an: surprise another update! I hope you like this chapter! :)


three

Emma has only one thing on her mind as the car stops in front of the castle: she isn't dressed up. She's in a cardigan and tank top with jeans and sneakers. Her mother will probably love her regardless, but… it's her first time back in a few years and photographers have already caught sight of her.

It's a reflex- thinking she has to be dressed up for the people of this kingdom even if it's just a title. It comes from years of listening to her mother explain how important presentation is.

When she was younger, Emma used to care just a little bit more than she does now. With time, with discovering the world around her, Emma became hardened to the idea that she would one day have to inherit the title and throne.

Being the firstborn, it's on her to take the throne from her graying and wearing parents. And it's not that she doesn't respect her parents or the fact that this was the family she was born into. It's just that she came to a realization- slowly, and then all at once- that this life isn't the only one she could live.

She takes a soft breath when she sees her parents and siblings standing there waiting for them. As much as she loves them and as much as she's missed them, she feels overwhelmed.

"Well, this should be fun," Emma murmurs to herself.

She turns a little to grab Henry's bag and as she's patting it down to make sure she hasn't lost anything, she makes the mistake of meeting Killian's eyes.

He has kindness in his gaze and he smiles softly. "Okay?"

She sits upright, filling her lungs with a clean breath of air before nodding. "Yeah. I'm okay. You?"

Killian grins in that familiar way he used to, teeth practically glistening in the light. "I've been better, but I think I'll survive."

Emma's gaze inadvertently falls to his missing hand and she's made incredibly aware of the memory that he's in a lot of pain right now- both emotional and physical.

She forces a smile and nods. "Yeah, well, we'll see what happens after my mother squeezes the life out of us."

Not leaving any space for him to respond, Emma opens up the door and slings her legs out one at a time, careful because of Henry in her arms. He's getting cranky because it's nearing lunch time and he should probably have a nap, so all he really wants is to curl against her when she settles him on her hip.

Emma sucks in a breath as she faces her family and nods at them. "Hey."

Her mother comes forward first, her arms spread open as wide as her smile. "Emma! Henry! Hi!"

It's every bit the family reunion she'd imagined it would be, but it is somehow less awkward and more… sweet. It's been awhile since her family has seen Henry in person- sometimes they Skype just to see him- and it takes only a minute or so for Henry to warm up to his extended family members.

Emma's in the middle of hugging her father for a solid ten seconds straight when Killian finally emerges from the car.

"Killian!" Leo says, all smiles and extended arms. "It's so good to see you again!"

Killian laughs, a sound that comes from his belly, and Emma pulls back in time to see her brother giving Killian a hug, complete with firm pats to each others' backs. Killian pulls away first and Emma can tell he's a little nervous.

She gets it. She doesn't know how to feel, being back here with her family and friends, amongst everything she'd run from. And to be back together is something she never dreamed could be.

After Leo hugs Killian, Emma turns to her youngest brother, Alistair, and smiles at him. "You're so big now, Ali, what happened?"

Alistair rolls his eyes and accepts her hug. "You've been gone."

It hurts, but it's only the truth. Emma takes a step back and pats his cheek. "Just don't tell me you're getting married like Leo is and we'll be cool."

Alistair laughs. "Yeah. Not yet."

Emma winks at her brother teasingly.

"Come on inside," Emma's mother says. "I'm sure you're tired after all of that travel."

Henry fusses for the first time then, from his spot in his grandmother's arms. Emma reaches for her son and he immediately tucks his face into the crook of her neck.

"Hungry too." Emma announces.

She glances over at Killian, mostly because they're the outsiders here, and he nods in agreement.

"Aye. I could eat."

"Well, Emma, you and Henry are welcome to returning to your bedroom," Mary Margaret says. "And Killian, why don't you follow Leo up to one of the guest suite apartments?"

Emma sees Killian's expression soften up, clearly flattered that he'd be so openly welcomed back after everything that's happened.

"I don't mean to put you out," Killian tries to be polite. "I could just stay with Robin in town-"

"No, no, no," Emma's father scoffs. "You're family. You stay here."

And then they're being whisked inside. Her mother won't stop talking about every little thing she can think of. She points out the things that have been hung for the wedding and new construction on the castle.

There are bits and pieces that are new and different, but beneath the soft colors and warm lighting, Emma can see the home she'd grown up in.

She stares for a few moments, slowing her pace so she can stare up at the grand chandelier in the main hall.

Her heart skips a beat when she remembers dancing on this floor, forced to wear a tight dress and shoes but secretly loving every second of it just because of the way Killian Jones stared at her.

Emma looks at him, finding his gaze shifting over the ceiling as hers had. He tilts his head down again and meets her eyes, a soft smile upon his lips.

For a moment, she can pretend they're young again, that maybe none of the tension between them exists. That maybe he loves her just as much as she has loved him for years.

"Hey, Killian," Alistair says, suddenly breaking the silent connection. Killian stops walking in order to address her brother. "Want to see something cool? We just got a game room."

"A game room," Killian repeats, clearly subduing his excitement.

"Yeah. It's kind of awesome."

"I'll be the judge of that." Killian laughs. "Lead on, Alistair."

Leo laughs, turning toward them, and then looks over at Emma. "Em? You want to check it out too? Ali and I decked it out ourselves."

Emma forces a smile. "No. It's okay. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time later."

Leo shrugs and nods, then follows as Alistair and Killian go on a trip down the hall.

Henry stirs and his curious tone makes her turn away. She leaves a kiss to the side of his head and quickens her pace again in order to catch up with her parents.

"You guys don't have to escort me to my room. I know where it is." Emma says as her mother steps onto the first step of the grand, winding staircase.

Her mother's face falls, but she recovers quickly. "You're right. You're right. I'll give you some space."

While she feels bad, Emma also doesn't enjoy the clinginess. Especially from her mother.

"Thanks," Emma says quietly as she takes Henry with her to the stairs. She glances toward her parents and sighs at the looks on their faces.

"I can have someone bring you food?" her mother offers. "Anything you'd like?"

Emma shrugs. "Grilled cheese."

Her mother smiles happily and nods. "Okay. Grilled cheese will be right on it's way."

As Emma steps up the stairs, she can hear Leo talking with Killian from a short ways down the hall. Killian's laughter echoes through the castle and she has to close her eyes for a moment when the memories start to overwhelm her.

Maybe bringing him home with her wasn't the best idea.

/

No, bringing Killian home with her was most definitely not the best idea, Emma decides as she's sitting on the couch in her living room.

Henry happily plays with some toys her parents had purchased and left in a little toy box on the kitchen table of her mini apartment. They'd attached a note, as they do, that read: For Henry while he's visiting his home away from home! Love, Grandma and Grandpa

Thankfully, her room hasn't changed much at all. Her bed is still the exact same as she'd left it. There are still polaroid photographs and posters on her walls. There are still string lights and mountains of books and cabinets filled with her favorite movies and television shows.

The window seat still looks out on the glistening water behind the castle and reminds her of Killian in the worst ways.

And, of course, the Killian Box sits at the back of her walk-in closet gathering dust right beside the Neal Box that she really should just burn already.

The channel that was immediately on when she flicked on the television to provide some background noise for her while she unpacked her suitcase was entertainment news. Emma doesn't remember ever watching entertainment news, but it's likely one of the maids had switched it or something.

The main story, to no real surprise, is Emma's arrival to Misthaven. People are already speculating on what she's doing here and chatting about her "casual chic" look. Mostly, they're practically squealing as they talk about one Killian Jones and his dark, yet handsome, physique.

"Not much is known about what happened after the break up that broke our hearts five years ago, but it looks like the Princess and her former beau might have rekindled their friendship." The host says in a matter-of-fact tone, as if she has all of the details.

Emma rolls her eyes as she grabs the remote to switch channels.

"Prince Leo's wedding is in the coming weeks, so I wouldn't be surprised one bit if we saw Princess Emma and Killian out and about more often as the entire kingdom prepares-"

Emma switches channels to something Henry can watch. She leans forward, setting her elbows on her knees and her face in her palms.

"This was a mistake, right?" Emma asks herself.

She drops her hands from her face and looks down at the floor where her son builds a tower from blocks. Henry looks up at her and grins. Her heart melts and she tilts her head at him.

Maybe being home isn't just for her and it isn't just for Leo or her parents. It's just as much for Henry, who deserves to know who his family is.

"Mama," Henry says and he turns to point at his tower. "Look!"

Emma hums warmly. "That's awesome, Bug. I'm really proud of you."

It's then that there's a knock at her door and Emma sighs as she glances up at it. She stands up and crosses the room. When she opens the door, she's surprised and actually gasps.

"What the- Elsa? What are you doing here?"

Elsa shrugs with a wide grin, holding out a tray of food. "I heard you were hungry!"

Emma laughs and shakes her head. "Come in."

As Elsa steps inside Emma's room, she closes the door and continues to stare at her friend, eyes wide. "What are you- this is crazy. I didn't think you'd be coming for the wedding."

Elsa laughs warmly after settling down the tray of food on Emma's kitchen table. She turns to face Emma and shrugs. "Your mom told me you were coming back early. I couldn't resist surprising you."

Emma laughs once. "Well, you got me. I'm incredibly surprised."

Elsa steps in close for a hug and Emma gladly complies, squeezing as tight as she can before they part again.

Elsa is dressed casually, and her hair is let down as opposed to being tied up or over her shoulder as it typically is.

"I just got off of the plane, so pardon my appearance." Elsa apologizes. "Anna and Kristoff will be here too, closer to the wedding festivities."

Emma nods in understanding and smiles as she glances over at her son. "You want to meet Henry?"

Elsa gasps. "Of course!"

When Elsa drops down to the floor in order to greet Henry, Emma is fairly certain she's never been happier.

"Hi, Henry!" Elsa says kindly. "I met you only once before, when you were really small. I can't believe how big you are!"

Henry seems interested in playing with the blocks more than he's interested in meeting a new friend, but Elsa takes it in stride, just looking up at Emma with a warm grin.

"He is so handsome."

Emma nods. "Thank you."

She goes to the kitchen table and hums happily at the sight of the food awaiting her. Grilled cheese and onion rings have been her favorite comfort food since she was small.

Emma bites into an onion ring and carries her plate to the couch in the living room. She sits down and Elsa sits with Henry for only a few moments more before she joins her.

Elsa sighs and laughs. "It feels like forever since we last sat on your couch, but at the same time-"

"It feels like just yesterday," Emma finishes for her. They both nod and laugh together.

Elsa turns her attention to Henry and Emma bites into her grilled cheese. "So… he's here."

Emma hums. "Yep."

"How does it feel?"

For a moment, Emma stares at the plate in her lap as if it's infinitely more interesting. She struggles for a little too long with the question, her heart beginning to race.

"I don't know," Emma says finally. She looks over at her friend and shrugs. A frown tugs down at her lips. "It's weird."

Elsa hums thoughtfully. "He hasn't called since-"

"No. He just showed up on my doorstep." Emma stares at Elsa worriedly. "Mom and Dad wanted me to bring him here and with the wedding so close, I just…" She sighs. "I didn't know what to do with him. He was just in an accident and he just got broken up with and I'm the one he decided to come to. What was I supposed to do? "

Her friend smiles softly. "You did what you could." Elsa curls her legs up under her. "Do you still have feelings for him?"

Emma huffs. She bites on an onion ring and stares at the television.

"Emma, you need to talk to him."

"And what?" Emma asks, on the edge of whining. "What are we going to talk about? We'd probably end up arguing. That's what happens when we talk. We fight."

Elsa gives her a look. "Emma, you're hurting."

"I'm not." Emma insists.

She has another bite of her sandwich and settles the plate down on the coffee table. She stands up to go grab a soda from the fridge.

"As one of your friends, I'm telling you that you are most certainly pulling an Emma right now." Elsa calls out.

Emma rolls her eyes and scoffs. She spins on her heel with a can of cold Coke in her hand. "Pulling an Emma? I'm a verb now?"

Elsa just smiles teasingly. "I'm just saying, Em, that you're ignoring the conversation that has to happen. You and Killian broke up and then all of a sudden he left and you didn't hear from him until after you moved away."

Emma crosses the room and licks at her lips as she sits on the couch again. "I don't have to talk to him. It's fine. He can… find healing or... whatever he's looking for-" Emma pauses to crack open the can. "He grew up here too so it's kind of the only place he can really call home. I'm not going to take that from him."

Elsa stares at her with softness in her gaze. "And what are you hoping to get out of this trip home, Em?"

Emma shrugs her shoulders. "Leo's getting married. I'm here for that- then I'm gone." She sucks in a deep breath and averts her attention to her son when he giggles happily. "Well, I'm here for him too."

When Emma looks up at her friend, Elsa has her eyebrows raised.

"What?" Emma asks, raising her soda to her lips. Elsa grins. "I'm not here for Killian Jones. And you better not try to set something up, Elsa, or-"

"Or what," Elsa teases, leaning in playfully. "Hmm?"

Emma can't help but laugh as she shoves Elsa back. "Okay. Fine. But no setting anything up, Els. I'm not ready."

Elsa hums. "Okay. Agree to disagree, but… okay." Elsa turns to face the television and Henry. "Tell me about the trip." She says, then, thinking better of it, her eyes brighten and she smiles wide. "Actually, tell me everything. Everything I've missed."

And so she does.