Author's Note: Hey all! So first of all I wanted to thank all of the people that have followed, favourited and review my story! It's incredible. Secondly, I wanted to clarify that this chapter is a continuation of last chapter. I had to break it into two parts because it would have been over 10k words. This chapter probably will kill you so if you are just surviving the DW 50th I would say you might want to wait so you die of feels. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 4: How Long Do We Have?
It had been eight years since Emma had been in the Enchanted Forest and eight years since she had seen Killian and so at first glance she didn't recognize the quizzical eyes staring at her from where she was lying on the hard wooden floor. Trying to sit up to be closer to the man looking like Killian above her, Emma was reminded of how bad an idea that was as she clenched her left fist and inhaled as deep a breath as she could. The pained slowly diminished away from her arm but still radiated from shoulder. It was then that her brain made the connection of the hard worn wood beneath her, the bright blue clouds above her and the comforting smell of salt and water as a light breeze passed over her. Emma smiled realizing that she was on a boat and the small smile spread as she couldn't contain her happiness. She was on a boat! If she was on a boat it only meant one thing, she was home and she was going to see Killian again. That thought alone made the pain subside just that little bit more.
Focusing her eyes one the worried face above her instead of the bright blue sky and the white fluffy clouds made Emma realize that she had been found by someone that was not Killian. His facial features were so similar to his that it was startling but there was a sharpness missing that Emma had associated to his features. Even as a child Emma thought that Killian had sharp features, his jaw line was defined, his eyes a bright piercing blue, his nose a sharp line instead of the subtle bump that was hers. Looking over his face again Emma thought that the resemblance was too uncanny and that the man staring at her had the potential to be Killian's brother.
"Y'allright lass?" He slurred the question together with a crisp accent wondering at how she had suddenly appeared on the helm of his ship.
"Yeah, I'll be okay." her words coming out shallow and weak. Emma took a minute to regain normal breathing before asking more questions, "Where am I? Who are you?" Emma looked him in the eye with more clarity now, truly trying to figure out his connection to Killian. She usually ended up near him, wherever he was but at the moment Emma had wondered if the necklace had taken to her to the wrong place.
"I am the Captain of this ship, Captain Liam Jones." He was still squatting next to her, "You are in the Enchanted Forest. May I ask what you are doing here miss? You appeared out of nowhere." He looked over her form and noticed the strange tight clothing that she was wearing and tried not to stare at the well-defined shape of her legs and torso. He had never visited a realm where the women wore such revealing clothes, how strange he thought the outfit that she wore.
Emma had caught the Captain's blooming blush and averted eyes as they looked over her form before realizing that the fashion in the world was quite different from her own. Before she could make a sarcastic remark about fashion and what men have and have not seen the pain in her shoulder and ribs began to creep back in with increasing strength. Emma shut her eyes, took as deep a breath as she could manage before gritting her teeth and leaned onto her left side to push herself up.
"I'm looking for someone and it's a bit complicated to explain." Her breathing was heavy as she explained what she was doing here. She wanted to see Killian and noticed that as she thought his name a light flutter passed in her stomach and her heart skipped a beat. As a child she had always thought him her hero but now looking back he was so much more than that. He was her best friend and the one person that she could trust unconditionally.
He gave her a skeptical look with his eyebrow raised, "Well, I'll do my best. Who is the man you are looking for?" He was completely dumbfounded at the situation before him. He had turned his back to check the riggings for one minute and the next he turned around to find a young woman groaning on the deck of his ship now asking him for help to look for someone.
"His name is Killian, he actually looks a fair bit like you but his eyes are bluer, he's a little bit shorter, and his hair is straight not curly." Emma kept eye contact with Liam checking to see if she could trust the man before her. She didn't like strangers, not in her world or any world but here everyone was different. She watched his body language and his posture noticing that he was genuinely concerned about her, he wanted to make sure she was alright. He was innocent in a way that Emma only wished she be, she could see it in his eyes, he still believed in life and love and the goodness of the heart. Emma's heart constricted at the part, she wished that she was able to be like that but the world had been too cold and mean for her to walk around delusional and ignorant.
There was genuineness to him as well as an easiness that made her want to trust his words, it brought so many memories back of a little boy names Killian, they had to be related somehow. Though the emotional reaction to hearing the name was unprecedented, Liam hadn't been expecting to hear his own brother's names fall from the girl's lips but he smiled nonetheless though with a more curious look to his eyes. Though he was now more than willing to find his brother and hear the interesting tale of the girl who appeared from nowhere.
"That's my brother. He's below deck at the moment; shall we head down and meet him with this surprise?" Liam looked curious and Emma wasn't sure if this would be good or not. Just as she was about to try and stand up an overwhelming fear of his reaction to her after being away this long made her panic. Would he want to see her? Would he want to care for her like he had so many years ago? Would he still care? Would he still be the same loving person as a man that he had been as a boy? Emma was so used to people changing and leaving that she suddenly didn't know if she wanted to see him.
"Sure." Even as she began to stand the thoughts continued to swirl around her head making her wobble and almost lose her balance.
"Here, let me help you." Liam was quick to wrap an arm around her waist, though high enough to be more than modest, and place the other one under her opposite elbow helping her to stand up completely. He could tell she was in a lot of pain and not one who was used to asking for help. Emma slowed her breathing, the movement at been painful as her ribs had protested against being used in the slightest.
It had been eight years and finally the impact of that hit Emma. If Liam was his brother than she couldn't even begin to consider how grown up he'd look or how attractive he would be. Liam moved to walk in front of her, dropping his hold on her once she had assured him that she had regained her balance as he headed down into the brig looking back every couple of seconds to make sure she could stand only to find her walking with ease across the ship. Apparently she had sea legs; Liam shook his head trying his hardest to concoct the story that explained how she was here.
Killian at heard a commotion up on the main deck but Liam was up there so he wasn't worried, knowing that whatever it was if he needed help he'd call to him. It wasn't until he heard the double set of footsteps coming towards his cabin that made him question what had happened. He turned around just at the moment that Liam chose to usher Emma into the room, he stood there staring unable to move as he looked her over unable to keep his mouth from dropping open.
"Killian please." His brother looked at him abashedly making Killian realize his mouth was still hanging open. Closing it and allowing his eyes to rove over her form he took in the site of the now grown up Emma Swan and she was beautiful. Even without her saying her name Killian knew who she was. Beautiful blonde hair, tall and slim, but most of all carrying that look in her eyes as she shied away from his brother and even from him a little.
"Hello Killian." Emma spoke quietly she hadn't known what to expect when she saw him next. If her math was right he would be eighteen and Emma couldn't help but think that he looked the part. Though there was something harder to him now than when she was last here. His eyes seemed slightly hardened, carrying around the sentiment of abandonment, she could see that from a mile away, she had seen it all too often in the eyes of the children at the homes and orphanages she had been in. Emma wondered what had happened to him but was quickly putting the story together, a brother she had never known about suddenly appearing and the look of abandonment, his father. Emma closed her eyes not only against the pain of her body but also as she tried to keep her emotions in check. She had always hoped that he would be spared the pain that she had felt and now he understood her even more.
There was a silence that fell after Emma's words making her drop her eyes to the floor. It was exactly awkward but there was more than enough uncertainty in the air that made the room feel stifling and uncomfortable. They had been sizing each other up, reading the stories of the past eight years in their eyes alone.
"Eight years." His voice was quiet but the pain that rang out through his words as they cut to the core of Emma.
"Three months and five days." The pain was equally evident in her voice cutting through him just the same.
Liam's attention was pulled away when he noticed Killian setting down his hat and removing his outer jacket before beckoning Emma closer. "How bad is it?" his voice was soft and gentle.
"It's the worst you've seen me though not the worst I've had. Three fractured ribs, my shoulder is out of joint, both arms pretty bruised, I have two fractured fingers on my right hand, and a multitude of minor bruises and cuts everywhere else." Emma spoke just loud enough for Killian to hear her, she hadn't realized that Liam was still in the room and jumped at his reaction.
"Wait, what?!" Liam's mouth dropped open as Emma spoke. He had sensed that she was hurt, but not to that extent. "What happened? Who did that to you?" He had spent his life with his aunt and though she was harsh she had never taken to thrashing or hitting him or Killian.
"The people I currently live with, but this is nothing new." Emma shrugged her shoulder at the statement. The physical pain was real but Emma had learned long ago emotional reactions to these things got her nowhere and so she had numbed herself to the emotional pain choosing to lock it away.
Emma's attention returned to Killian when he asked her quietly to turn around so he could look at her shoulder. Nodding and turning Emma jumped slightly when she felt his finger's feather light tough against her shoulder earning a chuckle from the man behind her. She tried not to concentrate on his touch, it felt good and as he applied more weight she did anything she could to prepare for what was coming. He was feeling around her shoulder trying to grasp what exactly was the best way to put it back into place. Emma took the time facing away from him to think about the man behind her. He was handsome that was for sure, he had definitely grown into his body but it was more than that. He looked accomplished and esteemed. He was a sailor, he had become what he had always wanted to be and she was happy for him that he had found something to bring a smile to his lips. All of Emma's thoughts vanished as Killian's hands applied as much pressure was needed before snapping her shoulder back into place. A muffled grunt was the only thing that came out as she grit her teeth holding in any other noise against the pain. She had learned a long time ago that people don't want to have to listen to you suffer, so she learned to do so quietly. Emma was almost doubled over in pain but felt Killian's arm wrap around her stomach, mindful of her ribs, to steady her against his own body.
"Damn that hurt!" Emma exclaimed turning around still in his embrace.
"It would have hurt more had I given you any warning." He smiled down and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. They had been without each other for eight years, they had gone from children to adults and so much had happened but even still there was that connection, the connection that made them feel like they knew the other person just as well as before, as if no time had passed at all. Killian pulled her against his chest wrapping his arms around her. "I missed you." His voice was muffled by hair but she still heard it nonetheless letting the barest hint of a smile tug at her lips. Wrapping her good arm around him she repeated the words back, sincerity ringing in each of them. "And I you."
Liam watched the two of them interact with such ease it almost looked this they were an old married couple used to being around each other. It astounded him that they had been separated for eight years but they it seemed as if no time had passed all. He watched as Emma stepped back and Killian began looking over her arms checking the bruises. Nodding and making small comments about the darker ones before finally reaching her hand. Liam watched as Killian's face fell. The bruises along her arm, though sore, would disappear with time as it didn't seem her injuries were much worse there but Killian could tell that two of her fingers were fractured as they were clearly swollen and bruised severely. Moving to pull out some fresh linens and small splints Killian quickly created a solid splint around her ring and middle finger ensuring that would be safe.
"Liam?" A woman's voice broke through the quiet atmosphere as it echoed down the stairs as soft footsteps followed the voice.
"In here, Anna." Liam turned and greeted her at the door with a gentle kiss to her lips and a warm loving smile. Emma turned to look at the woman; she was beautiful with long chestnut brown hair that hung in a loose braid over her shoulder as she stared up at Liam with her almond brown eyes. She seemed kind and caring and Emma saw how the love radiated from her to Liam. It made her force a smile to her lips as she tried to repress imagines of a handsome man and a beautiful woman greeting each other after work or while making dinner, turning away Emma chose to focus on Killian again.
Killian was watching Emma carefully; upon her entrance into his cabin everything had become surreal. It had been so long since he had seen her that he was unsure at first if she was just an apparition or really her. He could read the pain and abandonment in her eyes that he had seen in his all too often, the same emotions, the same events, time after time. Killian had known as a child that Emma was not treated well and didn't have a good or stable home but now as he saw her story written over her features he realized how much pain she had endured. To him she was an open book. Killian watched Emma carefully in the brief moments of conversation before turning all of her attention to him.
Touching her left arm gently Killian pulled her attention back to him trying to distract her from the scene before them both. He let his fingers linger on her arm enjoying the feel of her soft skin against his rough calloused hands. Emma took in a deep breath not prepared for the touch. She could feel the callouses on his hands that had been created by years of hard work and sailing but the feeling of his warm fingers on her skin thrilled her.
"Killian, what about my ribs will you not look at those?" Emma inquired trying to take her mind away from her racing heart.
Killian blushed the most adorable shade of red that made Emma giggle for an unknown reason. Stammering Killian tried to recover, "Emma, as much as….as much as I would….that would be, um, highly improper, um." Killian pulled at his collar trying to loosen the offending material. Emma cocked her head to the side wondering why it would be so improper for a man to tend to the rest of her wounds before she nodded her head in understanding. Right, the Enchanted Forest was a couple hundred years behind the modern world in just about everything.
"Anna?" Killian's soft lilt brought the couple out of a quiet discussion as she politely inquired, "Yes Killian?" she was so gentle and sweet that Killian took a minute to just smile at her knowing that she truly was perfect for his brother and that he couldn't be happier. It had taken his brother long enough to ask the girl out, he laughed at the memory of it.
"Emma has some injuries on her torso, could you be as kind as to look and tend to them as necessary?" Killian hadn't even realized it but his arm had made its way around her and his hand had now settled, quite comfortably, at the small of her back. Anna nodded politely though admittedly she hadn't noticed the young woman in the room before that moment. Rushing over to correct her error in the most adorable fashion Anna held onto Emma's good hand, mindful of her bandaged hand,
"Oh my! I'm so sorry that I didn't introduce myself before! How rude of me!" Emma stepped back allowing more space between them. Killian was the only person allowed to stand that close to her and she was not welcome of other people trying.
"It is fine, you came here to see Liam." Emma smiled tightly at the other woman.
"Yes well, how silly of me for being unobservant, I didn't even say hello to Killian." Anna paused noticing the bruises that were poking out from underneath her neckline among the already tended to injuries. As Anna's eyes skimmed over Emma's body she gasped as she saw the skinny jeans that Emma wore as well as the fitted blouse that revealed more of her image than was at all appropriate. "Here, come with me. We must attend to your wounds and get you changed. We can't have you traipsing about town looking scandalous." Anna grabbed Emma's good hand as she turned and began walking towards the captain's cabin. Emma stumbled after wincing at the pain that came from her body protesting the harsh movement. Killian and Liam laughed and winced as Emma was dragged from the room though Killian enjoyed watching his swan leave.
"Now brother, you have quite the interesting tale to tell." Liam didn't wait more than a minute before ambushing his brother. He would hear the story of the strange girl and his brother and how they were so close.
Emma allowed Anna to drag her up the stairs and through the large cherry oak door into the apartment behind it. Emma marveled at the simple king bed that was against the far wall, the large fireplace dominating the western wall and the large dark maple desk that sat beneath the windows allowing the day light to pour in. Anna dropped her hand just after they had breached the threshold to hurry over to the draws underneath the bed. Rummaging around Anna found what she was looking for as she pulled out the dark blue skirt, bodice and overcoat. Emma stared at it with equal amounts of disdain and enthusiasm. Anna was about to bring out the corset as well when Emma stopped her, "I have three fractured ribs and several other bruised ribs a corset is not the best idea." Anna replaced the corset nodding in understand and asked that Emma remove her clothing so they could begin. The initial request made Emma still. She was still in a lot of pain from her injuries and knew that they probably looked a lot worse than they were. Killian had been the only person to ever see her injuries in full and in that moment she was scared to show the woman before her the true extent of her injuries.
After a minute's debate Emma slowly began to undress removing her clothes gingerly before folding them and placing them on the bed. Emma had turned away from Anna trying to hide the majority of her injuries forgetting the smaller but darker marks on her back. Anna gasped when she turned around reaching out slowly to touch the bruised skin both startled and shocked that anyone would inflict this kind of pain and injury to someone. Emma could feel Anna still, pulling up her mask and surrounding herself with walls Emma breathed deeply trying to ignore the racing of her heart as Anna continued to stare.
"How did you get these?" Anna inquired quietly as her fingertips tread lightly against Emma's skin making her move away and face the woman in front of her.
"A punishment from my guardian." Emma's voice was cold and empty. She didn't want to focus on what had happened to bring her to Killian she wanted to get back to him and enjoy however much time she had been allotted for this trip.
Anna nodded choosing to leave the statement untouched as she heeded the warning in Emma's voice though she was unable to keep the louder gasp as Anna took in all of Emma's torso. Emma kept her face neutral as she listened to Anna mutter "I'm sorry" over and over again as she began to pick up the gauze and tape to tend to her wounds. Emma was thankful for Anna's deft fingers but closed her eyes and wished that she would stop saying I'm sorry. There was nothing that she could to change Emma's life and Emma had accepted that long ago.
Once finished with wrapping her torso, Anna helped Emma into the dress pulling the bodies of her skin gently so as to not to disturb the bandages before lifting the skirt of her legs and tying it around her hips.. Once fully dressed again Emma moved in front of the mirror admiring her form in the dark blue dress that Anna had picked out. It was beautiful and Emma let herself finger ghost over the soft material that hugged her form but left much to the imagination. She realized in that moment with sudden clarity that it matched Killian's sailor's uniform and wondered if Anna choose to do that on purpose or whether it was happenstance. Leaving the matter alone she turned back the other woman.
"How do I look?" The hesitancy that slipped out in Emma's voice made her cringe hoping that Anna hadn't heard it or decided to ignore it.
"He will love it." Anna smiled at her marveling at how the dress hugged Emma perfectly. She was even more beautiful in the dress than in her other outfit. "Shall we go meet up with the gentleman again?" Anna opened the door with a flourish and a large toothy smile, ready to greet the gentleman and enjoy their reactions.
Their reactions had been one for the books as Killian's eyes seemed to pop again as he look at Emma, admiring the blue dress that Anna had found for her. He smiled and held out his hand as a proper gentleman would proposing a picnic on a nearby hill. All smiled elated at the idea of spending a warm spring day outside, but alas Liam and Anna had plans for lunch elsewhere and so Killian and Emma were left to picnic alone.
The afternoon moved slowly as Killian and Emma meandered their way to a hill that gave a wonderful view to the harbor. Laying out the blanket Killian offered his hand to her before realizing that she was already seated and smoothing out her dress. An awkward silence settled over them, unsure of what to say or how to act. Though they were in their youth their lives and experiences had taught them many things they should not have learned so young. They had grown up so much that they both appeared much older than they truly were.
"Shall we begin?" Emma knew the longer they sat the longer the awkwardness would grow and so instead chose to be blunt, in true Emma style.
Killian looked at her startled, he hadn't realized how much time had passed as he had been caught up in his thoughts trying to think of where to start. "Shall we begin right after you left?" His voice was hesitant and Emma knew it then it must have been a short time after she left that his father had left him.
Emma nodded before looking at him pointedly, clearly she wasn't going to start the rehashing of pasts.
"Well then..." Killian looked away. He hadn't thought about his father in a long time and now thinking about him he could feel the anger and resentment bubble up within him again. Emma was patient though, waiting until he was ready to give his answer. "My father left me. Choosing the easy way out for the crimes he had committed. His first mate left me with an Aunt I had never met that had been given my brother. It all happened about a year after you left." He looked at her, wondering how she would react to the information about his father.
Leaning forward Emma let her finger tips graze his cheek gently frowning. "I am sorry Killian. I wish I could have been here for you as you have been there for me." Her words were soft and soothing but the pain that Emma had uncovered would not be placated that easily.
"Yes, well, it wasn't like you wanted to be here." Killian bit out the words unable to hold back the anger that had been placed in his heart so many years ago. He never understood how the magic that kept bringing them together worked but he had needed her with him during that time and she had not been there. Emma pulled back feeling the sharpness from his words while looking apologetic as she played with her food.
She looked back up at him, gently reapply her hand to his face making him look at her. "I do wish that I had been there Killian. I did try to return to you on many occasions." Emma's voice was tight but strong, she felt horrible for not being able to have come back before now.
"What do you mean?!" Killian looked at her, eyes wide not understanding what she had meant, he thought she hadn't wanted to come back not that she hadn't been unable to.
"I wasn't able to come back!" She explained, "I spent so many nights clutching your necklace thinking of you, wishing of you but I would always wake up with memories of you behind my eyes still in my bed." Emma sighed, "If the magic that has connected us had allowed I would have returned to you much more frequently and for much longer periods of time before now." Emma moved her eyes out of the sea, taking in the splendor and the beauty. She had always loved the sea, even before she had met Killian but being with him heightened her senses of its beauty.
"I see." Was his only response letting the silence between them fill in with the words that neither was willing to say. He offered her some lemonade as he pulled out two goblets from the basket. Taking the cup gratefully Emma's fingers brushed against his. Both of them looked at the other knowing they had felt the same electricity at the touch. Emma blushed pulling her hand back and away trying to shake what was growing between them.
"I see you have made lieutenant though, that is indeed a great accomplishment." Switching the subject with ease Emma smiled at him, hoping to ease the tension that had arisen.
"Indeed and my brother is Captain. The Fates have been kind to us and allowed us to stay together." He paused and she could feel his eyes on her again, "I wish they had allowed us the same kindness." Gently he took her hand stroking his thumb over the back of it slowly. Emma continued to look away from him trying to hide the bright blushed that flamed her cheeks at his words and ministrations. It had been so long since someone had shown her love that she had forgotten how connected and alive it made her feel to him. Indeed it had been much too long since her last visit.
Using his other hand Killian turned her head with a barely there touch enjoying looking into her brilliant green eyes and round face that he had come to associate with home, warmth, love, and true happiness. Moving closer Killian covered her lips with his own, giving her a gossamer kiss before pulling back and blushing himself. They both giggled at the silence as the rest of the afternoon passed with jokes, sweet words and innocent touches.
The evening waned on as Emma and Killian sat on the side of the boat watching the colours of the sky turn deeper and deeper blues and magentas with encroaching night. Their hands entwined, Emma laid her head on his shoulder taking in deep breaths of his masculine scent. "I don't want to go." The words slipped into the easy silence that had fallen between them as they both knew the truth of the words as well as the probability that the Fates would be as kind so kind to them. Wrapping his arm around her Killian twirled hair around his fingers while rubbing her arm and bringing her as close as possible.
"If I knew of a way for you to stay I would grant your wish dear Emma." His voice was smooth trying to quiet her fears. As the afternoon had passed they both had opened up about the pain they experienced in the time passed and now they had wanted nothing more than for Emma to stay so they could be together. They were happiest then and Emma couldn't help but let her walls down around Killian. He had seen her through thick and thin and she was unable to hide from him the hurt that he now understood. They were soul mates and they always would be but even now as the run dipped below the horizon and the moon began its ascent into the dark sky they let the silence swallow their fears. They stayed sitting as they were until they heard footsteps encroaching. Turning around they noticed it was only Liam and Anna walking side by side to the boat muttering quietly to one another lovingly.
"Evening brother. Emma." Liam nodded in their direction
"Evening brother. 'Ello Anna." Killian smiled warmly at both of them.
Anna returned the smile giving Liam one last look before he nudged her with a light push towards the couple. "I was wondering Emma, if you were intending to stay awhile and if so if you need a place to stay?"
Emma looked at Killian, the silent conversation passing between them, before returning her gaze to the kind woman before her. "We never know how long I have in this world," She gave Killian an apologetic look "But I don't think I'll be leaving tonight. I would gladly like to stay with you."
"Wonderful! Shall we head back now then?" Anna exclaimed with excitement. Anna had turned back to wish Liam a goodnight before kissing him long and slow allowing her lips to linger on his before stepping back, blushing.
"Are you sure they won't take you back tonight?" Killian stroked her cheek as he rested his forehead against hers afraid she would leave before he could say good-bye. Emma closed her eyes basking in the overwhelming happiness that came from his simple and gentle touches.
"Yes, I don't feel the pull at all or antsy. I'll be back in the morning." Her words were whispered as they ghosted across his cheeks. "I wouldn't leave without saying good-bye." She rubbed her nose against his before kissing the palm that was still lingering on her cheek before moving it away and standing to go with Anna.
Killian looked at her with utter fear, afraid that if she left now the Fates would take her away from him before the morning. Emma turned to wave good-bye and was struck with love as she saw every line of his face painted with fear. "I just don't want you to leave again so soon. I don't want to lose you." Killian wasn't afraid to voice his affections for her. Even though he had been with her for less than a day Killian couldn't find another word to describe for his rapidly beating heart, the complete joy that filled him, the butterflies in his stomach, or the pain at the mere thought of her being away from him as anything else other than love. Emma walked towards him moving slowly before reaching up and pulling his face down to her's.
"I won't." She paused picking up one of her hands as she laid it over her heart not missing the blush coming from him as the base of his palm was resting against her breast. "Do you feel this Killian?" she looked up into his eyes, walls down, vulnerable showing complete trust that the Fates wouldn't take her away tonight. "This is how I know I won't leave tonight. I believe it here. In my heart. Trust me." Her words were subdued and gentle caressing his face. Killian sole reaction was to bringer her closer, into the perfect embrace that had made her feel wanted and loved. The emotions making Emma have to hold back the wetness around her eyes she hadn't felt for years.
"I promise." His words rang true. Allowing his lips to linger on her forehead for an extra moment Killian stepped back out of the embrace releasing her to go with his heart in his throat. He had never met a woman like Emma and he was certain he never would. Emma gave him a genuine smile before heading home with Anna for the night.
Liam watched his brother with ever growing curiosity. While Emma and Anna had been in the other room Killian had given his brother the shortened version of how Emma had come to their world and how the connection of their childhood was just as strong now as it was then. Liam wondered at the love in Killian's voice as he spoke of the little girl, even so young that they could understand the importance of each other in their lives. He was flabbergasted at how it was possible but the love he saw from his brother had been returned from the woman that he had fallen. There was an undeniable connection between the two and even if he didn't know Killian he could tell solely on the basis of the way they acted around each other. Liam sighed, he could tell that Emma knew she was going back, she wouldn't be granted forever in this world and he wasn't looking forward to picking up the pieces after she left.
At present Liam and Killian were on leave, they weren't needed on any missions and for the following three weeks Liam and Killian spent every passing moment with each other and the women they loved. As time had passed Emma was beginning to feel the guilt of what was building between her and Killian. She had been given unrealistic hope as a child and had seen it taken away so many times that just didn't believe in hope any more except when Killian was around. He filled her with hope, wrapping her in love that completely made her feel at home and forget about her childhood and the hopeless nights she had spent crying herself to sleep. Even now she could see the fall down this would bring. She knew they were both going to break after this and the realization of that thought brought nearly broke her. She paced in her room staring out the window at the harbor and wondering if Killian had any sense that they were living a dream, that all too soon she would have to return home and never return. This was her last visit, the finality was in her heart just like the notion that each passing day she was closer to going back to her world. The pain filled her, but she didn't know what she could do or rather should do. For the moment she would mask her pain, she had spent a lifetime doing that already while making the last time the happiest. Emma sighed, this visit was a blessing and a curse and even now as Emma tried to settle back down to sleep she could feel her heart breaking for the wonderful man she loved so much that would break when she left.
Time had passed all too quickly and each night's good-bye was a whisper of promises that would all too soon not hold true. Each day they had chosen to do different activities and on one such afternoon another picnic was put to order, as all for laughed as the had lunch on the deck of the ship, Killian asked Emma in jest if she still remember all of her sword fighting lessons from years ago. Emma nodded, confirming she did. Unbelieving that Emma was as capable with a sword as his brother, Liam had challenged her to a friendly match. The first one that disarmed the other won.
Killian watched as Emma at first grew impatient with her grip continuing as it continued to slip before finding the sweet spot on the sabre where she had the most control. Once she had regained control the duel last moments earning a laugh from all members as Emma held Liam's own sabre in her hand. Emma handed the sabre back to Liam before re-sheathing her own and curling into Killian's side as she sat back down. He bright blue eyes shown with undeniable pride as she had bested his brother before he moved in to lightly cover her lips for a moment with his own adding the slightest bit of pressure before pulling back. Emma smiled at him sadly making Killian furrow his brows at her. She shook her head pulling away from him and settling her head on his lap as she couldn't look away from it. It was coming, the tugging sensation was just starting to make itself known in her heart and Emma couldn't bear to watch as the realization and pain dawned on Killian's face.
Sensing a change in the atmosphere between the two Liam and Anna looked at each other, unsure of what to do, just minutes ago everyone had been smiling and laughing.
"It's there isn't it?!" It had taken him a second to put together the reason for her pulling back from him before the anger and pain welled up. She didn't answer him as she stood up, Emma didn't run from fights but she didn't want to leave with Killian angry at her. "Answer me Emma, is it there? The tugging?" His voice was tense as he came to stand behind her.
"Yes, it's there." Her words were quiet hoping they wouldn't be heard.
"How long have you known? How long have they been there?" He demanded
She looked right at him, "They came as soon as you kissed me just then!" She didn't want to have to defend herself but this was the inevitable, this was the fallout she had been hoping to avoid.
"How much time do I have left with you?" His voice was a mixture of anger, love, and pain.
"I don't know," Emma shook her head cursing the Fates for taking her away like this, "It only just started, but I can already tell it's getting stronger. Once it's irresistible I'll start fading." Emma sounded angry and regretful in that moment and Killian thought it was for him.
"So you want to leave? Is that it?" Emma whipped around staring at him as he flung his words harshly at her.
"Don't you dare, for one minute, think that I want to leave!" Emma retorted angrily.
"Well it sure sounds like you regret even coming and staying on this visit." Killian's eyes darkened with anger becoming more like the sea during a storm than brightly shinning on a summer day.
"Only because I hate that I've given you hope that I'll never be able to satisfy! I don't want to leave you Killian! If I could I would stay by your side for every day to come but the Fates have decided otherwise. If I could control this I would!" Emma rubbed her temples as she tried to explain how sorry she was.
"Do you regret me Emma Swan? Do you regret meeting me and loving me?" Killian's voice was hard.
"Never. You've been my light in the darkness my entire life." Emma's voice was solid, leaving no room for argument that her words were completely true. Killian stared at her searching her eyes, piercing her soul, trying to figure out if this somehow was a lie and finding only the painful truth that if it was within her power she would stay with him forever. Closing the distance between them Killian brought her body up against his with a shocking force before parting her lips with his own. There was no time for slow and loving only need and passion before she disappeared. Emma didn't know how to react at first, she had never been kissed by any other boy and now Emma was unsure of how to respond but as Killian's lips moved against hers her brain shut down. Functioning on instinct alone she allowed her body to return the passion that fueled Killian's desperate kiss. Emma's hands wound themselves around his neck bringing him closer before moving them through his hair clinging to him any way that she could. They continued pulling at each other's lips for another few minutes, desperation overriding their need for air until it burned for both of them, neither one could continue without the air as the broke apart. Breaths coming heavy Emma kept her arms around his neck as his wound tighter around her hips.
Killian opened his eyes noticing that Emma was beginning to fade already. The panic set in. His thoughts began to swirl not knowing what to do and nowhere near ready to give her up yet. "I will find you in the future. Just don't forget about me."
Emma took in his words staring into his eyes, drinking in his scent, his face, and everything about him. "I promise. I'm so sorry for all the pain Killian." She had started to cry the tears finally falling as her heart was already breaking. Killian hushed her, putting his fingers on her lips to quiet her worries.
"Don't be, I'm glad I got to meet you. I know we'll met again, I can feel it in my bones." He smiled at her weakly then as her image was almost completely transparent.
"I love you Killian!" Emma shouted clinging to him for one last second before disappearing completely, leaving Killian unable to return the words in time for her to hear them. His shoulders dropped unable to believe the Fates had been so unkind to him, that they had ripped her away just when they were getting so close. Killian walked back to his cabin unable to think about anything other than his beautiful Swan.
Emma landed on her bed sobbing silently as the tears streamed down her face into her pillow. She couldn't move and didn't care what happened if her foster parents found her. She didn't care if it had been a month or three days all Emma wanted was her Killian back. Hours passed and sunlight filtered in through the window as Emma continued to lie on her bed feeling nothing but the numbness that came with ever increasing pain of not being around Killian.
"Have we done the right thing?" A young voice broke through the silence that fell as the three women watched the mirror before them. Two souls connected now almost shattered as the pain engulfed them.
"Yes, they will meet again." The old smooth voice to her left answered before the other.
"They will meet when the time is right and they are ripe for love, a love that will be more powerful than it is now." The voice to her right came out breathy and wispy almost as if it was always changing and not quite there.
"Is they anything we can do to ease their pain?" The young voice inquired painfully. Her heart was breaking, she didn't think it was fair, she had been around since the dawn of time but never before had she seen a connection as strong as theirs and now watching both of them she was able to see it thin to nothing more than a thread. Though still connected she wished she could relieve their pain.
"No young one, these two have been destined for paths of pain since the dawn of time. Destiny herself can't touch these two." The older voice referred to their mother. "We must believe that she has a plan for them." The older woman turned away then unable to watch as the two souls mourned the loss of the other bringing the young one with her.
Thanks for reading and please remember to review, I really do enjoy reading your reactions!
-Annika