Gold was in the den, sitting by the fire with a book in his hands. It was one of the ones that referenced dragons, and he was brushing up on his knowledge of the beasts.

It didn't take Rachel long to get back to the ship, care packages drifting along beside her.

Tina dropped down next to him with a little sigh. "That went well," she said, pleased.

Hook grinned a bit when he saw her. "Welcome back, love," he said, going to give her a quick kiss. "Bring back some goodies?"

"Indeed," Gold said, moving a bit so she could get comfortable. "Now we wait and see if Rapunzel makes good on her promise."

"I did," Rachel said, returning the kiss. "Tina sent a bunch of things for us."

"She will. She'll find a way." Tina smiled, rather smug, and settled in there.

"Oh?" Hook looked behind her. "And what left her feeling so generous?"

Gold made a vague neutral sound and continued his research on dragons.

"It's partially a bribe," Rachel admitted. "I kind of mentioned the dragon islands, and we were joking about how a dragon egg would make a great gift for her and Gold, and then it suddenly wasn't just joking around anymore."

Hook looked mildly horrified. "You didn't," he said. "Now, love, I know, I just know, you wouldn't do this to me."

Rachel bit her lip a little.

"Maybe?" she finally said, looking at him. "Just think, though, giving them a dragon egg would put Gold into your debt, for once."

"If we manage to get an egg," Hook said. "You know how dangerous it can be." But the idea had gotten into his head, of having something to hold over the all-too-smug Dark One when he got uppity.

"I know," Rachel said. "But, I mean, now's the best time to do it, because Gold's going to be more willing to accept a dragon egg if it means better protection for his castle."

Hook considered the idea. "Let me sleep on it," he finally said, gently. "The last of our supplies will arrive tomorrow, plenty of time for me to come to a decision."

Rachel nodded and gave him a kiss.

"I'll go put the care packages away," she said, heading down below and trailing oranges and veggies and tea behind her.

Hook chuckled as he watched her go, shaking his head. He had a few things to oversee before he could relax for the evening, so he went to go finish taking care of business.

Rachel was more than content to settle in with him that evening.

"I missed you while I was gone," she said once they were in for the night.

"I missed you too." Hook smiled a bit. "Although I hope you had a good time anyway."

"I did," Rachel said, snuggling a bit closer. "I always enjoy seeing Tina. And apparently Gold has his hands full with a bunch of things right now, so that was kind of fun to hear about."

Hook snorted. "I am quite certain that with Tina around, he always has his hands full," he said with a grin.

"That's true," Rachel allowed, grinning. "But this time, he's also giving Emma and Henry lessons, apparently they both developed magic recently."

"Interesting." Hook shrugged. "The boy should enjoy himself." He grinned suddenly. "And Emma I'm sure is exasperating beyond belief."

"I'm sure," Rachel agreed, grinning a bit. "She and Gold must frustrate the hell out of each other."

"Oh I'm sure they do. I rather wish I could see that, but I like being human and in as many pieces as I am," Hook said cheerfully.

Rachel couldn't help but laugh a bit.

"Instead of being a rat?" she teased. "Though Gold seemed more mellow, somehow, so I think Tina's had a good influence on him."

"Good," Hook said. He had not liked being a rat. At all. "We'll see."

"Alright," Rachel said. She snuggled closer to him with a soft sigh, getting comfortable. "Though it might be interesting to see what happens later. Tina's pregnant, so they'll have a little one to take care of soon."

Hook looked at her, his eyes wide. "What?" he asked, sounding rather gobsmacked.

Rachel couldn't help but grin a bit at his expression, and she nodded.

"Yeah," she said. "Apparently four months, now. It surprised me too."