Chapter Three: John Doe

Mary Margaret walked down the street after her disaster of a date. While she knew Ruby was a beautiful girl and had good morals, as well as being related to Killian, Mary Margaret couldn't help but feel bitter about the whole thing. She stoped and stared ahead, noticing a familiar face. Tilting her head, Mary Margaret approached the yellow bug. Emma sat in the driver's seat reading the newspaper with a flashlight.

"Hey," Mary Margaret said causing Emma to look up at her, "You okay?"

Emma turned off her flashlight, "Oh, in the world of tight spots I've been in, crashing in my car doesn't even rank in the top ten."

Mary Margaret raised her eyebrows in surprise, "You're sleeping here?"

Emma just shrugged, "Til I find a place."

"So you decided to stay." Mary Margaret said with a smile, "For Henry."

"Yeah, I guess." Emma replied, "This town doesn't seem to have any vacancies. None, actually. Is that normal?"

"Must be the curse."

Emma chuckled, "What are you doing out so late?"

"I'm a teacher, not a nun. I had a date."

"And from the looks of things. It went well."

"As well as they ever do."

"Tell me he at least paid."

"Mm-mm."

"Ew." Emma gave her a sympathetic look.

"Well, guess if true love was easy, we'd all have it." She shook her head, "You know, if things get cramped, I do have a spare room."

Emma hesitated, "Thanks, but I'm not really the roommate type. I'm just better off alone."

"Oh, um, well goodnight then." Mary Margaret said and smiled, "Good luck with Henry."

"Night. . ." Emma said watching Mary Margaret walk away.


The next day, both Emma and Killian sat on either side of Henry at his castle.

Emma had not been entirely impressed to find Killian there, but Henry reassured her that they needed him for Operation Cobra.

"I found your dad." Henry started, "Prince Charming."

"Henry. . ." Emma said at the same time Killian said, "Really?"

Emma shot him a glare which only got a her a look of complete sass in return.

"He's in the hospital, in a coma. See the scar?" He pointed out the matching scar in the book. "He has one, too."

Killian quirked a brow, looking at the picture. The mam did seem familiar. "Lots of people have scars, lad."

"Yeah, but in the exact same place? Don't you see what this means?" Henry urged, "The curse is keeping them apart with the coma. Now they're stuck without each other. We have to tell Miss Blanchard we found her Prince Charming."

"Because she's Snow White." Killian checked.

"Yep." He confirmed.

"Okay, kid." Emma shook her head, "Telling someone their... soul mate is in a coma is probably not helpful. Not having a happy ending is painful enough, but giving someone unrealistic hope is far worse."

Killian looked at her and could tell that she spoke from experience. Maybe not romantic love but something else, he could tell, hurt her deeply.

"Killian?" Henry looked to him.

Killian sighed, "I'm afraid I'm with Swan on that one."

Emma looked at him in surprise.

"But what if I'm right?" Henry asked, "We know who they are. Now they have to know."

"And how do you want to do that?" Killian asked before Emma even opened her mouth to respond.

"By reminding him. We have to get her to read their story to John Doe. Then, maybe, he'll remember who he is." Henry explained.

Emma thought about that. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. Maybe one Henry realises that it won't work, he'll be let down easy and not get hurt in the process."

Killian met her eyes and shrugged. Emma understood the silent message he was sending her.

Well Swan, what do you think?

Emma took a deep breath, "Okay. . ."

"Okay?" Killian and Henry asked in surprise at the same time.

She nodded, " Yeah, we'll do it. But we'll do it my way. Killian and I will ask her."

"Great!" Henry beamed before hugging her, taking her by surprise. He handed Killian the book before jumping off the castle. "I gotta go, mom will be looking for me. We'll meet later to discuss everything!"

Emma sighed and ran a hand through her hair, watching the brown hair boy run off.

Killian chuckled beside her, "Quite a lad."

Emma nodded and looked at him, "Youre best friends with the sheriff. Do have any idea who this John Doe is? How long he's been in a coma? Anything?"

Killian looked at the picture once again before snapping his fingers, "Yep, I got it. He's been a coma patient at the hospital ever since the mayor found him on the side of the road. No wallet, no ID. I remember it now."

"That's strange." Emma mused.

"Aye." Killian stood up, and Emma followed.

"Guess we better go talk to Mary Margaret." Emma said hopping down from the castle, and of course, Killian followed.


"Okay wait," Mary Margaret held up her hand. "You want me to read to a coma patient?"

Her, Emma, and Killian were at the counter in her loft. Mary Margaret and Emma both sipping on some hot chocolate.

"Henry thinks it will help him remember who is was." Emma explained.

"And, who is that?" The raven haired woman asked.

"Prince Charming." Killian answered.

"And if I'm Snow White, he thinks... me... and him..." Mary Margaret started putting the pieces.

"Aye, the lad has a very active imagination." Killian said, Emma detected a trace of fondness in his voice. Her lips twitched.

"Which is the point." Emma continued, "We can't talk him out of his beliefs, so we need to show him. Play along, do what he says and then maybe, just maybe-

"He'll see that fairy tales are just that-that there's no such thing as love at first sight or first kiss. He'll see reality." Mary Margaret finished with a nod of understanding.

"Something like that." Emma said.

Killian made a noise of disagreement but didn't comment.

Emma looked at him, "What? You don't agree?"

Killian shook his head, "Im just wondering why we're trying to discourage this belief of his."

Emma gave him an incredulous look, "Because this whole curse thing is crazy."

Killian shrugged, "I wouldn't say it's crazy. I'd say it's good for henry to believe in something."

"So you believe him?"

"No, he doesn't need us to believe him, Swan. Like i said, Henry needs something to believe in, and he just needs us to believe in him."

Emma went silent. She hated to admit that the leather jacket wearing, British nuisance had a point.

After a moment, Mary Margaret spoke up, "I'll do it. For Henry. I don't want to take away his imagination but maybe this will help him see reality a little better."

"Unless, of course. . ." The two women looked at Killian, "He does wake up."

Emma sighed, "Well, we'll burn that bridge when we get to it."


"Nice shirt Swan." Killian smirked as Emma sat down in the booth across from him, next to Henry. She had on a silver long-sleeve button up that Henry had given her.

Emma rolled her eyes at hip but could help the small smile that graced her face.

Killian noticed her smile and grinned widely at the fact that he caused that.

Emma looked at Henry, "Thanks by the way, for the shirt." She paused, "Is it your mom's"

Henry shrugged, "She'll never notice."

"Where does she think you are, anyway?" Emma asked.

"Playing Whac-A-Mole."

Killian smirked, "Clever."

"And she bought that?" Emma quirked a brow.

"She wants to believe it, so she does." The eleven year old responded.

"Oh, imagine that."

Mary Margaret entered the diner, causing Henry to perk up.

"She's here." He said practically bouncing in his seat.

"Hey, don't get your hopes up. We're just getting started, okay?" Emma told Henry.

Mary Margaret walked over to the table, not bothering to sit down. "He woke up."

"What?" Both Killian and Emma said at the same time.

Henry grinned, "I knew it!"

Mary Margaret shook her head, "I mean, he didn't "wake up" wake up, but he grabbed my hand."

"He's remembering!" Henry chimed in.

"Hold on, what did the doctor say?" Killian asked.

"That I imagined it,"Mary Margaret shook her head, "but I'm not crazy. I know it happened."

"We have to go back. You have to read to him again." Henry said, already rushing out the door.

"Henry!" Killian called going after the young boy.

Mary Margaret nodded, "Let's go."

Emma stood up and looked at her in disbelief, "Wait, wait what?"

Mary Margaret looked at her, "If I got through to him, if we made a connection.."

"You don't really believe..."

"That he's Prince Charming? Of course not. Somehow, some way, I touched him." Mary Margaret absentmindedly fiddled with the ring around her finger.

Emma sighed, "Okay, well let's get going."


"You're right-he's waking up!" Henry said when they arrived at the hospital. Emma knew something was wrong when she saw Graham standing outside of John Doe's room.

"Henry, you should stay back." The sheriff said.

"Graham?" Killian asked, "What are you doing here mate?"

"What's going on?" Mary Margaret spoke up, "Is it John Doe? Is he okay?"

Graham sighed, "He's missing."

"What the hell are you three doing here?" Regina said walking out of the hospital room. She turned to Graham, "I thought I told you to keep your wannabe deputy in line."

Graham looked over at Killian, "Actually, I called him. He might not work for me but I do better with a partner."

Emma knew that the sheriff had lied about calling Killian, but she also knew it was to keep Killian from getting in trouble.

Killian just smirked, and if looks could kill, he would have been dead on the floor from how Regina was glaring at him.

She turned to Henry and put her hands on her hips, "And you - I thought you were at the arcade. Now you're lying to me?"

Mary Margaret spoke up, "What happened to John Doe? Did someone take him?"

"We don't know yet." Graham told her, "His IVs were ripped out but there's no sign for sure there's a struggle."

Henry narrowed his eyes at Regina, "What did you do?"

Regina looked offended, "You think I had something to do with this?"

"It is strange why you would be here, madam mayor." Killian mused.

Regina shot him a glare, "I'm here because I'm his emergency contact."

"You know him?" Mary Margaret asked in surprise.

"I found him. On the side of the road years ago with no ID. I brought him here." Regina said, frustration lacing her voice.

Emma glanced at Killian, who was already looking at her.

Their eyes met, a silent conversation being spoken between the pair.

I don't buy it.

Me neither, Swan.

"Will he be okay?" Mary Margaret asked in concern for the man she had awoken.

"Okay?" Whale asked in disbelief, "The man's been on feeding tubes for years on constant supervision. He needs to get back here right away or, quite honestly, "okay" might be a pipe dream."

Emma nodded and crossed her arms, "Well then, let's quit yapping and start looking."

Killian chuckled, She was a feisty lass, that was for sure.

"That's what we're doing. Just stay out of this, dear." Emma narrowed her eyes at the mayor's condescending tone. "And since I clearly can't keep you away from my son, I guess I'm just going to have to keep my son away from you. Enjoy my shirt, because that's all you're getting." She turned to Graham, "Sheriff, find John Doe. You heard Dr. Whale. Time is precious. Let's go Henry."

Grabbing Henry's arm, Regina glared at anyone who looked at her as she and Henry walked out of the building.

"How long between your rounds since you last saw him?" Killian asked, just as Graham opened his mouth to ask the same question.

"Twelve hours or so." Whale responded.

Graham nodded, "Then that's what we need to account for."

"Security tapes." Emma said.


After learning that John Doe had walked out of the hospital and took a little trip into the woods, the gang followed his trail, with Graham leading the way.

"What is it?" Emma asked when Graham came to a stop.

Graham looked around with his flashlight, "The trail runs out here."

"I thought the whole tracking thing is what you were good at." Emma said.

"Just give me a second. This is my world. I got it." Graham said in frustration.

Emma raised her eyebrows, "Right. Sorry."

Mary Margaret walked next to Emma, "What does he mean, 'His world'?"

"The forest has always been where he's most comfortable." Killian informed them. "He's a hunter so he spends a lot of time out here. It's his domain, you could say."

Mary Margaret nodded, "And what about you Emma? Isn't tracking people your thing too?"

Emma shrugged, "Sure. Just, people I find usually run to places like Vegas. Not a lot hit the woods."

She heard Killian chuckle softly and glanced at him, "What?"

"Nothing, love." He smirked, "Just trying to picture some poor bloke hiding out in the woods because he's scared of you."

Emma scoffed and shook her head, her lips twitching.

Mary Margaret spoke up again, "Its an interesting job - finding people. How'd you fall into it?"

"Looking for people is just what I've done. As long as I can remember." Killian could see her trying to cover up her sadness when she said that.

"But what made you start?" Mary Margaret pushed, "Your parents? Henry told me that your... Th-that you were from a similar situation to his own. Did you ever find them?"

Killian watched Emma carefully, wondering how she would respond.

Before Emma could answer, there was a sound of a twig snapping and bushes rustling behind them. The stopped and turned, Killian instinctly stepping in front of Emma and Mary Margaret. Henry popped up, running towards them.

Mary Margaret gasped, "Henry!"

"Did you find him yet?" Henry asked, out of breath.

Emma shook her head, "No, not yet."

"You shouldn't be here lad." Killian said.

"I can help. I know where he's going." Henry protested.

Mary Margaret raised her brows, "And where's that?"

Henry turned to her, "He's looking for you." He said, "You're the one who woke him up. You're the last one he saw. He wants to find you!

The teacher shook her head, "Henry, it's not about me. I just... I think he's lost and confused. He's been in a coma a long time."

"But he loves you! You need to stop chasing him, and let him find you." Henry urged.

Mary Margaret looked down sadly. Deep down, she wanted to believe Henry, but she knew nothing like that could never happen. This wasn't some fairytale.

"Kid. You need to go home." Emma said, "Where's your mom? She's going to kill me and then you...and then me again."

Killian stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Henry, my boy-"

Henry shook his head, "My mom dropped me at the house. Then, went right out. Please Killian, I can help!"

Killian inwardly swore, he was a damn sucker for Henry and couldn't say no."

Emma sighed, "We need to get you back now."

"No! Let me help!" Henry begged.

"Guys!" Graham interrupted, holding up a bloody hospital band.

Mary Margaret paled, "Is that..."

Emma sucked in a sharp breath, "Blood."


While the savior, a pirate, the huntsman, and Snow White were searching for Prince Charming, Rumpelstilskin sat in the pawn shop preparing for the next step in his plan.

The girl would be having the baby soon and if the savior is as predictable as he thought, Gold would be able to have you play right into his hands.

All he needed to do was make sure that the infernal pirate stays out of the way.

Gold just hoped Cinderella would deliver soon.

He needed this deal with the savior.

The sooner that happens, he will be one step closer to reuniting with his son.


The four watch through the outside glass door as John Doe was treated by the doctors. After they had found him lying in the creek, Mary Margaret hap preformed CPR while Graham had called an ambulance. Killian had made sure Henry got home safely to ensure that no one got in trouble with Regina.

Suddenly, a tall blonde woman burst through the hospital doors. "David!" She gasped, "David, is that you?"

Dr. Whale held up his hands, "Excuse me, ma'am?"

"Oh my god..." the woman breathed.

"Ma'am, you can't be in here." Whale said trying to stop her, "Please, you can't be here right now."

Mary Margaret tilted her head, watching the lady in confusion. "Who is that?"

Regina walked up behind them, a cruel smirk on her lips. "His name is David Nolan. And that's Kathryn, his wife."

Mary Margaret's heart dropped. He was married?

Emma frowned and looked from Kathryn to Killian. He looked just as confused as she felt.

"Thank you." Kathryn said, "Thank you for finding my David."

"Um, I-I don't understand." Mary Margaret started, "You didn't...you didn't know that he was here in a coma?"

Kathryn sighed, "A few years ago, David and I were not getting along. It was my fault, I know that now. I was difficult and unsupportive. I told him if he didn't like things, he could leave. And he did. And I didn't stop him. It was the worst mistake I ever made."

"You didn't go look for him?" Emma asked quirking a brow.

Kathryn shrugged, "I assumed he'd left town all this time. And now I know why I never heard from him. Now I get to do what I've wanted to do forever - say I'm sorry. Now we get a second chance." She smiled happily.

Mary Margaret forced a polite smile, twiddling the green stone ring on her finger. "That's wonderful."


Because not having someone? Well, that's the worst curse imaginable.

Regina's words driftedin her head. It had hit a sore spot in her that she didn't want to admit was there.

"Penny for your thoughts" Came a familiar voice.

She really shouldn't have been surprised to see him. He had a knack for showing up when Emma hated to admit she needed someone to talk to. She sighed, "Why is it that you always show up when I'm trying to think?"

Killian raised a brow, "Is that such a bad thing?"

Her lips twitched. She couldn't help it, he was so infuriating but at the same time. . . No, she couldn't think like that. She was there for Henry and Henry only. She couldn't get distracted, especially by Killian Jones. However, it was nice to just have someone. . .there.

She shrugged, "Not necessarily."

He grinned, "So Swan, why are you standing outside out Mary Margaret's apartment building?"

Emma crossed her arms, "She uh, offered me a room."

He didn't look surprised which made Emma wonder if he had already spoken to Mary Margaret. "And from the looks of things, You're gonna take up the offer?"

Emma didn't miss the sliver of hope in his voice but she tried to ignore it.

"I'm not sure." She admitted, biting on her nail.

"Then why are you here in the first place?"

"Something Regina said earlier." Emma scoffed, "Of all things, I'm here because of Regina."

Killian frowned, "Well what could Regina say to make this happen?"

"She said. . ." Emma paused, "She said that being alone is the worst curse there is, and I realized I don't-" She cut herself off before she could say it out loud. She met his eyes and was surprised by what she could see in them. She saw understanding.

Killian nodded, "I get it, love." They were silent for a moment before, "I was alone too, when I was young."

That startled her, "What?" She asked.

"My parents both left when I was a young lad, I can't remember how old I was. I just know I was in an orphanage for years before I met Ruby." He continued.

Emma recoiled in surprise, "Wait so Ruby isn't your sister?"

"Well, yes she is, just not by blood." Killian explained, "Granny took me in and raised me and Ruby. We've always considered each other brother and sister. It would be weird not to."

Emma only nodded, still surprised by the revelation that he was an orphan too. He was like her.

"The point I am trying to make here is. . ." Killian met her eyes once again, "I know you've always been alone. Don't look so surprised that I know that." He said, chuckling at the look of shock on her face. "You're something of an open book, love."

She tilted her head, "Am I?"

Killian smirked, "Aye, to me anyways."

Her heart fluttered and she was surprised, yet wary, of the foreign feeling.

"All I'm saying, Emma." Her breath hitched as he stepped closer, shortening the proximity between them. She involuntarily swayed closer to him, "You don't have to be alone anymore."

God, how can this man have such an affect on her? For Christ sakes she'd only known him for a couple days!

"Killian. . ." She whispered.

"I know." He said just as quietly, "I wont deny any feelings I have for you Emma, but I wont push you. I can wait. You get yourself settled with Henry and figure out what you want."

She found herself nodding before tensing at his words. She took a step back and crossed her arms. "I uh, should go talk to Mary Margaret."

Killian saw her retreat back to herself and inwardly sighed, "Alright. Goodnight love."

Her lips twitched, "Night Killian."


No Naomi is this chapter, sadly. She will be back next chapter though and many to come!

David's awake!

Killian is breaking through to Emma little by little! Yay!

This was a hard chapter for me to write for some reason, oh well, I finally got through it! Let me know what you guys think!

Reviews, suggestions, and questions are all welcome!