Holiday Surprise (Else/Hans/Hook)

[Sally Fitch/Clever Else]

Else finished putting the last frosted looking ornament on the tree. It was nearly done. They just needed to add a few more touches and... and the STAR!

"Hans, I'm going to the basement to get the star, I forgot it." She stood up off of her knees. Her burly husband was hunched, concentrating very hard on putting tinsel in the right places. "Can you hold down the fort?"

Hans smiled up at his wife broadly. She couldn't help but smile back and bend down to give him a warm peck on his chiseled face. Before she made her way to the basement, she stopped to make funny noises and tickle at Klaire and Killian in their bungee seats. Ian kicked his leg happily and chewed on his fist. Klaire snapped out of her dozing and started bouncing in her seat again though her eyes were still droopy.

Else made her way to the basement and descended down the stairs. This was the first Christmas after the curse with the babies. Else and Hans were enjoying making up some traditions of their own. She sighted happily and then set to work trying to hunt down the star for the tree.

[Captain Killian 'Hook' Jones]

There was a small layer of snow building on the driveway leading up to the 'Fitchers' home. He made it to the door, taking a moment to admire the wreath with blinking lights, then gently knocked on the door.

He hoped Else and her husband would be receptive to his arrival.

[Simple Hans/Fletcher Fitch]

Hans was pulled out of his concentration by a knock at the door. He didn't like leaving the babies alone, but he figured they couldn't get anywhere being strapped in their seats that extended to the ceiling. He was at the door in a few strides and opened it.

To see Captain Hook at the door. The pirate looked slightly apprehensive, but the big man's face lit up. He scooped up the shorter man in a big bear hug.

"Hook!" He bellowed, but then shooshed himself. This would be a lovely surprise for Else! He set Hook back down and motioned him in.

"Come in! Come here!" He gestured Hook to come in, leading him to the living room with the tree. Hans then proceeded to 'place' Hook in just the right spot and handed him some tinsel to throw on the tree. Hook looked at a loss, ready to just ask were Else was already, but Hans insisted that he decorated and not make a sound.

Else was coming back up the stairs now. Hans looked giddy and called out to her. "Else... I'm going upstairs. I forgot... socks!"

"Socks? But husband, weren't you wearing some earlier?" She called back.

"I FORGOT SOCKS!" Hans growled back, annoyed that his wife was trying to ruin her own surprise. He went to the stairs and pretended to be going up them by stomping on the same step a few times, and then sat down to watch the scene play out.

[Sally Fitch/Clever Else]

Else sighed, making her way back into the living room, star in hand. Hans could be so forgetful sometimes. She placed the box on the sofa and gently took the crystal stair out before she turned to face the tree.

To see Captain Killian Jones decorating it.

Else jumped, squeaking, and the star tumbled to the ground, shattering. But Else didn't care. She went straight up to the pirate and put her arms around him "You're back! Captain Jones! Oh my, gods! How... when did you... UGH!" She hugged him again

[Simple Hans/Fletcher Fitch]

Hans stood up on the step, clapping his hands gleefully.

"Else was surprised!" he said with satisfaction, placing his hands on his hips, proud of his work.

[Captain Killian 'Hook' Jones]

Hook made a face but hugged Else," I've only just arrived maybe an hour or so ago? There was a brief set of things that needed to be put in order before I could come, but I knew I needed to at least come and say hello- especially in time for the holidays..." He smiled at the twinkling bulbs and balls all placed neatly in the Christmas tree branches.

He smiled and brushed the hair from Else's face," I'm only sorry it took me this long"

[Sally Fitch/Clever Else]

"No it's.... NOW is better then never." Else smiled broadly, eyes glistening with joy. She finally looked down at the broken star. She would have to clean that up before the babies ever roamed the floor. She walked over to Ian and took him out of his bungee swing and placed him in Hook's arms.

"Ian... you remember Uncle Killian?" Ian let out a little squeal and let his heavy head fall against the pirate's leather clad shoulder, drooling on it with happiness. "They're growing so fast, we can scarce keep up with them." Else breathed, smiling.

She took Klaire out of her swing and handed her to Hans, who took her in his large hands, cradling her to sleep.

"I'll be right back! I just need to clean up this mess." Else hurried off to get a broom and pan.

[Captain Killian 'Hook' Jones]

Hook chuckled and lightly bounced baby Ian on his shoulder, he looked over to Hans who seemed to please with how his 'surprise' for his wife," So Hans, have I missed much in my absence? You're children have grown quite a bit as Else mentioned"

[Simple Hans/Fletcher Fitch]

Hans nodded. "Hans and Else helped with Townhall, mermaids, and renewed vows..." Hans was distracted by something. He narrowed his eyes, squinting between the branches, looking intently for something...

[Sally Fitch/Clever Else]

Else came back with a broom and pan. "So where DID you go, Captain Jones?" Else began. "We looked everywhere for you but- HANS! Not till Christmas Day!" Hans looked down sheepishly. Else laughed.

"He's trying to find the Pickle Ornament." She explained to Hook. "If you find it, you get a prize... but it's not good luck to look for it until CHRISTMAS DAY." She gave Hans a gentle tug on his muscular arm to get him away from the tree. He chuckled, looking down at her, before he stooped to give her a peck on her lips. "Hans and I have had fun making our own holiday traditions. Not falling back on Sally and Fletchers... but making completely brand new ones." She looked over at Hook, who was gazing at the tree, looking for the ornament she had described.

"Oh not you too!" Else lightly rapped Hook's arm. "Step AWAY from the tree, boys..." She set about cleaning up the mess. "Anyways, we'll need a tree topper. Captain Jones, why don't you come with us to get one? We'll go out, even pick up some dinner, and you can tell us all about your voyage. I'm sure things haven't been nearly as exciting here as they were where ever you ran off to."

[Captain Killian 'Hook' Jones]

Hook drew back for the tree- how could he resist even the smallest treasure hunt? " I would love- I mean... as long as I wouldn't be intruding. I'd love to come- though I'm not sure what sort of input I can give for a 'tree topper'"

They seemed so happy, it was refreshing- but seeing this picturesque Christmas... he'd never admit it but he yearned for it too. He wondered if Emma, Neal and Henry had a pickle ornament hunt as well.

[Sally Fitch/Clever Else]

"Not at ALL, Captain Jones, you know you're family here." She plucked Ian from pirate's arms to get him into his little coat, hat and boots. "And it's just a matter of finding something that is JUST RIGHT for the tree at the very top. Classy, sparkly, magical..."

Hans was already layering Klaire up and then retrieved his own coat. They were all about ready when Else turned off the light. The tree illuminated the room with a magical glow. She looked at the Captain to see his reaction. Surely he had seen spectacles that people can only dream about during his long life time...

But his true eyes were large as he gazed at the tree. Almost as big as Ian's and Klaire's. Else's heart pulled. Hook probably never had even...

She placed a hand on his shoulder. "The real magic comes from friends and family being together at this time. Now come along." She ushered him towards the door after handing him Ian and locked it behind her.

[Captain Killian 'Hook' Jones]

Hook tore himself away from the christmas tree, but the feeling didn't leave. The feeling of belonging somewhere.. even if he knew this was only temporary, he savored it. Killian happily followed Else and Hans down the steps of their home.

"So where do we find such a thing here? Is there a store specifically selling these decorations?"

[Sally Fitch/Clever Else]

"I can think of some great seasonal shops downtown." Else said, taking Klaire from Hans to put in her baby seat. She followed suit with Ian. "And it is so beautiful there since they put the lights up a few nights ago." She was about to offer Hook to climb in to sit between the two baby seats, but Hans hopped in, hunkering down awkwardly between his two children.

Else gave a light laugh and then gestured for Hook to take the front next to her. "We decided Hans needed some time off from the factory: he's been INSEPARABLE from the twins this whole time..." She glanced back at her husband. The simple man was unaware that he was being watched as he stroked Klairss small hand in his own, and kissed Ian on the top of his head... so he couldn't see his father and make a fuss about it.

Else started the car and they pulled out onto the street. "Angels, stars, or something shiny. That's what I'm thinking. And something that will compliment the colors of the ornaments." She looked at Hook. "Oh I know it's trivial. But this is the holiday where it is okay to be trivial... because small things can bring such joy to so many...like a plastic star."

"As I recall, we had a winter festival back in the other world, that resembled this 'Christmas' very much." She looked at Hook briefly. Did you ever do anything for the Winter Celebrations? At sea maybe?"

[Captain Killian 'Hook' Jones]

"Well, if we were close to port we would try and dock, maybe celebrate at a pub or... or a pub," he'd met quite a few beautiful lasses over the holidays,"but we didn't worry about plastic stars"

Hook watched the increase of lights and tinsel as they traveled in closer to town, it made him feel warm- or was it possible the heat was radiating from... his.. seat? He looked at the back of the seat and then at the controls on beside the wheel," What do half of these.. things mean anyway?"