It was raining today, instead of snowing, and Killian took that as a good omen. Sure, it was still freezing like hell outside, but Killian was in a good mood so he was willing to overlook it.

Yesterday had started out fantastic by running into Emma at Granny's. He had genuinely been surprised to look up from his paper and see her there. She had only smiled and waved at him per their new friendship rules, but he was sure there had been something more than friendship in the blush staining her cheeks. Emma never blushed, and Killian had loved trying to make her blush while they were dating. Emma was a difficult lass to read, but Killian couldn't help hoping for more. It hadn't been his idea to break up, after all.

Killian decided to spend the morning below deck to avoid the downpour. He was endeavoring to run through the expense reports for his lobstering business from the past year but his mind kept wandering. He expected Emma to start canvasing the docks as part of her permit project any day now and he kept jumping up from the galley's table to run up to the deck, sure that he had just heard footsteps. Killian liked to think that he was suave and sophisticated but often he acted more like a newly enamored teenager.

After two hours of not accomplishing anything, he gave up staring at expense lines and started pacing around the ship's cabin. He replayed yesterday's encounter at Granny's over and over again in his head. Then his mind jumped to all their other encounters since the break up. Never had Emma openly rebuffed him when they had happened across each other. Certainly, there had been some awkward moments and abrupt exits. Killian would be lying to himself if he said he often didn't leave Emma presence these days with both a deep need to never leave her side and to run far, far away.

Killian marched up the stairs and moved across the deck of the Jolly to stand at the rail. The freezing rain didn't clarify his thoughts so much as sort out his priorities. He decided to go after Emma.

He ducked below deck quickly to grab his keys and jogged over to his car. Killian knew that Emma liked to spend the morning at the station catching up on paperwork so he headed there. Her bug was in the station's parking lot which was encouraging but so was David's pickup; Killian would have liked to find Emma on her own but he hoped David would be willing to give them some space and go out on patrol or something.

Killian climbed out of his truck and back out into the freezing rain. His stomach was in knots and his heart kept squeezing uncomfortably. He stepped into the lobby of the station and ran a hand through his hair. This was his last chance to walk away but he took a deep breath and walked into the station's main room anyway. The first thing Killian saw was David, reading something in a file with his feet up on his desk. Killian saw Emma sitting in her office but she was on the phone with her back to him. David saw Killian and jumped to his face, a frown pulling at his mouth.

David glanced over at Emma and Killian saw the worry in his eyes. "What are you doing here?" David hissed, obviously trying to be quiet.

Killian's uncertainties about seeking Emma out amplified but he kept his voice calm. "I needed to talk with Emma. I have some questions for her."

"She's busy right now and quite frankly, Killian, now isn't the best time."

Killian's eyebrows knitted together in worry. "Why isn't now a good time?"

"Emma just has a lot on her plate right now and I don't think it will help her to have you here."

"I promise, I'll be quick. It can't wait."

"What can't wait?" David turned around to reveal Emma standing in her doorway, her hand on her hips. Per usual, actually faced with Emma, Killian was momentarily speechless.

David took advantage of Killian's hesitation and jumped in, "Killian just had a question about a permit issue. I told him you were busy." Emma exchanged a look with David that Killian couldn't quite decipher. It most resembled the ones they used to share when they used to come to a silent agreement.

Emma finally looked at Killian. "David is right, I am busy. Too busy to continue on with the permit project, so David will be taking over. You should direct any questions you have to him. Good day." Emma gave Killian a slight nod of her head and then turned around and went back into her office, closing the door behind her. Before Killian could protest, David had grabbed his arm and dragged him back into the lobby.

"Dave, what the hell is going on?" Killian pulled his arm free and glared at David.

David winced but didn't back down. "I told you, now wasn't the best time."

Killian was trying really hard to get angry but his frustration was peaking. "What is going on, Dave? What's happened that you're dragging me away from Emma?"

David glanced back in the direction of Emma's office and seemed to come to some kind of decision. He crossed his arms and his professional mask slipped into place. This was Deputy Sheriff Nolan now, not his mate Dave. "Emma can't see you anymore. She thought she could be friends with you, but she was recently reminded of why that will never work. She needs some distance and you will respect that."

Killian was sharply reminded that David had known Emma practically her whole life and would protect her from anything, even a mate if he needed to. David was waiting for Killian's assent, so he nodded. David gave him an appraising look before walking away, leaving Killian to walk back out into the rain.

He trudged through the parking lot and wrenched open the driver's door. He glanced back towards the entrance and contemplated storming back in and demanding Emma's attention. But David had been so serious and concerned for her and Killian had to respect that and respect her. If distance was what she wanted, he would oblige, of course.

Killian pulled out of the parking lot and headed back towards the marina. The rain was coming down harder now so he had to concentrate on the road. Distantly however, he was replaying his parting conversation with David. What had recently reminded Emma that they shouldn't be together? The docks were in view now and Killian was able to spot the Jolly's mast. As Killian parked the car, he realized what must have happened. His stomach lurched painfully and his head spun.

Milah had come by the Jolly yesterday looking for him. It was just after his run in with Emma and while they only exchanged a short conversation. Emma must have been down here checking on permits and saw him talking to Milah. Which of course, had happened before and caused Emma to leap into the waiting arms of that bastard, Neal.

Killian's fist slammed into the steering wheel, the unexpected horn scaring some nearby seagulls into flight. Of course, this was happening again. Of course, Emma was still jumping to conclusions. She hadn't trusted him then, so why would she trust him now? Killian could practically see her shoring up her emotional walls and making them strong and impregnable again. He gazed out at the sea, the rain becoming more fierce and transforming into an ice storm by the minute.

Killian was stupid to think that things had changed between them. Nothing was different from when they broke up. Emma was still insecure and unable to trust him and Killian was still angry and hopeless. Of course, Killian didn't stand a chance at getting Emma back. Of course, she didn't want to be with him. Of course, it was starting to snow.