Captain Charming vs. Jaws
A mini birthday ficlet for the amazing @flipperbrain Happy birthday!!!!!
After defeating the newest villain of the week, Charming and Hook had agreed to spend some time together aboard the Jolly Roger while their wives had a day to themselves. They were all going to meet up at Granny’s later in the day for a double date, as well, to top off a day of family bonding.
Once the ship was out in the harbor, Killian turned to Charming, holding out a fishing pole and some gear. They both quickly baited the hooks and settled into the chairs at the rails of the ship, Killian’s flask and a bottle of beer for Charming close to hand.
After an hour of banter back and forth, Killian grinned widely, staring at Charming.
“What?” Charming asked, looking back at Killian.
“How about we up the stakes of our little fishing trip, Dave?” He suggested with a mischievous grin and a raised eyebrow.
“I know that look. The last time I saw it, we both ended up in trouble. But what did you have in mind, old man?” Charming teased, grinning at the look in Killian’s eyes.
“Whoever can catch the most fish by hand wins bragging rights.”
“Bragging rights? I don’t need bragging rights. You have to do better than that if you want a bet.” Charming laughed, shaking his head.
“I’m listening, mate.” Killian shot back, still grinning.
“Captain of the ship for a week.”
“Done.” Killian agreed, standing up and pulling off his shirt and vest, dropping both on the deck. Charming followed suit, leaving only his pants on, and both men dove into the water at the same moment, Charming carrying a small dagger.
The water was freezing, but neither complained, each pile of fish growing larger until Killian surfaced with a fish almost as long as he was tall. Charming stared at it, then stared at Killian.
“Alright. That settles it.” Charming scowled, though his eyes were twinkling.
“What, mate?”
“I’m going after the shark.”
“Mate…” Killian started to say before Charming dove back under. Killian threw his latest catch aboard, then dove after him, mentally cursing himself.
They found the huge shark, a beast much bigger than Killian would have thought possible, and Charming right in front of the shark. Killian swam below it, searching for a weak point in the skin. Unfortunately, the shark moved, and before long, both men were forced to start attacking in order to stay alive.
Hours later, once the shark was caught and killed, and both Charming and Killian were back at the docks with the ship and their catches, their respective wives walked aboard. Charming and Killian were both wrapped up in thick blankets, shivering from the cold, the shark still hanging from the ship with the rest of the fish on ice below.
“What did you two do?” Emma and Snow asked their husbands at the same moment. Charming and Killian looked at each other, then at their wives, knowing they were both in a world of trouble, but also knowing it had been worth every minute.