This is one of my favorite CS stories from Season 3. I'm on a reread binge, and I've been meaning to read this one for ages. I can't believe how much I sucked at leaving reviews back then, but I'm glad that's given me the opportunity to leave one now. This story is fantastic. Hook's backstory is suitably dark without becoming OTT. I loved the vulnerability he showed throughout. And Emma's reactions were spot on. I very much enjoyed David's role in this story. I know you moved on from CS ages ago, but I love your writing. Thank you for sharing it.

This story reads like an actual book and - dear goodness - throughout the entire thing I was close to tears. I felt that the way you told this story was extremely clever and you paced it perfectly. I also enjoyed the somewhat dark and twisted backstory you gave Killian with his father, for it made the whole thing have a very different vibe than it would have otherwise. Honestly, fics like this are what I live for.

Wow, I just found this little gem and I'm really glad I did. You've got such a good grasp of the characters - the Emma/David, David/Hook and Emma/Robin interactions are brilliant.

I was really surprised that this was written during season 3B and I have to wonder if you're psychic 'cos you got so much right. I'm reading between 5A and 5B and wow so many elements are so close to what happened on screen e.g. Hook and his 'If there's one thing I'm good at it's surviving' bs, Emma's reaction to Hook getting hurt was similar to when the Snow Queen nearly skewered him, not to mention David's barb about tracking him down in the underworld if he dares to die on Emma. Even Hook's backstory is similar - his father leaving him in a slaver city v. actually selling him into slavery, initially showing mercy before something brings his childhood trauma into focus and then snapping and killing him! I'm now really worried about what actually happened to his mother!

You're so good with theses characters and this world, I really hope you decide to return to this fandom and write some more wonderful stories like this.

love it

I absolutely love this story. It's rare to see Hook vulnerable in a meaningful way, and you created a rich backstory to make it seem completely realistic. Thank you.

Well that was a hell of a long one shot. :P I really enjoyed it though. It was an extremely interesting concept that you played out very well. (I quite enjoyed all the David and Hook bonding. That was kind of great.)

I do have to admit that the "you have your mother's eyes" line made me laugh far more than was probably appropriate for the situation, which made me feel like a bit of an asshole, but kudos to you on seizing the opportunity.

Love an epic one shot. Really enjoyed reading, thanks for writing

Amazing! So true to character! Even where canon is now, this story is so phenomenal. I've already read it five times. I absolutely love the idea of Blackbeard being Hook's father, and I could totally see this being an episode. Thank you!

Love love love this! So true to character, and completely plausible. Bravo!

It's entirely unfair how affecting this piece of fiction is. I should have gone to bed last night, but I wasn't finished. I blame you for my current exhausted state.

A very dark past feels right for Hook, although this is probably(?) darker than the show will ever give us. Have you ever read the Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop? Your version of Hook reminds me of Daemon from that story.

Maybe my favorite CS story ever! Despite your misgivings, I'm so glad you left it as an OS - don't think I could have coped with installments!

This story was absolutely lovely.

Awesome sauce! Loved . it was great. thank you it

this was absolutely gorgeous. i loved every line of it, and it's now my favorite headcanon backstory, whatever the show says. it's just so perfect, and well written, and flawless - and OMG THE FEELS, I need to go reread it again

this is one of my fav CS fics! i've read it multiple times and its just as good every time! just thought id let you know it's completely fantastic! and i love the captain charming you've got going on. SO great!