The Jolly Swan Surprise.

[itsapirateslife]

Ever since he'd started putting the finishing touches on his boat, Hook had been planning this party. When he realized it would line up perfectly with a certain someone's birthday, the plan was immediately modified.

The food he'd arranged from a local cafe was fairly simple, cut up fruit and vegetables with a variety of different sandwiches and meat pies, as well as some modern snacks like potato chips and the curly fries from the boardwalk. To drink, there was a juice and sodas as well as a fully stocked bar, all courtesy of funds from Hook's new job...not that he'd told anyone he'd gotten a job. It wasn't like there was any piracy to be had in Darrow and he would rather not have to put Emma in the position of having to arrest him.

He'd conspired with Henry, Charming and the others from their realm to make this a surprise for Emma. Some of the food was sitting on the table on deck but must of it was in the galley by the bar. In the center of the table under the deck was a cake made by Henry surrounded by cupcakes (There were some apple tarts, donated by Regina, but that had mysteries disappeared. Overboard. It's what the queen got for trying to clean his boat. It was perfectly clean thank you very much).

Hook had made sure to invite has many of both of their friends as possible and had them all gather on deck at the time Henry was supposed to bring Emma to the docks. There was a drape covering the name on the back of the boat. He was dressed in his pirate best, with his red waist coat and hook polished to a shine as he stood on the dock, two glasses of champagne perched next to him on a post.

[backdated to October 23rd. The boat looks like this yacht though the furnishings inside are much more rustic and only half the cabins have beds, the others are storage. The plumbing and electricity do work, but there are no TVs or anything by way of modern convenience outside of the galley.]

Comments

[gloriouscurse]

As Regina watched Roland interact with Henry, she took the opportunity to bring Robin a drink before kissing him softly.

"I thought at one point that I would never step foot on a ship again. Which was probably very, very foolish," she smirked, taking a sip of her own beverage.

[thiefwithhonor]

Robin felt a modicum safer when Henry had his attention instead of the water. The boy was a bit too excited, which meant he had to keep a close eye on him to make sure he didn't get into trouble.

He smiled, though, when Regina came over, taking the offered drink once she parted from him.

"I should not be surprised he found himself a vessel to call his own here, too. I suppose the call of the sea is strong, even in this strange place," he said. He was glad for Hook, though, truly.

[gloriouscurse]

"I have a feeling he's always been resourceful," Regina agreed as she watched Roland and Henry together, smiling softly.

"Roland seems to like it, at least. What is it about boys and men and big ships?" she teased lightly, knowing that Robin preferred the woods instead of the open water.

[thiefwithhonor]

"You should have seen how much he was rushing me this morning, he was so excited. I fear the pirate may steal him into his crew when I'm not watching," he joked, trying to bite back a smile. He liked his son having these sort of experiences, even though he certainly felt better suited with his feet firmly on solid ground.

[gloriouscurse]

Laughing softly, Regina pushed hair out of her face, wishing she'd thought to put her hair in a ponytail.

"Luckily, Hook won't have to assume baby-sitting duties of anyone any time soon, or you might have a small hellion on your hands who refuses to listen." She was mostly kidding, though she really couldn't attest to the pirate's ability with children. She knew Henry spent time with him, but they hadn't talked much about it, and it wasn't something Regina had even decided she was wholly comfortable with.

"I'm glad you and Roland both here. It makes getting used to family events a little easier. Just promise me that on my birthday we won't be anywhere near water."

[thiefwithhonor]

"I imagine he'd be a bit too much of a handful right now anyway. I'm surprised I've not had to wrangle him a bit already. He wants to see more of the ship," he said, watching the boys as well. He'd ask Hook later, he supposed, though he imagined his attention would mostly be on Emma.

He would see how things went.

"This would not be where I would hold the event, no," he assured, tilting his head a bit as he gazed at her again. "How are you doing with all this?"

[gloriouscurse]

His question made her think for a moment, looking up at Robin and letting her eyes move over his face as she gathered her thoughts. She didn't want to dwell too long on anything negative, but she was honest.

"I've never been a part of a welcoming family before. This is...it's new, still. A little overwhelming, honestly, but..." She trailed off, her words ending in a smile. "It's good. Having this is something else I never thought I'd have." One hand found its way to Robin's, lacing their fingers together.

[thiefwithhonor]

Robin had expected as much. Had seen moments where she seemed a little unsure of herself. She was doing fine despite it all, though, he thought - she never did give herself enough credit.

"Well, it will be new for both of us, so we will navigate them together," he said, squeezing her hand gently as he leaned against the railing of the vessel and surveyed the scene before them with a thoughtful sort of look. "Despite the good intentions we had back before all this, the life I used to lead certainly did not allow for these sorts of events for Roland and I. Some levity once in a while, certainly, but nothing like this."

Seeing Roland happy as he was - he did not think he had seen him truly as such in a very long time. Regina was part of that, and he would always be grateful.

[gloriouscurse]

"Henry never had friends," she murmured as she watched their sons. "Children were afraid of me, and after the curse broke, their parents all tried to kill me." Regina let out a breath, looking down a little, not feeling sorry for herself, just sorry that she'd done that to Henry. That she'd made him feel so isolated during his childhood.

"I think no matter what, camping in the woods or living in a castle, Roland knows he's very loved and safe with you. You're a wonderful father, Robin. The life you lead with your son is a good one. He looks at you like you hang the moon in the sky."

[thiefwithhonor]

Robin hadn't truly been looking for reassurances. It was perhaps why it surprised him when they came - he hadn't really realized he needed to hear someone say as much until she did. He hoped to raise Roland right, not only for himself but for Marian.

He owed her that much.

"Perhaps," he allowed, looking over at her with a grateful smile. "But I think things have been better than they've been for a long time, for many reasons. I'm glad for that."

[gloriouscurse]

With a small smile of her own, Regina turned to face him fully, hands moving to the collar of his jacket as if straightening it on him.

"One of those reasons...is it me?" she asked, and it was half in jest, half serious. She knew he loved her, knew she was important, but there was a part of her still that was still shocked at being a part of something this good.

[thiefwithhonor]

Robin arched an eyebrow, his hands settling lightly on her waist. There was some temptation to tug her closer. He thought better of it, if only because it seemed improper in such a setting.

"You, my lady, are the chief reason," he replied instead, chin tilting up a bit as he grinned. "A fact I hope you're well aware of."

Jest or not, he knew it to be true. It was hard to imagine the last few months without her. He would not even want to try to consider it.

[gloriouscurse]

Her smile was wide and happy, and she did go for a small kiss, nothing that would scandalize anyone, but a sweet kiss nonetheless.

"You've made sure I know. And I...think I'm starting to get used to this. To being..." She struggled for the right word, because there were so many that applied. Wanted, needed, protected.

"Loved," she finally settled on, eyes moving over his face.