Now

There was an awkward silence as they took the car into town to the auto shop. Killian told her that her car would be ready later this afternoon so she decided to make her way over to the motel.

Emma needed to stop thinking about him. That was all in the past. She wasn't supposed to see him this weekend, it would be to hard, not fair on either of them.

As she walked down the street she remembered how much she didn't miss small town life. There were little antique shops and PTA moms everywhere she looked. Just as she went to cross the road to avoid one of the make shift mother's clubs forming on the side walk, Emma spotted Anna, her old friend, and this weekend's bride to be. She stood with a group of middle aged women, one of whom Emma recognized as Anna's aunt Ingrid, who were deep in a conversation that seemed to bore Anna.

Anna noticed Emma at the same time and giddily ran over to her, pulling her into a short but enthusiastic hug.

''OMG, Emma. Hi. I can't believe you're actually here.'' exclaimed Anna, with a little too much excitement for Emma's tastes.

''I RSVP'd'' replied Emma a little sheepish.

"I know, I guess I just I didn't expect you to actually come. But it's great that you did. It's fantastic, actually. Tomorrow is going to be so amazing. The Mayor is coming and wait, did I just see you coming from the auto shop? Were you catching up with the old flame?'' Asked Anna.

''No. I just had some car trouble and..'' Emma started before being cut off.

''Well. Of course not, Anna. Emma is a grown woman, she probably has a college boyfriend now. Right, Emma?" Said Ingrid, a classy woman who had a habit of appearing out of nowhere. She was gossip but a sweet one and Emma knew she loved Anna and Elsa more than anything.

"No. I'm still single" replied Emma.

"Well, college life is busy. You girls studying away I guess you don't get much time to date. You know when I was your age, I was already married for a few years. But I guess things change, oh, do they ever…''

Emma nodded along robotically. Oh god, Anna's aunt was going to tell her whole life story and Emma could barely pay attention. Even Anna was looking through her phone. She didn't want to be rude but all Emma really wanted to do was to get to the hotel and shower. The drive from Boston to Maine was long and Emma hadn't made many stops along the way.

''I guess that's just how life is though, right? Anyway, it's probably not a good idea to go drudging up old romances. That boy hasn't been the same everything that happened. Anna, what time is the appointment at the salon? You don't want to be late and where is Elsa? That girl is always late." Anna's aunt continued.

''I don't know Ingrid'' replied Anna. Emma could tell she was no longer apart of this conversation.

''You know, I've really got to go. I'll see you guys tomorrow, though. And congratulations on the wedding, tell Elsa I said hello'' said Emma, already starting to walk off.

"Ok, we'll see you tomorrow. At the big day. Make sure to say hello'' said Anna.

Emma waved goodbye and made her way down to the hotel. She was taking the shortest route she knew but it forced her to walk past the docks. Five years ago it had been a common spot for her and Killain's dates and walking past it conjured up forgotten times.

Five Years Ago.

Emma and Killian had been together for a couple years now, ever since that night in the rain. They were the perfect image of young love. Fierce and dangerous, he was her world and she was his.

They were sitting on the beach curled up in each other, warming up from the cold sea air. It was the end of summer, beach party and most of their friends were going off to college in the next week. The end of year beach party for seniors was an annual Storybrooke thing. A celebration the town held to give the graduating class one last time to say good bye.

After an hour of exchanging pleasantries with their classmates, Killian and Emma had snuck off to be alone, as they preferred it.

Killian had slowly cupped Emma's chin and leaned in closer to her. His eyes slowly closed as he lent in for a soft and gentle kiss. He started on her jaw line and made his way up to her mouth, breaking open her lips and getting faster, applying more pressure. Their bodies drew closer and they quickly fell into a routine that was familiar and comforting to both of them.

Emma wanted to continue, to give in to the pleasure she was feeling as she had done many times before but something was pulling her back. There was something she needed to tell him and her window of opportunity was closing. She had been avoiding it all summer but tomorrow Killian would be going camping with his brother an annual trip as his brother was away for long periods of time with his job in the military and by the time he got back it would be too late.

She pulled away from him, just a little, and looked into his adoring eyes

''Killian, I have to tell you something'' she almost whispered.

''What it is it love?" Killian asked, with a hint of nerves in his voice.

''I got in to MCU. I got a scholarship. I'm going to college'' Emma said, blurting it out so fast that she was surprised when he understood her.

''I knew you could do it, Swan. Why didn't you tell me sooner? You must have found out months ago'' said Killian, a huge beaming, proud smile on his face as he went into a hug, holding her a little too tight.

Emma was throw back by his response. Maybe he didn't understand. Did he not realize what this meant? He wasn't even annoyed she kept this secret.

"Killian this school is on the other side of the country. What are we going to do? If I'm going to go, I'll have to leave by Sunday." said Emma, all the feelings she had been trying to hide the last few months bubbling to the surface. She could feel the tears coming already.

''We will figure it out, Swan. I'm not going to lose you'' and the way Killian said it, was like it was a fact. His steady tone and easy confidence comforted Emma and calmed her down a bit.

''Then what do you suppose?'' Emma asked.

"I'll come with you, of course. We can't have you passing up an opportunity like this'' he replied.

Emma didn't expect this. Even after Killian had been there for her these past few years she still wasn't used to people sticking around.

"What are you going to do there? Where will you live?" asked Emma.

''I'll figure it out. I'm good at surviving and besides there's nothing left for me in this town, not after my brother leaves next week and not without you. This will be our next adventure'' said Killian, already excited about this new endeavour.

''I thought you were going to join the Naval Academy so you could become a Marine like your brother. Wasn't that your dream?'' asked Emma

''I didn't get in'' Killian said bluntly and without looking at Emma

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him ''I'm sorry I know how much you wanted it'' said Emma

"It's ok, Swan. I have a new dream now. After I get back from my camping trip on Sunday, we can plan our trip. We'll go together." said Killian.

"Promise?" Asked Emma, excited by where this conversation had lead. She thought that this would be the breakup she was dreading but instead their commitment was strong then she had imagined.

"Promise." replied Killian.

Of course, he would come with her. Where else would he be? She was his home now and he was hers.

"I love you" said Emma as Killian wiped away the single tear that managed to break its way through her walls.

"I love you too, Swan" replied Killian, excited about his dreams of a future with her.