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The next day, Saturday afternoon, was lazy. All Saturdays should be lazy. The mother daughter duo had nothing going on. Aurora worked for the mayor all week, but thankfully the woman let her have the weekends off to spend with Lucy. Usually they would do something that was more exciting than laying around the house. But Saturdays were made for being lazy, if you considered Lucy and Aurora lazy at all.
Lucy was sitting at the kitchen table working on her homework for the weekend, and Aurora was attempting to clean out the fridge. Soft music played in the background, and Aurora hummed along. She was a cleanfreak and always had everything in their apartment in place. Nothing was ever terribly messy. She just hated cleaning out the fridge, which is why it was always put off until it was the absolute last chore there was to do.
"Mama?" Lucy asked.
"Yes, sweetheart? Do you need help?" Aurora asked as she scrubbed one of the shelves within the fridge.
"No. I was just wondering..." She paused, and Aurora lifted her head out of the fridge to see Lucy pursing her lips as she always did when deep in thought. "Do you think Mr. Jones a pirate?"
"What?" Aurora asked, quirking an eyebrow. "Mr. Jones? Oh...Henry's uncle."
"Uh huh." She giggles. "He just...he talks like a pirate. He calls people 'love' and 'lass' and walks like Jack Sparrow."
"Maybe you should ask him next time you see him." Aurora sighed. Lucy hadn't stopped talking about the supposed king of mac'n'cheese ever since she saw him the night before at Granny's. She was absolutely enthralled by him. She liked something about him, and made sure Aurora knew all night and into the next day.
Aurora, on the other hand, couldn't help but wonder about that man. She had lived in Storybrooke all her life, and had never met him before. How could their paths not have crossed at some point? He was related to August and Emma, and they had been close friends to her and Phillip for years. It wasn't like Storybrooke was some huge city people could lose themselves in. They would have met, even in passing. And Aurora would have remembered him, wouldn't she? He was all charm and wit and shining blue eyes and teasing little smiles. At least, that's what she noticed in the short moments she had encountered him in.
A knock interrupted her thought process and pulled her head out of the fridge once more.
Lucy jumped off her chair instantly, bored of the math equations on her paper. She was more a fan of history and reading than the ever looping numbers and symbols. "I'll get it!" She announced happily.
Aurora watched as the door opened and Emma and Ruby appeared. They each carried bags in their hands, and stepped into the apartment with bright smiles.
"Hey. What are you two doing here?" Aurora asked as she closed the fridge.
"We're going out." Ruby answered, grinning towards Emma.
"Good?" Aurora glanced between them questioningly.
"And you're coming with us." Emma murmured, setting her bags down.
"Wait, what?" She shook her head. "I don't think so..."
"Oh no, princess. You most definitely are." Emma insisted. "Luce, tell your mom she needs a night out sometimes."
Aurora glanced at Lucy, who had quirked her eyebrow. She looked towards her mother, and shrugged her shoulders. "Sounds like fun."
"I uh…don't have anyone to watch you, honey." Aurora looked towards her friends, trying to make sure her smile wasn't too relieved. Lucy was responsible, but Aurora was nowhere near ready to let her stay home alone so late.
"It's already taken care of. Belle is watching Grace tonight and has agreed to watch Henry and Lucy as well. We're making a night of it." Emma insisted.
Aurora sighed, and ran a hand through her hair anxiously. "Well..." When she looked at Lucy, her daughter had a bright grin on her face and excitement in her eyes. She grabbed Aurora's hand and bounced. "Please, mama? I can finish my homework tomorrow. I promise you. Please?" Henry and Grace were her best friends, and Belle was just about her favorite adult in Storybrooke.
"It'll be fun. We'll get all dolled up and paint the town red." Ruby grinned.
"Storybrooke? There won't be much painting, seeing as everything closes before eight pm." Aurora quipped.
"You gotta get out more, Rory. It'll be good for you." Emma said gently. "And you already know you'll have fun with us, so why not?"
"Please, mama?" Lucy's gaze softened. "Daddy would want you to."
She had to play that card.
Emma and Ruby silenced, glancing away before they burst out into agreements with the little girl. But she had a point. Phillip wouldn't want her to cage herself in anymore. She deserved to be free, to live her life. She couldn't stay stuck in this routine she had put herself in five years ago. Time out with her friends needed to be included. She had to start doing things out of routine.
Aurora pursed her lips and nodded slowly. "Fine." She murmured. "But I am not wearing anything too…" Aurora glanced over at Ruby and smirked. "Risque."
"Deal." Emma said before Ruby could react.
Jefferson pulled another box off the shelf. The bottles inside jingled together and he whistled as he moved across the empty bar to restock the shelves. As much as he wanted to be home with Belle and Grace, he was thankful for the extra hours. An all night shift meant more tips, which meant more money into savings.
He, much like Killian, wanted a way out of Storybrooke. He wanted to take his girls and go on an adventure. He wanted to rewrite his story, to be more than the madman he once was. And he was close. He was almost there. If he kept at it, he would have more than enough to leave the sleepy little town behind.
He was always encouraging Killian to do the same. It had been years since his best friend had lost his girlfriend to some old codfish. (His words, not Jefferson's.) Killian had been too young, and too naive at the time, and the woman was older. She was adventurous and exotic and gave Killian a rush of excitement. All cougar jokes aside, Killian had loved that woman fiercely. He had been a broken, empty shell of a man when he came to Storybrooke. Jefferson had helped him get on his feet again and start a new life in the sleepy little town.
Jefferson was the only one Killian ever opened up to about Milah. Well, aside from August of course. But Jefferson took it as a bonding, friend type thing. So he took it upon himself to check up on the woman, to see if she was till with that old codfish any longer.
The results were rather heartbreaking, to say the least.
The woman had died at the hands of her husband, and their son had run away never to be seen again. The guy was in prison for life, but showed very little remorse. Apparently Milah had been married to the old man, run away, met Killian, had an affair, and then went running home to her husband. She had been trying to do the best for her son, but it ended badly once her husband found out.
Jefferson had decided it would be in Killian's best interest not to know. He had found all this out right when Killian was finally adjusting to Storybrooke life. He hadn't been drowning his sorrows in a bottle, and actually had ambitions. It would be best for him to just move on, to start a new life and leave the past behind. He could tell him at another time in life. Or maybe he just wouldn't know. Better he think the love of his life was happy than murdered.
Or so he thought. Jefferson wasn't always the most sane person.
"I don't know about this." Aurora murmurs as they step out of the cab.
While Emma looked every bit like a vintage pin up model and Ruby a fiery hot tamale, Aurora felt like a little girl trying on big girl clothes. Even though her friends hadn't forced her into anything too revealing, she still felt exposed. The thin straps and swooping sweetheart neckline of her purple dress seemed to reveal too much skin. It was a reasonable length, but still showed off more of her legs than she would have liked. At least in her case. Her friends had rolled their eyes when Aurora tugged on a pair of stockings, but decided not to stop her.
She couldn't help how she was raised. She was always taught to be modest and not show everything off. She always thought being modest was sexier than showing everything off. It was more imaginative that way.
"You look great, Rory. Stop tugging on it, you'll wrinkle it. And I know how much you hate wrinkles!" Ruby pushed Aurora's hands away from the soft cotton of her dress. Ruby brushed a curl back behind Aurora's ear and grinned. "Perfect. Come on. Let's go get you a man!"
"Excuse me?" Aurora gasped.
"Nice going, Ruby." Emma groaned, resting one hand on her hip.
"Is that what this is about?" Aurora nearly screeched.
"Not completely." Ruby said quickly. "Don't give me those accusing Aurora eyes. We're just trying to help."
"Ruby...I get what you guys are doing...but-"
"Aurora, when was the last time you tried meeting someone new? We're not setting you up on a blind date here, we're just trying to help you. You're with friends. Friends who aren't going to let you rot away in a tower...or apartment. Whatever." Emma's hands gripped her shoulders in a firm, yet loving grasp. "You and Lucy have been through a lot. You two have had time to deal with this and heal. It's time you let yourself live again, Rory." Emma gave her an uncharacteristically sweet smile. "Take it from me, Rory. You can't hide yourself away from the world forever. He wouldn't want that."
"We'll take care of you, Rory." Ruby promised. "Just come have fun with us."
"And you never know, something could change. Something magical could happen." Emma grinned.
Perhaps Emma had been reading too many of Henry's storybooks. She was the last person to say things like that. But maybe love did that to a person. Maybe Emma, the most closed off person in the world, opening up to August, had been enough to make her say things like that. To make her believe that magical moments could happen if you took risks.
Aurora looked up at her friends with dewy blue eyes. They were right, of course. She had to rise from the ashes. She was stronger than this. All it was was a night out with friends who loved her and cared about her. Aurora was thankful for friends who stuck by her through all these years. Anyone else would have ditched her a long time ago, and left her to wallow in her misery. But not them.
"Okay. Let's...give this a shot." She murmured, managing a tiny smile.
"Good girl." Ruby grinned, grabbing Aurora by the arm and pulling her towards the brick building ahead of them. "Let's get inside and get the fun started before the rain hits!"
Inside the bar, there was loud, blaring music and a strong scent Aurora couldn't pinpoint lurking in the air. The majority of Storybrooke under forty seemed crammed inside, taking up every space available.
"Hello, boys!" Ruby is quick to alert the bar of her presence. There's a few shouts in her direction, and wide set smiles towards the girls. Aurora caught how a few of those smiles faltered once they realized she was there. It took all her strength to not run back out of that bar and never look back.
Emma and Ruby were wrong. She didn't belong here. This wasn't comfortable for her. It was wrong of her to come out with them. Maybe it would be different if they had gone elsewhere, out of the sleepy town and into someplace new. Not a bar frequented by people she saw every day. The men in this town wouldn't touch her with a ten foot pole. She was a single mother with too much emotional baggage. Even if she was attractive, no guy wanted to be saddled with that.
The girls ordered Aurora a drink that was much too strong for her and sat her down with them at a booth. Aurora sipped slowly at her drink, but instead of relaxing her, it only seemed to make her nerves worse. The loud laughter and noises made her antsy, and rather jumpy. Ruby and Emma distracted her with light conversation, but Aurora was relieved to see Mary Margaret sliding through the crowds towards them.
"Aurora! I'm so glad to see you!" Mary Margaret hugged her, and Aurora took comfort in her friend for a brief moment before they pulled away from each other. Almost instantly, Emma and Mary Margaret began to chat animatedly. The two women had marriage in common, and a deep friendship. Even if they were attempting to bring her into the conversation, Aurora knew she didn't really fit in that category anymore.
Aurora glanced towards Ruby, who had excused herself to invite herself into a group of young men downing shots. The boys were all impressed by Ruby's outgoing personality and bright smile. Aurora wished it could be that easy for her. To just walk up to a group of people you never met, and yet still belong. Ruby liked having fun, and why shouldn't she? She was gorgeous, had no baggage attached, and was free spirited and happy.
With a sigh, Aurora stood and excused herself to the bathroom. It was empty, but the loud sounds of the music and drunken voices still seeped through the walls. Aurora touched up her lipgloss and studied her reflection in the mirror. Her friends had expertly pinned stray curls out of her face and done up her makeup with soft brown shadows to make her blue eyes hazy and sultry. Aurora didn't see anything sultry about herself.
Aurora leaned against the counter, and cleaned a few gum wrappers and old receipts out of her purse. Once she was done with that, she made a few faces at herself in the mirror, attempting to copy expressions she'd seen Ruby give to men that made them go weak in the knees. She felt ridiculous. If anything, the faces she made would scare men off even more than she already did. As tempting as it was, Aurora knew she couldn't just hide out in the bathroom forever. But the thought of Emma or Ruby finding her there snacking on mints from her purse out of boredom and their reactions instantly made her leave. She refused to be pitied any longer. She could do this.
She slowly emerged from the bathroom, and made her way to the bar. She hopped up onto a stool, and glanced around nervously. Emma was still chatting with Mary Margaret, as was Ruby with Billy. If they noticed her, they didn't show it. She was a big girl. She could sit on her own. Someone would eventually approach her.
"What can I get you?" A voice asked. Aurora jumped slightly, her heart suddenly leaping in her throat. When she looked up, she suddenly locked eyes with Killian Jones. Without meaning to, his gaze softened, and he gave her a warm smile. "Hello, Aurora."
Aurora bit her lower lip. "H-hello, Killian." She took a deep breath, and forced herself to make conversation. "We go from never seeing each other to bumping into each other all over the place, don't we?"
"It'd be hard not to bump into me here. Seeing as it's my bar." He smirked, and noticed how her cheeks instantly bloomed with a pink blush.
"Oh." She murmured.
"Are you here by yourself?"
"No, no. I'm here with Emma and Ruby. And Mary Margaret, I suppose." She murmured.
"Well...can I get you anything?" He asked, noticing how nervous she seemed.
Aurora took a deep breath. "Honestly? I have no idea. I don't drink much." She murmured. Her lips quirked into a slight smile. "Why don't you surprise me?"
"That's a dangerous game to play, Rory."
Aurora looked away from Killian to find Jefferson putting together a drink for another customer. "Hey, Jefferson. How've you been?" She asked softly, thankful to see another familiar face that didn't look at her like she was a pitiful little woman.
After Phillip died, Belle had swooped in instantly to help Aurora with whatever she needed. And with Belle, came Jefferson. The pair had taken care of Aurora and Lucy, and helped set them back on their feet. Jefferson was always looking out for Aurora and Lucy from afar. He and Belle always made sure Aurora knew that she and Lucy could come to them for anything.
"Good, Rory, and you?" He gave her an easy smile.
"Oh I'm alright. Been keeping busy. You know how Madame Mayor works her poor little receptionist." Aurora mock pouted. "I thought you worked at The White Rabbit?"
"Those old farts were too boring. This is more my scene." Jefferson smirked.
"Ah yes, I see." She chuckled.
Killian quirked his eyebrow as Jefferson and Aurora easily talked. "How do you know all of my friends, and yet you and I haven't ever met?"
Could he read her mind or something? "Pure luck?" Aurora teased, feeling a little more at ease now.
Killian couldn't help the broad smile that crossed his lips, and he laughed. His voice was warm, she noticed. He had a very nice laugh. And a very nice smile.
"She's got you there." Jefferson smirked.
"I'll whip you up something delicious, love. Give me a minute." Killian sent her a smile and stepped away, tossing different ingredients and liquids together.
"Can I trust you?" Aurora asked, glancing towards Jefferson with a wary expression.
"He'll take care of you, Rory. Don't worry. Now, if you'll excuse me." Jefferson set a bowl of nuts in front of her and kissed her hand before sliding away to help some customers.
Aurora glanced towards Killian as he set a bright pink drink in front of her. It fizzed and bubbled and she almost burst out laughing as he dropped three cherries on top.
"A Shirley Temple?"
"I figured I'd start you off easy." He smiled. "It's got more bite than you think, love."
The way he kept calling her 'love' was both welcomed and unsettling. She was nobody's 'love'. And yet, it was almost endearing? Aurora blushed to herself, realizing he was waiting for her reaction to his drink. She sipped at it, the sweet taste mixing with a tart sting at the end.
"Perfect." She murmured.
"I make the best." As much as he was drawn to her, he knew he needed to step away. Not only for work purposes, but for his own sanity. If he spent much more time with this woman, he would probably reach a point of never wanting her to leave his sight. And that was dangerous. "If you need anything, just let me know."
Aurora was almost disappointed to see him go. She knew he had to get back to work and couldn't just sit there and talk to her all night. Not that she wanted him to. Or maybe she did.
Aurora glanced over her shoulder to check on her friends, only to find Emma and Mary Margaret coming towards her.
"Having fun?" Mary Margaret asked warmly.
"For the most part." Aurora murmured, nodding with a small smile.
"Glad to hear it." Emma sighed. "Hold onto your hats and glasses, but it looks like Ruby has met her match."
The women all looked towards their brunette friend, and Aurora gasped in surprise at the sight of Dr. Whale sitting near her. Ruby, who was usually all confidence and smirks, was grinning from ear to ear with the sweetest look in her heavily lined eyes. Even Dr. Whale, ever the smarmy scoundrel, had his hands respectfully placed on Ruby, and his eyes didn't rake over Ruby as if he was undressing her. He stared her straight in the eyes, enthralled with whatever they were talking about.
"They...they look..." Mary Margaret began to stammer.
"Sweet?" Aurora gaped.
"Downright adorable." Emma smiled. "It was bound to happen eventually."
"I can't believe we get to witness this." Aurora murmured, a soft smile crossing her lips.
The ladies sat with Aurora for a while, chatting about this and that. They had always noticed the smarmy doctor softening whenever Ruby was around. Whenever they suggested Ruby go talk to Whale, she'd always brushed it off and rolled her eyes. The ladies were just thankful Ruby was finally allowing herself true feelings. After a bad breakup years ago, she had run a little wild. Not that there was anything wrong with it. She was free to do what she wished. But the women had always hoped Ruby could have happiness with that one special person.
A few times, Emma's phone lit up on the bar beside her. She didn't pay much attention to it until it began to frantically ring. When she excused herself to take the call, Mary Margaret scooted closer to Aurora.
"Are you really having fun? I know Emma and Ruby kinda shanghaied you into this."
Aurora brushed a stray curl out of her face and shrugged. "Yeah...I am. It's nice to get out."
"It's good that you're out. I know everyone here is just the same old people we all see everyday, but still...it's good to get out anyways."
Aurora glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was approaching them before leaning back towards Mary Margaret. "It feels like...I won't find anyone new here...because everyone knows about what happened with Phillip. No one wants to take on all that emotional baggage I've got to carry. And I've got Lucy to consider. I just...I don't feel like anyone here is...well...it, for me." She confessed quietly.
Mary Margaret's expression turned motherly and tender. "Someone will come along, Aurora. Someone new. And it'll be different. It'll be a new adventure for you." She touched Aurora's hand. "And even if not, you have a beautiful daughter who loves you more than anyone else in the world. And you'll always have us."
Aurora managed a small smile and nodded her head before turning back to her drink. She took a few slow sips of the cold drink, considering this. How could she spend the rest of her life on the outside watching everyone else live their life with someone? Lucy would be grown and setting off on her own adventure in the next few years. As much as Aurora didn't like to think about it, she would be left behind and alone. Her friends all had families of their own, and their own adventures.
Aurora had had an adventure. And when it was ripped from her grasp, she was forced to start a new one, only this time, with half of her heart missing.
Emma returned moments later, breaking Aurora out of her thoughts.
"I've gotta go." Emma rolled her eyes. "August is freaking out."
Mary Margaret furrowed her eyebrows together. "Why? Is everything okay?"
"He said he had to pick up Henry from Belle's. Guess the poor kid is vomiting all over the place. I've gotta get home. He's hopelessly lost without me." Emma touched Aurora's shoulder. "Do you want to want to ride back home with me?"
Aurora hesitated. Nothing had really happened that night. And after their heart to heart, she wasn't really wanting to leave without some sort of magical moment happening. She bit on her lower lip. "I think I want to stay a little longer." Emma's expression of surprise was priceless, but Aurora continued. "I'll be fine. I can walk home or call a cab."
"Nonsense." Jefferson pressed his hand on the bar in front of her, capturing Aurora's attention. "You're not walking home in the rain. I get off in an hour for a break. I'll drive you home." Jefferson rolled his eyes. "Women."
"Thank you, Jefferson. I appreciate that." Aurora giggled with a small smile.
Killian couldn't help the smile that appeared on his lips as he mixed a drink behind Jefferson. Even though he couldn't see Aurora's smile, he decided hearing her soft laugh was enough to make his heart skip a beat. Since when did that sort of thing happen to him?
"Will you be okay on your own?" Mary Margaret asked with a gentle hand on Aurora's shoulder. "I'd better go too. I promised David I wouldn't stay out too late. I'd rather catch a cab now than stand in the rain and wait."
"Of course. I'll be fine." She assured her.
"We'll keep her company, won't we Killian?" Jefferson asked with a grin.
Killian nearly knocked the drink he was preparing over. He glanced at Emma, who shot him a warning glare, and Aurora, who had a small, hopeful smile for him. "Of course." He agreed, giving Aurora a slow nod before turning back towards her drink.
Aurora glanced towards her friends, who were exchanging glances with each other. "I'm a big tough girl. I'll be just fine." Emma and Mary Margaret looked at Aurora and nodded in agreement, though Aurora caught the hesitation in their eyes.
"Atta girl." Emma sent her a smirk. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"If you need anything, David and I can come get you. I mean, if you decide you want to leave early or something." Mary Margaret murmured before glancing at Killian.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." Aurora chuckled, confused as to why her friends seemed so anxious. They had brought her here, knowing full well that this was Killian's bar. They wanted her to go out and meet new people and reemerge herself into the world. And technically Killian was someone new. And he wasn't so terrible. He was rather likable, actually. And yet, they seemed wary about leaving her on her own in his presence. It wasn't like he was going to gobble her up. He was just a man. Aurora wasn't afraid of him in the slightest. And besides that, Jefferson was there. He wouldn't let anything happen to her.
After an exchange of hugs, Aurora was alone again. She could have gone to join Ruby, but by the looks of it, she and Dr. Whale were going to be jumping each other in a matter of minutes. So there she sat, alone at the bar. She glanced around the room, noticing how when they had arrived, the bar had been packed to the gills. But now, the crowds had begun to die down. There weren't many people aside from a few small groups scattered about and Ruby and Whale snuggled together in a booth.
Aurora pursed her lips and twirled her straw around her glass. Her blue eyes lifted, and she took a moment to study Killian as he worked down the bar. He had an easy swagger about him as he moved. Very piratey, like Lucy had noticed. He wore a flannel shirt, similar to the one she had seen him in the day before. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and she'd be lying if she didn't find his forearms impressive. She'd always had a weakness for men with their sleeves rolled up. Her eyes wandered up towards his face. He was concentrating on preparing a drink for a rather exuberant girl who'd already had one too many. He made the drink carefully, making sure not to add too much of any of the ingredients laid out in front of him. There was something about his stubble and the way his eyebrows furrowed together and how his lips pursed as he worked that made her toes curl within her shoes. It had been too long since Aurora had just allowed herself to admire a man. It really wasn't a terrible thing to do, was it?
"Uh...Rory?"
Aurora jumped out of her skin, blushing instantly as she looked up to find Jefferson in front of her again. How long had he been standing there? She looked up sheepishly to find him giving her a sly smirk. "You alright?" He asked, quirking her eyebrow. "With all that drooling I thought I'd have to get a mop."
"Shut up." She gasped, taking a quick gulp of her drink. "I wasn't drooling." She murmured, dragging her thumb beneath her lip. Just to be sure.
Jefferson patted her arm, and winked. "Right...right. Whatever you say." With a devious grin, he turned away. "Oh Killy willy! Freshen up Rory's drink, won't you?"
"Rory?" Killian laughed. Aurora looked up as he approached her. "Why does everyone call you Rory?"
Aurora shrugged as he reached for her half empty glass. "I don't know. Everyone has for as long as I can remember." She murmured. A memory suddenly burst into her mind of exactly how she'd gotten the nickname. "My...my hus-" She stopped herself quickly once she realized what she was about to say and to who. "Nevermind." She mumbled, shaking her head.
Killian furrowed his eyebrows together, and set a fresh drink down in front of her. She expected him to leave her alone. Even though he had been staring at her the day before when she picked up Lucy, he had kept his distance from her tonight. Of course. He must have known about her too. Someone must have told him. Stay away from poor little Aurora with the broken family and broken heart. She's not worth the trouble.
But no. He noticed her nervous expression and leaned on the bar towards her, his arms resting on the edge. "Do you mind if I call you 'Rora?"
Her head lifted in surprise. "W-what?"
He gave her a grin and leaned a little closer. "Do you...mind if I...call you...'Rora?" He drawled in a slower voice.
Aurora instantly blushed and quirked her eyebrow. "Why?"
"We're new friends. I should have a special nickname of my own for you." Killian tapped his fingers on the bar. "A fresh start with new friends. If you make up a nickname for me, just be sure it's not Killy willy."
Aurora laughed, and she lifted her hand to her lips. "Okay. Deal." She giggled, blue eyes flickering up to his face.
Killian couldn't help but grin as she laughed. This time, it was because of him. It filled him with a sense of pride. He had been the one to cause her happiness, if only for a moment. It was worth it. She certainly was beautiful when she laughed.
"Can I ask you something?" Aurora asked through giggles. "No, no, I'd better not. I promised Lucy she could ask you herself."
Killian quirked his eyebrow. "Go on, you can tell me. I'll act surprised when I see her."
"She wanted to know if you're a pirate." Aurora giggled.
It was Killian's turn to laugh. And laugh he did. It was a strong, hearty sound. Aurora felt her heart grow warm from such a sound. "No, love, I'm not a pirate. Though I've always loved the sea." He grinned. "She's a cute kid."
Aurora's gaze softened and she smiled. "Thank you. I do the best that I can."
"She's terribly likable, that one. A real ball of sunshine, and I mean that." He grinned. "That's a lot coming from me, since I don't like kids."
"Well I take that as quite the compliment, then." Aurora giggled, lifting her drink to take another sip.
"The highest. You should be proud of your girl."
"I am. Thank you, Killian."
When Aurora looked up at him, he felt a little dizzy. The same woman who had been glaring daggers at him the day before now had the softest, sweetest expression on her face. Her bluebell eyes stared straight at him, and her glossy pink lips curved into a sweet smile. Yeah, pretty didn't even begin to describe her. How he hadn't ever noticed such an otherworldly creature like herself all these years was lost on him. She was reeling him in, despite his best efforts to stay away.
Aurora smiled up at him, and brushed a stray curl out of her face as she took a sip of her drink. Killian was awfully close, she realized. She caught the slight musk of his skin, and the warmth of his breath. His eyes were what drew her in, though. She hadn't ever seen such a shade of blue before. And the way he was looking at her with those blue eyes of his wasn't unwelcomed, either. There was tenderness and warmth there, but also this wanting, almost needy gleam. She couldn't remember the last time someone had looked at her like that. She bit her lower lip, and gave him a shy smile before looking away.
You really can't remember? Does Phillip already mean nothing to you?
It felt as though someone dumped a bucket of ice water on her head. Aurora sat back, needing to pull away from Killian and his intoxicating musk and easy smile. She glanced around the bar, realizing exactly where she was and what she was doing. She was out in the world again. She was experiencing things again. She was moving forward.
Aurora knew it was bound to happen. She needed to move forward. She couldn't live in the past and mourn Phillip for the rest of her life. She had to press forward, to be stronger than this.
And yet, the realization of what she was doing there in that moment with Killian looking at her like that made it all the more real. It was happening.
"Uh...'Rora?" He quirked an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"
She looked up at him, her fingers curled tightly around the edge of the bar. "Uhm...I uh...I don't know." She murmured. Aurora forced herself to take slow, deep breaths. She would not lose her cool here. She wouldn't fall apart here, in front of him. "I think I need some air...yes...air is good."
"It would be if it wasn't raining." He murmured, furrowing his eyebrows together. "We're friends now, 'Rora. You can tell me if I said something wrong."
"Oh...no...no...it's not you it's just..." Aurora took another deep breath and held it, and counted to ten before releasing it. "I haven't been out like this in...well...five years and I just...I feel...guilty? I guess?" She stammered.
"It's good for you to get out. You're young, you're lovely..." Killian didn't really know what to say. He didn't want to let on that he knew her husband had died, but he wanted her to know he understood. He bit on his lower lip, trying to figure out a way to convey that, when Jefferson wandered over.
"Hey, everything okay?" Jefferson asked. "Rory? You're looking a little pale..."
"I'm fine!" She squeaked. "I just...I think I ought to get home...could...could you take me?" She asked quietly, looking up at Jefferson anxiously.
Jefferson glanced at Killian questioningly. "Yeah, I said I would. I'm off in a half hour."
"I...I can walk, then. I just...I need to go." She murmured, taking a deep breath.
"Go ahead, mate. You'd better take her now." Killian rested his hand on Aurora's, and she was sure she'd pass out. No man had touched her in years. The warmth and feel of Killian's hand was almost too good to be true. She swallowed hard and looked up at him as he pulled back. "Don't be a stranger, 'Rora. I'd like to see your face in here again." He gave her a slight smile and a nod, and then turned and headed down the bar to busy himself.
Killian had every urge to turn around and comfort her. In some way, he wanted to try. But when he turned to look back at her, Jefferson was already leading her out into the rain. There would be another chance. He would make sure of it.
The car ride was silent aside from the pattering of rain on the roof. Aurora had calmed down and taken a few deep breaths, and finally was beginning to come down from her panic.
"How come I've never met Killian before?" Aurora asked softly, glancing towards Jefferson.
Jefferson's hands tightened on the wheel, but he kept an easy expression and shrugged. "Like you said, pure luck, I guess."
Aurora rolled her eyes. "He knows you, Jefferson. He knows Emma and August and Ruby and Mary Margaret and Belle. I'm guessing he knows the whole town as well. How is it that he and I haven't ever met?"
"Rory...geeze...I don't know, okay? He moved here right when you and Phillip were getting engaged and he was going through a rough time. I didn't even get to know him until I got that job at The White Rabbit because he came in a lot. He would drink and drink and drink until I had to carry him home. Then he decided to open his own bar and we became friends." Jefferson sighed, and lifted a hand to rake through his wet hair. "He only started going into town and meeting people around the same time Phillip died. I don't need to remind you how you were around that time. You were focused on you and Luce, which is exactly what needed to happen. You guys met recently because that's just how it happened."
Aurora glanced at Jefferson, surprised he had revealed that much about him. Even still, it didn't seem like the full story. She shook her head, and fiddled with a stray string on her skirt. "Is everyoneo telling him to stay away from me?" She asked softly. "Yesterday, when I saw him at the school, I thought he was going to make a move on me by the way he was staring at me. And then at Granny's diner, the same thing. But now, suddenly, he's keeping his distance?"
"You guys seemed to be chatting just fine before we left." Jefferson pointed out.
"Yeah, only because you sent him over to me! All night he was avoiding even looking at me." She frowned at him. "Did you tell him about Phillip? Is that it? No one wants to come near me because of everything that's happened. Did you tell the one person in Storybrooke that doesn't know about what happened everything that's wrong with me?"
Jefferson groaned and couldn't hold back his eye roll. Aurora was overdramatic sometimes. "Geeze." He grumbled. "You know I wouldn't do that, Rory."
"Well someone must have. Someone must be telling him to stay away from me. Is he really that bad?"
"It wasn't me, Rory. Personally, I think Killian is a good guy. He's really been through a lot and would be understanding to you. He's not my first choice for you...but...he has potential." He sighed. "You deserve to be happy again, Rory. And if by some stroke of luck it's with him, then I'll support you both." He smirked. "But if he does anything idiotic, I'll punch his lights out for you."
"I appreciate that." Aurora smiled. "I just...I don't know, Jefferson. I've been so focused on Lucy these past five years that I've never gone out much like this...I've never noticed guys around or even entertained the thought of...love...marriage...all that..." She took another deep breath, and swallowed the lump in her throat. "I wanted Phillip, you know?"
"He'd want you to be happy." Jefferson sighs. "But he's not coming back, Rory. You know that."
Aurora swallows the lump in her throat. It was the truth, but it still stung. "I know." Her eyes flicker out the window at the rain. "I just can't imagine loving someone like I loved him and...having this happen again."
Jefferson was finally at a loss. This was the point in the conversation where Belle would take over with her knowing, warm voice and wise words. His bookworm would have a better response than his own. "It could happen, Rory."
The truck stops, and Aurora grabs her purse. "Thanks for the ride, Jefferson. I'll be by to pick up Lucy in the morning." She brushes a curl out of her face and sends him a smile. "I appreciate everything you guys do for us."
"Anytime." Jefferson sends her a wave and she smiles and climbs out and disappears into the apartment building.
The apartment is silent when Aurora unlocks the door and slips inside. She doesn't often have it all to herself. The rain is loud outside, and the sound of it echoes throughout the apartment. It's almost a little spooky, without any other sounds. Any other night on her own, Aurora would wallow in her pain and watch her wedding video over and over again until she cried herself to sleep.
But not tonight. Tonight, as nerve wracking as it had been, had been a milestone for her.
What she needed now was a bath and to slip into bed and sleep for ages.
As she heads down the hall, she catches a red light blinking on the machine next to her phone. To her surprise, there's a message waiting for her.
"Ahh...hey...'Rora...uhm...it's ah...Killian...Killian Jones...you knew that...uhm...anyways. I know this seems like a line or something but...I just wanted to say it...it was nice talking to you tonight. I um...I meant what I said. I hope to see you around again sometime. I'd like to ah...get to know you. Uh...so yeah. Anyways...I hope you're not creeped out by me calling you...uhm...Ruby left me your number tonight...and she's fine...went home with Whale. Okay anyways...have a goodnight, 'Rora."
Oh yes, a milestone indeed.