A/N: I have returned! Holiday is over and writing is back on. Warning this going to get angsty but as this is meant to be a comic story, the pain will be lightened with a touch of humour. Please enjoy and drop a review if you're feeling particularly lovely.

Disclaimer: I do not own ouat only the ideas in my brain.

Chapter 6: Obviously

A pounding headache is what Emma woke up to the day after Halloween. After the legendary rendition of The Time Warp, the Jolly Roger had been forced to play an encore or two for the screaming party goers. When the DJ had taken over again, the band had joined the others and celebrated their success by getting thoroughly smashed and dancing the night away. Groaning, Emma attempted a rolling manoeuvre in order to get a look at the clock. 11:15, could be worse, she thought. Slumping back against the pillows and rubbing at her eyes, a smile crept across her face. Despite the throbbing in her skull and the slight nausea, Emma hadn't felt so light in weeks. A night off with her friends was exactly what she had needed after being cut off for so long, the emptiness in her heart was gone and life was good again...at least it was until she heard the whispered voices passing by her door.

"Tsst tsst tsst tsst tsst," Was that a high hat noise? "August," stage whispered one of the voices, "shut the hell up, this isn't the time for the Pink Panther theme." That was definitely Liam, Emma mused as she struggled into a sitting position, "Liam's right," came Graham's voice, "Pink Panther is stupid, clearly the situation calls for Mission Impossible or James Bond ." Their muttered arguments faded and Emma hurried to climb from her cocoon of blankets in order to find out what was going on. Slipping quietly from her room, Emma crept along behind the three guys until they stopped at a door (Regina's) knocked a pattern that sounded like some sort of secret password thing and slipped inside.

~E&K~

"About time," said Will as Liam, Graham and August slunk into Regina and Tink's room, "We've only been waiting for about half an hour. The men grumbled and made their way over to one of the desks where someone had set up a coffee machine, "Relax guys," piped Belle, "They're here now so we can get this done and figure out what to do." There were silent nods of agreement and a few grunts from the more hung over portion of the group. "Have you got the device?" Mary Margaret asked Liam, who simply dug into his pocket and handed it over to David who was in charge of the computer.

Everyone crowded round as he pulled up the file from last night before pausing and looking back at the others over his shoulder, "Are we sure we should go through with this, if there's a time to back out, it's now. Once I hit play there's no going back." Everyone shared a look; they all knew in their guts that they wouldn't like what they were about to hear, but in order to protect Emma, they needed to know the truth. David gave a sad smile before turning around and hitting play so that the audio sounded.

At first there was a lot of rustling and the sound of footsteps, music, laughter and cheering in the background. After about two minutes, the noise faded indicating that Tamara was now inside a building. The click of her heels on a wooden floor and then two sharp raps on a door that made Operation Captain Swan hold their breath.

"Thank god you're finally here," definitely Neal's voice, "Yeah sorry I got held up by some drunk idiot in a costume." The door closed and two sets of feet proceeded presumably into Neal's room. "Alone at last," he said "I've missed you so much babe."

"Not enough to ditch the blonde bitch. You promised me Neal, she's not worth your attention and I'm sick of sharing, Greg isn't half the man you are, I have needs."

"You insist on keeping up your stupid, little affair so why can't I have mine? Emma might be clingy as hell, but when she puts out...it's nearly worth it."

"She can't give you things that I can though, she can't make you feel the way you do with me, she can't give you what you need. It's pathetic watching the orphan girl desperate for love try and hold onto you when you're already lost."

"Enough talk about that; I'm gonna finish it soon anyway, but not before I've had my fill."

"I'd much rather you fill me."

"Well..if you insist."

Suddenly the room was the filled with the sound of the smacking sound of clumsy kisses and over enthusiastic moans, followed by the creaking of bed springs. Not being able to take it anymore Mary Margaret covered her ears and Ruby reached over to stop the audio. There was a stunned and disgusted silence broken by David's audible knuckle crack and then, "WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!"

They all swivelled to see Emma standing in the doorway, tears in her eyes and betrayal written all over her face. "What the fuck was that? Why were you listening-where did you get the-WHAT THE FUCK?!" Belle and Mary Margaret had started to cry quietly and Robin, Victor and Jefferson were all looking anywhere but the seemingly broken blonde woman standing half in the room, half out. "Emma-" started David, but she shook her head, "Don't even try to sugar coat this, tell me the truth or don't say anything." She looked around imploringly until she noticed the one person she trusted more than anyone in the corner, "Killian," she quietly pleaded. He had remained silent from when he had arrived in the room forty minutes ago but couldn't deny her, never her.

"We went into town a short while back in order to purchase our costumes. We spied Tamara and ducked down behind the fountain to avoid her not knowing she had plans to take a short rest on the other side. She was on the phone and we ended up over hearing part of a conversation that implied that Neal might have been cheating on you with her. Not sure if it was true or not, it seemed like a good idea to try and get some evidence before telling you. None of us wanted to see you hurt, so we were just trying to be sure. Neal wasn't coming to the party and neither was Tamara so we assumed something might be going on, yesterday we planted a bug in her bag as she crossed campus and that's what it recorded. I'm truly sorry Swan, it's all kinds of wrong and we should have talked to you about it and-" but Emma was already running from the room.

There were shouts of "EMMA!" but she didn't look back as she ran back down the hall into her room where she slammed the door. Killian dropped his head and ran his fingers through his hair. Her reaction was exactly what he expected, but that didn't lessen the pain of watching his Swan fly from the room with tears pouring down her face. Regina moved over to where he sat and wrapped an arm around his shoulder in a half hug; Belle sat on his other side and stroked his back gently. It felt wrong to be receiving comfort when it was Emma that needed it, but for one minute he allowed himself a bit of weakness. "I'm going after her," he murmured and got slowly to his feet without any intervention from the others who accepted that this was what he and he alone needed to do.

Outside her door, he took a breath and knocked listening as the sobs coming from inside stuttered, "Swan; please. I'm sorry, so very sorry, I never wanted you to get hurt by him and now it's I that has caused you pain. I just- god Swan I don't know what to do; please just open the door, please don't shut me out." There was silence but the door remained firmly closed. Dropping his forehead against it and resting a palm on the wood he made one last effort, "Swan I know you must hate me and I will go if that's what you desire, I will never come close to you again if that is what you wish even if it will crush me to do so, I just don't want to hurt you anymore. Please love give me a sign, if you want me open the door and I'll be here no matter what; if not-" he broke off, unable to finish that particular sentence.

The door didn't move and his heart broke. His own tears began to spill from his eyes as he turned and slid down until he sat against the wall with his head in his hands. He could here Emma's sobs start up again on the other side of the wall, and his entire being ached to break down the barrier between them and gather her against his chest to hold for all eternity. A delicate hand ran through his hair and coaxed his head up until his watery gaze matched an equally tear stained Mary Margaret. She offered him a wobbly smile and eased him up from the floor and across the hall to settle on his own bed where she took him in his arms and let him silently cry for the shattered pieces of his heart that now rested a few feet away with his lost love, Emma Swan.

~E&K~

Emma listened to Killian's speech and a large part of her screamed to crawl over and open the door so he could come in and hold her so that she didn't fall apart; however the larger part called up his betrayal and her numb limbs didn't permit any kind of movement. A thud sounded and she assumed it was him now sat in the corridor still waiting for her even though she had rejected him. Between her own cries she could hear his broken breathing and if anything her heart fractured even more for the pain he was now facing even if he was partly responsible for her own. There was a click of a door and Emma realised Killian must have been pulled away from her.

Now truly alone for the first time in a long time, her sorrow was replaced by anger. Anger at her friends who had gone behind her back, anger at herself for not seeing it; but it was no match for her burning rage directed towards Neal and his ultimate betrayal. She allowed this hatred to fuel her as she grabbed some clothes, wiped her eyes and pulled on her boots. Dressed and somewhat presentable, Emma stormed from her room, out of Arendelle and all the way across campus to the Gold dorm. She didn't know whether Neal would be out, if he would be alone or if Tamara would be in there with him; but she didn't care. Luck was on her side as someone was just exiting Gold, so she could easily catch the door and sneak in and up to Neal's room.

Outside his place, she realised she didn't have any way to get inside; not that that was going to stop her. First stop was the door knob and suddenly she realised how stupid Neal was. His room wasn't locked and she could just walk in, but that wouldn't have the desired dramatic effect. She gently twisted the handle so the door was actually open by about an inch before stepping back and kicking it hard. It slammed against the wall with a satisfying crash startling the amorous couple who were still wrapped up in the sheets. "WHAT THE-EMMA?!" Neal yelled as Tamara squeaked and dived under the covers.

"YOU LYING SON OF A BITCH; YOU UTTER BASTARD. I CAN'T BELIEVE I EVER LIKED YOU! YOU'RE A GREAT BIG BAG OF DICKS NEAL AND YOU TWO DESERVE EACH OTHER! I may be a 'clingy little orphan' but I am loved and I don't need the likes of you in my life. We're over in case you didn't realise." Neal gaped like a fish on land, but recovered shortly, "You can't break up with me, I'm the one who decides when we're finished!" Emma laughed, a hollow, bitter thing, "You really don't decide anything for me, never have and never will. Have a good life and enjoy your relationship. " With that she turned and made to storm out but couldn't resist one last jab, "Oh by the way, Tamara, Neal thinks your boobs are small and your hair is fake...and Neal I don't think the penis enlargement made that much of a difference." With a smug smile, she turned on her heel and flounced away listening to the sound of their shouts echoing down the halls.

~E&K~

November was the worst month at Misthaven college for Emma and Killian. Neither had spoken since that horrific morning and the separation was affecting them both. After two days Mary Margaret had moved back in having spent her time across the hall sharing David's bed; Emma had accepted her comforting hug and long winded apology and the two of them, although not quite back to normal, were getting there. The others had acted much the same giving her the space and taking this probation period in their stride. Apart from Killian. He'd stopped coming to down to breakfast in order to stay away from Emma; instead he was setting his alarm early and going to the on site coffee shop or stopping over at Liam's and eating there. They'd had a few casual get togethers which he too avoided sending David along with messages about being tired, ill or having a lot of work.

The shadows under his eyes were darker and when the band dragged him out to practice, his singing was jagged and his guitar was uncoordinated. Individually Ruby, Regina, David, M&M, Robin, Liam and Tink had begged him to try and talk to Emma, but he always responded that 'this was what she wanted.' Of course it wasn't. Emma had felt Killian's betrayal a little more than the others as he had never ever gone behind her back, and she knew that he thought she wanted him to go away indefinitely; but his absence was killing her. She hadn't even seen a glimpse of him in over two weeks and had taken to trying to subtly pull information from Jefferson who had a few classes with him but it never revealed much.

It was the eighteenth and Emma was sitting at her desk finishing up some of her criminology notes when Mary Margaret walked in followed by Belle and Ruby. "Hey Ems," she said before plopping down onto the bed and toeing off her shoes. Ruby and Belle attack hugged her which successfully pulled a giggle from her lips and they high five in triumph before settling on the ground. Having highlighted the last key phrase she needed, Emma stretched and dragged her chair over to join the conversation. "-my room is still unused so...Oh Emma great," beamed Ruby, "Granny said I can have the weekend off so we're planning a girly slumber party in my old room in the inn; are you game?" Emma fake pondered to make Ruby sweat a bit, while M smirked at her, "I guess I could pencil you in," Ruby let out a huge whoop and instantly began to plan the party schedule. They all appeased her by humming and agreeing with whatever she spouted until they had what was deemed to be 'the greatest slumber party the world will ever know."

Across the hall, David walked in with Will and Robin to find Killian lying on his bed with his eyes closed and headphones in. It wasn't an unusual sight recently and the guys shared a look before piling on top of him in a human mountain while he struggled to push them off, "Bugger off you cretins, can't a man get a bit of peace,"he moaned, rubbing at the spot where Will had elbowed him, "No time for peace," chirped David, "We've landed a last minute gig for this coming Saturday and we need you on form." He didn't want to push his mate but it was hard to watch him retreat into himself and become an empty shell opposed to his usual vibrant and witty self. "I know it sucks Kil, but you've got to pick yourself up at some point." Killian half heartedly glared and threw a pillow, "Don't worry dear," grinned Robin, "I'll be there to support you and if you're very lucky, maybe I'll throw you some of my underwear." At this a hint of a smile tugged at Killian's lips, "Piss off honey."

~E&K~

It was Friday night and the girls were sat in a circle in Ruby's room at her Granny's place all clad in pyjamas and slightly tipsy from a few home made cosmos and pina coladas. The night was well underway and they were all giggling, clutching at each other as they played truth or dare which Regina said was 'less fun without men' but they were still making the most of it. For example Belle had done a very impressive erotic dance using a twizzler and comb as props; they'd also found out Ruby and Victor were getting it on, not that it was much of a surprise to any of them and Robin and Regina had made out but she was waiting for him to take her out on a proper date. Things got a touch more serious when Emma picked truth and Tink asked if she had truly forgiven them but, looking around and feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the alcohol she had her answer and eagerly answered yes, which resulted in a loud 'aw' and a big (slightly teary) group hug.

The clock kept ticking, and they moved on from party games to deep meaningful conversations that seemed inevitable at around one in the morning. Another opportunity for important questions arose but this time Emma took it, "How's Killian?" she whispered into the semi darkness, even so she watched as each of her friends lowered their eyes before moving closer to her so that they could all join hands. It was Regina who spoke, "There's no point trying to lie because because you'd see right through it so here goes. He's not doing well...hell even that's an understatement; David said that he doesn't sleep much and he's not sure if he's been eating properly, the band are worried because his music's gone downhill massively and they've got a gig tomorrow. I don't think he's smiled properly in weeks and there isn't enough makeup in the world to cover the circles under his eyes...oh Ems, I'm sorry," she said when she noticed the tears sliding down her cheeks.

Mary Margaret hugged her and stroked her hair, rocking her soothingly while Emma whimpered into her shoulder, "I-It's all m-my f-fault. I didn't open the door!" she wailed. The pain from her break up had faded slightly, it was easier than she thought to get over Neal considering he was a a liar and a cheat but the pain of Killian's loss was a constant burn in her heart and the truth of his hurt brought it bubbling to the surface until it overflowed. They tried to quieten her down but it took a while, "You could call him," suggested Belle, "He won't answer, he probably hates me and I should probably do it in person."

"Well that's fair enough and I haven't known either of you that long but it is easy to see that Killian could never, ever hate you. I tell you what; why don't we go down to their gig tomorrow, that way you can see him and the two of you can talk." Emma sniffled and wiped at her nose but gave Belle a smile and nodded her agreement. Having shed their tears for the evening, the girls tried to lighten up with funny childhood stories that had them laughing again in an instant, all feeling better that maybe things could go back to normal properly, by tomorrow.

~E&K~

Graham was trying to deliver some manner of pep talk to the guys, but Killian wasn't listening. Usually the excitement of playing for a larger crowd like the bar would have him bouncing off the walls, however tonight his feet were thoroughly grounded. He had sorted his head out so that he wouldn't let the guys down and possibly get them another gig, but her knew his heart wasn't in it. For many musicians, sorrow could fuel their creativity, for Killian it was a huge hindrance and he found it really difficult to work. The others whooped and he sensed more than heard that it was time for them to take to the stage, taking a shuddering breath, he pasted on a falsely bright smile and stepped out and up to the mic.

At a table in the corner, Emma gasped when she got her first look at his face in nearly three weeks. Even the dim lights couldn't hide his pale skin, and shadowy eyes. She could also see straight through his smile, to the broken man behind it and she urged to run up to the stage and pull him into a hug. Regina placed a hand over hers, as if to keep her in place and Emma stayed seated as their set began.

It was going well, Killian thought as he drank his water during their break, the crowd was buying into the music even if he himself didn't believe it, they were dancing and singing along which was encouraging the others as they played the audience with winks and enthusiastic solos. However all he could think was a few more songs before I can go back home. The second half was running smoothly and he was happier when he noticed Ruby, Tink and M dancing close to the stage, yelling along with the others and laughing when Robin, Victor and August twirled and dipped them. He allowed his eyes to wander the room, putting himself on autopilot as she gazed out. His fingers nearly slipped, when he thought he saw the lights flash off a familiar head of blonde curls, but quickly put the notion aside and kept playing.

The final chord was struck and just like their previous performance they were called up for an encore. The blonde hair from earlier stuck in his mind while they were trying to pick a song which landed them with their final choice as he picked up the acoustic guitar and spoke "This final one goes out to someone who I miss greatly and wish they were here."

Emma's head snapped up as Killian's voice echoed into the bar. Surely he could only be talking about her, which was confirmed when he started to sing

Recently I've been,
Hopelessly reaching
Out for this girl,
Who's out of this world.
Believe me.

For the first time that night, there was real emotion in his voice,

But so many nights now
I find myself thinking about her now.

Emma stood and moved through the crowd in order to be closer to him.

'Cause obviously,
She's out of my league,
I'm wastin' my time
'Cause she'll never be mine
I know I never will be good enough for her.

Killian's eyes were closed as he sang about the place where she could find him and they remained shut throughout and only he knew it was to keep his tears in check.
I'm wastin' my time
'Cause she'll never be mine
I know I never will be good enough for her.

The song ended and the band said their final goodbyes waving with both hands and smiling to their newly discovered fans. Emma began to push more frantically through the crowd as they all tried to flood the guys as they stepped down. With a few well placed elbows and possibly a kick to the back of some poor girls knee (not that she would admit to it) Emma was right behind him. Suddenly terrified, her hand shook as she reached up to tap him on the shoulder. He turned with his fake smile in place but it dropped instantly when their eyes met.

"Hi Killian."

Author's Note: Well that was way way longer than I expected, hello 4000 words. This chapter was based off of the songs Obviously by McFly and Never Had A Dream Come True by S Club 7 because I was reliving my childhood. I truly hope you enjoyed this one and will stay tuned for future updates. Coming up in Chapter 7: the reunion, plus some thanksgiving highjinxs and fucking Neal.