Hello, It's Mrs. Hyde

Chapter 17: A Pirate's Comforts

(A/N: this song is mostly just shits and giggles 🤣)

Granny's diner buzzed with low chatter and warm lighting. The scent of roasted meat and cinnamon-sugar pies hung in the air.
Jessica and Killian sat at the back booth, a half-eaten steak between them and a bottle of whiskey growing lighter by the round. Jessica had ditched her red coat for the night, wearing a dark flannel shirt over fitted black jeans. Killian's collar was loosened, his coat draped over the chair beside him.
Killian downed a sip, then leaned back with a groan. "You know, love, whiskey loses its charm when it's chasing down regret."
Jessica lifted her glass. "You say that like regret isn't your oldest drinking partner."
Killian cracked a tired smile. "Touché."
She sipped, then tilted her head. "I take it Emma's still not talking?"
"She says she's fine," Killian muttered, staring into his glass. "But I know that look. She's hiding something. Trying to protect everyone else from it."
Jessica traced her finger along the rim of her glass. "That's the burden of being the 'savior,' I guess. The world expects you to fight without ever breaking."
Killian looked at her. "And what about you? You've been quiet since the cell."
Jessica exhaled, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "I think I..." Her voice faltered. "I think I was falling for him."
Killian blinked.
Jessica shook her head, embarrassed. "I didn't even realize it until he pushed me away. When he told me I was free to go like I was never anything to him at all."
Killian softened, surprisingly gentle. "Hyde doesn't strike me as the type who does anything without a reason."
Jessica scoffed. "You would be right. Whatever. Doesn't matter now."
He lifted his brow with a teasing smirk. "Just tell me you're not still plotting to rip the heart out of that sleeping beauty Rumple married."
Jessica cracked a grin. "Only if she says something stupid."
Killian chuckled. "Honestly, I think you and Belle would get along just fine. Have you freed her yet?"
Jessica reached into her coat and pulled out the same gold box — small, elegant, with a red gem glimmering on top. "Still got her right here."
Killian nodded. "Rumple'll come for it. Eventually."
Jessica's eyes narrowed. "Let him. She's of no more use to me."
He smirked. "But for now...another round?"
"Hit me."
Later that evening, the bell above Granny's door jingled. Emma stepped inside, scanning the room.
She froze when she spotted them.
Killian had one arm draped around Jessica's shoulder, the two of them holding beers and belting a half-drunken rendition of some pirate shanty. Their laughter echoed loud enough to draw curious glances from the tables around them.
Emma made her way over, expression somewhere between amusement and disbelief.
"I thought you two were going home," she said smirking.
Killian grinned up at her. "'Ello, love. Did Hyde tell you what you wanted to know? Or did you come to finally admit what's bothering you?"
His voice slurred a little too much. Jessica stifled a laugh.
Emma ignored him and turned to Jessica. "How much did you two drink tonight?"
Jessica held up her fingers. "Apparently, Pan can out-drink this pirate." She took a sip and added, "And it would seem so can I as I'm still coherent."
Emma sighed, pulling out the parchment from her jacket. "Hyde left this for you. He said you'd know what to do with it."
Jessica's smile faded.
She took the map and opened it slowly, eyes scanning the paper.
Her brow furrowed. "The Temple of Morpheus?"
Killian blinked. "That sounds... vaguely unpleasant."
Jessica's expression changed, realization setting in. "It allows someone to enter the dreams of a sleeper. Powerful dream dust magic. It's very rare."
Emma nodded. "Then that was Hyde's leverage against Rumple. His end of the deal."
Jessica nodded and held up her hand, summoning a puff of crimson-red smoke.
The golden box appeared once more in her palm.
Before anyone could react further, a maroon cloud spiraled into the center of the diner.
Rumplestiltskin appeared.
"Well," he said, brushing nonexistent dust off his sleeve. "If we're done singing, I'd like what I came for."
Jessica tilted her head. "Sure Rumple. But answer me this, do you even know how to read the spell to open the portal and get you there?"
Rumple's face didn't change. But his silence was answer enough.
Jessica sighed
  "Then I guess our end of the deal requires further assistance"
Emma stared at Jessica. "You're not seriously about to cast ancient sorcery while buzzed, are you?"
Jessica stood and stretched. "Buzzed on whiskey? Please. Talk to me after a bottle of wine."
Emma raised a brow. "Syrah, two glasses?"
Jessica's eyes widened. "How did you—?"
Rumple rolled his eyes. "Enough. We're doing this. Now."
With a flick of his wrist, smoke engulfed them both.