Author's Note: I just wanted to thank everyone who has favorited/followed this story and left reviews. I wish I had more time to respond to them, but I want you guys to know that they're appreciated and make me really happy. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave them. It means a lot that you guys are already enjoying this story - I'm having a lot of fun writing it. Thank you again for being so wonderful!
The chime above the door signaling her entrance was the only sound Emma heard as she made her way into the pawn shop. The place appeared to be empty, which was nothing new. It wasn't like Mr. Gold usually had a ton of customers, but there was no one behind the counter either. The 'open' sign was in the window so someone was there, but she had no idea what she would say to Belle if she saw her.
Hey…is your true love dead or alive? That wasn't exactly a solid conversation starter whether Belle had her memories or not. Emma moved further into the shop, glancing at the odds and ends that had once belonged to various Enchanted Forest residents. Nothing in particular stood out, which was also nothing new. She fought the urge to let out a frustrated sigh and took a deep breath instead. You're the sheriff, Emma. All you need to do is find answers. You can…
"What brings you by today, dearie?"
Emma's head jerked up at the sound of Gold's voice and she whirled around to face the counter as he stepped out from behind the curtain, dressed in his usual suit with his cane in hand. She couldn't stop her mouth from dropping open as visions of him stabbing Peter Pan and then disappearing in a cloud of magic flashed through her head. And now he was standing in front of her like none of that had ever happened.
She was more confused than ever, but as crazy as all of this was, there was a part of her that was incredibly relieved to see him alive. It didn't make sense, but nothing about this day did. Gold was still watching her, waiting for her to answer his question and Emma wasn't sure what to do. How did one go about asking a person if he remembered killing his father to save all their lives the day before?
"I just had a few questions about yesterday," Emma said. That's how she'd started with Hoo – Killian – and Regina so it seemed like as good of a tactic as any. She simply left it at that to see how Gold would respond.
Gold raised an eyebrow. "Has a crime been committed, Sheriff? I heard there was a ruckus at the Rabbit Hole, but I can assure you that Belle and I were enjoying a quiet evening in while that was happening."
Emma watched him carefully, trying to use her superpower to see if he was lying. He seemed amused, but she didn't detect any hidden meanings or double speak. Gold was alive and he'd been home with Belle and yet he still knew that there'd been a problem at the Rabbit Hole. Then again, news traveled fast in Storybrooke and Gold had always made it his business to know everyone else's.
"There hasn't been any crime," Emma replied. She wondered if Belle was there or if she was already at the library. It probably wouldn't hurt to talk to her too. She opened her mouth to ask and then stopped when she spotted something silver out of the corner of her eye. She turned to the table nearest to her and swallowed hard when she saw the familiar hook sitting there. Emma picked it up and turned back to Gold, her eyes studying his face. "What's this?"
His expression didn't change. "It's a hook," Gold said, speaking slowly like she was a child attempting to learn a new word.
"I know that," Emma snapped. As far as she could tell, he wasn't messing with her, but Gold had always been an enigma. Maybe she should have just waited until Regina had time to question him. Too late now, she thought as her grip tightened on the hook. "What is it doing here?" she asked.
"This is a shop," Gold replied, drawing out the syllables in the word. He made a sweeping gesture with his hand toward the tables spread out around them. "I sell things and people buy them. One man's treasure and all that," he muttered. "Are you in the market for a hook, Sheriff?"
Her mind went somewhere it absolutely should not and Emma felt color seeping into her cheeks. What the hell was wrong with her? Emma refused to meet Gold's gaze as she gave him a stiff nod. "Yes, how much do you want for it?" Considering she'd already tried the Captain Hook angle with Killian earlier, Emma wasn't sure what good the actual hook would do, but the idea of leaving it in Gold's shop bothered her. Emma knew Killian would not want something of his in Gold's possession, no matter how polite he was being.
"It's on the house, dearie," Gold replied and that got Emma to meet his gaze because there was always a price when it came to him. She was surprised to see him giving her a genuine smile. That was definitely new. "Just make sure Henry doesn't hurt himself with it. Or Killian," he added.
This was officially the weirdest day ever, Emma thought. She didn't know what to say so she just slipped the hook into her bag and nodded at him. "Thanks." He responded with a nod of his own and then moved back behind the curtain. Emma turned and practically ran out of the shop, pushing the door open and accidentally slamming it directly into someone on the sidewalk. "I'm sorry – Neal."
"Hey Emma," Neal replied, greeting her with a familiar grin. "Where's the fire? Or was it just an unpleasant conversation with my dad?" he joked.
Emma didn't know what to say. It hadn't even occurred to her that Neal would be one of the people she'd run into, but she supposed it made sense. He should have disappeared with the curse like everyone else. Things had been so awkward between them after Neverland and now he was standing in front of her with an easygoing smile, making jokes about his father. "Not exactly," she said. "It's just been a weird morning."
Neal nodded, slipping his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "Yeah, I imagine it was after last night. How bad was David's hangover this morning?" he asked as another grin crossed his face.
"It wasn't pretty," Emma replied with a laugh. She immediately frowned, wondering where the hell this easy conversation had come from. They were chatting like old friends, something that would not have been possible twenty-four hours earlier when she'd refused to have lunch with him and then everything had gone to hell.
"Poor guy is never going to live this one down," Neal commented, oblivious to her quick change in demeanor. "Anyway, you seem to be in a hurry so I won't keep you. But tell Killian that I'm going to collect on that rematch that he owes me. See you later, Emma."
"See you," Emma muttered as she watched him disappear into the shop, the chimes ringing once more. Neal had been at her father's bachelor party and apparently had a friendly rivalry with Killian that had nothing to do with her. As she tried to absorb that information, Emma felt another wave of relief wash over her. She wasn't ready to attempt to make sense of the feeling so she pushed it down and started in the direction of the library.
(~)(~)(~)
Emma spent the next few hours seeking out various townspeople to see if anyone other than her and Regina knew something was wrong. Belle had confirmed Gold's story that they'd been at home the night before, most of the dwarves were dealing with hangovers, Marco had his usual kind words and Archie talked to her like it was any other day in Storybrooke. By the time she walked into Granny's a little after one, Emma was starting to wonder if she was the one who was crazy.
The lunchtime rush was still going, but Emma managed to snag a booth in the back of the diner. Ruby hurried by and promised to be right with her, pausing only to drop menus on the table before she moved onto the next one. Emma picked one up without bothering to tell her friend that she'd left two by mistake. Her stomach growled to remind her that she'd skipped breakfast and she couldn't really remember the last time she'd eaten in either reality. Emma was debating between sandwiches when a shadow fell over the table and she looked up just in time for Killian's lips to connect with hers.
"Hey beautiful," he said with a smile before sliding into the booth across from her and reaching for the second menu. "My apologies for being late, but things were on the hectic side." His eyes shifted from her to the menu and Emma couldn't seem to do anything other than stare at him, her lips once again tingling from a simple kiss. She wasn't even sure she could add that to her file of things to worry about later because it was already bursting.
Despite his comment about things being hectic, Emma was positive she'd never seen Killian look this carefree. He was still smiling as he studied the menu, eyes bright. His hair was only slightly less messy than it had been when he'd gotten out of bed that morning, probably a combination of his fingers and the wind, she guessed. His cheeks had a touch of color that she wanted to attribute to the wind as well which made her wonder if he'd been outside all morning. That would make sense if he had a job that involved being outside, probably something by the docks. But how the hell was she supposed to ask him when she should know already?
"Earth to Emma," Ruby called. "Stare at your boyfriend on your own time." She tapped her notepad impatiently and Emma's entire face was suddenly on fire when she realized that she was blatantly staring and Ruby and Killian were both watching her. God, she was never going to hear the end of this. Sure enough, his smile had turned into a familiar smirk and she didn't care for the way Ruby was laughing at her either. So much for girl power or honor among friends or whatever the code was, she thought.
"I'll have the grilled cheese with fries and water," Emma told her. She closed the menu and pushed it toward Ruby as Killian ordered a cheeseburger and water as well. Ruby sent one last smirk over her shoulder before she sauntered to the counter to put in their orders. Emma glared at Ruby's back and then forced herself to meet Killian's smug gaze. "Stop it."
He just laughed and reached for her hand, bringing it to his lips for a tender kiss that made her entire body shudder in a way that was so not okay. Emma desperately wanted that water she'd ordered, preferably with a major side of ice. Killian kept her hand in his, toying with her fingers. "How was your meeting with the mayor?"
"Fine," Emma replied, distracted by his touch. It was so simple and intimate and exactly the kind of thing that she did not do ever. But apparently all the rules were different in this new reality. Focus, Emma. "Actually, Regina and I didn't have much time to talk about town business. Roland needed her attention because his daddy was sick in bed thanks to Uncle Killian's bad influence." She arched an eyebrow.
Killian laughed again, deeper this time, his dimples flashing in his cheeks and her chest was suddenly tight in that way that she didn't know how to explain again. How was it possible that she was holding hands with a three-hundred-year-old pirate and he was laughing over an insult that had been passed along from a child – a child who was living with Regina because his father was her soulmate? Where had this life come from and why was she practically the only person who knew it wasn't real?
"In my defense, love, it was Dave who suggested that third round of shots and those were the ones that did Robin in," Killian explained. He considered things as he ran his tongue across his bottom lip and Emma cursed herself when her eyes followed the movement. "Of course that was the round that did Dave in as well so perhaps I shoulder some of the responsibility."
"Perhaps," Emma commented, doing her best to sound stern, but she couldn't seem to stop herself from smiling at him. He looked so damn proud of himself and it was a pretty funny to imagine her father, the prince, the leader, encouraging others to overindulge in shots. Then again, there wasn't a doubt in her mind that Killian had been the true ringleader and judging by the look he was giving her, he knew exactly what she was thinking.
Ruby brought them the water they'd ordered and promised their food would be up shortly. Emma gently pulled her hand back from Killian and picked up her glass, drinking half of it in one gulp and she saw him raise an eyebrow, but he didn't comment. She set the glass down and decided to try another angle to gage his reaction. "I stopped by the pawn shop this morning to talk to Gold."
Killian took a sip of his water, but his face didn't change as he watched her, clearly waiting to hear the rest of the story. She recalled how Gold hadn't so much as flinched when she'd picked up the hook and then he'd mentioned Killian in the same breath as Henry. Apparently the ugly history between the two men had not carried over to this version of reality. She supposed that was something else that should bring her relief and it did, but she still knew none of this was real.
Emma realized Killian was still waiting for her to finish the story so she spoke quickly. "I thought he might have some information about a case, but it was a dead end." She shrugged, hoping he wouldn't question the abrupt dismissal of a topic she'd started. "I saw Neal too."
The smirk returned to his face. "Did he mention the rematch that he has been requesting?" Emma nodded and Killian laughed. "Dave and I teamed against Neal and Robin for a game of billiards and even with Dave's lesser skills holding me back, we were victorious by a wide margin." He held out his glass toward Emma and she picked hers up and tapped it against his.
She took another sip of water and once again tried to make sense out of everything in her mind. There didn't seem to be conflicts between anyone and that was a good thing. Everyone she'd talked to that morning seemed lighter than normal, even Regina. Emma knew she had to count herself in that group as well because as weird as all of this was, and it was weird as hell, she couldn't help getting swept up in the enthusiasm. It was just nice to see everyone living their lives without anger and vengeance or sadness or heartbreak.
But that didn't make it real, the rational part of her brain countered. It had to be a curse or a spell or something. Gold had survived so maybe that had changed things. She didn't know how that would work, but maybe Regina would have some idea. Emma wondered if she'd figured out Robin's name yet or who he was – Robin Hood was the first fairy tale character who popped into her head and she decided that made just as much sense as Captain Hook sitting across from her so it was probably true.
"Emma?" His voice pulled her out of her head and Emma realized something else that was different here. Killian almost always called her 'Swan' and he hadn't done it once that day. She wasn't sure why she missed it, but she did. Emma pushed that thought aside before she got lost in her head again.
"Sorry, did you say something?" she asked.
The smile faded from his face and his eyes filled with concern as they searched hers. Emma couldn't help feeling guilty for ruining the mood. She really needed to pull herself together, but it was hard when he could read her so easily. Open book, he'd said that first day on the beanstalk and she'd proved him right time and time again. "You seem a million miles away. What's troubling you, love?"
He sounded so sincere that Emma wanted to tell him. She wanted to tell him that none of this was real and they'd been cursed again and this time he'd gotten swept up in it too. Emma knew it would sound completely insane, but maybe he'd know that she was telling the truth. Maybe she didn't have to carry all of this weight on her shoulders. Maybe –
"Sorry this took so long," Ruby interrupted as she set their plates down in front of them. She lifted the pitcher of water from the tray and refilled their glasses as well. "If you need anything else, just yell." She carried the tray back to the counter and Emma felt her nerve slip away.
"I think I'm just overtired," Emma told Killian. She saw a flicker of something in his eyes and realized that he knew that she wasn't being honest with him. Fresh guilt tightened in her chest and she found herself reaching across the table for his hand before she could stop herself. "I'm sorry. You have my full attention now."
He watched her for a moment and then nodded, lifting their joined hands to his lips once more. "You should take advantage of Dave's remorse and spend the afternoon at home resting. Henry will be on the field trip until four and if I wasn't needed at the docks, I would join you."
Emma doubted there would be any rest involved if Killian joined her in an empty apartment and somehow she managed to keep herself from turning bright red at the thought. Maybe she was finally getting the hang of this after all or maybe she was too focused on what he'd said about the docks. She'd been right about that and it made sense that he was working near the water. "How has work been today?" she asked, hoping he'd drop enough details for her to piece together what he did.
"Exhausting," Killian replied. "Mr. Smee and I are still cataloguing all the damage last week's storm did to the vessels in the harbor. Repairs are going to be quite costly. We should have the final tally for you by the end of the day tomorrow for your report." He sent her a quick smile and then picked up his cheeseburger.
She took a bite of her sandwich, grateful for the lull in conversation so she could process all of that. It all sounded so normal and it was hard to reconcile that they'd just gotten back from a hellish trip to Neverland only to be faced with a new curse and now everything was different. Emma wished she knew what she was supposed to do. She was the freaking savior so it was up to her to fix this, but she had no idea how, especially since no one knew anything was wrong.
The rest of the meal passed in surprisingly comfortable silence, even as her mind ran in ten directions, trying to find some kind of solution or cause. Killian took care of the check with Ruby and then held his hand out to Emma. She let him help her up and he kept her hand in his as they walked out of the diner toward her car. "Go home and rest, love," he said before he leaned in and kissed her goodbye.
Emma was ready for the kiss this time, but that did nothing to stop the electricity from shooting through her the second his lips touched hers. Their kiss in Neverland had been electric too, but she'd chalked that up to the heat of the moment and all of the other excuses she'd made. She was fresh out now so she didn't think about it as she wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, a soft moan escaping from her throat as her fingertips teased the hair at the nape of his neck.
If he was surprised by her enthusiasm, he didn't show it. Killian slipped his hand into her hair, tilting her head back as his tongue teased hers. He settled his fake hand against her hip and continued exploring her mouth until air became an issue for both of them. His forehead pressed against hers and Emma opened her eyes to find him smiling at her as the sounds of their harsh breathing filled the air. "You're making it difficult for me to remember why I should go back to the docks."
She laughed and gave him a light shove. "Go back to work, Killian. I'll see you later." Emma slipped her hand into her bag to pull out her keys and the second her fingers closed around the hook, her expression sobered. God, what the hell was wrong with her? She should not be kissing him in the middle of the parking lot like they didn't have a care in the world.
Her hand fumbled around until her fingers found the key ring and she unlocked the door, surprised when Killian reached around her and opened it. Emma glanced back at him and her heart thundered against the wall of her chest when she saw the hunger in his eyes. "Drive safely, love," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. Emma just nodded and slid into the car.
Killian closed the door and then turned and walked away, heading in the direction of the docks. Emma sat behind the wheel and just stared after him, wondering how much longer she was going to be able to keep pretending this was normal.
(~)(~)(~)
Emma decided to take Killian's advice and headed back to their apartment, but she didn't want to rest. She spent several hours going through every nook and cranny, trying to find something – anything – that would give her some hints about their life. Aside from an embarrassing amount of photos scattered throughout the apartment, there weren't many clues. Killian was extremely neat. His side of the closet and all of his drawers were well organized and hers looked like a hurricane had blown through them.
But there wasn't anything out of the ordinary, not that she really knew what she was looking for. It wasn't like there was going to be a big flashing sign that screamed this whole thing was a lie. Emma knelt down beside the bookshelves and began putting the books back where they'd been along with the photos in front of them.
There was one photo that was from a birthday party for Henry and she was standing between Killian and her parents, laughing at something while Neal helped Henry cut the cake. Gold and Belle were standing near Neal and Regina was sitting at the table with Roland in her lap, a man Emma didn't recognize, but assumed was Robin, sat beside her. They were all smiling like one big happy family.
She couldn't seem to stop the tears from welling up in her eyes as her chest tightened. It was a beautiful picture, but none of this was real and that wasn't fair. Everyone looked so happy and that was what Emma had always wanted so how was she supposed to take that away from everyone?
The sound of a key in the door made her jump and Emma quickly put the picture back and brushed the tears from her eyes, getting to her feet as Henry practically ran into the apartment with Mary Margaret right behind him.
"Mom!" he cried excitedly before rushing toward her and wrapping his arms around her waist. "The forest is so cool! We saw all kinds of birds and fish and we learned about different plants. We have to go camping sometime. Is Killian home yet? I want to show you all the pictures."
Emma smiled and just held him for a moment, her heart bursting with love. Maybe most of their memories weren't real, but this was. She had her son in her arms and she was incredibly grateful for that. "He's still at work so maybe you can start on your homework now and then we can look at the pictures when Killian gets here?" she suggested.
"Okay," Henry agreed. He grinned at her and then turned to wave at Mary Margaret. "See you later," he called before rushing down the hall to his room. Emma shook her head as she watched him go and then turned to her mother. She was watching Henry as well, a soft smile on her face.
"It was a fun trip," she told Emma. "How have things been over here today?"
For a brief moment, hope bloomed inside of her as Emma wondered if Mary Margaret was fishing for information. But beating around the bush wasn't really her thing so if she had any clue that they were under a curse, she'd probably come right out and ask. "It's been a day. Thanks for bringing Henry home. Do you want some tea or cocoa?"
Mary Margaret shook her head. "I can't stay or I'll never get dinner ready on time. I imagine David won't be much help after last night and yes I know about that," she added with a smile before Emma could say anything. "Secrets and Storybrooke don't really go together."
Confused, Emma started to ask what she was talking about and then she remembered the bachelor party. Her day had been so ridiculous that she'd already forgotten how it started. And there was the flash of Killian in her bed right on cue, she thought as she fought to roll her eyes at just how predictable her mind was at the moment. Not going to think about that, Emma.
"Right," Emma said, shifting her focus back to her mother. "How much trouble is he in?" she asked. Emma had a feeling she already knew the answer. Memory or no memory, curse or no curse, she didn't see Snow White staying mad at Prince Charming for very long.
"Not as much as I'm going to let him believe he's in," Mary Margaret replied. She winked at Emma and motioned toward the door. "I really do need to go. Is seven still okay for dinner tonight?"
Apparently they were having dinner with her parents. Emma briefly considered making an excuse and then thought better of it. Killian already thought she was acting strange and canceling dinner plans might add to his suspicions. Since she still didn't know what to do about anything, Emma decided to just roll with it. "Seven is great. We'll be there."
"Great," Mary Margaret replied. She moved closer and gave Emma a hug. "Thanks for taking care of David last night. I'll be happy to return the favor when it's time for you and Killian to get married."
Emma's jaw dropped and familiar panic burned in her chest. She ordered herself to calm down. Her mother was just making a joke and she had no idea why there was nothing funny about it. "I'll keep that in mind," she told her, impressed with her ability to speak normally as she pulled back from the hug. "See you tonight."
Once Mary Margaret left, Emma closed the door behind her and then leaned heavily against it. She closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath. There had to be an explanation for all of this. But until she found it, Emma knew that she was going to have to keep pretending because she certainly didn't have the heart to ruin everyone else's lives. It was just dinner with her parents and Killian. She'd slayed a dragon once. How difficult could one dinner be?