Title: Make it Without You
Category: TV Shows » Once Upon A Time
Author: Alwaysbringback-up
Language: English, Rating: Rated: M (for language and sexual themes)
Genre: Angst/General

Chapter 4: Moving On

Pairing: SwanQueen

Disclaimer: I don't own any part of the OUAT universe. All characters belong to Adam and Eddie, the show's creators. I promise that my writing is done purely for recreational purposes only. No ill harm is intended.

A/N: Next chapter! Some important things happen in this chapter! For one, Emma's date with Jake might be the one thing that finally makes Regina pull her head out of her 'you know what.' Secondly, Emma gets some much needed attention from someone with purely good intentions. I dearly hope that I've made Jake's character likable. I really tried. I guess you'll have to tell me, if I accomplished this or not.

(Friday, September 25th, 2015; 5:00p.m.)

Sheriff's Station; Storybrooke, Maine

At the end of the day on Friday, Emma found herself feeling anxious and apprehensive about her upcoming date with Jake. Sure, she was excited to do something for herself, for once, but at the same time she felt torn. She just couldn't shake the feeling that she was betraying Regina, in some way.

At the same time, Emma was done feeling like she was something to be used and discarded. All she wanted was to feel treasured - she wanted to feel special.

Emma had been talking to Jake every day since their meeting. She found that the more she leaned about the man she'd met in the bar, the more she was intrigued.

Emma grabbed her coat from the back of her chair, and followed her father out of the Sheriff's station.

Emma quickly pulled her phone out of her back pocket, as it started going off.

"Hello," Emma breathed, well aware of the fact that her father was watching her closely.

"Hey. It's me. I should be pulling in just….about…. now." Emma smiled as a very sharp BMW pulled up in front of the Sheriff's Office. The car looked like a little roadster, and Emma winced, as she realized that the vehicle was above something she could ever afford. She wasn't able to dwell on it for, long however, as she noticed how Jake's face lit up when he caught sight of her waving to him. "Ta da," Jake's voice came on the other end of the phone. The line clicked dead, as he killed the engine, and hopped out of the driver's seat. He walked up to her and planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Hey," Emma smiled, shyly.

"Hi," Jake's voice was soft, as he handed her a bouquet of flowers. "You look beautiful, Emma." To this compliment, Emma could only laugh. After all, she knew that she looked sub-par after working nearly twenty-four hours in a row, but he seemed so genuine it was hard to discount his earnestness. He reached for her hand.

"Thank you," Emma returned, "You don't look so bad yourself!" Jake let out a chuckle, as he too accepted the compliment. Emma made a point of turning her head to indicate her father. "Jake, this is my father, David," Emma introduced the two of them, as she gave Jake's hand a squeeze.

"It's very nice to meet you, sir," Jake greeted politely, as he relinquished his hold on Emma's in order to shake David's.

"I like him," David said as Jake gave his hand a healthy shake. "He's polite."

Jake let out a warm laugh. "I can't take credit for that, much as I'd like."

"I promise I'll take good care of her," Jake reassured him.

"Have her home by 9:00," David joked.

"Dad!" Emma groaned as her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.

"Kidding- I'm kidding," David laughed. "Have her home by 10:00."

"Oh god," Emma huffed, "Just shoot me."

"Never," Jake replied, as he pressed a chaste kiss to Emma's cheek.

"You two have fun," David said seriously.

"We will," Jake assured him. "Shall we get going?" he asked Emma softly, with a glance towards the car.

"Yeah," Emma nodded.

"Have fun, sweetheart," her Dad could see something light up in Emma's eyes in Jake's presence. It made him happy to see Emma's beaming smile, as they walked to the car. She'd been so crushed after losing Hook. And there were some days that Charming was afraid that he would never see his little girl happy again. He just hoped that Jake could put the pieces of Emma's heart back together again.

"See you later, Dad," Emma said fleetingly, as she followed Jake to his car. David was impressed as Jake opened the door for his little girl, making sure she was in before carefully shutting the door after her.

I remember when you were all mine
Watched you changing in front of my eyes
What can I say?
Now that I'm not the fire in the cold
Now that I'm not the hand that you hold
As you're walking away

Regina saw this happiness, too, although she felt much differently about the whole thing.

She hated just about everything about this situation, as she found herself hunched down in the driver's seat of her Mercedes, watching the two of them with pain-filled eyes. The truth is, that brunette hadn't intended to spy on the two of them, but the timing had worked out just so. It had just so happened that the only parking spot had been across the street from the Sheriff's station. She'd been walking to her car with her briefcase, when he'd pulled up, and he'd caught her eye. At first, she thought it was just some average stranger. But then Emma had come out, her eyes searching for and then finding the car, now pulling up in front of the station. She'd watched as Emma smiled and waved at him, as he clamored out of his car. The blonde had seemed genuinely happy, when she looked at him. She had appeared suddenly shy as he pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek, and Regina suddenly knew. This man was her competition. This man, a handsome and earnest gentlemen, was the one who could ver well take everything from her. She knew Emma would be most displeased with her, if the blonde knew of the brunette's prying. But for some reason, she just couldn't look away. She was petrified of losing the blonde to someone else. And for the first time, in her life, she was at a complete loss of what to do.

Will you call me to tell me you're alright?
'Cause I'll worry about you the whole night
Don't repeat my mistakes, I won't sleep 'til you're safe inside
If you're home I just hope that you're sober
Is it time to let go now you're older?
Don't leave me this way, I won't sleep 'til you're safe inside

Regina hated that someone else could make the blonde happier than she did. Of course, the brunette remembered Emma telling her about her upcoming date earlier in the week, but never, not once, did she actually think that the blonde intended to go through it. This was one hell of a wake up call, and it made her heart burn with intense jealousy.

She could hear their laughter from across the street as Emma and her beau meandered down the sidewalk and towards his car. It suddenly occurred to her that Regina didn't even know his name. She noticed how his hand lingered on Emma's lower back as he gently ushered the blonde into the passenger seat of his car.

She wanted to detest the man on principle, especially because he seemed genuinely fond of Emma. And also, she wanted to despise him, because he was her competition. But, for some reason, what really turned her insides was that Emma really seemed to like him too. She felt the blonde's betrayal in a way that she knew would never be forgotten. And yet, that would all be forgotten, if Emma would only just come back to her.

She couldn't lose Emma. Not like this. If she lost the blonde now, it felt like it might very well destroy her.

Everyone has to find their own way
And I'm sure things will work out okay
I wish that was the truth
All we know is the sun will rise
Thank your lucky stars that you're alive
It's a beautiful life

Regina grudgingly admitted that it was a possibility. She could easily see Emma falling for this man, in her mind's eye. The man was extremely handsome, chivalrous, and dare she say...charming?

Emma's date had striking blue eyes, perfectly styled hair, and a perfectly proportioned angular face. He also had a good sense of style. Between the car, and his dress code, Regina could tell that he made good money. He was dressed in a beautiful deep green button up shirt, and dress slacks, with shined shoes. It looked casual, however, because he had rolled up the sleeves over his forearms. Regina bit down hard, as she watched him put the top down. He slipped on some aviator sunglasses, before sliding into the driver's seat. Emma gave a feeble and fleeting wave to her Dad, before she turned her eyes to her date once more.

Regina felt her breath hitch in her throat, as she saw, Emma's hand fall into the space between the two of them, practically begging her date to take it in his own.

She felt her eyes fill with tears as she realized that the blonde was slipping away from her now. She thought...no, she was sure, that their love was strong enough to make it through just about everything. But now, she couldn't help but think that maybe she'd overestimated her own worth. Maybe the love that Emma looked at her with, wasn't love at all, but was something...else. She sobbed bitterly, as she hated how easily she could become undone. Yet, there was pain, so much pain inside of her heart, just now.

If you make the same mistakes
I will love you either way
All I know is I can't live without you
There is nothing I can say
That will change you anyway
Darling, I could never live without you
I can't live, I can't live

"You do look absolutely stunning today, Emma," Jake told her with a smile as he slid down into the driver's seat. "I'm really glad you agreed to go out with me."

"Me too," Emma replied honestly, as Jake turned the key over and the engine roared to life.

"And you know, you don't look so bad yourself," Emma said with an affectionate smile, "I don't remember you looking nearly as handsome at the bar."

"Thanks, it must have been the lighting, I think," he joked. "Sometimes the shadows don't show my best angles."

"No!" Emma exclaimed with a laugh, "Oh god no! I didn't mean it like that! I- I just meant that I must have been distracted, because you're beautifully handsome. Like seriously, I can't believe you'd even want to go out with me."

"Relax, Emma," Jake laughed in return, "I'm only joking." Emma felt a flush creep up her neck and into her cheeks as Jake reached over to give her hand a squeeze. She liked his little affectionate touches, and she found that not a single one of them was unwanted. This was surprising, because she usually preferred it when other people kept their hands to themselves.

She felt the loss of his touch, as he moved his hand over to the gearshift, and shifted into drive. Her hair was kicked up by the wind as he accelerated.

"You didn't say what sort of clothes I should wear," Emma pointed out over the sound of the engine, "I hope this is okay for wherever we're going."

"It's perfect," he said honestly.

"So, where exactly it is that we're going?" Emma asked. Jake looked at her for a moment as he tried to figure out how much to tell her. He wanted it to be a surprise, but he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable either.

"Just a place that I like to go to when the weather is nice," Jake smiled. They both glanced out the windows at the thinning clouds in the sky. "I uh…I actually thought we could have a picnic. There's a spot that I'd like to take you to."

"Is that where you take all of your dates?" Emma asked with a twinkle of her green eyes.

"Actually," he replied, "I haven't taken anyone else there before. It's a place very near and dear to me."

"I guess I should feel honored, then," Emma said as she took her eyes off of the road in front of them, to look at him. Her breath hitched in her lungs as he just so happened to look at her in the exact same moment, and his eyes met hers. They held each other's gaze for a long moment, before Jake was forced to look back to the road. But Emma started breathing again, when she felt his hand slide over hers to give her hand a squeeze.

They made nice conversation the rest of the way to their destination. Emma let out a gasp of surprise as they pulled onto the side of the road near a trail-head on the edge of town. Jake cut the engine after putting the car in park.

"We're here," Jake smiled as he opened his door.

"And where is here, exactly?" Emma asked, as he hopped out of the front seat and walked around to open the door for his date. He opened the back door of his car to pull out a picnic basket that Emma had failed to notice before.

"It's a secret," Jake told her. "Don't worry. I won't get us lost. I know exactly where we're going." Jake spoke with certain giddiness. He held out his hand for Emma as he led her away from the car.

They made their way down a small trail to an ATV, which was seemingly waiting for them with keys in the ignition. Jake fastened the picnic basket to the back, and handed Emma a helmet.

"Is this yours?" Emma asked in surprise.

"It sure is," he replied with a wide smile. "I hope you don't mind doing some off-roading, but it's an awful long way to walk on foot, otherwise."

"Are you sure that you want to go off-roading in those?" Emma asked as she arched a brow. "You'll get mud all over your nice clothes."

"What's dry cleaning for, if not this," Jake said with a laugh. "Besides, you only live life once."

"I like your philosophy," Emma said honestly as she pushed her helmet onto her head, and fastened the strap under her chin. She pulled down the visor to shield her face.

"Yeah," Jake nodded, "I know that it's a little…err…bit of an unconventional choice for a first date, but it sounded like you could use a relaxing time."

"I definitely could," Emma confirmed, "It's been a hell of a week."

"Then I promise," Jake smiled, "I'll make sure you have a great time. Even if our trip there is a little interesting."

"Hey," Emma began with a hint of laughter, "Just as long as you're not taking me into the woods to get rid of my body, we should be fine," Emma said.

"I can promise you that you're safe with me," Jake replied. "Although I can't promise you that we won't come across some wildlife along the way," he said with a hint of mirth.

"Will you protect me from the big bad wolf, sir knight?" Emma joked.

"Sure," Jake answered, "But if we come across a bear, all bets are off."

"It's every man for himself, right?" Emma said.

"I have a feeling that you can take care of yourself," Jake said with a bit of a chuckle, "The truth is, you look like you don't mess around, and I was a knight of the Round Table for Christsakes."

"Hah," Emma couldn't keep her throat from opening up in laughter.

"I like you, Jake," Emma told him honestly, "I really like you."

"I like you too, Emma," Jake said with a beaming smile. Emma watched as Jake pulled his helmet on and hopped on the ATV. Emma hopped on behind him, wrapping her arms around his midsection. She couldn't help but notice as she did so, that he has well defined abdominals. She could practically feel the muscles ripple under her touch. With a roar, the engine came to life.

"Hold on!" Jake shouted over the engine as he twisted the throttle and the ATV lurched forwards, kicking up the dirt behind them. They wove their way through the dense woods, for twenty minutes or so. Every so often, Emma would see the sun peaking through the dense canopy of trees. It was beautiful, albeit a little damp. Ferns littered the floor of the dense woods, painting the forest floor with a vibrant lively green, not unlike Emma's beautiful eyes. Every so often, Emma would let out a little bit of a squeak as they splashed through puddles on the two track. Eventually, they started slowing. Emma gave Jake's middle a squeeze, as they came to a stop. Emma slowly climbed off. Jake cut the engine and slid off the side. He unfastened the picnic basket, and plucked it up in his hand.

"We here?" Emma questioned, looking around.

"Not quite," Jake answered, "But we're getting there." She swore she could hear a smile in his reply.

"It's this way," Jake said, glancing over his shoulder at Emma, his eyes still light.

He started into the thick forest. Emma remained completely motionless. Panic was clear in her stance as she looked at where Jake was disappearing through the trees. He realized quickly that Emma wasn't following him and looked at her expectantly. "You coming?"

"Uh…" Emma swallowed as she shoved her hands into her pockets, trying to hide her nervousness. "You know what? You go ahead without me…"

"Is something wrong…?" Jake asked.

"It's just that," Emma breathed. "Jake, there's no path."

"I know," Jake spoke as he walked back towards her, his eyes twinkling. "Listen, Emma, there's a quote I once grew fond of. It says… Do not go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. That's what we're doing."

"Wait a minute," Emma laughed, "You planned this. We're intentionally hiking through the woods where there's no trail?"

"Is that a problem?" Jake asked, "I…I figured you'd like hiking through these woods… It'll remind you of the Enchanted Forest." He looked crestfallen.

"Oh boy," Emma laughed. "Okay. Here's the thing, Jake, and please don't be angry… But I didn't actually grow up in the Enchanted Forest." Jake looked shocked and appalled at this admission.

"You… You didn't?" He asked, suddenly looking horrified. "Oh, man, I'm such an idiot. I guess I just assumed…"

"Whoa, hey!" Emma exclaimed, grabbing his hand. "I-I'm sorry. I…I honestly thought you knew."

Jake couldn't help but laugh. "I honestly had no idea. Nearly everyone in Storybrooke is from the Enchanted Forest, and so naturally I just assumed that you were too. It's kind of funny if you think about it. The only person I'm aware of that wasn't from the Enchanted Forest or Fairytale land, is the Savior." Jake suddenly stopped talking. Emma suddenly looked guilty. "Oh my god," Jake groaned as he smacked his forehead, hard with his hand. "You're her, aren't you? You're the Savior."

"It's kind of funny, if you think about it," Emma said with a beaming smile. "You have to be the only one in Storybrooke who didn't know that."

"Again," Jake groaned. "I'm an idiot."

"No you're not," Emma argued, "Look, the whole point of us going on a date was to get to know each other. Please believe me when I say that I would have told you eventually, but I…I really didn't want that to be the reason you wanted to go out with me. I…I wanted it to be because…you know, you liked me for me."

"I already like you, Emma," Jake spoke honestly, "Whether or not you have a title tacked to your name, has nothing to do with that."

"Good," Emma smiled.

"So…" Jake laughed, "You weren't raised in the Enchanted Forest."

"No," Emma shook her head, "I…was born there, but I didn't grow up there. I grew up in this world. But that doesn't mean that I won't enjoy what you have planned."

"Are you sure?" he asked, "Because we don't have to do this, if you don't want to. We can..."

"Hey!" Emma exclaimed. "I do want to do this. I promise. Just as long as you can assure me that we won't get lost. I just really don't want to have to spend the night in the woods, because we got lost."

"Don't worry," Jake spoke, "It's only about two miles in or so, and we're in no hurry. I mean…we have a good five hours of daylight left." Emma swallowed, instead of answering. She was afraid that her voice would squeak in that annoying way if she tried to answer. Two miles. She swore silently that he was trying to kill her.

"What are you thinking?" Jake asked finally as the silence became nearly unbearable.

"Let's do it," Emma spoke determinedly.

"You sure?" Jake clarified.

"Positive," Emma smiled. "Hell, we've gone through all this trouble already, we might as well do this. Plus, I really want to see the surprise."

"Emma," Jake reassured her, "You don't have to do this for me."

"I want to," Emma said. "But if you want me to hike four miles through the forest before sundown, you'd better start leading the way," Emma said jokingly. Jake frowned at her, struggling to understand her tone and expression. He gave up after a moment, and started leading the way into the forest.

It wasn't as hard as Emma originally feared. The way was mostly flat, and Jake held the damp ferns and webs of moss aside for her. When the straight path took them over fallen trees or boulders, Jake gently lifted her over them by the hips, his hands burning her skin despite their distinct coolness. His hands would linger on her just long enough to accomplish what they needed, then he'd be pulling away. Jake's touch on her skin never failed to make Emma's heart thud erratically. Twice when it happened, Emma swore that she caught a look on his face that indicated he could somehow hear it.

Emma tried to distract herself as much as possible, trying in vain to keep her eyes away from his perfection as much as possible. Each time she gave in, Jake's dark hair and deep blue eyes pierced through her with affection.

"You ever have any pets?" Jake asked finally after a long period of silence. Emma looked up to find him leaning against a nearby tree.

"Umm," Emma flushed, "Not really. I mean…. I had a gold fish once when I was younger, but I never really got the chance to get a real one. I was…umm… bounced around the foster system a lot as a kid, and most of my foster families didn't want or allow any pets."

"Wow…umm…" Jake looked suddenly quite sad, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring back any bad memories or anything."

"It's okay," Emma said with a shrug. "You can't get to know someone without asking questions, right?" Emma was surprised when she looked over at him to find that he was perfectly at ease, and more comfortable then she had ever seen him.

"Did you?" Emma voiced a heartbeat later. "Have a pet, I mean?"

"Nope," Jake shook his head, "Not unless you count my horse as a pet."

Emma began to make her way over to him, looking away from Jake just in time to see a branch that underneath her, which her right foot clipped. She was sent tumbling towards the ground. She wasn't prepared for the two arms that pulled her backwards into Jake's arms, at the last moment. She stood there for a moment, afraid to move. Emma could feel every inch of Jake's body behind hers. She closed her eyes, relishing the feeling of his arms around her. Emma had to admit, that it felt good.

"You okay?" Jake breathed in her ear. A shiver worked its way up Emma's spine, as Jake's warm breath ghosted over the shell of her ear.

"Yes," Emma barely breathed. She felt Jake release her before slowly stepping backwards again. She looked over to find him with his hand over his jaw. His eyes sealed closed. Apparently the contact had rattled him as much as it had her. After a large sigh, Emma resumed walking very slowly, carefully. She listened as Jake began to follow her.

The hike took them the better part of two hours, but Jake never showed any sign of impatience. The forest was a deep green, boundless labyrinth that seemed to continue on forever in all directions. Emma began to feel nervous. What if they never found their way out?

After walking a little further, the light around them transformed, it grew to be a bright jade, filtering through the trees. The day had clearly turned sunny, just as Jake had foretold. For the first time since they'd entered the woods, Emma felt a thrill of excitement, which quickly turned into impatience.

"Are we there yet?" Emma teased, pretending to scowl.

"Nearly," Jake smiled at the change in Emma's mood. "Do you see the brightness ahead?"

"Um should I?" Emma didn't notice anything as her eyes peered through the dark forest, scrutinizing everything she saw.

They continued on for another hundred yards, and it was then that Emma caught the first glimpse of a lightening in the trees ahead. She picked up the pace, growing eager with every step. Jake let her lead now, following soundlessly.

She reached the edge of the pool of light and broke through the last fringe of ferns, and into the loveliest place that she had ever seen. She broke quickly through the barrier. The meadow in which she stood now, was small, perfectly round, and filled with wildflowers of all colors. Somewhere nearby, Emma could hear moving water, perhaps from a small stream. The sun was bright overhead, instantly warming the skin on Emma's face and arms. She walked slowly, awestruck, through the soft grass, swaying flowers, and warm gilded air.

Emma wanted desperately to share this moment with him but as she turned around, searching for him. He was nowhere to be found.

"Jake?" Emma panicked, her voice worried. Finally, she spotted him, still under the dense shade of the canopy at the edge of the hollow, watching her with cautious eyes.

"Do you like it?" Jake asked apprehensively, as he stepped into the light.

"I don't like it," Emma said as she shook her head happily, "I love it! It's perfect… wow… Just wow. How are you single, again?" Jake let out a laugh as he bounded over to her, and set the picnic basket down.

"Probably the awful pick up lines, remember?" he joked, as he pulled out a picnic blanket and spread it out over the grass. He then held out his hand to help Emma down onto it.

"This has to be one of the best dates I've ever been on," Emma said as he pulled out a bottle of wine, two sandwiches, chips, and two slices of cherry pie.

"It might not be a four star restaurant, but sometimes the setting is what makes it truly enjoyable," Jake told her as he pulled out two plastic wine glasses and poured Emma a glass.

"That and the company," Emma spoke with a smile. Jake filled Emma's glass and handed it to her. Emma felt a jolt of electricity spread up her hand, as their fingers brushed during the exchange. Emma watched as Jake poured himself a glass.

"To good company," He bid her with a smile.

"To good company," Emma echoed as they clanked their glasses together and each took a sip. Emma moaned softly at the taste. It was really good.

"I don't want to scare you," Jake said softly, "But I really like you, Emma."

"I like you too," Emma reciprocated.

"This is…amazing," Emma smiled at Jake as she finished her sandwich.

"Thank you," Jake returned, "I try…what can I say?"

"So…" Emma cleared her throat, "tell me a little about yourself."

"Says the woman who only gave me her first name the first time that we met?" Jake asked as he raised his brow. This earned him somewhat of a laugh from Emma. "Just kidding… Umm… Let's see. I grew up in the Enchanted Forest, but lost my mother and father when I was young and decided to join the King's Army. I met King Arthur and joined him on his quest. I wish I could say why I decided to be a lawyer, but that's just sort of where the chips fell when the curse did. Although it's not entirely surprising given the manner in which…I lost my mother. She was murdered. I was incredibly young, but even then…even then I resolved that I wanted to fight for justice… I'm sorry if I sound bitter."

"Oh," Emma found herself reaching out for him, "I'm so sorry. I…I sort of know what it's like to grow up without parents. But I can't even imagine losing a parent like that."

"It's okay… It's been a long time. I've had a long time to get closure…" Jake nodded softly and then forced a small smile, "but thank you. It means a lot to me…" Emma let go of his hand as he continued. "Your Dad seems like a nice man."

"He is," Emma nodded. "It's been hard for him sometimes, because I know that he really missed the chance to see me grow up. But he's always been very loving." Emma cleared her throat. "It's just hard becomes sometimes he doesn't seem to get that I'm an adult, and that I'm capable of make my own choices - my own mistakes."

"It's just because, in his eyes, you'll always be his little girl," Jake said honestly. "The one he held in his arms for however briefly."

"Part of my battle has been achieving forgiveness," Emma said openly, "It took me a long time to forgive them for putting me in the wardrobe, and sending me to another world. Of course, I understand why they had to do it, but it doesn't make my childhood any less difficult." Emma sighed. "Sorry," Emma blushed, "Enough depressing talk."

"What's your favorite book?" Emma inquired.

"Homer's the Iliad," Jake answered, "I've always been one to enjoy Greek mythology for some reason. And I feel like I can relate to it in terms of war. War has always been romanticized, but the truth is, it's gruesome, and can be cruel."

"You speak any other languages?" Emma questioned.

"I'm fairly fluent in French," Jake answered.

"Ah. The language of love," Emma teased.

"It's a beautiful language," Jake defended.

"Say something to me in French," Emma requested of him softly.

"Vos yeux brillent comme le soleil se reflétant hors fonction de l'océan vert," Jake breathed as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from Emma's eyes. Emma felt herself melt a little inside. She didn't even need to know what he had said. She could see it in his eyes.

"So what's your favorite flavor of ice cream?" Emma asked.

"Mint Chocolate chip," Jake said as she baited a piece of fruit in front of him. "You?"

"Strawberry," Emma answered.

"Favorite color?" Jake asked.

"Blue," Emma answered. "You?"

"Green," Jake answered.

"This may seem a bit forward, but may I kiss you, Emma Swan?" he asked as his eyes wandered down to her lips, and then back up to her eyes. Emma felt the same attraction. He needed no verbal answer. Emma nodded.

It seemed to take forever to close the small gap between them. Jake leant into the kiss; his mouth finding hers as the sky opened up on cue and small drops of rain began to fall from the sky.

It was a simple kiss. One minute they were apart and the next he was pressing gently against her lips with his. It was tentative and delicate. It was everything that a 'real' first kiss would be expected to be… and then suddenly everything changed. In the single beat of her heart, the kiss went from a gentle, sweet kiss to a needy, urgent, and soul-consuming kiss. It was as if Jake knew everything about her...every minute detail. He delicately teased her lower lip, nibbling just along the edge, while his tongue began requesting entrance into her mouth. After just a bit, Emma's mouth opened, giving him access to what he had dreamt of since he met her. Emma let out a moan as his tongue gently pushed into her mouth, and then retreated, like the tide. It was slow and exploratory allowing them to taste one another.

Emma, lost in the intensity of her feelings began to grab at the fabric of his shirt as she trailed her hands up to drape in his soft short curls at the back of his neck. Her arms seemed to act of their own accord as she pulled them tighter around his neck and pulled him into her…so close even that she could feel his rock hard abdomen against her own. Jake rolled over slightly so that his body was pinning her to the damp grass, his legs and arms tangled in a big mess with hers.

Jake moved his hands slowly up from where they had clasped her waist and lower back and brought them up to rest in her soft blonde curls, his fingers threading her damp hair. He delved his tongue deeper into her mouth, exploring all of her most intimate contours as he did so. Emma hadn't expected to feel such raw desire, feeling it shoot straight through her almost as if a chill on a cool evening…the shiver was working it's way down her spine. Emma was more than successful in igniting his need for her. As their mouths clashed against one another, over and over again, Emma felt a heat begin to build in the pit of her stomach as she moved against him again, hearing him give a needy groan in the depths of his throat. Her tongue continued to duel with his, exploring the textures of his warm, hot mouth.

She felt like she was catching on fire, a heat began to spread from her core to her extremities, warming everything along the way even in the cold rain. The slow crackle of a fire became so much more…now a raging inferno, a burning only barely tolerable to both of them. When Emma moaned again, and began to go for Jake's belt, he realized that he was only a few seconds from losing all control, and he regretfully yanked his lips from hers. He pulled his warm body away from hers and shot up into a sitting position as Emma propped herself up on her elbows. Wiping away at the droplets trailing down her face, Jake watched in absolute amazement as her chest bobbed up and down in a desperate attempt to return the oxygen to her lungs that he had stolen from her.

"Sorry…" Jake breathed in spurts himself, "I got a little carried away…" Emma reached up in a daze to touch her swollen lips. What the hell had just happened?

"Don't be," Emma returned, "Sorry- I mean. It was good - a good kiss."

"Only good?" Jake's eyebrows shot up in a smug look, "Cause I might go for something along the lines of earth shattering, painfully good, or amazing."

"Okay, it was a great kiss," Emma giggled as she began to push her way off of the now damp blanket.

"Oh crap," Jake said as he took notice of the fact she was soaking wet. "You're soaking wet!"

"So are you," Emma pointed out with a laugh, as she helped him up.

"I swear!" he exclaimed, "Where did all of this rain come from? The weather forecast said it was supposed to be sunny!"

"Uh huh," Emma mocked, "Sure it did!"

Emma and Jake feverishly packed up their things, loading them into the picnic basket. They practically ran for the cover of the trees, and walked at a brisk pace, back towards where they left the ATV. By the time they made it back to the car, the sun was setting, and they were both thoroughly soaked. Thankfully, Jake had remembered to put the top back up, and the car was dry.

Jake cranked the heat up as they drove back to Emma's apartment.

When they reached Emma's apartment building, Jake hopped out of the car, and rushed around the front of the car to open the door for Emma. Emma slid out and into the rain; feeling drops of water trickle from her damp hair down her forehead, where it eventually dripped from her eyelashes, and rolled down her cheeks.

"I had a great time," Emma said honestly as Jake paused outside of her building.

"Me too," Jake said with a wide smile. "I'm really sorry about the rain."

"Don't worry about it," Emma said with a smile. "Tonight was perfect," Emma, said adamantly, "I wouldn't change a thing."

"So what do you think?" Jake asked softly, "Do I get a second date?"

"I'd really like that," Emma said enthusiastically. Jake leaned forwards, pressing a lingering, and searing kiss to Emma's lips. Emma felt his hands weave into her tangled strands. Emma moaned softly against his lips, humming in pleasure.

The thought occurred to him that she was currently standing in a downpour, and she didn't seem to mind it at all.

"I'll call you," Jake promised as he pulled away.

"Okay," Emma nodded.

"Make sure to change out of those clothes when you get inside," Jake told her, "I wouldn't want you to catch a cold."

Emma joked, "It's the first date and already you're trying to get me out of my clothes…?"

"Can you blame me?" Jake replied cheekily. "Ouch…" Jake chuckled as he felt Emma's fist collide with the fatty part of his upper arm. "I was only joking!"

"Uh huh, sure," Emma replied with a teasing twinkle of her eyes. "Thanks for tonight. I needed this."

"You're welcome, Emma," Jake spoke, "I'm glad you had a good time." Jake didn't resist as Emma grabbed the lapels of his shirt and pulled him into a final, lingering kiss, that had them both moaning. There was no tongue this time, but it wasn't needed. It was still altogether wet, and messy, given that they were kissing in the rain.

"Goodnight," Jake bid her with a smile as he ran back towards his car. Emma gave him a wave, and pushed her way inside of the building, knowing that her parents were likely waiting for her.

A/N: And that's it for now! Please review and let me know your thoughts! Some angst will be coming up in the next chapter, as Regina confronts Emma about her date, and Emma confronts Regina about her relationship with Robin. (And just a warning... It's likely not going to be pretty!)

The song featured in this chapter is absolutely incredible, and I dearly hope that I can persuade some of you to check it out. I promise you that you won't regret it! The song is called "Safe Inside," by James Arthur. He can emote so strongly with his voice that it just tears me up inside.