. She looks at him for a moment.

“So are you going to let me out of bed Captain? Or are you grabbing the book?” She asks.

Whale stares at him for a long moment after reading the list. “And they call me a mad scientist… okay…. Let’s get you ready for a stomach pump.” He sighs.

“Have you had this procedure before Neal?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can grab the book, you rest," he stands up.

"You're not even a scientist, you never graduated from university," Neal points out. "I've read your damn story. Yeah, a few times..." Neal admits reluctantly. "Lets get it over with..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “Yeah. That… I have to confess something… I think Magic might turn into one for me. Maybe that’s what the dark one means by it always having a price… Neal always hated magic. Even just the concept of it… I don’t… I don’t want Henry hating me. I’m already surprised he doesn’t yet.” She frowns.

“Easier doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.” Belle replies. squaring her shoulders and leading Neal inside.

Doctor Whale is sitting in the quiet waiting room. Reading a magazine.

He does a double take as Belle walks in.

“Hello Miss French…” he looks behind her for Rumple.

“What did your master let you out for a walk? Why the hell would you come here?” He asks. Completely ignoring Neal. Just blatantly staring at Belle.

“Don’t suppose you missed my company?~” he winks with a smirk.

“Fat chance… my son needs medical treatment.” Belle replies sternly.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Henry won't hate you... he adores you... I don't think Baelfire ever adored his father... not in the same way Henry does for you," Killian says softly.

Baelfire immediately bursts into tears, no time to even properly process what her statement implies. "My own mom didn't wanna be my mom, why would you?" He asks through sobs

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Could you do me a favor? I want to know more about exactly what my parents did… you know Henry’s book right? Aparently there’s a man stuck in there. And I think it’s time I ask him a few questions.” She says Seriously.

“Oh! Oh…” Belle pulls him into a hug. “So do I need to make a call or?”

“I’ll get you guys a room.” Whale replies.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can't get him out but I might be able to talk Rumple into taking a look at it? Think he was curious about it for a while back in the forest..." Killian muses.

Baelfire sobs into her shoulder and hugs her tight. He's shaking and fully incoherent at this point

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Oh I fully meant talking to the book… it’s just upstairs in on the desk at the top of the stairs.” Ruth replies.

Belle holds him and starts humming a little calming tune. Soon Doctor Whale is back and leading them to a room.

“Is there anyone I should call? Gold? Ruth?” Whale asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Luv, I don't know if it will respond... the book has so far acted as a book regardless of there being a man inside," Killian says thoughtfully.

Bae calms down a bit and shakes his head, "I relapsed, dude, I don't want either of them knowing... Ruth's the sheriff, she'd have to arrest me and Henry's teacher and grandma volunteers here"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I can be pretty persuasive. After all. I own a fireplace.” She smirks. “Why don’t we see what we can smoke out of him?”

Belle shakes her head. “No. Not for now thank you.”

Whale nods and gets to work. Taking Bae’s blood pressure. Shining a light in his eyes.

“What has he taken? Do you know? Baelfire did you think far enough ahead to make a list?” He asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well. I suppose so long as we don't really damage it too much it's worth a shot, but the information inside could still be useful..."

Baelfire pulls a crumpled uo pharmacy receipt from his pocket. "I distilled every liquid on this list, and crushed all the pills I could up to mix in... except the tums, those were for after, I get heartburn when I do these desperate home brew tricks..."

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “Yeah. That… I have to confess something… I think Magic might turn into one for me. Maybe that’s what the dark one means by it always having a price… Neal always hated magic. Even just the concept of it… I don’t… I don’t want Henry hating me. I’m already surprised he doesn’t yet.” She frowns.

“Easier doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.” Belle replies. squaring her shoulders and leading Neal inside.

Doctor Whale is sitting in the quiet waiting room. Reading a magazine.

He does a double take as Belle walks in.

“Hello Miss French…” he looks behind her for Rumple.

“What did your master let you out for a walk? Why the hell would you come here?” He asks. Completely ignoring Neal. Just blatantly staring at Belle.

“Don’t suppose you missed my company?~” he winks with a smirk.

“Fat chance… my son needs medical treatment.” Belle replies sternly.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Henry won't hate you... he adores you... I don't think Baelfire ever adored his father... not in the same way Henry does for you," Killian says softly.

Baelfire immediately bursts into tears, no time to even properly process what her statement implies. "My own mom didn't wanna be my mom, why would you?" He asks through sobs

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Could you do me a favor? I want to know more about exactly what my parents did… you know Henry’s book right? Aparently there’s a man stuck in there. And I think it’s time I ask him a few questions.” She says Seriously.

“Oh! Oh…” Belle pulls him into a hug. “So do I need to make a call or?”

“I’ll get you guys a room.” Whale replies.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can't get him out but I might be able to talk Rumple into taking a look at it? Think he was curious about it for a while back in the forest..." Killian muses.

Baelfire sobs into her shoulder and hugs her tight. He's shaking and fully incoherent at this point

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Oh I fully meant talking to the book… it’s just upstairs in on the desk at the top of the stairs.” Ruth replies.

Belle holds him and starts humming a little calming tune. Soon Doctor Whale is back and leading them to a room.

“Is there anyone I should call? Gold? Ruth?” Whale asks.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Luv, I don't know if it will respond... the book has so far acted as a book regardless of there being a man inside," Killian says thoughtfully.

Bae calms down a bit and shakes his head, "I relapsed, dude, I don't want either of them knowing... Ruth's the sheriff, she'd have to arrest me and Henry's teacher and grandma volunteers here"

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “Yeah. That… I have to confess something… I think Magic might turn into one for me. Maybe that’s what the dark one means by it always having a price… Neal always hated magic. Even just the concept of it… I don’t… I don’t want Henry hating me. I’m already surprised he doesn’t yet.” She frowns.

“Easier doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.” Belle replies. squaring her shoulders and leading Neal inside.

Doctor Whale is sitting in the quiet waiting room. Reading a magazine.

He does a double take as Belle walks in.

“Hello Miss French…” he looks behind her for Rumple.

“What did your master let you out for a walk? Why the hell would you come here?” He asks. Completely ignoring Neal. Just blatantly staring at Belle.

“Don’t suppose you missed my company?~” he winks with a smirk.

“Fat chance… my son needs medical treatment.” Belle replies sternly.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Henry won't hate you... he adores you... I don't think Baelfire ever adored his father... not in the same way Henry does for you," Killian says softly.

Baelfire immediately bursts into tears, no time to even properly process what her statement implies. "My own mom didn't wanna be my mom, why would you?" He asks through sobs

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Could you do me a favor? I want to know more about exactly what my parents did… you know Henry’s book right? Aparently there’s a man stuck in there. And I think it’s time I ask him a few questions.” She says Seriously.

“Oh! Oh…” Belle pulls him into a hug. “So do I need to make a call or?”

“I’ll get you guys a room.” Whale replies.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I can't get him out but I might be able to talk Rumple into taking a look at it? Think he was curious about it for a while back in the forest..." Killian muses.

Baelfire sobs into her shoulder and hugs her tight. He's shaking and fully incoherent at this point

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “Yeah. That… I have to confess something… I think Magic might turn into one for me. Maybe that’s what the dark one means by it always having a price… Neal always hated magic. Even just the concept of it… I don’t… I don’t want Henry hating me. I’m already surprised he doesn’t yet.” She frowns.

“Easier doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing to do.” Belle replies. squaring her shoulders and leading Neal inside.

Doctor Whale is sitting in the quiet waiting room. Reading a magazine.

He does a double take as Belle walks in.

“Hello Miss French…” he looks behind her for Rumple.

“What did your master let you out for a walk? Why the hell would you come here?” He asks. Completely ignoring Neal. Just blatantly staring at Belle.

“Don’t suppose you missed my company?~” he winks with a smirk.

“Fat chance… my son needs medical treatment.” Belle replies sternly.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Henry won't hate you... he adores you... I don't think Baelfire ever adored his father... not in the same way Henry does for you," Killian says softly.

Baelfire immediately bursts into tears, no time to even properly process what her statement implies. "My own mom didn't wanna be my mom, why would you?" He asks through sobs

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth shakes her head. “This is my purpose in life Hook. The reason I was born. It’s so much more than just breaking this curse…”

“I have to talk to my parents. I need to know why they did what they did. I’m not qualified to lead. But- I need to know they are.” She sighs resting her forehead on his shoulder for a minute.

“I wish I could trust you. But I can’t even trust that damned book Henry found all of this out in because there’s a man in there apparently.”

“Tell me one grown person who does deserve love.” Belle replies, she reaches forward to swipe a tear away from his face.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian hugs her gently. "Destiny isn't literal, luv, it's open to some interpretation... kings being killed in simple sports accidents by a prophesied hero, villains being slain by their own children in mundane ways... you might be the hero who gets all the credit but you don't have to be the one doing all the work," Killian explains softly. "You can accept help, it won't change the outcome."

"Heroes and princesses... book worms with horrible self-preservation skills," Bae sighs

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “If I don’t nudge things along everyone in town will be trying to kill each other. Maybe Henry’s right. Maybe I should talk to the cricket.”

“I never wanted love. Actually I only wanted adventure. I just found it along the way.” Belle replies. “Your father is a good man. He’s just also a stupid one. He makes bad choices… speaking of. Get your wallet. We’re headed to the hospital.” Belle says.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"He's helped me quite a bit... gave him the last booze I had, heard he's been drinking them during Merlin's appointments," Killian presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I'm going to help, you're not withering away on my watch. Now, you need rest," he picks her up.

"No, we aren't, I don't have insurance," Bae mumbles, shaking his head

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth tenses as he kisses her. “What you’re seriously going to a shrink?” She asks sitting up again. Eyes scanning his face.

“You know I can handle myself I-“ she gasps as he picks her up. “Killian! Put me down!”

“Your father owns the town. That’s your insurance.” Belle replies. “Now do I need to get Ruby to drag you out? Because I’m sure she’d do it.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I know you can, that doesn't mean you have to 24/7 until the day you die, luv. Would you rather lay down on a bed or the couch? The counter can't be comfortable for much longer."

"Ruby would get me as far as the street and kick me to the ground, at which point I have every right to get in the back of my car and nap this off," Bae shakes his head. "Nobody in town is actually going to help me, Belle, there's no reason for them to... I'm just a piece of shit"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I’m fine Killian!” Ruth replies. “You’d be amazed what you can get used to. Really it’s fine you should go.”

Belle sighs. And leaves the room for a minute.

Ruby comes back. “Come on. You walking or am I carrying you?” She asks. Wrinkling her nose at the smell of the room. “Seriously? Granny’s going to kick your ass out. He has somewhere to go right?”

“He’s coming home with me.” Belle replies.

“Good. He needs support. And you’re probably the most supportive person in town.” Ruby replies. Looking back at Neal.

“Well? Move or I move you.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"That's like saying I still have a hand just because the hook works well enough," Killian deadpans. "You're not fine. And you don't have to be... please, don't push me away like you did Marie, you're the only person in town who doesn't treat me like a monster or incapable because of my past and my hook... I want to help... let me help."

"I'm going," Bae grumbles, getting up. "I know how to get the smell out, don't charge dad for a cleaner, he so doesn't need to know I relapsed..." Bae sighs, grabbing his things and heading towards the stairs, his footing isn't steady but he doesn't accept any help

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Killian.” She says softly. “You’re certainly not incapable. I’m so sorry that the town is full of ableist assholes. Fine. Just don’t… don’t baby me. It makes me feel useless or like an accessory. I may technically have been born a princess but I’m not one. Not really. I’m… a bounty hunter. A Sherrif. And an American. We don’t have royalty here. We revolted. Broke off from England. So I don’t like being treated like a priss okay?” She huffs.

“So treat me like a friend. Not a princess.”

Belle leads the way down the stairs purposefully going slowly. Not turning back to look at him. But knowing if he falls forward she can catch him. She leads the way to the car.

“Thank you. For accepting help albeit begrudgingly. It gives me hope. You aren’t acting like your father.” Belle says before starting the car up and starting to drive.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I'm still going to spoil you as rotten as possible, luv, you deserve it with all you have to put up with," Killian smiles small. "Now, bed or couch? Your pick."

Had she not mentioned his dad, he would have gone to his own car. Would have even locked himself in. But she just had to bring up Rumple.

"The doc is just gonna call Ruth to have me arrested... nothing they can really do to treat me while the drugs are in my system," he mumbles. "Not that they would if they could... drug addicts like me are the lowest of the low"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth is quite a long moment before sighing. “I’m not getting you to stop being a mother hen am I?” She asks.

“Bed. Here on the ground floor. I’m not having you hurt yourself by carrying me.”

“They can pump your stomach.” Belle replies. “Give you an IV of fluids to flush you out. There’s lots of options… I learned a lot of medical things from listening when I was locked in the hospital basement.” She says casually.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well you did say to treat you like a friend, I would take care of any of my crew just the same if they had a condition as painful as yours," he says as he carries her to the guest room.

"Doesn't mean they will... why were you in the hospital basement?" He asks softly, leaning more against the door than before

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs and flips on the light as he Carries her into the room.

“You’re a pain in the ass Captain.” She informs him.

“They will. I can be pretty persuasive.” Belle replies. “Oh- Regina had me locked up. I uh- before the curse hit. Your father and I had a falling out. And I was on my way back when the curse came. I had realized I… I loved him too much to let him push me away.” She admits.

“Sorry if that’s weird to tell you. I mean you are his child. Anyways. Regina had apparently told him that I had- well died. And it was his fault. And so she couldn’t risk having him see me. So I was locked up for 28 years. While we waited for Ruth to show up.” She shrugs.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Perhaps, but I'm a gentlemanly pain in the ass," he chuckles as he lays her down and tucks her in, firmly so the blankets apply a gentle pressure. "That may help with aches or pains, it certainly helped me as a child..."

"That's horrible... especially because you fell for a piece of shit... were the princes who tried to win your over really that horrible?"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth goes quiet a moment. “What was your childhood like?” She asks.

“Oh yes. For certain.” Belle snarls. “I was engaged. And my fiancé… was a pig. To put things kindly. He thought women were only good for looking pretty. Thought it was foolish for me to read. Almost elbowed me in the face several times. And then to top it all off we went on a quest together and I found a magic mirror that showed what was in a person’s heart. And I saw… he was pure evil. He tried to kill a child. In front of me.” She shudders.

“So I jumped at the chance to leave. And as an added blessing. I got to end the ogre wars and save my people…Though your father did all the work there.” She admits.

“And he’s always respected me. Even when he kept me in the dungeon. I think he was really lonely.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

His face falls. "My father sold my brother and I into slavery on a merchant ship..."

"The ogre wars... that's how he ended up with the cane... the whole reason he took the dagger, so I wouldn't be forced to fight as a child soldier... if he actually cared he would have ended them sooner," Bae mumbles. "I doubt he's capable of respect... for anyone. You deserve better than someone who locked you in a dungeon, Belle"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth screams internally. “Well… f*** him then. Parents who needs em?”

She moves to take his hand.

“At least when you have kids one day the bar is in hell. So it’ll be easy for you to be a good father.” She jokes.

“Sorry. I’m bad at comfort. But seriously. He’s a douche and no kid deserves that.”

“I know. He told me.” Belle replies softly. “He is. And love. I’ve seen it. And nobody gets to pick who they fall in love with Bae. Nobody gets to decide that they aren’t worthy of love either.” She says as they pull up to the hospital.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian gives her a small, sad smile. "You actually think I'll have kids someday?"

"You're doing the best you can and it's much appreciated."

"The universe sure can scream it at them, though," he mumbles, staring at the hospital through the window. "They're just gonna have me arrested, they won't help... may as well just take me to the sheriff's office now"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“You probably have a few already.” Ruth teases sitting up a bit and patting the bed next to her for him to sit.

“Well. When one is as screwed up as we are. All we’ve got is our dark humour and our rage issues right?” She sighs.

“I’m going to get you help Bae.” Belle replies. “If I can help your father I can damn well help you.” She says as she parks. Getting out of the car.

“Please don’t make me go in here alone.” Her voice betrays her fear, as she comes around and opens his door.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian sits next to her and nods. "And our vices..."

He sighs and gets out of the car, feeling bad for letting her bring him here now hearing the fear in her voice. "Police station would have been easier on you, I think"

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

Samus leaned back in her pilot seat as her ship came out of warp. It’s rare for starfleet to hire a bounty hunter to help a captain with an investigation, but here she is ready to rendezvous with the Gala…when it shows up. “Thought all Starfleet captains were punctual.” She muttered.

@legendary-bounty-hunter 

The Gala comes out of warp just then and hails Samus. The ship is clearly damaged, and didn't show up in scans a moment ago, like it just appeared out of nothing

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus is grateful that her helmet hides most of her face, and her blush as she takes Darcy’s arm and follows her to her office.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

Darcy's office is filled with various tanks of bugs, diagrams of bugs, and every single physical book is about bugs. The only exception to the bug themeing is a picture of her with 7 younger human boys on a farm, all smiling and covered in mud, with the boys all looking the exact same age

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus smiles as she looks at the picture. “Your family I take it?”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Yeah... go figure, mom struggled with fertility for 7 years, moment she and dad settled on adoption she got pregnant with septuplets," Darcy chuckles. "We might not be from the same species, but I love my baby brothers... glad mom settled on home schooling by the time they were born, I got bullied pretty bad for being adopted and Vulcan, I'd have hated for them to get bullied just because I'm their sister," she picks up the frame, smiling at the picture, her southern twang slipping through. A Vulcan with an accent is an odd thing to hear. "They liked to color coordinate themselves, made tellin' 'em apart when they were littler and almost identical a lot easier. We got Macintosh, Everard, Franklin, Crispin, Milo, Braeburn, and Fuji... noticing a theme, yet?" She pulls up a digital copy of the photo and zooms in on the background, showing it to Samus, the trees are all apple trees for acres and acres

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“They’re named after apple types.” Samus noticed. “That’s a good theme. Mama and papa wanted more kids after me I think, but they never got the chance.”

“Anyway, our mission.” She started getting serious. Her suit projected a hologram of a man in his 50’s wearing a white coat. “Doctor Merlot, a genius in robotics and biology is wanted by the Federation for illegal experiments on sentient beings. Normally I can apprehend him myself, but reports state that he’s built an army of androids and bio-weapons, the Federation council felt that I could use some help on this one.” She explained.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Yeah... so am I, actually, I don't remember my Vulcan name because I was so young when I was adopted," Darcy shrugs, setting everything down again.

"Oh, our tech expert is going to love this, he's been begging me to let him hack into the borg for a year straight, I just can't risk that kind of virus in our systems... poor guy gets bored easily if we don't let him hack things every so often, he likes taking down firewalls," Darcy chuckles. "Hope you don't mind working with a ship full of weirdos"

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“You should see the Bounty Hunter’s Guild HQ.” Samus chuckled. “That place is the textbook definition of weirdos. Then again, I suppose you have to be wired differently to want to become a bounty hunter in the first place.”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"It is an unusual choice of career, but I hear it's quite a lucrative one not too dissimilar to certain jobs among Starfleet," Darcy smiles. "Not everyone gets the job they actually want... gotta go along with what you can get sometimes..." she says, glancing at another picture on her desk of her and her graduating class boarding the Gala. She doesn't look any different in the photo from her current look

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“I…actually was discharged from Starfleet.” Samus admitted sheepishly. “The space pirates attacked the Chozo that raised me and I was given orders to stay put because the Chozo settled outside Federation space. I disobeyed orders and was insubordinate to my superior officer in the process. The admiralty wanted to court-marshal me, but my superior officer, Captain Malkovitch, negotiated a deal.”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"You'd be shocked about the statistics in similar situations," Darcy shakes her head. "I only graduated recently and I'm already captain... first day on the ship and we were attacked... I hadn't done too well in simulated events but during the real deal it all clicked and I kept everyone around me safe... when we got back to port for repairs my captain revealed he was up for promotion and always planned that voyage to be his last in order to find his replacement... my paperwork looks fake because of how fast I went from newly graduated kid to captain," she pulls her record up and hands the data pad over to Samus. "Don't mind the blacked out blocks of text, nobody else in Starfleet even has the credentials to read those..." she chuckles and shakes her head, sighing. "My life is a fucking mess..."

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus reads what she could, taking note of the odd birthdate, and chuckles slightly. “Well, we should start a club. When I was three a band of space pirates attacked the mining colony that I lived on. Mama was a school teacher, papa was the foreman of the dilithium mine. I was the only survivor, the Chozo found me and took me in. Then they altered my dna with theirs so I could live on the planet they lived on.” She explained handing the data pad back to Darcy. “This is the same band of pirates that attacked their home. We were able to just barely get them off of Zebes.”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Pirates are pretty sucky," Darcy shakes her head, setting the data pad down. "Had a few run ins with some. Never the same groups, nobody is willing to try and target the gala a second time now that I'm captain"

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“Nice humble brag.” Samus commented.

“I’ve had many encounters with this band of pirates, they keep cloning their leader or rebuilding him with cybernetics, if they clone him they upload his memories into the clone so it’s always the same bastard.” She muttered almost sounding angry. “Last time I fought him though, there was nothing left. So I think I’ve seen the last of him.”

With that she stood up and began to walk to the door. “Is there some quarters for me? I’d like a place to meditate privately until we arrive at the base.”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Not so much a brag as it is a fact... I take no pride in the deaths that take place in such events," Darcy sighs. "Other people compare it to squashing bugs," she gestures to the many tanks of exotic bugs she keeps. "That doesn't sit right with me..."

"Of course, next to mine, best view of planetary horizons outside the bridge," Darcy smiles, again offering her arm to lead the way.

On their way the communications officer comms Darcy.

"Captain, we're nearing the target coordinates, should we prepare Big Red or Yellow Delicious for your departure?"

Darcy chuckles, embarrassment creeping into her voice as her ears burn red, reaching for her comm link. "Yellow, please, it has better stealth capabilities..." she clears her throat and glances to Samus. "Ok, so, I didn't name the Gala, but... I did name the shuttles because we didn't have any before I became captain..."

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus couldn’t help but chuckle. “I really want to know the naming theme behind those.” She admitted. “But that’s a story for another time. Let’s go!”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"There wasn't one, I was hungry and homesick," Darcy admits sheepishly as she leads the way to the shuttle they'll be using

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“Fair enough.” Samus chuckled as they got to the hanger. Samus sees a group already strapping into the shuttle. “I see it’s mostly security. Good.” She comments.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"And every one of us is excited to be here," a half klingon half human male chuckles, his red operations uniform stained with what looks like mustard seed oil or something else of a distinctive yellow.

"That's Lil Johnny, he's actually one of our chefs but he joins missions so he doesn't punch someone over soup," Darcy smiles.

"If Cellsea tells me her soup is too cold when it's at standard and safe temp one more time it's going in her hair," he grumbles as he crosses his arms

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“I’ll hold her down.” Samus offered, dimming her suit’s visor to give Johnny a friendly wink. Instead of sitting down, Samus instead walks more toward the center of the shuttle and grabs a handrail.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Darcy heads to one of the two pilots seats, in the other sits a young andorian woman that appears around Darcy's age.

"Ready on your signal, Captain," the andorian smiles at Darcy.

"Then lets get to it already, no reason to wait around here all day," Darcy chuckles and the two girls work together to get the shuttle into open space

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“You two went to the academy together didn’t you?” Samus asked, trying to remember if she saw either of them at the academy when she was there. “It’s obvious in your banter.”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Oh, yeah, same schedule and everything! We were dorm mates, couldn't separate us!" The andorian grins. "I was shocked when I met her, never saw a Vulcan smile before! Her southern accent hit like a freighter!"

"I learned to hide it to be taken seriously... nobody takes a smiling Vulcan with a Georgian accent seriously," Darcy shakes her head. "It sounds like a joke," she shrugs

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“I’ve always liked accents.” Samus said casually. “Growing up, all the Chozo had the same accent, it was nice hearing all the different ones at the academy.”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Oh, really? You should hear Darcy when she's barking orders in battle, then, she lays it on real thick in emergencies," the andorian giggles.

Darcy's face, ears, and neck all turn vivid green with embarrassment. "Tarsi! You don't have to spill my guts for me, I ain't no damn hog for supper!" Her accent spills through, her voice raising in pitch

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“Damn, that’s a cute accent.” Samus thinks to herself as lightning strikes the outside of the shuttle. The planet the facility is on is a class Y planet. “Sure the shuttle can handle the storm and radiation?” She asked watching the weather outside.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"It would be illogical to ever get a cheaper craft that can't with the things we get into," Darcy chuckles.

"All our shuttles can actually handle weather like this and high amounts of radiation, the captain doesn't like to compromise," Tarsi shrugs. "The budget is supplemented by her research, she's the top entomology expert within Starfleet and wrote a book used currently in all classes that teach the subject."

"Tarsi, hush, I write under a pseudonym!" Darcy sighs and shakes her head. "We have got to have another talk about the things you tell new people, Tarsi, we go on to many secret ops for you to be saying some of the things you do"

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“I’m no stranger to classified missions.” Samus said thinking of all the missions that have been so heavily censored, there’s more black bars on the report than words. The Bottle Ship, BSL, and ZDR all came to mind. “Captain, with respect to your security crew, I’d like to take point. My armor can take a beating and we’re going in blind. I’m used to this type of mission.”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Fine by me but I won't be too far behind," Darcy nods.

"Probably staring at your behind," Tarsi jokes under her breath and Darcy gives her a stern look.

"Ugh, fine... you're no fun when you get all serious," Tarsi groans

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus knocks Tarsi on the head with her arm canon. Not enough to do any real damage, just enough to convey her annoyance. Also she is once again glad that her helmet only shows her eyes when the light is dimmed.

“Right, I see a shuttle bay.” Samus says, her visor zooming in on the area in question. “Can anyone here hack the bay doors open?”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

An older tellarite man raises his hand, "sure can. Good with weapons, too."

"He could probably even manage at this range," Darcy suggests

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“See what you can do.” Samus said to the Tellarite.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

He nods and immediately gets started.

Darcy and Tarsi bring the shuttle closer, staying undetected so far

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus focuses out the viewport, feeling something at the back of her mind.

“Mother!” A child’s voice calls. Samus looked around quickly, but it seems like she’s the only one who heard it.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

Darcy notices the movement from Samus in the corner of her eye, "you alright?"

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“I’m fine.” Samus said slowly. “I just thought I heard something.”

“Mother…” another child’s voice says in Samus’s head, followed by dozens more. “Help us!”

“Status on the hack?” She asked after taking a breath.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Piece of cake," the tellarite chuckles as the doors open and Tarsi and Darcy land the shuttle inside

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus taps her foot anxiously. She’s got a theory as to what Merlot was doing, and she doesn’t like it. “Computer, grant Captain Darcy access to files on Metroids and X Parasites. Authorization Samus Aran, K-2L-SR388.” Samus said to the computer.

“Access granted.” The computer responded.

“I think you should give those files a read through Captain.” Samus said ignoring the confused looks the crew was giving her. “I have a theory as to what’s down there, but I’m praying that I’m wrong.”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

Darcy furrows her brows and picks up a datapad, reading the files. "I see... I can see why you'd be praying," her accent slips through again, thicker this time, like she's putting no effort into hiding it. "Alright, y'all, time to get to work," she says, standing. "Ain't no use sitting here," she pauses, thinking for a moment. "Have you heard of a mind meld?" She asks without context

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“Yes.” Samus said flatly. “One of my instructors, a Lieutenant Tuvok, taught about the tactical uses of mind-melds, and their dangers.”

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Would you be alright with allowing me to meld with you so that, should we be near enough and unable to communicate verbally, we can still communicate? I am strong enough on my own that my range is up to 5 feet away," it's odd for her crew to hear her speak so logically using her southern accent, and not because of the accent

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus sighs, the presses a button at the base of her helmet, causing it to disappear in a golden light. When the light faded, Samus’s face is clearly visible. A human woman in her mid 20’s, with blue-green eyes, and long blonde hair tied up in a ponytail. “Do it.” She said firmly, as if she’s afraid she’d change her mind.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

Darcy's ears and cheeks turn a vivid green but she keeps her composure and reaches up, standing on her toes to place her hands on Samus's head in the proper positions, initiating the mind meld. Once she's sure it's stable she pulls her hands away and tests it out.

Are you comfortable?

She asks telepathically, her accent even thicker in her mind than she has used out loud even once, like she's from the swamps without even the bare essentials of modern living.

"How hick does she sound in her head?" A human crewmate asks Samus

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus’s mind is very organized, although there’s the sound of like a sea coming from the depths of her mind. “Yes, the connection feels good.” She confirmed over the link.

“Wouldn’t you like to know ensign.” Samus replied snarkily to the crewmate.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"That's exactly why I asked! Come on, there'll never be another Vulcan with her accent!" The snsign whines.

"Uhm, excuse me? What makes you think I won't ever have kids?" Darcy frowns, furrowing her brows.

"You're a Vulcan who expresses emotions. Everyone on the ship knows you prefer women," the ensign deadpans and Darcy's face is once again green as she glances to Samus and then quickly glances away.

"Shut up and lets get to work," Darcy mumbles. Her own mind is organized like a bugs nest and she's struggling to keep things professional

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus rolls her eyes as her helmet reappears on her head. “I prefer women too.” She says through the mental link.

Samus then moves to the entrance hatch of the shuttle, ready to disembark as soon as the shuttle lands.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

I can still have kids of my own even if the method does not satisfy a Pon Farr cycle

She thinks as the shuttle lands securely. Darcy gets the door open without much noise by doing it manually instead of letting the ships computer do it

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus thought about it for a moment. “Never really considered having kids before.” She admitted through the link as the door opened. Keeping her arm canon raised she slowly steps forward

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

I don't really have a choice but to think about it, Pin Farr can lead to death if I'm not careful

She muses as she follows Samus, motioning for her crew to follow as well

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“Fair enough.” Samus thought back. Suddenly a ventilation duct rattles. Samus points her canon at it just in case.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

Darcy and all the away team pull their phasers, working together seamlessly unlike so many other ships' crews. The team all look to Darcy for direction despite Samus taking point and she silently gestures for them to look to Samus instead, and they do without question

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

Samus keeps her canon aimed at the duct, and a small squid like creature with fangs burst through, screeching softly. Samus holds her hand to her side, silently telling everyone to hold their fire. Then she takes a couple steps forward, and holds her hand up to the creature. “Mother, mother is here!” A child’s voice spoke through Samus’s link with Darcy as the creature gently nipped as Samus’s fingertips. “The others…food?”

“No little one.” Samus told it telepathically. “Not food, friends.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Darcy tilts her head curiously, fascinated.

So cute!

She wants strongly to approach but she stays back, not sure if it would startle the creature or if it's been starved

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

The creature floats over to Darcy and gently rests on her shoulder. “That. Is a Metroid. Created by the Chozo to combat a dangerous parasite.” Samus explained. “Fun fact: Metroid is the Chozo word for ultimate warrior.”

“The others will be happy to see mother! She will save us from the tormentor!” The child’s voice spoke again, now obviously from the Metroid’s mind.

[logic-is-the-begining-of-wisdom]

"Fascinating," Darcy smiles brightly, in awe of the metroid.

The crew nod and listen, taking every opportunity to learn from Samus

[legendary-bounty-hunter]

“They mentioned someone called the tormentor.” Samus said out loud.

“He hurts us! With claw and wing, fire and blade he hurts us!” The Metroid exclaimed.

“That’s not possible. I made sure not a single cell of him survived…” Samus said out loud in surprise.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Darcy frowns, "oh I sure how we weren't sent here as the only full ship in starfleet with that specific expertise..."

"Yeah, if this has anything to do with our expertise we might have to get Samus caught up," Tarsi mumbles

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth shakes her head. “This is my purpose in life Hook. The reason I was born. It’s so much more than just breaking this curse…”

“I have to talk to my parents. I need to know why they did what they did. I’m not qualified to lead. But- I need to know they are.” She sighs resting her forehead on his shoulder for a minute.

“I wish I could trust you. But I can’t even trust that damned book Henry found all of this out in because there’s a man in there apparently.”

“Tell me one grown person who does deserve love.” Belle replies, she reaches forward to swipe a tear away from his face.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian hugs her gently. "Destiny isn't literal, luv, it's open to some interpretation... kings being killed in simple sports accidents by a prophesied hero, villains being slain by their own children in mundane ways... you might be the hero who gets all the credit but you don't have to be the one doing all the work," Killian explains softly. "You can accept help, it won't change the outcome."

"Heroes and princesses... book worms with horrible self-preservation skills," Bae sighs

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “If I don’t nudge things along everyone in town will be trying to kill each other. Maybe Henry’s right. Maybe I should talk to the cricket.”

“I never wanted love. Actually I only wanted adventure. I just found it along the way.” Belle replies. “Your father is a good man. He’s just also a stupid one. He makes bad choices… speaking of. Get your wallet. We’re headed to the hospital.” Belle says.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"He's helped me quite a bit... gave him the last booze I had, heard he's been drinking them during Merlin's appointments," Killian presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I'm going to help, you're not withering away on my watch. Now, you need rest," he picks her up.

"No, we aren't, I don't have insurance," Bae mumbles, shaking his head

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth tenses as he kisses her. “What you’re seriously going to a shrink?” She asks sitting up again. Eyes scanning his face.

“You know I can handle myself I-“ she gasps as he picks her up. “Killian! Put me down!”

“Your father owns the town. That’s your insurance.” Belle replies. “Now do I need to get Ruby to drag you out? Because I’m sure she’d do it.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I know you can, that doesn't mean you have to 24/7 until the day you die, luv. Would you rather lay down on a bed or the couch? The counter can't be comfortable for much longer."

"Ruby would get me as far as the street and kick me to the ground, at which point I have every right to get in the back of my car and nap this off," Bae shakes his head. "Nobody in town is actually going to help me, Belle, there's no reason for them to... I'm just a piece of shit"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I’m fine Killian!” Ruth replies. “You’d be amazed what you can get used to. Really it’s fine you should go.”

Belle sighs. And leaves the room for a minute.

Ruby comes back. “Come on. You walking or am I carrying you?” She asks. Wrinkling her nose at the smell of the room. “Seriously? Granny’s going to kick your ass out. He has somewhere to go right?”

“He’s coming home with me.” Belle replies.

“Good. He needs support. And you’re probably the most supportive person in town.” Ruby replies. Looking back at Neal.

“Well? Move or I move you.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"That's like saying I still have a hand just because the hook works well enough," Killian deadpans. "You're not fine. And you don't have to be... please, don't push me away like you did Marie, you're the only person in town who doesn't treat me like a monster or incapable because of my past and my hook... I want to help... let me help."

"I'm going," Bae grumbles, getting up. "I know how to get the smell out, don't charge dad for a cleaner, he so doesn't need to know I relapsed..." Bae sighs, grabbing his things and heading towards the stairs, his footing isn't steady but he doesn't accept any help

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Killian.” She says softly. “You’re certainly not incapable. I’m so sorry that the town is full of ableist assholes. Fine. Just don’t… don’t baby me. It makes me feel useless or like an accessory. I may technically have been born a princess but I’m not one. Not really. I’m… a bounty hunter. A Sherrif. And an American. We don’t have royalty here. We revolted. Broke off from England. So I don’t like being treated like a priss okay?” She huffs.

“So treat me like a friend. Not a princess.”

Belle leads the way down the stairs purposefully going slowly. Not turning back to look at him. But knowing if he falls forward she can catch him. She leads the way to the car.

“Thank you. For accepting help albeit begrudgingly. It gives me hope. You aren’t acting like your father.” Belle says before starting the car up and starting to drive.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I'm still going to spoil you as rotten as possible, luv, you deserve it with all you have to put up with," Killian smiles small. "Now, bed or couch? Your pick."

Had she not mentioned his dad, he would have gone to his own car. Would have even locked himself in. But she just had to bring up Rumple.

"The doc is just gonna call Ruth to have me arrested... nothing they can really do to treat me while the drugs are in my system," he mumbles. "Not that they would if they could... drug addicts like me are the lowest of the low"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth is quite a long moment before sighing. “I’m not getting you to stop being a mother hen am I?” She asks.

“Bed. Here on the ground floor. I’m not having you hurt yourself by carrying me.”

“They can pump your stomach.” Belle replies. “Give you an IV of fluids to flush you out. There’s lots of options… I learned a lot of medical things from listening when I was locked in the hospital basement.” She says casually.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well you did say to treat you like a friend, I would take care of any of my crew just the same if they had a condition as painful as yours," he says as he carries her to the guest room.

"Doesn't mean they will... why were you in the hospital basement?" He asks softly, leaning more against the door than before

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs and flips on the light as he Carries her into the room.

“You’re a pain in the ass Captain.” She informs him.

“They will. I can be pretty persuasive.” Belle replies. “Oh- Regina had me locked up. I uh- before the curse hit. Your father and I had a falling out. And I was on my way back when the curse came. I had realized I… I loved him too much to let him push me away.” She admits.

“Sorry if that’s weird to tell you. I mean you are his child. Anyways. Regina had apparently told him that I had- well died. And it was his fault. And so she couldn’t risk having him see me. So I was locked up for 28 years. While we waited for Ruth to show up.” She shrugs.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Perhaps, but I'm a gentlemanly pain in the ass," he chuckles as he lays her down and tucks her in, firmly so the blankets apply a gentle pressure. "That may help with aches or pains, it certainly helped me as a child..."

"That's horrible... especially because you fell for a piece of shit... were the princes who tried to win your over really that horrible?"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth goes quiet a moment. “What was your childhood like?” She asks.

“Oh yes. For certain.” Belle snarls. “I was engaged. And my fiancé… was a pig. To put things kindly. He thought women were only good for looking pretty. Thought it was foolish for me to read. Almost elbowed me in the face several times. And then to top it all off we went on a quest together and I found a magic mirror that showed what was in a person’s heart. And I saw… he was pure evil. He tried to kill a child. In front of me.” She shudders.

“So I jumped at the chance to leave. And as an added blessing. I got to end the ogre wars and save my people…Though your father did all the work there.” She admits.

“And he’s always respected me. Even when he kept me in the dungeon. I think he was really lonely.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

His face falls. "My father sold my brother and I into slavery on a merchant ship..."

"The ogre wars... that's how he ended up with the cane... the whole reason he took the dagger, so I wouldn't be forced to fight as a child soldier... if he actually cared he would have ended them sooner," Bae mumbles. "I doubt he's capable of respect... for anyone. You deserve better than someone who locked you in a dungeon, Belle"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth screams internally. “Well… f*** him then. Parents who needs em?”

She moves to take his hand.

“At least when you have kids one day the bar is in hell. So it’ll be easy for you to be a good father.” She jokes.

“Sorry. I’m bad at comfort. But seriously. He’s a douche and no kid deserves that.”

“I know. He told me.” Belle replies softly. “He is. And love. I’ve seen it. And nobody gets to pick who they fall in love with Bae. Nobody gets to decide that they aren’t worthy of love either.” She says as they pull up to the hospital.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian gives her a small, sad smile. "You actually think I'll have kids someday?"

"You're doing the best you can and it's much appreciated."

"The universe sure can scream it at them, though," he mumbles, staring at the hospital through the window. "They're just gonna have me arrested, they won't help... may as well just take me to the sheriff's office now"

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth shakes her head. “This is my purpose in life Hook. The reason I was born. It’s so much more than just breaking this curse…”

“I have to talk to my parents. I need to know why they did what they did. I’m not qualified to lead. But- I need to know they are.” She sighs resting her forehead on his shoulder for a minute.

“I wish I could trust you. But I can’t even trust that damned book Henry found all of this out in because there’s a man in there apparently.”

“Tell me one grown person who does deserve love.” Belle replies, she reaches forward to swipe a tear away from his face.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian hugs her gently. "Destiny isn't literal, luv, it's open to some interpretation... kings being killed in simple sports accidents by a prophesied hero, villains being slain by their own children in mundane ways... you might be the hero who gets all the credit but you don't have to be the one doing all the work," Killian explains softly. "You can accept help, it won't change the outcome."

"Heroes and princesses... book worms with horrible self-preservation skills," Bae sighs

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “If I don’t nudge things along everyone in town will be trying to kill each other. Maybe Henry’s right. Maybe I should talk to the cricket.”

“I never wanted love. Actually I only wanted adventure. I just found it along the way.” Belle replies. “Your father is a good man. He’s just also a stupid one. He makes bad choices… speaking of. Get your wallet. We’re headed to the hospital.” Belle says.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"He's helped me quite a bit... gave him the last booze I had, heard he's been drinking them during Merlin's appointments," Killian presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I'm going to help, you're not withering away on my watch. Now, you need rest," he picks her up.

"No, we aren't, I don't have insurance," Bae mumbles, shaking his head

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth tenses as he kisses her. “What you’re seriously going to a shrink?” She asks sitting up again. Eyes scanning his face.

“You know I can handle myself I-“ she gasps as he picks her up. “Killian! Put me down!”

“Your father owns the town. That’s your insurance.” Belle replies. “Now do I need to get Ruby to drag you out? Because I’m sure she’d do it.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I know you can, that doesn't mean you have to 24/7 until the day you die, luv. Would you rather lay down on a bed or the couch? The counter can't be comfortable for much longer."

"Ruby would get me as far as the street and kick me to the ground, at which point I have every right to get in the back of my car and nap this off," Bae shakes his head. "Nobody in town is actually going to help me, Belle, there's no reason for them to... I'm just a piece of shit"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I’m fine Killian!” Ruth replies. “You’d be amazed what you can get used to. Really it’s fine you should go.”

Belle sighs. And leaves the room for a minute.

Ruby comes back. “Come on. You walking or am I carrying you?” She asks. Wrinkling her nose at the smell of the room. “Seriously? Granny’s going to kick your ass out. He has somewhere to go right?”

“He’s coming home with me.” Belle replies.

“Good. He needs support. And you’re probably the most supportive person in town.” Ruby replies. Looking back at Neal.

“Well? Move or I move you.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"That's like saying I still have a hand just because the hook works well enough," Killian deadpans. "You're not fine. And you don't have to be... please, don't push me away like you did Marie, you're the only person in town who doesn't treat me like a monster or incapable because of my past and my hook... I want to help... let me help."

"I'm going," Bae grumbles, getting up. "I know how to get the smell out, don't charge dad for a cleaner, he so doesn't need to know I relapsed..." Bae sighs, grabbing his things and heading towards the stairs, his footing isn't steady but he doesn't accept any help

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Killian.” She says softly. “You’re certainly not incapable. I’m so sorry that the town is full of ableist assholes. Fine. Just don’t… don’t baby me. It makes me feel useless or like an accessory. I may technically have been born a princess but I’m not one. Not really. I’m… a bounty hunter. A Sherrif. And an American. We don’t have royalty here. We revolted. Broke off from England. So I don’t like being treated like a priss okay?” She huffs.

“So treat me like a friend. Not a princess.”

Belle leads the way down the stairs purposefully going slowly. Not turning back to look at him. But knowing if he falls forward she can catch him. She leads the way to the car.

“Thank you. For accepting help albeit begrudgingly. It gives me hope. You aren’t acting like your father.” Belle says before starting the car up and starting to drive.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I'm still going to spoil you as rotten as possible, luv, you deserve it with all you have to put up with," Killian smiles small. "Now, bed or couch? Your pick."

Had she not mentioned his dad, he would have gone to his own car. Would have even locked himself in. But she just had to bring up Rumple.

"The doc is just gonna call Ruth to have me arrested... nothing they can really do to treat me while the drugs are in my system," he mumbles. "Not that they would if they could... drug addicts like me are the lowest of the low"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth is quite a long moment before sighing. “I’m not getting you to stop being a mother hen am I?” She asks.

“Bed. Here on the ground floor. I’m not having you hurt yourself by carrying me.”

“They can pump your stomach.” Belle replies. “Give you an IV of fluids to flush you out. There’s lots of options… I learned a lot of medical things from listening when I was locked in the hospital basement.” She says casually.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well you did say to treat you like a friend, I would take care of any of my crew just the same if they had a condition as painful as yours," he says as he carries her to the guest room.

"Doesn't mean they will... why were you in the hospital basement?" He asks softly, leaning more against the door than before

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs and flips on the light as he Carries her into the room.

“You’re a pain in the ass Captain.” She informs him.

“They will. I can be pretty persuasive.” Belle replies. “Oh- Regina had me locked up. I uh- before the curse hit. Your father and I had a falling out. And I was on my way back when the curse came. I had realized I… I loved him too much to let him push me away.” She admits.

“Sorry if that’s weird to tell you. I mean you are his child. Anyways. Regina had apparently told him that I had- well died. And it was his fault. And so she couldn’t risk having him see me. So I was locked up for 28 years. While we waited for Ruth to show up.” She shrugs.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Perhaps, but I'm a gentlemanly pain in the ass," he chuckles as he lays her down and tucks her in, firmly so the blankets apply a gentle pressure. "That may help with aches or pains, it certainly helped me as a child..."

"That's horrible... especially because you fell for a piece of shit... were the princes who tried to win your over really that horrible?"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth goes quiet a moment. “What was your childhood like?” She asks.

“Oh yes. For certain.” Belle snarls. “I was engaged. And my fiancé… was a pig. To put things kindly. He thought women were only good for looking pretty. Thought it was foolish for me to read. Almost elbowed me in the face several times. And then to top it all off we went on a quest together and I found a magic mirror that showed what was in a person’s heart. And I saw… he was pure evil. He tried to kill a child. In front of me.” She shudders.

“So I jumped at the chance to leave. And as an added blessing. I got to end the ogre wars and save my people…Though your father did all the work there.” She admits.

“And he’s always respected me. Even when he kept me in the dungeon. I think he was really lonely.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

His face falls. "My father sold my brother and I into slavery on a merchant ship..."

"The ogre wars... that's how he ended up with the cane... the whole reason he took the dagger, so I wouldn't be forced to fight as a child soldier... if he actually cared he would have ended them sooner," Bae mumbles. "I doubt he's capable of respect... for anyone. You deserve better than someone who locked you in a dungeon, Belle"

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth shakes her head. “This is my purpose in life Hook. The reason I was born. It’s so much more than just breaking this curse…”

“I have to talk to my parents. I need to know why they did what they did. I’m not qualified to lead. But- I need to know they are.” She sighs resting her forehead on his shoulder for a minute.

“I wish I could trust you. But I can’t even trust that damned book Henry found all of this out in because there’s a man in there apparently.”

“Tell me one grown person who does deserve love.” Belle replies, she reaches forward to swipe a tear away from his face.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian hugs her gently. "Destiny isn't literal, luv, it's open to some interpretation... kings being killed in simple sports accidents by a prophesied hero, villains being slain by their own children in mundane ways... you might be the hero who gets all the credit but you don't have to be the one doing all the work," Killian explains softly. "You can accept help, it won't change the outcome."

"Heroes and princesses... book worms with horrible self-preservation skills," Bae sighs

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “If I don’t nudge things along everyone in town will be trying to kill each other. Maybe Henry’s right. Maybe I should talk to the cricket.”

“I never wanted love. Actually I only wanted adventure. I just found it along the way.” Belle replies. “Your father is a good man. He’s just also a stupid one. He makes bad choices… speaking of. Get your wallet. We’re headed to the hospital.” Belle says.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"He's helped me quite a bit... gave him the last booze I had, heard he's been drinking them during Merlin's appointments," Killian presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I'm going to help, you're not withering away on my watch. Now, you need rest," he picks her up.

"No, we aren't, I don't have insurance," Bae mumbles, shaking his head

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth tenses as he kisses her. “What you’re seriously going to a shrink?” She asks sitting up again. Eyes scanning his face.

“You know I can handle myself I-“ she gasps as he picks her up. “Killian! Put me down!”

“Your father owns the town. That’s your insurance.” Belle replies. “Now do I need to get Ruby to drag you out? Because I’m sure she’d do it.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I know you can, that doesn't mean you have to 24/7 until the day you die, luv. Would you rather lay down on a bed or the couch? The counter can't be comfortable for much longer."

"Ruby would get me as far as the street and kick me to the ground, at which point I have every right to get in the back of my car and nap this off," Bae shakes his head. "Nobody in town is actually going to help me, Belle, there's no reason for them to... I'm just a piece of shit"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I’m fine Killian!” Ruth replies. “You’d be amazed what you can get used to. Really it’s fine you should go.”

Belle sighs. And leaves the room for a minute.

Ruby comes back. “Come on. You walking or am I carrying you?” She asks. Wrinkling her nose at the smell of the room. “Seriously? Granny’s going to kick your ass out. He has somewhere to go right?”

“He’s coming home with me.” Belle replies.

“Good. He needs support. And you’re probably the most supportive person in town.” Ruby replies. Looking back at Neal.

“Well? Move or I move you.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"That's like saying I still have a hand just because the hook works well enough," Killian deadpans. "You're not fine. And you don't have to be... please, don't push me away like you did Marie, you're the only person in town who doesn't treat me like a monster or incapable because of my past and my hook... I want to help... let me help."

"I'm going," Bae grumbles, getting up. "I know how to get the smell out, don't charge dad for a cleaner, he so doesn't need to know I relapsed..." Bae sighs, grabbing his things and heading towards the stairs, his footing isn't steady but he doesn't accept any help

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Killian.” She says softly. “You’re certainly not incapable. I’m so sorry that the town is full of ableist assholes. Fine. Just don’t… don’t baby me. It makes me feel useless or like an accessory. I may technically have been born a princess but I’m not one. Not really. I’m… a bounty hunter. A Sherrif. And an American. We don’t have royalty here. We revolted. Broke off from England. So I don’t like being treated like a priss okay?” She huffs.

“So treat me like a friend. Not a princess.”

Belle leads the way down the stairs purposefully going slowly. Not turning back to look at him. But knowing if he falls forward she can catch him. She leads the way to the car.

“Thank you. For accepting help albeit begrudgingly. It gives me hope. You aren’t acting like your father.” Belle says before starting the car up and starting to drive.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I'm still going to spoil you as rotten as possible, luv, you deserve it with all you have to put up with," Killian smiles small. "Now, bed or couch? Your pick."

Had she not mentioned his dad, he would have gone to his own car. Would have even locked himself in. But she just had to bring up Rumple.

"The doc is just gonna call Ruth to have me arrested... nothing they can really do to treat me while the drugs are in my system," he mumbles. "Not that they would if they could... drug addicts like me are the lowest of the low"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth is quite a long moment before sighing. “I’m not getting you to stop being a mother hen am I?” She asks.

“Bed. Here on the ground floor. I’m not having you hurt yourself by carrying me.”

“They can pump your stomach.” Belle replies. “Give you an IV of fluids to flush you out. There’s lots of options… I learned a lot of medical things from listening when I was locked in the hospital basement.” She says casually.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well you did say to treat you like a friend, I would take care of any of my crew just the same if they had a condition as painful as yours," he says as he carries her to the guest room.

"Doesn't mean they will... why were you in the hospital basement?" He asks softly, leaning more against the door than before

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs and flips on the light as he Carries her into the room.

“You’re a pain in the ass Captain.” She informs him.

“They will. I can be pretty persuasive.” Belle replies. “Oh- Regina had me locked up. I uh- before the curse hit. Your father and I had a falling out. And I was on my way back when the curse came. I had realized I… I loved him too much to let him push me away.” She admits.

“Sorry if that’s weird to tell you. I mean you are his child. Anyways. Regina had apparently told him that I had- well died. And it was his fault. And so she couldn’t risk having him see me. So I was locked up for 28 years. While we waited for Ruth to show up.” She shrugs.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Perhaps, but I'm a gentlemanly pain in the ass," he chuckles as he lays her down and tucks her in, firmly so the blankets apply a gentle pressure. "That may help with aches or pains, it certainly helped me as a child..."

"That's horrible... especially because you fell for a piece of shit... were the princes who tried to win your over really that horrible?"

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth shakes her head. “This is my purpose in life Hook. The reason I was born. It’s so much more than just breaking this curse…”

“I have to talk to my parents. I need to know why they did what they did. I’m not qualified to lead. But- I need to know they are.” She sighs resting her forehead on his shoulder for a minute.

“I wish I could trust you. But I can’t even trust that damned book Henry found all of this out in because there’s a man in there apparently.”

“Tell me one grown person who does deserve love.” Belle replies, she reaches forward to swipe a tear away from his face.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian hugs her gently. "Destiny isn't literal, luv, it's open to some interpretation... kings being killed in simple sports accidents by a prophesied hero, villains being slain by their own children in mundane ways... you might be the hero who gets all the credit but you don't have to be the one doing all the work," Killian explains softly. "You can accept help, it won't change the outcome."

"Heroes and princesses... book worms with horrible self-preservation skills," Bae sighs

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “If I don’t nudge things along everyone in town will be trying to kill each other. Maybe Henry’s right. Maybe I should talk to the cricket.”

“I never wanted love. Actually I only wanted adventure. I just found it along the way.” Belle replies. “Your father is a good man. He’s just also a stupid one. He makes bad choices… speaking of. Get your wallet. We’re headed to the hospital.” Belle says.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"He's helped me quite a bit... gave him the last booze I had, heard he's been drinking them during Merlin's appointments," Killian presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I'm going to help, you're not withering away on my watch. Now, you need rest," he picks her up.

"No, we aren't, I don't have insurance," Bae mumbles, shaking his head

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth tenses as he kisses her. “What you’re seriously going to a shrink?” She asks sitting up again. Eyes scanning his face.

“You know I can handle myself I-“ she gasps as he picks her up. “Killian! Put me down!”

“Your father owns the town. That’s your insurance.” Belle replies. “Now do I need to get Ruby to drag you out? Because I’m sure she’d do it.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I know you can, that doesn't mean you have to 24/7 until the day you die, luv. Would you rather lay down on a bed or the couch? The counter can't be comfortable for much longer."

"Ruby would get me as far as the street and kick me to the ground, at which point I have every right to get in the back of my car and nap this off," Bae shakes his head. "Nobody in town is actually going to help me, Belle, there's no reason for them to... I'm just a piece of shit"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I’m fine Killian!” Ruth replies. “You’d be amazed what you can get used to. Really it’s fine you should go.”

Belle sighs. And leaves the room for a minute.

Ruby comes back. “Come on. You walking or am I carrying you?” She asks. Wrinkling her nose at the smell of the room. “Seriously? Granny’s going to kick your ass out. He has somewhere to go right?”

“He’s coming home with me.” Belle replies.

“Good. He needs support. And you’re probably the most supportive person in town.” Ruby replies. Looking back at Neal.

“Well? Move or I move you.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"That's like saying I still have a hand just because the hook works well enough," Killian deadpans. "You're not fine. And you don't have to be... please, don't push me away like you did Marie, you're the only person in town who doesn't treat me like a monster or incapable because of my past and my hook... I want to help... let me help."

"I'm going," Bae grumbles, getting up. "I know how to get the smell out, don't charge dad for a cleaner, he so doesn't need to know I relapsed..." Bae sighs, grabbing his things and heading towards the stairs, his footing isn't steady but he doesn't accept any help

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Killian.” She says softly. “You’re certainly not incapable. I’m so sorry that the town is full of ableist assholes. Fine. Just don’t… don’t baby me. It makes me feel useless or like an accessory. I may technically have been born a princess but I’m not one. Not really. I’m… a bounty hunter. A Sherrif. And an American. We don’t have royalty here. We revolted. Broke off from England. So I don’t like being treated like a priss okay?” She huffs.

“So treat me like a friend. Not a princess.”

Belle leads the way down the stairs purposefully going slowly. Not turning back to look at him. But knowing if he falls forward she can catch him. She leads the way to the car.

“Thank you. For accepting help albeit begrudgingly. It gives me hope. You aren’t acting like your father.” Belle says before starting the car up and starting to drive.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I'm still going to spoil you as rotten as possible, luv, you deserve it with all you have to put up with," Killian smiles small. "Now, bed or couch? Your pick."

Had she not mentioned his dad, he would have gone to his own car. Would have even locked himself in. But she just had to bring up Rumple.

"The doc is just gonna call Ruth to have me arrested... nothing they can really do to treat me while the drugs are in my system," he mumbles. "Not that they would if they could... drug addicts like me are the lowest of the low"

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth is quite a long moment before sighing. “I’m not getting you to stop being a mother hen am I?” She asks.

“Bed. Here on the ground floor. I’m not having you hurt yourself by carrying me.”

“They can pump your stomach.” Belle replies. “Give you an IV of fluids to flush you out. There’s lots of options… I learned a lot of medical things from listening when I was locked in the hospital basement.” She says casually.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"Well you did say to treat you like a friend, I would take care of any of my crew just the same if they had a condition as painful as yours," he says as he carries her to the guest room.

"Doesn't mean they will... why were you in the hospital basement?" He asks softly, leaning more against the door than before

[muses-under-the-bed]

@need-a-hand-peter-pan

Marie snoops around the woods outside a small town in Maine. "I swear, Ruth, I know there's something up here... the vibes are off... like seriously off"

“Snooping when something feels off is how people get killed in horror movies Marie! And we both know I’ll die first because I’m disabled!” Ruth hisses as she follows her friend. Her cane tapping across the ground as she shadows Marie.

“We just need to keep our heads down long enough to fix our car I don’t see…” she stops talking. There’s a whirring sound.

“Do you hear that?”

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth shakes her head. “This is my purpose in life Hook. The reason I was born. It’s so much more than just breaking this curse…”

“I have to talk to my parents. I need to know why they did what they did. I’m not qualified to lead. But- I need to know they are.” She sighs resting her forehead on his shoulder for a minute.

“I wish I could trust you. But I can’t even trust that damned book Henry found all of this out in because there’s a man in there apparently.”

“Tell me one grown person who does deserve love.” Belle replies, she reaches forward to swipe a tear away from his face.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

Killian hugs her gently. "Destiny isn't literal, luv, it's open to some interpretation... kings being killed in simple sports accidents by a prophesied hero, villains being slain by their own children in mundane ways... you might be the hero who gets all the credit but you don't have to be the one doing all the work," Killian explains softly. "You can accept help, it won't change the outcome."

"Heroes and princesses... book worms with horrible self-preservation skills," Bae sighs

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth sighs. “If I don’t nudge things along everyone in town will be trying to kill each other. Maybe Henry’s right. Maybe I should talk to the cricket.”

“I never wanted love. Actually I only wanted adventure. I just found it along the way.” Belle replies. “Your father is a good man. He’s just also a stupid one. He makes bad choices… speaking of. Get your wallet. We’re headed to the hospital.” Belle says.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"He's helped me quite a bit... gave him the last booze I had, heard he's been drinking them during Merlin's appointments," Killian presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I'm going to help, you're not withering away on my watch. Now, you need rest," he picks her up.

"No, we aren't, I don't have insurance," Bae mumbles, shaking his head

[muses-under-the-bed]

Ruth tenses as he kisses her. “What you’re seriously going to a shrink?” She asks sitting up again. Eyes scanning his face.

“You know I can handle myself I-“ she gasps as he picks her up. “Killian! Put me down!”

“Your father owns the town. That’s your insurance.” Belle replies. “Now do I need to get Ruby to drag you out? Because I’m sure she’d do it.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I know you can, that doesn't mean you have to 24/7 until the day you die, luv. Would you rather lay down on a bed or the couch? The counter can't be comfortable for much longer."

"Ruby would get me as far as the street and kick me to the ground, at which point I have every right to get in the back of my car and nap this off," Bae shakes his head. "Nobody in town is actually going to help me, Belle, there's no reason for them to... I'm just a piece of shit"

[muses-under-the-bed]

“I’m fine Killian!” Ruth replies. “You’d be amazed what you can get used to. Really it’s fine you should go.”

Belle sighs. And leaves the room for a minute.

Ruby comes back. “Come on. You walking or am I carrying you?” She asks. Wrinkling her nose at the smell of the room. “Seriously? Granny’s going to kick your ass out. He has somewhere to go right?”

“He’s coming home with me.” Belle replies.

“Good. He needs support. And you’re probably the most supportive person in town.” Ruby replies. Looking back at Neal.

“Well? Move or I move you.”

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"That's like saying I still have a hand just because the hook works well enough," Killian deadpans. "You're not fine. And you don't have to be... please, don't push me away like you did Marie, you're the only person in town who doesn't treat me like a monster or incapable because of my past and my hook... I want to help... let me help."

"I'm going," Bae grumbles, getting up. "I know how to get the smell out, don't charge dad for a cleaner, he so doesn't need to know I relapsed..." Bae sighs, grabbing his things and heading towards the stairs, his footing isn't steady but he doesn't accept any help

[muses-under-the-bed]

“Killian.” She says softly. “You’re certainly not incapable. I’m so sorry that the town is full of ableist assholes. Fine. Just don’t… don’t baby me. It makes me feel useless or like an accessory. I may technically have been born a princess but I’m not one. Not really. I’m… a bounty hunter. A Sherrif. And an American. We don’t have royalty here. We revolted. Broke off from England. So I don’t like being treated like a priss okay?” She huffs.

“So treat me like a friend. Not a princess.”

Belle leads the way down the stairs purposefully going slowly. Not turning back to look at him. But knowing if he falls forward she can catch him. She leads the way to the car.

“Thank you. For accepting help albeit begrudgingly. It gives me hope. You aren’t acting like your father.” Belle says before starting the car up and starting to drive.

[need-a-hand-peter-pan]

"I'm still going to spoil you as rotten as possible, luv, you deserve it with all you have to put up with," Killian smiles small. "Now, bed or couch? Your pick."

Had she not mentioned his dad, he would have gone to his own car. Would have even locked himself in. But she just had to bring up Rumple.

"The doc is just gonna call Ruth to have me arrested... nothing they can really do to treat me while the drugs are in my system," he mumbles. "Not that they would if they could... drug addicts like me are the lowest of the low"